Comet Assay to Monitor Cell Line Aging

'Comet assay' becomes a powerful tool in bioassay and cell lines are the preferred study-systems in the light of stringent bioethic norms. Human B lymphocyte-derived cell lines at different passage levels were subjected to alkaline comet assay. Cell lines at higher passages exhibited increased DNA damage compared to that of lesser passages. In addition, apoptotic conditions were also found more at higher passages. When cell lines were subjected to irradiation (2 Gy of 60 Co-γ), the tailmoment generated as a result of the radiation-insult was found to be influenced by passage factor. Thus 'passage factor' can impose for appropriate correction measures when cell lines are used in genotoxic test. Single cell gel electrophoresis can be a simple method to assess the suitability of a given cell line for toxicological studies.