Assessment of 1,2-propanediol (PrOH) genotoxicity on mouse oocytes by comet assay

Objective: To assess the genotoxicity of 1,2-propanediol (PrOH) on mouse oocytes by comet assay. Design: In vitro assay using murine model. Setting: Biogenotoxicology research laboratory. Animal(s): CD1 female mice. Intervention(s): Three 40-oocyte groups were exposed to different PrOH concentrations (5%, 7.5%, and 15%). Each concentration was tested during both long and short exposures (1-2 hours and 1-5 minutes) in comparison with control groups. DNA damage was evaluated by a single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, also called "comet assay," and analyzed with Komet software. Main Outcome Measure(s): DNA damage was quantified as Olive tail moment (OTM). Interpretation was done on OTM with the use of chi(2). Result(s): High PrOH concentrations (7.5% and 15%) induced significant DNA damage on mouse oocytes. The OTM c 2 values were 4.16 +/- 0.40 and 6.80 +/- 0.4 with 7.5% PrOH at 1 and 2 hours, respectively, 24.35 +/- 1.60 with 15% at 1 hour, and for 2h at 15% the DNA damage was too drastic to calculate OTM chi(2). After 1 and 5 minutes, the OTM chi(2) values were, respectively, 5.19 perpendicular to 0.26 and 6.06 perpendicular to 0.42 with 7.5%, and 7.53 perpendicular to 0.33 and 16.81 perpendicular to 0.67 with 15%. Conclusion(s): High concentrations of PrOH (7.5% and 15%) induced significant DNA damage on mouse oocytes, whatever the exposure duration. These results should be interpreted with caution, because additional data are needed to evaluate PrOH genotoxicity and DNA oocyte reparation after exposure to high PrOH concentrations. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011; 96: 1002-7. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)