Number Of Micronucleated Cells Research Articles

Comparative analysis of chlorhexidine and listerine mouthwashes on buccal cell health: A clinical and cytological investigation

Mouthwashes are used routinely as adjunct to scaling and root planing. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is known as gold standard while Listerine is a widely used essential oil mouthwash. This study was done to evaluate and compare the genotoxic effect of Listerine with Chlorhexidine mouthwash on buccal cells.It was a parallel design study with 20 participants in each group (Group 1: Chlorhexidine mouthwash and Group 2: Listerine mouthwash). Gingival index was recorded and buccal cells scraping were taken at baseline and 3 weeks after use of respective mouthwashes. The buccal cells were assessed for cytotoxicity using micronuclei test (under microscope at 100 x magnification) using Papanicolaou Stain.There was a statistically significant reduction seen in gingival index from baseline to 3 weeks in both the groups (p< 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in micronuclei count and number of Micronucleated cells in both the groups from baseline to 3 weeks (p< 0.001). The intergroup analysis showed highly significant increase in micronuclei and Micronucleated cells numbers in Chlorhexidine mouthwash group as compared to Listerine group (p< 0.001).After a 3 weeks exposure, Listerine mouthwash showed less cytotoxicity on buccal cells as compared to Chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Immune boosting and ameliorative properties of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile against MSG-induced genotoxicity: An in silico and in vivo approach

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is popularly consumed as food and as medicine due to its nutritional and bioactive constituents. This study assessed the anti-genotoxic effect of aqueous leaf extract of VA against monosodium (MSG) –induced genotoxicity. Crude extraction and phytochemical analysis were done using standard methods. In silico studies was done using compounds in the extract against Bcl-2, NF-kB 50, DNA polymerase lambda, DNA ligase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Twelve rats were divided into three groups with four rats in each group. Group I was fed on food and water, group II received MSG (4 g/kg) per body weight (pbw) intraperitoneally, group III received MSG (4 g/kg) pbw intraperitoneally followed by oral dose of VA leaf extract (250 mg/kg) per body weight. The number of the micronucleated red blood cells and white blood cells were determined from blood smears microscopically. Results showed that aqueous extract of VA contained in mg/100 g alkaloids (7.04 ± 0.16), saponins (3.91 ± 0.13), flavonoid (1.64 ± 0.16), phenol (3.40 ± 0.12) and tannins (0.07 ± 0.32). In silico studies revealed high binding interaction (ΔG > −8.6) of vernoniosides D and E with all the tested proteins. There was a reduction in the number of micronucleated cells, neutrophils and eosinophils of the treated group compared to the MSG group, while there was an increase in the lymphocyte count. The anti-genotoxic effects of VA leaf extract might be attributed to the synergistic interaction of the various bioactive components in the extract. VA could be a potential plant for the prevention of cancer and other diseases that attenuate the immune system.

Pistacia lentiscus L. fruits showed promising antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activity using both in-vitro and in-vivo test systems

ABSTRACT Pistacia lentiscus L. is one of the most popular medicinal plants attributed to its beneficial properties on human health. However, few toxicogenetic studies have been carried out. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the potential genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic/antimutagenic properties of oil, ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts of P. lentiscus L. fruits using in vitro the Ames and Umu assays, as well as in vivo micronucleus (MN) test. Extracts did not exert any significant mutagenic/genotoxic effects but provided protection against standard mutagenic and genotoxic agents including 2 nitrofluorene (2-NF) at 2.5 and 5 µg/ml; sodium azide at 5 and 10 µg/ml; 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) at 25 and 50 μg/ml; cyclophosphamide (CP) at 50 and 100 μg/ml; 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) at 0.05 µg/ml and 2-amino-anthracene (AA) at 0.2 µg/ml. Further, cytotoxicity and selectivity were examined on human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2), and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines as well as a human normal-like fibroblast cell line (TelCOFS02MA) using MTT assay. Among all extracts, PF1 (ethanolic) showed the most significant selectivity index (SI) (HepG2:11.98; MCF7:4.83), which led to further investigations using an animal model. Oral administration of PF1 (125–1000 mg/kg b.w.) significantly decreased the number of micronucleated cells in CP -initiated (50 mg/kg b.w.) mice, while the number of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRET), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) or mitotic index (MI) were not markedly affected. Further, PF1 significantly enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the livers and kidneys of these animals. The obtained results indicated the beneficial properties of P. lentiscus L. fruits for use in therapy against harmful effects of genotoxic and mutagenic agents. However, while promising it should be noted that the obtained results are preliminary and need to be confirmed prior to therapeutic use.

GENOTOXICITY AND CYTOTOXICITY CAUSED BY CLEAR ALIGNERS-AN INVIVO STUDY

Aim: To evaluate the possible cytotoxic damage to the oral mucosal cells in healthy patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Materials & Methods: 20 patients who required orthodontic treatment were chosen. The rst set of aligners were fabricated for each patient using a PETG material. Patients were instructed to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day for 15 days. Buccal mucosal cells were sampled at two time intervals T0- pre treatment and T1- after 15 days and were immediately smeared onto a clean glass slide. The smears were immediately xed in isopropyl alcohol, following which the slides were hydrated with distilled water, stained with the Papanicolaou method and subjected to cytomorphometric analysis. The two samples obtained at T0 and T1 for each patient were compared to check for an increase in number of micronucleated cells. Student Paired t Test was used to compare the mean micronuclei count between pre and post treatment. Results: The mean Micro Nuclei count in the post treatment period was signicantly higher (4.50 ± 1.96) as compared to pretreatment period (3.10 ± 1.73) with a mean difference of -1.40 at P=0.007. Conclusion: Within the experimental limits of this study the PETG material used for fabrication of aligners resulted in a change in the nature of buccal mucosal cells with an increase in the number of micronuclei which is an indicator for cytotoxicity. The PETG material may have a cytotoxic effect on the cells of the oral mucosa.

Mutagenicity and genotoxicity assessments of some industrially processed meat products in Algeria

Processed meat products are presumptive sources of mutagens and genotoxins for consumers. Several epidemiological studies have reported that these products' high intakes have a positive link with cancer incidence. In Algeria, industrially processed meat products are widely consumed. However, there are no earlier studies involving their genotoxic activity. For this end, the current study aimed at evaluating the mutagenicity and the genotoxicity of some representative industrially processed meat products sold in popular supermarkets. All samples were extracted by established method, using both polar and non-polar solvents. The meat extracts mutagenicity was assessed by Ames test, using four strains of Salmonella typhimurium in the presence and absence of metabolic activation, and subsequently by treat and wash assay for extracts showing biologically significant results. The genotoxicity was determined in TK6 human lymphoblastoid cells using the in vitro micronucleus assay in micromethod. The results showed that all extracts analyzed induce no mutagenic activity. However, one of these extracts induced a biologically significant increase in the number of micronucleated cells. Our findings indicate the importance of the genetic damage detection for taking measures to suppress or reduce the exposure to harmful contaminants and encourage further research investigating genotoxic effects of industrially processed meat worldwide.

Genomic instability in people living with HIV

The increased life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease. However, patients may be at risk of accelerated aging and the accumulation of cellular damage, which may trigger the development of cancer. We evaluated genomic instability in HIV-positive individuals with different viral loads receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and in HIV ART-naïve individuals. We included 67 participants divided into four groups: group 1 (n = 24) HIV patients receiving reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (tenofovir/ emtricitabine/ efavirenz and abacavir/ lamivudine/ efavirenz), group 2 (n = 22) HIV patients receiving protease inhibitors combined with other antiretroviral drugs (tenofovir/ emtricitabine with ritonavir/ atazanavir or lopinavir/ ritonavir, and darunavir/ ritonavir/ raltegravir), group 3 (n = 13) HIV ART-naïve patients, and group 4 (n = 8) healthy individuals (controls). Nuclear abnormalities in buccal mucosal samples (micronuclei, binucleated cells, nuclear buds, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and pyknosis) were quantified. Simultaneously, blood samples were taken to quantify CD4+, CD8+, and HIV viral load. There was a significant age difference between HIV ART-naïve patients and receiving ART groups. Infection time was longer in HIV patients with ART than in ART-naïve patients. There were no differences in sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, or number of micronucleated cells between the study groups. We found higher frequencies of binucleated cells and nuclear buds in HIV patients, HIV ART-naïve, and HIV ART patients compared to the control group. We found a positive correlation between nuclear buds and CD4/CD8 ratio in the HIV ART-naïve group. In conclusion, PLWH showed increased genomic instability. The CD4/CD8 ratio affects the numbers of nuclear buds and binucleated cells. These findings are pertinent to mechanisms of damage and possible strategies to mitigate carcinogenesis in PLWH.

