Effect Of Synthetic Progesterone (norethisterone) On Human Chromosomes: A Cytogenetic Study From India

ABSTRACT

Birth restriction methods dates back to prehistoric times, half a million years ago. Modern contraceptive methodsconstitute most contraceptive use. Nearly 800 million married or in-union women are projected to be usingcontraception in 2030. Norethisterone (synthetic progesterone) is used for many therapeutic purposes, and isbeing used by millions of women in India. The present study was carried out during August 2009 to July 2011 onsixty fertile females within reproductive age group. Chromosomal analysis was carried out to find the effects ofsynthetic progesterone (Norethisterone) on human chromosomes in lymphocyte culture in vitro in three groups at0, 75 µg, 100 µg of drug per ml respectively and observed for chromosomal aberrations like break, gap, dicentricchromosome and chromosomal association. Chromosomal aberrations were significantly increased at higherconcentrations. Mean chromosomal gaps at 0µg/ml, 75µg/ml and 100 µg/ml concentration were 6.90, 7.62 and10.58 respectively and mean chromosomal breaks in that same concentration were 6.63, 7.28 and 10.08respectively. 30 samples of the 60 showed chromosomal associations and 5 showed dicentric chromosomes.There is a direct correlation between increase in concentration of Norethisterone and structural chromosomalaberrations, which may be carried to next generation, and lead to anomalies in progeny of woman taking suchhigh doses of synthetic progesterone