Biomonitoring of Genotoxic Effects Among Shielded Manual Metal Arc Welders

Hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) used in shielded metal arc welding is widely recognized to act as a carcinogen,mutagen and teratogen. The carcinogenic potential of metals is a major issue in defining human health riskfrom exposure. Hence in the present investigation, 66 welders and 60 control subjects with similar mean ages,smoking prevalences and alcohol consumption were enrolled for DNA damage analysis of buccal cells bymicronucleus (MN) and comet assay. Welders showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells comparedto controls and a larger mean comet tail length. The current study thus suggested that chronic occupationalexposure to Cr (VI) during welding could lead to increased level of DNA damage. Understanding the complexityof the relationshipsbetween exposure, basal DNA damage and MN frequencies requires larger scale studies andapplication of complementary biomarkers.     

Evaluation of DNA Damage Induction and Repair Inhibition in Welders Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium

The soluble hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) used in industrial welding is an environmental contaminant widelyrecognized to act as a carcinogen, mutagen and teratogen towards humans and animals. The carcinogenic potentialof metals is a major issue in defining human health risk from exposure. In the present investigation, 93 weldersand 60control subjects with similar mean ages, smoking prevalences and alcohol consumption were enrolled forDNA damage analysis in blood leucocytes by Micronucleus assay (MN) and the Comet assay. DNA repair inhibitionwas also analyzed by assessing XPD gene polymorphism. Welders showed a significant increase in micronucleatedcells compared to controls with respect to their smoking habits and alcohol consumption, age and years ofexposure (P<0.05). Results indicated that the welders had a larger mean comet tail length than that of thecontrols (P<0.05). The current study suggested that chronic occupational exposure to Cr (VI) during weldingcould lead to increased levels of DNA damage and repair inhibition.     

DNA Damage Induction and Repair Inhibition Among Building Construction Workers in South India

Construction industry workers are exposed to many known carcinogens in their complex occupational environment. Since there are no past studies on genotoxicity among this group in the Indian subcontinent, workers engaged in different construction sites at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, were assessed here. We enrolled 96 workers and 68 control subjects with similar mean age, smoking, tobacco chewing prevalence and alcohol consumption, for analysis of DNA damage in blood leucocytes by micronucleus (MN) and comet assays. DNA repair inhibition was also analyzed by assessing the XPD gene. Construction workers showed a significant increase in MN and comet tail length compared to controls with adjustment for smoking habits, tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption and years of exposure (P<0.05). The results indicated that chronic occupational exposure to cement during construction work could lead to increased levels of DNA damage and repair inhibition.     

叶酸、核黄素缺乏及MTHFR A1298C多态性对人淋巴细胞基因组遗传稳定性的影响

背景与目的:叶酸代谢涉及DNA合成及甲基化等重要生化过程,对维持人类遗传稳定性意义重大.亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase,MTHFR)对上述两个生化过程之间的分支走向发挥着关键作用,核黄素作为MTHFR的重要辅助成分,亦可能干涉MTHFR的功能,进而影响到遗传稳定性.本研究拟探讨叶酸、核黄素缺乏以及MTHFR基因1298位点多态性对人类淋巴细胞基因组稳定性的综合影响.材料与方法:采用胞质分裂阻断微核分析法研究叶酸(20、200 nmol/L,即LF、HF)和核黄素(1、500 nmol/L,即LR、HR)不同浓度组合以及MTHFR A1298C多态性对培养9 d的人类淋巴细胞基因组稳定性的影响.结果:各MTHFR基因型淋巴细胞在低叶酸高核黄素组合培养条件下的遗传损伤程度均高于所有其它组合,而高叶酸低核黄素组达最低(P＜0.01),各基因型淋巴细胞在高叶酸条件下的微核化双核细胞(MNed BNC)、核质桥(NPB)和核芽(BUD)频率分别为低叶酸条件的46.5%、22%和42.3%;而高核黄素条件下的相应指标则比低核黄素高约6.3%～12.4%;MTHFR 1298AA型遗传稳定性显著高于突变纯合子MTHFR 1298 CC(P＜0.01);叶酸对MNed BNC、NPB、BUD的变异贡献率分别达到91.61%、73.72%和78.07%(P＜0.01);核黄素及MTHFR A1298C多态性对遗传损伤的变异贡献虽接近或达到显著水平,但均不及叶酸;叶酸、核黄素和MTHFR基因型之间的交互作用对上述遗传损伤标记没有显著影响.结论:叶酸、核黄素和MTHFR A1298C多态性都在一定程度上对基因组稳定性有影响,但相比之下,叶酸在我们的研究中是影响基因组稳定性的主导因素.     

Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Euphorbia Triaculeata Forssk. Extract

Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. plant extract from Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, in an in vitro cancer model, which could be beneficial in anticancer therapy against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), prostate cell line (PC-3), human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HEPG2) and normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). The human foreskin fibroblast cell line, (Hs68), was also included in the cell panel. Doxorubicin and 5-Flurouracil, broad-spectrum anticancer drugs, were used as the positive control. Methods: Cytotoxicity of Euphorbia triaculeata plant extract was investigated by employing MTT assay and the genotoxicity was assessed by using comet assay. Results: Both toxicity tests exhibited significant toxicity results. In the comet assay, the Euphorbia triaculeata extract exhibited genotoxic effects against MCF-7 DNA and PC 3 but not on HEPG2 cell lines in a time-dependent manner by increasing the mean percentage of DNA damage. Euphorbia triaculeata extract showed significant toxicity against cancer cells. Comparison with positive control signifies that cytotoxicity exhibited by methanol extract might have moderate activity. Conclusion: The present work confirmed the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Euphorbia triaculeata plant. However, the observed toxicity of this plant extract needs to be confirmed by additional studies. Based on our results, further examination of the potential anticancer properties of Euphorbia triaculeata plant species and the identification of the active ingredients of these extracts is warranted.     

硒对丝裂霉素C致淋巴细胞遗传损伤的影响

背景与目的:观察硒对丝裂霉素C(mitomycin-C,MMC)诱导的人外周血淋巴细胞遗传损伤是否具有保护作用.材料与方法:在体外培养的淋巴细胞中,24 h时分别加入不同剂量的硒0、1、6和10 μmol/L,MMC 0和0.1 mg/L,培养72 h后,分别采用染色体畸变分析(CA)、姐妹染色单体互换技术(SCE),以及彗星试验(SCGE),对硒能否抑制MMC诱导的外周血淋巴细胞遗传损伤进行检测.结果:(1 μmol/L和6 μmol/L硒+MMC)组的淋巴细胞平均尾长、SCE互换率和CA畸变率低于阳性对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(6 μmol/:硒+MMC)组的DNA损伤程度低于(1 μmol/L硒+MMC)组和(10 μmol/L硒+MMC)组.结论:硒对MMC造成的人外周血淋巴细胞遗传损伤具有一定的保护作用,在本实验条件下,以6 μmol/L硒组的保护作用最强.     

多溴联苯醚BDE-3、BDE-47和BDE-209的体外遗传毒性评价

目的：对3种代表性多溴联苯醚（PBDEs）BDE-3、BDE-47和BDE-209进行体外遗传毒性评价。方法：采用TK6人淋巴母细胞进行彗星试验、微核试验和TK基因突变试验,同时检测DNA损伤、染色体改变和基因突变3个遗传学终点。每种PBDEs均设定5个剂量组：BDE-3为60、90、120、180和240 μmol/L;BDE-47为60、120、180、200和240 μmol/L;BDE-209为24、40、120、180和240 μmol/L;同时设定溶媒DMSO为阴性对照组。结果：与阴性对照组比较,3种PBDEs在各个剂量下均未能引起TK6细胞彗星的尾长、尾部DNA百分数和尾矩的增加（P > 0.05）,也均未引起TK6细胞微核率升高（P > 0.05）。TK基因突变试验显示,3种PBDEs均能引起TK基因突变频率升高,差异具有统计学意义（P < 0.05）,并呈剂量依赖性升高趋势（相关系数[R_BDE-3²]=0.85,[R_BDE-47²]=0.85,[R_BDE-209²]=0.90;P < 0.05）,但致突变作用BDE-47强于BDE-3和BDE-209。结论：多溴联苯醚BDE-3、BDE-47和BDE-209对TK6细胞具有致突变作用。     

