Assessment of cytogenetic damage and oxidative stress in personnel occupationally exposed to the pulsed microwave radiation of marine radar equipment
Vera Garaj-Vrhovaca, , , Goran Gajskia, Senijo Pažaninb, Antonio Šarolićc, Ana-Marija Domijand, Dubravka Flajsd and Maja Peraicad
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
Article in Press, Corrected Proof - Note to users
doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.08.003
a Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
b Department of Occupational Health, Naval Medicine Institute, 21000 Split, Croatia
c Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
d Toxicology Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Received 12 April 2010; revised 30 July 2010; accepted 3 August 2010. Available online 15 September 2010.
Abstract
Due to increased usage of microwave radiation, there are concerns of its adverse effect in today's society. Keeping this in view, study was aimed at workers occupationally exposed to pulsed microwave radiation, originating from marine radars. Electromagnetic field strength was measured at assigned marine radar frequencies (3 GHz, 5.5 GHz and 9.4 GHz) and corresponding specific absorption rate values were determined. Parameters of the comet assay and micronucleus test were studied both in the exposed workers and in corresponding unexposed subjects. Differences between mean tail intensity (0.67 vs. 1.22) and moment (0.08 vs. 0.16) as comet assay parameters and micronucleus test parameters (micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) were statistically significant between the two examined groups, suggesting that cytogenetic alterations occurred after microwave exposure. Concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde were measured spectrophotometrically and using high performance liquid chromatography. The glutathione concentration in exposed group was significantly lower than in controls (1.24 vs. 0.53) whereas the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly higher (1.74 vs. 3.17), indicating oxidative stress. Results suggests that pulsed microwaves from working environment can be the cause of genetic and cell alterations and that oxidative stress can be one of the possible mechanisms of DNA and cell damage.
Article in Press, Corrected Proof - Note to users
doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.08.003
a Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
b Department of Occupational Health, Naval Medicine Institute, 21000 Split, Croatia
c Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
d Toxicology Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Received 12 April 2010; revised 30 July 2010; accepted 3 August 2010. Available online 15 September 2010.
Abstract
Due to increased usage of microwave radiation, there are concerns of its adverse effect in today's society. Keeping this in view, study was aimed at workers occupationally exposed to pulsed microwave radiation, originating from marine radars. Electromagnetic field strength was measured at assigned marine radar frequencies (3 GHz, 5.5 GHz and 9.4 GHz) and corresponding specific absorption rate values were determined. Parameters of the comet assay and micronucleus test were studied both in the exposed workers and in corresponding unexposed subjects. Differences between mean tail intensity (0.67 vs. 1.22) and moment (0.08 vs. 0.16) as comet assay parameters and micronucleus test parameters (micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) were statistically significant between the two examined groups, suggesting that cytogenetic alterations occurred after microwave exposure. Concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde were measured spectrophotometrically and using high performance liquid chromatography. The glutathione concentration in exposed group was significantly lower than in controls (1.24 vs. 0.53) whereas the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly higher (1.74 vs. 3.17), indicating oxidative stress. Results suggests that pulsed microwaves from working environment can be the cause of genetic and cell alterations and that oxidative stress can be one of the possible mechanisms of DNA and cell damage.
