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  1. Research

Using Standard Genetic Toxicology Assays to Assess the Genotoxic Potential of Smokeless Tobacco Products

Principal Investigator: Roberta Mittelstaedt/Patricia Richter

Funding Mechanism: JV

ID number: C13006

Award Date: 6/1/2013

Institution: National Center for Toxicological Research

This project will produce data that CTP can use to evaluate smokeless tobacco product toxicity. The project has two goals: (1) to determine the efficiency and relevancy of several solvents (i.e., acid, base, aqueous, organic, and artificial saliva) for extracting the active constituents from smokeless tobacco products, and (2) to measure the DNA damage caused by the active components in the smokeless tobacco extracts. The extent of DNA damage produced by different extracts will be evaluated using standard in vitro genetic toxicology assays that measure alterations in DNA integrity. Specific aims are: (1) to compare the impact of various extraction procedures on genotoxic potency; and (2) to determine if standard genetic toxicology assays distinguish among smokeless tobacco extracts from products with different chemical and/or physical properties. The results will provide information that will help inform how to conduct smokeless tobacco product analysis using in vitro systems and will help assess the ability of standard genetic toxicology methodologies to assess smokeless tobacco product genotoxicity.