Susceptibility of peripheral lymphocytes of brain tumour patients to in vitro radiation-induced DNA damage, a preliminary study

Objective: The present investigation aimed to study the susceptibility of lymphocytes collected from brain tumour patients to radiation-induced DNA damage under in vitro conditions. Methods: The peripheral lymphocytes collected from brain tumour patients were exposed to 2-Gy gamma radiation. Susceptibility of lymphocytes to radiation-induced DNA damage and their repair ability was assessed by alkaline comet assay. Results: Lymphocytes of patients with benign and malignant tumour had a significantly higher (p < 0.001) baseline DNA damage compared to lymphocytes from normal subjects. A significant increase (p < 0.001) in DNA damage was observed immediately after irradiation of lymphocytes from healthy subjects and brain tumour patients. However, at 1 h after irradiation the level of DNA damage dropped significantly (p < 0.001) compared to that of immediately after irradiation of respective groups. Discussion: In conclusion, the lymphocytes of brain tumour patients possess a higher level of basal DNA damage and exhibit a higher susceptibility to a clastogenic agent like radiation.