Chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in cultured human lymphocytes treated with sodium metabisulfite, a food preservative

Mutat Res. 2001 Feb 20;490(2):107-12. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5718(00)00142-x.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of sodium metabisulfite (SMB) which is used as an antimicrobial substance in food, to induce chromosome aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in human lymphocytes. SMB-induced CAs and SCEs at all concentrations (75, 150 and 300 microg/ml) and treatment periods (24 and 48h) dose-dependently. However, SMB decreased the replication index (RI) and the mitotic index (MI) at the concentrations of 150 and 300 microg/ml for 24 and 48h treatment periods. This decrease was dose-dependent as well.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Chromosomes, Human / drug effects*
  • Chromosomes, Human / ultrastructure
  • DNA Replication / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Food Preservatives / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Mitotic Index
  • Sister Chromatid Exchange / drug effects
  • Sulfites / toxicity*

Substances

  • Food Preservatives
  • Sulfites
  • sodium metabisulfite