An unexpected dose-dependent hypermethylation of
white blood cell DNA has been reported in Bangladeshi adults with
chronic arsenic exposure. Therefore, formation
of oxidative DNA adducts and DNA–protein cross-links is one of the prime mechanisms of arsenic induced genotoxicity. The genotoxic effects of arsenic in R. limnocharisobserved in
the present study is a reaffirmation of the genotoxic effect of
arsenic reported in other test systems. Arsenic induced limb deformities in the present study supports the teratogenic potential of
arsenic reported earlier.