Ageing is a multifaceted process in which bodily structures and functions undergo a negative deviation from the optimum. It occurs as the result of genetic alterations that repair DNA, reduce oxidative damage or reduce apoptosis. Ageing is among the largest known risk factors for most human diseases. The present study was planned to evaluate the genetic damage in healthy individuals of Haryana using comet assay. The relationship between genetic damage and age in healthy individuals was also assessed. The study was conducted on 90 randomly selected healthy subjects belonging to two age groups: <50 years (mean age = 43.833±0.789) and ³50 years (mean age = 60.222±0.885). Significantly (P<0.001) higher Tail DNA (%), Tail length (µm), Tail moment, Olive moment and Tail area were found in individuals with ³50 years of age as compared to those belonging to <50 years of age. Tail DNA (%), Tail length (µm), Tail moment and Olive moment showed a highly significant (P<0.001) positive Pearson correlation with age. Significant (P<0.01) positive Pearson correlation was found for integral intensity with respect to age. In conclusion, the accumulation of deleterious genetic damage may be one of the causes responsible for ageing.

Keywords: Ageing; Comet assay; Genetic damage.