Melatonin a Promising Candidate for DNA Double-Stranded Breaks Reduction in Patients Undergoing Abdomen-Pelvis Computed Tomography Examinations

Author(s):

Ali Eskandari, Aziz Mahmoudzadeh, Alireza Shirazi , Farid Esmaely , Carla Carnovale and Mohsen Cheki *   Pages 859 - 864 ( 6 )

Abstract:

<P>Background and Objective: Cancer incidence is 24% higher in children and young adults exposed to Computed Tomography (CT) scans than those unexposed. Non-repairing of ionizing radiation-induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks (DSBs) can initiate carcinogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the radioprotective potential of melatonin against DSBs in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations. </P><P> Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on thirty patients. These patients were divided into two groups; group one (control) patients who have undergone the CT examination received a single oral dose of placebo, while in group two, patients received a single oral dose of 100mg melatonin. In both the groups, blood samples were collected 5-10min before and 30 minutes after the CT examination. The lymphocytes from these samples were isolated and DSBs were analyzed using &#947;H2AX immunofluorescence microscopy. </P><P> Results: Compared to the control group, the use of melatonin 1h before the CT examination caused a significant reduction in &#947;H2AX-foci, indicating a reduction in DSBs. In addition, no side effect was observed in patients following 100mg melatonin administration. </P><P> Conclusion: For the first time, this study has shown that melatonin has protective effects against radiationinduced genotoxicity in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations. Therefore, melatonin can be considered as a promising candidate for reducing DSBs in patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations.</P>

Keywords:

Melatonin, &#947;H2AX, lymphocytes, computed tomography, radiation, DSB.

Affiliation:

Department of Medical Radiation Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, Università di Milano, Milan, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz

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