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Mutagenic bioassay of certain pharmacological drugs. I. Thiabendazole (TBZ)
Abstract:
This report describes the chromosomal damage produced by 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole or thiabendazole (TBZ) evaluated by "in vivo" and "in vitro" cytogenetic tests. The doses assayed in adult mice by the sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus tests were: 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight; these are within the range of those used in human antihelminthic treatments. SCE frequency was increased only in the last dose (p less than 0.05). A significant increase of micronucleated cells was shown in the 3 doses assayed (p less than 0.001). A marked increase in abnormal anaphase-telophase cells was only detected with the two highest concentrations assayed (0.60-0.24 microgram/ml) p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05 respectively. The observed genotoxic effects of this compound indicate that TBZ itself is a mutagenic agent.
Insights
Thiabendazole (TBZ), a common antihelminthic drug, demonstrated mutagenic potential in cytogenetic tests. This anthelmintic medication induced significant chromosomal damage in both in vivo and in vitro studies.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Thiabendazole (TBZ) is widely used as an antihelminthic medication in humans and animals.
- Cytogenetic assays are crucial for evaluating the genotoxic potential of pharmaceutical compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chromosomal damage induced by 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole (thiabendazole, TBZ).
- To assess the genotoxic effects of TBZ using in vivo and in vitro cytogenetic tests relevant to human therapeutic doses.
Main Methods:
- In vivo assays in adult mice using sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus tests at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg.
- In vitro cytogenetic analysis of anaphase-telophase cells at concentrations of 0.60-0.24 µg/ml.
- Statistical analysis to determine the significance of observed chromosomal aberrations.
Main Results:
- TBZ significantly increased micronucleated cells across all tested doses (p < 0.001).
- A dose-dependent increase in SCE frequency was observed, with significance at the highest dose (p < 0.05).
- Elevated rates of abnormal anaphase-telophase cells were noted at higher concentrations (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The study confirms that thiabendazole (TBZ) possesses mutagenic properties.
- Observed genotoxic effects in cytogenetic tests indicate TBZ is a direct mutagenic agent.
- Findings highlight potential risks associated with TBZ use, even within therapeutic ranges.