Effects of genistein supplemented before or after irradiation on DNA injury in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Background: Ionizing radiation (IR) carry adequate energy to ionize or remove electrons from an atom. Particles interact with water to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Genistein (GEN) is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen and the basic isoflavonoid in soybeans and soybean-enriched products and is believed to have the strongest antioxidant activity. Objective: The study aimed at the investigation if application of GEN at different time prior or past irradiation may ameliorate or reduce injury of DNA in human lymphocytes. Material and Methods: The isolated lymphocytes were exposed to X-irradiation (0.5; 1 Gy). GEN (1 µM/ml; 10 µM/ ml) was appended to attempts at various times prior or past irradiation (1 h prior, immediately prior, immediately past, 1 h past). We joined each X-rays dose with each GEN dose. After 1h of incubation DNA damages were examined using Comet assay. Results: Combination of 1 µM/ml of GEN given 1 h before irradiation with low or high dose markedly decreased induced by irradiation DNA injury. Higher dose of GEN applied immediately before or after irradiation markedly extended the frequency of DNA injury generated by irradiation. The result of application 1 µM/ml GEN 1 h after irradiation was not significantly different compared to control. The effect of 1 Gy + 10 µM/ml GEN was not significantly lower compared to each agent alone. Conclusions: Only a very low concentration of GEN applied before irradiation, may be considered as a potential radiomitigator/radioprotector. High doses of GEN work as a radiosentitizer and may potent the effects of radiotherapy.

Lutein and zeaxanthin - radio- and chemoprotective properties. Mechanism and possible use.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally occurring xanthophylls, mainly present in green, leafy vegetables and egg's yolk. Their presence is connected with blue spectrum light absorbance, including UV. This property, and fact, that these xanthophylls are accumulated by human eye's macula, leads to eye's protective functions of them including protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, antioxidative features of lutein and zeaxanthin are boosting overall health of human body. Numerous studies proves anti-inflammatory and protective attributes of these compounds, based on many, different mechanisms. One of them is regulating redox potential in cells, and impact on expression of linked genes. In preventing of eye diseases, an important gene that is regulated by lutein and zeaxanthin is the Nrf2 gene, whose increased activity leads to optimizing the cellular response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing related diseases. Other research confirms antiproliferative properties of mentioned compounds in case of certain human cancer cell lines. There are e.g.: HepG2 (hepatitis cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), which treated in vitro with lutein solution showed reduction of cell growth. Lutein alone, during in vivo studies conducted on mice, exhibited also radioprotective properties, positively affecting the vitality of animals. Lutein provides also increasing of tolerance to UV radiation, reducing inflammatory processes in the skin and preventing oncogenesis. Low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, associated with "western diet", rich in simple carbohydrates and processed food, common in developed countries, including Poland, is linked with diabetes and obesity incidence. Assuming, lutein and zeaxanthin significantly affect the well-being of the human body, and their appropriate amount in diet can help reduce risk of many diseases. For supplementation, the optimized dosage of these xanthophylls includes doses of 10 mg for lutein and 2 mg for zeaxanthin, and it is recommended to consume along with fats or meals rich in fats.

Radon - occurrence and impact on the health.

Radon is noble, monatomic, radioactive, heavier than the air gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless. It exists in natural environment as a result of the decay of radium, and emits mainly alpha radiation and less beta radiation. Residential radon concentrations vary widely by geographic area. The higher concentration of radon is expected globally in the grounds where uranium, radium and thoron are present. Radon may gather in caves, tunnels, mines as well as in other lowestlying spaces, such as basements, and cellars. In accordance with Atomic Law (2000), the reference level for the average annual concentration of radioactive radon in rooms intended for human habitation is 300 Bq/m3. The most dangerous damages caused by ionizing radiation i.e. radon and its derivatives are changes to DNA, which may disturb the functions of cells and in the consequence lead to induction of cancer of respiratory tract, mainly of lungs and also leukaemia. So, the main consequence of exposure to high amount of radon are cancers of respiratory system. Radon enters the human organism mainly through inhaled atmospheric air. Moreover, radon significantly increased a risk of induction cancer in smokers and vice versa, smoking promotes the development of lung cancer after the exposure to radon and its derivatives. Radon may also have beneficial effect on the human body. Therefore it is used in medicine; mainly in radonbalneotherapy i.e. bath treatments, rinsing the mouth and inhalation. Beneficial effects of radon confirms the validity of the theory of radiation hormesis, which assumes that low doses of radiation may stimulate the repair of DNA damage by activation of protective mechanisms, which neutralize free radicals.

