Do cytotoxicity and cell death cause false positive results in the in vitro comet assay?

• DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2022.503520
• Publication Date: 2022-06-23T16:12:20Z
• Authors: Amaya Azqueta; Helga Stopper; Bojana Zegura; Maria Dusinska; Peter Møller
• Keywords: Comet Assay

The comet assay is used to measure DNA damage induced by chemical and physical agents. High concentrations of test agents may cause cytotoxicity or cell death, which give rise false positive results in the assay. Systematic studies on genotoxins cytotoxins (i.e. non-genotoxic poisons) have attempted establish a threshold death measured could be regarded as result. Thresholds cytotoxicity/cell range from 20% 50% various publications. Curiously, survey latest literature culture suggests that one-third publications did not assess death. We recommend it should mandatory include at least one type cytotoxicity, proliferation results. A combination (or death) colony forming efficiency assay) preferable actively proliferating cells because covers more mechanisms action. Applying general all types applicable; however, 25% compared concurrent negative control seems good starting value avoid Further research needed distinguish between true potentially genotoxic effects detected