DNA integrity determination in marine invertebrates by Fast Micromethod

This study was focused toward the adaptation of the previously developed Fast Micromethod for DNA damage determination to marine invertebrates for the establishment of biomonitoring assessment. The Fast Micromethod detects DNA damage (strand breaks, alkali-labile sites and incomplete excision repair) and determines DNA integrity in cell suspensions or tissue homogenates in single microplates. The procedure is based on the ability of the specific fluorochrome dye PicoGreen to preferentially interact with high integrity DNA molecules, dsDNA, in the presence of ssDNA and proteins in high alkaline medium, thereby allowing direct fluorometric measurements of dsDNA denaturation without sample handling and stepwise DNA separations. The results presented herein describe the influence of the DNA amount and the pH of the denaturation media on slopes of the kinetic denaturation curves and calculated strand scission factors (SSFs). The optimal amount of DNA in Mytilus galloprovincialis gills homogenate was found to be 100 ng ml(-1) and the greatest differences in DNA unwinding kinetics (slopes and SSF values) were reached at pH 11.5. The induction of DNA damage and loss of DNA integrity was measured in native DNA isolated from cotton-spinner Holothuria tubulosa, marine sponge Suberites domuncula cells and mussel M. galloprovincialis gills homogenate. DNA damage and loss of DNA integrity were detected after induction by different doses of (gamma-rays, generated by 137Cs 1800 Ci; 0-500 rad in marine sponge S. domuncula cells up to SSFx(-1) values 0.082 +/- 0.012 for the highest radiation dose). Analysis by chemical xenobiotics based on the in vitro action of bleomycin (bleomycin-Fe(II) complex 0-50 or 0-83 microg ml(-1) (microM)) with native DNA from cotton-spinner H. tubulosa and mussel M. galloprovincialis gills homogenate yielded values of 0.537 +/- 0.072 and 0.130 +/- 0.018, respectively. In vivo experiments with mussel M. galloprovincialis gills homogenate by 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (NQO; 0-1 microg g(-1) NQO mussel) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P; 0-20 microg g(-1) B[a]P mussel) indicated SSFx(-1) values of 0.121 +/- 0.016 and 0.090 +/- 0.007, respectively, for the highest applied doses of chemical xenobiotics. The analytical technique described here allows simple and fast analysis of DNA integrity, requires very short time for multiple analyses (less than 3 h) and even less than 100 ng DNA per single well (50 ng DNA isolated from cotton-spinner, 12,500 sponge cells or about 10 mg of mussel gills homogenate) in a microplate. This makes the Fast Micromethod applicable for the measurement of DNA integrity of small samples for genotoxicity assessment (biomonitoring), the effects of genotoxins on lower marine taxa or sessile invertebrates in marine environment (e.g. sponges, mussels) and the estimation of directional changes and harmful effects in the ecosystem.     

Development and characterization of a novel host cell DNA assay using ultra-sensitive fluorescent nucleic acid stain “PicoGreen”

Development of a novel host cell DNA assay using PicoGreen is described, which is capable of detecting short double stranded DNAs (ds-DNAs) in cell culture supernatants and process intermediates. Examination of this PicoGreen DNA assay was carried out by determination of the DNA length detection limit, observation of short ds-DNAs in cell culture supernatants and process intermediates, evaluation of dose dependency and a supersensitizing protocol, and comparison of the novel assay with conventional assays for measuring host cell DNA concentration in real samples. The PicoGreen DNA assay was capable of detecting ds-DNAs as short as 20 bp, and the sensitivity of the PicoGreen DNA assay was comparable to that of the Threshold system with application of additional SDS/Proteinase K digesting and DNA concentrating steps. Also, the amount of DNA identified in both cell culture supernatant and process intermediates was clearly underestimated by the Threshold system results when compared with the PicoGreen DNA assay results. The PicoGreen DNA assay clearly provides better accuracy and is a simpler procedure for measuring host cell DNA levels in cell culture supernatant and process intermediates than the conventional method with the Threshold system. This newly developed DNA assay will be prominent among host cell DNA assays for measuring host cell DNA levels in bio-pharmaceuticals.     

