Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Methoprim in Whit Mice

Abstract

Genotoxicity of methoprim was evaluated in white mice using cytogenetics and molecular biology markers. Micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), chromosome aberrations (CAs) in bone-marrow, and types of damage in DNA with Comet assay were scored after treatment of mice with 0.96, 1.92, 3.07 and 15.35mg/kg.bw. for five successive days. The results showed significant increase in numbers of micronuclei, types of chromosome aberration in bone- marrow cells in treated groups compared with control groups. In addition, significant differences in levels of damage in DNA of both liver and bone-marrow cells in treated groups compared with control groups. The study reveals that high doses of methoprim induce features of genotoxicity in whit mice. The researchers recommend that extreme supervision must be applied upon uncontrolled using of methoprim and the high doses must not be used except when highly needed.