Anticlastogenic action of vitamin C against genotoxicity of estrogenic drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the human lymphocyte chromosomes

Several sex steroids and estrogenic drugs are genotoxic in varying conditions and cause oxidative stress, which has been a field of interest to study the molecular mechanism of the genetic damage. Among the estrogenic drugs, a strong toxic effect is exerted by diethylstilbestrol (DES). In the present study it has been attempted to study its genotoxic effects in human lymphocyte assay system along with ameliorative or anticlastogenic effects of vitamin C. The drug was used with different dosage of concentrations on human lymphocytes administered in vitro. The parameters used were Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCEs) and Chromosomal Aberrations (CAs). Higher levels of clastogeny and SCEs have been observed indicating significant damaging effect by the drug. Interesting ameliorating effects were observed in the presence of vitamin C which is a well-known antioxidant. The results support the possibility of practical application of natural protectors against the mutagenic/oenotoxic action of chemical mutagens.