Effect of Synthetic Progesterone (Norethisterone) on Human Chromosomes: A Cytogenetic Study From India

Abstract

Birth restriction methods dates back to prehistoric times, half a million years ago. Modern contraceptive methods constitute most contraceptive use. Nearly 800 million married or in-union women are projected to be using contraception in 2030. Norethisterone (synthetic progesterone) is used for many therapeutic purposes, and is being used by millions of women in India. The present study was carried out during August 2009 to July 2011 on sixty fertile females within reproductive age group. Chromosomal analysis was carried out to find the effects of synthetic progesterone (Norethisterone) on human chromosomes in lymphocyte culture in vitro in three groups at 0, 75 µg, 100 µg of drug per ml respectively and observed for chromosomal aberrations like break, gap, dicentric chromosome and chromosomal association. Chromosomal aberrations were significantly increased at higher concentrations. Mean chromosomal gaps at 0µg/ml, 75µg/ml and 100 µg/ml concentration were 6.90, 7.62 and 10.58 respectively and mean chromosomal breaks in that same concentration were 6.63, 7.28 and 10.08 respectively. 30 samples of the 60 showed chromosomal associations and 5 showed dicentric chromosomes. There is a direct correlation between increase in concentration of Norethisterone and structural chromosomal aberrations, which may be carried to next generation, and lead to anomalies in progeny of woman taking such high doses of synthetic progesterone.