Abstract

The mutagenic effects of paracetamol (acetaminophen) in male rat using in vivomutagenicity tests, chromosomal aberrations of somatic and germ cells, molecular assay and biochemical were studied. Paracetamol genotoxicity on normal divided cells has been reported. The data obtained showed that the ability of paracetamol to bind and interact with genetic material lead to changes in chromosomal behavior and structure during mitosis. The significant increase in chromosomal aberration, the changes in the number, position and intensity of bands, liver and renal damages induced by paracetamol may be attributed to the fact that paracetamol can induce genotoxicity through DNA damage. Paracetamol also stimulated AST and ALT activity, these stimulations indicated liver cell necrosis. Paracetamol-induced acute renal damage by the elevations in blood urea, uric acid and creatinine levels. Paracetamol showed abnormal values of protein profile in blood. The treatments with ginger presented hepatoprotective effect, also ginger can protect against oxidative kidneys tissue damage that reduced lipid peroxiation in liver and kidneys. The possible mechanism by which ginger exhibited significant protection against paracetamol- induced genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity may be due to its antioxidant effect. It may also be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity and attainment of normal frequencies of chromosomal aberration in ginger-treated rats. Thus, the present study indicated that the genotoxicity products at low concentration and for long time treatment showed the hazard of paracetamol addiction on human’s life.

Key words: Zingiber officinale, paracetamol, chromosomal aberrations, genotoxicity