Significance of γ-H2AX foci baseline frequency in radiation triage

We have established a base line frequency of γ-H2AX foci in healthy individuals (n = 130) of south Indian population differing in their sex, age, and occupation. Further, the kinetics of X-irradiation induced γ-H2AX foci and the influences of baseline on the dose response curve were investigated. The baseline frequency (0.042 ± 0.005), is significantly different from other populations. Age is the major factor influencing the γ-H2AX foci frequency. The dose response curve coefficients deviated significantly (p < 0.05) when substituted with the baseline frequency from different age groups. To conclude, the age factor should be taken into account when employing the γ-H2AX foci for radiation triage and dose estimation. (author)