Evaluation of the antigenotoxic potential of fresh bovine whey in onion meristematic roots exposed to Quizalofop-P-tefuryl

Whey is a protein complex derived from milk, being a functional food with multiple health benefits. In this paper, the antigenotoxic potential of fresh bovine whey (FBW) in onion (Allium cepa) meristematic roots exposed to Quizalofop-P-tefuryl (QPt) herbicide was evaluated using the Allium assay. Firstly, the Allium cepa meristematic roots obtained after a short germination of 24 hours in distilled water were subjected to a pre-treatment with FBW in three different concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 µl/L) for 24 hours. After that, there was a post-treatment with QPt herbicide (100, 500 and 1000 µl/L), for another 24 hours. All variants were tested alongside a negative control (onion root tips in distilled water) and a positive control (onion root tips treated with 500 µl/L QPt). The genotoxic effects of QPt were observed in all treatment variants, through the low rate of mitosis and through the induction of a large number of chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities (bridges, laggards, rings and strap nuclei). On the other hand, the fresh bovine whey improved the mitotic activity and reduced the index of chromosomal aberrations in variable percentages, in all treatment variants. These results suggest the cytoprotective potential of FBW against the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the tested herbicide. Although the mechanism of antigenotoxicity is unknown, it seems plausible that the whey protein acts as a blocking agent by chemical or physical interaction with the QPt components. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to determine with certainty this potential.