In vivo genotoxic effects of industrial waste leachates in mice following oral exposure

Abstract

Contamination of ground water by industrial waste poses potential health hazards for man and his environment. The improper disposal of toxic wastes could allow genotoxic chemicals to percolate into ground waters, and these contaminated ground waters may produce toxicity, including mutation and eventually cancer, in exposed individuals. In the present study, we evaluated the in vivo genotoxic potential of leachates made from three different kinds of industrial waste (tannery waste, metal-based waste, and waste containing dyes and pigments) that are disposed of in areas adjoining human habitation. Three different doses of test leachates were administered by oral gavage for 15 consecutive days to Swiss albino mice; their bone marrow cells were examined for chromosome aberrations (CAs), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs), and DNA damage using the alkaline Comet assay. Exposure to the leachates resulted in significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) dose-dependent increases in chromosome and DNA damage. Fragmented chromosomes and chromatid breaks were the major CAs observed. Chemical analysis of the leachates indicated that chromium and nickel were elevated above the limits established by health organizations. The highest levels of genotoxicity were produced by the metal-based leachate and the tannery-waste leachate, while the dye-waste leachate produced weaker genotoxic responses. The cytogenetic abnormalities and DNA damage produced by the leachates indicate that humans consuming water contaminated with these materials are at increased risk of developing adverse health consequences.

Genotoxicity assessment of the antimalarial compound artesunate in somatic cells of mice

“…Several studies have suggested that mutagenic agents produce carcinogenic effects (Chandra et al, 2006). The combined use of the comet Assay and micronucleus test in a single study has yielded good results.…”

Assessment of mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of Solanum paniculatum L. extracts using in vivo micronucleus test in mice

“…This assay is an in vivo short-term test developed by Heddle (1973) and Schmid (1975) and it is useful to investigate compounds with clastogenic (leading to chromosome breakage) and aneugenic (resulting in chromosome loss) activities (Schmid, 1975;Hayashi et al, 1990). Studies have already demonstrated that many mutagenic components exhibit carcinogenic effects (Chandra et al, 2006;Suzuki et al, 2008).…”

Effect of landfill leachate on cell cycle, micronucleus, and sister chromatid exchange in Triticum aestivum

“…Aquatic animal assay using goldfish (Carassius auratus) also indicates that raw landfill leachate induced DNA damage in peripheral erythrocytes, and increased the frequency of micronucleus (MN) in gill cells [4]. Investigation on mammals shows that both municipal landfill leachate and industrial solid waste leachate could cause the increase of MN and chromosomal aberration (CA) frequency, and contribute to the formation of DNA damage in mouse bone marrow and blood cells in vivo [5][6][7], and may be responsible for the DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes [8]. The cytogenetic abnormalities and DNA damage induced by landfill leachate implicate that humans consuming leachate contaminated water are at increased risk of developing adverse health consequences.…”