Avaliação de dano oxidativo em uma população exposta á altos níveis de radiação natural no município de Lajes Pintadas/RN

Abstract

The oxidative damage of a population exposed to high levels of natural radiation was evaluated through the measurement of 8-oxoguanine in the urine of the residents of Lajes Pintadas/ RN. The objective is to investigate a possible relationship between the high levels of ionizing radiation emitted by the soil of the region and the abnormally high incidence of cancer cases in the same region. The methodology adopted for these purposes was the urine collection of 81 volunteers and the application of a questionnaire about life habits and family history. The quantification of 8-OxoG was performed through a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent kit (ELISA). The results were evaluated through descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, and then compared with the literature. Median values obtained for the amount of 8-oxoG ranged from 131.70 ng / dL in adults to 156.4 ng / dL in children, ranging from 156.52 ng / dL to 91.70 ng / dL in subjects who consume fruit and vegetables regularly and non-consuming, between 151.64 ng / dL and 156.52 ng / dL among 214.80 ng / dL non-smokers, smokers and former smokers. Overall, 8-oxoG results were higher than reported in the literature, but there was no statistical significance. The probable explanation for this is the practice of physical exercise and consumption of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables (rich in anti-oxidants) by a large part of the population, which balances the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the cellular metabolism. Thus, this study can provide scientific support for public health actions in the region such as biomonophoresis and radioprotection measures, as well as fostering other scientific studies in this area.