Genotoxic effects of selected biocides on RTG-2 fish cells by means of a modified Fast Micromethod Assay

A sensitive in vitro assay for detecting DNA damage in RTG-2 cells culture is described. This assay employs a dye, PicoGreen double stranded DNA (dsDNA) quantitation reagent, which becomes intensely fluorescent upon binding nucleic acids. The assay includes a simple and rapid 50-min sample lysis in the presence of EDTA, SDS, and high urea concentration at pH 10, followed by time-dependent DNA denaturation at pH 11.6 after NaOH addition. The time course and the extent of DNA denaturation are followed in a microplate fluorescence reader at room temperature for less than 1h. Comparative studies between suspension and fixed RTG-2 cells indicated that it is possible to apply this methodology in both cases with good results. Neutral red assay was used for to determine the cellular viability when RTG-2 cultures were exposed to tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) and benzalkonium chloride (BC), as biocides used in the disinfection of cooling towers. The results obtained by neutral red assay indicate IC(50(48)) values of 0.017 (0.011-0.028) and 2.71 (1.91-3.86) mg/L for tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride, respectively. DNA damage has been evaluated for both disinfectants in RTG-2 culture, by exposure to 1/10-, 1/25-, 1/50-, and 1/100-IC(50(48)) value, and the results obtained indicate a strain scission factor (SSF) of 0.126+/-0.014, 0.181+/-0.014, 0.217+/-0.013, and 0.245+/-0.013 in cell suspensions, and 0.077+/-0.019, 0.107+/-0.014, 0.151+/-0.014, and 0.202+/-0.015 in attached cells for tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride; while the SSF values for benzalkonium chloride are 0.023+/-0.009, 0.033+/-0.017, 0.068+/-0.012, and 0.088+/-0.015 in cell suspensions, and 0.033+/-0.010, 0.044+/-0.011, 0.080+/-0.009, and 0.093+/-0.010 in attached cells. Thus, the assay proposed in this study has made it possible to show DNA damage in RTG-2 cells when exposed to 0.2(1/100 IC(50(48))) and 300(1/10 IC(50(48))) Hg/L of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride, respectively. The results obtained indicate that the Fast Micromethod Assay, applied on RTG-2 cell line cultures, is a fast and sensitive method for the early DNA damage detection in the aquatic environment.     

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effect in RTG-2 cell line exposed to selected biocides used in the disinfection of cooling towers

The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects induced by trichloroisocyanuric acid, Oxone, and sodium bromide, active principles included in formulations for cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers, were studied on RTG-2 cell line. Neutral red assay was used to determine the cellular viability. Toxicity ranking based on IC(50) values found that trichloroisocyanuric acid was the most cytotoxic biocide tested followed by Oxone, whereas sodium bromide resulted in a very low cytotoxicity. DNA damage has been evaluated on RTG-2 cultures by means of an in vitro assay based on the ability of PicoGreen fluorochrome to interact preferentially with dsDNA, and the results indicated that trichloroisocyanuric acid induced DNA strand breaks at concentrations above 1.2 mg/l, equivalent to 1/50-EC(50(48)), whereas exposures to Oxone and sodium bromide did not induce DNA damage at the maximal concentrations tested (1/10-EC(50(48))). These results confirm the suitability of this method for the screening of genotoxic effects of this type of aquatic pollutants, and we suggest their use in environmental risk assessment procedures.     

Use of the tail moment of the lymphocytes to evaluate DNA damage in human biomonitoring studies.

The Comet assay has gained increasing popularity for use in human biomonitoring or epidemiologic studies; however, one of the shortcomings of the Comet assay is a lack of agreement on a single appropriate Comet parameter that is capable of adequately describing observed DNA damages. Among the tail parameters of Comet features, the most frequently used are the tail moments (both the Olive tail moment and the extent tail moment), the tail DNA, and the tail length. Some studies comparing Comet parameters have been found in cell toxicity research, but there are few comparative studies that use human biomonitoring or epidemiologic data. In this study, we evaluate those four tail parameters in both high and low DNA damaged cells with the use of epidemiologic data. To do this, a new graphical approach, the so-called quantile dispersion graphs (QDGs) are used. In a comparison of an exposed group and a control group, either the tail moment or tail DNA is preferable to the tail length. With respect to providing smaller variability in quantiles for the amount of DNA damage, however, the tail moment is the preferred parameter for both groups. Moreover, the tail moment provides the most stable estimates for DNA damage because it has a larger degree of uniformity in quantile dispersions. To study high degrees of damage from toxic exposure using B cells or G cells, however, the tail DNA showed more significant discrepancies than the other parameters, in terms of both the mean differences and the graphical differences between the two groups. In view of this result, it is suggested that both the tail moment and the tail DNA be presented as tail parameters in human biomonitoring studies.     

Low Dose Radiation Adaptive Protection to Control Neurodegenerative Diseases

Concerns have been expressed recently regarding the observed increased DNA damage from activities such as thinking and exercise. Such concerns have arisen from an incomplete accounting of the full effects of the increased oxidative damage. When the effects of the induced adaptive protective responses such as increased antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes are taken into consideration, there would be less endogenous DNA damage during the subsequent period of enhanced defenses, resulting in improved health from the thinking and exercise activities. Low dose radiation (LDR), which causes oxidative stress and increased DNA damage, upregulates adaptive protection systems that may decrease diseases in an analogous manner. Though there are ongoing debates regarding LDR’s carcinogenicity, with two recent advisory committee reports coming to opposite conclusions, data published since the time of the reports have overwhelmingly ruled out its carcinogenicity, paving the way for consideration of its potential use for disease reduction. LDR adaptive protection is a promising approach to control neurodegenerative diseases, for which there are no methods of prevention or cure. Preparation of a compelling ethics case would pave the way for LDR clinical studies and progress in dealing with neurodegenerative diseases.     

Mechanism of DNA damage by cadmium and interplay of antioxidant enzymes and agents

Cadmium is an environmental toxicant, which causes cancer in different organs. It was found that it damages DNA in the various tissues and cultured cell lines. To investigate the mechanism of DNA damage, we have studied the effect of cadmium-induced DNA damage in plasmid pBR322 DNA, and the possible ameliorative effects of antioxidative agents under in vitro conditions. It was observed that cadmium alone did not cause DNA damage. However, it caused DNA damage in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, in a dose dependent manner, because of production of hydroxyl radicals. Findings from this study show the conversion of covalently closed circular double-stranded pBR 322 DNA to the open circular and linear forms of DNA when treated with 10 muM cadmium and various concentrations of H(2)O(2). The conversion was due to nicking in DNA strands. The observed rate of DNA strand breakage was dependent on H(2)O(2) concentration, temperature, and time. Metallothionein I failed to prevent cadmium-induced DNA nicking in the presence of H(2)O(2). Of the two antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) studied, only catalase conferred significant (50-60%) protection. EDTA and DMSO exhibited protection similar to catalase, while mannitol showed only about 20% protection against DNA damage. Ethyl alcohol failed to ameliorate cadmium-induced DNA strands break. From this study, it is plausible to infer that cadmium in the presence of hydrogen peroxide causes DNA damage probably by the formation of hydroxyl ions. These results may indicate that cadmium in vivo could play a major role in the DNA damage induced by oxidative stress.     

黄酮类活性成分对吸烟致质粒DNA损伤的保护作用

目的评价吸烟致质粒DNA损伤以及黄酮类活性成分对其损伤的防护作用。方法以自动吸烟机按照FTC协议吸烟产生的主流烟雾在线染毒溶液状态超螺旋构象质粒DNA,通过琼脂糖凝胶电泳分析DNA分子构象变化,检测DNA损伤程度及黄酮类活性成分黄芩素、槲皮素、丹参素钠及淫羊藿苷的防护作用。结果体外在线吸烟可致质粒DNA明显损伤,随吸烟剂量由0增加到8 puff及DNA与烟雾作用时间由0增加到1.3 h,DNA的断链分数F由0.15分别增加到0.24及0.29。即使在大剂量的烟雾攻击下,3种活性成分黄芩素、槲皮素与丹参素钠浓度〈0.001mol L-1时,均能够有效减轻吸烟对质粒DNA的损伤,与单独吸烟组相比,质粒DNA开环构象显著减少,在一定范围内,保护效果随着药物浓度的增加更加明显。结论黄芩素、槲皮素与丹参素钠对吸烟导致的DNA损伤具有较好的保护作用,其保护效果呈浓度依赖性。     

黄酮类成分黄芩素、槲皮素、丹参素钠对吸烟致细胞毒性和DNA损伤的保护作用

目的评价吸烟致细胞毒性和DNA损伤以及黄酮类成分黄芩素、槲皮素、丹参素钠的保护作用。方法以自动吸烟机按照FTC协议吸烟产生的主流烟雾在线染毒B-16细胞和人颊黏膜细胞两种真核细胞,通过MTT比色法和单细胞凝胶电泳法检测吸烟所致的细胞毒性和DNA损伤,并考察黄芩素、槲皮素、丹参素钠的保护作用。结果吸烟可致体外培养的B-16细胞活力明显下降,两种细胞的DNA明显损伤。随着烟气作用时间的延长,表征细胞内DNA损伤程度的彗星尾矩、Olive尾矩都有增加;1 mmol/L槲皮素、黄芩素和丹参素均可明显缓解吸烟引起的细胞毒性和DNA损伤,对B-16细胞的活力提升50%左右,对人颊黏膜细胞的DNA保护效果超过60%。结论吸烟可致细胞毒性和细胞DNA损伤,但是黄酮类成分黄芩素、槲皮素、丹参素钠均对细胞和DNA具有保护作用。     

In vitro study on the genotoxicity of dichloromethane extracts of valerian (DEV) in human endothelial ECV304 cells and the effect of vitamins E and C in attenuating the DEV-induced DNA damages

To study the genotoxicity of valepotriates in vitro, the degree of DNA damage in human endothelial cell line ECV304 treated with 5-60 microg/mL of dichloromethane extracts of valerian (DEV) was analyzed by the Comet assay. No DNA damage was observed in ECV304 cells after culture for 48 h in the presence of 5,10, and 20 microg/mL of DEV. But a moderate degree of DNA damage was observed in the cells treated with 40 or 60 microg/mL of DEV. Quantitative analyses of DNA damage in the presence of antioxidants vitamin E (VE) and vitamin C (VC) were also carried out. The study revealed that both VE and VC exhibited a biphasic effect, reducing DEV-induced DNA damages at low concentrations but increasing them at high concentrations. We concluded that (1). the observed DNA damage in ECV304 cells induced by high concentrations of DEV was mainly through epigenetic mechanisms, i.e., reactive oxygen species mediated oxidative DNA damage (2). at the low doses, DEV did not appear to have any significant genotoxicity in ECV304 cells, and (3). VE and VC, at proper concentrations, can reduce or eliminate the adverse effects derived from high doses of DEV. This study should serve as scientific guidance for clinical therapy of valerian preparation.     

Gene Delivery in Tissue Engineering: A Photopolymer Platform to Coencapsulate Cells and Plasmid DNA

PURPOSE: Toward the ultimate goal of developing an engineered tissue capable of mimicking complex natural healing processes, we have designed a photopolymer platform that enables simultaneous encapsulation of cells and plasmid DNA in degradable hydrogels. Photopolymerization enables spatial and temporal control of gel formation under physiological conditions, but the presence of photoinitiator radicals poses challenges for DNA photoencapsulation. METHODS: The effects of photoinitiating conditions (ultraviolet light and photoinitiator radicals) on plasmid DNA were studied. Protection methods were identified. Plasmid DNA was photoencapsulated in photocrosslinked hydrogels, and the quantity and quality of the released DNA were assessed. Plasmid DNA was simultaneously entrapped (coencapsulated) with cells in hydrogels to assess in situ transfection. RESULTS: Experiments showed that in the absence of other species, plasmid DNA was sensitive to photoinitiator radicals, but the addition of transfection agents and/or antioxidants greatly reduced DNA damage by radicals. Encapsulated plasmid DNA was released from degradable, photocrosslinked hydrogels in active forms (supercoiled and relaxed plasmids) with an overall -60% recovery. Released DNA was capable of transfecting both plated and encapsulated cells. Encapsulated cells expressed the encoded gene of the coencapsulated plasmid as the polymer degraded. CONCLUSIONS: This photopolymerization platform allows for the creation of engineered tissues with enhanced control of cell behavior through the spatially and temporally controlled release of plasmid DNA.     

Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage induced by curcumin in human hepatoma G2 cells.

Curcumin is extensively used as a spice and pigment and has anticarcinogenic effects that could be linked to its antioxidant properties. However, some studies suggest that this natural compound possesses both pro- and antioxidative effects. In this study, we found that curcumin induced DNA damage to both the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in human hepatoma G2 cells. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry staining of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, we demonstrated that curcumin induced dose-dependent damage in both the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes and that the mitochondrial damage was more extensive. Nuclear DNA fragments were also evident in comet assays. The mechanism underlies the elevated level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation generated by curcumin. The lack of DNA damage at low doses suggested that low levels of curcumin does not induce DNA damage and may play an antioxidant role in carcinogenesis. But at high doses, we found that curcumin imposed oxidative stress and damaged DNA. These data reinforce the hypothesis that curcumin plays a conflicting dual role in carcinogenesis. Also, the extensive mitochondrial DNA damage might be an initial event triggering curcumin-induced cell death.     

