Cytogenetic Evaluation of Paracetamol Effects in Human Lymphocytes Culture

Abstract

Paracetamol is a common analgesic and antipyretic drug. It has been recognized as one of the most ordinary medications taken in overdoses. We examined the possible genotoxic effects of high paracetamol concentrations expected to occur after overdose. Paracetamol was added to the cultures at the beginning of the cultivation period. Separate cultures for three tested concentrations of paracetamol (50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL) were set. Effects of paracetamol were evaluated by micronucleus cytokinesis-block assay, chromosome aberration analysis, and nuclear division index. Results demonstrate that paracetamol concentration of 200 μg/mL expresses certain genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Key Words: :

• Chromosome aberrations
• Micronuclei
• Nuclear division index
• Paracetamol

Notes

*International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Summaries and Evaluations, 73:401, 1999.