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An in vivo assessment of the genotoxic potential of bisphenol A and 4-tert-octylphenol in rats

  • Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity
  • Published:
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Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) and octylphenol (OP) are industrial chemicals used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, and non-ionic surfactants. In the present study, we investigated the possible in vivo genotoxic effects of these compounds in rats using single-cell gel electrophoresis, the so-called comet assay. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into six groups as follows: BPA125 (received 125 mg/kg bw BPA; n = 6), OP125 (received 125 mg/kg bw OP; n = 6), BPA250 (received 250 mg/kg BPA; n = 6), OP250 (received 250 mg/kg bw OP; n = 6), control (n = 5), and MMS (positive control group that received methyl methanesulfonate; n = 3). Both BPA and OP were orally administrated for 4 weeks. Controls were orally inoculated with corn oil for 4 weeks as well. Comet parameters including tail length and tail moment were evaluated for possible genotoxic effects. There were no significant differences in the OP125 and in the BPA125 compared with the control group, regarding tail length and tail moment (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in the OP250 and in the BPA250 compared with the control group, regarding tail length and tail moment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The genotoxic potential of BPA and OP was investigated in vivo; there is a need for further studies exploring further mechanisms of the genotoxic potential of these chemicals in vivo.

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Acknowledgments

This research was partially supported by the Scientific Research Unit of University of Hacettepe (Project No. 09 D05 601 002).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Gazi University, 06330, Hipodrom, Ankara, Turkey

    Onur Kenan Ulutaş, Emre Durmaz & İsmet Çok

  2. Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Hacettepe University, 06800, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey

    Nurçin Yıldız, Müfide Aydoğan Ahbab & Nurhayat Barlas

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  1. Onur Kenan Ulutaş
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  2. Nurçin Yıldız
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  3. Emre Durmaz
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Correspondence to Nurhayat Barlas.

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Ulutaş, O.K., Yıldız, N., Durmaz, E. et al. An in vivo assessment of the genotoxic potential of bisphenol A and 4-tert-octylphenol in rats. Arch Toxicol 85, 995–1001 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-010-0620-y

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