DNA加合物组的预处理及检测方法研究进展

DNA加合物为亲电性物质与DNA共价结合形成的一类DNA损伤,若不能及时修复可能会引发癌症。具有高灵敏度、高选择性的液质联用技术已成为DNA加合物检测的主流方法。DNA加合物组学能同时测定复杂生物基质中多种已知的DNA加合物,扫描和鉴定未知DNA加合物,因此可以更全面的阐释遗传毒性物质的毒性。虽然近年来在DNA水解、加合物纯化富集、液相分离、质谱扫描策略和数据处理等方面不断优化,DNA加合物组学检测仍面临着巨大的挑战。     

Genotoxic pressure of vineyard pesticides in fish: field and mesocosm surveys

The present study deals with the genotoxicity assessment of vineyard pesticides in fish exposed in the field or in mesocosm conditions. Primary DNA damage was quantified as strand breaks using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet assay) applied to fish erythrocytes. In a first experiment, a significant genotoxic effect was observed following an upstream-downstream gradient in early life stages of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) exposed in the Morcille River contaminated by a mixture of vineyard pesticides during three consecutive years. The pronounced response in terms of DNA damage reported in the present study could argue for a high sensitivity of fish early life stage and/or a high level of exposure to genotoxic compounds in the Morcille River. This stresses the interest in using trout larvae incubated in sediment bed to assess genotoxic compounds in the field. In a second experiment, adult European topminnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) were exposed in water running through artificial channels to a mixture of diuron and azoxystrobin, two of the main pesticides detected in the Morcille watershed. As compared with the unexposed channel, a 3-5-fold increase in the DNA damage was observed in fish exposed to chronic environmental pesticide concentrations (1-2mugL(-1) for diuron and 0.5-1mugL(-1) for axoxystrobin). A single 6h pulse of pesticide (14mugL(-1) of diuron and 7mugL(-1) of azoxystrobin) was applied to simulate transiently elevated chemical concentrations in the river following storm conditions. It did not increase genotoxicity. After a 1-month recovery period, DNA damage in exposed fish erythrocytes recovered to unexposed level, suggesting possible involvement of both repair mechanisms and cellular turnover in this transient response. This work highlights that vineyard treatment by pesticides and in particular diuron and azoxystrobin can represent a genotoxic threat to fish from contaminated watershed rivers.     

Evaluation of the DNA damaging effect of the heat-induced food toxicant 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in various cell lines with different activities of sulfotransferases

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a heat-induced food toxicant present in a vast number of food items, has been suggested to be genotoxic after being bioactivated by the sulfotransferase SULT1A1. The comet assay was used to evaluate the DNA damaging effect of HMF in cell lines with different activities of SULT1A1: two human cell lines (Caco-2, low activity; and HEK293, higher activity), one cell line from mouse (L5178Y, no activity) and two cell lines from Chinese hamster (V79, negligible activity; and V79-hP-PST, high activity of human SULT1A1). HMF induced significant DNA damage in all cell lines after 3 h exposure to 100 mM. Most sensitive were V79 and V79-hP-PST where HMF induced significant DNA damage at 25 mM. Consequently, in the present study we have shown that HMF is a DNA damaging agent in vitro independent of the activity of SULT1A1 in the cells. The HMF-induced DNA damage was only observed at rather high concentrations which usually was associated with a concomitant decrease in cell viability.     

Seasonal variations in spontaneous levels of DNA damage; implication in the risk assessment of environmental chemicals

The alkaline comet assay was used to investigate DNA damage levels in white blood cells of 45 normal healthy subjects. Therefore blood was sampled at four different periods, namely in February, June, August and November of the same year. Higher DNA damage levels were found in summertime, as well as higher levels of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine in this period. This suggests a higher exposure to polycyclic hydrocarbons in the summer compared with other periods of the year. The observed seasonal variation in DNA damage levels is in agreement with some, but in contradiction with other data. Seasonal variations in DNA damage levels can easily be explained by the existence of different confounders that may influence the results of a biomonitoring study. Besides sunlight and environmental pollution, also diet, allergy and physical exercise, for example, were already identified as important influencing factors. The investigation confirms that the blood sampling period is crucial in the planning and interpretation of biomonitoring studies.     

