In Vivo Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects of the Chloroform Root Extract of Clausena excavata Burm.

Liver cancer is the most common cancer among males in Africa. The disease has a poor prognosis and its treatment is associated with toxicity and resistance. For this reason, numerous herbal combinations are being subjected to anticancer screening to circumvent the shortcomings of the conventional anticancer drugs. In the current study, the in vivo anti-cancer effects of the chloroform root extract of the herb, Clausena excavata Burm were investigated. Liver cancer was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) followed by oral administration of the promoter of carcinogenesis, 2-aminoacetyl fluorine that was mixed with the mice feed. The cytotoxicity of the root extract of C. excavata on liver cancer cells was investigated using liver enzyme, histology, DNA fragmentation and caspases assays. Real time qPCR was conducted to evaluate the effect of the extract on apoptotic genes. The findings revealed that the extract of C. excavata significantly decreased the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis and the toxicity-induced production of the liver enzymes, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. The histological analyses of the liver tissues revealed evidence of apoptotic cell death. The extract also provoked significant (p < .05) expressions of caspase 9 protein and gene as well as other apoptotic genes (P53, P27, Apaf-1, cytochrome C, bax and bid). Therefore, we postulate that the chloroform root extract of C. excavata induces apoptosis of liver cancer in mice.

Integration of chronological omics data reveals mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Mitochondria participate in multiple functions in eukaryotic cells. Although disruption of mitochondrial function has been associated with energetic deregulation in cancer, the chronological changes in mitochondria during cancer development remain unclear. With the aim to assess the role of mitochondria throughout cancer development, we analyzed samples chronologically obtained from induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. In our analyses, we integrated mitochondrial proteomic data, mitochondrial metabolomic data and nuclear genome transcriptomic data. We used pathway over-representation and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to integrate expression profiles of genes, miRNAs, proteins and metabolite levels throughout HCC development. Our results show that mitochondria are dynamic organelles presenting specific modifications in different stages of HCC development. We also found that mitochondrial proteomic profiles from tissues adjacent to nodules or tumor are determined more by the stage of HCC development than by tissue type, and we evaluated two models to predict HCC stage of the samples using proteomic profiles. Finally, we propose an omics integration pipeline to massively identify molecular features that could be further evaluated as key regulators, biomarkers or therapeutic targets. As an example, we show a group of miRNAs and transcription factors as candidates, responsible for mitochondrial metabolic modification in HCC.

BOK promotes chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice.

BCL-2-related ovarian killer (BOK) is a conserved and widely expressed BCL-2 family member with sequence homology to pro-apoptotic BAX and BAK, but with poorly understood pathophysiological function. Since several members of the BCL-2 family are critically involved in the regulation of hepatocellular apoptosis and carcinogenesis we aimed to establish whether loss of BOK affects diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Short-term exposure to DEN lead to upregulation of BOK mRNA and protein in the liver. Of note, induction of CHOP and the pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins PUMA and BIM by DEN was strongly reduced in the absence of BOK. Accordingly, Bok -/- mice were significantly protected from DEN-induced acute hepatocellular apoptosis and associated inflammation. As a consequence, Bok -/- animals were partially protected against chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis showing fewer and, surprisingly, also smaller tumors than WT controls. Gene expression profiling revealed that downregulation of BOK results in upregulation of genes involved in cell cycle arrest. Bok -/- hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) displayed higher expression levels of the cyclin kinase inhibitors p19INK4d and p21cip1. Accordingly, hepatocellular carcinoma in Bok -/- animals, BOK-deficient human HCC cell lines, as well as non-transformed cells, showed significantly less proliferation than BOK-proficient controls. We conclude that BOK is induced by DEN, contributes to DEN-induced hepatocellular apoptosis and resulting hepatocarcinogenesis. In line with its previously reported predominant localization at the endoplasmic reticulum, our findings support a role of BOK that links the cell cycle and cell death machineries upstream of mitochondrial damage.

