Effects of genistein supplemented before or after irradiation on DNA injury in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Background: Ionizing radiation (IR) carry adequate energy to ionize or remove electrons from an atom. Particles interact with water to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Genistein (GEN) is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen and the basic isoflavonoid in soybeans and soybean-enriched products and is believed to have the strongest antioxidant activity. Objective: The study aimed at the investigation if application of GEN at different time prior or past irradiation may ameliorate or reduce injury of DNA in human lymphocytes. Material and Methods: The isolated lymphocytes were exposed to X-irradiation (0.5; 1 Gy). GEN (1 µM/ml; 10 µM/ ml) was appended to attempts at various times prior or past irradiation (1 h prior, immediately prior, immediately past, 1 h past). We joined each X-rays dose with each GEN dose. After 1h of incubation DNA damages were examined using Comet assay. Results: Combination of 1 µM/ml of GEN given 1 h before irradiation with low or high dose markedly decreased induced by irradiation DNA injury. Higher dose of GEN applied immediately before or after irradiation markedly extended the frequency of DNA injury generated by irradiation. The result of application 1 µM/ml GEN 1 h after irradiation was not significantly different compared to control. The effect of 1 Gy + 10 µM/ml GEN was not significantly lower compared to each agent alone. Conclusions: Only a very low concentration of GEN applied before irradiation, may be considered as a potential radiomitigator/radioprotector. High doses of GEN work as a radiosentitizer and may potent the effects of radiotherapy.

Lutein and zeaxanthin - radio- and chemoprotective properties. Mechanism and possible use.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally occurring xanthophylls, mainly present in green, leafy vegetables and egg's yolk. Their presence is connected with blue spectrum light absorbance, including UV. This property, and fact, that these xanthophylls are accumulated by human eye's macula, leads to eye's protective functions of them including protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, antioxidative features of lutein and zeaxanthin are boosting overall health of human body. Numerous studies proves anti-inflammatory and protective attributes of these compounds, based on many, different mechanisms. One of them is regulating redox potential in cells, and impact on expression of linked genes. In preventing of eye diseases, an important gene that is regulated by lutein and zeaxanthin is the Nrf2 gene, whose increased activity leads to optimizing the cellular response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing related diseases. Other research confirms antiproliferative properties of mentioned compounds in case of certain human cancer cell lines. There are e.g.: HepG2 (hepatitis cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), which treated in vitro with lutein solution showed reduction of cell growth. Lutein alone, during in vivo studies conducted on mice, exhibited also radioprotective properties, positively affecting the vitality of animals. Lutein provides also increasing of tolerance to UV radiation, reducing inflammatory processes in the skin and preventing oncogenesis. Low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, associated with "western diet", rich in simple carbohydrates and processed food, common in developed countries, including Poland, is linked with diabetes and obesity incidence. Assuming, lutein and zeaxanthin significantly affect the well-being of the human body, and their appropriate amount in diet can help reduce risk of many diseases. For supplementation, the optimized dosage of these xanthophylls includes doses of 10 mg for lutein and 2 mg for zeaxanthin, and it is recommended to consume along with fats or meals rich in fats.

Radon - occurrence and impact on the health.

Radon is noble, monatomic, radioactive, heavier than the air gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless. It exists in natural environment as a result of the decay of radium, and emits mainly alpha radiation and less beta radiation. Residential radon concentrations vary widely by geographic area. The higher concentration of radon is expected globally in the grounds where uranium, radium and thoron are present. Radon may gather in caves, tunnels, mines as well as in other lowestlying spaces, such as basements, and cellars. In accordance with Atomic Law (2000), the reference level for the average annual concentration of radioactive radon in rooms intended for human habitation is 300 Bq/m3. The most dangerous damages caused by ionizing radiation i.e. radon and its derivatives are changes to DNA, which may disturb the functions of cells and in the consequence lead to induction of cancer of respiratory tract, mainly of lungs and also leukaemia. So, the main consequence of exposure to high amount of radon are cancers of respiratory system. Radon enters the human organism mainly through inhaled atmospheric air. Moreover, radon significantly increased a risk of induction cancer in smokers and vice versa, smoking promotes the development of lung cancer after the exposure to radon and its derivatives. Radon may also have beneficial effect on the human body. Therefore it is used in medicine; mainly in radonbalneotherapy i.e. bath treatments, rinsing the mouth and inhalation. Beneficial effects of radon confirms the validity of the theory of radiation hormesis, which assumes that low doses of radiation may stimulate the repair of DNA damage by activation of protective mechanisms, which neutralize free radicals.

