Genotoxicity test methods – a tool for DNA and chromosome damage biomonitoring

Abstract

Nowadays, life is highly influenced by intense growth of various industries, high levels of pollution, and other environmental factors with harmful effects on human health. Therefore, cytogenetic monitoring is essential for detection of changes in the structure of chromosomes, which occur because of the effects of various genotoxic agents. In this review, we shall apprize the theoretical and experimental aspects of several tests for assessment of genotoxicity in humans such as Micronucleus assay, Comet assay, Chromosomal aberrations assessment and Sister chromatid exchanges analysis. These methods are accepted by the World Health Organization as standard tests for genotoxicological screening in humans. The methods are sensitive and confirm the cellular genotoxic effects of various genotoxicants.

Keywords: genotoxicology; cytogenetic screening; biomonitoring; Micronucleus assay; Comet assay