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Single Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Induces Genotoxicity in Adult Zebrafish and its Non-Irradiated Progeny

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Abstract

This study investigated to what extent a single exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation can induce genotoxic damage in irradiated adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) and its non-irradiated F1 progeny. Four groups of adult zebrafish were irradiated with a single dose of X-rays at 0 (control), 100, 500 and 1000 mGy, respectively, and couples of each group were allowed to reproduce following irradiation. Blood of parental fish and whole-body offspring were analysed by the comet assay for detection of DNA damage. The level of DNA damage in irradiated parental fish increased in a radiation dose-dependent manner at day 1 post-irradiation, but returned to the control level thereafter. The level of DNA damage in the progeny was directly correlated with the parental irradiation dose. Results highlight the genotoxic risk of a single exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation in irradiated individuals and also in its non-irradiated progeny.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the staff of the bioterium of aquatic organisms (BOGA) from CIIMAR and to Júlio Teixeira SA-Radiotherapy Department for their help in zebrafish maintenance and zebrafish irradiation, respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal

    J. Lemos

  2. Nuclear Medicine Department, High Institute for Allied Health Technologies of Porto - Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESTSP.IPP), Rua Valente Perfeito 322, 4400-330, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

    J. Lemos, P. Costa, D. Vieira & L. F. Metello

  3. CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal

    T. Neuparth & A. P. Carvalho

  4. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal

    M. Trigo & A. P. Carvalho

  5. IsoPor SA, PO box 4028, 4445, Ermesinde, Portugal

    L. Cunha & L. F. Metello

  6. Radiotherapy Deptartment, Júlio Teixeira SA, Rua Arquitecto Cassiano Barbosa 6, F, Sala 26, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal

    F. Ponte & P. S. Costa

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  1. J. Lemos
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  2. T. Neuparth
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  3. M. Trigo
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  7. F. Ponte
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  10. A. P. Carvalho
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Correspondence to A. P. Carvalho.

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Lemos, J., Neuparth, T., Trigo, M. et al. Single Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Induces Genotoxicity in Adult Zebrafish and its Non-Irradiated Progeny. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 98, 190–195 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-016-2006-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-016-2006-1

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