Unequivocal evidence of genotoxic potential of argemone oil in mice

Consumption of mustard oil adulterated with argemone oil leads to a clinical condition, commonly referred to as "Epidemic Dropsy." Since in vitro studies have shown that sanguinarine, an active benzophenanthridine alkaloid of argemone oil, intercalates DNA molecule, the in vivo clastogenic and DNA damaging potential of argemone oil was investigated in mice. Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally administered 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 ml/kg body wt. of argemone oil to analyze chromosome aberrations and micronucleus test, while 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg body wt. were given for alkaline comet assay. The frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronucleated erythrocytes formation in mouse bone marrow cells increased in a dose-dependent manner following argemone oil treatment. However, significant induction in chromosomal aberrations (83%) and micronucleated erythrocytes formation (261%) were observed at a minimum dose of 1.0 ml/kg. The results of comet assay revealed DNA damage in blood, bone marrow and liver cells following argemone oil treatment. Olive tail moment (OTM) and tail DNA showed significant increase in bone marrow (35-44%) and blood cells (25-40%) even at a dose of 0.25 ml/kg body wt. of argemone oil. In liver cells, OTM was significantly increased (20%) at a dose of 0.25 ml/kg, while all the comet parameters including OTM, tail length and tail DNA showed significant increase (31-101%) at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg. These results clearly suggest that single exposure of argemone oil even at low doses produces genotoxic effects in mice.     

Cytogenetic Biomonitoring of Road Paving Workers Occupationally Exposed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Road pavement workers are exposed to many known carcinogens in their complex occupational environment.The study makes an attempt to investigate exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from thebitumen fumes among the road pavement workers engaged in different pavement sites at Coimbatore, TamilNadu and to thereby determine the genotoxic effects associated with it. The study included 36 road pavers and37control subjects with similar mean ages, smoking prevalence and alcohol consumption and was analyzed forDNA damage in blood leucocytes by Micronucleus assay (MN) and the Comet assay. The mean urinary 1-OHPconcentration in road pavers (1.68 ± 0.93) was significantly higher than in controls (0.55 ± 0.42). The results ofMN test and comet assay showed that the mean micronuclei rate in workers was significantly higher than thosein controls (P <0.05). The results of our study indicated that the genetic damage was detectable in road pavingworkers occupationally exposed to bitumen and also demonstrate the high sensitivity of comet assay to assessearly oxidative effects induced by exposure to bitumen fumes at low doses and confirm the suitability of urinary1-OHP as a biomarker of PAH exposure.     

三氯生的体外遗传毒性评价

目的：应用体外碱性彗星试验、体外胞质分裂阻滞微核细胞组学试验和细菌回复突变试验（Ames试验）评价三氯生（TCS）的体外遗传毒性。方法：采用TK6人淋巴母细胞进行体外彗星试验和体外微核试验,共设定5个剂量（3.5、8.8、17.5、26.3和35 μmol/L）组。同时,应用鼠伤寒沙门氏菌TA98、TA100和DNA修复酶缺陷型YG7108（Ogt^-/Ada^-）菌株对TCS进行Ames试验,共设定8个剂量（0.000 5、0.001 67、0.005、0.016 7、0.05、0.167、0.5和1.67 μg/皿）组。结果：与对照组比较,彗星试验结果显示,TCS在各个剂量下均能引起TK6细胞的尾长、尾部DNA强度和尾矩的增加,差异均具有统计学意义（P均 < 0.01）,且尾部DNA强度呈现剂量效应（r=0.943,P=0.017）;微核试验表明,TCS未引起TK6细胞微核率升高（P > 0.05）;Ames试验结果表明TCS未引起TA98、TA100和YG7108菌株的回复突变菌落数增加（P > 0.05）。结论：TCS主要引起细胞DNA损伤,但未对TK6细胞造成染色体损伤,对Ames试验菌株不具有致突变作用。     

叶酸缺乏对BRCA1突变淋巴细胞株染色体损伤效应的影响

背景与目的:评价叶酸缺乏在BRCA1突变乳腺癌患者淋巴细胞株(GM13705)微核诱发效应,探询能将遗传物质损伤减少到最低程度的叶酸浓度.材料与方法:在叶酸缺乏(6～240 nmol/L)条件下离体培养GM13705细胞株,利用细胞质分裂阻断微核技术(CBMN),分析双核细胞中的微核率.结果:叶酸浓度在6 nmol/L、60nmol/L和120 nmol/L时,双核细胞微核率高于240nmol/L及常规RPMI1640组,这3个测试组间未出现双核细胞微核率的显著差异;240 nmol/L和常规RPMI1640组之间双核细胞微核率差异无统计学意义.结论:在本试验条件下,240 nmol/L的叶酸是该细胞株防范遗传损伤的最低浓度,具有BRCA1突变的基因组对叶酸缺乏的胁迫作用敏感性似乎高于正常细胞.     

运用彗星试验检测醋酸铅对小鼠离体、在体生殖细胞的DNA损伤作用

背景与目的探讨一定剂量的醋酸铅对离体、在体小鼠雄性生殖细胞的DNA损伤作用。材料与方法以50、100、500、1000μmol/L醋酸铅处理离体小鼠睾丸生殖细胞,阴性对照加PBS;用12.5、25、50mg/kg浓度醋酸铅腹腔连续注射5d,第6d处死取小鼠睾丸生殖细胞,应用彗星试验检测醋酸铅对细胞DNA的损伤率和细胞DNA迁移距离的影响。结果4种浓度醋酸铅均可致小鼠离体睾丸细胞DNA损伤,与阴性对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),且与剂量相关(分级计数r=0.5114,尾距r=0.407)。3种浓度醋酸铅组可致小鼠体内睾丸细胞产生DNA损伤,与阴性对照组比较差异有统计学意义且呈剂量相关(分级计数r=0.4801,尾距r=0.5314)。结论醋酸铅可致小鼠睾丸生殖细胞的DNA损伤,对小鼠生殖细胞可能有遗传毒性。     

大黄素和大黄酸的体外遗传毒性评价

目的：评价大黄素和大黄酸的体外遗传毒性。方法：使用不同浓度的大黄素和大黄酸（均分别为20、40、80、120μg/ml）处理人的类淋巴母细胞WTK1后,进行彗星实验、体外微核试验和TK基因突变试验。并设溶剂对照组和甲基甲烷磺酸（mthylmethane sulfonate,MMS）阳性对照组。结果：大黄素80和120μg/ml剂量组TK基因突变频率、细胞拖尾率及平均尾长均增高（P〈0.05）;大黄酸120μg/ml剂量组TK位点总突变频率增高（P〈0.05）。结论：在本实验条件下,大黄素和大黄酸均表现出弱致突变作用。     

In Vitro Generation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Against HLA-A2.1 -Restricted Peptides Derived from Human Thymidylate Synthase

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine antimetabolite active against colorectal carcinoma and other malignancies of the digestive tract. Over-expression or mutation of thymidylate synthase (TS), the target enzyme of the 5-FU metabolite, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, is strictly correlated with cancer cell resistance to 5-FU. On this basis we investigated whether TS is a potential target for active specific immunotherapy of human colon carcinoma, which acquires resistance to 5-FU. Three TS-derived epitope peptides which fit defined amino acid consensus motifs for HLA-A2.1 binding were synthesized and investigated for their ability to induce human TS-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses In Vitro. CTL lines specific for each peptide were established by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from an HLA-A2.1 + healthy donor with autologous dendritic cells loaded with TS peptide. Specific CTL lines showed HLA-A2.1-restricted cytotoxicity In Vitro to HLA-A2.1+ target cells pulsed with the specific TS peptide and to HLA-class I matching colon carcinoma target cells over-expressing TS enzyme after exposure to 5-FU. Recognition by CTL lines suggests that these TS peptides may be potential candidates for use in a peptide-based vaccine against 5-FU resistant colon carcinoma.     

