Toxicogenomic evaluation of chemically induced chromosomal imbalance using DNA image analysis

The study of carcinogenic potential of a variety of chemical agents such as food additives and drugs of abuse via the application of various in vitro methodologies constitutes the first step for the evaluation of their toxicogenomic profile. Considering the chromosomal theories of carcinogenesis, where it is stated that aneuploidy and chromosomal imbalance (instability) are among the main causes of carcinogenesis, chemicals capable to induce such changes in the cells could be considered as potential carcinogens. Chromosomal imbalance and aneuploidy directly affect the overall DNA content of the exposed cell as well as other cellular morpho- and densitometric features. These features can be measured by means of computerized DNA image analysis technologies and include DNA content (DNA Index), Proliferation Index, Ploidy Balance, Degree of Aneuploidy, Skewness and Kurtosis. Considering the enormous number of untested chemicals and drugs of abuse that follow non-genotoxic mechanisms of carcinogenesis, the establishment of a reliable technology for the estimation of chemically induced chromosomal imbalance is of particular importance in toxicogenomic studies. In the present article and based on our previously published work, we highlight the advantages of the applications of DNA image analysis technology in an easy-to-use experimental model for the evaluation of the potential risk of various chemicals. The use of this technology for the detection of chemically induced chromosomal instability will contribute to the development of safer regulatory directives concerning the use of chemicals in food and pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the clarification of mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse.