Does over-exposure to copper ions released from metallic copper induce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on mammalian cells?
BACKGROUND
A high dissolution of copper from intrauterine devices (IUDs) occurs during the first days after insertion. This work is focused on the assessment of the possible cyto- and genotoxic effects of different concentrations of copper ions released from metallic copper on mammalian cells in vitro.


METHODS
Colorimetric tetrazolium/Trypan blue (TB) tests and Comet assay were used to evaluate potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, respectively, in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1).


RESULTS
Reduction of mitochondrial activity by copper ions was observed for extracts at >or=7.42 mg/L concentrations, while TB exclusion test for plasma membrane integrity showed significant decrease in cell viability (close to 90%) for 10.85 mg/L concentration. Additionally, copper-induced DNA damage was detected for 5.67-7.42 mg/L concentration range.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of copper ions released from metallic copper on CHO-K1 cells and emphasize the importance of reducing the initial copper dissolution from IUD without affecting the contraceptive action.
Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA, CCT-CONICET La Plata), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
Claudia A
CA
Grillo
Miguel A
MA
Reigosa
Mónica A Fernández Lorenzo
MA
de Mele
D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D003300:Copper / Q000633:toxicity*; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects
D003300:Copper; D004247:DNA