Evaluation of uranium concentration, DNA fragmentation, and malondialdehyde concentration in the blood of Jisr-Diyala residents/Iraq

This study aims to evaluate the uranium concentration as an indicator of internal exposure to assess its potential biological effects, including DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress. Blood samples were collected from 80 individuals (40 residents and 40 from the control group) in Jisr Diyala district, Iraq, for uranium measurements. DNA fragmentation and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were estimated using the comet assay and MDA assay, respectively. The uranium concentration in the blood was significantly higher (605.90 ng l-1) in the residents compared to that in the control group (367.04 ng l-1). DNA fragmentation showed a 1.8-fold longer DNA tail, 2.4-fold larger tail area, 2-fold higher %DNA in the tail, and 3.3-fold higher tail moment in the resident group than in the control group. The mean MDA concentration was higher in the resident group (1.250) than in the control group (0.698). A positive correlation was observed between uranium concentration, DNA tail length, DNA tail moment, and MDA concentration. Increased uranium levels underline the importance of studying the associated health risks and biological effects.