In-vivo study of genotoxic and inflammatory effects of the organo-modified Montmorillonite Cloisite® 30B.

Because of the increasing use of clays and organoclays in industrial applications it is of importance to consider the toxicity of these materials. Recently it was reported that the commercially available Montmorillonite clay, Cloisite(®) 30B, which is surface-modified by organic quaternary ammonium compounds, was genotoxic in vitro. In the present study the in-vivo genotoxic and inflammatory potential of Cloisite(®) 30B was investigated as a follow-up of the in-vitro studies. Wistar rats were exposed to Cloisite(®) 30B twice 24h apart by oral gavage, at doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg body weight [indicate duration of treatment; Ed.]. There was no induction of DNA strand-breaks in colon, liver and kidney cells and there was no increase in inflammatory cytokine markers in blood-plasma samples. In order to verify the possible absorption of Cloisite(®) 30B from the gastrointestinal tract, inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was performed on samples of liver, kidney and faeces, with aluminium as a tracer element characteristic to clay. The results showed that aluminium could be detected in faeces, but not in the liver or kidneys. This indicated that there was no systemic exposure to clay particles from Cloisite(®) 30B. Detection and identification of free quaternary ammonium modifier in the highest dose of Cloisite(®) 30B was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS). This analysis revealed a mixture of three quaternary ammonium analogues. The detected concentration of the organomodifier corresponded to an exposure of rats to about 5mg quaternary ammonium analogues/kg body weight.

Biomonitoring of urinary metabolites of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) following human consumption of cooked chicken.

Human risk assessment of exposure to 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) through the diet may be improved by conducting biomonitoring studies comparing metabolism in humans and rodents. Eleven volunteers ingested a meal of cooked chicken containing 4 -OH-PhIP and PhIP in amounts of 0.6 and 0.8microg/kg, respectively and urine was collected for the next 16h. The large number of PhIP metabolites was by treatment of the urine samples with hydrazine hydrate and hydrolytic enzymes reduced to three substances, 4'-OH-PhIP, PhIP and 5-OH-PhIP of which the first is a biomarker for detoxification and the last a biomarker for activation. The eleven volunteers eliminated large amounts of 4'-OH-PhIP in the urine. The majority of which could be accounted for by the presence of 4'-OH-PhIP in the fried chicken, showing that PhIP only to a small extent (11%) was metabolised to 4'-OH-PhIP. A larger fraction of the PhIP exposure, 38%, was recovered as PhIP and the largest fraction (51%) was recovered as 5-OH-PhIP suggesting that PhIP in humans to a large extent is metabolised to reactive substances. In rats, less than 1% of the dose of PhIP was eliminated as 5-OH-PhIP, suggesting that human cancer risk from exposure to PhIP is considerable higher than risk estimations based on extrapolation from rodent bioassays.

Deconjugation of N-glucuronide conjugated metabolites with hydrazine hydrate--biomarkers for exposure to the food-borne carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP).

The metabolism of the carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) has been investigated in rabbit liver S9. Two phase I metabolites, N(2)-OH-PhIP and 4'-OH-PhIP were identified based on UV and mass spectra and co-elution with reference standards. Fortification of the incubation with UDGPA resulted in a complete glucuronidation of PhIP and N(2)-OH-PhIP, while 4'-OH-PhIP was only partly glucuronidated. Also, the PhIP metabolite 5-OH-PhIP was completely glucuronidated by rabbit liver S9, while 5-OH-PhIP was a poor substrate for CYP mediated hydroxylation. The glucuronic acid conjugates of PhIP metabolites were unsusceptible to treatment with beta-glucuronidase indicating that these are N-glucuronides. Treatment of the conjugates with hydrazine hydrate, however, resulted in complete hydrolysis of the glucuronic acid conjugates as well as in reduction to the parent amine of metabolites hydroxylated in the exocyclic amino group. Urine was collected from a male volunteer following consumption of fried chicken. Treatment of the urine with beta-glucuronidase/sulfatase resulted in release of 4'-OH-PhIP, while treatment with hydrazine hydrate in addition resulted in release of substantial amounts of PhIP and 5-OH-PhIP. The data show that hydrazine hydrate can hydrolyse N-glucuronides of metabolites of PhIP, glucuronides that are unsusceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis. In addition the data indicate that humans metabolise a large fraction of ingested PhIP to genotoxic metabolites. The chemical hydrolysis of glucuronide conjugates of PhIP metabolites with hydrazine hydrate observed in this study may also be a useful approach in the development of biomarkers for exposure and effect of other xenobiotics.

Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in Wistar rats with a mixture of five pesticides often found as residues in food: alphacypermethrin, bromopropylate, carbendazim, chlorpyrifos and mancozeb.

Six dose groups of 8 male and female rats respectively received a daily dose equivalent to 0, 0.15, 0.006, 0.03, 0.15 or 0.3 mg/kg b.w./day chlorpyrifos (groups 1-6) and the last four dose groups (groups 3-6) received in addition daily doses equivalent to 18 mg/kg b.w./day alphacypermethrin, 30 mg/kg b.w./day bromopropylate, 45 mg/kg b.w./day carbendazim and 12.5 mg/kg b.w./day mancozeb for 28 days. Plasma acetylcholinesterase was significantly decreased in the groups 2, 5 and 6 males. Total white blood cell count was significantly lower in females of group 6. Total red blood cell count, haematocrite and haemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced in both male and female rats of groups 5 and 6. Relative liver weight was significantly increased in groups 3-6 male and female rats. Absolute thyroid gland weight was significantly increased in groups 3, 5 and 6 male rats and of groups 3-6 female rats, and relative thyroid gland weight was significantly increased in groups 2-6 male rats and of groups 3-6 female rats. Absolute thymus weight of groups 3-6 male and female rats and relative thymus weight of groups 3-6 male rats and groups 3 and 4 female rats was significantly decreased. A mild degree of centrilobular cell hypertrophy of the liver was seen in all male rats and of three female rats of group 6. In the thyroid gland follicular cell hypertrophy was present in one female in the control group and in six females and seven males of group 6. It was concluded that inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in plasma and brain by chlorpyrifos was not enhanced by co-administration of the other four pesticides. Effects were seen in liver, thyroid, thymus and blood in the combination groups. However, identification of the pesticide(s) responsible for these changes would require further studies of the individually pesticides as well as various combinations of the pesticides.

Identification of metabolites in urine and feces from rats dosed with the heterocyclic amine, 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeA alpha C).

2-Amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeA alpha C) is a proximate mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine formed during ordinary cooking. In model systems, MeA alpha C can be formed by pyrolyses of either tryptophan or proteins of animal or vegetable origin. In the present study, the in vivo metabolism of MeA alpha C in rats was investigated. Rats were dosed with tritium-labeled MeA alpha C, and urine and feces were collected over 3 days. The metabolites of MeA alpha C were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Conjugated metabolites were characterized by enzymatic hydrolyzes with beta-glucuronidase or arylsulfatase. The data showed that the metabolic pattern of MeA alpha C was similar in all rats. About 65% of the dose was excreted in urine and feces, and the major amount of MeA alpha C-metabolites was excreted during the first 24 h. Thirty-four percent of the dose was found in the rat urine samples collected to 24 h. In addition to unmetabolized MeA alpha C and two phase I metabolites, 6-OH-MeA alpha C and 7-OH-MeA alpha C, the following conjugated metabolites were identified: MeA alpha C-N(2)-glucuronide, A alpha C-3-CH(2)O-glucuronide, 3-carboxy-A alpha C and 3-carboxy-A alpha C-glucuronide, and sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of 6-OH-MeA alpha C and 7-OH-MeA alpha C. Also, a large amount of a rather unstable compound proposed to be of MeA alpha C-N1-glucuronide was found. About 21% of the dose was excreted in feces during the first 24 h, and MeA alpha C and 7-OH-MeA alpha C were the only compounds identified in feces. Any activated metabolites of MeA alpha C were not detected in rat urine or feces.

