A study of DNA damage in buccal cells of consumers of well‐ and/or tap‐water using the comet assay: Assessment of occupational exposure to genotoxicants

Abstract

Because of concerns that natural aquifers in the region of Todos Santos (Baja California Sur, Mexico) might be contaminated by organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals, a case-control study was conducted among consumers and non-consumers of well- and/or tap-water to determine risks to human health. This study was based on a genotoxic evaluation of buccal cells using the Comet assay technique. Levels of DNA damage in the consumers group were significantly higher than those of the control group. However, occupational exposure to genotoxicants showed to be the critical factor rather than water consumption. Taking into account the professions of well- and/or tap-water consumers, agricultural workers exposed directly (those who fumigated) or indirectly (those not involved in fumigating) to agrochemicals showed greater genetic damage than controls. This difference persisted even when age, and whether the person smoked or consumed alcoholic drinks were considered. These factors were not associated with the level of genetic damage observed. Chemical analyses of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals were carried out to evaluate the water quality of wells, faucets, and surface water of canals consumed by the population and/or used for irrigation. High concentrations of α and β endosulfan were detected in water of surface canals. Although our inventory of agrochemicals employed in the region showed the use of products considered carcinogenic and/or mutagenic, they were not detected by the analytical techniques used. Heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, and lead) were detected in water of some wells used for irrigation and human consumption. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:619-627, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Use of Single-Cell Comet Assay on Oral Cells: A Critical Review

“…Similarly, a total of 11 studies investigated the genotoxic effect of chemicals or drugs (legal or illegal) on the oral mucosa, such as: nandrolone decanoate (29), pesticides (30), car paints (31) and anti-neoplastic drugs (32). Vasquez-Boucard et al postulated harmful effects of continuous exposure to water/tap water contaminated by organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in Mexico (33). By contrast, the authors failed to establish a dose-response relationship between pollution and genotoxicity on oral mucosa cells (33).…”

“…Vasquez-Boucard et al postulated harmful effects of continuous exposure to water/tap water contaminated by organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in Mexico (33). By contrast, the authors failed to establish a dose-response relationship between pollution and genotoxicity on oral mucosa cells (33). Other pollutants have been investigated, such as air pollution (34), and other settings such as occupational exposure of airport personnel (35) and battery renovation workers (36).…”

A Systematic Review of Studies on Genotoxicity and Related Biomarkers in Populations Exposed to Pesticides in Mexico

“…As we explained, buccal cell samples are much easier to obtain and less invasive than blood sampling. Vazquez Boucard et al (2017), demonstrated with the comet assay in 107 male buccal samples that people who drank well water or tap water rich in organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals detected in Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico presented elevated levels of DNA damage [59].…”

Assessment of DNA damages in lymphocytes of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides by comet assay in a cross-sectional study

“…DNA damage, as determined by the mean comet tail length, was high in women exposed to pesticides while picking cotton with bare hands, and a positive correlation of DNA damage with age and exposure time was observed (Ali et al 2017). The comet assay showed that occupational exposure to pesticides was more dangerous than consumption of contaminated water, which was greater than controls; this difference between exposed and unexposed groups was not influenced by other factors, such as age or smoking or alcohol habits (Vazquez Boucard et al 2017). The comet assay can also be useful in monitoring DNA damage in single cells due to exposure to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients or to assess the cancer chemoprevention of some molecules (Santoro et al 2016).…”