Genotoxicity, DNA damage and sperm defects induced by vinblastine

Abstract

Abstract Background Genotoxicity studies of chemotherapeutic drugs is of special need. Secondary tumors may develop many years after treatment as a result of chemo genotoxicity. The effect of chemo on meiotic chromosomes and sperm defects is another complication associated with chemo treatment. In this study the genotoxicity of vinblastine (VB) was estimated in both somatic and germ cells. Materials 85 mice were taken. 4 single doses of VB at 3, 4.5, 6 and 10 mg/kg and 3 successive doses at 3, 4.5 and 6 mg/kg were taken for estimation of chromosomal aberrations (CAs). 4 single doses of VB were involved in estimating the DNA fragmentation, and comet assay. Samples were taken 24 h after the last treatment. For sperm abnormalities mice were injected with 3 successive doses of VB at 3, 4.5, and 6 mg/kg and samples were taken 35 days after the 1st injection. Results The results demonstrated a significant frequency of DNA fragmentation in spleen cells and in the percentage of CAs in bone marrow. Numerical and structural aberrations were recorded with a pronounced number of polyploidy metaphases. VB also induced a significant percentage of CAs in spermatocytes in the form of univalent. Sperm defects in the form of coiled tail, absence of acrosome and shapeless head and a significant DNA damage in the testes were recorded. Conclusion VB is genotoxic in somatic and germ cells. Sperm defects induced by VB are of serious concern to future generations and may affect the fertility of cancer survivors.