Antigenotoxic effects of morin against lead induced genomic damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes

: Lead (Pb) is a well-known carcinogenic heavy metal. Exposure to Pb induces DNA damage by enhancing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the possible ways to shield DNA from this damage is to supply antioxidants that can remove free radicals generated by genotoxicants. Hence, the current study was designed to evaluate the antigenotoxic potential of a flavonoid compound; morin against Pb-induced genomic damage on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The effect of Pb or morin or their combination was evaluated on the DNA damage using comet and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the SCE frequency and various comet parameters in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with lead as compared to control in cultured PBL. Supplementation of morin along with Pb effectively negated DNA damage as measured by SCE frequency and comet parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Results of our current study suggest that the DNA damage induced by genotoxicants can be overcome by co-treatment with natural antioxidants, found in dietary supplements such as vegetables and fruits.