Coumarin protects 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced genotoxicity in the bone marrow cells of golden Syrian hamsters

Abstract

Aim : Aim of the present study was to evaluate the antigenotoxic effect of coumarin by measuring the frequencies of micronuclei and the degree of DNA damage in the bone marrow cells of hamster treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Materials and Methods: Genotoxicity was induced in experimental hamsters by single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (30 mg/kg b.w.). The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and DNA damage were assessed in the bone marrow cells of experimental hamsters. The status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and phase I and II detoxification agents were utilized as biochemical end points to assess the dose-dependent antigenotoxic potential of coumarin in DMBA-induced genotoxicity. Results: Increase in micronuclei frequency was accompanied by increase in tail length, percent of tail DNA, tail movement and olive tail movement in the bone marrow cells of hamsters treated with DMBA alone. A significant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, antioxidants and phase I and II detoxification agents were also noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral pretreatment of coumarin at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w to hamsters treated with DMBA significantly decreased the frequency of MnPCEs and DNA damage in the bone marrow cells. Also, coumarin restored the status of biochemical variables in the plasma and liver of hamsters treated with DMBA. Conclusions: Present study demonstrated the antigenotoxic effect of coumarin in DMBA-induced genotoxicity. The antigenotoxic potential of coumarin is probably due to its antioxidant potential and modulating effect on detoxification cascade during DMBA-induced genotoxicity.