IN Vitro Assessment of Genotoxicity of Zinc Oxcide Nanoparticles Engineered & Conventional (Bhasma) in Comparison With the Bulk Counterpart on Human Cultured Peripheral Blood Iymphocytes in Terms of Chromosomal Aberration assay & Cytokinesis Blocked Micronuclei Assay

Abstract

Invention of nanoparticles has proved to be next to a miracle in terms of its potential benefits in various areas including industrial and biomedical applications. With the rapid expansion in the nanoparticle industry, it is essential that the safety of engineered nanoparticles must be understood. One of the area for regulatory health risk assessment is genotoxicology (the study of genetic aberrations following exposure to test agents), as DNA damage may initiate and promote carcinogenesis, or impact fertility. A considerable attention has been given to the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials, but the importance of their genotoxic potential on human health has been overlooked. The phenomenon taking place at nanoscale is likely to be different from those occurring at larger dimensions and may be exploited for beneficial aspects.The present study focuses on the abilities of ZnO engineered nanoparticles to damage or interact with DNA. Ethnomedicines have been in use for treatment since ancient times in India including Bhasma which is reported to be in nanometer dimension. The toxicity studies reveal that the Bhasma may not have any deleterious effect on the body if proper methodology of preparation and dosage supplementation is followed. The data of toxicity studies of Bhasma are very scarce, and assessment of genotoxic potential is yet to be done to the best of our knowledge. Yasada i.e. zinc has been an essential component of several important Ayurvedic preparations. It is being known by the name of Yasada, a Sanskrit word. Unfortunately some metals and minerals have the potential to produce adverse effects. Therefore, during transformation of metals and minerals to drugs, it is essential to evaluate the margin of safety between the dose level that produce the therapeutic effect, and that produce adverse effect. Thus, the aim of the study is: In vitro assessment of genotoxicity of Zinc nanoparticles; Engineered & conventional (Bhasma) in comparison with bulk counterpart on human cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes in terms of Chromosomal Aberration assay (CA) & Cytokinesis Blocked Micronuclei assay(CBMN). The two cytogenetic endpoints used for the present study are referred from OECD guideline 473 and 487 respectively. Results showed than ZnO engineered nanoparticles are clastogenic compared to control while Bhasma did not showed any significant chromosomal aberration compared to the same. The CBMN assay indicated that aneugenic activity is absent in all the three test compounds.