Excretion of metabolites in urine and faeces from rats dosed with the heterocyclic amine, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AalphaC).

2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AalphaC) is a mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine formed during ordinary cooking. In model systems AalphaC can be formed by pyrolysing either tryptophan or proteins of animal or vegetable origin. In the present study, the in vivo metabolism of AalphaC in rats was investigated. Rats were dosed with tritium labelled AalphaC. Urine and faeces were collected over three days. The metabolites of AalphaC were characterised by HPLC-MS and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Conjugated metabolites were characterised by enzymatic hydrolyses with beta-Glucuronidase or arylsulfatase. The data showed that the metabolic pattern of AalphaC was similar in all rats. About 55% of the dose was excreted in urine and faeces during 72 h and the major amount of AalphaC metabolites (31%) was excreted during the first 24 h. In addition to a small amount of unmetabolised AalphaC seven conjugated metabolites were characterised. Three minor metabolites were characterised as AalphaC-N(2)-glucuronide and glucuronic acid conjugates of 3-OH-AalphaC and 6-OH-AalphaC. Four metabolites were all characterised as sulphuric acid conjugates and accounted for the largest amount of metabolites excreted in urine. The two major sulphuric acid conjugates were identified as AalphaC-3-O-sulfate and AalphaC-6-O-sulfate, while the minor sulphuric acid conjugates were proposed to be other O-sulfonated metabolites. In faeces only AalphaC was excreted and accounted for about 12% of dose during the first 24 hours. Any activated metabolites of AalphaC were not detected in rat urine or faeces. In future accumulation or binding of AalphaC to macromolecules such as DNA and proteins has to be studied.

Stability of agaritine - a natural toxicant of Agaricus mushrooms.

Agaritine (N-(gamma-L(+)-glutamyl)-4-hydroxymethylphenylhydrazine) is a phenylhydrazine derivative found in the cultivated Agaricus mushroom which is claimed to give rise to carcinogenic products when metabolized. The stability of a synthetic sample of agaritine was tested in water and methanol. In tap water kept in open vials, agaritine was totally degraded within 48h. Since agaritine degradation was less pronounced in closed than in open vials, and slower in Milli Q water and, in particular, in Milli Q water purged with N(2), the degradation seems to be oxygen-dependent. The antioxidant dithiothreitol reduced the degradation. Four or possibly five ultraviolet-absorbing compounds were formed during degradation, but these have not yet been identified. Whereas the rate of degradation was similar at temperatures between 4 and 22 degrees C, it was quicker at an acidic than at a neutral pH. The latter observation was confirmed in experiments where agaritine was incubated in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). The importance of the degradation when performing toxicological studies with agaritine is discussed.

Heterologous expression of human N-acetyltransferases 1 and 2 and sulfotransferase 1A1 in Salmonella typhimurium for mutagenicity testing of heterocyclic amines.

A variety of carcinogenic heterocylic amines (HAs) are found in cooked food. They can be metabolised to reactive intermediates via N-hydroxylation catalysed by cytochrome P450 1A2, followed by conjugation of the resulting N-hydroxyl group by N-acetyltransferase (NAT) or sulfotransferase (SULT). In order to compare the role of O-acetylation and O-sulfonation by human enzymes in the activation of HAs, we have introduced the cDNAs for wild-type forms of human NAT1, NAT2 and SULT1A1 in the acetyltransferase-deficient Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1538/1,8-DNP. Functional expression of recombinant proteins was demonstrated using immunoblot analysis and determination of enzyme activity with characteristic substrates. The established strains were used to study the mutagenicity of the N-hydroxy derivatives of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). The results demonstrate that N-hydroxy-HAs are activated by different human enzymes. At the concentrations used in the mutagenicity assay, N-hydroxy-IQ was activated by human NAT2, but not by NAT1 or SULT1A1. In contrast, N-hydroxy-PhIP was activated specifically by human SULT1A1, but not by NAT1 or NAT2. Therefore, both O-acetylation and O-sulfonation by human enzymes have to be regarded as important determinants for HA genotoxicity in humans.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-(5-hydroxy-)phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (5-OH-PhIP), a biomarker for the genotoxic dose of the heterocyclic amine, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP).