杜香熊果酸提取物对小鼠遗传损伤的保护作用

背景与目的:研究杜香熊果酸提取物对小鼠遗传损伤是否具有保护作用.材料与方法:以环磷酰胺(cyclophosphamide,CP)所导致的遗传损伤小鼠作为损伤模型,采用小鼠骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核试验,检测杜香熊果酸提取物对遗传损伤的保护作用.结果:杜香熊果酸提取物1.16、2.30、4.60 g/kg的骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核发生率分别为2.00‰±0.37‰、2.00‰±0.4,‰、1.80‰±0.37‰,与正常组(2.00‰±0.45‰)比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),与阳性对照组(24.00‰±0.71‰)其差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.01).杜香熊果酸提取物1.16、2.30、4.60 g/kg加环磷酰胺组骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核发生率分别为17.20‰±1.24‰、16.40‰±1.5‰、16.00‰±0.51‰,明显低于阳性对照组(24.00‰±0.71‰),其差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:杜香熊果酸提取物对遗传损伤有保护作用.     

维生素B12与蛋氨酸缺乏诱发人类淋巴细胞株微核形成

背景与目的：蛋氨酸合成酶（Methionine synthase,MS）以同型半胱氨酸（Homocysteine,HC）为底物合成蛋氨酸（Methionine,Met）;继而合成S-腺苷蛋氨酸（S-adenosvl methionine,SAM）,为DNA甲基化提供甲基;维生素B12（B12）作为MS的辅酶亦町影响Met的合成。我们研究旨在探讨Met和B12缺乏对人类BRCA1基因突变淋巴细胞株基因组稳定性的影响。材料与方法：以Met和B12生理浓度为依据（分别约25μmol／L和150pmol／L）,实验设置了15μmol／L和50μmol／L的Met分别与100、300、600、800、1200pmol／LB12组合的测试组,常规RPMI1640培养基作为对照（其Met、B12浓度分别为101μmol／L和3690pm／L）,培养携带BRCA1突变的乳腺癌患者淋巴细胞株9d,利用细胞质阻断微核分析（Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay,CBMN）,评价B12与Met缺乏对该细胞株遗传稳定性的影响。结果：①在15μmol／L Met与B12的所有组合测试组中,双核细胞微核率（Micronucleated binucleated cell,MNBN）均高于Met为50μmol／L、B12在600pmol／L以上的所有组合,除B12在600pmol／L以上的测试组外,其他各组之间MNBN差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05—0．001）;②当50μmol／LMet与B12组合时,MNBN降幅尤为显著,当B12浓度在600pmol／L以下时各组间MNBN差异有统计学意义,B12浓度为600pmol／L时MNBN降至最低,与800、1200pmol／L以及RPMI培养基中的MNBN差异无统计学意义。结论：结果提示B12、Met在600pmol／L-50μmol／L组合时可维持受试细胞株遗传稳定性的最佳状态。这二种微量营养素的适量补充有可能通过叶酸代谢对带有BRCA1突变的个体遗传物质形成一定的保护作用。鉴于研究提出的B12（600pmol／L）,Met（50μmol／L）浓度高于人体血浆正常生理浓度,有必要以提高基因组稳定性为目标,进一步评价提高这两种微量营养素的摄取量并调整其比例的意义。     

In vitro Evaluation of Genotoxicity of Avocado (Persea americana) Fruit and Leaf Extracts in Human Peripheral Lymphocytes

Persea americana is much sought after both for the nutritional value of its fruit and the medicinal values of its various plant parts. A chromosomal aberration assay was undertaken to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of crude extracts from avocado fruits and leaves. Chromosomal aberrations were observed in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes exposed to separately increasing concentrations of 50% methanolic extracts of Persea americana fruit and leaves. The groups exposed to leaf and fruit extracts, respectively, showed a concentration-dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations as compared to that in a control group. The mean percentage total aberrant metaphases at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg concentrations of leaf extract were found respectively to be 58 ± 7.05, 72 ± 6.41, and 78 ± 5.98, which were significantly higher (p < 0.0001 each) than that in the control group (6 ± 3.39). The mean percentage total aberrant metaphases at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg concentrations of fruit extract were found to be 18 ± 5.49, 40 ± 10.00, and 52 ± 10.20, respectively, which were significantly higher (p = 0.033, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively) than that for control (6 ± 3.39). Acrocentric associations and premature centromeric separation were the two most common abnormalities observed in both the exposed groups. The group exposed to leaf extracts also showed a significant number of a variety of other structural aberrations, including breaks, fragments, dicentrics, terminal deletion, minutes, and Robertsonian translocations. The group exposed to leaf extract showed higher frequency of all types of aberrations at equal concentrations as compared to the group exposed to fruit extract.     

