Genotoxicity Biomarkers Research Articles

Ecotoxicological Characterization of Lithium as a "Timebomb" in Aquatic Systems: Tadpoles of the South American Toad Rhinella arenarum (Hensel, 1867) as Model Organisms.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute lethality and chronic sublethal effects of lithium (Li) on Rhinella arenarum tadpoles as model organisms. First a 96 h toxicity assay was performed by exposing tadpoles to Li concentrations from 44.08 to 412.5 mg L-1 to estimate the mortality, and lethal and sublethal effects. Another bioassay was carried out by exposing tadpoles to two environmentally relevant Li concentrations (2.5 and 20 mg L-1) for one and two weeks. The sublethal effects of Li on tadpoles were evaluated by analyzing biochemical, genotoxic, and physiological biomarkers. The mortality in Li-exposed tadpoles increased over time. The median lethal concentration (LC50) ranged from 319.52 (281.21-363.05) mg L-1 at 48 h to 66.92 (52.76-84.89) mg L-1 at 96 h. Exposure to Li at 2.5 and 20 mg L-1 induced alterations in enzymes related to detoxification, antioxidant, and hepatic mechanisms, endocrine disruption of thyroid hormones, genotoxicity, and effects on the physiology of the heart and gastrointestinal systems. Tadpoles exposed to the highest concentration in the chronic bioassay (20 mg L-1 Li), which is the concentration commonly recorded in Li mining sites, showed significant mortality after one week of exposure. These results warn about the high ecotoxicological risk of Li as a contaminant of emerging concern for amphibians.

Systematization of research on the incidence of pesticides in people, use of biomarkers

Currently the use of pesticides in agriculture has expanded in the search for greater productivity. These products can harm people's health in various ways. These effects can be captured through the use of genotoxicity biomarkers. The objective of this research is to systematize studies on biomarkers of genotoxicity of people exposed to pesticides in South America. The PRISMA method was applied to determine the studies to be analyzed. 15 documents met the inclusion criteria. Among the adverse health effects perceived in studies are neurological, respiratory, dermatological and endocrine disorders, as well as an increased risk of cancer. The main biomarkers identified are the comet assay, the cytokinesis blockade micronucleus assay, and the buccal cytoma micronucleus assay. Polymerase chain reaction, chromosomal aberrations, flow cytometry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were also taken into account. Limitations were determined by biomarker. The usefulness of using multiple biomarkers is highlighted for a more complete and precise evaluation of pesticide exposure and genotoxic damage in agricultural workers in South America. The establishment of protective measures for workers against the use of pesticides and opting for the use of pesticides of biological origin will contribute to the preservation of people's health

Multiple biomarkers in pufferfish as a proxy of environmental health in brazilian marine protected areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designed to conserve biodiversity and vulnerable ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the environmental quality of three Brazilian MPAs, based on the integrated analysis of biomarkers in pufferfish. The MPAs are differentiated by the degree of anthropogenic influences. The Barra do Una Estuary sustainable reserve (JUR) is a reference area due to its low levels of contamination and species diversity. The Cananéia Estuarine System (CAN) has been recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, as well as a Ramsar wetland. This MPA was influenced by upstream mining activities, resulting in the introduction of metals in the estuarine waters and the discharge of untreated urban sewage. The São Vicente estuary (SSV) lacks proper sanitation infrastructure. All collections were conducted during winter season, and, after collection, the animals were euthanized, their soft tissues were removed, and multiple biomarkers were analyzed in the gills and liver, as biometric, genotoxic, biochemical, and morphological. A one-factor multivariate analysis was applied to evaluate the differences between the data sets, and the matrices were analyzed using PERMANOVA to evaluate the “estuary” factor. The results were integrated using PCA with a 0.4 cut value and an Enhanced Integrated Biomarker Response (EIBR) was calculated. PCA was correlated with biochemical, genotoxic, and morphological biomarkers. In general, SVV differed from CAN and JUR as shown by both univariate and multivariate analyses. SVV also showed the highest EIBR, followed by CAN. Organisms from SSV showed greater gill pathology, elevated AChE activity and lipoperoxidation (LPO), and micronuclei frequency. CAN present intermediate EIBR, with severe pathologies in the liver. CAN seems to present an intermediate environmental quality between SSV and JUR indicating the importance of the existence of MPAs for environmental conservation and the need to monitor such areas, to maintain their suitable environmental quality.

