Antigenotoxic effect of apigenin on chromosomal damage induced by cyproterone acetate in human lymphocytes

Cyproterone acetate (CPA) is not only a genotoxic agent but also a tumor initiating agent. It is used in oral contraceptives formulations and also in the treatment various sexual and metabolic disorders. Apigenin, a well known antioxidant and have number of properties that are beneficial in someway to humans. In this context, the antigenotoxic effect of apigenin was studied against the genotoxic doses of CPA using chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and cell cycle kinetics as parameters. The treatment of 20 and 30 M of CPA was given separately along with apigenin at the doses of 1, 5, 10 and 20 M of culture medium. A clear dose dependent decrease in the genotoxic damage of CPA was observed, suggesting a protective role of apigenin during CPA therapy. The results of the present study suggest that the apigenin can modulate the genotoxicity of CPA on human lymphocytes in vitro.