Effect of lead on proliferation, oxidative stress and genotoxic damage of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts.

Lead (Pb) is an environmental and industrial contaminant that still represents a public health problem. In this paper, we investigated the effect of Pb on proliferation, lipid peroxidation and the number of micronucleated cells in exponentially growing 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, a cell line previously used to evaluate different environmental contaminants. We found that Pb (10μM or higher) was able to inhibit proliferation of exponentially growing cells after 24-h treatment, which was evaluated by the MTT assay and cell counting in Neubauer chamber, but cell survival was not affected according to the trypan blue exclusion assay. On the other hand, Pb was able to increase lipid peroxidation and the number of micronucleated cells, which are indicative of oxidative stress and genotoxic damage respectively. We also found that removal of Pb after 24-h treatment allowed cells to recover proliferation. Our results indicate that Pb was able to induce oxidative stress and genotoxicity in this cell line under standardized conditions, which supports the involvement of Pb in similar effects observed in human exposed to this heavy metal. In addition, Pb inhibits proliferation of exponentially growing fibroblasts but cells resume proliferation after removal of this metal, which suggests that it is important to move away Pb-exposed individuals from the source of contamination.

Investigation of Toxicity in Black Jaw Tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) Exposed to Crude Oil

The toxicity effects of crude oil were investigated in the laboratory. Triplicates of (T1) 0.25mg/l, (T2) 1.0mg/l, (T3) 2.25mg/l, (T4) 5.0mg/l and (T5) 7.5mg/l concentration of crude oil exposed to Sarotherodon melanotheron species. The acute toxicity test of crude oil when tested against Sarotherodon melanotheron revealed that the derived toxicity index LC50 was 0.925mg/l. On computing Toxicity Factor (TF), using 96 hours. LC50, crude oil was found to be very toxic to the Sarotherodon melanotheron juvenile. The mean frequencies of micronucleus in S. melanotheron exposed to different concentration of crude oil ranged from 3.01±0.50 – 27.48±2.71. The lowest value was 3.01±0.50 in T0 (control) while the highest value of 27.48 ± 2.71 wasrecorded in fishes exposed to (T5) 7.5mg/l test solutions. The results obtained from micronucleus test showed that T5 had the highest number of micro-nucleated cells followed by T4 while T1, T2, T3, and T0 significantly increased with the concentration across the test chemical. Sarotherodon melanotheron showed various degrees of sensitivity in monitoring genetic damage especially in the normal nucleus (NN). The chromosomal aberrations indicate formation of vacuolated nucleus (VC), micronucleus (MN) and bi-nucleated cells (BN) showed marked increase in occurrence in the following concentrations of occurrences; T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Test solution of concentration T5 (7.5mg/l) was observed to possess fish with highest level of micronucleus frequencies followed by T4 (5.0mg/L). There were significant differences in increasing T5 having the highest number of micro-nucleated cells (MN) with a trend in increasing bi-nucleus cells (BN), polymorphic nucleus (PM), kidney shape nucleus (KN) and bleb nucleus (BLN) cells, respectively, as the concentration of the test chemical increased. The results also showed that there was a significant difference in the effects of the T5 and other test concentrations (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T0). The response of Sarotherodon melanotheron established that is a better model for bioassay test used as a pollution bio indicator. Pollutants even in a very low concentration if present for a long duration may affect the nucleus. Hence, the use of any kind of substances such as crude oil products and synthetic chemicals in aquaculture field should be carefully monitored and used under proper guidance.

Micronucleus and Its Significance in Effusion Fluids.