The Genotoxicity of Organic Extracts from Particulate Emissions Produced by Neat Gasoline (E0) and a Gasoline-Ethanol Blend (E15) in BEAS-2B Cells.

Emissions from modern gasoline engines represent an environmental and health risk. In this study, we aimed to compare the toxicity of organic compound mixtures extracted from particulate matter (PM extracts) produced by neat gasoline (E0) and a blend containing 15% ethanol (E15), which is offered as an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels. Human lung BEAS-2B cells were exposed to PM extracts, and biomarkers of genotoxicity, such as DNA damage evaluated by comet assay, micronuclei formation, levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX, the expression of genes relevant to the DNA damage response, and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were determined. Results showed that both PM extracts significantly increased the level of oxidized DNA lesions. The E0 extract exhibited a more pronounced effect, possibly due to the higher content of nitrated PAHs. Other endpoints were not substantially affected by any of the PM extracts. Gene expression analysis revealed mild but coordinated induction of genes related to DNA damage response, and a strong induction of PAH-inducible genes, indicating activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Our data suggest that the addition of ethanol into the gasoline diminished the oxidative DNA damage, but no effect on other genotoxicity biomarkers was observed. Activated AhR may play an important role in the toxicity of gasoline PM emissions.

Different response of females and males Neotropical catfish (Rhamdia quelen) upon short-term temperature increase.

Climate change has been one of the most discussed topics in the world. Global warming is characterized by an increase in global temperature, also in aquatic environments. The increased temperature can affect aquatic organisms with lethal and sublethal effects. Thus, it is necessary to understand how different species respond to temperature. This study aimed to evaluate how the Neotropical catfish species Rhamdia quelen responds to temperature increases. The fish were exposed to temperatures of 25°C (control) and 30°C after gradual temperature increase for 7days. After 96h in each temperature, the fish were anesthetized, blood was collected, and after euthanasia, brain, liver, posterior kidney, gills, muscle, and gonads were collected. The gonads were used for sexing, while other tissues were used for the hematological, biochemical, genotoxic, and histopathological biomarkers analysis. Hepatic proteomic analysis with a focus on energy production was also carried out. Blood parameter changes in both sexes, including an increase in glucose in males, leukopenia in females, and genotoxicity in both sexes. Hepatic proteins related to energy production were altered in both sexes, but mainly in males. Others biomarker alterations, such as histopathological, were not observed in other tissues; however, the antioxidant system was affected differently between sexes. These showed that R. quelen juveniles, at temperatures higher than its optimum temperature such as 30°C, has several sublethal changes, such as hematological alterations, antioxidant system activation, and energetic metabolism alteration, especially in males. Thus, short-term temperature rise can affect females and males of R. quelen differently.

POST-SIEGE GENOTOXIC HAZARDS IN LAKE LANAO, PHILIPPINES BY MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY

Massive war pollutants brought by Marawi Siege in the Philippines have contaminated the city environs and the surrounding ancient Lake Lanao. Munition residues including heavy metals are reportedly genotoxic hence this study was conducted to determine the post-siege genotoxic hazards posed by the munition pollutants through micronucleus (MN) assay on the slow-moving edible gastropod snails Vivipara angularis Muller (locally known as “suso”) thriving in the lake. MN, a biomarker of genotoxicity was examined and counted in the hemocytes of exposed juvenile and adult snails. Results revealed that MN frequencies (no. of MN/1000 hemocytes) were significantly higher in snails sampled in Lake Lanao lakeshores than in the reference site Lake Dapao. Among adult samples, there was a decreasing trend of MN frequencies with increasing distance from lakeshore fronting warzone ‘ground zero’ where the battle was heaviest (site A) to sampling sites away from it: sites B, C, and D (Lake Dapao) which are 8.15 km, 24.41 km, and 34.45 km, respectively. Moreover, varied patterns of micronucleation were observed between age groups and sites, i.e., in all sites except C, adults had greater MN counts than juveniles which were significant in site A only. Unexpectedly juveniles displayed significantly high MN counts than adults in site C. The elevated MN frequencies in the snail hemocytes exposed to war pollution could be attributed to genotoxic munition residues eroded and washed into the lake water. Moreover, heavy metals which are common components of weaponries were also detected in the snail muscles, although at concentrations within safe levels but continued consumption may be cautioned to avoid biomagnification. Other genotoxins must be present in site C other than munition residues predisposing the juvenile snails. The results are baseline data on the MN frequencies in V. angularis exposed to war pollutants in Lake Lanao which need further investigation. Post-siege genotoxic hazards in the lake by MN assay cannot be ignored, thus local leaders must be informed of the results for possible intervention to protect the health and well-being of the community. 
 

