Principles and results of genetic monitoring of chemical mutagens and radiation effects in Armenia

Abstract

The genetic effects of environmental pollution in Armenia are presented. Most of them are underway at Yerevan State University in cooperation with other institutions in Armenia, Germany, France and USA. The results of genetic monitoring of effects of environmental pollution obtained by different methods are presented. The routine analyses of chromosomal aberrations in groups of genetic risk can give data only about nonspecific action of environmental pollutants. The detection of genotoxic effects became more differentiated after studying - clastogenic factors (ultrafiltrates of blood plasma). FISH analysis was used in groups of patients with leukemia and inborn defects. We applied the Comet Assay to study DNA damage and repair in leukocytes of Chernobyl accident liquidators and patients with familial Mediterranean fever. The results showed an increased sensitivity or changed repair capacity of DNA of their cells exposed to UV-C. Analysis of micronuclei induction in exfoliated cells revealed the significant increase of chromosomal damage and their nondisjunction in the groups exposed to mutagens. For the investigation of groups of genetic risk in human populations we apply programmes with combination of presented methods. Cytogenetic programmes are usually combined with epidemiological data. Our research group is responsible for the genetic monitoring of the Armenian nuclear power plant and its environment. The results of chromosomal and point mutations monitoring in plants are presented. © 2006 Springer.