Gamma irradiation induces DNA double-strand breaks in fibroblasts: a model study for the development of biodosimetry

Abstract

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) of DNAs induced by ionizing radiation can pose detrimental damages on organisms which include genetic instability and cell death. It is necessary to be able to assess health risks associated with irradiation from both accidental and therapeutic exposures in a timely manner for proper medical treatments. This present study showed the first attempt to develop a biodosimetric measure in Thailand based on the quantification of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) formed at DSB sites with an aim to establish a dose response curve using a two-dimensional (2D) cell culture model. Human dermal fibroblasts were grown into monolayers before irradiated by gamma rays from a Co-60 source in a custom-made lead chamber at doses 0, 0.2, 1, 2 and 4 Gy and a dose rate of 0.21 Gy/min. After 30 min post exposure, γ-H2AX proteins were immunofluorescently labelled for evaluation by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The accumulation of phosphorylated γ-H2AX proteins at DSBs appeared as nuclear foci with the most prominent intensity at 4 Gy. Linear regression analysis of flow cytometric data showed a linear response (R2 = 0.9862) of foci intensity in proportion to irradiation dose. In addition, the fraction of cell viability was shown to decrease at higher doses. This technique can be further developed as a quick assessment tool to identify individuals subjected to accidental radiation in parallel to other established biodosimetric measures.