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Chlorhexidine induces DNA damage in rat peripheral leukocytes and oral mucosal cells
Author(s) -
Ribeiro Daniel Araki,
Bazo Ana Paula,
Da Silva Franchi Carla Adriene,
Marques Mariângela Esther Alencar,
Salvadori Daisy Maria Favero
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2004.00759.x
Subject(s) - chlorhexidine , comet assay , genotoxicity , micronucleus test , micronucleus , dna damage , gingivitis , oral mucosa , peripheral blood , medicine , negative control , dentistry , chemistry , immunology , dna , pathology , toxicity , traditional medicine , biochemistry
Objective: Chlorhexidine digluconate is widely used in dental practice for decreasing plaque control, controlling gingivitis and disinfecting root canals. However, the undesirable effects of chlorhexidine digluconate regarding its genotoxicity are conflicting in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of chlorhexidine digluconate in rat peripheral blood and oral mucosal cells by the single cell gel (comet) assay and micronucleus assay. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: negative control; experimental group orally treated with 0.5 ml of 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, twice daily, during 8 days; and positive control, which received 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide at 0.5 g/l by drinking water. Results: A statistically significant increase of DNA damage was observed in leukocytes and oral mucosal cells of the chlorhexidine digluconate treated group, as assessed by the comet assay. However, no increase of micronucleated cells was detected in reticulocytes from peripheral blood cells. Conclusions: Taken together, the data indicate that chlorhexidine digluconate is able to induce primary DNA damage in leukocytes and in oral mucosal cells, but no chromosome breakage or loss in erythrocytes.