EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO IONIZING RADIATION ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN KONYA, TURKEY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Ionizing radiation (IR) has a wide area of use and its effects on human health have been discussed since its discovery. This study aimed to show oxidative stress and inflammation due to ionizing radiation exposure based on biomarkers in healthcare workers. METHOD This study was conducted with 172 people, who were exposed to IR in the work environment and those who did not have exposure to radiation. In this cross-sectional study, a data collection form was used to obtain data from the participants. In addition, 6 ml of blood was taken to measure their tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, total oxidant status (TOS), interleukin (IL)-10 and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, and calculate their oxidative stress index (OSI) values. RESULTS In the ionizing radiation group, 50% of the participants were men, the mean age was 35.91±7.07 years, and the mean duration of employment was 9.80±7.1 years. The TOS, OSI, TNF-α and IL-10 values were higher and TAS was lower in the ionizing radiation group compared to the participants without exposure to ionizing radiation. Gender, smoking, alcohol use, presence of chronic diseases, regular medication use, antioxidant supplement use, and exposure to radiation for medical diagnosis and treatment within the last year did not affect oxidative stress and inflammation in the radiation workers. The cut-off values of the TOS, TAS, OSI, TNF-α and IL-10 biomarkers were also determined. CONCLUSION Occupational low-dose long-term exposure to ionizing radiation was found to increase oxidative stress and inflammation.