砷对小鼠骨髓细胞DNA的损伤作用

了解砷对体内细胞ＤＮＡ的损伤作用及其机制。「方法」在小鼠饮水加入Ａｓ２Ｏ３喂养６个月,采用单细胞凝胶电泳技术对骨髓细胞ＤＮＡ断裂进行了分析。「结果高剂量组（１２．５ｍｇ／Ｌ）小鼠骨髓细胞ＤＮＡ的迁移度和迁移率显著高于阴性对照组,Ｐ〈０．０５;中、低剂量组小鼠骨髓细胞ＤＮＡ的迁移度和迁移率与性对照组无显著差异。     

Evaluation of DNA damage in patients with arsenic poisoning: urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanine

The relationship between arsenic exposure and DNA damage in patients with acute or chronic arsenic poisoning was analyzed. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanine (8-OHdG) concentrations were measured as an indication of oxidative DNA damage. A remarkable increase in 8-OHdG in the urine was observed in 60% of 52 patients with acute arsenic poisoning from the accidental oral intake of the arsenic trioxide. This was two- to threefold higher than levels in normal healthy subjects (n = 248). There was a clear relationship between arsenic concentrations in urine after acute poisoning and elevated levels of 8-OHdG. Levels of urinary 8-OHdG returned to normal within 180 days after the acute arsenic poisoning event. In patients chronically poisoned by the consumption of well water with elevated levels of arsenate [As(V)], elevated 8-OHdG concentrations in urine were also observed. A significant correlation between the 8-OHdG levels and arsenic levels in the urine was observed in 82 patients with chronic poisoning. Thus, evidence of oxidative DNA damage occurred in acute arsenic poisoning by arsenite [As(III)] and in chronic arsenic poisoning by As(V). In chronic poisoning patients provided low-arsenic drinking water, evidence of DNA damage subsided between 9 months and 1 year after the high levels of arsenic intake were reduced. The initial level of arsenic exposure appeared to dictate the length of this recovery period. These data indicate that some aspects of chronic and acute arsenic poisoning may be reversible with the cessation of exposure. This knowledge may contribute to our understanding of the risk elevation from arsenic carcinogenesis and perhaps be used in a prospective fashion to assess individual risk.     

Comparison between sensitivity of a viscometric method and sensitivity of the alkaline elution assay for the determination of DNA damage induced by dimethylsulfate in vitro

DNA damage induced by dimethylsulfate (DMS) was measured with a new oscillating crucible viscometer, having a U-shaped circular channel. Rat liver nuclei were treated in vitro. Viscosity was measured by lysing nuclei in an alkaline lysing solution (pH 12.5; 25° C). Nuclei were lysed immediately in the viscometer and released DNA started to uncoil. In control samples the viscosity increased very slowly with time, reaching a maximum only after about 8 h. A progressively more rapid increase in viscosity was seen with increasing concentrations of DMS. The time of DNA disentanglement was sensitive to about 30 times less breaks than the alkaline elution assay.     

Differential effects of silver nanoparticles on DNA damage and DNA repair gene expression in Ogg1-deficient and wild type mice

Due to extensive use in consumer goods, it is important to understand the genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and identify susceptible populations. 8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) excises 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2-deoxyguanine (8-oxoG), a pro-mutagenic lesion induced by oxidative stress. To understand whether defects in OGG1 is a possible genetic factor increasing an individual’s susceptibly to AgNPs, we determined DNA damage, genome rearrangements, and expression of DNA repair genes in Ogg1-deficient and wild type mice exposed orally to 4?mg/kg of citrate-coated AgNPs over a period of 7?d. DNA damage was examined at 3 and 7?d of exposure and 7 and 14?d post-exposure. AgNPs induced 8-oxoG, double strand breaks (DSBs), chromosomal damage, and DNA deletions in both genotypes. However, 8-oxoG was induced earlier in Ogg1-deficient mice and 8-oxoG levels were higher after 7-d treatment and persisted longer after exposure termination. AgNPs downregulated DNA glycosylases Ogg1, Neil1, and Neil2 in wild type mice, but upregulated Myh, Neil1, and Neil2 glycosylases in Ogg1-deficient mice. Neil1 and Neil2 can repair 8-oxoG. Thus, AgNP-mediated downregulation of DNA glycosylases in wild type mice may contribute to genotoxicity, while upregulation thereof in Ogg1-deficient mice could serve as an adaptive response to AgNP-induced DNA damage. However, our data show that Ogg1 is indispensable for the efficient repair of AgNP-induced damage. In summary, citrate-coated AgNPs are genotoxic in both genotypes and Ogg1 deficiency exacerbates the effect. These data suggest that humans with genetic polymorphisms and mutations in OGG1 may have increased susceptibility to AgNP-mediated DNA damage.