Chromosomal Aberrations, Sister Chromatid Exchanges, and Micronuclei in Lymphocytes of Oncology Department Personnel Handling Anti-Neoplastic Drugs Publisher Pubmed



Mahmoodi M¹ ; Soleymanjahi S¹ ; Zendehdel K¹ ; Mozdarani H² ; Azimi C¹ ; Farzanfar F¹ ; Safari Z³ ; Mohagheghi MA¹ ; Khaleghian M¹ ; Divsalar K⁴ ; Asgari E¹ ; Rezaei N⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Drug and Chemical Toxicology Published:2017

Abstract

Objective: Concern exists regarding the possible hazards to the personnel handling anti-neoplastic drugs. The purpose of the present study was to assess the genotoxicity induced by anti-neoplastic agents in oncology department personnel. Materials and methods: To do this, the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) induced in peripheral blood lymphocytes was assessed at G0 phase of the cell cycle using metaphase analysis, cytokinesis block-micronucleus (MN) assay and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay. These cytogenetic end points were measured among 71 nurses in oncology department and 10 drugstore personnel handling and preparing anti-neoplastic drugs. The results were compared to those of 74 matched nurses for age and sex not exposed to any anti-neoplastic agents. Results: There was no significant difference between the age of study subjects and control group (p > 0.05). The results showed that the mean frequency of cytogenetic damages in terms of CAs [chromatid breaks (p =0.01), chromosome breaks (p =0.005), total CAs (p =0.001)], MN formation (p =0.001), and SCE (p =0.004) in lymphocytes of personnel handling anti-neoplastic drugs were significantly higher than those in control unexposed group. Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrate the cytogenetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of oncology department personnel. Suitable training and proper knowledge when handling anti-neoplastic drugs are emphasized to avoid potential health hazards caused by cytostatic agents. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.