Induction of DNA damage in human lymphocytes treated with a soluble factor secreted by Taenia solium metacestodes.

We have previously reported that a factor secreted by the metacestode of Taenia solium (MF) is able to transform Syrian hamster embryo cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the genotoxicity of MF in cultured human lymphocytes using the micronucleus assay. Results show a significantly high frequency of micronucleated cells in lymphocyte cultures treated with MF. Although further experiments are needed to determine whether this factor is also secreted by T. solium metacestodes in humans, analysis of the frequency of micronucleus induced in cultured human lymphocytes indicates that DNA instability induced by MF could represent a risk for malignant transformation. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.