Genotoxic effects of nicotine in combination with arecoline on CHO cells

Genotoxic effects of nicotine and arecoline, major alkaloids of tobacco and areca nut, respectively, were analysed in combination on CHO cells utilising two different cytogenetic end points, namely chromosome aberration frequency and sister chromatid exchange frequency. Statistically significant elevation in the values of both markers compared with controls, as well as nicotine alone, clearly indicated a more clastogenic and genotoxic effect following the addition of areca nut to tobacco. The effects observed following the treatment with a low dose for a longer duration are of relevance to the condition of oral mucosa of the chewers of tobacco with areca nut.