Cytogenotoxic potential and toxicity in adult Danio rerio (zebrafish) exposed to chloramine T

Background Chloramine-T (CL-T) is a synthetic sodium salt used as a disinfectant in fish farms to combat bacterial infections in fish gills and skin. While its efficacy in pathogen control is well-established, its reactivity with various functional groups has raised concerns. However, limited research exists on the toxicity of disinfection by-products to aquatic organisms. Therefore, this study aims to assess the sublethal effects of CL-T on adult zebrafish by examining biomarkers of nucleus cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and histopathological changes. Methods Male and female adult zebrafish (wildtype AB lineage) specimens were exposed to 70, 140, and 200 mg/L of CL-T and evaluated after 96 h. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were evaluated by estimating the frequencies of nuclear abnormalities (NA), micronuclei (MN), and integrated optical density (IOD) of nuclear erythrocytes. Histopathological changes in the gills and liver were assessed using the degree of tissue changes (DTC). AChE activity was measured in brain samples. Results and conclusions At a concentration of 200 mg/L, NA increased, indicating the cytogenotoxic potential of CL-T in adult zebrafish. Morphological alterations in the nuclei were observed at both 70 and 200 mg/L concentrations. Distinct IOD profiles were identified across the three concentrations. There were no changes in AChE activity in adult zebrafish. The DTC scores were high in all concentrations, and histological alterations suggested low to moderate toxicity of CL-T for adult zebrafish.

Evaluation of the Genotoxic and Histological Effects in Neotropical Fish Prochilodus Lacustris (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) in Conservation Area of the Brazilian Northeast.

Human activities significantly impact the aquatic biota in lacustrine environments, leading to negative environmental consequences. Due to this, this study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic and histological biomarkers in the gills and kidneys of Prochilodus lacustris. The collection of fish and water was conducted in three distinct stations (S1, S2, S3) in an international protected area in northeast Brazil. The histological alterations index was used to assess changes in the gills and kidneys at a histological level. In addition, micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities tests were employed to examine damage to the genetic material. According to the frequency of Micronucleus, nuclear injuries, and the histopathology of gills and kidneys, it can be inferred that station S1 had the highest impact on the fish, causing significant harm. Based on our findings, the organisms residing in Lake Açu are adversely affected by the poor environmental conditions. This raises doubts about the effectiveness of the Protection Area by Humid Zone of International Interest in Northeast Brazil.

DNA damage in workers exposed to pigment grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) and association with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation

The present study was aimed at investigating DNA damage, micronuclei frequency and meta-nuclear alterations in buccal cells of workers involved in pigment-grade TiO2 production (15 exposed and 20 not-exposed). We also assessed associations of genotoxicity biomarkers with oxidative stress/inflammatory biomarkers in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC), as well as possible associations between biomarkers and reported respiratory symptoms. In spite of compliance with TiO2 Occupational Exposure Limits, results showed increased direct/oxidative DNA damage and micronuclei frequency in exposed workers. Genotoxicity parameters were associated with oxidative stress/inflammation biomarkers in urine and EBC, thus confirming that TiO2 exposure can affect the oxidative balance. Workers with higher genotoxic/oxidative stress biomarkers levels reported early respiratory symptoms suggesting that molecular alterations can be predictive of early health dysfunctions. These findings suggest the need to assess early health impairment in health surveillance programs and to address properly safety issues in workplaces where TiO2 is handled.

Assessment of Genotoxic Biomarker in Tongue and Buccal Mucosal Epithelial Cells of COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study

Assessment of Genotoxic Biomarker in Tongue and Buccal Mucosal Epithelial Cells of COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study

Multi-biomarker approach for the (eco)toxicity of UV-filter environmental pollution on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in a multiple stressor context. The case of 4-MBC under salinity shifts.

