Is the genotoxic effect of arsenic mediated by oxygen free radicals?
Previous investigations have shown that trivalent arsenic is inducing chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). In a search for the genotoxic mechanism we have studied the effects of the oxygen-radical-scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) on arsenic-induced SCEs in cultured human lymphocytes. The results indicate that SOD and possibly also CAT have a protective effect against arsenic-induced DNA damage. Arsenic, which is emitted in environmental pollutions e.g. from smelters and coal-fired power plants, appears to be underestimated as environmental mutagen and potential synergist to ionizing radiation.
Nordenson
I
I
Department of Medical Genetics, University of Umeå, Sweden.
Beckman
L
L
D001151:Arsenic / Q000633:toxicity*; D018053:Arsenites; D002374:Catalase / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004249:DNA Damage; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D009153:Mutagens; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange; D017670:Sodium Compounds; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018053:Arsenites; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D009153:Mutagens; D017670:Sodium Compounds; C017947:sodium arsenite; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D001151:Arsenic