Inactivation of p120 catenin in mice disturbs intrahepatic bile duct development and aggravates liver carcinogenesis.

p120 catenin (p120ctn) is required for the stability of classic cadherins at the cell surface and is thought to play a central role in modulating cell-cell adhesion. Cytoplasmic p120ctn promotes cell motility, and probably other activities, by modulating the activities of RhoA, Rac and Cdc42. E-cadherin is expressed in periportal but not in perivenous hepatocytes. In contrast, all hepatocytes of normal mouse liver express N-cadherin. Cholangiocytes express exclusively E-cadherin. Mice with p120ctn ablation in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes (p120LiKO mice) were generated by Cre-loxP technology. Livers were examined by histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and serum analysis to determine the effect of the p120ctn ablation on liver structure and function. Mouse hepatocyte differentiation and homeostasis were not impaired. However, hepatoblasts differentiated abnormally into hybrid hepato-biliary cells, ductal plate structures were irregular in p120LiKO newborns, and further development of intrahepatic bile ducts was severely impaired. In adults, enrichment of ductular structures was accompanied by portal inflammation and fibrosis. p120LiKO mice did not spontaneously develop hepatocellular carcinoma but initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis by diethylnitrosamine was accelerated. In summary: p120ctn has a critical role in biliary differentiation and is a potent suppressor of liver tumor growth.

Nasal Tumorigenesis in B6C3F1 Mice Following Intraperitoneal Diethylnitrosamine.

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a chemical broadly used in animal models as a hepatocarcinogen, reported to also cause pulmonary neoplasms in mice. The original objective was to evaluate the impact of a Western diet with or without 10% broccoli on DEN-induced on liver cancer. We administered DEN (45 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to young adult male B6C3F1 mice by 6 weekly injections and evaluated liver cancer 6 months after the DEN treatments. Here, we report unexpected primary tumorigenesis in nasal epithelium, independent of dietary treatment. More than 50% of DEN-treated B6C3F1 mice developed nasal neoplasm-related lesions, not reported previously in the literature. Only one of these neoplasms was visible externally prior to postmortem examination. Intraperitoneal DEN treatment used as a model for liver cancer can have a carcinogenic effect on the nasal epithelium in B6C3F1 mice, which should be carefully monitored in future liver cancer studies.

Alcoholic hepatitis accelerates early hepatobiliary cancer by increasing stemness and miR-122-mediated HIF-1α activation.

Alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops with advanced alcoholic liver disease and liver fibrosis. Using adult mice, we evaluate the effect of alcoholic steatohepatitis on early hepatobiliary carcinoma after initiation by diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN). Here we show that alcohol-fed DEN-injected mice have higher ALT and liver-to-body weight ratio compared to pair-fed DEN-injected mice. Alcohol feeding results in steatohepatitis indicated by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic genes. MRI and liver histology of alcohol+DEN mice shows hepatobiliary cysts, early hepatic neoplasia and increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein. Proliferation makers (BrdU, cyclin D1, p53) and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and nanog) are significantly up-regulated in livers of alcohol-fed DEN-injected mice compared to controls. In livers with tumors, loss of miR-122 expression with a significant up-regulation of miR-122 target HIF-1α is seen. We conclude that alcoholic steatohepatitis accelerates hepatobiliary tumors with characteristic molecular features of HCC by up-regulating inflammation, cell proliferation, stemness, and miR-122 loss.

Assessment of chronic inhalation non-cancer toxicity for diethylamine.

A non-cancer inhalation chronic toxicity assessment for diethylamine (DEA, CAS number 109-89-7) was conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A chronic Reference Value (ReV) was determined based on a high-quality study conducted in mice and rats by the National Toxicology Program. Chronic inhalation ReVs are health-based exposure concentrations used in assessing health risks of long-term (i.e. lifetime) chemical exposure. DEA is used industrially as an organic intermediate to produce corrosion inhibitors, and is widely used in rubber, pharmaceuticals, resins, pesticides, insect repellants, dye processing and as a polymerization inhibitor. Although systemic effects have been noted at higher concentrations, DEA acts primarily as a respiratory irritant with effects occurring in the upper respiratory tract. Rats were exposed to 0, 31, 62.5 and 125 ppm DEA and mice to 0, 16, 31 and 62.5 ppm DEA for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 105 weeks. Mice were slightly more sensitive than rats. The critical effect identified in mice was hyperostosis in the turbinates although DEA caused a number of other non-neoplatic lesions. Dose-response data were suitable to benchmark concentration (BMC) modeling. The human equivalent point of departure (PODHEC) was calculated from the 95% lower limit of the BMC(10) using default duration and animal-to-human dosimetric adjustments. Total uncertainty factors of 90 were applied to the PODHEC to account for variation in sensitivity within the human population, toxicodynamic differences between mice and humans, and database uncertainty. The chronic ReV for DEA is 11 ppb (33 µg/m(3)).