The effects of Aroclor 1254 alone and in combination with X-rays on the male mice germ cells quantity and quality.

The effects of chemical and physical environmental factors are concerned as the main reason of diminished male fertility. The aim of the study was the investigation of the effects of low doses of Aroclor 1254 or combined exposure to low doses of Aroclor 1254 and low doses of ionizing radiation on the sperm quantity and quality of male germ cells including damage to genetic material of adult male mice. Mice were exposed for 2 weeks, 3 times per week by intraperitoneal injection with Aroclor 1254 diluted in corn oil at doses of 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg bw or to whole body X-rays irradiation at doses 0.05 Gy, 0.10 Gy and 0.15 Gy or to combination of X-rays and Aroclor 1254 at following doses 0.05 Gy + 1 mg/kg bw Aroclor 1254, 0.10 Gy + 2 mg/kg bw Aroclor 1254. The samples for sperm count, motility, morphology and DNA integrity of male germ cells estimation were taken from animals just after the end of exposure and 5 weeks later. Irradiation alone deteriorated sperm count and quality. Aroclor 1254 significantly reduced the sperm motility and increased sperm abnormality and at the highest dose also induced DNA damage of gametes. The combined exposure to 0.10 Gy + 2 mg/kg bw of Aroclor 1254 showed the increase in the sperm concentration and the decrease of percentage of abnormal spermatozoa compared to results after irradiation to 0.10 Gy alone. In conclusion, the low doses of Aroclor 1254 used in this study did not significantly reduce the sperm count, but affected the sperm motility, morphology and sometimes also DNA integrity of gametes. In combination with low doses of irradiation, low doses of Aroclor 1254 may ameliorate the harmful effect of irradiation on the male gametes.

The impact of preconceptional exposure of F0 male mice to bisphenol A alone or in combination with X-rays on the intrauterine development of F2 progeny.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used for the production of polycarbonates and epoxy resins. Exposure to chemical and physical environmental factors may influence the health of exposed individuals, and of the next generations. This paper describes the prenatal effects in the F2 generation of mice after exposure of F0 pubescent or mature males to BPA (5 mg/kg bw, 10 mg/kg bw, 20 mg/kg bw), X-rays (0.05 Gy) or a combination of both factors in low doses (0.05 Gy + 5 mg/kg bw BPA) for 8 weeks. F1 males were mated with females from the same group but from a different litter. The females were sacrificed before parturition and examined for the number of implantations, live foetuses, as well as early and late post-implantation deaths. The fertility of males and the percentage of pregnant females in each group were also assessed. Exposure of pubescent F0 males to 10 mg/kg bw of BPA decreased the frequency of fertile males. Following exposure of pubescent males, the frequency of pregnant females decreased in the groups of 10 mg/kg bw and 20 mg/kg bw of BPA, whereas after exposure of adult F0 males in the groups of 5 mg/kg bw and 20 mg/kg bw of BPA, no significant changes in the frequency of total, live and dead implantations in all the experimental groups were found. The results observed in regard to prenatal development of the F2 generation suggest that sperm of the sons of F0 pubescent males exposed to BPA contains genetic defects that affect the possibility of fertilization. The results of both pubescent and mature males exposed to BPA showed that fertilized eggs died before implantation, probably due to defects induced in the sperm. This confirmed that BPA induced transgenerational effects in male germ cells.

Protection and Mitigation by Resveratrol of DNA Damage Induced in Irradiated Human Lymphocytes In Vitro.

