γ-H2AX as a biomarker for DNA double-strand breaks in ecotoxicology

• Cytostatic drug residues are present in low concentrations in aquatic environments.
• γ-H2AX histones are reliable biomarkers of DNA double-strand breaks.
• γ-H2AX foci assay is established tool for detection of radiation-induced DNA damage.
• Genotoxic properties of cytostatics are assessed using γ-H2AX foci assay.
• This method could be useful in biomonitoring of aquatic environment.

The visualisation of DNA damage response proteins enables the indirect measurement of DNA damage. Soon after the occurrence of a DNA double-strand break (DSB), the formation of γ-H2AX histone variants is to be expected. This review is focused on the potential use of the γ-H2AX foci assay in assessing the genotoxicity of environmental contaminants including cytostatic pharmaceuticals, since standard methods may not be sensitive enough to detect the damaging effect of low environmental concentrations of such drugs. These compounds are constantly released into the environment, potentially representing a threat to water quality, aquatic organisms, and, ultimately, human health. Our review of the literature revealed that this method could be used in the biomonitoring and risk assessment of aquatic systems affected by wastewater from the production, usage, and disposal of cytostatic pharmaceuticals.

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