Exploring cytokinesis block micronucleus assay in Croatia: A journey through the past, present, and future in biomonitoring of the general population

Use of centromeric probe to identify micronuclei origin and its advantages in genetic toxicology studies

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and karyotyping have long been considered essential for chromosomal examination to analyse the stable chromosome aberrations such as translocations after exposure to genotoxic agents. To improve speed of chromosomal analysis in genetic toxicology investigations, we employed the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay with human pan-centromeric probes, to measure chromosome segregation errors and to differentiate mechanism of action of genotoxic agents. Whole-blood collected from healthy volunteers were exposed to X-rays, bleomycin (BLM), Colchicine (COL) and Mitomycin-C (MMC), arrested at cytokinesis stage and processed for conventional giemsa staining and pan-centromeric FISH to analyse the composition of MN to differentiate between aneugen and clastogen effects. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison test exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the MN observed using giemsa stained and centromere FISH binucleated cells in all those genotoxic agents when compared to its unexposed lymphocytes cultures. The CBMN with centromere FISH, predominantly shows MNCN-ve cells in lymphocytes exposed to X-rays (67.4 % and 83.3 %), BLM (79.4 % and 79.2 %) and MMC (81.5 % and 73.2) while, COL treatment resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher MNCN+ve cells (79.6 % and 82.4 %) for the different concentrations of those agents. Centromere FISH enables to identify the origin of MN induced by different genotoxic agents. Thus, a significant development in genetic toxicology is heralded by the incorporation of centromeric probe in modern analytical workflows.

Preliminary Insights into the Cyto/Genoprotective Properties of Propolis and Its Constituent Galangin In Vitro

Propolis has been well known for centuries as a natural preventive and therapeutic agent. Its numerous health benefits are mainly attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds that have a remarkable antioxidant activity. Since phenolics may exert a dual nature (pro-oxidant and antioxidant) the aim of this study was to investigate the safety profile of the ethanolic extract of propolis and the related flavonoid galangin and their ability to protect lymphocytes from irinotecan-induced cyto/genotoxicity in vitro. Isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed for 3 h to three concentrations of propolis extract and galangin corresponding to the average daily dose of 0.25 mL of extract [propolis in 70% ethanol (3:7, w/w)], as well as a five- and ten-fold higher concentration. Cyto- and genoprotective effects were tested using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay. Treatment with propolis and galangin in the selected concentrations exerted high biocompatibility with lymphocytes and diminished the level of cytogenetic damage caused by irinotecan. Propolis at the same concentration offered a stronger protective effect than single galangin. Also, apoptosis was the prevailing mechanism of cell death in our experimental conditions. These preliminary results speak in favour of future investigations of propolis using other available cytogenetic methods and cell models.

Comparison of Chromosomal Damage caused by Conventional and Digital Mammography in Human Peripheral Lymphocytes

Background:

Mammography is a widely used technology preferred by doctors for the early detection of breast cancer. Underlying problems are identified in about three years and are considered the most efficient method. Full-field digital mammography uses less radiation, and the images are stored in a system where they can be reviewed and adjusted according to the user’s requirements. Conventional mammography has a higher radiation dose, and film storage is required. Ionizing radiation causes several biological effects, including chromosomal aberration, disorder, anomaly, mutation, etc. This led us to investigate the effectiveness of digital mammography over the conventional mammography instrument.

Materials and Methods:

Blood samples were obtained from 13 healthy donors, aliquot into three different vials. Each donor’s blood was separated into control, conventional, and digital groups, and the conventional and digital vials were exposed to soft radiation. After exposure, the aliquot samples were acclimatized to a normal physiological condition, and a CBMN assay was performed. A minimum of 2000 cells were scored from every sample group. The MN frequency in each group was estimated to assess DNA damage.

Result:

A significant increase in micronucleus formation was observed in cells irradiated with conventional mammography compared to digital mammography and the non-irradiated control group.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that conventional mammography had significantly higher DNA damage when compared to digital. The study favors digital mammography and its response to producing fewer DNA damages.

Evidence driven indoor air quality improvement: An innovative and interdisciplinary approach to improving indoor air quality

Indoor air pollution is a recognized emerging threat, claiming millions of lives annually. People are constantly exposed to ambient and indoor air pollution. The latest research shows that people in developed countries spend up to 90% of their time indoors and almost 70% at home. Although impaired Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) represents a significant health risk, it affects people differently, and specific populations are more vulnerable: children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses are more sensitive to these environmental risks. Despite rather extensive research on IAQ, most of the current understanding about the subject, which includes pollution sources, indoor-outdoor relationships, and ventilation/filtration, is still quite limited, mainly because air quality monitoring in the EU is primarily focused on ambient air quality and regulatory requirements are lacking for indoor environments. Therefore, the EDIAQI project aims to improve guidelines and awareness for advancing the IAQ in Europe and beyond by allowing user-friendly access to information about indoor air pollution exposures, sources, and related risk factors. The solution proposed with EDIAQI consists of conducting a characterization of sources and routes of exposure and dispersion of chemical, biological, and emerging indoor air pollution in multiple cities in the EU. The project will deploy cost-effective/user-friendly monitoring solutions to create new knowledge on sources, exposure routes, and indoor multipollutant body burdens. The EDIAQI project brings together 18 organizations from 11 different European countries that provide interdisciplinary skills and expertise in various fields, including environmental science and technology, medicine, and toxicology, as well as policy design and public engagement.

Assessing the Potential Synergistic/Antagonistic Effects of Citrinin and Cannabidiol on SH-SY5Y, HepG2, HEK293 Cell Lines, and Human Lymphocytes

The increasing use of Cannabis sativa products for medicinal, dietary, and recreational purposes has raised concerns about mycotoxin contamination in cannabis and hemp. Mycotoxins persist in these products' post-processing, posing health risks via multiple exposure routes. This study investigated cytotoxic and genotoxic interactions between cannabidiol (CBD) and the mycotoxin citrinin (CIT) using human cell models: SH-SY5Y, HepG2, HEK293, and peripheral blood lymphocytes. IC50 values and membrane disruption were initially assessed, followed by an evaluation of genotoxicity in lymphocytes using the Comet Assay and Cytokinesis Blocked Micronucleus Cytome Assay. Obtained findings demonstrate that cell-type sensitivity varied across treatments, with combined CBD and CIT exposure exhibiting distinct interactions. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release remained minimal, suggesting cytotoxicity did not stem from membrane disruption but likely involved intracellular pathways. In lymphocytes, CBD alone produced negligible cyto/genotoxic effects and weak antiproliferative responses, whereas CIT displayed clear toxic impacts. DNA damage indicates that CIT may induce genome instability through indirect mechanisms rather than direct DNA interaction, with evidence of potential aneuploidic effects from the CBMN Cyt Assay. Combined exposure led to a reduction in CIT-induced DNA and cytogenetic damage, suggesting CIT's potential interference with the beneficial properties of CBD. These results provide a foundation for further toxicological assessments and highlight the necessity of standardized mycotoxin monitoring in cannabis-derived products.

Domoic Acid: A Review of Its Cytogenotoxicity Within the One Health Approach

In this review, we toxicologically assessed the naturally occurring toxin domoic acid. We used the One Health approach because the impact of domoic acid is potentiated by climate change and water pollution on one side, and reflected in animal health, food security, human diet, and human health on the other. In a changing environment, algal blooms are more frequent. For domoic acid production, the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms is of particular interest. They produce this toxin, whose capability of accumulation and biomagnification through the food web impacts other organisms in the ecosystem. Domoic acid targets nervous system receptors inducing amnestic shellfish poisoning, among other less severe health-related problems. However, the impact of domoic acid on non-target cells is rather unknown, so we reviewed the currently available literature on cytogenetic effects on human and animal cells. The results of different studies indicate that domoic acid has the potential to induce early molecular events, such as oxidative imbalance and DNA damage, thus posing an additional threat which needs to be thoroughly addressed and monitored in the future.

Impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and chromosome stability: a systematic review

Indoor air pollution is becoming a rising public health problem and is largely resulting from the burning of solid fuels and heating in households. Burning these fuels produces harmful compounds, such as particulate matter regarded as a major health risk, particularly affecting the onset and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. As exposure to polluted indoor air can cause DNA damage including DNA sd breaks as well as chromosomal damage, in this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and genome stability by reviewing the scientific papers that have used the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays. These methods are valuable tools in human biomonitoring and for studying the mechanisms of action of various pollutants, and are readily used for the assessment of primary DNA damage and genome instability induced by air pollutants by measuring different aspects of DNA and chromosomal damage. Based on our search, in selected studies (in vitro, animal models, and human biomonitoring), we found generally higher levels of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage due to indoor air pollutants compared to matched control or unexposed groups. In summary, our systematic review reveals the importance of the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays as sensitive tools for the evaluation of DNA and genome damaging potential of different indoor air pollutants. Additionally, research in this particular direction is warranted since little is still known about the level of indoor air pollution in households or public buildings and its impact on genetic material. Future studies should focus on research investigating the possible impact of indoor air pollutants in complex mixtures on the genome and relate pollutants to possible health outcomes.