Influence of cosmic radiation on lymphocyte micronucleus, serum lipid peroxide and antioxidation capacity in aircrew members

This study looks into the influence of cosmic radiation at high altitudes on human bodies. Results reveal that the cytokinesis-block micronuclei (CBMN) and conventional cultured micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes, serum levels of lipid peroxide, Superoxide dismutase, and the total antioxidation capacity by chemical colorimetry all increased significantly in aircrew members. There exists a linear relationship between the CBMN and the average annual effective doses of radiation received or the average annual flying hours. With both of them, a trend shows that the serum lipid peroxide levels increase as well. Either the lipid peroxide or CBMN can sensitively reflect the recent changes in flight load. These findings indicate that cosmic radiation impairs the stability of chromosomes and genome, and induces lipid oxidative damage in aircrews; Lymphocyte CBMN and serum lipid peroxide can be used as monitoring indicators in the cosmic radiation protection for aircrew members.