Propyl-propanethiosulfinate (PTS) is a component of Allium essential oils. This organosulfur molecule can be used as a feed additive to decrease the appearance of bacterial resistances caused by the residues of antibiotics. In previous in vitro genotoxicity studies, contradictory results were reported for PTS. In this work, the in vivo genotoxicity of PTS in male and female rats was assessed for the first time, following OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidelines. After oral administration (doses: 5.5, 17.4, and 55.0 mg/kg PTS body weight), a combination of the micronucleus (MN) assay (OECD 474) in bone marrow and the standard and enzyme-modified comet assay (OECD 489) was performed. After necropsy, histopathological studies were also carried out. The results did not show the in vivo genotoxicity of PTS at any doses assayed, revealed by the absence of increased MN, and DNA strand breaks or oxidative DNA damage in the standard and enzyme-modified comet assays. The histopathological study revealed that only the highest dose tested (55.0 mg/kg) in the liver and all dose groups in the stomach presented minimal pathological lesions in the organs studied. Consequently, the present work confirms that PTS is not genotoxic at the doses assayed, and it is a promising natural alternative to synthetic preservatives and antibiotics in animal feed.
Keywords: comet assay; genotoxicity; micronucleus; organosulfur compounds; propyl-propanethiosulfinate.