The purpose of this study is to develop nanoemulsions from commercial organophosphate insecticides and evaluate their efficacy toward Spodoptera littoralis. The nanoemulsions with uniform particle sizes, had average sizes of 255.8, 259.9, and 206.7 nm for Dora 48% (CPF), Deleron 50% (PFFd), and Teliton-s 72% (PFFt), respectively. Nanoemulsion forms were more effective against S. littoralis larvae than their commercial formulations by 33.90 to 62.15%. Also, they inhibited acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase more than normal formulations. As for genotoxic effects, different mutagenic endpoints were used: the chromosomal aberrations assay, mitotic index, micronucleus test, and morphological sperm abnormalities. The study highlighted the potential benefits of nanoemulsion formulations in reducing genotoxic and reproductive toxicity compared with conventional insecticides and enhancing their bio-efficacy. Developing innovative nano-formulations that could mitigate the adverse effects of traditional pesticides on ecosystem attributes and bring about a transformative revolution in the agricultural sector. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and environmental implications of nanoemulsion insecticides.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive cartilage and bone erosion. This work aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile of Medicago sativa L. (MS) (alfalfa) seeds and explore its therapeutic impact against RA in rats. Arthritis was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and its severity was assessed by the arthritis index. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and interlukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were evaluated through measuring interlukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) type 1 gene expression, interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β), oxidative stress markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), caspase-3 (Cas-3), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), DNA fragmentation, and chromosomal damage. Total phenolics/ flavonoids content in the ethyl acetate, butanol fraction and crude extract of MS seeds were estimated. The major identified compounds were Quercetin, Trans-taxifolin, Gallic acid, 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone, Cinnamic acid, Kudzusaponin SA4, Isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-2'',3'',4''-triacetylglucopyranoside, Apigenin, 5,7,4'-Trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone, Desmethylxanthohumol, Pantothenic acid, Soyasapogenol E, Malvidin, Helilandin B, Stigmasterol, and Wairol. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and IL-1RA enhanced all the biochemical parameters and the histopathological features of the ankle joint. In conclusion, Trans-taxifolin was isolated for the first time from the genus Medicago. MS butanol fraction seeds extract and IL-1 RA were considered as anti-rheumatic agents.

Cadmium (Cd) is among the most ecologically harmful heavy metals. The purpose of this work was to identify the biologically active components in dried oleo-resin-gum of Ferula assafo extract (FAE) and assess their preventive efficacy against oxidative damage caused by Cd in rats. The biologically active components were identified using HPLC and GC-MS. Six groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned and received oral treatment for two weeks. They consisted of the control group, the groups that got FAE at low or high doses (150 and 250mg/kg b.w.), the group that received CdCl2 (2mg/kg b.w.), and the groups that received CdCl2 + FAE at the low or high dose. Tissues and blood samples were collected for different assays and pathological examinations. The HPLC detected 11 polyphenol compounds, whereas the GC-MS identified 24 bioactive compounds. The in vivo study revealed that CdCl2 alone disrupted all biochemical indices, oxidative indicators, cytokines, antioxidant enzymes, pro and anti-apoptotic mRNA gene expression, increased DNA fragmentation percentage, and caused pathological alterations in hepatic and renal sections. FAE plus CdCl2 therapy considerably improved all indicators and the histological architecture of the kidney and liver, with the higher dose being more effective in improving all of the measured parameters. Therefore, FAE is a promising option for food and pharmaceutical applications to protect against oxidative damage caused by Cd exposure.

The treatment with chemotherapy may develop secondary tumors as a result of chemo genotoxicity. Sperm defects is another complication associated with chemo treatment. In this study the genotoxicity of vinblastine (VB) was estimated in both somatic and germ cells. 85 mice were taken. Four single doses of VB at 3, 4.5, 6 and 10 mg/kg and three successive doses at 3, 4.5 and 6 mg/kg were taken for estimation of chromosomal aberrations (CAs). Four single doses of VB were involved in estimating the DNA fragmentation, and comet assay. For sperm abnormalities mice were injected with three successive doses of VB at 3, 4.5, and 6 mg/kg. The results demonstrated a significant frequency of DNA fragmentation in spleen cells and in the percentage of CAs in bone marrow. Numerical and structural aberrations were recorded with a pronounced number of polyploidy metaphases which reached (11.60

Carmustine (Cr) is an important chemotherapeutic drug, widely used in the treatment of brain tumors. Herein, the protective role of Codiaeum variegatum leaves ethyl acetate fraction was determined against genotoxicity of Cr. The technique HPLC-qTOF-MS/MS was used to identify the constituents in C. variegatum. 90 male mice were used to evaluate micronuclei (MPCEs) in bone marrow, chromosomal aberration (CAs) in bone marrow and mouse spermatocytes, sperm abnormalities, and gene expression (qRT-PCR). The following groups were included, I: Negative control (ethanol 30%), II: Positive control (i.p injected once with 30 mg/kg Cr), III: Control orally treated with C. variegatum at 500 mg/kg, four days. IV-VI: treated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of the plant (4 days) plus a single dose of Cr. In bone marrow, Cr induced significant increase in MPCEs and CAs by 3 and 7-folds respectively over the control. Cr also induced a significant percentage of CAs in spermatocytes in meiosis in the form of univalent (X–Y and autosomal univalent) and also a significant percentage of morphological sperm abnormalities was recorded. A large number of coiled tail abnormalities were detected indicating the effect of Cr in sperm motility. Cr induced an overexpression of p53 gene. C. variegatum mitigated all deleterious genotoxic effects of Cr. Chemical analysis showed that flavones (35.21%) and phenolic acids (17.62%) constitute the main components. The results indicated that Cr is genotoxic in both somatic and germ cells. The active components in C. variegatum together participate in the obtained protective role.

OBJECTIVE:Lavender oil is of a great economic importance. It has many biological and pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to identify the chemical constituents of the essential oil of Lavandula officinalis (LAEO) by using GC/MS analysis. Its genotoxicity, anti-genotoxicity and histopathological activities against the chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CP) was investigated. The study also evaluated its anticancer activities against six human cancer cell lines: hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), Prostate (PC3), Lung carcinoma (A549), Skin cancer (A431), Colon cancer (HCT116) and Breast cancer (MCF7).METHODS:The genotoxicity was determined using: micronucleus, chromosomal aberration, and comet assays. The histopathological study included liver. The examined groups were control negative, control plant, control positive (CP), and 3 combined groups received LAEO at different concentrations plus CP.RESULTS:GC/MS analysis recorded 16 components. The principals were: linalool and linalyl acetate. The results indicated the safety of LAEO. It also attenuates genotoxicity and deleterious histopathological effects of CP in a dose-dependent manner. LAEO has a highly cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and A549 cell lines with 100% death at 100µg/ ml with IC50 67.8 and 12 µg/ ml, respectively. Its activity on other cell lines was weak.CONCLUSION:The essential oil of Lavandula officinalis has anticancer and anti-mutagenic effect.

This study focused on investigating the phytochemical composition of the total extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of red grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds as well as evaluating the total extract as anti-arthritis agents in rats compering with the new treating agent; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and the classical anti-inflammatory drug; indomethacin. HPLC and LC-ESI-MS analysis was applied for identification and quantification the flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Arthritis was induced by using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The percentages of edema as well as the arthritis index were evaluated on the 7th, 14th, 21th and 28th day post CFA-induction. The evaluation was done by measuring serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1 receptor type I gene expression, oxidative stress markers, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), caspase-3 (cas-3), c-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), total protein content, DNA fragmentation, chromosomal aberration and cytogenic damage. The histopathological features of the ankle joint were analyzed. Stilbenes, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins were the major identified classes in the ethyl acetate fraction, while flavan-3-ol, oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins, flavonoid glucosides and phenolic acids were the main categories in the total extract. Three major proanthocyanidin compounds; gallic-4-O-beta-glucopyranoside, catechin 3,5-di-O-gallate and catechin 3-O-gallate were identified in the ethyl acetate fraction. Treatment with seeds extract and IL-1RA improved the selected parameters by variable degrees. IL-1 RA showed a pronounced treating effect. In conclusion, Vitis vinifera seeds extract and IL-1RA are considered as promising anti-arthritis agents. More studies are required to conduct Vitis vinifera seeds extract and IL-1RA in pharmacological and clinical applications.

Context Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive and systematic polyarthritis.Objective The present study aimed to isolate and identify the phenolic constituents in Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) seeds methanolic extract and evaluates its effect against rheumatoid arthritis in rats referring to the new therapy; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA).Materials and Methods The GC/MS profiling of the plant was determined. Arthritis induction was done using complete Freund’s adjuvant. Arthritis severity was assessed by percentage of edema and arthritis index. IL-1 receptor type I gene expression, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), oxidative stress markers, protein content, inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), genetic abnormalities and the histopathological features of ankle joint were evaluated.Results For the first time twelve phenolic compounds had been isolated from the seeds extract. Treatment with extract and IL-1RA improved the tested parameters by variable degrees.Conclusions RA is an irreversible disease, where its severity increases with the time of induction. Brassica oleracea L. seeds extract is considered as a promising anti-arthritis agent. IL-1 RA may be considered as an unusual therapeutic agent for RA disease. More studies are needed to consider the seeds extract as a nutraceutical agent and to recommend IL-1RA as a new RA drug.

The pyrethroid imiprothrin is widely used worldwide for control of insects in the agriculture and public health sectors. No sufficient information is however available concerning detoxification gene expression, i.e., cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and metallothionein 1a gene, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and organ injury induced by imiprothrin in mammals. This study is designed to explain the mechanism of imiprothrin induced detoxification gene expression, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and organ toxicity in male rats. The benchmark dose (BMD) was calculated to find the best sensitive markers to imiprothrin toxicity. Imiprothrin was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into male rats once a day for 5 days with doses of 19, 38, and 75 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.). Imiprothrin caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and changes in oxidative stress biomarkers in treated rats. Significant dose-dependent changes in the liver and kidney biomarkers were observed. Histopathological alterations were seen in the liver and kidney tissue of male rats. Imiprothrin also significantly increased chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei in bone-marrow cells, and induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and liver and kidney dysfunction, and damage. Imiprothrin induced DNA damage and over detoxification gene expression of CYP1A2 and metallothionein 1a gene in hepatocytes of male rats. Imiprothrin thus shows clastogenic and genotoxic potential. The mechanism for hepatorenal toxicity and injury, genotoxicity/cytotoxicity of imiprothrin might be due to enhanced lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress associated with overproduction of free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species, and an imbalance in redox status. From the BMD models, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, uric acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and micronuclei (MPEs) were very sensitive markers to imiprothrin toxicity.

Objective: The present work investigated the protective effect of Ficus carica (common fig) leaves methanol extract against genotoxicity and testicular damage of cisplatin (CP) and identified some of its active ingredients. Methods: Seven main groups were investigated as follows: I. control negative, II. Control plant (600 mg/kg fig, orally), III, IV. Control positive (treated i.p with 10 and 15 mg/kg CP), V-VII. groups treated with fig (200, 400 and 600 mg/ kg) + Cisplatin (15 mg/kg). Results: Ficus carica alleviated the destructive effects of CP in the testis, liver and bone marrow due to the presence of high amount of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Also it has a normal effect in the tested parameters as compared with the control negative. Chromatographic investigation resulted in the identification of 6 compounds: Catechin, Luteolin-8-C-β-D glucopyranoside, Quercetin, Quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, Chlorogenic acid and Kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. In bone marrow cisplatin induced significant percentage of chromosome abnormalities, micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes and toxicity to cells. On the contrary the two tested doses of cisplatin had a normal effect on spermatocyte chromosomes (germ cells). The dose 15 mg/kg induced an overexpression of the liver genes NF-kB and iNOS as indicated by real-time PCR. Different forms of histopathological alterations and instigation of the expression of TNF-α gene in the testis were detected after CP treatment. Conclusion: Ficus carica is a promising candidate rich in many bioactive constituents and can be used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to alleviate their destructive effects.

