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Cytogenetic effects of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on SWR/J mouse bone marrow cells
Faisal Mohamed Abou-Tarboush1, Mohamed Fathy Abdel-Samad
1Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Sildenafil citrate did not significantly alter mouse bone marrow cell chromosome aberrations or mitotic indices. However, increased centromeric adhesions were observed, warranting further investigation into this specific cytogenetic effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sildenafil citrate is widely used for erectile dysfunction.
- Understanding its potential cytogenetic effects is crucial for safety assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytogenetic effects of sildenafil citrate on mouse bone marrow cells.
- To determine if sildenafil citrate induces chromosome aberrations or affects mitotic indices.
Main Methods:
- SWR/J mice (males and females) were administered single oral doses of sildenafil citrate (13, 26, or 40 mg/kg) or saline.
- Bone marrow cells were analyzed for chromosome aberrations and mitotic indices at 12, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment.
- Data from both sexes were pooled due to lack of significant sex-based differences.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in mitotic indices or chromosome aberration frequencies were found between sildenafil citrate-treated groups and controls.
- A significant increase in centromeric adhesions was observed in all treated groups compared to the control.
- These adhesions were dose- and time-independent.
Conclusions:
- Sildenafil citrate does not appear to cause general cytogenetic damage in mouse bone marrow cells.
- The observed increase in centromeric adhesions requires further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Abstract:
The present study was conducted to investigate the cytogenetic effects of sildenafil citrate in SWR/J mouse bone marrow cells. Thirty-six males and 36 females were used and divided into four groups. Each group contained 18 animals (9 males and 9 females), weighing 30-35 g. These animals were orally administered with a single dose of 13, 26 or 40 mg/kg sildenafil citrate solution. A control group received normal saline in an identical condition. The animals were sacrificed at 12, 24 or 48 h, after the treatment. Chromosome aberrations were investigated in 50 metaphases per animal. No significant differences in the percentages of mitotic indices or in the frequencies of chromosome aberrations were observed between treated male and female mice at any doses or at any time intervals used, therefore, data from the two sexes were pooled when analyzed statistically. No significant (p < 0.05) differences in the percentages of mitotic indices or in the frequencies of chromosome aberrations were observed between sildenafil citrate-treated groups and the control group at any doses or at any time intervals used. However, the percentages of centromeric adhesions increased significantly (p < 0.01) in treated groups as compared with the control group at all doses and at all time intervals used. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that sildenafil citrate does not have cytogenetic effects on mouse bone marrow cells, but the centromeric adhesions induced by this drug need further studies to confirm them and to investigate the possible mechanism(s) responsible for such effect.
