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Genotoxic and mutagenic studies of teratogens in developing rat and mouse
Eyyüp Rencüzoğulları1, Muhsin Aydın1
1a Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters , Adiyaman University , Adiyaman , Turkey.
Abstract:
In this review, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of teratogenic chemical agents in both rat and mouse have been reviewed. Of these chemicals, 97 are drugs and 33 are pesticides or belong to other groups. Large literature searches were conducted to determine the effects of chemicals on chromosome abnormalities, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus formation in experimental animals such as rats and mice. In addition, studies that include unscheduled DNA synthesis, DNA adduct formations, and gene mutations, which help to determine the genotoxicity or mutagenicity of chemicals, have been reviewed. It has been estimated that 46.87% of teratogenic drugs and 48.48% of teratogenic pesticides are positive in all tests. So, all of the teratogens involved in this group have genotoxic and mutagenic effects. On the other hand, 36.45% of the drugs and 21.21% of the pesticides have been found to give negative results in at least one test, with the majority of the tests giving positive results. However, only 4.16% of the drugs and 18.18% of the pesticides were determined to give negative results in the majority of the tests. Among tests with major negative results, 12.50% of the teratogenic drugs and 12.12% of the teratogenic pesticides were negative in all conducted tests.
Insights
Teratogenic drugs and pesticides often exhibit genotoxic and mutagenic effects, impacting DNA and chromosomes in animal models. This review highlights the significant potential for these agents to cause genetic damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Teratogenic chemicals pose risks during development.
- Understanding their genotoxic and mutagenic potential is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of teratogenic chemical agents in rats and mice.
- To analyze the outcomes of various genotoxicity tests for drugs and pesticides.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search on teratogenic chemicals.
- Analysis of studies reporting effects on chromosome abnormalities, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus formation.
- Inclusion of studies on unscheduled DNA synthesis, DNA adducts, and gene mutations.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of the reviewed teratogenic drugs (46.87%) and pesticides (48.48%) tested positive in all genotoxicity assays.
- A substantial proportion of agents showed mixed results, with a majority of positive tests.
- A small percentage of drugs (4.16%) and pesticides (18.18%) consistently yielded negative results across most tests.
Conclusions:
- The majority of teratogenic agents reviewed demonstrate significant genotoxic and mutagenic potential.
- Chemicals classified as teratogens frequently induce DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the genotoxic profiles of teratogenic agents.
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