In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assessment of selected pharmaceuticals in relation to Escherichia coli and Cyprinus carpio

Genotoxicity studies (using SOS chromotest and comet assay) of Escherichia coli and carp (Cyprinus carpio) were performed for three pharmaceutically active compounds, ciprofloxacin, 17-ethinylestradiol and 5-fluorouracil, used in the treatment of humans. The values of genotoxicity induction coefficient (I) in the SOS chromotest clearly showed genotoxicity for ciprofloxacin, both in the presence and in the absence of S9 fraction; 17-ethinylestradiol demonstrated slight genotoxicity at the highest tested concentration; and 5-fluorouracil did not induce genotoxic effects in Escherichia coli mutants. Statistical analysis of the results of the comet assay revealed significant differences in cell populations derived from carp placed in a solution of 5-fluorouracil in comparison with the negative control. Statistical analysis also showed a significant increase of % DNA in tail of comets in cell populations incubated in solutions of 17-ethinylestradiol at concentrations of 10000, 2000 and 400 mu g/L and in solutions of 5-fluorouracil with S9 fraction at concentrations of 50,000 and 2,000g/L in comparison with the negative controls.