In this study, a Cd(II) complex was synthesized using 8-hydroxyquinoline and thiocyanate as the ligands and structurally characterized with the combination of FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, UV-vis, and MS spectral data. Then, genotoxic effects of the prepared complex were investigated. Genotoxic properties of the dimeric 8-hydroxyquinolinthiocyanatoCd(II) [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] complex synthesized as drug raw material were analyzed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 μg/mL [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] were used for 24 and 48 h durations. [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] significantly increased chromosomal aberrations (CAs) at 4, 6, and 8 μg/mL concentrations after a 24- h period and 2 and 4 μg/mL after a 48-h period. [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) at all concentrations, both at 24 and 48 h. Micronuclei frequency (MN) was not affected by [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] treatment compared with the control. After application for a 48 h period, 6 and 8 μg/mL concentrations showed toxic effects both in chromosomal abnormality and in micronucleus tests. It also decreased the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI), but this result was statistically significant only at 6 and 8 μg/mL concentrations. In the comet assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)), significant increases in comet tail length, tail moment, and tail intensity were observed at all concentrations. [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2] displays clastogenic effect in the concentrations used in human peripheral lymphocytes at chromosomal abnormality, micronucleus tests, and cytokinesis-block proliferation index parameters. Further studies should be conducted in other test systems to evaluate the complete genotoxic potential of [Cd2(8Q)2(SCN)2].
Keywords: Dimeric 8-hydroxyquinolinthiocyanatoCd(II) complex; chromosomal aberration; comet assay; cytotoxicity; genotoxicity; micronucleus.