Abstract

POLI, M.N et al. Genotoxic effect of high nitrate water consumption in men and woman from northern Mar del plata, Argentina. BAG, J. basic appl. genet. [online]. 2012, vol.23, n.1, pp.4-13. ISSN 1852-6233.

Previous research has shown connections between the exposure to different agents and mutations in germinal and somatic cells. One of such agents, nitrate (NO3), can be potentially genotoxic for individuals who drink high nitrate well water, and may cause a subsequent impact on their health and on the whole ecosystem. The aim of this research was to conduct genotoxicity assays in somatic cells from people living in the northern area of Mar del Plata city, Argentina. The purpose of these experiments was, in turn, to establish the possible relationships between mutagenic effects and high nitrate water consumption. To this end, different diagnostic tests were carried out to detect potential genetic and/or chromosomal alterations. A non-exposed population equal in age, gender and lifestyle formed the control group. Frequency of Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE), Micronuclei (MN) and Chromosomic Aberrations (CAs) were determined. Furthermore, Cell Proliferation Kinectis was established through Replication Index (RI). Both a significant increase in MN frequency (Kruskal-Wallis H = 23.79, degree of freedom = 1, p < 0.001), and CAs presence (chromosome 9 mosaicism, ring chromosomes, fractures and chromosomal fragments) were observed in the exposed individuals compared with the control group. This genetic damage could be related to the exposure to high nitrate water, thus representing a potential risk to the health of the individuals concerned. However, it does not yet seem to be possible to conclude that this is the only reason that contributes to the mutagenic effects observed.

Keywords : Mutagenic agents; Nitrate; Chromosomal aberrations; Genotoxicity; Micronuclei.

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