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine formed during ordinary cooking. PhIP is metabolically activated by CYP P450 mediated N-hydroxylation followed by phase II esterification. The ultimate mutagenic metabolite reacts with DNA resulting in formation of adducts, and with proteins and other cellular constituents resulting in unstable products which are degraded to 5-hydroxy-PhIP. Rats were dosed orally with PhIP and urine and faeces were collected to 24, 48 and 72 h. Urine and faeces samples were hydrolysed with glucuronidase/sulfatase in order to release conjugated metabolites, followed by purification on C18 columns. The rats excreted 0.88% of the dose as 5-hydroxy-PhIP with the urine to 24 h and 0.04 and 0.01% to 48 and 72 h, respectively. The amounts of 5-hydroxy-PhIP found in faeces were 0.03, 0.1 and 0% to 24, 48 and 72 h. Urinary excretion of 5-hydroxy-PhIP showed a linear dose-response relationship in rats dosed orally with PhIP. This shows that 5-hydroxy-PhIP is also formed in vivo and that 91% is excreted with the urine in 24 h, indicating the possible use of 5-hydroxy-PhIP as a urinary biomarker for the bioactive dose of PhIP. In a preliminary study, using molecular imprinted polymer a specific sorbent for purification, after enzymatic hydrolysis and purification on a C18 column, we have identified 5-OH-PhIP in a 24-h urine sample from a male volunteer who had ingested a fried beef. This indicates that urinary 5-OH-PhIP could be used as an easily obtainable marker for the genotoxic dose of PhIP in human biomonitoring studies.

Biomarkers of exposure to heterocyclic amines: approaches to improve the exposure assessment.

Various methods of exposure assessment, such as questionnaires, sometimes combined with pictures of cooked meat, have been employed in investigations on the relationship between heterocyclic amines (HA) and health effects. However, as the content of heterocyclic amines vary greatly with cooking conditions, it is difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of the exposure. To improve the exposure assessment, the use of biomarkers has been investigated. The metabolism of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is well characterised. In humans, the major part of the dose is excreted in urine within 24-48 h following a meal. A few percent is excreted as parent compounds, whereas the major part is metabolites. Urinary level of parent HA reflects only recent exposure. However, the pattern of excreted metabolites might indicate the capacity to activate or detoxify HAs. The excretion of glucuronide conjugates of N-hydroxy-PhIP and N-hydroxy-MeIQx could be a marker for the N-hydroxylation capacity and the dose of the proximate metabolites. Recently, we proposed 5-OH-PhIP as a marker for the ultimate reactive metabolite of PhIP, since it is formed from this compound as a by-product along with the formation of PhIP-DNA adducts. In a search for biomarkers reflecting exposure over some time, blood protein adducts with a longer lifespan have been investigated, and PhIP adducts of serum albumin and haemoglobin from meat-consuming humans were recently reported. Many compounds, like drugs, nicotine and narcotics, bind to melanin in hair and give information on exposure for longer time periods. In mice, PhIP is irreversibly incorporated in a dose-dependent manner into hair, and in humans exposed to an ordinary diet, it was found to vary from <50 to 5000 pg PhIP/g hair. The incorporation is also dependent on the content of eumelanin. The use of PhIP in hair as a biomarker of exposure is promising, but needs validation, using other methods of exposure assessment.

