Hg(II) exposure exacerbates UV-induced DNA damage in MRC5 fibroblasts: a comet assay study.
When exposed to UVR, MRC5 fibroblasts incubated with mercuric chloride (0-15 microM) for 1 hour show increased DNA damage (as measured by the comet assay) compared to control cells (UVR irradiated but no mercuric chloride). This demonstrates that mercuric chloride and UVR in combination increase DNA damage in a synergistic manner. This may have implications to those exposed to mercury as it suggests that exposure to mercury in the environment may increase sensitivity to sunlight-induced carcinogenesis.
Bradfield
Wendy
W
Cornwall Dermatology Research, Peninsula Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, Cornwall, UK.
Pye
Andrew
A
Clifford
Tim
T
Salter
Leo
L
Gould
David
D
Campbell
Sandra
S
Curnow
Alison
A
D020552:Comet Assay / Q000379:methods; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D008627:Mercuric Chloride / Q000633:toxicity*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D008627:Mercuric Chloride