Abstract
The genotoxic potential of the aqueous extract of areca nut as well as arecoline, the major alkaloid of the areca nut, was tested with the help of cytogenetic markers such as sister-chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations, utilizing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The continuous-treatment and pulse-treatment schedules yielded dose-dependent elevations in the frequencies of sister-chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberration in CHO cells, indicating a genotoxic effect of both the extract and arecoline. The results also imply that, besides arecoline, there may be some other water-extractable substances in the areca nut that make the extract more genotoxic. The chromosome damage was found to be more severe on treating the cells with low concentrations and for longer duration, which mimic the effects of chronic areca nut consumption.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 283-288 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Areca nut
- Arecoline
- Chromosome aberrations
- Genotoxicity
- Sister chromatid exchange
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research