Genomic instability in blood cells from murine model of mucopolysaccharidosis type I

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is caused by a deficiency of alfa-iduronidase (IDUA), which leads to intralysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Some studies have revealed that oxidative stress plays an important role in MPS I. However, the mechanisms by which these alterations occur are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to analyze genomic instability in blood cells from murine model of MPS I by single cell gel (comet) assay and micronucleus test. The results pointed out genetic damage in blood cells as depicted by the single cell gel (comet) assay results. By contrast, no increase of micronucleated cells were found in mouse blood cells when compared to negative control. Taken together, our results suggest that IDUA deficiency induces genomic damage in blood cells. Certainly, this finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying the relation between IDUA deficiency and clinical manifestations that can occur in MPS I patients.