Dietary tomato powder inhibits alcohol-induced hepatic injury by suppressing cytochrome p450 2E1 induction in rodent models.

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption leads to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and greatly increases the risk of liver cancer. Induction of the cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) enzyme by chronic and excessive alcohol intake is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of ALD. High intake of tomatoes, rich in the carotenoid lycopene, is associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. We investigated the effects of whole tomato (tomato powder, TP), partial tomato (tomato extract, TE), and purified lycopene (LYC) against ALD development in rats. Of the three supplements, only TP reduced the severity of alcohol-induced steatosis, hepatic inflammatory foci, and CYP2E1 protein levels. TE had no effect on these outcomes and LYC greatly increased inflammatory foci in alcohol-fed rats. To further support the protective effect of TP against ALD, TP was supplemented in a carcinogen (diethylnitrosamine, DEN)-initiated alcohol-promoted mouse model. In addition to reduced steatosis and inflammatory foci, TP abolished the presence of preneoplastic foci of altered hepatocytes in DEN-injected mice fed alcohol. These reductions were associated with decreased hepatic CYP2E1 protein levels, restored levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and downstream gene expression, decreased inflammatory gene expression, and reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. These data provide strong evidence for TP as an effective whole food prevention strategy against ALD.

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of diethylamine (CAS No. 109-89-7) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (inhalation studies).