The aim of this study was to examine the protective and/or mitigative properties of resveratrol (RSV) administered before or after irradiation of human lymphocytes in vitro. The isolated lymphocytes were incubated for 1 h with resveratrol, at doses of 0.1 (lowest), 0.5 (medium) or 1 (highest) mM/ml: 1 h before; immediately before; immediately after irradiation; and 1 h after irradiation with 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy. The degree of DNA damage was evaluated by Comet Assay. Treatment of human lymphocytes with resveratrol 1 h before or immediately after radiation exposure showed protection from radiation-induced DNA damage. However, 1 Gy irradiation + 1 mM/ml RSV, and 2 Gy irradiation + 0.5 and 1 mM/ml RSV 1 h before irradiation did not provide the same protection. Significant dose-dependent reduction of the level of DNA damage was observed after application of RSV immediately postirradiation or 1 h postirradiation. The reduction in DNA damage was the highest at the 0.1 dose of resveratrol. Our results lead to the conclusion that resveratrol may act both as a radioprotector as well as a radiomitigator. Resveratrol at the lowest (0.5 mM/ml) dose was more effective when combined with 0.5 and 1 Gy doses of radiation.

The effect of lycopene supplementation on radiation-induced micronuclei in mice reticulocytes in vivo.

Lycopene (LYC) is a natural pigment present in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables including red carrots, red peppers, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas, and papaya. There is some evidence that LYC may provide protection against mutations induced by ionizing radiation. The study aimed to investigate whether the genetic material of reticulocytes (RET) could be protected from radiation-induced damage by LYC. Mice were treated with LYC [0.15 mg/kg bodyweight (bw), 0.30 mg/kg bw], acute and fractionated irradiation (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy applied daily), or with both agents (0.5 Gy + 0.15 mg/kg bw LYC, 0.5 Gy + 0.30 mg/kg bw LYC, 1 Gy + 0.15 mg/kg bw LYC, 1 Gy + 0.30 mg/kg LYC). LYC supplementation was started at 24 h or 1 week after the first irradiation. Irradiation significantly enhanced the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in RET. LYC treatment at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg bw 24 h after starting fractionated radiation at 1 Gy significantly decreased (41-68%, p < 0.0125) the level of MN in peripheral blood and bone marrow RET. LYC supplementation at 0.30 mg/kg bw did not significantly alter the frequency of MN in peripheral blood, but significantly increased the frequency of bone marrow RET MN. LYC treatment on day 8 following the first radiation exposure showed results similar (92-117%, p > 0.24) to those obtained with irradiation alone. Lycopene may act as a radiomitigator but must be administered at low doses and as soon as possible after irradiation. Contrary, combined exposure with high doses of irradiation and LYC may enhance the mutagenic effect of irradiation.

The effect of preconceptional exposure of F0 male mice to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate on the induction of reproductive toxicity in F2 generation.

The aim of the study was the estimation of the effects of 8 weeks exposure mature and pubescent male mice to DEHP on the prenatal development of the offspring F2 generation. The F1 offspring, of males exposed for whole cycle of spermatogenesis to DEHP (2000 mg/kg bw or 8000 mg/kg bw) and unexposed females, at 8-9 weeks of age were caged males with females from the same group, but from different litter. Eight weeks preconceptional exposure of mature F0 males to 2000 mg/kg bw DEHP induced the significantly higher number of dead fetuses in the F2 offspring; however, the effect on the sperm count and quality of F1 males was not seen. Contrary, after such exposure of pubescent males not significantly decrease in the number of live implants was noted. Results showed that the subchronical, preconceptional exposure of F0 males to DEHP did not influence strongly on the F2 generation of the offspring. Our study did not confirm higher sensitivity germ cells of pubescent males to harmful effects induced by DEHP. The developmental effect was present as the enhanced number of dead implants of F2 generation after exposure of mature F0 males and slight reduction in the number of live fetuses following the exposure of immature males. It may confirm ability to male mediated developmental toxicity.

Reproductive and developmental F1 toxicity following exposure of pubescent F0 male mice to bisphenol A alone and in a combination with X-rays irradiation.