Background The genus Albizia (Leguminoseae) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. Recently, saponins from plant origin have attracted much attention. Saponins are recorded to have a broad range of biological and pharmacological activities. This study was performed to evaluate the protective role of Albizia chinensis bark methanolic extract (MEAC) against the genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) using different mutagenic parameters. Results The results showed that MEAC induced an inhibitory effect against chromosomal aberrations of CP in mouse bone marrow and spermatocytes. Such effect was found to be significant ( p < 0.01) with a dose of 100 mg/kg treated once for 24 h and also after repeated treatment at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 7 days. In sperm abnormalities, the protective effect of Albizia extract showed a dose-related relationship. Different doses of MEAC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) significantly ( p < 0.01) ameliorated sperm abnormalities induced by CP dose-dependently. The percentage of sperm abnormalities was decreased to 5.14 ± 0.72 in the group of animals treated with CP plus MEAC (100 mg/kg) indicating an inhibitory effect of about 50%. Conclusion MEAC at the doses examined was non-genotoxic compared to control (negative) and exhibited a protective role against CP genotoxicity.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used antineoplastic drug. In this work, a comprehensive study was performed to detect the extent of chromosomal damage and morphological sperm defects induced by 5-FU in male mice and the possible protective role of the iridoids-rich fraction of Pentas lanceolata leaves (IFPL). Six main groups were examined in micronucleus and chromosomal assays: I- control negative, II- control positive (i.p. treated with single dose of 75 mg/kg 5-FU), III- control plant (orally administrated IFPL, 300 mg/ kg, 5 consecutive days), and IV-VI- treated with IFPL (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, 5 consecutive days) plus 5-FU (i.p. treated at the last day). Samples were taken 24 h post treatment. The study of morphological sperm anomalies, single and repeated treatments were examined and samples were taken after 35 days from the 1st treatment. In bone marrow, 5-FU induced a significant increase in the micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, chromosome anomalies (CAs) and also cytotoxic effects. A significant percentage of CAs was recorded in spermatocytes after 5-FU treatment reached 22.80 +/- 1.32 vs 4.20 +/- 0.37 for control (mainly X-Y univalent, 90%). IFPL was recorded to be non-mutagenic in all tests examined. In addition, it alleviated the previous defects in a dose-dependent manner. A significant and dramatic increase in the percentage of morphological sperm defects was recorded after single and repeated treatments with 5-FU reached 13.24 +/- 0.24, 30.42 +/- 0.32 respectively vs 2.56 +/- 0.14 for control. Amorphous head-sperm and sperm with coiled tail were the most pronounced types of abnormalities. Significant protection was detected with the highest tested dose of IFPL. In conclusion: 5-FU demonstrated to be a genotoxic agent. Its genotoxicity in germ cells is serious and may lead to reproductive toxicity, infertility or heritable defects. The results also demonstrated the biosafety of IFPL and its possible protective role in combined treatment with 5-FU.

Nowadays, there is an increasing trend to use aromatherapy for treatment of various diseases. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) is one of many plants that have been reported to employ successfully in aromatherapy. Herein we decided to explore the protective role of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (CCEO) against hepatic/renal damage and genotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the relation of this bioactivity with its chemical constituents. Six main groups of mice (five/each) were examined: Irepresents negative control group, II and IIImice received oral treatment with CCl4 (1mL/ kg, positive control) and CCEO (0.3 mL/kg, control plant) respectively for five consecutive days and IVVIrepresent groups of mice treated with CCEO at the three concentrations 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mL/kg plus CCl4 (five consecutive days treatment). Remarkable adverse effects of CCl4 in all the tested parameters were recorded. These effects were distinguished as an increment in the level of all liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT), blood urea, and creatinine. Also, the oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathionetransferase GST were affected after CCl4 treatment. Regarding the genotoxic effect of CCl4, the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and spermatocyte cells was elevated (p< 0.05) compared with the negative control. Notable antioxidant, hepatic/renal protection and anti-mutagenic potency of CCEO against CCl4 were demonstrated with a dose-related relationship. GC/MS analysis demonstrated the presence of 12 phytochemical constituents which in combination play a critical role in its antioxidant/antigenotoxic efficacy. The major components exist were E. Citral (35.13%) and Geraniol (32.83%).

