Cytogenetic biodosimetry for radiation accidents in China

Abstract

Cytogenetic indicators, especially dicentric chromosomes, have been globally considered the gold standard of biological dose estimation for more than 60 years. The application of these indicators to biological dose estimation in victims of radiation accidents in China has undergone approximately 40 years of development and thus provides more accurate information for the clinical diagnosis and patients’ treatment. This paper reviews the application and future development of cytogenetic indicators, including chromosomal aberrations (dicentric chromosomes and chromosomal translocations), cytokinesis-block micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, and premature condensation chromosome ring, as biodosimeters in China.

Keywords

• Biodosimetry
• Cytogenetics
• Chromosomal aberrations
• Cytokinesis-block micronuclei
• Nucleoplasmic bridges
• Premature condensation chromosome ring