Genotoxic effects of vanadium pentoxide on human peripheral lymphocytes and mucosal cells of the upper aerodigestive tract

Abstract

In addition to tobacco and alcohol consumption, pollutants found in certain industries and in the environment play an important role in carcinogenesis in the upper aerodigestive tract. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether vanadium pentoxide may have a genotoxic effect on human mucosal cells and lymphocytes. The single cell microgel electrophoresis assay (Comet assay) was used to detect DNA damage induced by vanadium pentoxide in human nasal epithelia (n = 11) and in lymphocytes (n = 11). Mucosa was harvested from inferior nasal turbinates, while lymphocytes were obtained via venous puncture. Vanadium pentoxide was applied at concentrations of 0.06 mM, 0.12 mM, 0.24 mM, and 0.47 mM. Aqua bidestillata served as solvent and negative control and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine at 0.07 mM (MNNG) was used as positive control. The trypan blue exclusion test was applied to assess cytotoxicity. Whereas vanadium pentoxide induced dose-dependent DNA migration in lymphocytes, mucosal cells did not show comparable genotoxic effects. Cytotoxic effects allowed for viabilities exceeding 80%. The results indicate that vanadium pentoxide is capable of inducing single-strand-breaks and/or alkali-labile damage in the DNA of human lymphocytes. By contrast, mucosal cells proved not to be sensitive in this setting. Thus, a possible role of vanadium in the tumorigenesis of head and neck cancer appears unrelated to direct genotoxic effects.

Inhalative Exposure to Vanadium Pentoxide Causes DNA Damage in Workers: Results of a Multiple End Point Study

“…In vitro studies have shown that the metal oxide induces DNA migration in blood cells under standard conditions, but the doses required to cause effects were substantially higher than the plasma concentrations in the workers in the present study (Ivancsits et al 2002; Kleinsasser et al 2003; Rojas et al 1996). Furthermore, results obtained in SCGE experiments with rodents indicate that vanadium compounds cause DNA migration in inner organs (Altamirano-Lozano et al 1996, 1999; Leopardi et al 2005; Villani et al 2007).…”

“…Furthermore, DNA-damaging properties of vanadium compounds have also been found in human and animal cells in vitro (Ivancsits et al 2002; Kleinsasser et al 2003; Migliore et al 1993; Ramirez et al 1997; Rojas et al 1996; Roldan and Altamirano 1990; Zhong et al 1994). …”

Sex differences in blood genotoxic and cytotoxic effects as a consequence of vanadium inhalation: micronucleus assay evaluation

“…Kleinsasser et al . () reported no cytotoxic effect of vanadium pentoxide in lymphocytes and human mucosal cells. The authors mentioned that cell viability in all the assessments was higher than 80%, which is consistent with our results.…”

“…; Kleinsasser et al . ). In addition, information about sex differences after vanadium inhalation exposure is almost inexistent.…”

“…Information related to genotoxicity and the carcinogenic potential of vanadium pentoxide is still limited and not conclusive (Rodríguez-Mercado et al 2003, 2010Boobis et al 2009). Few previous studies have been conducted to evaluate the genotoxic action of vanadium compounds in vivo (Ivancsits et al 2002;Kleinsasser et al 2003). In addition, information about sex differences after vanadium inhalation exposure is almost inexistent.…”