The comet assay - a new technique for detection of DNA damage in genetic toxicology studies and human biomonitoring

Background and purposes: The Comet assay or single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay is a new method for measuring DNA damage and repair in individual cells. In the present study we described the application of the comet assay as a rapid detection method for a variety of mutagen agents and gave the results of testing comet assay on control subjects and subjects employed in application of antineoplastic drugs. Subjects and methods: Blood samples were taken from healthy non-smoking female subjects aged between 20 and 47 years and subjected to comet assay procedure. Cells embedded in agarose on microscope slides are subjected to lysis, unwinding of DNA and electrophoresis at high pH. Comets were analyzed using a fluorescence microscope and image analysis system Comet AssayII. Results and conclusions: Our results clearly indicate that lymphocytes from exposed subjects have a greater migration of DNA (measured with the comet assay as tail length, tail moment and tail % DNA) than control lymphocytes. These preliminary results showed that antineoplastic drugs caused damages of DNA which could be easily detected with comet assay In conclusion, the comet assay is a sensitive and rapid method for detection of DNA damage and repair in human biomonitoring studies.