UNLABELLED: Diethylamine is used mainly as a chemical intermediate to produce the corrosion inhibitor N,N-diethylethanolamine and a lesser amount is used to produce pesticides and insect repellants and in rubber processing. Diethylamine was nominated for study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences based upon its high production volume and ubiquitous natural occurrence in trace amounts and because of the lack of chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity data on the chemical. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to diethylamine (approximately 99.9% pure) by inhalation for 2 weeks, 3 months, or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in bacterial mutagenicity tester strains and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 2-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female rats were exposed to diethylamine vapor at concentrations of 0, 31, 62.5, 125, 250, or 500 ppm, 6 hours plus T90 (12 minutes) per day, 5 days per week for 16 days. All rats survived to the end of the study. The mean body weights of 250 and 500 ppm males and females and 125 ppm males were significantly less than those of the chamber controls. Clinical findings included lethargy, nasal/eye discharge, abnormal breathing, thinness, eye abnormalities, and discolored urine. The thymus weights of males exposed to 125 ppm or greater and females exposed to 500 ppm were significantly less than those of the chamber controls. Focal eye lesions were noted at necropsy in four males and three females exposed to 500 ppm and one male exposed to 250 ppm. Crusty noses were observed in most 500 ppm males and females and in two 250 ppm males. Suppurative inflammation, necrosis of the turbinates (except in one 125 ppm female), and squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium of the nose were present in all rats exposed to 125 ppm or greater. Ulcer of the respiratory epithelium and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium occurred in all rats exposed to 250 or 500 ppm, and ulcer of the nasopharyngeal duct was present in all 500 ppm rats. Suppurative inflammation of the cornea was present in most rats exposed to 500 ppm. 2-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female mice were exposed to diethylamine vapor at concentrations of 0, 31, 62.5, 125, 250, or 500 ppm, 6 hours plus T90 (12 minutes) per day, 5 days per week for 17 days. Two males and three females exposed to 500 ppm died during the first week of the study. The mean body weights of males and females exposed to 125 ppm or greater were significantly less than those of the chamber controls. Males and females exposed to 250 or 500 ppm lost weight during the study. Lethargy, abnormal breathing, and thinness were observed in most mice exposed to 250 or 500 ppm. Eye irritation and discharge, nasal discharge, and low fecal and urine output were noted in 500 ppm mice. Thymus weights of 250 and 500 ppm males and 125 ppm or greater females were significantly less than those of the chamber controls. Suppurative inflammation of the nose occurred in all males exposed to 250 or 500 ppm and all females exposed to 125 ppm or greater, and most males exposed to 125 ppm. Turbinate necrosis occurred in all exposed mice except one 31 ppm female. Squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium and olfactory epithelial atrophy were seen in mice exposed to 125 ppm or greater. In the lung, the incidence of minimal chronic active inflammation of mainstem bronchi was significantly increased in 500 ppm males. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were exposed to diethylamine vapor at concentrations of 0, 8, 16, 32, 62, or 125 ppm, 6 hours plus T90 (12 minutes) per day, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. All rats survived to the end of the study. Mean body weights of all exposed groups were similar to those of the chamber control groups. There were significant exposure concentration-related decreases in sperm motility in 32, 62, and 125 ppm males; there were no significant differences in the lengths of estrous cycles between chamber control and exposed groups of females. Exposure-related nasal lesions were seen primarily in rats exposed to 62 or 125 ppm. These lesions included turbinate necrosis, suppurative inflammation, respiratory epithelial hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium, and olfactory epithelial atrophy. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were exposed to diethylamine vapor at concentrations of 0, 8, 16, 32, 62, or 125 ppm, 6 hours plus T90 (12 minutes) per day, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. All mice survived to the end of the study. The mean body weights of 125 ppm males and females were significantly less than those of the chamber controls. There were significant exposure concentration-related decreases in sperm motility in males exposed to 32, 62, or 125 ppm; the estrous cycle of 125 ppm females was significantly longer than that of the chamber controls but only by half a day. Histopathologic changes were noted primarily in the nasal cavity and involved both the respiratory and olfactory epithelium of males and females principally in the 62 or 125 ppm groups. These lesions included suppurative inflammation, squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium, olfactory epithelial atrophy, and necrosis of the turbinates. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were exposed to diethylamine vapor at concentrations of 0, 31, 62.5, or 125 ppm, 6 hours plus T90 (15 minutes) per day, 5 days per week for 105 weeks. Survival of exposed groups of rats was similar to that of the chamber control groups. Mean body weights of males and females exposed to 125 ppm were less than those of the chamber controls after week 57. Increased incidences of eye abnormality occurred in exposed males and females. A spectrum of nonneoplastic lesions was observed in the respiratory and olfactory epithelium of the nose in exposed rats. The lesions included suppurative inflammation, ulceration of the respiratory epithelium, hyaline droplet accumulation in the glands of the respiratory epithelium, necrosis of the turbinates, squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium, hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium, atrophy of the olfactory epithelium, hyaline droplet accumulation in the respiratory and olfactory epithelium, basal cell hyperplasia of the olfactory epithelium, respiratory metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium, and goblet cell hyperplasia. The incidence of chronic inflammation of the pleura was significantly increased in 125 ppm females. The incidences of histiocytic cellular infiltration of the alveolus of the lung were significantly increased in all exposed groups of females and the incidence of chronic inflammation was significantly increased in 125 ppm females. In 125 ppm males, the incidence of suppurative inflammation of the cornea was significantly increased. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice were exposed to diethylamine vapor at concentrations of 0, 16, 31, or 62.5 ppm, 6 hours plus T90 (15 minutes) per day, 5 days per week for 105 weeks. Survival of exposed groups of mice was similar to that of the chamber control groups. Mean body weights of males and females were similar to those of the chamber controls. Eye abnormality was observed in greater incidence in exposed groups of males than in the chamber controls, and torso/ventral ulcer/abscess was observed in six 62.5 ppm males compared to none in the chamber controls. A similar spectrum of nonneoplastic lesions was seen in the nose of exposed mice as was seen in rats. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: Diethylamine was not mutagenic in either of two independent bacterial mutagenicity assays, each conducted with and without exogenous metabolic activation enzymes. Bacterial strains tested included Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537 and Escherichia coli strain WP2 uvrA/pKM101. In addition to the negative results in the two bacterial assays, no significant increases in the frequencies of micronucleated erythrocytes were seen in peripheral blood of male or female B6C3F1 mice from the 3-month study. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of diethylamine in male or female F344/N rats exposed to 31, 62.5, or 125 ppm. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of diethylamine in male or female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 16, 31, or 62.5 ppm. Exposure to diethylamine resulted in increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions of the nose in male and female rats and mice, of the cornea in male rats, and of the pleura and lung in female rats.