The effect of lycopene supplementation on radiation-induced micronuclei in mice reticulocytes in vivo.

Lycopene (LYC) is a natural pigment present in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables including red carrots, red peppers, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas, and papaya. There is some evidence that LYC may provide protection against mutations induced by ionizing radiation. The study aimed to investigate whether the genetic material of reticulocytes (RET) could be protected from radiation-induced damage by LYC. Mice were treated with LYC [0.15 mg/kg bodyweight (bw), 0.30 mg/kg bw], acute and fractionated irradiation (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy applied daily), or with both agents (0.5 Gy + 0.15 mg/kg bw LYC, 0.5 Gy + 0.30 mg/kg bw LYC, 1 Gy + 0.15 mg/kg bw LYC, 1 Gy + 0.30 mg/kg LYC). LYC supplementation was started at 24 h or 1 week after the first irradiation. Irradiation significantly enhanced the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in RET. LYC treatment at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg bw 24 h after starting fractionated radiation at 1 Gy significantly decreased (41-68%, p < 0.0125) the level of MN in peripheral blood and bone marrow RET. LYC supplementation at 0.30 mg/kg bw did not significantly alter the frequency of MN in peripheral blood, but significantly increased the frequency of bone marrow RET MN. LYC treatment on day 8 following the first radiation exposure showed results similar (92-117%, p > 0.24) to those obtained with irradiation alone. Lycopene may act as a radiomitigator but must be administered at low doses and as soon as possible after irradiation. Contrary, combined exposure with high doses of irradiation and LYC may enhance the mutagenic effect of irradiation.

DNA strand breaks in peripheral blood leucocytes of Polish blood donors.

Knowledge about the basal level of DNA damage in leucocytes of healthy control populations is essential before estimation of the effects of exposure to external agents in biomonitoring studies. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of some lifestyle factors on baseline DNA damage in leucocytes of humans. The material consisted of the peripheral blood from 276 healthy volunteer blood donors. In addition to the standard blood donation questionnaire, they were asked about age, gender, occupation, radiological history, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, medicine use and pet ownership. The results showed marked intra-individual variability. Significant differences in DNA damage levels were observed between individuals in different age and sex groups, between smokers and non-smokers and between samples taken in different seasons of the year, with the highest DNA damage in those obtained in the summer. Significantly higher levels of DNA damage were noted in leucocytes of donors older than 29 years, in men compared with women and in male smokers. Significantly higher DNA strand breaks were observed in heavy smokers. A non-significantly higher level of DNA damage was observed in individuals subjected to radiological investigation and in those drinking alcohol, whereas lower levels were observed in leucocytes of pet owners and in donors taking medicines. Pet ownership influences the level of DNA damage and there is an interaction between this effect and that of smoking. The smoker/pet owners showed almost half the level of DNA damage of smokers without pets. The current results confirmed high intra-individual variability between the levels of DNA damage of individuals. The significant factors that influence the DNA damage in leucocytes are age, sex and smoking habit, especially in men and in heavy smokers. The finding of reduced DNA damage in the leucocytes of pet owners suggests the tendency towards a beneficial effect of such company.

The effect of in vivo resveratrol supplementation in irradiated mice on the induction of micronuclei in peripheral blood and bone marrow reticulocytes.

The aim of the study was to investigate how coadministration of resveratrol (RSV) at different time after the start of irradiation influences the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in reticulocytes of bone marrow and peripheral blood, and if the RSV supplementation after termination of irradiation may influence the recovery process of damaged cells. Coadministration of RSV with 1-day delay after 1 Gy irradiation significantly decreased the levels of MN in bone marrow and in peripheral blood, whereas with 1-week delay, only in bone marrow reticulocytes. Above combined treatment did not improve the process of recovery. RSV supplementation with 1-day delay relatively to 0.5 Gy irradiation, significantly decreased the frequencies of MN, especially after coadministration with 28mg/kg bw of RSV. Coadministration of RSV since eighth day did not influence the frequencies of MN compared to irradiated cells. The recovery process in the presence of RSV proceeded faster. Supplementation of RSV following initiation of irradiation is beneficial in case of irradiation with lower doses. RSV should be supplemented as soon as possible. Supplementation of RSV after termination of irradiation significantly speed up the recovery. Current results confirmed the ability of RSV to mitigate the effect of irradiation.

