PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VANILLIN ON RADIATION-INDUCED MICRONUCLEI AND CHROMOSOMAL-ABERRATIONS IN V79 CELLS

Vanillin (VA), an anticlastogen, has been demonstrated to inhibit gene mutations in both bacterial and mammalian cells. However, the data on its effect against radiation-induced cytogenetic damage are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of VA o n radiation-induced chromosomal damage in V79 cells. Exponentially gro wing cells were exposed to five doses of X-rays (1-12 Gy) and UV radia tion (50-800 mu J x 10(2) cm(-2)) and posttreated with 3 concentration s of VA (5, 50 or 100 mu g ml(-1)) for 16 h for micronucleus(MN)and 18 h for structural chromosomal aberration (SCA) analyses. MN and SCA as says were performed concurrently according to standard procedures. Res ults indicate that there was a dose related increase in the percent of micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBN) (5.6 to 79.6) and percent of aberrant cells (Abs) (12 to 98) with X-ray treatment alone, Inhibition studies showed that the addition of VA at 100 mu g ml(-1) significant ly reduced the percent of MNBN (21 to 48) induced by X-rays at 1, 2, a nd 4 Gy. There was a slight decrease in percent MNBN at 5 and 50 mu g VA ml(-1). All three concentrations of VA decreased percent Abs (15.7 to 57.1) induced by X-rays at all doses. UV radiation alone significan tly increased percent MNBN (3.5 to 14.8) and percent Abs (17 to 29). A ddition of 50 or 100 mu g VA ml(-1), significantly decreased percent M NBN (31.7 to 86.2) and percent Abs (54.5 to 90.9) at all doses of UV r adiation. A decrease in percent MNBN (2.8 to 72.4) and percent Abs (34 .8 to 66.7) was also noted at 5 mu g VA ml(-1). These data clearly ind icate the protective effect of VA on radiation-induced chromosomal dam age,suggesting that VA is an anticlastogenic agent. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.