Cyto/genotoxicity of potassium metabisulfite and antimutagenic effect of piperine

Abstract

Potassium metabisulfite is a white crystalline powder used in wine production and food preservation. Piperine is an alkaloid of the piperidine series and it is the main ingredient of black pepper. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cyto/genotoxic effects of potassium metabisulfite and antimutagenic effect of piperine using the Allium test. To test the cyto/genotoxicity of potassium metabisulfite, three concentrations were used: 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/L. To evaluate the antimutagenic effect of piperine, the following concentrations were applied: 3.3, 6.6 and 13.3 µL/mL. Our results demonstrated that all three tested concentrations of potassium metabisulfite significantly reduced root growth. Mitotic index values significantly decreased after the treatment with all three concentrations of potassium metabisulfite. An increased frequency of apoptotic cells was observed for the two highest concentrations of potassium metabisulfite, while a statistically different frequency of necrosis was detected for all three potassium metabisulfite concentrations in comparison with control. The total number of cytotoxic markers differed between all three potassium metabisulfite concentrations and control. A significantly higher frequency of sticky chromosomes for the two highest potassium metabisulfite concentrations, as well as an increased number of chromosomal bridges for median potassium metabisulfite concentration as compared to control group was determined. A significantly higher number of binuclear cells was detected for the highest potassium metabisulfite concentration. A significant difference between the two highest potassium metabisulfite concentrations and control was established for the total number of aberrant cells. As for the results for piperine, a reduction in the roots' growth was observed between the two highest piperine concentrations and negative control. The mitotic index decreased after treatment with all three piperine concentrations in comparison with negative and positive control. A significant difference in the frequency of apoptosis between median piperine concentration and positive control was detected. An increased frequency of necrosis between the two highest piperine concentrations and both controls was determined. The total number of cytotoxicity markers increased between the highest piperine concentration and both controls. A significantly higher frequency of chromosomal bridges between the two highest piperine concentrations and negative control was observed. The total number of aberrant cells differed between two highest piperine concentrations and negative control. This study demonstrated that potassium metabisulfite manifests antiproliferative, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Similarly, antiproliferative properties of piperine have been observed, while its antimutagenic potential has not been demonstrated. Further studies are needed to strengthen these observations.