Abstract

Introduction: ethanol consumption may impose cytotoxic effects on the human body, by producing toxic metabolites through different pathways. Furthermore, some studies have also linked alcohol consumption to various types of diseases. Therefore, this in vitro study is aimed to assess the ethanol toxic effects on the human fibroblastic chromosome structure. Materials and Methods: G banding staining method was used to determine the karyotype of chromosomal abnormalities of cultured fibroblast cells. Karyogram of ethanol-treated cells after 48 hours of incubation with 54 and 108 mmol of ethanol were assessed against the untreated cultured cells. Results: the comparison between two karyogram models confirmed that lower ethanol concentration (54mmol) caused breakage in chromosome type C and number 1, while with higher concentration (108mmol) breakage was observed in chromosome 9, chromatids as well as endoreplication in some other cells. Conclusion: this study indicates that specific concentrations of ethanol can cause vast alterations in chromosomal structure. Therefore, in general, more care is suggested in consuming this substance. In addition, to confirm the cytotoxic alterations in chromosomal structure in relation to alcohol consumption, using other cell lines and /or in vivo studies, more investigations are warrant. © 2014, Semnan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.