The investigation of the possible antigenotoxic in vivo effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract on mitomycin-C genotoxicity

Authors: ERHAN ULUMAN, PINAR AKSU KILIÇLE

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible antigenotoxic effects of the extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, which has high antioxidant activity against the genotoxic effects that mitomycin-C creates in the bone marrow cells of mice by a chromosomal aberration, mitotic activity, and micronucleus test system. There were six groups including a negative control group, positive control group (2 mg/kg mitomycin-C (MMC)), 150 mg/kg P. granatum L. (PG) peel extract, 300 mg/kg PG peel extract, 150 mg/ kg PG + MMC, and 300 mg/kg PG + MMC. The extract of pomegranate peel was given to mice by oral gavage for 15 days. At the end of day 15, 2 mg/kg MMC was intraperitoneally administered to the mice. Chromosomal aberration, mitotic activity, and micronucleus rates were determined in bone marrow cells of the mice, which were euthanized 24 h after this application. As a result of the observations carried out, it was determined that the chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus ratios in the MMC group were at the maximum level in terms of chromosomal aberration rates and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes; this rate decreased with 150 mg/kg PG and 300 mg/kg PG peel extract application with MMC, and PG peel extract applied with MMC significantly increased this decrease due to dose increase (P < 0.001). It was observed that MMC application decreased mitotic activity and polychromatic erythrocyte/ normochromatic erythrocyte ratios, while statistically these rates significantly increased in the groups administered peel extract with MMC when compared to the MMC group (P < 0.001). As a result, it was determined that the peel extract at the stated dose showed antigenotoxic effects against the genotoxicity caused by mitomycin-C in the bone marrow cells of mice.

Keywords: Punica granatum L., pomegranate, mitomycin-C, chromosomal aberration, micronucleus, genotoxicity

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