Protective effect of vanillin on radiation-induced micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in V79 cells

Vanillin (VA), an anticlastogen, has been demonstrated to inhibit gene mutations in both bacterial and mammalian cells. However, the data on its effect against radiation-induced cytogenetic damage are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of VA on radiation-induced chromosomal damage in V79 cells. Exponentially growing cells were exposed to five doses of X-rays (1-12 Gy) and UV radiation (50-800 microJ x 10(2) cm-2 and posttreated with 3 concentrations of VA (5, 50 or 100 micrograms ml-1 for 16 h for micronucleus (MN) and 18 h for structural chromosomal aberration (SCA) analyses. MN and SCA assays were performed concurrently according to standard procedures. Results indicate that there was a dose related increase in the percent of micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBN) (5.6 to 79.6) and percent of aberrant cells (Abs) (12 to 98) with X-ray treatment alone. Inhibition studies showed that the addition of VA at 100 micrograms ml-1 significantly reduced the percent of MNBN (21 to 48) induced by X-ray at 1, 2, and 4 Gy. There was a slight decrease in percent MNBN at 5 and 50 micrograms VA ml-1. All three concentrations of VA decreased percent Abs (15.7 to 57.1) induced by X-rays at all doses. UV radiation alone significantly increased percent MNBN (3.5 to 14.8) and percent Abs (17 to 29). Addition of 50 or 100 micrograms VA ml-1, significantly decreased percent MNBN (31.7 to 86.2) and percent Abs (54.5 to 90.9) at all doses of UV radiation. A decrease in percent MNBN (2.8 to 72.4) and percent Abs (34.8 to 66.7) was also noted at 5 micrograms VA ml-1. These data clearly indicate the protective effect of VA on radiation-induced chromosomal damage, suggesting that VA is an anticlastogenic agent.