Attenuation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver fibrosis by high-molecular-weight fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Liver fibrosis is closely associated with the progression of various chronic liver diseases. Fucoidan exhibits different biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-fibrotic activities. The aim of this study was to determine whether oral fucoidan administration inhibits N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by injecting DEN (50 mg/kg). Rats were given 2% of crude fucoidan solution or 2% of high-molecular-weight (HMW) fucoidan solution. They were divided into a crude fucoidan group, an HMW fucoidan group, a DEN alone group, a DEN + crude fucoidan group, a DEN + HMW fucoidan group and a control group. RESULTS: Liver fibrosis and hepatic hydroxyproline levels were significantly more decreased in the DEN + HMW fucoidan group than in the DEN-alone group. Anti-fibrogenesis was unremarkable in the DEN + crude fucoidan group. Hepatic messenger RNA levels and immunohistochemistry of transforming growth factor beta 1 were markedly increased by DEN. This increase was attenuated by HMW fucoidan. Hepatic chemokine ligand 12 expression was increased by DEN. This increase was suppressed by HMW fucoidan. HMW fucoidan significantly decreased the DEN-induced malondialdehyde levels. Also, fucoidan markedly increased metallothionein expression in the liver. Fucoidan was clearly observed in the liver by immunohistochemical staining in HMW fucoidan-treated rats, while it was faintly stained in the livers of crude fucoidan-treated rats. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the HMW fucoidan treatment causes anti-fibrogenesis in DEN-induced liver cirrhosis through the downregulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 and chemokine ligand 12 expressions, and that scavenging lipid peroxidation is well-incorporated in the liver.

Determination of the sensitising activity of the rubber contact sensitisers TMTD, ZDMC, MBT and DEA in a modified local lymph node assay and the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate pretreatment on local lymph node responses.

A modified local lymph node assay (LLNA) was used to determine the sensitising activity of four chemicals used for the production of natural rubber latex products. Tetramethylthiuramdisulfide (TMTD), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and zincdimethyldithiocarbamate (ZDMC), three moderate human sensitisers, and diethylamine (DEA) a known human sensitiser, were epicutaneously administered on the ear and the proliferating activity in the draining (auricular) lymph node (LN) was determined by ex vivo (3)H-thymidine incorporation. Consistent results were obtained for TMTD and ZDMC with stimulation indices (SI) above 3, identifying these compounds as sensitiser, while for DEA and MBT inconsistent results were obtained. For all parameters determined such as LN weight, LN cell number, cell proliferation per 2 x 10(6) cells, and cell proliferation per LN statistical significant increases were observed. The SI, expressed as cellular proliferation per LN or per animal (left and right LN combined), was the most sensitive parameter with an optimum at day 5 after start of treatment.Furthermore, we investigated whether the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was able to enhance weak responses in the LLNA. SDS treatment with dosages of 10% and higher resulted in a SI above 3, while a dosage of 1% SDS showed no activity. Pretreatment with 1% SDS 1 h before application of the rubber chemicals enhanced the responses to these chemicals consistently, identifying also DEA and MBT as sensitisers. Our results indicate that SDS had synergistic activity on the LN responses of the administered rubber chemicals in the LLNA. For the moderately responding sensitisers TMTD and ZDMC both IFN-gamma and IL-4 production was observed. For the weakly responding sensitisers DEA and MBT both IFN-gamma and IL-4 cytokine production was only observed after pretreatment of the animals with 10% SDS. For 10% and 20% SDS, inducing approximately a SI of 20 in the LLNA, no induction of cytokines was observed.

Comparison of dose-responses of contact allergens using the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay.

The guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) has been used as a method for the prediction of skin sensitizing potential for over 30 years. Besides hazard identification, risk assessment of sensitizing chemicals requires the assessment of potency. For the determination of potency based on lowest effective dose levels, dose-response studies are required. In the standard GPMT a single concentration is used for intracutaneous and topical induction and the assay provides a qualitative assessment of allergenicity. This paper presents data derived from quantitative evaluation of the sensitizing potency of chemicals in the GPMT, based on multiple concentrations. We performed the GPMT in accordance with the original procedure of Magnusson and Kligman; and included in this procedure a range of intradermal and topical concentrations for induction. Three allergens with different sensitizing potencies, diethylamine (DEA), tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD) and zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate (ZDMC) were tested. The data obtained with this test procedure were compared to data we previously obtained using the local lymph node assay (LLNA). Both the GPMT and the LLNA showed dose response relationships for the three chemicals tested. For the chemicals tested, both tests differed in the relative potencies based on benchmark concentrations. While both tests ranked DEA as the least potent allergen, the GPMT ranked ZDMC more potent than TMTD, the reverse being found in the LLNA. The nature of the data provided in the LLNA makes it likely that benchmarks as defined with this test are more reliable than that defined in the GPMT. However, further validation with human data is necessary.

Mutagenicity of nitric oxide-releasing compounds in Escherichia coli: effect of superoxide generation and evidence for two mutagenic mechanisms.

The mutagenicity of three nitric oxide (NO) donors, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a compound generating the precursors of peroxynitrite NO and superoxide, diethylamine/NO (DEA/NO) and spermine/NO (SPER/NO), both releasing authentic NO was analyzed using Escherichia coli tester strains IC203, carrying a deletion of the oxyR gene, and its oxyR(+) parent IC188 (the alternative name of WP2 uvrA/pKM101). The OxyR protein is a redox-sensitive transcriptional activator of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. Strains IC203 and IC188 contain error-prone DNA polymerases polV, encoded by the chromosomal umuDC genes, and polRI, encoded by mucAB genes carried by pKM101. SIN-1 was determined to be an oxidative mutagen giving a positive response only in IC203, whereas DEA/NO and SPER/NO induced similar positive responses in IC203 and IC188 and were considered as non-oxidative mutagens. The spectrum of ochre suppressors in Trp(+) revertants induced by SIN-1 in IC203 was characterized by a higher number of TA-->AT transversions and GC-->AT transitions, and a lower number of GC-->TA transversions, with respect to the untreated control. The mutagenicity of SIN-1 in IC203, probably induced by peroxynitrite through reactive derivatives, was enhanced in the presence of plumbagin (PLB), a superoxide generator. Superoxide generation by PLB, as well as formation of peroxynitrite in cells treated with SIN-1, evaluated by monitoring the oxidation, respectively, of dihydroethidium and dihydrorhodamine 123, were greater in IC203 than in IC188. Formation of peroxynitrite in IC203 treated with SIN-1 was stimulated by PLB. After treatment with DEA/NO and SPER/NO the number of revertants scored in IC188 was higher than in strains IC187, containing only polV, and IC204, deficient in both polV and polRI. For these compounds, induced suppressor revertants in IC187 and IC204 were almost exclusively GC-->AT transitions, whereas in IC188 significant levels of GC-->TA and TA-->AT transversions were also induced. Mutagenesis by both DEA/NO and SPER/NO was partially inhibited in the presence of PLB. The results show the usefulness of the new tester strain IC203 to differentiate NO-promoted mutagenic mechanisms that involve or do not involve oxygen radicals.

Final report on the safety assessment of Stearamide DIBA-Stearate.

Stearamide DIBA-Stearate is a substituted dihydroxyisobutylamine (DIBA) that functions in cosmetic formulations as an opacifying agent, a surfactant-foam booster, and a viscosity increasing agent. Stearamide DIBA-Stearate was reportedly used in four cosmetic formulations, at concentrations of 1% to 3%. Few data on this ingredient were available. Data on related ingredients, including Dibutyl Adipate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Stearamide DEA, and Stearamide MEA, were considered in the assessment of safety. A formulation containing 1.3% Stearamide DIBA-Stearate (further diluted to 4% of the formulation) was mildly irritating but nonsensitizing in an repeated-insult patch test (RIPT). The same dilution was noncomedogenic. At a concentration of 20%, Dibutyl Adipate had an oral LD50 of 2 g/kg. Subchronic dermal exposure of rabbits (1.0 ml/kg/day) caused a reduction in weight gain that was not observed at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg/day. In studies using rabbits, undiluted Dibutyl Adipate caused mild to moderate skin irritation and minimal ocular irritation. When pregnant rats were treated intraperitoneally with approximately 1.75 ml/kg Dibutyl Adipate during gestation, the incidence of fetal gross abnormalities was increased. No effect was observed at smaller doses. Diisopropyl Adipate had low acute oral and percutaneous toxicity, and was only a very mild ocular irritant. In skin irritation studies using rabbits, 5.0% to 100% Diisopropyl Adipate caused minimal to mild irritation; these results were also seen in clinical testing with only moderate cumulative irritation, and no sensitization or photosensitization. A formulation containing 5.27% Stearamide MEA was not toxic to rats when applied topically daily for 13 weeks. In studies using rabbits, Stearamide DEA (35% to 40%) was not a skin or ocular irritant, and Stearamide MEA (5.27%) was not an ocular irritant. At 17%, Stearamide MEA was not irritating to the skin, but caused minimal to moderate irritation to the eyes of rabbits. Stearamide MEA (5.27%) did not cause sensitization during a clinical study. It was not possible, however, to determine the relevance of these data on related ingredients. Therefore, it was concluded that the available data are insufficient. Additional data needs are (1) method of manufacture; (2) chemical characterization, including impurities; (3) dermal absorption; if significantly absorbed, then a 28-day dermal toxicity study and a reproductive and developmental toxicity study may be needed; (4) two genotoxicity assays, at least one in a mammalian system; if positive, then a 2-year dermal carcinogenesis study using National Toxicology Program (NTP) methods may be needed; (5) ultraviolet (UV) absorption data; if significant absorption occurs in the UVA or UVB range, photosensitization data are needed. Absent these data, it was concluded that the available data are insufficient to support the safety of Stearamide DIBA-Stearate as used in cosmetic products.

Rapid analysis of base-pair substitutions induced by mutagenic drugs through their oxygen radical or epoxide derivatives.

Among the drugs that induce base-pair substitution mutations in the Salmonella reversion assay are the nitric oxide (NO)-delivery drug, diethylamine NONOate (DeaNO), and the ovarian cancer chemotherapeutic drug, treosulphan (TE). The present study compared the mutation spectra generated by DeaNO and TE in the hisG46 strains, TA1535 and TA100, the hisG428 strain, TA102, and the six Ames II 7000 series strains. Using these strains, it was feasible to conduct rapid analysis of the type and magnitude of induced mutation without resorting to DNA amplification and sequencing. A putative hydrolysis product of TE, 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB), and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) were included in the study to allow for further comparisons between epoxide-induced damage and that induced by the hydroxyl radical. TE (0.93 micromole/pl) induced 16. 8-fold-over-background reversion or a mutagenicity ratio (MR) of 16. 8 in TA1535. The response was weaker in TA100 (MR of 3), and negative in strain TA102. Only two Ames II strains demonstrated sensitivity to TE, and they were TA7004 (CG:AT) and TA7005 (GC:AT). Like TE, DeaNO (33 micromole/pl) was mutagenic in TA1535 (MR of 24.6), TA100 (MR of 5.3), TA7004 (MR of 13.7), and TA7005 (MR of 7.7), and non-mutagenic in TA102. These results showed a preferential sensitivity to reversion of the -CCC-target in TA100 and TA1535, and a lack of sensitivity to reversion of the -TAA-target in TA102. In addition, they elucidated the selectivity of the Ames II strains, with AT targets showing little or no sensitivity to reversion. The TE-epoxide derivative DEB was mutagenic in TA1535 and TA7004, but in contrast to TE, DEB was mutagenic in TA102. Interestingly, TA102 was reverted by DEB and H(2)O(2) but not by TE or DeaNO. This study showed that analysis of mutations is achievable using the battery of strains listed above. The fact that DNA damage can be detected by reversion at specific bases offers a tool for understanding the mechanisms through which drugs may exert their DNA and cellular damage.

[Mutagen sensitivity of patients with laryngeal and oropharyngeal carcinoma]. / Mutagensensitivität von Patienten mit Larynx- bzw. Oropharynxkarzinomen.

BACKGROUND: Carcinogenesis in the larynx and oropharynx is often associated with excessive exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol. However, attention is increasingly being focused on genetically determined mutagen sensitivities and on the mutagenic impact of xenobiotics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of phthalates (plasticizers widely used in synthetic materials), as well as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic carbohydrates, on laryngeal and oropharyngeal epithelia and peripheral lymphocytes of patients with laryngeal and oropharyngeal carcinomas. METHODS: The comet assay was used to detect induced DNA strand breaks. Macroscopically healthy supraglottic and oropharyngeal epithelia of patients with laryngeal and oropharyngeal tumors, respectively, and lymphocytes were investigated with dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutylphthalate (DiBP). N'nitrosodiethylamine (NDELA), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The Olive Tail Moment (OTM) was used to quantify genotoxicity. RESULTS: For the first time, the genotoxicity of DBP and DiBP was demonstrated in laryngeal and oropharyngeal epithelia, as well as in peripheral lymphocytes, of patients suffering from laryngeal and oropharyngeal carcinomas. OTM levels for NDELA were higher than for phthalates; levels for BaP were lower. Testing of lymphocytes and mucosa showed no significant differences among the various substances. CONCLUSIONS: Phthalates show a genotoxic impact on epithelia of tumor patients. OTM levels were higher than in nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa of healthy donors in results reported earlier. Thus, specific susceptibilities to these xenobiotics need to be discussed. No such effect was demonstrated for NDELA and BaP. In tumor patients, no significant differences could be shown in mutagenic sensitivities in mucosal cells and lymphocytes.

