Analysis of the protective effect of EGCG against chromosomal damages induced by Nickel treatment of HFF cell line using micronucleus assay on binucleated cells

Nickel is a heavy metal, which due to its wide use in industries, found all around our habitat. Nickel-induced chromosomal abnormalities are related to its ability in producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Use of herbal ingredients in preventing chromosomal abnormalities induced by such elements has been become widely common. Green tea with its polyphenols especially Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which could be used as a common drink is a suitable choice for protecting against heavy metals including Nickel. In this study, effect of three doses of 10, 20 and 30 mM of EGCG on chromosomal abnormalities induced by 0.2, 0.5 and 0.7 mM of Nickel in HFF cell line was investigated using micronucleus assay on Binucleated cells. In different doses, Nickel was able to increase the frequency of Micronucleated Binucleates (MnBi) significantly, which represents chromosomal abnormalities, in comparison to control. While, in all doses mentioned earlier, EGCG was able to dose dependently decrease the frequency of this cells. The results showed that EGCG is able to reduce clastogenic effect of Nickel in vitro. This ability increases in higher doses. Considering the antioxidant ability of EGCG, it could be concluded that Nickel induces most of its chromosomal abnormalities by increasing ROS.