UNSCHEDULED DNA SYNTHESIS IN MOUSE GASTRIC MUCOSA TREATED WITH BETEL INGREDIENTS

Induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in the fore stomach of inbred Swiss albino mice and C3H (Jax) mice was examined following administration of various combinations of betel quid ingredients. Effect of the quid ingredients on replicative DNA synthesis was studied to assess cytotoxicity. Betel leaf, areca nut, lime, tobacco and two popular brands of Indian chewing mixtures induced UDS to a very significant extent. While addition of betel leaf reduced the UDS, tobacco significantly increased it. Study of replicative DNA synthesis revealed that extracts of nut, nut with lime and brands of commercial flavours (pan masala) tested induced replicative DNA synthesis. The genotoxic and cytotoxic potentials of the test compounds provide quantitative risk factors especially in the light of their growing use in Asian countries