Biochemical effects of dietary intakes of different broccoli samples. I. Differential modulation of cytochrome P-450 activities in rat liver, kidney, and colon.

Modulation of xenobiotic metabolism, including cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzyme activities, due to dietary intakes of cruciferous vegetables, has been described in animals and humans, and the induction of CYP1A enzymes is suggested mainly to be related to the content of indolyl glucosinolates in these vegetables. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects on specific CYP activities of various broccoli samples containing different levels of glucosinolates. Groups of rats were fed 1 of 8 broccoli samples from 2 cultivars grown at different conditions. Thirteen different glucosinolates were quantified. The content of the 4 major glucosinolates, glucoraphanin (GRAP), glucoiberin, glucobrassicin (GB), and neoglucobrassicin (NeoGB) varied 5.6-, 2.7-, 3.2-, and 6.6-fold, respectively, among the broccoli samples. Dietary broccoli induced the CYP1A enzyme activities, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and 7-methoxyresorufin-O-demethylase (MROD), in rat liver, weakly in colon, but not in kidney. In concordance, the hepatic metabolism of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine (PhIP) to the proximate carcinogen N-OH-PhIP, a CYP1A-related activity, was enhanced by broccoli. The 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-depenthylase (PROD) activity, an assay for CYP2B1/2, was weakly induced in colon and kidney but not in liver by broccoli. The 2 beta-OH- and 6 beta-OH-testosterone hydroxylase activities were induced in liver microsomes, showing that broccoli increased CYP3A activity. The observed modulations of CYP activities depended clearly on the broccoli sample used, and significantly different responses were observed for different cultivars and growth conditions. These results indicate that modulation of CYP metabolism by broccoli may vary significantly in humans as well, as the content of glucosinolates and other active substances also varies between commercially available broccoli samples. The different effects depending on the vegetable sample eaten have to be considered in future experiments and dietary recommendations.

17beta-Estradiol but not the phytoestrogen naringenin attenuates aortic cholesterol accumulation in WHHL rabbits.

The effects of 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E(2)) or the phytoestrogen naringenin on spontaneous atherosclerosis were studied in 36 ovariectomized homozygous Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits receiving a semisynthetic control diet; this diet added 0.0040% 17beta-E(2;) or 0.20% naringenin, for 16 weeks. The uterine weight was increased (P < 0.001) and the concentration of estrogen receptor alpha was decreased (P < 0.001) in the 17beta-E(2) group compared with the controls. Total plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were not different from those in the controls. In lipoproteins, HDL cholesterol was increased (P < 0.01), and LDL triglyceride and IDL triglyceride were lowered (P < 0.05). The oxidation (as concentration of malondialdehyde) was increased in LDL (P < 0.05) but not in plasma. The cholesterol accumulation was decreased (P < 0.05) in the ascending aorta and in the total aorta but the ratio of intima to media and area of intima in ascending, thoracic, and abdominal aorta were not significantly different. In the naringenin group the only differences, compared with the control group, were increased HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) and decreased activity of glutathione reductase (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 17beta-E(2), but not naringenin, attenuated aortic cholesterol accumulation independently of plasma and LDL cholesterol. Further, these results support previously suggested pro-oxidant ability of 17beta-E(2) toward LDL and a possible connection between the pro-oxidant nature of 17beta-E(2) and its antiatherogenic effect.

Heterocyclic amines: human carcinogens in cooked food?

