Effect of various concentrations of lead nitrate on the induction of micronuclei in mouse bone marrow

Assessment of genotoxic damage induced by exposure to binary mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and three heavy metals in male mice

INTRODUCTION

Heavy metals (HM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposition has been associated with health problems. Therefore, this research evaluated genotoxicity induced in male mice strain CD-1 exposed to benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and their interaction with Fe, Pb, and Al.

METHODS

Groups of animals were exposed intraperitoneally to HM, PAHs, and mixtures of both. Peripheral blood samples were taken from 0 to 96 h at 24 h intervals; genotoxicity was determined by micronucleus tests and comet assay. Additionally, toxicity and viability were evaluated.

RESULTS

HM and PAHs individually were genotoxic. About toxicity, only Al altered polychromatic erythrocytes number and did not change leukocytes viability. Concerning mixtures, Fe + B[a]P, Fe + B[a]A, Pb + B[a]P increased genotoxicity. There were no changes with Pb + B[a]A. Finally, Al mixtures with both PAHs damage was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to HM and PAH caused genetic damage. Fe, Al, and B[a]A, established a genotoxic potential. Every metal can interact with PAHs in different ways. Also, the micronucleus test and the comet assay demonstrated their high capacity and reliability to determine the genotoxic potential of the compounds evaluated in this work.

Genotoxicity evaluation using micronucleus test in Rattus norvegicus captured in urban ecosystems of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The overall goal of the present study was to evaluate and compare the existence of genotoxic damage in Rattus norvegicus captured in sites with different levels of chemical mixtures along the Matanza-Riachuelo river basin (MRRB). For this, thirty-six wild rats (R. norvegicus) were captured from six different sites in the MRRB. Capture sites were characterized with concentrations of 20 parameters in surface water, including concentrations of metals and its soluble state and physicochemical parameters. To evaluate genotoxic damage in the rats, the bone marrow micronucleus test was performed. For this, the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) was calculated based on the observation of 2000 polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) per animal. Also, to detect possible cytotoxic effects, the PCE/TE (total erythrocytes) ratio in 1000 erythrocytes/animal was calculated. The frequency of MNPCE was positively associated with the highest concentration of chrome, lead, copper, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand. Also, the decrease on PCE/TE ratio in bone marrow was related with increase of practically all metals and physicochemical parameters in surface water. The results of this study reveal that rats that live in the MRRB were exposed to concentrations of pollutants that can cause genotoxic damage, even though the concentrations of these pollutants are mostly below the safety standards. Therefore, this work highlights the importance of using methods that allow to integrate all environmental parameters in risk assessment, such as sentinel species.

Clastogenic but Not Apoptotic Effects on Human Artery Endothelial Cells by Concentrations of Inorganic Lead Inhibiting Their Nitric Oxide Production

Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC 5156) were cultured as monolayers and exposed to concentrations of lead (as acetate, Pb) in the culture medium similar or lower than those commonly found in the blood of human beings occupationally or environmentally exposed to this element. Only at the concentration of 200 ng/mL, Pb reduced growth rate of HCAEC 5156 cells starting from the 3rd day and up to the 5th day of incubation. On the other hand, Pb (0.2, 2 and 200 ng/mL) increased concentration-dependently micronuclei formation in binucleated HCAEC5156 cells, as it was shown by the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN assay) carried out after 48 hours of exposure to the metal. However, Pb was unable, at all the above concentrations, to induce apoptosis in HCAEC 5156 cells following a 48 hour-exposure, as shown by an electrophoretic apoptotic DNA fragmentation test. Moreover, Pb (2 and 200 ng/mL) reduced significantly the concentration of nitric oxide (NO, determined analytically as L-citrulline) in both culture medium and cytosol of HCAEC 5156 cells following a 7 day-exposure to the element. Results were discussed also in relation to evidences of other studies reporting genotoxic and/or apoptotic effects of Pb on various cell types at very elevated dosages or concentrations. The observed clastogenic effects of Pb were explained through a series of mechanisms involving interactions between oxygen reactive species and NO and/or reduced NO synthesis in the endothelium, thus leading to a depressed NO bioavailability. This research first shows that Pb is provided with clastogenic but not apoptotic effects on cultured human endothelial cells. It was emphasized that such effects are induced by Pb concentrations similar to those commonly found in blood and tissues of laboratory animals showing Pb induced cardiovascular and/or neuropsychological alterations.

