Influence factors of nucleoplasmic bridge frequencies in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of radiation workers

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of sex, age, length of service, type of work and annual effective radiation dose on nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of radiation workers. Methods The peripheral blood samples of 100 radiation workers in Henan province were collected and the NPB in peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured by CBMN assay. The frequencies of NPB formation and NPB-containing cells were calculated, and the effects of various factors on NPB incidence were analyzed statistically. Results The NPB frequency in radiation workers was higher than that in healthy people (Z=-8.123, P<0.01). Except for sex, the factors of age, length of service, type of work and annual effective dose had significant influences on NPB (χ2= 7.202-45.571, P<0.05). Conclusions NPB reflects the effect of low-dose long-term chronic irradiation on the occupational radiation workers. Key words: Nucleoplasmic bridges; Radiation worker; Influence factors; Ionizing radiation