Frequency of Background and Radiation-Induced Apoptosis in Leukocytes of Individuals with α-Thalassemia Variants, Assessed by the Neutral Comet Assay

Abstract

To study effects of ionizing radiation on apoptosis induction in leukocytes of α-thalassemia (α‐thal) variants compared to normal controls, venous blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 30 α-thal patients. Different types α-thal were diagnosed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood samples were irradiated with three Gy gamma rays, used for comet assay, immediately or 48 h after irradiation. Results show that the frequency of background as well as apoptosis in silent α-thal carriers, α-thal carriers and controls was similar but there was a significant difference between Hb H patients and other groups in the study. The increased apoptosis in Hb H patients might suggest that accumulation of β-globin and oxidative stresses are effective in causing apoptosis, and cells from these patients are more vulnerable to damage from radiation-induced toxic substances. Therefore, from α-thal patients, those with Hb H disease might be considered as radiosensitive in terms of apoptosis formation.

Keywords:

• α-Thalassemia (α-thal) variants
• Leukocytes
• Apoptosis
• Radiation
• Comet assay