ABSTRACT
Genotoxicity is defined as the destructive effect of a substance on the genetic material of the cell, that is, either DNA or RNA, which affects cell veracity. Genotoxicity is one of the key initiations for cancer. The damage caused to DNA or the chromosomal structure which leads to mutations are initiated by agents referred to as genotoxins. This may be either through chemicals or irradiation. The harm caused to somatic cells leads to diverse diseases including cancer, whereas the damage caused to the germ cell leads to inherited diseases. Enhanced identification and consideration of genotoxins will assist in averting the potential damage caused by genotoxic agents.
Genotoxicity studies are a wide range of in-vitro and in-vivo tests that have been designed to identify substances or compounds capable of damaging genetic material, which may be either directly or indirectly via diverse mechanisms. These in-vitro and in-vivo tests play a crucial role in predicting whether a compound can cause genotoxicity and carcinogenicity in case of positive results. Several regulatory authorities publish information on the genotoxicity of a substance or compound as a part of the safety evaluation process in case of modern drugs.
Any substance that tends to increase the production of reactive oxygen species will add endogenously produced ROS, which is known for its genotoxic nature. Thus, it leads to non-linear relationships of dose-effect. Agents responsible for direct as well as indirect damage to DNA are electrophilic species forming covalent adducts to DNA, ROS, ultraviolet and ionising radiations, nucleoside analogues, topoisomerase inhibitors and protein synthesis inhibitors.
This chapter presents a discussion regarding the basics of genotoxicity and the importance of these studies along with genotoxins.
