Evaluation of chromosomal damage, cytostasis, cytotoxicity, oxidative DNA damage and their association with body-mass index in obese subjects

•CBMN-cyt assay parameters and plasma 8-OHdG concentrations were evaluated in obese subjects.•Frequencies of MN, NPB and NBUD, apoptotic and necrotic cells in obese subjects were higher than in normal-weight subjects.•Plasma 8-OHdG concentrations in obese subjects were lower than in normal-weight subjects.•Frequencies of MN, NPB and NBUD are positively correlated with BMI in all subjects. Over-weight and obesity are serious problems that increase the risk not only for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease but also of various types of cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-cyt) assay parameters and plasma concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and their relationship with age, body-mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in 83 obese, 21 over-weight and 21 normal-weight subjects. Frequencies of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD), and apoptotic and necrotic cells in lymphocytes of obese subjects were found to be significantly higher than those found in normal-weight and over-weight subjects (p