Establishment of a biodosimeter model based on multiple gene expressions in human peripheral blood cells after 60Co γ-rays irradiation

Abstract

Objective To investigate a potential radiation biodosimetry based on multiple gene expressions. Methods Human peripheral blood were exposed to 60Co γ-rays at doses from 0 to 8 Gy. The mRNA expression levels of 10 selected genes were detected 6 and 12 h after irradiation by RT-PCR. Individual variation was also examined. An optimal mathematical model of the dose response of these gene expression levels at each time point was obtained by the stepwise regression method. A blind test was conducted to validate the statistical accuracy of dose estimation. Results The 10 selected genes expression levels at each time point were significantly increased along with dose from 0.5 to 8 Gy (R2=0.61-0.97, P<0.05). Individual variations were evident in the gene expressions of TNFSF4, PHPT1 and FDXR. The gene expression levels of PCNA, CCNG1, TNFSF4, PHPT1, GADD45A and FDXR were incorporated into the model at 6 h after exposure (R2=0.88, F=54.8, P<0.001); the gene expression levels of PCNA, CCNG1, TNFSF4, MDM2, GDF15 and TNFRSF10B were included in the model at 12 h after irradiation (R2=0.82, F=42.767, P<0.001). These two statistical models can be utilized for the dose estimation accurately. Conclusions The multiple gene expressions have a potential as a radiation biodosimetry. Key words: Gene expressions; Radiation biodosimetry; Ionizing radiation