During the frying of meat and fish, genotoxic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are formed. The dietary exposure to HCAs may be implicated in the aetiology of human cancer, but there may be other factors in our diet that prevent the genotoxic effects of these compounds. Within the project described here, we plan to identify regional and individual cooking habits that affect HCA-levels in our food. These are determined with a validated analytical method and the exposure to HCAs is estimated by dietary assessment. Biomarker analysis will be employed to estimate recent or long-term exposure to HCAs. In order to identify genetically determined risk factors in humans, cell lines are genetically engineered expressing allelic variants of acetyl- and sulfotransferases implicated in HCA metabolism. Species differences of metabolism and toxicity of HCAs are assessed and the influence of the intestinal microflora on HCA-induced toxicity is evaluated. Dietary constituents that may reduce the genotoxicity of HCAs are screened for potential protective effects in in vitro and in vivo model systems. Finally, we will aim at human intervention studies to investigate if these protective factors are relevant for man. The objectives of this project are to estimate and possibly reduce the exposure levels to HCAs in Europe, to identify populations highly susceptible to HCA toxicity, and to reduce the toxic effects of HCAs by protective factors.

In utero reproductive study in rats exposed to nonylphenol.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates are widely used non-ionic surfactants. Nonylphenol ethoxylate constitutes 82% of the production of all alkylphenol ethoxylates and the breakdown product of nonylphenol ethoxylate, nonylphenol (NP) has been shown to be estrogenic in both in vitro and in vivo screening assays. To determine the potential reproductive toxicity of NP, a one-generation in utero study was conducted. Rats were dosed from gestation day 11 through 18 with NP at 3, 15, or 75 mg/kg/day or diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 30 microg/kg/day. DES was used as a positive control. Both substances were given orally by gavage. Male offspring were sacrificed at postnatal day (PND) 11, 21, or 110 and reproductive parameters were evaluated. Pup birth weight and body weight and percent motile sperm at age of 110 day were significantly reduced by DES. The absolute weight of the right epididymis was significantly reduced in the DES group. The absolute weight of the right epididymis were also significantly decreased in the animals exposed to 75 or 15 mg/kg/day NP, effects which disappeared when organ weight was related to body weight. This study showed a dose-dependent effect of nonylphenol on male reproductive development at doses of 75 and 15 mg/kg bw/day based on absolute epididymal weight.

N-acetyltransferase-dependent activation of 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine: formation of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-(5-hydroxy)phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine, a possible biomarker for the reactive dose of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine.

2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine formed during ordinary cooking. PhIP is metabolically activated to the ultimate mutagenic metabolite by CYP P450-mediated N-hydroxylation followed by phase II esterification. Incubation of N-hydroxy-PhIP (N-OH-PhIP) with cytosol, acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) and 2'-deoxyguanosine for 24 h resulted in the formation of three different adducts:N(2)-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-PhIP, N(2)-(guanosin-8-yl)-PhIP and PhIP-xanthine. One additional product, 5-hydroxy-PhIP (5-OH-PhIP), was also identified in the incubation mixtures. 5-hydroxy-PhIP is formed as a degradation product of conjugates formed from N-acetoxy-PhIP and protein, glutathione or buffer constituents. A similar spectrum of products was obtained using 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) instead of acetyl CoA. Addition of glutathione (3 mM) to the incubation mixture resulted in a 50% reduction in both adducts and 5-hydroxy-PhIP formation in liver cytosol. The main product detected was PhIP, suggesting glutathione-dependent reduction of the N-acetoxy-PhIP. Addition of glutathione to incubation mixtures from the other cytosolic preparations had less dramatic effects. In addition, increasing the amount of N-OH-PhIP in the incubation mixture resulted in proportional increased amounts of total adducts and 5-OH-PhIP. Incubation of rat and human S9 with PhIP resulted in the formation of only traces of 5-OH-PhIP. Fortification with AcCoA clearly increased the formation of 5-OH-PhIP. Addition of the CYP 450 1A2 inhibitor, furafylline, completely inhibited the formation of 5-OH-PhIP in incubations with human S9. These results indicate that both PhIP adducts and 5-OH-PhIP are formed by similar routes of activation of N-OH-PhIP. 5-OH-PhIP may therefore serve as a biomarker for the formation of the ultimate mutagenic metabolite of PhIP. A rat dosed orally with PhIP excreted 1% of the dose as 5-OH-PhIP in the urine at 24 h and 0.05 and 0.01% at 48 and 72 h, respectively. This shows that 5-OH-PhIP is also formed in vivo and indicates the possible use of 5-OH-PhIP as a urinary biomarker.

Genetics of resistance against defences of the host plant Barbarea vulgaris in a Danish flea beetle population.

One essential aspect of the study of the evolution of host-plant use by insects is (variation in) its genetic basis. The genetic basis of the ability of a flea beetle (Phyllotreta nemorum) to use the crucifer Barbarea vulgaris ssp. arcuata (G type) as a host plant was studied in a Danish population (Kvaerkeby) occurring naturally on this atypical host plant. Evidence was found that this ability was determined by a single, major, autosomal gene, although the presence of genes at additional loci at lower frequencies could not be excluded. No evidence was found for sex-linked inheritance, which was common in a second population in Denmark (Ejby) using Barbarea as a host plant. All beetles in the Kvaerkeby sample were homozygous 'resistant' to Barbarea defence. After crossing resistant F1 offspring from pairs consisting of a field-collected beetle and a susceptible one amongst each other, genotyping the F2 (reared on radish) showed a 1:2:1 ratio of homozygous resistant, heterozygous and susceptible beetles. No evidence was found for a reduction in the viability of beetles that were homozygous resistant at the autosomal locus, in contrast to what had been found earlier for two backcrossed lines founded by beetles from Ejby. The results show that there is variation in the genetic basis of host-plant use across local populations and imply that population structure should form part of the study of the interaction between P. nemorum and its host plants.

Modulation of drug-metabolising enzyme expression by condensation products of indole-3-ylcarbinol, an inducer in cruciferous vegetables.

Indole-3-ylcarbinol (13C) is formed during processing of cruciferous vegetables and is suggested to be one of the modulators of drug-metabolising enzymes. Indole-3-ylcarbinol is a far less efficient inducer of hepatic enzymes after parenteral than after oral administration, due to formation of active metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract. As indole-3-ylcarbinol is unstable in weakly acidic aqueous solutions, non-active condensation products may be formed from indole-3-ylcarbinol, that cannot be transformed to the active products when reaching the stomach. The purpose of the present study was to test the ability of the condensation products formed at a pH corresponding to that of fresh vegetable juice to modulate the metabolism of xenobiotics. Indole-3-ylcarbinol was incubated in vitro at room temperature in the dark at pH 5.5 and samples taken at various times, for oral administration to rats and for chemical analysis. Indole-3-ylcarbinol was rapidly transformed into various oligomeric products. The 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities (marker of cytochrome Cytochrome P450 1A enzymes, CYP1A) in liver, kidney and colon increased with the duration of the in vitro condensation period whereas the formation of 6beta-, 15beta- and and 2alpha-hydroxytestosterone was not affected significantly, indicating no effect on CYP2C11 or CYP3A enzymes. The hepatic metabolism of the food mutagen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). was increased by indole-3-ylcarbinol condensation products and the 4'-OH-PhIP/N-OH-PhIP ratio was decreased due to a significantly increased formation of the proximate genotoxic metabolite. N-OH-PhIP. The activities of DT-diaphorase and glutathione S-transferase were not changed significantly in the rat organs. These experiments clearly indicate that indole-3-ylcarbinol is not the definitive CYP1A inducer and that indole-3-ylcarbinol at near-neutral pH, is transformed to compounds that are inducers by themselves or may be further converted into inducing compounds in the rat stomach. Also, the enzyme inducing potency of indole-3-ylcarbinol containing vegetable juice is apparently enhanced by incubation in vitro before the intake.

Microsomal metabolism and activation of the environmental carcinogen 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[23-b]indole.

