In vitro cytogenotoxic evaluation of sertraline

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sertraline (SRT) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
• Its mechanism involves blocking serotonin reuptake and modulating serotonin receptor activity.
• The genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of SRT requires thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the genotoxic effects of Sertraline (SRT) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
• To assess SRT's DNA cleavage and protective capabilities.
• To investigate SRT's impact on oxidative stress markers (TOS, TAS) and cell proliferation.

Main Methods:

• Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome assay performed on human lymphocytes.
• Analysis of DNA cleavage and protection against H2O2-induced damage.
• Measurement of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and nuclear division index (NDI).

Main Results:

• SRT did not induce micronucleus (MN) formation but decreased MN and micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBN) percentages in a concentration-dependent manner when added late in culture.
• SRT exhibited no DNA cleavage activity or protection against H2O2-induced DNA damage.
• SRT significantly increased TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI), but not TAS, and reduced the nuclear division index (NDI) at higher concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Sertraline (SRT) does not appear to be directly genotoxic in human lymphocytes under the tested conditions.
• SRT may exert cytotoxic effects through the induction of oxidative stress.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of SRT's cellular effects.