DETECTION OF PRIMARY DNA-DAMAGE - APPLICABILITY TO BIOMONITORING OF GENOTOXIC OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AND IN CLINICAL-THERAPY

The biological effect of putative genotoxic chemicals in the work plac e environment was monitored in peripheral mononuclear blood cells of e xposed workers. DNA strand breaks, alkali-labile sites of DNA and DNA cross-links were measured using the alkaline filter elution method. A dose dependent increase in DNA damage was found in sterilization worke rs exposed to ethylene oxide and metal workers with exposure towards N -nitrosodiethanolamine. Two subpopulations with different response to the external exposure were found in nonsmoking sterilization workers. Nurses handling antineo-plastic agents without adequate safety provisi ons showed a statistically significantly higher rate of DNA strand bre aks compared to other nurses handling cytostatic drugs with recommende d safety equipment and also compared to not exposed controls. Also in several other occupational groups such as fire fighters possibly expos ed to several genotoxic chemicals after an accident in a chemical plan t, roofers and petrol pump attendants a significantly higher amount of DNA damage was found compared to controls. No statistically significa nt differences in the amount of DNA strand breaks were found in cabine t makers and car mechanics compared to controls. In peripheral mononuc lear blood cells of ovarial carcinoma patients as well as of patients with Morbus Hodgkin an increased DNA strand break rate was found after application of cytostatic drugs. The individual patients showed a ver y different response after drug intake. The increase in DNA damage aft er drug application is possibly related to the success of the chemothe rapy.