Lycopene - antioxidant with radioprotective and anticancer properties. A review.

UNLABELLED: Ionizing radiation may cause damage to living tissue by producing free radicals like reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can randomly react with lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of cell causing oxidative stress and damage in these macromolecules, leading to pathogenesis of chronic diseases and age related and also cancer. The first line of defense from the damaging effects of ROS is antioxidants, which convert the oxidants to less reactive species. Lycopene (LYC) is an acyclic isomer of beta-carotene. It synthesized by plants or autotrophic bacteria but not by animals. Red fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas and papaya contain LYC. This carotenoid has very strong antioxidant properties. The many studies confirm that dietary supplementation with LYC reduces risk of cancers of many organs, but also retard the growth of the tumors. LYC has also chemopreventive effects against other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, male infertility and inhibits the toxic action of other agents. Numerous in vitro and animal studies showed that LYC may provide protection against damages induced by ionizing radiation. It suggests that supplementation of LYC might be useful in diminishing of negative effect of cancer radiotherapy or in mitigating the effects of possible radiation accidents on human health. KEY WORDS: lycopene, antioxidants, anticarcinogenic agents, radioprotection.

The effect occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on the DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of nuclear medicine personnel.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was estimation of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes of peripheral blood of staff in a nuclear medicine department. METHODS: The exposed group consisted of 46 volunteers and the control group consisted of 40 volunteers. Samples consisting of 1 ml whole blood were collected by venepuncture. DNA damage in leukocytes was detected by alkaline comet assay. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the effective dose measured by individual dosimeters and DNA damage and no differences between sexes. The mean level of damage to DNA in people exposed to ionizing radiation was significantly elevated compared with control individuals. The highest value for mean comet tail moment was noted in leukocytes of PET/CT and scintigraphy technicians (1.28 vs. 0.30 for control, p=0.013). The levels of DNA damage in leukocytes of workers in category B (effective dose may exceed 1 mSv/year) were significantly enhanced. The DNA migration of leukocytes in exposed smokers and nonsmokers was similar. In the control group the damage to DNA of leukocytes in smokers was markedly but not significantly higher compared with nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation leads to enhanced levels of reversible DNA damage in leukocytes of nuclear medicine employees. The level of DNA damage depends on the kind of work. Cigarette smoking is related to the increase in DNA damage in unexposed individuals but not in nuclear medicine workers. Radiation seems to be a stronger inducer of DNA damage than smoking. Although most of the DNA damage detected by comet assay is repaired, further improvement of radiation safety should be taken under consideration.

Genotoxicity of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in bone marrow cells of rats in vivo.

Although nanomaterials have the potential to improve human life, their sideline effects on human health seem to be inevitable and still remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) at different doses and particle sizes to bone marrow cells. Both types of nanoparticles were chosen due to their wide applications of them in consumer products. Rats were injected intravenously with a single dose of 5 or 10 mg/kg bw of 20 nm AgNPs or with 5 mg/kg bw 200 nm AgNPs or with 5 mg/kg bw 21 nm TiO2NPs. The samples were taken at 24 h, 1 week and 4 weeks following the exposure. Micronucleus test and the Comet assay were used to detect DNA damage. Neither AgNPs nor TiO2NPs caused cytotoxicity to bone marrow red and white cells. The polychromatic erythrocytes are the main target of both nanoparticles. A single exposure to AgNPs induced significantly enhanced frequency of micronuclei not only at 24 h after exposure, but also 1 and 4 weeks later, whereas single exposure to TiO2NPs showed positive effect at 24 h only. Negative responses were shown in reticulocytes (micronuclei) and in leukocytes (Comet assay) of bone marrow. Results indicated that different bone marrow cells display different susceptibility toward genotoxicity mediated by both investigated nanoparticles. The use of materials containing nanoparticles and the potential health implication of them should be monitored.

