In vitro genotoxic effects of 4-methylimidazol on human peripheral lymphocytes

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of 4- Methylimidazole (4MEI), on human peripheral lymphocytes by using sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Cells were treated with 300, 450, 600, 750 ?g/ml 4-Methylimidazole for 24 and 48 hours periods. 4-Methylimidazole induced SCEs when compared to control for 24-h and 48-h treatment periods in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. 4-Methylimidazole increased SCEs in highest two concentrations (600 and 750?g/ml) of 24-h treatment period and in all concentrations of 48-h treatment period and that increase depended on the concentration of 48-h treatment. Also 4-Methylimidazole induced CA all concentrations for 24 and 48 hours treatment periods. At the same time, the highest concentration (750?g/ml) induced 4- Methylimidazole CA as much as the positive control. 4-Methylimidazole induced MN formation in only highest two concentrations of 24-h treatment and in all concentrations of 48-h treatment. Additionally, 4-Methylimidazole significantly decreased PI in two highest concentrations for 24h and in all concentrations of 48-h treatment. Decreasing in highest concentrations (750?g/ml) occurred as much as positive control. All concentrations of 24-h (expect for the lowest concentration) and 48-h decreased MI. Also, 4-MEI decreased NDI in all concentrations 24 and 48 h treatment periods. This decrease dependent on concentrations in 24 h treatment period.