Biodosimetry of ionizing radiations at different LET levels through cytogenetic endpoints in Allium cepa meristems

Abstract

- This paper aims to enhance our understanding of the effects of ionizing radiation using radiobiology and biodosimetry techniques applied to living plant organisms. Plants are particularly suitable for this purpose as they are highly sensitive to detecting potential genotoxic agents in the environment and their use allows us to avoid using animals in research in compliance with the 3R principle. Currently, the onion (Allium cepa) is recognized as a valid model for the analysis of environmental pollutants but has been relatively unexplored as an indicator of radiation exposure. In this study, analyses of the genotoxicity of X and alpha radiation were conducted using the micronucleus test and mitotic index analysis. Our results indicate that Allium cepa can be considered a valid alternative model to animal use for assessing the effects of ionizing radiation. In particular, it was found that alpha radiation caused significant damage, as evidenced by an increased number of micronuclei, which was 20 times higher compared to X-ray radiation. This was further confirmed through the observation of the effective dose parameter, as determined by the analysis of various weight factors associated with different types of radiation.