Antimutagenic action of the live yeast can be transmitted to the offspring of Drosophila melanogaster. A genetic study using the wing spot assay

•Yeast caused a consistent decrease of the mutagenic rate of the six direct acting compounds but not for the promutagens.•The crosses where the F1 females were fed yeast, lay more eggs compared with the crosses where the male was fed yeast.•Genetic damage induced by gamma rays and CrO3 were reduced dramatically compared with the other direct action agents. The present study evaluates whether the protective effect of live yeast (LY) against direct and indirect mutagenic agents, persists in the offspring from individuals fed with LY. The wing-spot test in Drosophila was used; four different mates were performed: a) neither females nor males were fed with LY-enriched food (NLYxNLY); b) only females were fed (LYxNLY); c) males were fed (NLYxLY) or d) both progenitors were fed (LYxLY). Results confirm that LY strongly stimulates fecundity in females but not in males and provides strength to the egg for survive. A greater reduction in mutation rate was observed when females were feed, in the following relationship: LYxNLY>LYxLY>NLYxLY. No protection was found against action in any of the promutagens tested. Results suggest that LY has a very powerful antimutagenic action, predominantly against the action of ionizing radiation and Chromium trioxide that can be transmitted mainly through the female.