Abstract

Arsenic contamination of ground water is a vital health concern in West Bengal, India, where nine districts were affected. Oxidative stress created by arsenic may lead to genetic instability which may in turn lead to initiation of carcinogenesis. Management of arsenic problem at the preclinical stage by utilizing natural compounds could be a preventive strategy. The present study aims to bio-monitor the level of arsenic exposure in asymptomatic individuals by studying the DNA damage in lymphocytes and to use curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, in providing protection against arsenic toxicity. DNA damage was assessed by comet assay. Arsenic induced oxidative stress was observed by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro studies with human lymphocytes revealed that curcumin was effective in regression of arsenic induced ROS generation and thereby the DNA damage. The bio-monitoring of Chakdah block in West Bengal revealed that population residing in those areas exhibited severe DNA damage. When the same individuals were given curcumin for three months and monitored monthly, there was a remarkable regression in DNA damage as well as a reduction in ROS generation. Thus, curcumin may have some role in prevention and repair of the DNA damage caused by arsenic contaminated water. 

Key words: Arsenic (As), DNA damage, comet assay, ROS, curcumin.