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In vivo genotoxic effect of zinc sulfate in mouse peripheral blood leukocytes using Comet assay
B S Banu1, K D Devi, M Mahboob
1Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Biology and Biotechnology Division, Toxicology Unit, Hyderabad, A.P., India 500 007.
Abstract:
Single stranded DNA breaks induced by Zinc sulfate in mice has been studied in vivo using Alkaline Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet assay). Mice were administered orally with doses of 5.70, 8.55, 11.40, 14.25, 17.10 and 19.95 mg/kg body weight of zinc sulfate respectively. The samples of whole blood were collected at 24, 48, 72, 96 hr and first week post-treatment and the assay was carried out to determine single strand DNA breaks as represented by comet tail-lengths. Results indicated a significant DNA damage at all the doses after treatment with zinc sulfate when compared to controls showing a clear dose-dependent response (p < 0.05). A gradual decrease in the tail-lengths from 48 hr post-treatment onwards was observed indicating a time dependent decrease in the DNA damage. The study confirms that zinc sulfate causes significant DNA damage at the doses used as revealed by comet assay.
Insights
Zinc sulfate oral administration in mice caused significant DNA damage, as shown by the comet assay. This DNA damage was dose-dependent and decreased over time post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc sulfate is a common supplement with potential toxicological effects.
- Understanding its genotoxicity is crucial for assessing health risks.
- The Alkaline Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet assay) is a sensitive method for detecting DNA damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo genotoxicity of zinc sulfate in mice.
- To evaluate the dose-dependent and time-dependent effects of zinc sulfate on DNA integrity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were orally administered varying doses of zinc sulfate (5.70–19.95 mg/kg).
- Whole blood samples were collected at multiple time points (24 hr to 1 week).
- Alkaline Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet assay) was used to measure single-stranded DNA breaks via comet tail-lengths.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in DNA damage (comet tail-lengths) was observed at all tested doses of zinc sulfate compared to controls.
- A clear dose-dependent relationship was found between zinc sulfate exposure and DNA damage (p < 0.05).
- DNA damage showed a time-dependent decrease starting from 48 hours post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Zinc sulfate induces significant single-stranded DNA breaks in mice at the tested doses.
- The genotoxic effect of zinc sulfate is dose-dependent.
- The observed DNA damage is reversible over time, indicating a repair mechanism.