DNA damage induced by paclitaxel and DNA repair capability of peripheral blood lymphocytes as evaluated by the alkaline comet assay

This study was designed to assess whether the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel can induce DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of human healthy donors, and to evaluate if such damage could be repaired. Venous blood was collected by routine venipuncture, the lymphocytes were isolated and cultured and then treated with 100 nM, 500 nM, 10 μM, and 30 μM of taxol for 4 h. The alkaline comet assay technique was used to quantify the level of DNA damage and the DNA repair in lymphocytes. A significant increase in DNA damage was achieved when the cells were incubated with paclitaxel concentrations of 10 μM or above. To test the DNA repair capability, the lymphocytes were allowed to recover for 2, 4, 6, and 24 h. The DNA damage was almost completely repaired after 24 h of incubation demonstrating a time-dependent repair capability. In conclusion, we demonstrate that paclitaxel induces DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes and that this damage can be repaired.