Comparative study of DNA integrity detection with the assay comet in cells of whole blood and isolated mononuclear

The comet assay is a tool to detect low levels of DNA damage and is applicable in almost all the cells of the body. In this study, the level of DNA damage between whole blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from individuals selected was compared. All samples were obtained from 35 participants with coffee, alcohol and / or cigarettes consumption habits. Higher percentages of damage (% Tail Moment) in isolated mononuclear cells compared to whole blood samples were demonstrated. In this study there was no evidence that associate consumption of liquor, cigarette and coffee with loss of DNA integrity.