Study on the relationship of genotoxic and oxidative potential of a new mixed chelate copper antitumoral drug, Casiopeina II-gly (Cas II-gly) in Drosophila melanogaster

•Casiopeina II gly is an antineoplastic coordination compound designed in México.•Gentotoxicity of Cas II-gly was evaluated in somatic cells of Drosophila.•Sod and Cat activities and lipid peroxidation were measured.•Enzyme activity and genotoxic damage increasead in a dose response relationship.•Relationship between oxidative stress and genetic damage induced by Cas II-gly was found.

The present study evaluates the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in a wild strain of Drosophila melanogaster and the genotoxic potential induced by Cas II-gly (a new antineoplastic drug) using the somatic mutation and recombination test. Larvae 48 h old were treated with Cas II-gly in a range of 0-1.5 mM and aliquot were taken every 24 h to have individuals treated for 24, 48, 72 h and adulthood as well. A dose-dependent toxicity and a significant increase in SOD and CAT activities were found after a 24 and 48 h treatment with 0.5-1.5 mM concentrations. The comparison of the effect in enzymes with mutation indicated a positive correlation with increased genetic damage, after 24 and 48 h of exposure for all concentrations tested. The addition of the genetic damage induced in each exposure time showed a significant effect, but only the small single spots had a concentration-related increase.