Genotoxicity and immunotoxic effects of 1,2-dichloroethane in Wistar rats

Dichloroethane is widely used as a solvent, degreasing agent and in a variety of commercial products, and is known for being a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment. Important sources principally include the emissions from industrial processes, improper consumption, storage, and disposal methods. In view of the fact that the mechanism of its genotoxicity has not been satisfactorily elucidated, the acute in vivo toxicological impact is assessed in Rattus norvegicus. A systematic investigation has been made involving the use of conventional methods along with molecular and flow cytometric approaches. The micronucleus and chromosomal aberration frequencies were significantly elevated in bone marrow cells exposed to three concentrations at multiple treatment durations indicating positive time- and dose-response relationships. The mitotic index significantly decreased in similar concentrations in contrast to normal control. Separate studies were performed on blood cells for comet assay. It revealed dichloroethane-induced DNA damage in all exposures readily explainable in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Recent molecular techniques were further employed using leukocytes for the cell apoptosis/cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential employing propidium iodide staining and rhodamine-123, respectively. The effect on mitochondrial membrane permeability, cell cycle phases, and the DNA damage was analyzed through flow cytometry. These indicators revealed dichloroethane treatment decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, affected the cell cycle, and confirmed the DNA damage, leading to apoptosis of the cells of the immune system responsible for immunotoxic effects of dichloroethane on rat leukocytes.     

Clastogenic Potential of Ruta graveolens Extract and a Homeopathic Preparation in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells

Ruta graveolens belonging to family Rutaceae has long been traditionally used as a medicinal plant as well asa flavoring agent in food. However, very little data are available on the toxicity of the plant. This report presentsevidence on the genotoxic and clastogenic potential of an extract of Ruta graveolens and Ruta 200C, a homeopathicpreparation. Various types of chromosomal aberrations were noted in bone marrow cells after treatment. Thepercentage of aberrated cells in 4the 00mg/kgb.wt extract administered group was found to be 21% and with1000mg/kg.b.wt it was 31%. The 23% for the Ruta 200C treated group was also elevated as compared to the3%for untreated animals. In addition, bone marrow cells had higher incidence of micronuclei induction whentreated with the extract (400mg and 1000mg/kg body weight) and 20μl/animal Ruta 200C for 30 days.Administration of the extract (1000mg/kg.b.wt) over a period of 30 days also resulted in damage to cellular DNAas evidenced by comet formation where the comet parameters such as percentage DNA in tail, tail length, tailmoment of the bone marrow cells were increased several fold over control values. The comet tail moment of thebone marrow cells increased from 4.5 ± 2.5 to 50.2 ± 25.2 after the extract treatment. Administration of 20μl/animal Ruta 200C for 5 consecutive days increased the tail moment to 11.7 ± 2.9. These results indicate that Rutagraveolens and Ruta 200C may induce genotoxicity in animals.     

Polyphenol Content,Antioxidant, Cytotoxic,and Genotoxic Activities of Bombax ceiba Flowers in Liver Cancer Cells Huh7

Objective: Bombax ceiba (red Silk cotton tree) has great ethnopharmacological significance due to its widespread use to treat various diseases such as dysentery, inflammation, and tuberculosis. Despite decades of research, the studies on the in vitro anticancer/genotoxic activity of B. ceiba flower remains restricted. Thus, the present research explored the effect of ethanol extract from B. ceiba flowers on three human cancer cells, including lung A549 and liver HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. Methods: Cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of B. ceiba extract was examined by MTT and comet assay, respectively. Further, B. ceiba extract was analysed to determine total polyphenol content and DPPH antiradical scavenging activity. Results: ethanol extract from B. ceiba flowers had a high polyphenols content with very potent antioxidant activity. Further, B. ceiba extract displayed moderate cytotoxicity against Huh7 cells and no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and A549 cells. The comet assay findings showed that Huh7 cells treated with four concentrations of B. ceiba extract (¼ IC50, ½ IC50, IC50, and double IC50) increased the comet tail formation within 48 h in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: ethanol extract from B. ceiba flowers exhibited its cytotoxicity through induction of DNA fragmentation in Huh7 cells.