Carbofuran administration induces genotoxic effects in epithelial cells across crypt–villus axis in rat intestine

Oral intake of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl N-methyl carbamate), as contaminant of water and foods comprises a major source of carbofuran exposure to the digestive system in mammals. Thus in the present study, the genotoxic effects of carbofuran on enterocytes across crypt–villus axis was investigated in rats using micronucleus test and comet assay. Carbofuran was administered to rats, daily in the dose of 4.0 mg/kg body weight for 7 days or 2.8 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Micronucleus test revealed an increase (p < 0.001) in the frequency of micro-nucleated enterocytes in villus tip (VT), mid villus (MV) and crypt base (CB) regions in intestine of rats exposed to carbofuran for 7 or 30 days compared to the respective controls. Comet assay revealed an increase (p < 0.001) in tail moment, tail length, % DNA and mean intensities of enterocytes all across the villus height in pesticide treated rats. Maximum DNA damage was observed in CB cells upon carbofuran treatment. The observed DNA damage was ∼6–9 times in carbofuran fed rats for 30 days in contrast to those given pesticide for 7 days (∼4–5 times). These findings suggest that carbofuran may have genotoxic effects in the rat intestine.

Effect of carbofuran administration for 7 days (A) or 30 days (B) on tail length in enterocytes across crypt–villus axis in rats.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Subacute effects of carbofuran on enterocytes across crypt-villus axis were investigated in rats.
► Carbofuran exposure increases the DNA damage across crypt-villus axis, as assayed by micronucleus or comet assay.
► Maximum DNA damage was observed in crypt base cells upon carbofuran treatment.
► The results showed the potential genotoxic effect of carbofuran in rat intestine.