THE IMPACT OF TC-99M DMSA SCINTIGRAPHY ON DNA DAMAGE AND OXIDATIVE
STRESS IN CHILDREN
Abstract
Background: Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy is a commonly used imaging modality
in the pediatric population. The radiopharmaceuticals which have the
effects of ionizing are used in this method. This study aimed to
investigate the impact of the Tc-99m DMSA scan on renal oxidative stress
and mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage. Methods: Twenty-seven patients who
performed Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy were included in this study. Three ml
heparinized blood samples were taken just before, during, and after a
week from the scintigraphy. Mononuclear leukocyte(MNL) DNA damage, total
antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status(TOS) were measured in
blood samples. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. The spot
urine samples were taken from each patient before and within three days
after performing the scintigraphy. TAS/Creatinine(TAS/Cr),
TOS/Creatinin(TOS/Cr), and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase/creatinine(NAG/Cr)
levels were measured in urine samples. OSI was calculated. Results:
There was no statistically significant difference in the values of TAS,
TOS and OSI studied in serum samples between controls and study
group(p=0.105, p=0.913, and p=0.721, respectively). There was no
statistically significant difference in the levels of TAS/Cr, TOS/Cr,
NAG/Cr, and OSI which were studied in urine samples before and after
scintigraphy scan(p=0.381, p=0.543, p=0.129 and p=0.08 respectively).
The levels of DNA damage were increased only after the performance of
the scintigraphy scan and decreased a week later(p<0.05).
Conclusions: The effect of Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy is insufficient to
create oxidative damage, but it can cause DNA damage via the direct
impact of ionizing radiation which can be repaired again in a short
time. Keywords: Tc-99m DMSA, DNA damage; reactive oxygen species; renal
tubular injury; children