Background:Micronucleus (MN) is an extranuclear body within the cell formed due to failure of incorporation of whole chromosomes or their fragments during cell division. MN scoring can be done to identify malignant effusions.Aims:This study aimed to score micronuclei to distinguish malignant effusion from benign effusions and to correlate MN score with type of malignant effusion.Methods and Materials:A retrospective study was conducted on 30 malignant and 30 benign effusions. The number of micronucleated cells per 1,000 cells was counted in effusion smears stained with Papanicolaou stain under oil immersion (1,000×).Results:The mean MN score in malignant effusions was 3.77 with standard deviation (SD) of 2.13. The mean MN score in benign effusions was 0.50 with SD of 0.57. The difference in MN score between malignant and benign effusions is statistically significant (P < 0.001). A cut-off MN score of 6.5 was seen to distinguish malignant and benign effusions with 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity in this study.Conclusions:MN score is higher in malignant effusions when compared with benign effusions. This can be used to differentiate malignant effusions from benign effusions in low resource setting.

Comparative studies on the effect of environmental pollution on secondary metabolite contents and genotoxicity of two plants in Asir area, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemical contents and genotoxic effects of Ficus carica and Schinus molle grown in healthy and polluted environments in Asir area, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Extracts of the aerial parts of the plants were screened for phytochemical constituents. Genotoxicity tests were carried out in mice using Comet assay, micronucleus test and chromosomal analysis. Results: Extracts of the two plants grown in polluted soil showed elevations in phytochemical and heavy metal contents, when compared with extracts from non-polluted sites. In genotoxicity tests, F. carica and S. molle extracts produced significant increases in the number of micro-nucleated cells in mice, compared to control. Cytotoxicity tests showed that extracts from plants grown in non-polluted environments did not decrease polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) ratio in bone marrow cells, relative to control. Mice in the vehicle control group showed some aberrant metaphases and a few aberrations per hundred metaphases. Conclusion: Pollution has significant effects on phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and genotoxic potential of the two plants. Keywords: Ficus carica , Schinus molle , Pollution, Genotoxicity, Total phenolic compounds, Total flavonoids

Increased micronucleus count predicts malignant behavior in pleural effusion fluid

Background/aim: Micronucleus (MN) frequency is used as a biomarker of chromosomal damage, genome instability, and cancer risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of MN frequency to differentiate between malignant and benign pleural effusion samples. Materials and methods: Retrospectively, 78 pleural fluid cytology samples (including 20 cases of benign reactive mesothelial cells, 22 cases of suspicious cytology, and 36 cases of malignant cytology) were examined. The number of micronucleated cells in 1000 well- preserved cells was counted. Statistical tests were performed to compare the study groups. Recover operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to suggest a cut-off value for predicting malignant behavior. Results: We evaluated a total of 78 cases of pleural effusion cytology. The number of micronucleated cells was significantly higher in cases with malignant outcome compared to cases with benign outcome. We observed that malignant samples had more micronucleated cells than suspicious ones, and suspicious cases had more micronucleated cells than reactive ones. There was a significant difference among all study groups. In addition, the frequency of MN-containing cells in suspicious cases correlates well with their outcomes. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that there is an absolute, consistent, and proportional relationship between MN counts and malignancy in cytological samples of pleural effusions. MN scoring may be a helpful diagnostic tool for distinguishing malignant effusions from benign ones, and may be used as an adjunct tool to predict malignant behavior in challenging cases.

Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate possible DNA damages to oral epithelial cells exposed to whitening kinds of toothpaste considering the effect of conventional non-whitening toothpaste.Materials and methods: Sixty volunteers were assigned into three experimental groups, each of them using a different regular toothpaste for the initial 2 months, followed by the use of whitening kind of toothpaste of the same brand for next 2 months. The oral epithelial cells were sampled prior and 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after the beginning of the use of tested kinds of toothpaste. Chromosomal damages were analyzed by micronucleus assay.Results: For just one kind of tested whitening toothpaste was observed the significant increase in the number of micronucleated cells after 60 days of use compared values obtained 60 days of usage of conventional non-whitening toothpaste (6.35 ± 3.67 and 2.8 ± 1.91; p < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in other micronucleus assay endpoints between tested types of toothpaste at either of the sampling times during the period of toothpaste application.Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of certain whitening kinds of toothpaste may cause a limited biologically insignificant genotoxic effect on buccal epithelial cells.

