The Effects of Sodium Nitrate and Propyl Gallate Preservatives on Inducing Chromosomal Abnormalities in Human Lymphocytes

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study aims to evaluate the potential of two preservatives, sodium nitrate and propyl gallate, to induce chromosomal abnormalities in human lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods: The effects of sodium nitrate at concentrations of 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm, and propyl gallate at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 ppm, were assessed on human lymphocytes in vitro over exposure periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The micronucleus assay was employed to detect chromosomal damage. Additionally, chromosomal breakage tests were performed to verify chromosomal abnormalities by analyzing metaphase spreads for visible chromosomal breaks.

Results: After 59 hours of exposure to sodium nitrate, chromosomal damage increased dose-dependently. Although cells showed a gradual decrease in mitotic divisions, this reduction was insufficient to prevent chromosomal damage, resulting in dose-dependent increases in chromosomal abnormalities. At 91 hours of treatment, cells further reduced mitotic activity, presumably to facilitate repair or elimination of damaged cells; however, the chromosomal damage was too severe for cells to prevent injury, leading to continued increases in chromosomal abnormalities with higher doses. For propyl gallate, an increase in chromosomal damage was observed after 24 hours of treatment with increasing doses. Interestingly, after 40 hours, chromosomal damage and micronuclei frequency decreased with increasing dose. Chromosomal breaks were frequently observed throughout the treatments.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that sodium nitrate and propyl gallate, at the tested concentrations and exposure durations, exhibit genotoxic effects on human lymphocytes.