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

To study effects of ionizing radiation on apoptosis induction in leukocytes of -thalassemia (-thal) variants compared to normal controls, venous blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 30 -thal patients. Different types -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 -thal carriers, -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 -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 -thal patients, those with Hb H disease might be considered as radiosensitive in terms of apoptosis formation.