Chronic occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation may lead to subclinical endothelial dysfunction and early microvascular alterations in healthcare workers. Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive method that allows direct visualization of microcirculatory changes. This observational study aims to evaluate microvascular alterations using nailfold capillaroscopy and to assess their association with serum endothelial and inflammatory biomarkers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), von Willebrand factor (vWF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and D-dimer levels. Healthcare workers with chronic low-dose radiation exposure will be compared with non-exposed controls. The study seeks to improve understanding of early vascular effects of occupational radiation exposure.
Healthcare workers aged between 18 and 60 years.
For the control group: Employment in a healthcare institution with either occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation or no occupational radiation exposure.
For the exposed group: chronic occupational exposure to ionizing radiation for at least 3 years.
Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent.
History of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral vascular disease.
Presence of systemic diseases that may affect microvascular structure or endothelial function, including diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension, dyslipidemia, or chronic kidney disease.
Known autoimmune, connective tissue, or systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., systemic sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, vasculitis).
Active infection or acute inflammatory condition at the time of enrollment.