Marine-coastal ecosystems are rapidly transforming because of climate change (CC). At the same time, the impacts of emerging organic contaminants (i.e., organic UV-filters) on these ecosystems are intensifying. In the Mediterranean, the consequences of these disturbances are occurring at a fast pace making this area a potential sentinel site to be investigated. While singular effects of organic UV-filters or CC-related factors on marine biota have been relatively described, their combined impact is still largely unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the long-term responses of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis towards anticipated salinity changes (decreases-S20 or increases-S40) when exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of the UV-filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). An integrated multi-biomarker approach was applied, featuring general and oxidative stress, antioxidant and biotransformation enzyme capacity, energy metabolism, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity biomarkers. Results showed that both projected salinities, considered separately, exerted non-negligible impacts on mussels' health status, with greater biological impairments found at S 40. Combining both stressors resulted in an evident increase in mussels' susceptibility to the UV-filter, which exacerbated the toxicity of 4-MBC. The dominant influence of salinity in the climate change-contaminant interaction played a crucial role in this outcome. The most severe scenario occurred when S 20 was combined with 4-MBC. In this situation, mussels exhibited a decrease in filtration rate, metabolic capacity and deployment of energy reserves increased, with an upregulation of biotransformation and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities. This exposure also led to the observation of cellular and DNA damage, as well as an increase in AChE activity. Furthermore, salinity-dependent bioaccumulation patterns were evaluated revealing that the lowest values in contaminated mussels are found at S 20. Overall, the present findings provide evidence that projected CC/pollutant scenarios may represent high risks for mussels’ populations, with global relevant implications for the ecosystem level.

P06-13: Machine learning in predicting genotoxicity biomarkers based on the exposure to air pollutants in colder and warmer periods in the general population of Zagreb (Croatia)

P06-13: Machine learning in predicting genotoxicity biomarkers based on the exposure to air pollutants in colder and warmer periods in the general population of Zagreb (Croatia)

Deep neural network and molecular docking supported toxicity profile of prometryn

In this study, the versatile toxicity profile of prometryn herbicide on Allium cepa was investigated. In this context, 4 different groups were formed. While the control group was treated with distilled water, Groups II, III and IV were treated with 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L and 800 mg/L prometryn, respectively. After 72 h of germination, cytogenetic, biochemical, physiological and anatomical changes were investigated. As a result increase in malondialdehyde levels, decrease in glutathione level, changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in root tip cells show that prometryn causes oxidative stress. The decrease in mitotic index values and the increase in the frequency of micronucleus and chromosomal abnormalities observed after prometryn treatment indicate genotoxic effects. The genotoxic effects may be due to the induced oxidative stress as well as the promethryn-DNA interaction. Molecular docking analyses revealed that prometryn interacts with various bases in DNA. As a result of the Comet assay, exposure to prometryn was found to cause DNA fragmentation. In physiological parameters final weight, germination percentage and root length decreased by 23.8%, 59.1% and 87.3%, respectively, in the 800 mg/L prometryn applied group. Deep neural network (DNN) model was optimized to predict the effects of different doses of prometryn on 4 different endpoints: micronucleus, mitotic index, chromosomal abnormalities and DNA Damage. The predicted data was found to be very similar to the actual data. The performance of the model was evaluated using MAE, MAPE, RMSE and R2, and these metrics indicate that the model performed well. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the DNN model developed here is a valuable tool for predicting genotoxicity biomarkers in response to the application doses of prometryn, and has the potential to contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Acute and subchronic effects of ibuprofen on the ten spotted live-bearer fish Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Jenyns, 1842)

Ibuprofen (IBP) is an anti-inflammatory drug found in aquatic environments, potentially toxic for the biota. We exposed the test fish C. decemmaculatus to two environmentally relevant concentrations (50 and 100 μg IBP/L) for 4 and 12 d and evaluated the effect on some biomarkers. Micronucleus test, nuclear abnormality test and comet assay indicated cyto-genotoxicity at both concentrations and exposure periods. Oxidative stress and biochemical biomarkers were not affected, excepting muscle AChE activity for 4 d. Muscle metabolic biomarkers showed significant decrease in ETS, lipid and protein content, while carbohydrate content was not affected. The CEA index increased at the lower IBP concentration for 4 and 12 d, possibly due to changes in body energy reserves. A full-factorial GLM performed to assess the effects of IBP and exposure times showed that the metabolic and genotoxicity biomarkers were the most sensitive to IBP toxicity, mainly at 50 μg IBP/L for 4 d.

