Analysis of Unstable Chromosome Aberrations in Simulation of Partial Body Exposures with Gamma Rays

Accidentally or occupationally exposures to ionizing radiation generally involving the partial-body exposures and this may pose significant health hazards that are indicated by chromosome aberration （CA） induction. In this experiment, the quantification of the frequencies of CA was carried out based on cytogenetic analyses of peripheral blood samples obtained from 4 healthy volunteers as a result of simulation of partial-body exposures. The percentages of mixtures of blood samples irradiated in vitro with 2 Gy of gamma rays were 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100.0%. Lymphocytes were cultured and first-division metaphase cells were collected after culture times of 48 h and then harvested with standard procedures. The results showed that frequencies of unstable CA were depended on the percentage/portion of irradiated blood. All frequencies of observed CA was lower than that of calculated from 100% exposed blood, except in one case, indicating a phenomena of＂dilution＂ of unirradiated into irradiated lymphocytes though there could be a bystander effects taken place. The increasing in frequency for 25-100% portions was also comparable with other similar experiments. The quantification of CAs in lymphocytes is an important methodology of dose assessment for partial-body exposure to ionizing radiation, however, the scenario of exposure should be determined.

PRE-EXPOSURE OF MICE TO LOW DOSE OR LOW DOSE RATE IONIZING RADIATION REDUCES CHROMOSOME ABERRATIONS INDUCED BY SUBSEQUENT EXPOSURE TO HIGH DOSE OF RADIATION OR MITOMYCIN C

The phenomenon of cytogenetic adaptive and cross-adaptive response induced by low dose irradiation and chemical mutagen in mice is described. We found, firstly, that adaptation can be induced by acute low dose Xirradiation (0-100 mGy). Secondly, a cross-adaptation can occur between X-irradiation and mitomycin C (MMC). And finally, mice pre-exposed to chronic low dose rate￣(60)Co-Gamma irradiation (0-226.0 mGy/day) are less susceptible to chromosome aberration induced by subsequent acute higher Xirradiation. Therefore, our data suggest that radioadaptive response depends on dose, dose rate and time interval. Possible mechanisms are also discussed.

MODULATION OF THE FREQUENCY OF HUMANCYTOMEGALOViRUS-INDUCED CHROMOSOMEABERRATIONS BY CAMPTOTHECIN

The effects of selected DNA repair inhibitors on the frequency of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-induced chromosome aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were evaluated. Trealment of HCMV-infected PBLs with camptothecin (0.05 to 0.3μg/ml), an inhibitor of topoisomerase I, for 30 hr resulted in a significant (P<0.01) synergistic enhancement of the frequency of HCMV-induced chromosome damage, on the other hand, a significant increase in the frequency of chromosome damage was not noted for infected PBLs treated with either 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) (3 to 30μg/ml), an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) poiymerase, ur novobiocin 3 to 30 |ig/ml) an inhibitor of topoiso-merase I or excision repair processes for 30 hr. chromatid-type breaks including chromosome exchanges were the predominant type of chromosome aberrations observed in the HCMV-infected cells treated with camptothecin suggesting that HCMV infection is associated with the induction of single-strand DNA breaks. Furthermore, these findings suggest that HCMV infection does rol inflict dircc: DNA damage which is repaired through 3-AB- or novobiocinsensitive pathways.Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common pathogen which irferfs about 80% of the world's population causing, for the most part, persistent subcliniclil infeclions (Wellcr, 1971). A relatively small percentage of otherwise healthy immunologically competent people experience clinical HCMV disease (Cohen et al., 1985). Generalized HCMV infection, however, is the bane of individuals whose immune system is compromised (Schooley, 1990) Rubin, 1990). Molecular epidemiological studies strongly suggest that HCMV is one of the most frequent cause of congenital infections and that these infections result in a high incidence of birth defects and developmental abnormalities (Alford et al., 1990). Several studies (Nachtigal et al., 1978; Luleci et al., 1980; AbuBakar et al., 1988) have shown that HCMV infectior can result in an increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations. Since the ability to cause chromosome damage may be significant in the induction of birth defects and possibly in HCMV-induced malignancy, we undertook the present investigation to evaluate the mechanisms by which HCMV may cause chromosome damage. In ths study, the effects of selected DNA repair inhibitors on the frequency of HCMV-induced chromosome aberrations were evaluated. The results indicae that the presence of camptothecin, but nut 3-aminobenzamidc (3-AB) ro novobiocin, results in a concentration-dependent increase in the frequent) of chromosome aberrations in HCMV-infected peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Accordingly, it is proposed that HCMV-induced chromosome damage in PBLs does not substantially involve DNA repair activities sensitive to inhibition of poly ADP-ribosylation or excision repair processes, but is related to camp of thccin-sersitive DNA repair, conceivably involving the activity of topoisomrrasc I .

