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Genetic toxicity of fluoride
E Zeiger1, M D Shelby, K L Witt
1Experimental Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Fluoride (F-) is not mutagenic in bacteria but can cause chromosome damage and gene mutations in mammalian cells. Evidence suggests F- induces chromosome aberrations in human and rodent cells, though in vivo data remains inconclusive.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fluoride (F-) is widely used, necessitating an understanding of its genotoxic potential.
- Previous studies on F- genotoxicity have yielded conflicting results, particularly regarding chromosome damage in mammalian systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the genotoxicity of fluoride (F-), focusing on its ability to induce chromosome aberrations and gene mutations in mammalian cells.
- To reconcile conflicting findings in the literature regarding F- induced cytogenetic damage.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of in vitro studies using cultured mammalian cells (rodent and human) to assess chromosome aberrations and gene mutations.
- Evaluation of in vivo cytogenetic studies in rodents (bone marrow, testes).
- Consideration of cell cycle effects and methodological differences in study protocols.
Main Results:
- Fluoride (F-) induced chromosome aberrations (gaps, breaks) and gene mutations in cultured mammalian cells.
- Rodent cells responded in G2 phase, while human cells were most sensitive in S phase.
- In vivo studies showed conflicting results, with some reporting damage and others finding none, even at comparable exposure levels.
- Methodological issues, high background frequencies, and interpretation difficulties limit the utility of many studies.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride (F-) demonstrates genotoxic potential in vitro, inducing chromosome aberrations and gene mutations in mammalian cells.
- Discrepancies in cell cycle sensitivity and methodological variations contribute to conflicting results.
- The genotoxicity of fluoride (F-) in vivo remains unresolved due to inconsistent findings and data limitations.