Assessment of toxicity potential of neglected Mithi River water from Mumbai megacity, India, in zebrafish using embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, and genotoxicity biomarkers.

The Mithi River begins at Vihar Lake and flows through the industrial hub of the city of Mumbai, India, and merges with the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek. The current study was carried out to assess the ecotoxicological effects of the Mithi River surface water in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Water samples were collected from ten sampling sites (S1 to S10) located along the course of the Mithi River. The toxicity of water samples was assessed using a zebrafish embryo toxicity test (ZFET). Water samples were diluted from all sites at 1:0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, and 1:128 times. The lowest and highest LDil 20 values for 96 h were estimated as 9.16 and 74.18 respectively for the S2 and S5 sites. The results of embryotoxicity and teratogenicity assays indicated a significant difference (p < 0.0001) between embryos exposed to control and sampling sites (except S1) for various endpoints such as mortality, egg coagulation, pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, tail bend, and skeletal deformities. The histopathological analysis revealed various lesions, ascertaining the toxic effects of water samples. The comet assay revealed significantly higher DNA damage (except S1) in embryos exposed to sites S5 and S6 with OTM values of 4.46 and 2.48 respectively. The results indicated that the Mithi River is polluted with maximum pollution load at the middle stretches. The study further indicated that the pollutants in the Mithi River (except S1) could potentially be hazardous to the aquatic organisms; therefore, continuous biomonitoring of the river is needed for its revival.

Experimentally exposed toxic effects of long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of CIP in males and females of the silver catfish Rhamdia quelen

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is an antibiotic commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. It is present in the aquatic environment, but we still know very little about its effect on non-targeted organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term exposure to environmental CIP concentrations (1, 10, and 100 μg.L−1) in males and females of Rhamdia quelen. After 28 days of exposure, we collected the blood for the analysis of hematological and genotoxic biomarkers. Additionally, we measured 17 β-estradiol and 11 keto-testosterone levels. After the euthanasia, we collected the brain and the hypothalamus to analyze acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and neurotransmitters, respectively. The liver and gonads were assessed for biochemical, genotoxic, and histopathological biomarkers. At 100 μg.L−1 CIP, we observed genotoxicity in the blood, nuclear morphological changes, apoptosis, leukopenia, and a reduction of AChE in the brain. In the liver was observed oxidative stress and apoptosis. At 10 μg.L−1 CIP, leukopenia, morphological changes, and apoptosis were presented in the blood and a reduction of AChE in the brain. Apoptosis, leukocyte infiltration, steatosis, and necrosis occurred in the liver. Even at the lowest concentration (1 μg.L−1), adverse effects such as erythrocyte and liver genotoxicity, hepatocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and a decrease in somatic indexes were observed. The results showed the importance of monitoring CIP concentrations in the aquatic environment that cause sublethal effects on fish.

Water and sediment quality of an agro-industrial area through different approaches: Physicochemical parameters and ecotoxicity with amphibians.

Amphibians are subject to several stressors in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, and human activities have profoundly impacted this vertebrate group. The aim of the present study was to analyze physicochemical parameters, metals and pesticide residues, and the toxicity of water and sediment samples from an environment with high agricultural activity (S1: Salto stream; S2: drainage channel downstream from S1) by means of bioassays using Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia: Anura) larvae. Metals and pesticides were analyzed in water and sediment samples by fluorescence spectrometer of X-ray by total reflection and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS, respectively. For lethality bioassays, 10 larvae (in triplicate) were exposed for 504 h to water and sediment samples. Also, 50 larvae were exposed for 96 h (in triplicate) to water and sediment samples for the evaluation of biomarkers of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity. Twenty-six different pesticides (mainly herbicides) were detected in both sites, and Cu, Zn, and Pb exceeded the limit for protection of aquatic life. Lethality was observed in larvae exposed to water and sediment samples from both sites at chronic exposure. Oxidative stress was observed in larvae exposed to both sites. In larvae exposed to samples from S1, alterations in the neurotoxicity biomarkers were observed. These results alert about the degradation of the sites and highlight the need to monitor and control the use of pesticides. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Twenty-six pesticides were detected in water and sediment from Salto stream basin. Significant mortality was observed in larvae exposed to samples from all sites. Sublethal effects were observed mainly in larvae exposed to samples from Salto stream. The degraded quality can be associated with the agricultural activities of the area.