ANALYSES OF CHROMOSOME ABERRATIONS IN LYMPHOCYTES AND BONE MARROW CELLS INDUCED BY RADIATION OR BENZENE

The chromosome and chromatid type aberration can be induced by benzene and the dicentric and ring ones were not observed in vitro experiment but observed in vivo one. In vitro experiment a good linear regression can be given between benzene concentrations and total aberration cells while power regression for radiation dose.The chromosome aberrations induced by benzene combined with radiation in rabbit blood lymphocytes are higher than in bone marrow cells.

Induction of Chromosomal Aberrations by Propoxur in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells

Propoxur is a widely used dithiocarbamate insecticide. In this study, the clastogenic effect of propoxur has been evaluated using chromosomal aberration assay in mouse bone marrow cells. Single i. p. administration of propoxur, at 25 mg/kg b.wt., a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and 12 .5mg/kg b.wt (50% of MTD) have significantly induced different types of aberrations after 24 h of treatment. The aberrations were dose and time dependent and reached a maximum after 24 h of exposure. The sresult suggest a genotoxic potential of propoxur.

Copy number changes of target genes in chromosome 3q25.3-qter of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: TP63is amplified in early carcinogenesis but down-regulated as disease progressed

AIM: By using comparative genomic hybridization, gain of 3q was found in 45-86% cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EC-SCC). Chromosome 3q25.3-qter is the minimal common region with several oncogenes found within this region. However, amplification patterns of these genes in EC-SCC have never been reported. The possible association of copy number changes of these genes with pathologic characteristics is still not clear. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) was performed to analyze the copy number changes of 13 candidate genes within this region in 60 primary tumors of EC-SCC, and possible association of copy number changes with pathologic characteristics was analyzed by statistics. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) study was also performed on another set of 111 primary tumors of EC-SCC to verify the association between TP63 expression change and lymph node metastasis status. RESULTS: The average copy numbers (±SE) per haploid genome of individual genes in 60 samples were (from centromere to telomere): SSR3: 4.19 (±0.69); CCNL1: 5.24 (±0.67); SMC4L1: 2.01 (±0.16); EVI1: 2.02 (±0.12); hTERC. 5.28 (±0.54); SKIL 2.71 (±0.14); EIF5A2. 1.95 (±0.12); ECT2: 9.18 (±1.68); PIK3CA: 8.13 (±1.17); EIF4G1: 1.07 (±0.05); 557: 3.07 (±0.25); TP63: 2.51 (±0.22); TFRC. 2.42 (±0.19). Four clusters of amplification were found: SSR3 and CCLN1 at 3q25.31; hTERC and SKIL at 3q26.2; ECT2 and PIK3CA at 3q26.31-q26.32; and 55T, TP63 and TFRC at 3q27.3-q29. Patients with lymph node metastasis had significantly lower copy number of TP63 in the primary tumor than those without lymph node metastasis. IHC study on tissue arrays also showed that patients with lymph node metastasis have significantly lower TP63 staining score in the primary tumor than those without lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: This study showed that different amplification patterns were seen among different genes within 3q25.3-qter in EC-SCC, and several novel candidate oncogenes (SSR3, SMC4L1, ECT2, and SST) were identified. TP63 is amplified in early stage of EC-SCC carcinogenesis but down-regulated in advanced stage of disease.

In vitro Antigenotoxicity of Ulva rigida C. Agardh (Chlorophyceae) Extract against Induction of Chromosome Aberration, Sister Chromatid Exchange and Micronuclei by Mutagenic Agent MMC

Objective To determine the in vitro possible clastogenic and cytotoxic activities of Ulva rigida crude extracts （URE）, and identify their antigenotoxic and protective effects on chemotherapeutic agent mitomycine-C （MMC）. Methods Anti-clastogenic and anti-genotoxic activities of Ulva rigida crude extracts （URE） were studied using chromosome aberration （CA）, sister chromatid exchange （SCE）, and micronuclei （MN） tests in human lymphocytes cultured in vitro. Results The chromosome aberration, sister chromatid exchange or micronuclei tests showed that URE at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 lag/mL had no clastogenic activity in human lymphocyte cell culture. Three doses of URE significantly decreased the number of chromosomal aberrations and the frequencies of SCE and MN when compared with the culture treated with MMC （P〈0.0001）. Conclusion Although URE itself is not a clastogenic or cytotoxic substance, it possesses strong antigenotoxic, anti-clastogenic, and protective effects on MMC in vitro.