The possible protective role of fennel fruits essential oil (FEO) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced DNA damage and histopathological injury in liver and testis was investigated.FEO extraction was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine its active constituents. For chromosomal aberration and histopathological studies, FEO was administrated orally at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6mL/kg daily for 5 days and at the 5th day mice were i.p. injected with CP at 20 mg/kg. For sperm abnormalities mice were administrated FEO and CP for 5 consecutive days and samples were taken at 35th day of the first treatment. The results revealed non-significant effects in chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and sperm shape abnormalities after repeated oral treatments with FEO alone at the highest tested dose (0.6mL/kg). The same dose showed normal hepatic architecture, as well as, it showed normal seminiferous tubules with different stages of spermatogenic cells and normal interstitial tubules in the testis. Also, FEO recorded minimum immunoreactions of caspase-3 expression in the cells of liver and testis. In addition, statistically-significant percentage of inhibition in chromosomal aberrations was recorded in bone marrow cells and morphological sperm abnormalities in CP groups pre-treated with different concentrations of FEO compared with CP groups. The histological alterations induced by CP in liver and testis tissues were restored to a good degree in those animals pre-treated with the two higher doses of FEO (0.4 and 0.6mL/kg).The hepatic and testis tissues also showed marked improvement in caspase-3 expression in the CP-treated groups with FEO. The results demonstrated the biosafety of the essential oil of fennel. It also has the ability to improve chromosome, sperm and histopathological alterations induced by CP.

The genotoxic potential of beryllium chloride (BeCl2) was evaluated in vivo in mice using different endpoints. Chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells and in spermatocytes as well as sperm abnormalities were determined in the tested mice. The protective role of an orally administered drug consisting of selenium and vitamins A, C and E (selenium-ACE) was also studied.For analysis of chromosomal aberrations, both single and repeated oral treatments for a period of 3 weeks were performed. The doses used were 93.75, 187.50, 375, and 750 mg BeCl2/kg bw, which corresponds to 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 of the experimental LD50.BeCl2 induced a statistically significant increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in both somatic and germ cells, with a dose- and time-response. The percentage of induced chromosomal aberrations was significantly reduced in all BeCl2-treated groups after oral administration of selenium-ACE.Beryllium chloride also induced a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm. This percentage reached values of 9.62 +/- 0.32 and 5.56 +/- 0.31 in mice treated with the highest test dose of BeCl2 and with BeCl2 + selenium-ACE, respectively, compared with 1.96 +/- 0.14 for the control.In conclusion, the results demonstrate the genotoxic effect of beryllium chloride and confirm the protective role of selenium-ACE against the genotoxicity of beryllium chloride. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Salicylanilide (Closantel) and halogenated phenol (Nitroxynil) have been reported to be an active fasciolocidal agents used in human and in farm animals. The clastogenic effects of Closantel at 5, 10, 15, 20 mg kg−1 b.wt. and Nitroxynil at 10, 20, 30, 40 mg kg−1 b.wt. were tested in mice somatic and germ cells through 3 cytogenetic parameters. Chromosomal aberrations, sister-chromatid exchanges and sperm-shape abnormalities. The results demonstrated that, after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injector with a single doses for 24 h. Closantel and Nitroxynil induced different types of structural chromosomal aberrations in bone-marrow cells which increased significantly with different doses. The frequencies of SCEs were increased significantly with Closantel compared to Nitroxynil induced non-significant frequencies of SCEs except at high dose (40 mg kg−1 b.wt.). The percentage of chromosomal aberrations in diakinesis-metaphase I spermatocytes increased in a dose dependent manner and were found to be statistically significant with the 2 drugs. The 2 fasciolicides induced a signifycant percentage of sperm-shape abnormalities. The highest doses induced 12.74±0.49 and 7.02±0.13 (p<0.01) for closantel and nitroxynil respectively, compared to the control. In conclusion, the 3 cytogenetic parameters used to evaluate the effect of Closantel and Nitroxynil revealed that the 2 fasciolicides have a clastogenic effect on mice somatic and germ cells in vivo studies.

