Genotoxicity induced by combined exposure to cadmium chloride and dibutyl phthalate in male mice

The toxicological interactions of cadmium chloride(CdCl2) and dibutyl phthalate(DBP) were investigated via micronucleus test(MNT) and single-cell gel electrophoresis(SCGE). Forty male ICR mice were divided into five groups, including a control group, a positive control group, and three experimental groups: CdCl2(15mg/kg), DBP(350mg/kg) and combination of CdCl2 and DBP, eight mice in each group, by gavage, for five days. DNA damage(the percentage of tail DNA, TDNA% and tail moment, TM) was measured by SCGE in testicular germ cells. MNT was used to determine the micronucleus rate in bone marrow cells. There were synergistic effect between DBP and CdCl2 on the micronucleus rate, as well as the TDNA% and TM. CdCl2 combined with DBP can cause obvious toxic effects on genotoxicity in male mice. DNA damage effect exposed by CdCl2 and DBP in testicular germ cells may be a key factor contributing to influence the reproductive functions in male mice. It is necessary to considered the combined effect of CdCl2 and DBP in formulating hygiene standards.