title: Genotoxicity of Nicotiana tabacum leaves on Helix aspersa.
abstract: Tobacco farmers are routinely exposed to complex mixtures of inorganic and organic chemicals present in tobacco leaves. In this study, we examined the genotoxicity of tobacco leaves in the snail Helix aspersa as a measure of the risk to human health. DNA damage was evaluated using the micronucleus test and the Comet assay and the concentration of cytochrome P450 enzymes was estimated. Two groups of snails were studied: one fed on tobacco leaves and one fed on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) leaves (control group). All of the snails received leaves (tobacco and lettuce leaves were the only food provided) and water ad libitum. Hemolymph cells were collected after 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. The Comet assay and micronucleus test showed that exposure to tobacco leaves for different periods of time caused significant DNA damage. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes occurred only in the tobacco group. Chemical analysis indicated the presence of the alkaloid nicotine, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids and various metals. These results show that tobacco leaves are genotoxic in H. aspersa and inhibit cytochrome P450 activity, probably through the action of the complex chemical mixture present in the plant.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil .
authors.forename: Fernanda R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Erdtmann
authors.forename: Tiago
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dalpiaz
authors.forename: Emilene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferraz
authors.forename: Tales L C
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Johny F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: Darlan P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: da Rosa
authors.forename: Marilene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porawskie
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bona
authors.forename: Juliana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: da Silva
keywords: Helix aspersa; Nicotiana tabacum; comet assay; genotoxicity; micronucleus test; tobacco leaves