Role of Quercetin against 2-Butoxyethanol Induced Micronucleus and Chromosome Aberrations in Mice

Abstract

EGBE is also known as 2-butoxyethanol (2BE). EGBE is widely used as a solvent in various applications, such as in surface coatings, spray lacquer, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, varnish removers, latex paint, metal cleaners, and in commercially available cleaning products. 2-Butoxyethanol causes cellular damage via formation of reactive oxygen species. Quercetin, a flavonol group of plant flavonoid, has generated interest because of its potential antioxidant, anti-proliferative, chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin exhibited significant antimutagenic and DNA-protective effects against oxidative damage due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in the molecule; it is considered an excellent free radical scavenging antioxidant owing to the high number of hydroxyl groups. Materials and Methods: 2BE was given orally to male mice for seven days at two doses (450µl &900µl/kg b.w.). Quercetin was dissolved in corn oil. The animals in positive control group were treated with only corn oil. Quercetin (20 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally for 7 days prior to 7 days treatment of 2BE for the two doses. Quercetin (20 mg/kg b.w.) was also administered for 14 days (7 days before and 7 days during the period of treatment with two doses of 2BE). Result: the two doses of 2BEinduced both micronuclei (2.88% and 12.77%) and chromosomal aberration in (50% & 72.8%, respectively) of cells. Quercetin administration lowered the frequency of micronuclei and chromosome aberration. Conclusion: These effects of quercetin are to be taken into consideration while evaluating the possible use of quercetin as a protective agent.