Aflatoxin-induced structural chromosomal changes and mitotic disruption in mouse bone marrow

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science
• Genetics

Background:

• Aflatoxin B1 is a potent mycotoxin known to induce genotoxicity and chromosomal damage.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) possesses antioxidant properties that may counteract toxic effects.
• Understanding the protective role of vitamin C against mycotoxin-induced DNA damage is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of ascorbic acid against aflatoxin B1-induced chromosomal abnormalities in mice.
• To evaluate the impact of different treatment durations (6 and 12 weeks) on the efficacy of ascorbic acid.

Main Methods:

• Swiss albino mice were administered a dietary concentration of aflatoxin B1.
• Ascorbic acid was administered at a dose proportional to the human therapeutic dose (500 mg/day).
• Chromosomal abnormalities in bone marrow cells were analyzed after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.

Main Results:

• Ascorbic acid significantly decreased the incidence of aflatoxin B1-induced chromosomal abnormalities.
• Aflatoxin B1 alone did not cause significant differences in clastogenicity over 6 or 12 weeks.
• The 6-week vitamin C treatment primarily nullified structural chromosomal changes over mitotic disruptions; the 12-week treatment showed more structural and fewer disruption-type abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Ascorbic acid demonstrates a protective effect against aflatoxin B1-induced genotoxicity in mice.
• The duration of ascorbic acid administration influences the types of chromosomal abnormalities mitigated.
• Vitamin C supplementation may be a viable strategy to reduce the risk of mycotoxin-induced DNA damage.