Genotoxic Effect of Beryllium Chloride and Protective Role of Crataegus Oxyacantha L. (Hawthorn) Fruit Extract in Vitro

Abstract

Beryllium (Be) is used in various industries (electronics, energy, automotive, and aerospace applications); however, there is very scarce data on its genotoxicity. On the other hand, Crataegus oxyacantha is a thorny tree that thrives in hedgerows and fields in the temperate regions of Europe and the British Isles. Besides, C. oxyacantha berry extract is known as one of the most powerful antioxidants. In this study, antigenotoxic effects of C. oxyacantha against Be-induced chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) formation in human lymphocytes were investigated. All cultures were treated with 120 mg/L beryllium chloride (BeCl2) for 48 h. Three different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/L) of C. oxyacantha fruit extract was added to the BeCl2-treated cultures. In BeCl2 and C. oxyacantha combination, the frequency of abnormal cells and CA/cell significantly decreased compared to BeCl2 alone. Statistically significant reduction was also observed in SCE/cell and MN frequencies in all the treatments. These results illustrated anticlastogenic and antimutagenic effects of C. oxyacantha fruit extract against BeCl2-induced genetic damage. On the other hand, BeCl2 + C. oxyacantha treatments induced significant reduction in the mitotic index, with regard to BeCl2 treatment alone. Based on the results of this study, it may be concluded that dose-controlled C. oxyacantha diet may play a protective role in the process of BeCl2 mutagenesis and/or carcinogenesis.