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Synaptonemal complex damage in mouse spermatocytes exposed to tequila and brandy
A Piña-Calva1, R Quezada-Medina, E Madrigal-Bujaidar
1Genetics Laboratory, National School of Biological Sciences, I.P.N., Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
We evaluated the capacity of tequila and brandy to induce synaptonemal complex (SC) breaks in mouse spermatocytes. The alcoholic beverages were 20% diluted in distilled water and administered daily by oral intubation for 21 days (1, 2, and 3 g/kg, six animals per group). A positive control group was administered cyclophosphamide (CP) (20 mg/kg), and another group of mice was treated with distilled water. The results indicated the following: (i) tequila induced a statistically significant increase in SC damage with 2 g/kg and 3 g/kg, and brandy was genotoxic only with 3 g/kg, (ii) CP induced almost a duplication of the total number of breaks produced by tequila or brandy; (iii) the average weight increase in the animals was 3.3 g, but the group treated with the highest dose of tequila showed a slight weight decrease; (iv) the weight of the testes did not show any significant difference among groups of animals; and (v) there were no significant differences between groups with respect to the frequency of pachytenes (mean number: 195 in 1000 cells).
Insights
Tequila and brandy can cause DNA damage in male mice. Tequila showed significant synaptonemal complex (SC) breaks at higher doses, while brandy was genotoxic only at the highest dose tested.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Genetics
- Alcohol research
Background:
- Alcoholic beverages are widely consumed globally.
- Potential genotoxic effects of common spirits require investigation.
- Synaptonemal complex (SC) integrity is crucial for proper meiosis and fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genotoxic potential of tequila and brandy.
- To evaluate their capacity to induce synaptonemal complex (SC) breaks in mouse spermatocytes.
- To compare the effects of these beverages with a known genotoxic agent.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were administered daily oral doses of diluted tequila or brandy (1, 2, 3 g/kg) for 21 days.
- A positive control group received cyclophosphamide (CP), and a negative control group received distilled water.
- Synaptonemal complex (SC) damage, animal weight, testes weight, and pachytene cell frequency were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Tequila significantly increased SC breaks at 2 and 3 g/kg doses.
- Brandy induced significant SC breaks only at the highest dose (3 g/kg).
- Cyclophosphamide (CP) showed a higher genotoxic effect compared to both spirits; no significant changes in testes weight or pachytene frequency were observed.
Conclusions:
- Tequila and brandy possess genotoxic potential, inducing SC breaks in a dose-dependent manner.
- The observed genotoxicity suggests potential risks to male reproductive health.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term reproductive consequences of consuming these alcoholic beverages.