Toxic effects of the ingestion of water-soluble elements found in soil under the atmospheric influence of an industrial complex

In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of water-soluble elements from a contaminated soil via gavage in a single dose, simulating a geophagy event. The contaminated soil was collected in a field located in an industrial complex, and the control soil was collected in a reference area. Metabolic and behavioral parameters in Wistar male rats were measured after 24 and 96 h of gavage. After 96 h, the major organs were weighed, blood was collected to check hematological parameters, the bone marrow was taken for the micronucleus test, and the liver was used for evaluating the total antioxidant capacity, lipoperoxidation and protein carbonylation. Animals exposed to contaminated soil presented a few significant alterations by comparison with control animals: TBARS and protein carbonyl levels increased, the relative weight of the kidneys increased, metabolic parameters (body weight gain, food intake, water consumption, urine and feces production) depressed and there was behavioral alteration. These findings suggest that soils impacted by atmospheric contaminants can affect the organism physiological status jeopardizing the health of populations living in industrial areas. Finally, this study reassures that ingestion of potentially contaminated soils, even for short periods of time, can cause health risks.

A core in vitro genotoxicity battery comprising the Ames test plus the in vitro micronucleus test is sufficient to detect rodent carcinogens and in vivo genotoxins

In vitro genotoxicity testing needs to include tests in both bacterial and mammalian cells, and be able to detect gene mutations, chromosomal damage and aneuploidy. This may be achieved by a combination of the Ames test (detects gene mutations) and the in vitro micronucleus test (MNvit), since the latter detects both chromosomal aberrations and aneuploidy. In this paper we therefore present an analysis of an existing database of rodent carcinogens and a new database of in vivo genotoxins in terms of the in vitro genotoxicity tests needed to detect their in vivo activity. Published in vitro data from at least one test system (most were from the Ames test) were available for 557 carcinogens and 405 in vivo genotoxins. Because there are fewer publications on the MNvit than for other mammalian cell tests, and because the concordance between the MNvit and the in vitro chromosomal aberration (CAvit) test is so high for clastogenic activity, positive results in the CAvit test were taken as indicative of a positive result in the MNvit where there were no, or only inadequate data for the latter. Also, because Hprt and Tk loci both detect gene-mutation activity, a positive Hprt test was taken as indicative of a mouse-lymphoma Tk assay (MLA)-positive, where there were no data for the latter. Almost all of the 962 rodent carcinogens and in vivo genotoxins were detected by an in vitro battery comprising Ames+MNvit. An additional 11 carcinogens and six in vivo genotoxins would apparently be detected by the MLA, but many of these had not been tested in the MNvit or CAvit tests. Only four chemicals emerge as potentially being more readily detected in MLA than in Ames+MNvit--benzyl acetate, toluene, morphine and thiabendazole--and none of these are convincing cases to argue for the inclusion of the MLA in addition to Ames+MNvit. Thus, there is no convincing evidence that any genotoxic rodent carcinogens or in vivo genotoxins would remain undetected in an in vitro test battery consisting of Ames+MNvit.

Genotoxic effects of lead: an updated review

Lead is a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal with unique physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for a great variety of applications. Because of its high persistence in the environment and its use since ancient times for many industrial activities, lead is a common environmental and occupational contaminant widely distributed around the world. Even though the toxic effects of lead and its compounds have been investigated for many years in a variety of systems, the data existing with regard to its mutagenic, clastogenic and carcinogenic properties are still contradictory. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified lead as possible human carcinogen (group 2B) and its inorganic compounds as probable human carcinogens (group 2A). Furthermore, although the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of lead remain still unclear, there are some studies that point out indirect mechanisms of genotoxicity such as inhibition of DNA repair or production of free radicals. This article reviews the works listed in the literature that use different parameters to evaluate the genotoxic effects of lead in vitro, in vivo and in epidemiological studies.

Genotoxicity evaluation in workers occupationally exposed to lead

Lead (Pb) is a widely used heavy metal with a broad industrial usage. Nevertheless, Pb is a serious public health issue as it is one of the most widespread environmental and industrial toxins. The aim of this investigation was to assess the genotoxicity of Pb using the comet assay, micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) test. Blood and urinary Pb content, levels of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in the erythrocytes (E-ALAD) and delta-aminolevulinic acid in urine (U-ALA) were determined. The exposure associated oxidative stress was also studied. The study group comprised of 90 male Pb recovery unit workers and 90 matched controls. The results indicated that the exposed workers had a significantly higher mean comet tail length than that of controls (P<0.05). Analysis of micronuclei in buccal epithelial cells (BEC's) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) revealed that there was a significant increase in frequency of MN in exposed subjects than controls. The frequency of aberrant metaphases was also found to be significantly elevated in the Pb exposed workers. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were relatively reduced (P>0.05) while the rate of lipid peroxidation was higher in the exposed subjects. Blood and urinary Pb concentrations were found to be higher in exposed workers than in controls. E-ALAD levels were reduced and U-ALA levels were elevated in the exposed subjects in comparison to controls. Results of analysis, taking the confounding factors into consideration provide evidence for the association of Pb exposure and genotoxicity, and predict the increased risk of cancer to the exposed workers. In view of the observed results, it can be strongly concluded that the workers comprise the risk group and adequate safety, precautionary and preventive measures could only minimize exposure and the related health hazards.

