Research Article
Assessing the Validity and Reliability of the Comet Assay in Detecting EMS-induced Genotoxicity
Samit Kadam*
,
Aditya Dipakrao Hajare,
Bhumika Nataraj
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
99-112
Received:
26 June 2026
Accepted:
11 July 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijgg.20261403.11
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Abstract: The widespread use of industrial chemicals has raised concerns about their potential to damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a process linked to cancer and other serious diseases. To explore this risk, we examined the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), a known mutagen, in mice using the comet assay. Saline and corn oil served as vehicle controls. Body weight (BW) measurements showed no major differences between controls and treated groups over two days, although higher EMS doses were associated with slight reductions and greater variability, suggesting systemic stress. In contrast, DNA damage was strikingly dose-dependent. Duodenum, stomach, and liver tissues all showed significant increases in DNA strand breaks after EMS exposure, with duodenal cells in females appearing particularly sensitive. Cell viability declined progressively with increasing EMS doses across all tissues, while ghost cell frequency, a marker of cytotoxicity, rose in parallel. Importantly, vehicle controls remained stable, confirming that observed effects were due to EMS rather than solvents. Together, these findings demonstrate that EMS induces clear, dose-dependent DNA damage and cell stress in gastrointestinal and hepatic tissues. The comet assay proved to be a sensitive and reliable tool for detecting such genotoxic effects, reinforcing its value in toxicity testing. By highlighting tissue-specific and sex-related responses, this study underscores the importance of considering biological variability when assessing chemical hazards.
Abstract: The widespread use of industrial chemicals has raised concerns about their potential to damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a process linked to cancer and other serious diseases. To explore this risk, we examined the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), a known mutagen, in mice using the comet assay. Saline and corn oil...
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Research Article
Chromosomal Translocations and Couple Infertility in Cotonou
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
113-116
Received:
28 June 2026
Accepted:
10 July 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijgg.20261403.12
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Abstract: Background: Fertility disorders have been a significant issue affecting populations for decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this issue affects approximately 17.5% of the adult population roughly one in six people worldwide. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a seven-year period at the Cotonou cytogenetics laboratory. The study aimed to highlight the impact of chromosomal translocations on couple fertility. Participants included patients found to have a chromosomal translocation via karyotyping during an infertility workup. Patients whose karyotypes revealed abnormalities other than chromosomal translocations were excluded from the study. Conventional cytogenetic techniques were employed; specifically, G-banded metaphase karyotyping was performed using lymphocyte cultures incubated at 37°C for 72 hours. Results: A total of 36 cases of chromosomal translocations were identified. The genotypes involved 31 cases of Robertsonian translocations (88.9%) and 5 cases of reciprocal translocations (11.1%). Balanced Robertsonian translocations were found in 22 female patients during investigations into reproductive disorders. One case of a balanced homologous Robertsonian translocation was recorded in a patient with a history of recurrent miscarriages. Discussion: Chromosomal translocations whether balanced or unbalanced significantly impact couple fertility due to associated gamete and embryonic development abnormalities. Given this, would it not be beneficial to include karyotyping in prenuptial health screenings?
Abstract: Background: Fertility disorders have been a significant issue affecting populations for decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this issue affects approximately 17.5% of the adult population roughly one in six people worldwide. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a seven-year period at the Cotonou ...
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