Effect of Myrrh Extract on DNA Damage Induced by Mitomycin-C in Human Lymphocytes in vitro

Abstract

Background: Mitomycin-C (MMC) is a well-known antitumor drug and DNA-damaging agent. The genotoxic effects of MMC are basically due to the induction of interstrand cross-links (ICLs) in DNA in addition to other monoadduct lesions. These lesions have the potential to interact with normal cell genetic material and produce secondary tumors in cancer patients. Myrrh is a natural oleo resin and an effective herbal remedy used extensively in traditional medicine. Recently, it has been suggested as a non-mutagenic, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of myrrh extract (ME) on DNA damageinduced by MMC in normal human isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes (IPBLs)in vitro. Subject, Materials, and Methods: Human IPBLswere cultured and exposed to different concentrations of ME (0.005 and 0.01%) for 3 h before applying MMC (0.1µg/ml).DNA damage was assessed using the alkaline comet assay. Results: Myrrh did not show any DNA-damaging effect. The data revealed a significant reduction in DNA damage in cells pretreated with ME in comparison with those treated with MMC alone. Conclusion: The data strongly suggests that ME may have a protective effect against MMC-induced genotoxicity.