18F-FDG-induced DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations, and toxicity in V79 lung fibroblast cells.

18F-FDG PET/CT imaging is used in the diagnosis of diseases, including cancers. The principal photons used for imaging are 511 ke V gamma photons resulting from positron annihilation. The absorbed dose varies among body organs, depending on administered radioactivity and biological clearance. We have attempted to evaluate DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and toxicity induced in V79 lung fibroblast cells in vitro by 18F-FDG, at doses which might result from PET procedures. Cells were irradiated by 18F-FDG at doses (14.51 and 26.86 mGy), comparable to absorbed doses received by critical organs during PET procedures. The biological endpoints measured were formation of γ-H2AX foci, mitochondrial stress, chromosomal aberrations, and cell cycle perturbation. Irradiation induced DSB (γH2AX assay), mitochondrial depolarization, and both chromosome and chromatid types of aberrations. At higher radiation doses, increased aneuploidy and reduced mitotic activity were also seen. Thus, significant biological effects were observed at the doses delivered by the 18F-FDG exposure and the effects increased with dose.