DNA-protein cross-links and sister chromatid exchanges induced by dimethylarsinic acid in human fibroblasts cells

SCE frequencies were significantly increased in treated cells in relation to controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the standard alkaline comet assay, as well as in the control assay for proteinase K treatment, a significant dose-dependent reduction in tail moment was observed. Nevertheless, the post-treatment with proteinase K induced the release of proteins joined to the DNA and consequently, a dose-dependent increment in DNA migration was observed (p < 0.001). These results suggest that DNA-protein cross-links may be an important genotoxic effect induced by dimethylarsinic acid in human MRC-5 cells.