Carbofuran administration induces genotoxic effects in epithelial cells across crypt-villus axis in rat intestine

Oral intake of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl N-methyl carbamate), as contaminant of water and foods comprises a major source of carbofuran exposure to the digestive system in mammals. Thus in the present study, the genotoxic effects of carbofuran on enterocytes across cryptvillus axis was investigated in rats using micronucleus test and comet assay. Carbofuran was administered to rats, daily in the dose of 4.0 mg/kg body weight for 7 days or 2.8 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Micronucleus test revealed an increase (p < 0.001) in the frequency of micro-nucleated enterocytes in villus tip (VT), mid villus (MV) and crypt base (CB) regions in intestine of rats exposed to carbofuran for 7 or 30 days compared to the respective controls. Comet assay revealed an increase (p < 0.001) in tail moment, tail length, % DNA and mean intensities of enterocytes all across the villus height in pesticide treated rats. Maximum DNA damage was observed in CB cells upon carbofuran treatment. The observed DNA damage was similar to 6-9 times in carbofuran fed rats for 30 days in contrast to those given pesticide for 7 days (similar to 4-5 times). These findings suggest that carbofuran may have genotoxic effects in the rat intestine. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.