Antimutagenic potential of curcumin on chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa

Turmeric has long been used as a spice and food colouring agent in Asia. In the present investigation, the antimutagenic potential of curcumin was evaluated in Allium cepa root meristem cells. So far there is no report on the biological properties of curcumin in plant test systems. The root tip cells were treated with sodium azide at 200 and 300 μg/ml for 3 h and curcumin was given at 5, 10 and 20 μg/ml for 16 h, prior to sodium azide treatment. The tips were squashed after colchicine treatment and the cells were analyzed for chromosome aberration and mitotic index. Curcumin induces chromosomal aberration in Allium cepa root tip cells in an insignificant manner, when compared with untreated control. Sodium azide alone induces chromosomal aberrations significantly with increasing concentrations. The total number of aberrations was significantly reduced in root tip cells pretreated with curcumin. The study reveals that curcumin has antimutagenic potential against sodium azide induced chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa root meristem cells. In addition, it showed mild cytotoxicity by reducing the percentage of mitotic index in all curcumin treated groups, but the mechanism of action remains unknown. The antimutagenic potential of curcumin is effective at 5 μg/ml in Allium cepa root meristem cells.

Mathematical Modeling of Carcinogenesis Based on Chromosome Aberration Data

Objective： The progression of human cancer is characterized by the accumulation of genetic instability. An increasing number of experimental genetic molecular techniques have been used to detect chromosome aberrations. Previous studies on chromosome abnormalities often focused on identifying the frequent loci of chromosome alterations, but rarely addressed the issue of interrelationship of chromosomal abnormalities. In the last few years, several mathematical models have been employed to construct models of carcinogenesis, in an attempt to identify the time order and cause-and-effect relationship of chromosome aberrations. The principles and applications of these models are reviewed and compared in this paper. Mathematical modeling of carcinogenesis can contribute to our understanding of the molecular genetics of tumor development, and identification of cancer related genes, thus leading to improved clinical practice of cancer.

Structural Changes of 2V Chromosome of Haynaldia villosa Induced by Gametocidal Chromosome 3C of Aegilops triuncialis

Haynaldia villosa （2n=2X= 14, VV）, a relative of wheat, plays important roles in wheat improvement mainly owing to its disease resistance. Powdery mildew resistance gene Pm21 has been successfully transferred into wheat by Cytogenetic Institute, Nanjing Agricultural University, China, and is widely used in the current wheat breeding programs. In this research, our objective is to further transfer and utilize the beneficial genes such as eye-spot resistance, yellow rust resistance, and gene of the tufted bristles on the glume ridge （a remarkable morphology） mapped on 2V of Haynaldia villosa. A disomic addition line with gametocidal chromosome 3C ofAegilops triuncialis added in Norin-26 was crossed to the wheat-H, villosa disomic substitution 2V（2D） and the hybrid F1 was then self-crossed. Chromosome C-banding, genomic in situ hybridization （GISH）, and meiotic analysis in combination with molecular markers were applied to detect the chromosome variations derived from hybrids Fz and F3. To date, four translocations including one small segmental translocation T6BS·6BL-2VS, two whole arm translocations （preliminarily designed as T3DS·2VL and T2VS.7DL） and one intercalary translocation T2VS·2VL-W-2VL, one deletion Del. 2VS·2VL-, one monotelosomic Mt2VS, and one isochromosome 2VS·2VS line have been developed and characterized. One wheat SSR marker Xwmc25.120 tagging 2VS and one wheat STS marker NAU/STSBCD135-1 （2BL） tagging 2VL were successfully used to confirm the alien chromosome segments involved in the seven lines. The tufted bristles on the glume ridge appeared in lines T2VS-7DL, Mt2VS, 2VS-2VS as well as the parent DS2V（2D）, whereas in T3DS·2VL, this trait did not appear. The gene controlling the tufted bristles was located on 2VS. Gametocidal chromosome 3C ofAegilops triuncialis could successfully induce chromosome 2V structural changes.

Studies on Ultra-dry Storage and Genetic Stability of Vegetable Seeds

[Objective] To study the long-term ultra-dry storage method and genetic stability of vegetable seeds.[Method] Seeds of Lycopersicum esculentum,Raphanus satuvus and Apium graveolen.were chosen as material.The changes of seed vigor,viability and genetic stability after ultra-storage were discussed by studying the seed potentiality,shoot length,germination percentage and the chromosome aberration rate of root tip cells.[Results] Maintaining the low moisture content,different vegetable species had different storage effects of the long-term storage seeds under normal temperature.The Lycopersicum esculentum and Raphanus satuvus seeds were more suitable to ultra-dry storage at normal temperature,and could keep good genetic stability,while the seeds of Apium graveolen had bad performance.[Conclusion] This study established the foundation of studying ultra-dry storage of vegetable seeds.

