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The study of hypermethylation in blood leukocytes of irradiated parents and their children

Background: Accumulation of evidence about the epigenetic regulation of genome function suggests the necessity to explore new aspects of the genotoxic action of radiation on the human body. Methodology: A methylation-sensitive PCR assay was used to analyze promoter methylation of p16/CDKN2A, p14/ARF, RASSF1A and GSTP1 genes in blood leukocytes from 103 unirradiated volunteers and 104 irradiated subjects (83 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant liquidators and 21 nuclear specialists). Additionally, 21 families whose fathers were nuclear specialists were examined. Results: A significantly elevated frequency of individuals with abnormal methylation of p16/CDKN2A and GSTP1 genes was revealed in the exposed group compared to the control group (p = 0.0097 and p = 0.005, respectively). The occurrence of promoter methylation of RASSF1A gene significantly correlated with aging both in the control group (r = 0, 213; p = 0.006) and in the exposed individuals (r = 0, 212; p = 0,031). No methylated genes were found in the offspring of control families. Conclusion: Our study showed for the fist time that prolonged radiation exposure at low and medium doses is associated with hypermethylation of genes involved in the basic protective functions of cells; an effect that is persistent in blood leukocytes for significant periods after irradiation.