Exposure to environmental toxicants may affect reproduction and development of subsequent generations. This study was aimed at determining the male-mediated F1 effects induced following 8-weeks of subchronic exposure of F0 male mice to bisphenol A (BPA) alone and in a combination with X-rays irradiation (IR) started during their puberty. 4.5 weeks old F0 male mice were exposed to BPA dissolved in ethyl alcohol and diluted in drinking water at the following doses: 5 mg/kg bw, 10 mg/kg bw, 20 mg/kg bw or irradiated with X-rays (0.05 Gy) or exposed to a combination of low doses of both agents (0.05 Gy + 5 mg/kg bw BPA). Immediately after the end of the 8 weeks exposure F0 males were caged with two unexposed females each. Three quarters of the mated females from each group were sacrificed 1 day before expected parturition for examination of prenatal development of the offspring. The remainder of the females from each group were allowed to deliver and rear litters. Pups of exposed males were monitored for postnatal development for 8 weeks. At 8-9 weeks of age 6-8 males from each group of F1 generation were sacrificed to determine sperm count and quality. The current results, compared to the earlier results, showed that exposure of pubescent males to BPA alone or in combination with irradiation may be more damaging to their offspring than the exposure of adult males. The exposure of pubescent males to BPA alone and in combination with irradiation significantly increased the frequency of abnormal skeletons of surviving fetuses, increased the percent of mortality of pups in the F1 generation, reduced the sperm motility of F1 males and may induce obesity. Additionally, the combined BPA and irradiation exposure reduced the number of total and live implantations, whereas the exposure to BPA alone disturbed the male:female sex ratio. The above results may be caused by genetic or by epigenetic mechanisms. Limitation of use of products including BPA, especially by children and teenagers, is strongly recommended.

DNA strand breaks in peripheral blood leucocytes of Polish blood donors.

Knowledge about the basal level of DNA damage in leucocytes of healthy control populations is essential before estimation of the effects of exposure to external agents in biomonitoring studies. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of some lifestyle factors on baseline DNA damage in leucocytes of humans. The material consisted of the peripheral blood from 276 healthy volunteer blood donors. In addition to the standard blood donation questionnaire, they were asked about age, gender, occupation, radiological history, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, medicine use and pet ownership. The results showed marked intra-individual variability. Significant differences in DNA damage levels were observed between individuals in different age and sex groups, between smokers and non-smokers and between samples taken in different seasons of the year, with the highest DNA damage in those obtained in the summer. Significantly higher levels of DNA damage were noted in leucocytes of donors older than 29 years, in men compared with women and in male smokers. Significantly higher DNA strand breaks were observed in heavy smokers. A non-significantly higher level of DNA damage was observed in individuals subjected to radiological investigation and in those drinking alcohol, whereas lower levels were observed in leucocytes of pet owners and in donors taking medicines. Pet ownership influences the level of DNA damage and there is an interaction between this effect and that of smoking. The smoker/pet owners showed almost half the level of DNA damage of smokers without pets. The current results confirmed high intra-individual variability between the levels of DNA damage of individuals. The significant factors that influence the DNA damage in leucocytes are age, sex and smoking habit, especially in men and in heavy smokers. The finding of reduced DNA damage in the leucocytes of pet owners suggests the tendency towards a beneficial effect of such company.

Maria Sklodowska-Curie, her life and work - the 150 anniversary of her birthday

Maria Sklodowska was born on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw (Poland). Her parents were teachers. Maria's mother has died in 1878 of tuberculosis. In 1893 and 1894, respectively, Maria was awarded master's degrees in physics and in mathematics from the Sorbonne University. In 1895 Maria married Pierre Curie. In 1897 their daughter Irene was born. Maria investigated rays emitted by uranium salts. She hypothesized that the radiation come from atom and called this phenomenon "radioactivity". In 1898, Maria and Pierre discovered new radioactive elements polonium and radium. In 1902 she isolated pure radium chloride and defined radium atomic mass. In June 1903, Maria supervised by Professor Lippmann was awarded her doctorate in physics from the Sorbonne University of Paris after presentation of the thesis "Investigation of radioactive bodies". In December 1903, Maria was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with her husband Pierre and Henri Becquerel, for their work on radioactivity. In 1904, the daughter Eve was born. On 19 April 1906, Pierre was killed in a road accident in Paris. In 1910 Maria isolated radium as a pure metal. She also defined an international standard for radioactive emissions (curie), published her fundamental results on radioactivity and textbook of radiology. She also defined the international pattern of radium. In 1911, she won her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, for her discovery of radium and polonium. In 1914 she was appointed director in the Radium Institute in Paris. During World War I, Maria became the director of the Red Cross Radiology Service and set up France's first military radiology centre. In May 1932 she has attended the official opening ceremony of the Radium Institute in Warsaw. On 4 July 1934, Maria Sklodowska-Curie has died aged 66 years in Sancellemoz sanatorium (France) of aplastic anemia.

The evaluation of protective effect of lycopene against genotoxic influence of X-irradiation in human blood lymphocytes.

Many studies suggest that exogenous antioxidants may protect cells against DNA damage caused with ionizing radiation. One of the most powerful antioxidants is lycopene (LYC), a carotenoid derived from tomatoes. The aim of this study was to investigate, using the comet assay, whether LYC can act as protectors/modifiers and prevent DNA damage induced in human blood lymphocytes, as well as to mitigate the effects of radiation exposure. In this project, LYC, dissolved in DMSO at a concentration of 10, 20 or 40 µM/ml of cell suspension, was added to the isolated lymphocytes from human blood at appropriate intervals before or after the X-irradiation at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy. Cell viability in all groups was maintained at above 70%. The results showed the decrease of DNA damage in cells treated with various concentrations of LYC directly and 1 h before exposure to X-rays compared to the control group exposed to irradiation alone. Contrary results were observed in cells exposed to LYC immediately after exposure to ionizing radiation. The studies confirmed the protective effect of LYC against DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation, but after irradiation the carotenoid did not stimulate of DNA repair and cannot act as modifier. However, supplementation with LYC, especially at lower doses, may be useful in protection from radiation-induced oxidative damage.

Three generation study of reproductive and developmental toxicity following exposure of pubescent F0 male mice to di-n-butyl phthalate.

Humans are exposed to phthalates continuously throughout life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects induced in male mice following 8 weeks of subchronic exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) during their puberty and to investigate the possibility of transmission of mutations to subsequent generations via the sperm. Pzh:Sfis outbred male mice aged 4.5 weeks were exposed to DBP by gavage for 8 weeks, 3 days per week to doses of 1/16 LD50 or 1/4 LD50 each time. Six to seven males from each dosage group were sacrificed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the start of exposure for examination of sperm count and quality. Immediately after the end of exposure, the remaining males were caged for 1 week with two unexposed females each. Group of females were sacrificed 1 day before expected parturition, whilst other females were allowed to deliver and rear litters. F1 generation males at 8-9 weeks of age were caged with females from the same group, but from a different litter, for examination of prenatal development of the F2 generation. The remaining F1 generation males were sacrificed at the same age to check the sperm count and quality. Our results confirmed the toxic effects of DBP on the reproductive organs and germ cells of pubertally exposed males. The changes induced in male gametes might be transmitted to the next generation via the sperm. The most important effects were induced in the F1 generation. Exposure of F0 males to DBP induced skeletal malformations in surviving foetuses, caused significant mortality in postnatal life and a disturbance in the sex ratio (superior survival of females in F1), as well as increased frequency of DNA damage in the germ cells of F1 males. The present study did not confirm higher sensitivity to DBP of pubescent males compared to adult males, but the effects induced in the F1 generation differed from that after exposure of adult F0 males.

Phthalates - widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes. Part 2. The effects of phthalates on male gametes and on the offspring.

UNLABELLED: The general exposure to endocrine disruptors, including phthalates, is considered as one of the reason diminished sperm count and deteriorated sperm quality, which may lead to infertility and higher incidence of congenital malformations of the genital tract. This article describes the effects of selected phthalates di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP); butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) on the male gametes, reproduction and the offspring of exposed animals. Results of several papers in vitro showed that above mentioned phthalates are weakly estrogenic, whereas in vivo studies showed that they have rather antiandrogenic abilities. Review of papers regarding to laboratory animals confirmed that phthalates cause diminished sperm count, increased frequency of abnormal spermatozoa and DNA damage in germ cells, especially after chronic exposure and in case exposure of immature animals. Phthalates may induce in male gametes mutations leading to increased pre- and postnatal mortality of the offspring and to incidence of congenital malformations, growth retardation, delay in sexual development, shortening of anogenital distance in males, disturbances in sex ratio and diminished quality of semen in F1 generation. The sensitivity on mammalian life stages on phthalates seems to be as follows: fetal > peripubertal > adult. The human studies provided limited evidence of an association between phthalate exposure and semen quality. Concentration of phthalates in semen of men at the level from 0.08 to 1.32 mg/kg was related to declined semen quality and infertility. Majority of human data showed the connection of increased level of phthalates in urine and sperm quality, however on the basis results of other studies, the impact of environmental exposure on sperm parameters seems to be rather small. KEY WORDS: phthalates, sperm count and quality, pre- and perinatal exposure, mammalian and human effects.

Phthalates - widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes. Part 1. General characteristics, sources and human exposure.

Phthalates are widely present in human environment. Widespead exposure to those agents, which are compounds of numerous daily use products, is unavoidable. In the current paper following phthalates benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di- n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) are described. Phthalates mainly enter to the composition of plastic goods, like boxes and containers for storage of foods, toys, medical devices, and also cosmetics, personal care products, as well as paints, vanishes, printing inks. This paper describes the occurence of individual phthalates in the environment (water, air) and in different products. During production, transportation, manufacturing of goods and improper disposal, phthalates released into soil, water and air. For example indoor air included 13 mg/m3 phthalates, where 72 % of all constitutes DEP (2.29 mg/m(3)), BBP (3.97 mg/m(3)) and DEHP (2.43 mg/m(3)). Exposure to phthalates take place mainly by ingestion or inhalation air or through the skin. Presence of phthalates were observed in numerous food products and is connected with migration of those compounds from food storage containers to preserved food. They could mirgate to salivia during sucking and chewing of toys and this way increased exposure to of children. The results of studies regarding to concentration of phthalates in human tissues and excretions are also described. The level of phthalates were measured in numerous of human biological samples. For example, DEHP, DEP and DBP were detected at levels of 5.71 mg/L in blood serum, of 0.30 mg/L in semen and of 0.72 mg/kg in fat samples.

The effect of in vivo resveratrol supplementation in irradiated mice on the induction of micronuclei in peripheral blood and bone marrow reticulocytes.

The aim of the study was to investigate how coadministration of resveratrol (RSV) at different time after the start of irradiation influences the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in reticulocytes of bone marrow and peripheral blood, and if the RSV supplementation after termination of irradiation may influence the recovery process of damaged cells. Coadministration of RSV with 1-day delay after 1 Gy irradiation significantly decreased the levels of MN in bone marrow and in peripheral blood, whereas with 1-week delay, only in bone marrow reticulocytes. Above combined treatment did not improve the process of recovery. RSV supplementation with 1-day delay relatively to 0.5 Gy irradiation, significantly decreased the frequencies of MN, especially after coadministration with 28mg/kg bw of RSV. Coadministration of RSV since eighth day did not influence the frequencies of MN compared to irradiated cells. The recovery process in the presence of RSV proceeded faster. Supplementation of RSV following initiation of irradiation is beneficial in case of irradiation with lower doses. RSV should be supplemented as soon as possible. Supplementation of RSV after termination of irradiation significantly speed up the recovery. Current results confirmed the ability of RSV to mitigate the effect of irradiation.

Male-mediated F1 effects in mice exposed to bisphenol A, either alone or in combination with X-irradiation.

We investigated the possible transmission of heritable changes via the sperm, following preconceptional exposure of mice to bisphenol A (BPA), either alone or in combination with X-irradiation. Males were exposed for 8 weeks to BPA, X-rays or both agents, and mated to unexposed females. Pre- and postnatal development of the offspring of exposed males was examined. Both BPA alone and the combined exposure slightly affected postnatal development. Combined exposure induced two-fold higher postnatal mortality than BPA the alone, whereas BPA exposure caused reduced body weight and diminished sperm quality in F1 generation.