The genotoxic effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) were studied in mice using different mutagenic end points in vivo. The possible protection provided by the antioxidant selenium and vitamins (ACE) against CoCl2 genotoxicity was also assessed. The results indicate that CoCl2 has genotoxic effects on mice somatic and germ cells. It induced a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone-marrow and spermatocytes after single and repeated oral treatments. The induction of morphological sperm abnormalities was also confirmed in the present study. The supplemental selenium and vitamins (ACE) to reduce the genotoxic effect of CoCl2 was proved.

The genotoxic potential of potassium dichromate (K(2)Cr(2)O(7)) was evaluated in vivo in mice using different mutagenic end points. Chromosomal aberrations in bone-marrow and spermatocytes as well as sperm abnormalities in the tested mice were determined. The doses used were 3, 6, 12 mg K(2)Cr(2)O(7)kg(-1) body weight which correspond to 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 the experimental LD(50), respectively. The protective roles of i.p. injection with thiola (a synthetic sulfhydryl compound) at 20 mg kg(-1) body weight and feeding treatment with soybean seeds (30% of the diet) were also studied. For chromosomal aberration analysis, subacute treatment for a period of 3 weeks were performed. All the tested doses of K(2)Cr(2)O(7) induced a statistically significant increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in both somatic and germ cells with dose and time relationships. The percentage of the induced chromosomal aberrations was significantly minimized in all groups of mice i.p. treated with thiola or fed soybean seeds during the period of treatment. Potassium dichromate also induced a significant increase (P<0.01) in the percentage of abnormal sperms at the doses 6 and 12 mg kg(-1) body weight. Such percentage reached 7.52+/-0.45, 5.50+/-0.53 and 4.28+/-0.45 in mice treated with the highest tested dose of K(2)Cr(2)O(7), K(2)Cr(2)O(7) and thiola; K(2)Cr(2)O(7) and soybean, respectively compared with 2.14+/-0.33 for the control. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the genotoxic effect of potassium dichromate in mice. The results also confirm the protective role of thiola and soybean seeds against the genotoxicity of potassium dichromate.

The genotoxic effect of hexavalent potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) was investigated in mice in vivo using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosomal aberration analysis. K2Cr2O7 induced a significant increase in the frequency of SCE's after intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with the doses 6, 12, 24 mg kg-1b.wt. which correspond to 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 of the experimental LD50. The lowest tested dose 3 mg kg-1b.wt. had no effect with respect to SCE's and its effect reached 6.57 ± 0.36/cell compared with 5.80± 0.55/cell for the control. The frequency of SCE's reached 9.03 ±0.20 after treatment with the highest tested dose of K2Cr2O7, a value which is less than that induced by mitomycin C (13.10 ± 0.40) as the positive control. Thiola at the concentrations of 20 and 50 mg kg-1b.wt. had moderate but non-significant effect for minimizing the frequency of SCE's induced by different doses of K2Cr2O7.With respect to chromosomal aberrations, all the tested concentrations of K2Cr2O7 (3, 6, 12, 24 mg kg-1b.wt.) induced a significant increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow as well as in mouse spermatocytes 24 h after single i.p. treatment. The incidence of chromosomal damage increased significantly with increasing the dose. However mitomycin C induced higher effect. The results also show that the pretreatment with thiola at the dose of 50 mg kg-1b.wt. significantly reduced the percentage of chromosomal aberrations induced by K2Cr2O7 in all the treatment groups and the results confirm the protective role of thiola which has been proved previously against the genotoxicity of some mutagens.