Genotoxic effects of bisphenol A on somatic cells of female mice, alone and in combination with X-rays.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a monomer used in the manufacture of epoxy, polycarbonate, and polystyrene resins, is a xenoestrogen present in many consumer products. We investigated the effects of 2-week exposure to BPA, either alone or in combination with X-rays, on the induction of DNA damage in somatic cells of female mice in vivo. The micronucleus and alkaline comet assays were used to evaluate genotoxicity. BPA induced DNA strand breaks in lung cells but not in bone marrow lymphocytes, liver, kidney, or spleen cells. Induction of micronuclei was observed only in polychromatic reticulocytes of peripheral blood. Levels of damage following combination exposure to ionizing radiation plus BPA depended on tissue, assay, and time.

Resveratrol as promising natural radioprotector. A review.

Public feelings concerning radiation are still controversy. The main sources of trouble seems to be the failure nuclear power plant and danger of terroristic attack, which may cause temporally enhanced level of radiation leading to harmful health effects. Since radiation induced cellular damage is attributed primarily to harmful effect of free radicals, molecules with direct free radical scavenging properties are particularly promising as radiation modifiers/protectors, i.e. agents which present prior to or shortly after radiation exposure alter to response of tissues to radiation. Unfortunately, some of known radioprotectors are toxic at doses required for radioprotection. Resveratrol (RSV), an natural polyphenol is produced in several plants in response to injury, stress, bacteria or fungi infection, UV-irradiation and exposure to ozone. It is present in human diet i.e. in fruits and in wine. RSV is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and antiageing action and it has been shown to have chemopreventive effects with respect to several human disease such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and gastric ulcers. Depending on the dose, RSV may act as antioxidant or as pro-oxidant. RSV improves sperm count and motility in rodents and prevent DNA damage caused by cryptopreservation of human sperm. Moreover, RSV acting with other agents, inhibits the toxic action of them. There are evidences that RSV is able to modulate the behavior of cells in response to radiation induced damage. Minimalization of radiation induced damage to somatic and germ cells by RSV might be useful in cancer therapy to prevent the damage to normal cells as well as in case of radiological accidents.

[DNA damage to somatic cells of mice exposed to nonylphenol and to a combination of ionizing radiation and nonylphenol]. / Uszkodzenia DNA w komórkach somatycznych myszy narazanych na nonylofenol oraz na skojarzone dzialanie promieniowania jonizujacego i nonylofenolu.

BACKGROUND: Nonylphenol (NP) has been found in daily used products reach in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The main routes of human exposure are consumption of contaminated food and water. Radiation comes from natural and man-made sources, and is used in medicine, science and industry. Both agents are widely present in environment, therefore human exposure to their combined effect seems to be highly probable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was the estimation of the effects of subchronic exposure of male mice to nonylphenol alone and in a combination with ionizing radiation on the induction of DNA strand breaks of multiple somatic cells. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Pzh:SFIS male mice were exposed for 8 weeks, 5 days/week to nonylphenol alone (25 mg/kg bw or 50 mg/kg bw ) or in a combination with X-rays (0.05 Gy + 25 mg/kg bw NP). Animal were killed at 24 h, 1,4 and 8 weeks after the end of exposure. The bone marrow, spleens, livers, kidneys and lungs were isolated from mice. The estimation of DNA damage was carried out by using Comet assay. RESULTS: The most sensitive to nonylphenol occurred bone marrow lymphocytes, less sensitive were cells of spleen and lungs. NP did not induce the strand breaks in cells coming from liver and kidneys. Eight-weeks combined exposure to ionizing radiation and nonylphenol (0.05 Gy + 25 mg/kg bw NP) caused significantly enhanced level of DNA strand breaks in all tested cells. The most sensitive occurred bone marrow lymphocytes and spleen cells, whereas cells from kidneys and lungs were the least sensitive. CONCLUSION: Subchronic application ofnonylphenol to mice induced damage to genetic material of bone marrow lymphocytes and cells of spleen and lungs. Combined exposure to ionizing radiation and nonylphenol caused, significantly higher than NP alone, level of DNA strand breaks of bone marrow lymphocytes, cells of liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys. Such damages might be stimulated by ionizing radiation.

[Frequency of micronuclei in reticulocytes of male mice exposed to bisphenol A and to a combination of x-rays and bisphenol A]. / Czestosc wystepowania mikrojader w retikulocytach samców myszy narazanych na bisfenol a oraz na skojarzone dzialanie promieniowania X I bisfenolu A.

