Preliminary study of chromosome aberrations using Giemsa, two-colour fish, and micronucleus assays in lymphocytes of individuals living in elevated radon concentration areas.

The frequencies of unstable and stable chromosome aberrations and micronuclei were examined in peripheral blood samples from 10 individuals living in elevated radon concentration areas (Takandeang Village, Mamuju, Indonesia). Blood samples from 10 people living in Topoyo Village were used as a control group. For unstable chromosome aberration analysis, a dicentric chromosome assay was conducted using conventional Giemsa staining. Chromosomal painting of chromosomes 1 and 4 using the fluorescence in situ hybridisation technique was also applied to four subjects to assess the stable chromosome aberration. Our study showed no significant increases across all groups in dicentric and other unstable chromosome aberrations, such as rings and acentric fragments. Translocations were found in one person from Takandeang Village and two Topoyo Village inhabitants. The translocations found in the subjects from Takandeang Village were due more to aging factors than to radon exposure. The number of micronuclei per 1000 binucleus cells in Takandeang Village inhabitants was not significantly different than that in the control group (p = 0.943). A more comprehensive analysis should be conducted in a subsequent study by increasing the number of study donors and the number of metaphases to be analysed in both dicentric chromosome assay and fluorescence in situ hybridisation assays. Such research could provide valid information on the cytogenetic effects of elevated indoor radon exposure.