Evaluation of Cytogenetic Effects of Isoproturon on the Root Meristem Cells of Allium sativum

Objective\ To validate the use of Allium sativum as a reliable test model for genotoxicity, isoproturon, a substituted phenylalkylurea herbicide, was evaluated on the root meristem cells by this plant system. Method\ Test concentrations were selected by determining EC50 and root tips were exposed to various concentrations for 6 or 24 hr. EC50 concentration was calculated to be 70.8 ppm for the root growth. In addition to root growth retardation exposure to isoproturon induced morpholoogical changes like discolouration and stiffness of roots. Results\ Exposure to various experimental concentrations of isoproturon (35-280 ppm), including EC50, significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the mitotic index and induced chromosome breaks/mitotic aberrations at 6 or 24 hr. Conclusion\ The frequency of aberrations was found to be decreased in a dose dependant manner at 24 or 48 hr post exposure, however in comparison of control cells the frequency of aberrations was considerably high which indicates genotoxicity potentials of isoproturon. Further, present study also suggests that Allium sativum is a sensitive, efficient, and reliable test system for measuring the genotoxicity potential of environmental chemicals.

Cytogenetic and andrological status and ICSI-results in couples with severe male factor infertility

Aim: To pursue whether cytogenetic aberrations correlate with specific spermatological or hormonal abnormalities.Methods: 305 infertile couples were investigated. All male partners were referred to a complete andrological work-up with physical examination, determination of hormones, HIV testing and semen analysis. Cytogenetic analysis wascarded out in both partners by means of standard techniques using cultured lymphocytes from peripheral blood. Re-suits: Among the 305 couples, 10 men (3.2%) and 10 women (3.2%) showed constitutional chromosomal aber-rations, including reciprocal translocations (n = 7), Robertsonian translocations (n = 3), inversions (n = 3), otherstructural aberrations (n = 4) and sex chromosome aberrations (n = 3). In addition to the impaired sperm count inmost of the patients, a tendency to an increased proportion of spermatozoa with acrosome defect was observed. Con-clusion: Chromosomal aberrations may contribute to the low fertilization and pregnancy rates in the infertile couples.(Asian J Androl 2000 Dec; 2: 293-296)

Sugarcane Vinasse, a Residue of Ethanol Industry: Toxic, Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Potential Using the Allium cepa Test

The search for fuels to replace petroleum consumption has caused an increase in the production of biofuels worldwide. The ethanol, which comes from sugarcane, is an energy resource with low polluting potential, but its production generates other environmental problems. On average, 10 to 15 liters of vinasse are generated while preparing each liter of ethanol. Vinasse is the final by-product of the biomass distillation, mainly for the production of ethanol, from different cultures such as sugarcane. Because excessive quantities of vinasse are produced, alternatives have been required for use, for example as fertilizer, in a process known as fertigation. These excessive amounts of vinasse applied in soils have generated adverse effects on soil properties and to the organisms. This study carried out the toxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of sugarcane vinasse obtained from two different harvests (Samples I and II), using the Allium cepa organism test. A. cepa seeds were exposed to raw vinasse (RV) and diluted in different concentrations: control soil + raw vinasse (SV);vinasse diluted in water at 50% + control soil (V 50%);vinasse diluted in water at 25% + control soil (V 25%);vinasse diluted in water at 12.5% + control soil (V 12.5%). The chemical characterization of vinasse samples showed a low pH and high concentration of potassium. The results demonstrate that the two RV samples tested are toxic, since no seeds germination was observed. The cytotoxic potential was observed in the sample II of SV and V (50%). All groups evaluated in samples I and II, induced chromosomal alterations, statistically significant compared with negative control. An increase in frequency of micronuclei in meristematic cells was observed in the SV (Sample I) and all groups evaluated in samples II. Based on the results it is concluded that the genetic material of the test-system was damaged when exposed to sugarcane vinasse, suggesting that one should be very careful in the use of this waste that has been used sometimes indiscriminately in soils.

