PHAGOCYTE FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN SUBJECTS LIVING IN HIGH LEVEL OF NATURAL RADIATION AREAS IN IRAN

Authors

  • Molaie Y Molaie
  • Latifynia A Latifynia
  • Kalamzadeh A Kalamzadeh
  • Abofazeli T Abofazeli
  • Nuraie M Nuraie
  • Khansarii N Khansarii

Abstract

Background: Iran is considered as one of the countries which are located in high radiation area.Ramssar contains natural radioactive sources (Uranium-238) that can produce Radium-226 with highsolubility and Radon gas with ability to fuse in dirt, soil, and water in its decay chain. Radioactive rayscan produce free radicals with a short life time but high energy, which lead to changes structures ofprotein bindings, hormones activity, lipids oxidation and DNA breakage which can induce autoimmunediseases and other disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of natural radiation on innateand humoral immune response of those exposed to natural radioactive rays compared to control group.Methods: Subjects from high and low natural radiation areas were included in the study. Neutrophilchemotaxis, Nitro-Blue Tetrazolium (NBT), and antioxidant effects were evaluated for effects ofradioactivity on free radicals and innate immunity. Also Cytokines (IL-2, IL-4) levels for humoralimmune system of the subjects were measured. Results: Total plasma antioxidant level and potency ofrespiratory burst in individuals who lived in area with high levels of natural radiation decreasedsignificantly compared with, control subjects who lived in the other areas of Ramssar with normalradiation. The level of IL-4 increased in individuals who lived in area with high levels of naturalradiation, which could lead to Th2 pattern of immune response whether neutrophils chemotaxis in thegroups living in the area with high level of natural radiation didn’t change significantly when comparedto control. Conclusion: Neutrophil respiratory burst activities suggested that NADPH probably reduceddue to different reasons including decrease in NADPH oxidase and other enzymes, and mutation of thegenes or production of oxidant substances. Neutrophil chemotaxis reduced but this reduction was notstatistically significant.Keywords: Radiation, Antioxidant, IL-2, IL-4, chemotaxis, NBT, free radicals

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Published

2012-12-01