The Oxidative Stress Parameters as Useful Tools in Evaluating the DNA Damage and Changes in the Complete Blood Count in Hospital Workers Exposed to Low Doses of Antineoplastic Drugs and Ionizing Radiation.

Jasminka Mrdjanović,Višnja Bogdanović,Slavica Šolajić,Karaba-Jakovljević Dea,Branislava Srđenović-Čonić,Vladimir Jurišić,Nebojša Kladar

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168445

Abstract

Hospital workers at the Oncology Department are occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs (ANTNP) or low doses of ionizing radiation (Irrad). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the level of DNA damage, the oxidative stress parameters and complete blood count (CBC) of hospital workers in order to analyze the negative health effects of ANTNP and low dose Irrad. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) and proliferation index (PI) were analyzed by cytokinesis-block test. The oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated were the level of lipid peroxidation in plasma and catalase activity (CAT) in erythrocytes. A group of 86 hospital workers (35 exposed to ANTPN and 51 to Irrad) had increased MN frequency, CAT activity and level of lipid peroxidation compared to the control group, which consisted of 24 volunteers. The hemoglobin level was lower in the ANTNP group compared to thecontrol group, while a significant difference in RBC was recorded between thecontrol and Irrad groups, and in platelet count betweentheIrrad and ANTNP group. The results showed increased DNA damage, oxidative stress parameters, as well as impairment on complete blood count in hospital workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and low-dose ionizing radiation. As this research has shown the importance of oxidative stress, we suggest that in addition to routine methods in periodic medical evaluation, the possibility of applying oxidative stress parameters is considered. Moreover, hospital workers exposed to ANTNP and Irrad in the workplace should undergo not only a more complete health prevention procedure but also have a more appropriate health promotion.

Highlights

We provided data on the association between occupational exposure and the extent of primary DNA damage evaluated by the micronucleus test, oxidative stress parameters, as well as the complete blood count in hospital workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and ionizing irradiation at the Oncology Department
We examined hospital workers employed in the radiotherapy unit who were occupationally exposed to Irrad at low doses
This study shows increased DNA damage, oxidative stress parameters, as well as impairment on complete blood count in hospital workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and low-dose ionizing radiation

Summary

Introduction

It has been known for over 40 years that exposure to chemical and physical agents increases the risk of developing malignancy. Many studies concerning occupational exposure to ANTNP and Irrad observed genotoxic effects and consequential adverse health effects [1,2,3]. The risk in workers while handling ANTNP and source of Irrad comes from low-dose exposure over a long period of time. It has been reported that the hospital staff handling ANTNP could develop acute and chronic side effects including liver and kidney damage, damage to the bone marrow, damage to the lungs and heart, skin rashes, infertility

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion