ABSTRACT
Gamma-H2AX (γ-H2AX) assay is a marker to measure double-strand breaks in the deoxyribonucleic acid. Variables such as age, oxidative stress, temperature, genetic factors and inter-individual variation have been reported to influence the baseline γ-H2AX focus levels. Therefore, knowledge on baseline frequency of γ-H2AX foci in a targeted population would facilitate reliable radiation triage and dose estimation. The objective of the present study was to establish the baseline data using blood samples from healthy volunteers (n = 130) differing in age, occupation and lifestyle as well as from occupationally exposed health workers (n = 20). The γ-H2AX focus assay was performed using epifluorescence microscopy. In vitro dose-response curve for γ-H2AX foci was constructed in blood samples (n = 3) exposed to X-rays (30 min post-exposure). The mean γ-H2AX focus frequency obtained in healthy volunteers was 0.042 ± 0.001 and showed an age-related increase (p < 0.001). Significantly higher (p < 0.005) focus frequencies were observed in health workers (0.066 ± 0.005) than in healthy volunteers. A sub-group analysis did not show a significant (p > 0.1) difference in γ-H2AX focus frequency among sexes. Blood exposed in vitro to X-rays showed dose-dependent increase in γ-H2AX foci frequency (Y = 0.1902 ± 0.1363 + 2.9020 ± 0.3240 * D). Baseline frequency of γ-H2AX foci obtained from different age groups showed a significant (p < 0.01) influence on the dose-response coefficients. The overall results demonstrated that the γ-H2AX assay can be used as a reliable biomarker for radiation triage and estimating the radiation absorbed dose by considering variables such as age, occupation and lifestyle factors.
Subject(s)
Histones/metabolism , X-Rays , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Female , Health Personnel , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Lymphocytes/metabolism , Lymphocytes/radiation effects , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Exposure , Radiation Dosage , Radiation Exposure , Young AdultABSTRACT
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive neoplasm with a poor prognosis. It simulates a spectrum of conditions and thus poses great difficulty in diagnosis and management. We report a case of malignant peritoneal mesotheolima in a young female whose abdominal CT showed a complex lesion occupying the entire abdominal cavity. This lesion mimicked an ovarian malignancy with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