“Brazilian ginseng” (Pfaffia glomerata Spreng. Pedersen, Amaranthaceae) methanolic extract: cytogenotoxicity in animal and plant assays

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen is a medicinal plant largely used as an adaptogenic herb. The species is naturally found in Africa and Americas and is the subject of pharmaceutical and commercial interest, mainly due to the accumulation of β-ecdysone in its roots. Brazil is considered the greatest supplier of P. glomerata in the world. Due to the morphological similarity of its roots to those of Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng), the species became known as the Brazilian ginseng. In this study, we performed the cytogenotoxic evaluation of P. glomerata root extract in rodent bone marrow micronucleus and Allium cepa assays. Taking into consideration the therapeutic dosage of P. glomerata, three methanolic extract dilutions were used in the Micronucleus assay. Each animal was treated with two consecutive doses with a 24-h interval. To assess the cytogenotoxicity of the extract, 2000 polychromatic erythrocytes per animal were analyzed. For the Allium cepa assay, onion seeds were exposed during 24h to six methanolic extract dilutions. Cell cycle and chromosomal alterations were quantified. The results of the Micronucleus assay showed genotoxic effects for all treatments investigated, considering the increase in the number of micronucleated cells. In the A. cepa assay the methanolic extract induced alterations in the cell cycle. Aneugenic and clastogenic effects were observed. The results indicate cytogenotoxic activity of P. glomerata extract in animal and plant cells. Thus, the ingestion of P. glomerata for medicinal purposes should be done carefully. The results also lead to the possibility of investigating the potential of the species in the research of prospective compounds for cancer treatment and for isolation of biologically active substances.

Analysis of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation using Buccal Micronucleus Assay: A Comparative Evaluation.

Micronucleus (MN) is considered to be a reliable marker for genotoxic damage and it determines the presence and the extent of the chromosomal damage. The MN is formed due to DNA damage or chromosomal disarrangements. The MN has a close association with cancer incidences. In the new era, mobile phones are constantly gaining popularity specifically in the young generation, but this device uses radiofrequency radiation that may have a possible carcinogenic effect. The available reports related to the carcinogenic effect of mobile radiation on oral mucosa are contradictory. To explore the effects of mobile phone radiation on the MN frequency in oral mucosal cells. The subjects were divided into two major groups: low mobile phone users and high mobile phone users. Subjects who used their mobile phone since less than five years and less than three hours a week comprised of the first group and those who used their mobile since more than five years and more than 10 hours a week comprised of the second group. Net surfing and text messaging was not considered in this study. Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected from both the groups and the cells were stained with DNA-specific stain acridine orange. Thousand exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were screened and the cells which were positive for micronuclei were counted. The micronucleus frequency was represented as mean±SD, and unpaired Student t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. The number of micronucleated cells/ 1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells was found to be significantly increased in high mobile phone users group than the low mobile phone users group. The use of mobile phone with the associated complaint of warmth around the ear showed a maximum increase in the number of micronucleated cells /1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells. Mobile phone radiation even in the permissible range when used for longer duration causes significant genotoxicity. The genotoxicity can be avoided to some extent by the regular use of headphones.

Toxic Effects of Organochlorine Pesticides: A Review

This study is aimed at compiling the toxicological aspects of organochlorine compounds (OCCs) including pesticides among different animal models. Tests on animal species like Mean Probable Effect Concentration Quotient (PEC-Q) test, DNA repair assays and histopathological examinations have shown positive results for the toxicity of organochlorine pesticides. The results were observed on different animals including fishes, furseals, frogs, rats, bats and humans. In fishes, endosulfan is found to have acute toxicities. Similarly, organophosphorus, synthetic pyrethroids and microbial insecticides were also found to show their toxic effects. Some compounds such as lambda-cyhalothrin showed a very high toxicity on fish followed by fenvalerate, deltamethrin and cypermethrin. Exposure to OCCs can impart foe cell death by inducing Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Pathway (MAPK) which is associated with cell growth differentiation and apoptosis. On studying the genotoxic effects of OCCs on germ cells of mouse, it was observed that a lethal mutation can occur just after one mating interval. Increase in the number of micronucleated cells has also been seen after OCC exposure. Neuro-behavioural studies on rats showed the presence of tremors caused by chlordecone and p,p’DDT. Tumorigenicity by organochlorine pesticides is seen to be an epigenetic mechanism in a DNA repair assay. Acute poisoning was seen in liver, kidney and testis of albino rat due to the toxic effect of dursban and DDT. Great declines in populations have been seen due to OCC toxicity in different animal species. Direct and indirect exposure to these compounds should be reduced so as to minimize the possible health hazards.

