Investigating the Expression Levels of Bax and Bcl-۲ Genes in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Industrial Radiation Workers in the Asaluyeh Region

Background: Industrial radiography uses gamma or X-ray radionuclide sources to investigate the safety of industrial materials. Industrial radiation workers receive the highest occupational radiation doses. Objective: The present study investigates the relationship between Bax and Bcl-۲ gene expression variables in industrial radiation workers. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, data was collected using blood sampling from ۴۰ workers, including two groups of non-radiation and radiation workers employed at the location. Expression levels of Bax and Bcl-۲ genes were assessed in the laboratory. The environmental and absorbed doses of workers were measured using environmental and pen dosimeters. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the radiation group’s Bcl-۲ gene expression level was significantly higher. Findings also demonstrated a correlation between Bcl-۲ gene expression and the number of workdays. Also, the Bax gene expression did not show a significant change, and the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-۲ was insignificant in the two groups.  Conclusion: Exposure to low doses of radiation could promote an adaptive response in cells by increasing Bcl-۲ gene expression.

Keywords:

Industrial Radiography , Bax Gene , Bcl-۲ Gene , Peripheral Blood , Lymphocytes , Radiation Workers , Asaluyeh , Gammagraphy , apoptosis , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction