Assessment of DNA damage using chromosomal aberrations assay in lymphocytes of waterpipe smokers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking in the lymphocytes of waterpipe smokers using chromosomal aberrations (CAs) assay.


METHODS
Fifty waterpipe smokers and 18 healthy non-smokers volunteered to participate in the study. Additionally, 18 heavy cigarette smokers were recruited for comparison. Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) assay was used to evaluate DNA damage in the lymphocytes.


RESULTS
The results showed that similarly to cigarette smoking, waterpipe smoking significantly increased the frequencies of CAs (p < 0.01). In addition, the frequencies of CAs increased with more waterpipe use.


CONCLUSIONS
Waterpipe smoking causes DNA damage to lymphocytes and the damage increases with more waterpipe use.
Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Enas S
ES
Alsatari
Mohammad
M
Azab
Omar F
OF
Khabour
Karem H
KH
Alzoubi
May F
MF
Sadiq
D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007597:Jordan; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult