DNA-damaging activities of twenty-four structurally diverse unsubstituted and substituted cyclic compounds in embryo-fetal chicken livers.

DNA-damaging activities of twenty-four structurally diverse unsubstituted and substituted cyclic compounds were assessed in embryo-fetal chicken livers. Formation of DNA adducts and strand breaks were measured using the nucleotide 32P-postlabelling (NPL) and comet assays, respectively. Unsubstituted monocyclic benzene, polycyclic fused ring compound naphthalene, covalently connected polycyclic ring compound biphenyl, and heterocyclic ring compound fluorene did not produce DNA damage. Amino-substituted monocyclic compounds, aniline and p-phenylenediamine, as well as polycyclic 1-naphthylamine were also negative. In contrast, carcinogenic monocyclic methyl-substituted anilines: o-toluidine, 2,6-xylidine, 3,4-dimethylaniline, 4-chloro-o-toluidine; 2 methoxy-substituted methylaniline: p-cresidine; 2,4 and 2,6 diamino- or dinitro- substituted toluenes all produced DNA damage. Genotoxic polycyclic amino-substituted 2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl, benzidine, methyl-substituted 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl and 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene as well as amino- and nitro- fluorenes substituted at the 1 or 2 positions also were positive in at least one of the assays. Overall, the DNA damaging activity of cyclic compounds in embryo-fetal chicken livers reflected the type and position of the substitution on the aromatic ring. Additionally, substituted polycyclic compounds exhibited higher DNA-damaging potency compared to monocyclic chemicals. These results are congruent with in vivo findings in other species, establishing chicken eggs as a reliable system for structure-activity assessment of members of groups of related chemicals.

Assessment and characterization of DNA adducts produced by alkenylbenzenes in fetal turkey and chicken livers.

Formation of DNA adducts by five alkenylbenzenes, safrole, methyl eugenol, eugenol, and asarone with either α- or ß-conformation, was analyzed in fetal avian livers in two in ovo models. DNA reactivity of the carcinogens safrole and methyl eugenol was previously demonstrated in the turkey egg model, whereas non-genotoxic eugenol was negative. In the current study, alkenylbenzenes were also tested in the chicken egg model. Injections with alkenylbenzenes were administered to fertilized turkey or chicken eggs for three consecutive days. Three hours after the last injection, liver samples were evaluated for DNA adduct formation using the 32P-nucleotide postlabeling assay. DNA samples from turkey livers were also analyzed for adducts using mass spectrometry. In both species, genotoxic alkenylbenzenes safrole, methyl eugenol, α- and ß-asarone produced DNA adducts, the presence and nature of which, with exception of safrole, were confirmed by mass spectrometry, validating the sensitivity of the 32P-postlabeling assay. Overall, the results of testing were congruent between fetal turkey and chicken livers, confirming that these organisms can be used interchangeably. Moreover, data obtained in both models is comparable to genotoxicity findings in other species, supporting the usefulness of avian models for the assessment of genotoxicity as a potential alternative to animal models.

Expression of Genes Encoding for Xenobiotic Metabolism After Exposure to Dialkylnitrosamines in the Chicken Egg Genotoxicity Alternative Model.

The Chicken Egg Genotoxicity Assay (CEGA) demonstrated responsiveness to various DNA-reactive chemicals requiring metabolic activation, which implies broad bioactivation capability. To assess potential metabolic competence, expression profiles of metabolic genes in the embryo-chicken fetal liver were determined using microarray technology. Fertilized chicken eggs were injected under the CEGA protocol with vehicle (deionized water [DW]), the activation-dependent carcinogens, diethylnitrosamine (DEN), and N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) at doses producing no effect on survival. Previously in CEGA, DEN produced DNA damage, whereas NDELA did not. Expressions of 463 genes known to encode for phase I and II of endo- and xenobiotic metabolism were detected on the array. DW did not affect the expression of the selected genes, deregulating less than 1% of them. In contrast, DEN at 2 mg/egg and NDELA at 4 mg/egg produced significant transcriptomic alterations, up-regulating up to 41% and down-regulating over 31% of studied genes. Both nitrosamines modulated the majority of the genes in a similar manner, sharing 64 up-regulated and 93 down-regulated genes with respect to control group, indicating similarity in the regulation of their metabolism by avian liver. Differences in gene expression between DEN and NDELA were documented for several phase I CYP 450 genes that are responsible for nitrosamine biotransformation, as well as for phase II genes that regulate detoxication reactions. These findings could underlie the difference in genotoxicity of DEN and NDELA in CEGA. In conclusion, the analysis of gene expression profiles in embryo-chicken fetal liver dosed with dialkylnitrosamines demonstrated that avian species possess a complex array of inducible genes coding for biotransformation.

In ovo testing of flavor and fragrance materials in Turkey Egg Genotoxicity Assay (TEGA), comparison of results to in vitro and in vivo data.

Genotoxicity of flavor and fragrance materials was assessed in Turkey Egg Genotoxicity Assay (TEGA) using 32P-nucleotide postlabeling (NPL) and comet assays to detect hepatic DNA adducts and strand breaks. Twenty materials having results in GADD45a-Gluc 'BlueScreen HC' genotoxicity assay, and standard in vitro and in vivo tests, were selected to evaluate the accuracy of TEGA. Quinoline (QUI) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) served as positive comparators. Two materials, p-tert-butyldihydrocinnamaldehyde (BDHCA) and methyl eugenol (MEU) produced DNA adducts. BDHCA, p-t-butyl-α-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde (BMHCA), trans-2-hexenal (HEX) and maltol (MAL) produced DNA strand breaks. Fifteen other materials were negative in both assays. Based on reports of oxidative DNA damage induction by MAL and 4-hydroxy-2.5-dimethyl-3(2H) furanone (HDMF), modified comet assays were conducted. Positive comet findings for MAL were not confirmed, and only equivocal evidence of oxidative damage was found. Accordingly, MAL was judged to have equivocal genotoxicity in TEGA. HDMF was positive in modified comet assay, indicating an ability to produce oxidative DNA damage. TEGA showed modest concordance with results in regulatory in vitro assays. Findings in TEGA, with few exceptions, were concordant with the results of in vivo genotoxicity and carcinogenicity testing. Thus, TEGA is an attractive alternative model for the assessment of genotoxic potential of chemicals in vivo.

GRAS determination scientific procedures and possible alternatives.

The use of a food substance is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) through scientific procedures or experience based on common use in food. The pivotal data used for GRAS determination must be of common knowledge and should include evidence for safety under the conditions of intended use of the substance. Such evidence includes data on the identity and specifications of the substance, its properties of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, and depending on the level of concern, data on genotoxicity, acute and subchronic toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity and carcinogenicity. Several alternative procedures can be used as the replacement for standard scientific procedures in order to improve the GRAS process.

Structure-Activity Relationships for DNA Damage by Alkenylbenzenes in Turkey Egg Fetal Liver.

Certain alkenylbenzenes (AB), flavoring chemicals naturally occurring in spices and herbs, are established to be cytotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic in rodents. The purpose of the present study was to determine the DNA damaging potential of key representatives of this class using the Turkey Egg Genotoxicity Assay. Medium white turkey eggs with 22- to 24-day-old fetuses received three injections of nine AB with different carcinogenic potentials: safrole (1, 2 mg/egg), methyl eugenol (2, 4 mg/egg), estragole (20, 40 mg/egg), myristicin (25, 50 mg/egg), elemicin (20, 50 mg/egg), anethole (5, 10 mg/egg), methyl isoeugenol (40, 80 mg/egg), eugenol (1, 2.5 mg/egg), and isoeugenol (1, 4 mg/egg). Three hours after the last injection, fetal livers were harvested for measurement of DNA strand breaks, using the comet assay and DNA adducts formation, using the nucleotide(3) (2)P-postlabeling assay. Estragole, myristicin, and elemicin induced DNA stand breaks. These compounds as well as safrole, methyl eugenol and anethole, at the highest doses tested, induced DNA adduct formation. Methyl isoeugenol, eugenol, and isoeugenol did not induce genotoxicity. The genotoxic AB all had the structural features of either a double bond in the alkenyl side chain at the terminal 2',3'-position, favorable to formation of proximate carcinogenic 1'-hydroxymetabolite or terminal epoxide, or the absence of a free phenolic hydroxyl group crucial for formation of a nontoxic glucuronide conjugate. In contrast, methyl isoeugenol, eugenol and isoeugenol, which were nongenotoxic, possessed chemical features, unfavorable to activation.

Chicken fetal liver DNA damage and adduct formation by activation-dependent DNA-reactive carcinogens and related compounds of several structural classes.

The chicken egg genotoxicity assay (CEGA), which utilizes the liver of an intact and aseptic embryo-fetal test organism, was evaluated using four activation-dependent DNA-reactive carcinogens and four structurally related less potent carcinogens or non-carcinogens. In the assay, three daily doses of test substances were administered to eggs containing 9-11-day-old fetuses and the fetal livers were assessed for two endpoints, DNA breaks using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay and DNA adducts using the (32)P-nucleotide postlabeling (NPL) assay. The effects of four carcinogens of different structures requiring distinct pathways of bioactivation, i.e., 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and diethylnitrosamine (DEN), were compared with structurally related non-carcinogens fluorene (FLU) and benzo[e]pyrene (B[e]P) or weak carcinogens, aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) and N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). The four carcinogens all produced DNA breaks at microgram or low milligram total doses, whereas less potent carcinogens and non-carcinogens yielded borderline or negative results, respectively, at higher doses. AAF and B[a]P produced DNA adducts, whereas none was found with the related comparators FLU or B[e]P, consistent with comet results. DEN and NDELA were also negative for adducts, as expected in the case of DEN for an alkylating agent in the standard NPL assay. Also, AFB1 and AFB2 were negative in NPL, as expected, due to the nature of ring opened aflatoxin adducts, which are resistant to enzymatic digestion. Thus, the CEGA, using comet and NPL, is capable of detection of the genotoxicity of diverse DNA-reactive carcinogens, while not yielding false positives for non-carcinogens.

Dose-dependent induction of preneoplastic lesions by the tobacco-specific nitrosamine carcinogen NNK in the in ovo carcinogenicity assessment (IOCA) assay.

The potential of the carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamine 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-1-butanone (NNK) to induce preneoplastic hepatocellular altered foci (HAF) was tested in the in ovo carcinogenicity assessment (IOCA) assay. Single doses of NNK over a dose range from 0.1 mg to 6 mg were injected into fertilized turkey eggs prior to incubation for 24 days. The livers were investigated by histological, histochemical and morphometric methods. Mortality was increased for eggs exposed to 6 mg. In this group, the whole livers were severely altered, showing pronounced changes of nucleus size and signs of cell death. At the dose of 2 mg various types of foci of altered hepatocytes (HAF) were observed. Basophilic cell foci of the solid or tubular type were most frequent. The NNK-induced HAF were very similar to the preneoplastic lesions that occur in the livers of mammals during hepatocarcinogenesis which are regarded as early indicators of carcinogenesis. The similarity to the HAF in rodents included histochemically detectable alterations like decreased activities of glucose-6-phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase. At doses of 1 mg or below, no HAF were detected. At all dose levels an increased occurrence of enlarged hepatocytes with enlarged nuclei and prominent nucleoli (karyomegalic hepatocytes) were observed. The increase in karyomegalic hepatocytes was also statistically significant at the low dose of 0.1 mg/kg NNK but the dose-effect curve for their induction was clearly non-linear. Induction of HAF and karyomegalic hepatocytes in ovo is a simple (one dose), rapid (24 days) and inexpensive (no animal purchase or housing) experimental approach for studies on chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Relationship of cellular topoisomerase IIα inhibition to cytotoxicity and published genotoxicity of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in V79 cells.

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics are bacteriocidal through inhibition of the bacterial gyrase and at sufficient concentrations in vitro, they can inhibit the homologous eukaryotic topoisomerase (TOPO) II enzyme. FQ exert a variety of genotoxic effects in mammalian systems through mechanisms not yet established, but which are postulated to involve inhibition of TOPO II enzymes. To assess the relationship of inhibition of cell nuclear TOPO II to cytotoxicity and reported genotoxicity, two FQ, clinafloxacin (CLFX) and lomefloxacin (LOFX), having available genotoxicity data showing substantial differences with CLFX being more potent than LOFX, were selected for study. The relative inhibitory activities of these FQ on nuclear TOPO IIα in cultured Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells) over dose ranges and at equimolar concentrations were assessed by measuring nuclear stabilized cleavage complexes of TOPO IIα-DNA. Cytotoxicity was measured by relative cell counts. Both FQ inhibited V79 cell nuclear TOPO IIα. The lowest-observed-adverse-effect levels for TOPO IIα inhibition were 55 µM for CLFX, and 516 µM for LOFX. The no-observed-adverse-effect-levels were 41 µM for CLFX, and 258 µM for LOFX. At equimolar concentrations (175 µM), CLFX was more potent than LOFX. Likewise, CLFX was more cytotoxic than LOFX. Thus, the two FQ, inhibited TOPO IIα in intact V79 cells, differed in their potencies and exhibited no-observed-adverse-effect levels. These findings are in concordance with published genotoxicity data and observed cytotoxicity.

Furan induction of DNA cross-linking and strand breaks in turkey fetal liver in comparison to 1,3-propanediol.

Furan, a food contaminant formed by heating, is hepatocarcinogenic to rats and mice. Conflicting genotoxicity data exist on furan and its metabolite, cis-2-butene-1,4-dial and there are few data for the target organ, the liver. We assessed the abilities of furan and, as a positive control, 1,3-propanediol (PDO), to cause DNA damage in the livers of turkey fetuses in ovo using the alkaline comet assay. Single injections of furan (2-20 µmoles) into turkey eggs, at 23 days of incubation, when the liver is well developed, reduced the %DNA in the comet tail (%DNA-CT) in hepatocytes isolated from fetuses 24 h later indicating DNA cross links. Treatment of the hepatocytes with proteinase K, digest DNA-protein cross links (DPXLs), increased the %DNA-CT compared to the corresponding controls, indicating the presence of DNA single or double stand breaks (SB). PDO showed little toxicity and was used at high doses (up to 300 µmoles/egg), where it induced DPXLs at about 20 times the furan dose. Thus, furan produced dose proportional reductions in %DNA-CT in turkey liver fetal hepatocytes indicating the presence of DPXLs and, after proteinase K treatment, an increase in %DNA-CT, indicating the presence of DNA single and/or double SB.

Production of liver preneoplasia and gallbladder agenesis in turkey fetuses administered diethylnitrosamine.

The in ovo carcinogenicity assessing (IOCA) assay was used to examine the morphological changes in fetal turkey livers caused by the DNA-reactive carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Fertilized turkey eggs were allocated into 3 groups: nondosed control (NDC), vehicle (water) control (VC) and DEN-dosed. At day 0, the fertilized eggs of the dosed groups were injected with 1 (LD) or 4 (HD) mg/egg (about 12.5 or 50 mg/kg egg) of DEN and the VC were injected with water. All eggs were allowed to incubate at 37°C and 60% humidity for 24 days. The fetal livers were collected and processed for histopathological evaluation (H&E staining). Typical survival rates were 82% for the NDC, 50% for the VC and 16-65% for the DEN-dosed fetuses. No difference in histology was found between NDC and VC control groups. Both DEN concentrations produced dose-related liver findings consisting of foci of altered hepatocytes (FAH), which had assumed a tubular cord (glandular) pattern, and in HD DEN group the FAH assumed a tumor-like morphology. In addition, the high DEN dose produced gallbladder agenesis. Thus, DEN produced both hepatocellular transformation (FAH) similar to preneoplastic microscopic changes in adult rodents, reflecting disruption of the fetal processes of differentiation and proliferation, and also teratogenicity (gallbladder agenesis).

Brand specific responses to smokeless tobacco in a rat lip canal model.

BACKGROUND: Different compositions of smokeless tobacco (ST) are widely thought to cause oral carcinoma at different rates but there is little direct evidence for this hypothesis. METHODS: We used a rat lip canal model to examine the mucosal changes induced by chronic daily exposure to four different brands of ST: Skoal, Copenhagen, Ettan Swedish Snus, and Stonewall, differing in measured levels of: tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), unprotonated nicotine, moisture, and pH. RESULTS: Exposure to the lip canal for 12 months produced changes in the mucosa marked by increases in S phase and M phase cells for the Skoal and Copenhagen exposed rats. This correlated with the high level of TSNAs and nicotine in these products. All the tobacco products, to different degrees, induced sites of moderate to severe dysplasia some with extensive rete peg outgrowth from the oral mucosa not seen in the controls. Many of these sites showed a loss of p16 expression. CONCLUSIONS: While all ST products caused dysplasia, the products with lower levels of TSNAs and unprotonated nicotine caused less, consistent with the model that tobacco with low levels of nitrosamines might potentially induce fewer carcinomas in human users.

