Changes in the Radiation Toxicity of Human Lymphoblastic T-cell Line (Jurkat) by a Common Pesticide: Diazinon

Background: Diazinon is one of the most common pesticides in the world playing a similar role to radiation and it could cause DNA breaks and genetic effects.

Objective: In this study, radiosensitivity of a lymphoblastic cell line pretreated by Diazinon was investigated.

Material and methods: In this case-control study, the human lymphoblastic T-cell line was divided into 6 groups based on receiving radiation or/and Diazinon. After that, the DNA damage, in all of the groups, were counted by cytokinesis-block micronuclei assay using different indices.

Results: The mean frequency of micronuclei, nuclear bridges and nuclear buds in cell groups exposed by both Diazinon and radiation were remarkably higher than the other groups which just received radiation or Diazinon alone. The interaction between radiation and Diazinon treatment was statistically significant for NBUDS index.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the Diazinon contamination could affect the radiosensitivity index of cancerous cells while further molecular and in-vivo studies are needed to investigate genetic and toxic effects of Diazinon on DNA and its repair system.