Mutagenic effects of chromium trioxide on root tip cells of Vicia faba

In this study on the mutagenic effects of different concentrations of chromium trioxide (CrO3) on Vicia faba root tip, micronucleus assay and chromosome aberration assay were used to determine the mitotic indexes, micronucleus rate and chromosome aberration rate of Vicia faba root tip cells. The results showed that the effects of CrO3 concentration on the mitotic indexes were complicated. CrO3 increases the micronucleus rate of Vicia faba root tip cells. It was found that within certain range of CrO3 concentration the micronucleus rate increased systematically with increased concentration of CrO3, but that the micronucleus rate decreased at higher level of CrO3 and that CrO3 also caused various types of chromosome aberration at a rate which increased systematically with increased concentration of CrO3. We concluded that CrO3 has significant mutagenic effect on Vicia faba root tip cells.

Genotoxic Effects of PAH Containing Sludge Extracts in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Cultures

Objective Many studies have been conducted in order to evaluate the genotoxicity of chemicals and waste materials, which utilized in vivo test protocols. The use of animals for routine toxicity testing is now questioned by a growing segment of society. Methods Keeping the above fact in mind, we have conducted in the present study the genotoxicity evaluation of oily sludge samples generated from a petroleum refinery and petrochemical industry and ETP sludge from petroleum refinery using DNA damage, chromosomal aberration, p53 protein induction and apoptosis in short term in vitro mammalian Chinese Hamster Ovary cell cultures. Results It is evident from the results that the oily sludge compounds derived from petroleum refinery and petrochemical industry could cause DNA damage, chromosomal aberration, p53 protein accumulation and apoptotic cell death on exposure to oily sludge extracts in the presence of metabolic activation system (S-9 mix), however, ETP sludge extract could not cause significant genotoxicity in comparison to oily sludge extract and negative control. Conclusion The effect may be attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in the samples as evidenced from GC-MS.

ANEUPLOIDY INDUCTION BY THE WATER EXTRACT OF TRIPTERYGIUM HYPOGLAUCUM(LEVEL) HUTCH IN MOUSE BONE MARROW CELLS

The aneuploldy inducing activity of a Chinese medicinal herb, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (level) Hutch (THH) were investigated by means of thhree cytogenetic end points, namely C-mitotic (CM) effects, micronucleus (MN) and parallel chromosome structural aberration (CA) analyses in vivo. The experiments were performed on mouse bone marrow cells. THH showed similar gentoxic effects to colchicine (COL) in CM, MN and CA analyses; positive CM effects were observed accompanied with increases of mitotic index and frequencies of C-mltotic cells as well as decreased frequencies of anaphase in all of the THH-treated groups. The compound showed a positive MN response in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes but was negative in CA analyses. The preliminary results suggested that THH is an aneuploldy inducer in mouse bone marrow cells under present experiment conditions.

Genotoxicity of Pesticide Waste Contaminated Soil and Its Leachate

Objective Improper land disposal of hazardous waste can result in leaching of hazardous constituents which may contaminate ground and surface water leading to adverse impact on human health and environment consequences. The present study utilized mammalian cell culture for the genotoxicity assessment of waste and its leachate. Methods Genotoxic potential and chemical analysis of pesticide derived tarry waste contaminated soil extract and its leachate was assessed using in vitro human lymphocyte cultures and GC-MS. Results The investigation revealed that the soil extract could cause significant to highly significant genotoxicity in the form of DNA strand break at 25 mL (P<0.01), 50 mL, 100 mL and 200 mL (P<0.001) and chromosomal aberration at 25 mL (P<0.01) and 50 mL and 100 mL (P<0.001). The leachate could cause significant DNA strand break and chromosomal aberration only at 100 mL and 200 mL (P<0.01) dose levels. Conclusion The genotoxicity observed is attributed to carbaril and tetra methyl naphthyl carbamate, the major ingredients of the extracts, as revealed by GC-MS.

Cytogenetic Effects of Pulsing Electromagnetic Field on Domestic Pig Lymphocytes in Vitro

The effects of pulsing electromagnetic fields(PEMFs)on cells are very important subjects in the field of bioelectromagnetics.In this experiment,the cytogenetic effects of PEMF on domestic pig lymphocytes were tested in vitro.Pig lymphocytes in RPMI 1640 medium were exposed to PEMFs of 100 kHz and 200 kHz for 12,24 and 48 hours.Chromosomal aberrations(aneuploidy,breaks,gaps,et al)were significantly increased in exposed cultures,and of these aberrations,56%chromosomal or chromatid breaks and 42%gaps induced by PEMFs were the points of pig chromosomal fragile sites.The baseline frequency of sister chromatid exchange(SCE)increased after exposing lymphocytes continuously to PEMFs of 100 kHz and 200 kHz for 48 hours.These results suggested that the exposure to PEMFs might induce a type of DNA lesion and chromosomal aberrations.