Evaluation of the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of extracts of mussels originating from Moroccan Atlantic coast, in human colonic epithelial cells Caco-2.

Industrial processing of phosphates generates chemical wastes which are, without any treatment, discharged directly into the Atlantic Ocean at Jorf Lasfar (JL), located 120 km south of Casablanca (Morocco) were shellfish are also collected by people without any control. Marine bivalves concentrate these pollutants by filtration and serve as vectors in human's exposure. The objective of this study was to test and compare in vitro on human intestinal cells (Caco-2) the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) extracts (either hydrophilic or lipophilic) collected at two coastal sites; JL (neighboring a phosphate processing plat-form) and Oualidia (OL) (a vegetable growing area) located 160 km south of Casablanca (i.e. 40 km south of JL). Using Caco-2 cells, the following end-points have been evaluated, cytotoxicity as measured by MTS test, inhibition of cellular macromolecules syntheses (DNA and protein) and genotoxicity evaluated by DNA fragmentation in agarose gel electrophoresis. The results indicated, that hydrophilic and lipophilic OL mussels extracts are cytotoxic and inhibit cellular macromolecules syntheses. Moreover these extracts damage the DNA in Caco-2 cells. The lipophilic JL mussels extract is cytotoxic, inhibits cellular macromolecules syntheses, and damages the DNA in Caco-2 cells whereas the hydrophilic extract of JL mussels fails to inhibit protein synthesis and does not damage the DNA. This extract rather enhances protein synthesis, suggesting possible metallothioneins induction by metal ions. Altogether these in vitro data indicate that mussels collected from OL could be more harmful than those from JL even though the later is closer to the pollution site than OL. Nevertheless consumption of mussels from all these areas may present a risk for humans. Epidemiological studies will be needed for global risk assessment in humans living in these areas especially those consuming see food regularly.