Studies on the Genotoxic Effect of Nickel Chloride in Mice and the PossibleProtective Role of Soybean Seeds Extracts

Nickel is an essential trace element. Nickel and its compounds have many industrial applications. Concern about nickel compounds is due to potential occupational and environmental health hazards. In the present study the mutagenic potential of nickel chloride (NiCl ) was tested to evaluate somatic and heritable 2 disorders which may extend to the next generations and associated with increased risk of cancer. The protective role of dietary soybean seeds and its extracts was also evaluated. The study examined the induction of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells and mouse spermatocytes and the effect on morphological sperm abnormalities. The results showed that NiCl induced an increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations 2 in somatic and germ cells with dose and time relationship. A significant (P<0.01) increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm was observed after treatment with the tested doses. The results also demonstrated that soybean seeds and its extracts have a protective role and reduced the mutagenic potential induced by NiCl . 2 Methanol extract and methanol fraction of soybean seeds gave the most effective protection.