Abstract:
Medical radiation workers (MRWs) are chronically exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation which has been reported to cause deleterious health effects result from oxidative stress. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is the promise choice for treating disorders resulted from excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the study was to investigate the role of NAC in protecting medical workers occupationally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) via detecting some oxidative stress markers and comparing the results with controls. The studied participants divided into healthy MRWs administered NAC effervescent 600 mg, as a radioprotector (n=50) and healthy non-radiation workers as control group (n=50). Two blood samples were taken from MRWs; before and after taking of NAC and one blood sample from the control group to detect reduced erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). Erythrocyte GSH levels were significantly decreased in MRWs group than control group and significantly increased after oral administration of NAC. Plasma levels of MDA and AOPPs in MRWs group were significantly increased than control group, while their levels were significantly reduced after taking NAC. These findings suggest using of NAC as a promising radioprotector in medical workers occupationally exposed to low dose of IR to reduce the resulted oxidative stress.