Additive action of vitamins C and E against hydrocortisone-induced genotoxicity in human lymphocyte chromosomes

In earlier reports, hydrocortisone administration to human lymphocytes in culture was shown to cause chromosomal aberrations and increased sister chromatid exchanges. With a view to study the ameliorative action of some antioxidants against this effect, vitamins C and E were used separately and in combination along with hydrocortisone treatment, at different dosage and for different durations, on human lymphocyte cultures; The levels of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges were lowered, suggesting a protective role of vitamins against genotoxic damage. Administration of vitamins C and E combined appeared to be more effective in preventing chromosomal damage than separate administration, demonstrating the additive action of these vitamins against steroid-induced genotoxicity.