The evaluation of micronucleus frequency by acridine orange fluorescent staining in peripheral blood of rats treated with lead acetate

The data concerning the mutagenic, clastogenic and carcinogenic properties of inorganic lead compounds have been conflicting. Here, we evaluated the frequency of micronuclei in the peripheral blood of female rats treated with three different lead acetate doses. Outbred female Wistar rats were treated by gavage once per week for 10 weeks with cumulative doses of 140, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (body wt) of lead acetate. Mitomycin C (MMC) 2 mg/kg body wt was used as a positive control. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of lead acetate on peripheral blood reticulocytes using the micronucleus test following chronic exposure. The results show the effects of lead acetate in peripheral blood reticulocytes. These effects are both cytotoxic and genotoxic because of a decrease in the number of polychromatic erythrocytes in the peripheral blood and an increase in frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes, respectively.

Genotoxicity of inorganic lead salts and disturbance of microtubule function

Lead compounds are known genotoxicants, principally affecting the integrity of chromosomes. Lead chloride and lead acetate induced concentration-dependent increases in micronucleus frequency in V79 cells, starting at 1.1 microM lead chloride and 0.05 microM lead acetate. The difference between the lead salts, which was expected based on their relative abilities to form complex acetato-cations, was confirmed in an independent experiment. CREST analyses of the micronuclei verified that lead chloride and acetate were predominantly aneugenic (CREST-positive response), which was consistent with the morphology of the micronuclei (larger micronuclei, compared with micronuclei induced by a clastogenic mechanism). The effects of high concentrations of lead salts on the microtubule network of V79 cells were also examined using immunofluorescence staining. The dose effects of these responses were consistent with the cytotoxicity of lead(II), as visualized in the neutral-red uptake assay. In a cell-free system, 20-60 microM lead salts inhibited tubulin assembly dose-dependently. The no-observed-effect concentration of lead(II) in this assay was 10 microM. This inhibitory effect was interpreted as a shift of the assembly/disassembly steady-state toward disassembly, e.g., by reducing the concentration of assembly-competent tubulin dimers. The effects of lead salts on microtubule-associated motor-protein functions were studied using a kinesin-gliding assay that mimics intracellular transport processes in vitro by quantifying the movement of paclitaxel-stabilized microtubules across a kinesin-coated glass surface. There was a dose-dependent effect of lead nitrate on microtubule motility. Lead nitrate affected the gliding velocities of microtubules starting at concentrations above 10 microM and reached half-maximal inhibition of motility at about 50 microM. The processes reported here point to relevant interactions of lead with tubulin and kinesin at low dose levels.

Micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers exposed to lead

Lead plays an important role in many industrial processes. Although highly useful to man, lead has various types of toxic effects. There is constantly growing evidence of a relationship between the induction of chromosome breaks and an increased risk of onset of cancer. However, available data about the possible genotoxic and carcinogenic action of lead are conflicting. In this report we present the results of studies on lead concentrations in blood and the respective micronucleus frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes from workers employed in the recycling of automotive batteries in the surroundings of Porto Alegre, Brazil. We observed that in the occupationally exposed group, both lead concentration in peripheral blood and micronucleus frequency in lymphocytes were significantly higher compared to control (Z=6.35, P<0.0001 and Z=4.47, P<0.0001). The nuclear division index (NDI) values were significantly higher in the control group than in the exposed group (Z=2.13, P=0.0330), indicating a possible effect of Pb on nuclear proliferation. We also detected a negative correlation between micronuclei and progression of nuclear division (tau=-0.312, P=0.0129). There were no changes in micronucleus frequency between smoking and non-smoking workers exposed to lead (Z=0.03, P=0.9790). The only difference found between the groups of smokers and non-smokers was with respect to NDI, whose values were significantly higher among non-smokers (Z=1.98, P=0.0481).

Lead acetate genotoxicity on human melanoma cells in vitro

In this study, chromosomal damage induced in vitro by lead acetate in human melanoma cells (B-Mel) was evaluated using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) analysis. Lead acetate (10-6, 10-5 and 10-3 mM) induced micronuclei and SCE formation in a dose-dependent manner. Treated cells showed a decrease in cell viability but not concomitant cell death by apoptosis (lead acetate failed to induce internucleosomal DNA fragmentation at any of the doses tested). One important observation emerging from this study was that low-level lead exposure in vitro is able to induce significant cytogenetic damage in human melanoma cells, indicating an increased sensitivity of B-Mel cells to lead acetate.

