Effects of Natural Background Radiation on Human Y Chromosomes in Kerala, India
Author Information
Author(s): Premi Sanjay Srivastava, Jyoti Chandy, Sebastian Padinjarel, Ali Sher
Primary Institution: Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
Hypothesis
Does exposure to high levels of natural background radiation affect the genetic integrity of human Y chromosomes?
Conclusion
Exposure to high levels of natural background radiation is associated with significant genetic alterations in the Y chromosomes of affected males.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 90% of exposed males showed random microdeletions in the Azoospermia factor regions.
- 80% of exposed males exhibited copy number polymorphisms of Y-linked genes.
- Approximately 25% of exposed males had deletions of the DBY gene.
Takeaway
This study looked at how radiation from the environment can change the DNA in the Y chromosomes of men living in Kerala, India, and found many changes.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing blood samples from 390 males exposed to high natural background radiation and 790 unexposed males as controls, focusing on genetic alterations in the Y chromosome.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on blood samples, which may not fully represent germline alterations.
Participant Demographics
390 males from Kerala exposed to high natural background radiation and 790 unexposed males as controls.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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