DNA methylome profiling in occupational radon exposure miners using an Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip.

Background: A causal relationship between occupational radon exposure in underground miners and lung cancer risk has been demonstrated through large cohort epidemiological studies. However, the mechanisms by which radon exposure causes adverse effects on lung tissue remain unclear. Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation may provide new insights into interactions at molecular levels induced by prolonged radon exposure.

Alteration of genome-wide DNA methylation in non-uranium miners induced by high level radon exposure.

In China, according to statistics about underground non-uranium mine radon levels, 15% exceed the national standard intervention level of 1000 Bq/m, and some mines may exceed 10,000 Bq/m. The relationship between radon exposure in underground miners and lung cancer has already been established, but the mechanisms and biological processes underlying it are poorly understood. In order to identify the genome-wide DNA methylation profile associated with long-term radon exposure, we performed the Infinium Human Methylation 850 K BeadChip measurement in whole blood samples obtained from 15 underground non-uranium miners and 10 matched aboveground control workers.

Analysis of Red Blood Cells and their Components in Medical Workers with Occupational Exposure to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation.

Plenty of reports focus on the effects of low-dose radiation (LDR) on peripheral blood lymphocytes in radiation workers. However, studies on red blood cells (RBCs) in radiation workers are rarely reported. Many studies focused on investigate the hemogram of radiation staffs without detecting other components of RBCs.

Cytogenetic monitoring of peripheral blood lymphocytes from medical radiation professionals occupationally exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation.

In order to assess the health risk of low-dose radiation to radiation professionals, monitoring is performed through chromosomal aberration analysis and micronuclei (MN) analysis. MN formation has drawbacks for monitoring in the low-dose range. Nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB) analysis, with a lower background level, has good dose-response relationships at both high and relatively low dose ranges.

Cardiac catheterization procedures in children with congenital heart disease: Increased chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes.

Cardiac catheterization procedures are performed on about 20,000 children with congenital heart disease (CHD) annually in China. The procedure, which involves exposure to ionizing radiation, causes DNA damage and may lead to increased cancer risk. We have studied chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral lymphocytes of CHD children.

Serum 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine Level as a Potential Biomarker of Oxidative DNA Damage Induced by Ionizing Radiation in Human Peripheral Blood.

In this study, the effect of ionizing radiation on 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in human peripheral blood was investigated. Blood samples were collected from 230 radiation workers and 8 patients who underwent radiotherapy for population study. Blood samples from 2 healthy individuals were irradiated with different X-ray doses for in vitro experiment, and levels of 8-OHdG in serum and cell culture supernatants were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

[Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and 19 in the patients with pneumoconiosis].

Objective: To measure peripheral serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and matrix metalloproteinase 19 (MMP19) in patients with pneumoconiosis, and to investigate their feasibility as potential biomarkers for pneumoconiosis.

Methods: Ninety-eight male patients with pneumoconiosis (49 patients in phase I, 36 patients in phase II, and 13 patients in phase III) were enrolled as subjects, which included 41 patients with silicosis and 57 patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Ninety-eight healthy male physical examinees were used as controls.