Influence of occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation on the plasma activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione level

Abstract

Background/Aim. During exposure to low-level doses (LLD) of ionizing radiation (IR), the most of harmful effects are produced indirectly, through radiolysis of water and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD): manganese SOD (MnSOD) and copper-zinc SOD (CuZnSOD), as well as glutathione (GSH), are the most important intracellular antioxidants in the metabolism of ROS. Overproduction of ROS challenges antioxidant enzymes. The aim of this study was to examine if previous exposure to low doses of IR induces adaptive response by means of stimulation of intracellular antioxidant defense system. Methods. We investigated a group of medical workers occupationally exposed to IR (n = 44), 29 male and 15 female. The controls (n = 33) consisted of medical workers not exposed to IR, 23 male and 10 female. The examinees from both groups worked in the same environment and matched in crucial characteristics. All measurements were performed by a calibrated thermoluminiscent dosimeter type CaF2:Mn. SOD activity and GSH content were measured spectrophotometrically in the plasma of both groups of medical workers. Half of each blood sample was irradiated by 2Gy of γ radiation, dose-rate 0.45 Gy/min, and the distance from the source of 74 cm. Results. The dosimetry results indicate that occupational doses were very low. Our results confirmed significantly higher SOD activity in the exposed vs. unexposed workers (p < 0.00006). SOD activity after irradiation of blood samples failed to show a significant difference between the exposed workers and the controls (p = 0.905), even the difference in each group before and after the irradiation was significant. In blood samples of the exposed workers expression of enzymes after the irradiation, was not as high as in the controls, or even in the case of the exposed in nuclear medicine personnel, SOD activity was decreased. There were no significant differences in the content of GSH between the groups. Conclusion. Our results pointed out that occupational exposure to low doses of IR compromised mitochondrial function. During occupational exposure, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was increased as a protection against the increased production of ROS. After high-dose irradiation dysfunction of mitochondrial system was noticed, suggesting the break-down of antioxidant defense and failure of an adaptive response. Therefore, the "chronic oxidative stress" might reduce antioxidant defense in the case of accidental exposure to high doses of IR. It could indirectly increase the incidence of some other "free radicals' diseases" in occupationally exposed personnel.