Genotoxic Effects of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Buccal Epithelial Cells

Objective: To study the genotoxic effect of Chlorhexidine mouthwash on buccal epithelial cells in chronic gingivitis patients. Methods: Chronic gingivitis patients(n=50) who were exclusively on mechanical plaque measures were taken as Controls(Group A) and chronic gingivitis patients who were on mechanical plaque measures along with adjunct 0.2 % Chlorhexidine mouthwash (n=50) were taken as Cases (Group B). Buccal epithelial cells were taken from these patients and were collected in a buffer and the centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 5 minutes. The cells were fixed with cold methanol (100%). The slides were kept at 37°C overnight and then stained with 5% Giemsa stain. The micronuclei frequency was calculated by observing 2000 nucleated cells per individual slides under microscope. Results: The average micronuclie frequency in Cases (4.62 ± 0.433) was approximately eight folds greater as compared to the Controls (0.6 ± 0.125). However, the total number of micronucleated cells that were present in Cases and Controls were 140 and 28 respectively. This study was statistically significant with p<0.01. Conclusion: Our findings with the micronucleus test indicate that the use of anti plaque agent chlorhexidine induces DNA damage resulting in genotoxicity.

Genotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by acute crack cocaine exposure in mice

Context: Crack cocaine is an illicit drug derived from cocaine, in which use and abuse have increased around the world, especially in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate genomic damage in multiple organs of mice following acute exposure to crack cocaine. For this purpose, single cell gel (comet) assay in peripheral blood, liver, kidney, and brain cells was performed and micronucleus test for bone narrow and liver cells was also made in this setting. Material and methods: A total of 20 C57BL/10 male mice were distributed into four groups, as follows: 0, 4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg b.w. of crack cocaine dissolved to 1% dimethyl sulfoxide by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. All animals were sacrificed 24 h after i.p. injection. Results: The results showed that crack cocaine induced DNA damage in peripheral blood, and brain cells for higher doses used as depicted by single cell gel (comet) assay data. Analysis of kidney cells showed no genetic damage for all groups tested. The number of micronucleated cells did not increase after crack cocaine exposure in bone narrow or liver cells. Conclusion: In summary, crack cocaine is a genotoxic agent in peripheral blood, liver, and brain cells but not mutagenic in multiple organs of mice.

Cell phone radiation effects on cytogenetic abnormalities of oral mucosal cells.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.

Data in support of the mutagenic potential of the isoflavone irilone in cultured V79 cells.

The isoflavone irilone is found in human plasma after ingestion of red clover-based dietary supplements, but information allowing safety assessment is rare. Here, data in support of the mutagenic potential of irilone in cultured V79 cells [1] are presented. These data include (i) a quantitative assessment of irilone in the culture medium during the cell culture experiments, (ii) changes in the mutation spectrum in cDNA of the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase locus of irilone-treated V79 cells, (iii) occurrence of karyorrhexis and apoptosis as well as (iv) number of micronucleated cells containing whole chromosomes or chromosomal fragments. Also exemplary micrographs, used for the fluorescence microscopic assessment of (iii) and (iv) are presented.

Mutagenic potential of the isoflavone irilone in cultured V79 cells

After consumption of red clover-based dietary supplements, plasma concentrations of the isoflavone irilone (IRI) equal that of the well-investigated daidzein. Since some isoflavones are genotoxic, the potential of IRI to induce mutations was investigated.Gene mutations were determined by hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) assay and sequencing of mutant cDNA, chromosome and genome mutations by micronucleus assay complemented by immunochemical staining of centromere proteins and microtubules in cultured V79 cells. Cell proliferation was monitored by electronic cell counting, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.IRI did not affect the mutant frequency in the Hprt locus but altered the mutation spectrum by increasing the proportion of deletions and decreasing that of base pair substitutions. Induction of chromosome mutations was supported by a slight but significant increase in the number of micronucleated cells containing chromosomal fragments despite activation of three cell cycle checkpoints possibly interfering with micronuclei formation. Moreover, IRI exhibited a strong aneugenic potential characterized by disrupted mitotic spindles, mitotic arrest, and asymmetrical cell divisions leading to chromosome loss, nuclear fragmentation as well as mitotic catastrophe. Thus, IRI might be another isoflavone to be taken into account in safety assessment of dietary supplements.