Diagnostic Range Ionizing Radiation and Reactive Oxygen Species Production: an Initial Experience

Abstract

Radiation is a common occurrence in our daily lives that comes from both natural and man-made sources. Ionizing Radiation (IR) causes damage either directly or indirectly through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative damage to DNA, lipids, proteins, and many metabolites occurs through a complex series of processes that are enhanced by endogenous signalling which is activated by free radicals. Though literature is abundant on ROS and antioxidants at high doses, no study to the best of our knowledge has assessed the ROS levels after Multi Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) examination (i.e. in diagnostic range radiation). The aim of the present study was to assess the production of ROS after diagnostic level radiation by MDCT examination and at 24 hour follow up. The study involved fifty patients posted for clinically indicated MDCT which were recruited. The average radiation dose was 2-9 mGy. Three blood samples were drawn, one prior to CT (control sample), within half an hour of CT (post CT) and 24 hrs after CT. 3 ml venous blood was withdrawn in aseptic conditions and immediately serum was isolated for ROS assessment. The blood examination results were compared in immediate and post 24 hour after MDCT and both were compared with control values and correlated with radiation parameters. Our results have shown a significant increase in ROS level in immediate post CT samples compared to prior CT scan samples (control) (p value <0.0001). The ROS levels reduced at 24 hours compared to immediate post CT, however they were still higher than control values. Our findings reflect that there is a rapid increase in free radicals production in the mitochondria after diagnostic level radiation. Detection of higher ROS levels at 24 hours suggests incomplete repair with the presence of some residual oxidative species at 24 hours.