Lycopene - antioxidant with radioprotective and anticancer properties. A review.

UNLABELLED: Ionizing radiation may cause damage to living tissue by producing free radicals like reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can randomly react with lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of cell causing oxidative stress and damage in these macromolecules, leading to pathogenesis of chronic diseases and age related and also cancer. The first line of defense from the damaging effects of ROS is antioxidants, which convert the oxidants to less reactive species. Lycopene (LYC) is an acyclic isomer of beta-carotene. It synthesized by plants or autotrophic bacteria but not by animals. Red fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas and papaya contain LYC. This carotenoid has very strong antioxidant properties. The many studies confirm that dietary supplementation with LYC reduces risk of cancers of many organs, but also retard the growth of the tumors. LYC has also chemopreventive effects against other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, male infertility and inhibits the toxic action of other agents. Numerous in vitro and animal studies showed that LYC may provide protection against damages induced by ionizing radiation. It suggests that supplementation of LYC might be useful in diminishing of negative effect of cancer radiotherapy or in mitigating the effects of possible radiation accidents on human health. KEY WORDS: lycopene, antioxidants, anticarcinogenic agents, radioprotection.

DNA damage in organs of female and male mice exposed to nonylphenol, as a single agent or in combination with ionizing irradiation: a comet assay study.

The effect of nonylphenol (NP; either alone or in combination with ionizing radiation) on the induction of DNA strand breaks in mouse somatic cells has been examined. Male and female mice were repeatedly irradiated with X-rays (0.05 or 0.10 Gy), injected with NP (25 or 50mg/kg bw), or both (0.05 Gy+25 mg/kg bw NP or 0.10 Gy+50 mg/kg bw NP), for 2 weeks, 5 days/week. Liver, spleen, femora, lungs and kidneys were removed from each animal for the comet assay. NP-induced DNA damage differed, depending on organ and sex. In male mice, NP induced damage in all organs examined; in females, only the kidneys were affected. The effect of irradiation alone was similar in females and males. Combined exposure of males to 0.05 Gy+25 mg/kg bw NP significantly reduced the level of DNA strand breaks, compared to the controls and to 25mg/kg bw NP alone, in the majority of organs. The higher doses significantly increased damage to DNA in all organs examined. Combined exposure of females to low doses of both agents significantly enhanced damage to DNA in bone marrow lymphocytes and in cells of the liver and kidneys, compared to controls. At 0.10 Gy+50 mg/kg bw NP, DNA damage was increased in organs except liver and spleen. Although NP alone may not be mutagenic in female mice, its co-administration with irradiation may increase DNA damage in some organs. In contrast, in male mice, damage was reduced after combined irradiation-NP exposure, compared to NP alone.

The effect occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on the DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of nuclear medicine personnel.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was estimation of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes of peripheral blood of staff in a nuclear medicine department. METHODS: The exposed group consisted of 46 volunteers and the control group consisted of 40 volunteers. Samples consisting of 1 ml whole blood were collected by venepuncture. DNA damage in leukocytes was detected by alkaline comet assay. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the effective dose measured by individual dosimeters and DNA damage and no differences between sexes. The mean level of damage to DNA in people exposed to ionizing radiation was significantly elevated compared with control individuals. The highest value for mean comet tail moment was noted in leukocytes of PET/CT and scintigraphy technicians (1.28 vs. 0.30 for control, p=0.013). The levels of DNA damage in leukocytes of workers in category B (effective dose may exceed 1 mSv/year) were significantly enhanced. The DNA migration of leukocytes in exposed smokers and nonsmokers was similar. In the control group the damage to DNA of leukocytes in smokers was markedly but not significantly higher compared with nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation leads to enhanced levels of reversible DNA damage in leukocytes of nuclear medicine employees. The level of DNA damage depends on the kind of work. Cigarette smoking is related to the increase in DNA damage in unexposed individuals but not in nuclear medicine workers. Radiation seems to be a stronger inducer of DNA damage than smoking. Although most of the DNA damage detected by comet assay is repaired, further improvement of radiation safety should be taken under consideration.