Abstract

DIAZ GOMEZ, María Isabel  and  CASTRO, José Alberto. Genotoxicity in leukocytes by blood chemoprophylaxis with Gentian Violet and its prevention with antioxidants. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2013, vol.47, n.4, pp.719-726. ISSN 0325-2957.

Gentian violet (GV) is being used as blood additive to eliminate Trypanosoma cruzi in the chemoprophylaxis of Chagas disease infection via blood transfusion when prior laboratory control is not possible or under emergency circumstances in endemic areas. In these studies genotoxic effects of GV were found employing the Comet assay when GV was added to rat blood under the cisconditions employed to sterilize it for transfusion. The genotoxic effect was even more intense if blood was kept with GV for 48 hours. The positive results obtained in the Comet assay suggest the formation of DNA hydroxylated bases as result of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack and further confirm GV genotoxicity and its potential carcinogenic effects previously reported. Genotoxicity effects observed in the Comet assay were partially but significantly prevented by prior administration of antioxidants having safe clinical use such as á-tocopherol; lipoic acid or N-acetylcysteine. Lipoic acid was also able to chemically react in vitro with GV (eg. the one remaining in the transfusion mixture after it had enough time to eliminate the parasite from blood). Results would suggest the potential use of these antioxidants to prevent unwanted side effects of GV for the blood recipient.

Keywords : Gentian Violet; Chagas' disease; Blood transfusion; Comet assay; Genotoxic effects; Antioxidants.

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