A new cognition-enhancing agent, (R)-(-)-1-(benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl)- 2-[2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethoxy]ethanol hydrochloride. Effects on memory impairment in rats generated by cerebral embolization and basal forebrain lesions.

The title compound (T-588) has been evaluated for its ameliorating effect on memory impairment generated by cerebral embolization and by a basal forebrain (BF) lesion in male Wistar rats. The memory and learning deficits induced by injection of carbon-microspheres into the internal carotid artery were significantly improved by T-588 at oral dose of 3-10 mg/kg, as determined by an active avoidance response assay, whereas the reference drugs (tacrine, idebenone and indeloxazine) proved almost inactive in the same assay procedure. As far as the embolization was concerned, a significant decrease in cerebral acetylcholine and monoamines was observed. The effect on the memory impairment caused by an electrolytic lesion of the BF was assessed by a passive avoidance task. T-588 exhibited a bell-shaped dose-response curve and was most active at 1 mg/kg (oral dose), while tacrine showed equal activity at 10 mg/kg.

Nitric oxide and ethylnitrosourea: relative mutagenicity in the p53 tumor suppressor and hypoxanthine-phosphoribosyltransferase genes.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a cellular messenger which is mutagenic in bacteria and human TK6 cells and induces deamination of 5-methylcytosine (5meC) residues in vitro. The aims of this study were: (i) to investigate whether NO induces 5meC deamination in codon 248 of the p53 gene in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B); and (ii) to compare NO mutagenicity to that of ethylnitrosourea (ENU), a strong mutagen. Two approaches were used: (i) a novel genotypic assay, using RFLP/PCR technology on purified exon VII sequence of the p53 gene; and (ii) a phenotypic (HPRT) mutation assay using 6-thioguanine selection. BEAS-2B cells were either exposed to 4 mM DEA/NO (Et2N[N2O2]Na, an agent that spontaneously releases NO into the medium) or transfected with the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene. The genotypic mutation assay, which has a sensitivity of 1 x 10(-6), showed that 4 mM ENU induces detectable numbers of G --> A transitions in codon 248 of p53 while 5-methylcytosine deamination was not detected in either iNOS-transfected cells or cells exposed to 4 mM DEA/NO. Moreover, ENU was dose-responsively mutagenic in the phenotypic HPRT assay, reaching mutation frequencies of 24 and 96 times that of untreated control cells at ENU concentrations of 4 and 8 mM respectively; by contrast, 4 mM DEA/NO induced no detectable mutations in this assay, nor were any observed in cells transfected with murine iNOS. We conclude that if NO is at all promutagenic in these cells, it is significantly less so than the ethylating mutagen, ENU.

Inhalation of diethylamine--acute nasal effects and subjective response.

Adult volunteers were exposed to 25 ppm (75 mg/m3) diethylamine in a climate chamber for 15 min in order to study the acute nasal reactions to an exposure equivalent to the present threshold limit value-short-term exposure limit. Changes in nasal volume and nasal resistance were measured by acoustic rhinometry and by rhinomanometry. Acute change in nasal volume, usually seen as acute nasal mucosa response to thermal stimuli, was not observed, nor was an acute change in nasal airway resistance. In a subsequent experiment, the aim was to measure acute sensory effects. Exposure to a concentration increasing from 0 to 12 ppm took place for 60 min, equal to an average concentration of 10 ppm (30 mg/m3). A moderate to strong olfactory response and distinct nasal and eye irritation were observed. In spite of considerable individual variation, the results were in agreement with sensory effect estimates obtained from animal studies.