Genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of vanadium inhalation and oral administration of Hintonia latiflora methanolic extract in mice

Introduction

Environmental air pollution constitutes a significant problem for large cities, primarily due to anthropogenic activities such as burning fossil fuels, which have led to an escalation that release suspended particulate matter (PM);vanadium, a metal adhered to PM, leading to their entry into the bloodstream and subsequently V distribution to various organs. Research has demonstrated that exposure to vanadium (V) can induce single-strand breaks and the presence of micronuclei in cells. In addition to this, the use of herbal remedies has seen a marked increase on a global scale in recent years. It is estimated that more population makes use of these remedies without being aware of their potential health implications. Hintonia latiflora (Hl) is a herbal remedy commonly used, reported also as genotoxic.

Objective

To evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of V inhalation and co-exposure with the administration of methanolic extract of Hl (HlMeOHe).

Method

Twenty-five male CD1 mice distributed in four groups were used: control, V, Tween 80 % (0.04 %), HlMeOHe (250 mg/kg per day) and V+HlMeOHe (250 mg/kg per day). Animals inhaled V twice a week. Blood samples were obtained at designated time points: 0, 24 and 72 hours; 7, 14 and 21 days. Subsequently, the samples were subjected to rigorous testing procedures, including the assessment of cell viability by fluorochromes, alkaline comet assay and micronucleus assay with acridine orange.

Results

The inhalation of V, either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with HlMeOHe, did not affect cell viability. Administration of HlMeOHe, did not result in the generation of single-strand breaks, a finding that contrast with the effects of V. The co-exposure of V and HlMeOHe exhibited from day 14–21 a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in micronuclei assay, as well as a in single-strand breaks (p < 0.05) compared against control group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that HlMeOHe is not cytotoxic or genotoxic maybe because of its phenolic compounds, reducing the genotoxic effect induced by V.