Somatic gene mutations, oxidative stress, and its correction possibilities in residents of radionuclide-contaminated territories of the Russian Federation as a result of the Chernobyl accident

The aim of this study was to elucidate patterns of somatic mutagenesis (at gene level) following exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and to assess the state of the redox system in residents of Russian territories contaminated with radionuclides as a result of the Chernobyl accident. The study group consisted of 1,085 individuals residing in the Bryansk, Kaluga, Oryol, and Tula regions, includ-ing patients with hyperproliferative disorders of the reproductive system and thyroid gland. Some patients underwent therapy using biologically active supplements with antioxidant action. The control group included 455 healthy individuals with no recorded genotoxic exposure due to occupational duties, emergency situations, or residence in radionuclide-contaminated areas. Long-term studies of the frequency of gene mutations at T-cell receptor (TCR) locus demonstrated a dependence of the studied somatic mutagenesis indicator on the stage of ontogenesis at the onset of irradiation. The most pronounced increase in the frequency of TCR-mutant cells was observed in group of individuals irradiated during the prenatal period and in patients with hyperproliferative diseases. In the latter group, changes in the redox system were observed compared to that in healthy age-matched con-trols. The observed biochemical changes, indicating oxidative stress, can be corrected with com-pounds with antioxidant activity. The encouraging data obtained on the effectiveness of non-hormo-nal adjuvant therapy indicate the feasibility of this approach, which may form the basis for primary prevention of malignant tumors.