The aim of the study was to estimate the effects of bisphenol A and combined exposure to X-rays and bisphenol A on the induction of micronuclei in the blood and bone marrow reticulocytes. Pzh:Sfis male mice were irradiated (0.05 Gy and 0.10 Gy) or/and treated with bisphenol A (5 mg/kg mc, 10 mg/kg mc, 15 mg/kg mc, 20 mg/kg mc, 40 mg/kg mc) or exposed to combination of both (0.05 Gy + 5 mg/kg mc BPA lub 0.10 Gy + 10 mg/kg mc BPA) for 2 weeks. Bisphenol A as well as ionizing radiation alone stimulated induction of micronuclei in peripheral blood and bone marrow reticulocytes. Combined exposure of X-rays and bisphenol A induced higher frequency of micronuclei compared to effect produced by BPA alone. Sometimes, especially after combined exposure to low doses of both agents, observed effects enhanced that obtained following exposure to X-rays alone. Ionising radiation is probably the agent which decided about damage and/or unequal distribution of chromosomes following combined exposure together with bisphenol A, which seems to be weak mutagen.

[The effects of di-n-butyl phthalate on the somatic cells of laboratory mice]. / Wplyw ftalanu di-n-butylu (DBP) na komórki somatyczne myszy laboratoryjnych.

Phthalates are widely used as a plasticizers in manufacture of synthetic materials and as solvents in sanitary products, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Dibutylphthalate (DBP) is used as a plasticizers and as a textile lubricating agent and as solvent in printing ink. The study aimed the evaluation of the magnitude of DNA damage in liver and bone marrow cells and estimation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) concentration in peripheral blood following prolonged exposure to DBP. Experiments were conducted an the Pzh:Sfis male mice. Animals were exposed 8 weeks, 3 days per week per os to DBP suspension in oil in doses of 500 mg/kg bw (1/16 LD50) and 2000 mg/kg bw (1/4 LD50). Following groups of mice were sacrificed 4 and 8 weeks after the start of exposure and 4 weeks after the end of exposure. Decreased body weight of mice and statistically significant decreased liver and relative liver weights were observed following 8-weeks exposure to 2000 mg/kg bw DBP. In the same time higher however not statistically significant level of DNA damage measured by Comet assay in liver cells were noted. DBP did not induce enhanced frequency of DNA damage in bone marrow cells. Following 8-weeks exposure to the dose of 2000 mg/kg bw DBP the increased level of DBP in peripheral blood was observed. Enhanced levels of DBP were still noted 4 weeks after the termination of exposure. Results confirmed that DBP acts as a weak mutagen for DNA of somatic cells. However, following prolonged exposure this compound seems to undergo slower metabolism and was reaching temporarily higher levels in peripheral blood.

[Frequency of micronuclei in erythrocytes of mice subchronic exposed to ionising radiation and nonylphenol]. / Ocena czestosci wystepowania mikrojader w erytrocytach myszy eksponowanych subchronicznie na promieniowanie jonizujace i nonylofenol.

The aim of the research was to investigate the level of micronuclei induction in reticulocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes of mice following subchronic exposure to X-rays, nonylphenol (NP) or to a combination of both. Male mice Pzh:SFIS were exposed during 8 weeks, 5 day per week to doses 0.05 Gy and 0.10 Gy of X-rays, 25 mg/kg mc and 50 mg/kg bw of nonylphenol as well as to 0.05 Gy + 25 mg/kg bw NP and 0.10 Gy + 50 mg/kg bw NP for combined exposure. Both X-rays and NP, acting alone induced micronuclei in reticulocytes and in polychromatic erythrocytes of mice. Combined X-rays-NP exposure of peripheral blood reticulocytes and bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes caused enhanced frequency of micronuclei compared to the effect of each agent alone. In bone marrow reticulocytes, combined exposure in lower doses (0.05 Gy + 25 mg/kg bw NP) induced enhanced mutagenic effect. Contrary, after combined exposure to both agents in higher doses (0.10 Gy + 50 mg/kg bw NP), nonylphenol may protected DNA of reticulocytes against damage induced by X-rays.