Toxicological characteristics of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity

It is generally accepted that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) play a role in a variety of adverse health effects in an intact organism or its progeny as a consequence of changes in the endocrine system. Primary toxic effects of EDCs were reported to be related to infertility, reduction in sperm count, and teratogenicity, but other important toxic effects of EDCs such as carcinogenicity and mutagenicity have also been demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyze the toxicological characteristics of EDCs in pesticides, industrial chemicals, and metals. A comprehensive literature survey on the 48 EDCs classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was conducted using a number of databases which included Medline, Toxline, and Toxnet. The survey results revealed that toxicological characteristics of EDCs were shown to produce developmental toxicity (81%), carcinogenicity (79%, when positive in at least one animal species; 48%, when classified based on IARC evaluation), mutagenicity (79%), immunotoxicity (52%), and neurotoxicity (50%). Regarding the hormone-modulating effects of the 48 EDCs, estrogenic effects were the most predominant in pesticides, while effects on thyroid hormone were found for heavy metals. EDCs showing estrogen-modulating effects were closely related to carcinogenicity or mutagenicity with a high degree of sensitivity. Systematic information on the toxicological characteristics of the EDCs will be useful for future research directions on EDCs, the development of new screening methods, legal regulation, and for investigations of their mechanism of action.

Subacute toxic effects of zinc on various tissues and organs of rats

In order to expand our knowledge of zinc toxicity and to assess further the toxicities of zinc systematically, we observed the toxic effects of zinc on the functions of various tissues and organs in rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups (14 in each group), viz. one normal control group (received saline), two zinc groups (Znlow: 4 mg/kg of zinc acetate; Znhigh: 8 mg/kg of zinc acetate), and one cyclophosphamide group (50 mg/kg, as positive control of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCEs)). Saline and zinc acetate were administered intraperitoneally to the rats once every 2 days, seven times in total. Cyclophosphamide was given intraperitoneally to the rats once. The concentration of blood zinc was determined and accumulation of zinc was not observed in the experimental groups. The frequencies of basophilic stippled erythrocyte (BSE) and MPCEs in the Znhigh group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and serum triiodothyronine (T3) in the Znhigh groups decreased significantly, compared with the control group (P<0.01 or 0.05). Moreover, we also observed that the level of serum cortisol, another adrenal corticoid hormone in rats, was increased by zinc acetate in a dose-dependent manner. According to the literature and our findings, exposure to zinc, especially at higher doses, may produce toxic effects on various tissues and organs including the hematopoietic system, cytogenetics, biochemistry and endocrine system function. Therefore, it is suggested that zinc should be used carefully, especially by high risk groups such as children and pregnant women despite its use as a food additive or in self-medication. At the same time, it is necessary to investigate and research further these toxicities of zinc with long-term administration of low dosage.

DNA damage in workers exposed to lead using comet assay

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous and toxic metal. Secondary Pb recovery unit workers are prone to possible occupational Pb exposure. Hence, this investigation was conducted to assess the genotoxic effect of Pb exposure in these workers. In the study, 45 workers were monitored for DNA damage in blood leucocytes. Simultaneously 36 subjects were used as control group in this study. All the subjects were estimated for Pb content in whole blood by ICP-MS. The alkali single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) was adopted for detecting the DNA damage. The air inside the premises of the unit had Pb concentrations of 4.2 microg/m(3). The level of DNA damage was determined as the percentage of cells with comets. The mean Pb content was found to be significantly higher in the study group (248.3 microg/l) when compared with the controls (27.49 microg/l). Significantly more cells with DNA damage (44.58%) were observed in the study group than in the control persons (21.14%). Smoking had a significant effect on DNA damage in the control group whereas an insignificant effect was noticed in the exposed workers. Study as well as the control group failed to show a significant effect on DNA damage with age (P>0.05). Pb content and years of exposure significantly correlated with DNA damage in the study group (r=0.602, r=0.690; P<0.01). The increased levels of DNA damage observed in the exposed workers, justifies the use of the comet assay for the evaluation of genotoxic effects in humans exposed to Pb.

Genotoxic effect of lead nitrate on mice using SCGE (comet assay)

Single stranded DNA breakage induced by lead nitrate in mice has been studied in vivo using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Mice were administered orally 0.7, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6, 11. 2, 22.4, 44.8 and 89.6 mg/kg body weight of lead nitrate and the assay was performed on whole blood at 24, 48, 72 h, 1st and 2nd week. Significant increase in mean tail-length of DNA was observed at all time intervals after treatment with lead nitrate when compared to controls. The mean tail-length did not show a dose-related increase and the elevation in the mean tail-length was of a fluctuating type. Increase in mean tail-lengths clearly gives evidence that lead nitrate causes DNA damage effectively. The study indicates that the alkaline comet assay is a sensitive and rapid method to detect DNA damage caused by heavy metals.