The meta-analysis of cytogenetic biomarkers as an assessment of occupational risk for healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs.

Antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are widely used in clinical practice and have been demonstrated to be effective in treating malignant tumors. However, they carry a risk of cytogenotoxicity for healthcare workers. Studies have reported that genotoxic biomarkers can be applied to assess the occupational health status of healthcare workers at an early stage, but results of different studies are variable. The objectives of the review were examine the association between long-term exposure to ADs and cytogenetic damage to healthcare workers. We systematically reviewed studies between 2005 and 2021 using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases that used cytogenetic biomarkers to assess occupational exposure to ADs in healthcare workers. We used RevMan5.4 to analyze the tail length parameters of the DNA, frequency of the chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei. A total of 16 studies were included in our study. The studies evaluate the quality of the literature through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The results revealed that under the random-effects model, the estimated standard deviation was 2.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-3.81, P = 0.001) for the tail length parameters of the DNA, 1.48 (95% CI 0.71-2.25, P = 0.0002) for the frequency of chromosomal aberrations, 1.74 (95% CI 0.49-2.99, P = 0.006) for the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and 1.64 (95% CI 0.83-2.45, P < 0.0001) for the frequency of micronuclei. The results indicate that there is a significant association between occupational exposure to ADs and cytogenetic damage, to which healthcare workers should be alerted.

Association of glutathione-S-transferase polymorphism with genetic damage in paint workers.

Occupational exposure to toluene causes serious health problems ranging from drowsiness to lethal diseases such as cancer. Paint workers are exposed to toluene through inhalation or the dermal route, which can induce genetcic damage. The increased DNA damage could be linked to genetic polymorphism. Therefore, we evaluated the association of glutathione-S-transferase polymorphism with DNA damage in paint workers. First, we included skilled paint workers (n = 30) as exposed and healthy individuals (n = 30) as control belonging to the same socio-economic strata. The genotoxicity biomarkers, Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN), and single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Comet assay were used to assess genotoxicity while Multiplex-PCR and PCR-RFLP were used to assess polymorphism in glutathione-s-transferase (GST) genes. Using linear curve regression analysis, we assessed the association between genetic damage and polymorphism in the glutathione-s-transferase (GST) gene in the exposed and control subjects. A significantly higher frequency of CBMN (4.43 ± 1.50) and tail moment (TM) (11.23 ± 1.0) respectively in paint workers as compared to the control(1.50 ± 0.86 and (0.54 ± 0.37) underlined significantly high genetic damage in paint workers.Regression curve analysis reveals that polymorphism in the GST gene is significantly associated with higher MN and TM in paint workers. Overall, our study provides a strong rationale for identifying a clear association between glutathione-S-transferase polymorphism and genetic damage in paint workers.

Morphological and functional alterations in hemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed in high-impact anthropogenic sites

The work aimed to study the induction of morphological alterations in M. galloprovincialis in the field and its suitability to be integrated into a sensitive, simple, and cost-effective cell-based multimarker approach for the detection of the stress status induced by pollution in coastal marine environments in view of ecotoxicological biomonitoring and assessment application. Cellular morphometric alterations was paralleled by the analysis of standardized biomarkers such as lysosomal membrane destabilization, and genotoxocity biomarkers such as micronuclei and binuclated cells frequencies were investigated. The study was carried out by means of a transplanting experiment in the field, using caged organisms from an initial population exposed in the field in two multi-impacted coastal sites of the central Mediterranean area, Bagnoli in the eastern Tyrrhenian Sea and Augusta-Melilli-Priolo in the western Ionian Sea. Capo Miseno (NA) for the Tyrrhenian area and Brucoli (ME) for the Ionian area were chosen as control sites.Hemocyte enlargement and filopodial elongation increased frequencies were observed in organisms exposed to the impacted sites. These morphometric alterations showed strong agreement with the lysosomal membrane destabilization and biomarkers of genotoxicity, suggesting their usefulness in detecting the pollutant-induced stress syndrome related to genotoxic damage.