[Induction of micronuclei in somatic cells of mice exposed to x-rays or nonylphenol and to a combination of both agents]. / Indukcja mikrojader w komórkach somatycznych myszy eksponowanych na dzialanie promieniowania x lub nonylfenolu oraz na skojarzone dzialanie obu czynników.

The effects of X-rays, nonylphenol (NL) and combination of both agents on the induction of micronuclei in mouse somatic cells were investigated. Pzh: SFIS mice were exposed during 2 weeks, 5 days per week to X-rays (doses: 0.05 Gy, 0.10 Gy,0.20 Gy), nonylphenol (doses: 25 mg/kg bw NL, 50 mg/kg bw NL, 100 mg/kg bw NL) and to a combination of X-rays and nonylphenol (doses: 0.05 Gy + 25 mg/kg bw NL, 0.10 Gy + 50 mg/kg bw NL). Samples from peripheral blood were taken 1 week after the start of exposure and 24 h after the end of exposure, whereas samples from bone marrow were taken 24 h after the end of exposure. Results obtained show that ionizing radiation, nonylphenol and combination of X-rays-NL in low doses induced micronuclei in peripheral blood and bone marrow reticulocytes. In contrast combined exposure to higher doses of both agents caused reduction frequency of micronuclei in the comparison to effects of X-rays acting alone. In bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes the induction of micronuclei was enhanced after combined exposure to both agents in lower and higher doses.

[Damage of genetic material in somatic cells of mice exposed to low doses of X-rays]. / Uszkodzenia materialu genetycznego komórek somatycznych myszy narazanych na male dawki promieniowania X.

Pzh:SFIS mice were exposed during 8 weeks, 5 days per week to doses of 0.05 Gy; 0.10 Gy; 0.20 Gy of X-rays. Samples were taken at 24 h and at 72 h after the end of irradiation for micronucleus test, in the case of estimation induction of DNA damages also at 24 h and at 1, 4 and 8 weeks. Subchronic exposure of mice to low doses of ionizing radiation induced damages of genetic material of theirs somatic cells. The enhanced frequency of micronuclei were observed in reticulocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes of bone marrow after each of dose. Subchronic exposure to X-rays induced also DNA single strand breaks in bone marrow lymphocytes. Damage were observed up to 8 weeks after the end of exposure. Results obtained in this study confirmed sensitivity of bone marrow cells to low doses of X-rays.

The effects in mice of combined treatments to X-rays and antineoplastic drugs in the Comet assay.

The Comet assay is a rapid, easy and reproducible method to detect genotoxic activity of chemical and physical agents in vitro and in vivo. In the present study the effects of exposure to irradiation or chemicals: cyclophosphamide (CP) and mitomycin C (MMC) or combined exposure to low doses of both agents (0.25 Gy+3.15 mg/kgbw CP and 0.25 Gy+0.25 mg/kgbw MMC) were examined for the induction of DNA damage in the Comet assay measured simultaneously in somatic (bone marrow lymphocytes) and haploid germ cells. The male mice were treated in vivo and sacrificed at 24 h after exposure. The percentage contents of DNA in the "comet tail" increased with increasing doses of X-rays and chemicals. After combined exposure to X-rays and CP and to X-rays and MMC weak increases of DNA damage in bone marrow lymphocytes and in germ cells were observed by comparison with the results obtained for each agent acting alone. There were slightly different responses in bone marrow lymphocytes and in germ cells, but effects were observed over a similar dose range.

[The change in reproductive ability of male mice exposed to vinblastine and X-rays]. / Zmiany w zdolnosciach reprodukcyjnych samców myszy narazonych na dzialanie winblastyny i promieniowania X.

The effects of male mice to vinblastine (VBL) and combined X-rays-vinblastine treatments on the sperm quantity and quality, fertility and induction of foetal deaths and congenital malformations in the offspring were investigated. VBL and combined X-rays-VBL exposure caused decrease in testes weight and sperm count as well as increased percent of abnormal spermatozoa. Both vinblastine and X-rays-vinblastine combination induced increase in frequency of DNA single strand breaks in germ cells. The highest dose of VBL induced decrease of percent of pregnant females, decrease of live foetuses and induction of dominant lethal mutations after exposure some stages of spermatogenesis. Combined exposure to low doses of X-rays and vinblastine enhanced the frequency of dead implants. After exposure to VBL on its own as well as to combination of low doses of both agents increase in the frequency of congenital malformations was not observed.