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Genotoxicity, DNA damage and sperm defects induced by vinblastine

Maha A Fahmy1, Entesar E Hassan2, Ayman A Farghaly1

  • 1Department of Genetics and Cytology, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

Molecular Biology Reports
|November 17, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vinblastine (VB) causes DNA damage in mice's somatic and germ cells. This chemotherapy drug induces sperm defects, raising concerns for cancer survivors' fertility and future generations.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Chemotherapy can lead to secondary tumors due to genotoxicity.
  • Sperm defects are a known complication of chemotherapy treatment.
  • This study investigates the genotoxicity of vinblastine (VB) in somatic and germ cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the genotoxic effects of vinblastine (VB) on somatic and germ cells in a mouse model.
  • To evaluate DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations induced by VB.
  • To determine the impact of VB on sperm morphology and quality.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were administered single or successive doses of vinblastine (VB) at varying concentrations (3-10 mg/kg).
  • Chromosomal aberrations (CAs), DNA fragmentation (comet assay), and sperm abnormalities were analyzed.
  • Somatic cells (bone marrow, spleen) and germ cells (spermatocytes, testes) were examined.

Main Results:

  • Vinblastine significantly increased DNA fragmentation in spleen cells and CAs in bone marrow.
  • Polyploidy metaphases reached 11.60% at the highest dose, indicating significant chromosomal damage.
  • VB induced significant CAs in spermatocytes, sperm defects (coiled tail, absent acrosome), and DNA damage in testes.

Conclusions:

  • Vinblastine exhibits genotoxicity in both somatic and germ cells.
  • VB-induced sperm defects pose a serious risk to the fertility of cancer survivors.
  • The findings highlight potential long-term reproductive health concerns for individuals treated with vinblastine.
Keywords:
Bone marrowChromosomal aberrationsDNA damageSperm abnormalitiesSpermatocytesVinblastine

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