Cytological and Molecular Genetic Screening of the Impact of Radiation Contamination on the Human Genome and Public Health (Cytogenetic, Genome Variation)

Bigaliev A. Bekmanov B. Myrzatay A. Kozhakhmetova A. Shalabaeva K. Kulimbetov A. Zhanar K. Cherednichenko O. Salmurzauly R. Zhumanova R. Adilova L.
September 2025 Engineered Science Publisher

ES Energy and Environment
2025 #29

Environmental radiation exposure remains a significant public health concern in Kazakhstan, particularly in regions surrounding legacy uranium mining sites and radioactive waste repositories. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of genomic instability and related health outcomes among affected populations. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, combining radiological monitoring, cytogenetic assays, and molecular genetic profiling. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry of dental enamel indicated elevated cumulative radiation doses exceeding 25-30 rad in exposed individuals. Cytogenetic analyses revealed significantly increased frequencies of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations, notably dicentric chromosomes (0.61 ± 0.3 per cell), indicating persistent genomic instability. Micronucleus assays of erythrocytes and buccal epithelial cells supported these findings. Genomic DNA analysis using PCR to detect polymorphisms in DNA repair genes (XRCC1, XRCC3, and XPD) revealed distinct allele distributions in the exposed group, suggesting a reduced DNA repair capacity. Correlation analyses demonstrated strong positive associations between ambient radiation dose and chromosomal aberration frequency (r = 0.75), as well as the prevalence of endocrine disorders (r = 0.85), congenital anomalies (r = 0.82), and neurological and respiratory conditions. The study also highlights indirect exposure pathways via radionuclide bioaccumulation in locally produced food, such as meat, milk, and vegetables. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating environmental, genetic, and dietary factors into public health assessments and risk evaluation frameworks.

Agroecological risk , Cytogenetic biomarkers , DNA repair genes , Environmental mutagenesis , Genomic instability , Ionizing radiation , Radionuclide contamination

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Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Institute of Genetics and Physiology of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
S. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Department of the Branch of “Orleu” National Center for Professional Development JSC, Institute of Professional Development for Turkestan Region, Turkestan, 161200, Kazakhstan

Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
Institute of Genetics and Physiology of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare
S. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
Department of the Branch of “Orleu” National Center for Professional Development JSC

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