2-Amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeA alpha C) is a mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine formed as a pyrolysis product during cooking of food and combustion of tobacco. Hepatic microsomes from PCB-induced rats metabolized MeA alpha C to four products, of which three were non-mutagenic and one was mutagenic without S9 activation. The three non-mutagenic products, which accounted for 83% of the metabolism of MeA alpha C, were characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy as 6-hydroxy-MeA alpha C, 7-hydroxy-MeA alpha C and 3-hydroxy-methyl-A alpha C. The mutagenic metabolite, accounting for 17% of the metabolism of MeA alpha C, was characterized as N2-hydroxy-MeA alpha C by comparison with the HPLC retention time and UV spectrum of N2-hydroxy-MeA alpha C obtained by chemical synthesis. N2-Hydroxy-MeA alpha C was very reactive and a part of it bound covalently to microsomal proteins during incubation and a part was degraded to other products during incubation or chromatography. N2-Hydroxy-MeA alpha C was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 without metabolic activation, resulting in 5070 revertants/microgram, which was > 20 times the specific mutagenic activity of the parent compound.

Comparison of the effects of fish oil and olive oil on blood lipids and aortic atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic rabbits.

To compare the effects of fish oil and olive oil on the development of atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic (WHHL) rabbits, 6-week-old animals were given a daily dose (1.5 ml/kg body weight) of fish oil (n 10) or olive oil (n 10) by oral administration for 16 weeks. Plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerols were measured once monthly, and their concentrations in lipoproteins, together with susceptibility of LDL to oxidation were measured in vitro at the termination of the experiment. Aortic atherosclerosis was quantified biochemically and microscopically. After 4 weeks of treatment, and throughout the study thereafter, blood lipids were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the fish-oil group than in the olive-oil group (cholesterol: 17.0 v. 30.3 mmol/l, triacylglycerols 2.97 v. 6.25 mmol/l, at termination). In the fish-oil group cholesterol was significantly lower in intermediate-density lipoproteins (2.69 v. 6.76 mmol/l) and VLDL (3.36 v. 11.51 mmol/l). Triacylglycerol levels of intermediate-density lipoproteins and VLDL in the fish-oil group were also significantly lower when compared with the olive-oil group (0.54 v 1.36 mmol/l and 0.92 v. 2.87 mmol/l respectively). No group differences were recorded for LDL- and HDL-cholesterol or triacylglycerol levels. A significantly higher oxidation of LDL was recorded 1 h after exposure to CuSO4 in the fish-oil group when compared with the olive-oil group (0.465 v. 0.202, arbitrary units). The following indicators of atherosclerosis development were significantly lower in the fish-oil group than in the olive-oil group: the cholesterol content (mg/g tissue) in the ascending aorta (29.8 v. 48.9), the intima:media value (4.81 v. 18.24) and the area of intima (0.10 v. 0.57 mm2) in the thoracic aorta. It was concluded that fish-oil treatment decreased blood lipids and the development of aortic atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits when compared with olive-oil treatment.

Analysis of native human plasma proteins and haemoglobin for the presence of bityrosine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Generation of reactive oxygen species in vivo results in oxidative-damage to cellular components, including proteins. Due to the relatively long half-lives of several blood proteins the cumulative formation of oxidatively damaged proteins might serve as a biomarker for reactive oxygen species formation. The most prominent sources of reactive oxygen species in vivo are site-specific metal ion-catalyzed reactions of the Fenton and Haber-Weiss types and the H2O2/peroxidase system. In vitro oxidation of L-tyrosine using a peroxidase or Cu++/H2O2 system gives rise to the formation of a highly fluorescent substance, bityrosine. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of acid hydrolyzed serum albumin after oxidation with peroxidase/H2O2 or with Cu++/H2O2 showed that bityrosine had been formed whereas oxidation of this protein with Fe(III)/ascorbate did not result in the formation of bityrosine. Bityrosine could not be detected in human plasma proteins or haemoglobin with the detection limit of one pmol per mg protein.