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Effect of 'Pan Masala' on the germ cells of male mice
A Mukherjee1, J Chakrabarti, A Chakrabarti
1Centre for Advanced Study in Cell and Chromosome Research, University of Calcutta, India.
Abstract:
Cytogenetic analyses of meiotic metaphase I germ cells and abnormalities of head morphology of caudal sperms were conducted in male mice following oral feeding of Pan Masala. The substance was ground to a fine powder, dispersed in polysorbate solution and administered via gavage to the animals at 84, 420 and 840 mg/kg body weight at the rate of 10 ml/kg body weight. Polysorbate and cyclophosphamide served as the vehicle control and positive control respectively. The two higher doses, 420 and 840 mg, gave a significant increase in the frequency of X-Y univalents and breaks over those of the vehicle control. Frequency of sperm head abnormalities were significantly high for all the doses tested. The results indicate that Pan Masala is a potent clastogen, reaches the testes and affects the germinal cells.
Insights
Pan Masala consumption significantly increased sperm head abnormalities and chromosomal damage in male mice germ cells. These findings suggest Pan Masala is a potent clastogen affecting reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Genetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Pan Masala is a popular oral Indian stimulant containing various ingredients.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential health effects, including reproductive toxicity.
- Limited data is available on the genotoxic impact of Pan Masala on germ cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clastogenic effects of Pan Masala on male mouse germ cells.
- To assess Pan Masala's impact on sperm morphology and meiotic chromosome behavior.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were orally administered Pan Masala at doses of 84, 420, and 840 mg/kg.
- Cytogenetic analysis of meiotic metaphase I germ cells was performed.
- Sperm head morphology was evaluated, with polysorbate and cyclophosphamide as controls.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in X-Y univalents and chromosomal breaks were observed at higher doses (420 and 840 mg/kg).
- A dose-dependent increase in sperm head abnormalities was noted across all tested concentrations.
- Pan Masala demonstrated significant genotoxic effects on germinal cells.
Conclusions:
- Pan Masala acts as a potent clastogen, inducing chromosomal damage in male germ cells.
- The substance reaches the testes and adversely affects reproductive cell integrity.
- Findings highlight the reproductive health risks associated with Pan Masala consumption.