New Biomarkers in Evaluating Interactions of Two Cytotoxic Agents

We tested the cytotoxicity; gene expression of miR146a and let7a; oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity and the histopathological changes in liver tissues of rat. Two dose of NaAsO2 (5mg/kg) and CdCl2 (1 mg/kg) were administered by oral gavage and intraperitoneally injection, respectively, for 14 and 28 consecutive days. We evaluated the possible interaction between cadmium and arsenate. Very few reports have addressed the possible interaction of chronic concontaminant exposures to mixtures of these metals in both occupational and environmental settings. Metal-metal interaction may lead to severe adverse effects by enhancing the effects of both metals through some additive or synergistic actions. The study concluded that there are a close relationship of high epigenetic changes as deregulation of both (miR146a) and (miRlet7a) due to the toxic effect of sodium arsenite and cadmium chloride alone or in combination and a major changes in hepatic tissues that may lead to cell transformations from normal to becoming cancerous cells.