Background and objective: In numerous experimental and epidemiologic studies Pentachlorphenol (PCP) and Hexachlorcyclohexan (Lindane) have been shown to be of potential carcinogenic risk for human epithelial cells. In the past, these two substances have been used for both, military and non-military purposes, e.g. for impregnation of textiles and uniforms. In this study we investigated the genotoxic effect of PCP and Lindane on human mucosal tissue from the middle and lower nasal turbinate.
Methods: In biopsy samples obtained from nasal epithelia during surgery cell vitality was evaluated by trypan-blue-staining. The specimens were incubated for 60 minutes with PCP (0.3; 0.75 und 1.2 mumol/l) and Lindane (0.5; 0.75; and 1.0 mumol/ml). The induction of DNA-damage (single-strand-breaks and double-strand-breaks) caused by PCP and Lindane was measured using single-cell microgel electrophoresis. Evaluation was performed by fluorescence microscopy.
Results: Especially in mucosa cells from the middle turbinate severe DNA-damages were recognized after exposition to PCP and Lindane proposing a strong genotoxic effect. In cells from the lower turbinate DNA-changes caused by PCP and Lindane were significantly lower. However a considerable genotoxic effect was also present.
Conclusion: This study shows for the first time that there are clear facts indicating mutagenic effects of PCP and Lindane on nasal epithelia. Furthermore, this is the first study showing different susceptibility of two anatomic subsites in the nose for different pesticides. Concerning the biological plausibility, this study offers important arguments for evaluating the role of PCP and Lindane in the induction of upper aerodigestive tract cancer.