Geographic distribution of liver and stomach cancers in Thailand in relation to estimated dietary intake of nitrate, nitrite, and nitrosodimethylamine.

It is our working hypothesis that the high rate of the liver and gastric cancers in North and Northeast Thailand is associated with increased daily dietary intake of nitrate, nitrite, and nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Samples of fresh and preserved Thai foods were systematically collected and analyzed from 1988 to 1996 and from 1998 to 2005. Consumption frequencies of various food items were determined on the basis of a dietary questionnaire given to 467 adults (212 males and 255 females) from 1998 to 2005. Food consumption data for the preceding and current year were collected and intakes (day, week, and month) of nitrate, nitrite, and NDMA were calculated. The trends in liver and stomach cancer age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) in four regions of Thailand were compared with the dietary intake of nitrate, nitrite, and NDMA in those same geographic regions. Mean daily intakes of nitrate of 155.7 mg/kg, of nitrite of 7.1 mg/kg, and of NDMA of 1.08 microg/kg per day were found. Significant differences in dietary nitrate, nitrite, and NDMA intakes were seen between various Thai regions (P < 0.0001), and these corresponded to the variations in liver and stomach cancer ASR values between the regions. Dietary factors are likely to play key roles in different stages of liver and stomach carcinogenesis in Thailand.

Rising leukemia rates in Thailand: the possible role of benzene and related compounds in cigarette smoke.

Epidemiological studies suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of leukemia and that benzene and related compounds in cigarette smoke may contribute to this elevated risk. This report presents new findings on selected components of cigarette smoke (including benzene and 1,3-butadiene) from major brands of cigarettes sold in Thailand, which represent about 80% of market share. Tested were also two major and popular brands of U.S. cigarettes sold in Thailand, representing about 100% of market share. The cigarettes tested were filter and non-filter, and with high and 'low' tar and nicotine levels. The observed range for benzene, toluene and 1,3-butadiene were found in the range of 25.5-63.7, 36.4-79.8 and 44.6-78.7 microg/cigarette, respectively. The amount of acrolein ranged from 79.9-181 microg/cigarette and for isoprene from 313-694 microg/cigarette. Yields of these substances showed no correlation with tar deliveries in mainstream smoke. Consumption of tobacco products increased in Thailand since 1970. This study also showed increases in leukemia mortality rates in Thailand, and in the relative frequency of leukemia among incident cancers diagnosed at a large hospital in Bangkok. Exposure to benzene and related compounds in cigarette smoke may have contributed to these trends. Analytic epidemiological studies are needed on the relationship between these compounds in smoke from tobacco products used in Thailand. These preliminary findings support the need for voluntary and/or government-regulated reduction in smoke yields of benzene and related compounds in tobacco products, and for expanded smoking prevention and cessation efforts, in Thailand.

In ovo carcinogenicity assay (IOCA): evaluation of mannitol, caprolactam and nitrosoproline.

The in ovo carcinogenicity assay (IOCA) was used to examine whether the noncarcinogens epsilon-caprolactam (CAP), D-mannitol (MAN) and nitrosoproline (NPRO) induce toxicity and subsequently morphological changes in embryonic turkey livers compared with the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Various doses of the test compounds were injected into fertilized turkey or quail eggs prior to incubation. Embryonic livers were collected 3-4 days before hatching and processed for histology. The positive control DEN induced hepatocyte altered foci (HAF) and karyomegalic hepatocytes, whereas histological analysis of livers from embryos exposed to CAP, MAN and NPRO did not show such histological changes. The effects of the tested compounds on liver were further examined in hepatocytes cultured from exposed turkey and quail embryos. As observed in ovo, megalocytes as well as karyomegalic hepatocytes were present in hepatocyte cultures established from DEN-exposed turkey embryos, but not from embryos exposed to CAP, MAN or NPRO. It is concluded that CAP, MAN and NPRO do not induce histological changes in embryonic liver of the type produced by the carcinogen DEN, correlating with findings for these compounds in rodent studies.