Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the antimutagenic potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from Martynia annua fruit extract (MAF-AgNPs) against DMBA-induced mutagenicity in Swiss albino mice using chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assays.

Study Design: Experimental in-vivo animal study involving DMBA-induced mutagenicity and cytogenetic evaluation of the protective effect of MAF-AgNPs.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.

Methodology: Male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6 animals per group): normal control, carcinogen control, pre-treatment, post-treatment and throughout-treatment groups. MAF-AgNPs were administered orally by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day. Mutagenicity was induced using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) followed by croton oil promotion. Cytogenetic damage was evaluated by chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus assay in bone marrow cells. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test with the carcinogen control group (Group B) and results were expressed as mean ± SD.

Results: DMBA exposure significantly increased chromosomal aberrations from 4.50 ± 0.55% in the normal group to 33.00 ± 3.80% in the carcinogen control group (DMBA alone). Treatment with MAF-AgNPs significantly reduced aberrant cells to 11.33 ± 2.87% (pre-treatment), 14.83 ± 2.85% (post-treatment) and 9.00 ± 2.00% (throughout-treatment). Similarly, micronucleus frequency increased from 1.80 ± 0.45% to 3.50 ± 0.58% following DMBA exposure but decreased to 1.00 ± 0.71%, 1.67 ± 0.58% and 0.75 ± 0.50% in the respective treatment groups. The maximum protective effect was observed in the throughout-treatment group.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that MAF-AgNPs exhibit significant antimutagenic activity against DMBA-induced genetic damage, particularly when administered prior to and during exposure. However, as the study was conducted at a single dose level without mechanistic evaluation, further investigations involving dose-response analysis and molecular studies are required to confirm their chemoprotective potential.