Evaluation of mutagenic/antimutagenic activity of conjugated linoleic acid in mice by micronucleus test

Abstract

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid and some researchers have shown biological activities including modulation of lipid metabolism, atherogenesis, diabetes, and immune functions. In this study, the animals were supplemented with 2% of the average feed consumption with CLA (G1 = positive control) and safflower oil (G2 = negative control) and the test groups were supplemented with CLA at the concentration of 2 and 4% of the average feed consumption. To assess the CLA potential protective effect, two groups were used; G3 = CLA 2% + cyclophosphamide (CP) and G5 = CLA 4% + CP. To assess the mutagenic effects of CLA, two groups were used; G4 = CLA 2% + NaCl 0.9% and G6 = CLA 4% + NaCl 0.9%. In order to investigate the mutagenic/antimutagenic effects of CLA, micronucleus test was used. The results showed variation of feed consumption in the groups that received 4% of CLA, when compared to the control group (G1 and G2) and CLA groups (G3 and G4) (p<0.05), during the period studied. It was observed that CLA did not show mutagenic effect at the concentrations tested (2 and 4%). Also, CLA showed antimutagenic effect at the same concentrations. However, the animals that received 4% of CLA, presented clinical signs of malnutrition.

Key words: Conjugated linoleic acid, antimutagenicity, cyclophosphamide.