Paracetamol is a common analgesic and antipyretic drug. It has been recognized as one of the most ordinary medications taken in overdoses. We examined the possible genotoxic effects of high paracetamol concentrations expected to occur after overdose. Paracetamol was added to the cultures at the beginning of the cultivation period. Separate cultures for three tested concentrations of paracetamol (50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL) were set. Effects of paracetamol were evaluated by micronucleus cytokinesis-block assay, chromosome aberration analysis, and nuclear division index. Results demonstrate that paracetamol concentration of 200 μg/mL expresses certain genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

During the 1992-1995 siege, as well as after the war activities, citizens of Sarajevo were most probably exposed to various potential genotoxic agents. The effects of those potential genotoxins were evaluated by micronucleus-cytokinesis blocked assay. The study included 30 individuals who resided in the area of Sarajevo during the war and the postwar period. Point bi-serial coefficient analysis did not reveal any relationship between the frequencies of binuclear cells with micronuclei as well as total number of micronuclei and smoking habits or gender. Simple linear regression revealed statistically significant positive correlation between the age and micronuclei formation. Due to the war related environmental contamination more extensive study is recommended.

Standard molecular techniques, with only a slight modification, are very useful in obtaining and interpreting the final results in the field of forensic genetic. Data obtained through such analysis are highly reliable and can be used as a very powerful tool that produces valuable results. However, success and swiftness of DNA typing of biological evidence either that found at a crime scene or used in disputed paternity testing, depends on the optimization of numerous factors. One of the most important and critical phases that ensures reliability of the whole procedure is the choice of the most suitable volume for the amplification protocol. Buccal swabs were collected from volunteers. DNA was extracted by Qiagen Dnaeasy Tissue Kit. PowerPlex 16 kit was used to simultaneously amplify 15 STR loci by PCR. Amplification was carried out as described previously. The tested total working reaction volumes were 5, 10 and 25 microl. The PCR amplification was carried out in PE Gene Amp PCR System Thermal Cycler (ABI, Foster City, CA). Amplification products were analyzed on an ABI PRISM 377 instrument (ABI, Foster City, CA) in 5% bis-acrilamide gel. Amplification was generally successful for all the tested reaction volumes. Lower partial to complete DNA profiles ratio, the quality of obtained STR profiles, significantly reduced amount of reaction's components give advantage to 5 microl reaction volume over other two tested volumes in this case.

: Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of curcumin and sunset yellow were tested by the chromosome aberration analysis and cytokinesis-block micronu - cleus cytome assay in human lymphocyte culture. Water solutions of food dyes, in concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 8 mM, were added to the cultures at the beginning of the cultivation period. Concentrations of 4 and 8 mM of sunset yellow induced significant increase in frequencies of cells with chromosome aberrations. Tested concentrations of sunset yellow significantly associated with frequencies of structural aberrations, chromatid-type aberrations, total aberrant cells and micronuclei showing considerable dose dependent clastogenic activity. In higher analyzed concentrations, curcumin significantly increased only nuclear buds frequency, sug - gesting its potential genotoxicity, while sunset yellow showed dose-dependent genotoxic potential. Obtained results point toward favorization of natural coloring agents in food consumption and emphasize the need of controlled use of food colorants