Enhanced mutagenicity of 2-nitropropane nitronate with respect to 2-nitropropane--possible involvement of free radical species

Hazard characterization of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity for short chain primary nitroalkanes

Nitroalkanes are organic aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds with a nitro moiety that are commonly used as solvents or intermediates to synthesize a variety of organic compounds due to their inherent reactivity. In June 2020, a harmonized classification and labeling (CLH) proposal was submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for the following harmonized carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity ("CMR") classifications for nitromethane (NM), nitroethane (NE), and 1-nitropropane (1-NP): NM Carc. 1B and Repr. 1B; NE Repr. 1B; and 1-NP Repr. 2. In this assessment, a weight of evidence (WoE) evaluation of studies on animal carcinogenicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity, genotoxicity, and mode of action for these three nitroalkanes was performed to critically assess the relevance of the proposed CMR classifications. Overall, the WoE indicates that NM, NE, and 1-NP are not carcinogenic, genotoxic, nor selective reproductive or developmental toxicants. Based on our analysis, classifying NM, NE, and 1-NP as Category 2 reproductive toxicants is most appropriate. Furthermore, not classifying NE and 1-NP with respect to their carcinogenicity is appropriate based on the available studies for this endpoint coupled with negative results in genotoxicity studies, metabolism data, and in silico predictions. We determined that the classification for NM of Carc. 1B is not appropriate, based on the fact that rat mammary and harderian tumors are likely not relevant to humans and lung and liver tumors reported in mice were equivocal in their dose-response and statistical significance.

Toxicity and metabolism of nitroalkanes and substituted nitroalkanes

A series of low molecular weight nitro-containing compounds has recently been discovered to have a variety of biological activities including the reduction of anaerobic methane production in ruminant animals and activity against economically important human pathogens, including Salmonella sp. and shigella-toxin producing Escherichia coli . Although some of these nitrocompounds, nitroethane and 2-nitropropane, for example, have been industrial chemicals and synthetic intermediates for years, others such as carboxymethyl nitro-amino acid analogues are new to science and have not been previously described. The purpose of this paper is to review the toxicological profiles, especially as related to events occurring during metabolism and biotransformation, which contribute to toxicological end points of established nitroaliphatic compounds. It is hoped that by summarizing existing knowledge, an understanding of the activities and toxicological profiles of newly established nitrocompounds might be anticipated or adverse events associated with their use might be avoided.

A core in vitro genotoxicity battery comprising the Ames test plus the in vitro micronucleus test is sufficient to detect rodent carcinogens and in vivo genotoxins

In vitro genotoxicity testing needs to include tests in both bacterial and mammalian cells, and be able to detect gene mutations, chromosomal damage and aneuploidy. This may be achieved by a combination of the Ames test (detects gene mutations) and the in vitro micronucleus test (MNvit), since the latter detects both chromosomal aberrations and aneuploidy. In this paper we therefore present an analysis of an existing database of rodent carcinogens and a new database of in vivo genotoxins in terms of the in vitro genotoxicity tests needed to detect their in vivo activity. Published in vitro data from at least one test system (most were from the Ames test) were available for 557 carcinogens and 405 in vivo genotoxins. Because there are fewer publications on the MNvit than for other mammalian cell tests, and because the concordance between the MNvit and the in vitro chromosomal aberration (CAvit) test is so high for clastogenic activity, positive results in the CAvit test were taken as indicative of a positive result in the MNvit where there were no, or only inadequate data for the latter. Also, because Hprt and Tk loci both detect gene-mutation activity, a positive Hprt test was taken as indicative of a mouse-lymphoma Tk assay (MLA)-positive, where there were no data for the latter. Almost all of the 962 rodent carcinogens and in vivo genotoxins were detected by an in vitro battery comprising Ames+MNvit. An additional 11 carcinogens and six in vivo genotoxins would apparently be detected by the MLA, but many of these had not been tested in the MNvit or CAvit tests. Only four chemicals emerge as potentially being more readily detected in MLA than in Ames+MNvit--benzyl acetate, toluene, morphine and thiabendazole--and none of these are convincing cases to argue for the inclusion of the MLA in addition to Ames+MNvit. Thus, there is no convincing evidence that any genotoxic rodent carcinogens or in vivo genotoxins would remain undetected in an in vitro test battery consisting of Ames+MNvit.

Tertiary-Butanol: a toxicological review

Tert-Butanol is an important intermediate in industrial chemical synthesis, particularly of fuel oxygenates. Human exposure to tert-butanol may occur following fuel oxygenate metabolism or biodegradation. It is poorly absorbed through skin, but is rapidly absorbed upon inhalation or ingestion and distributed to tissues throughout the body. Elimination from blood is slower and the half-life increases with dose. It is largely metabolised by oxidation via 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol to 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, the dominant urinary metabolites. Conjugations also occur and acetone may be found in urine at high doses. The single-dose systemic toxicity of tert-butanol is low, but it is irritant to skin and eyes; high oral doses produce ataxia and hypoactivity and repeated exposure can induce dependence. Tert-Butanol is not definable as a genotoxin and has no effects specific for reproduction or development; developmental delay occurred only with marked maternal toxicity. Target organs for toxicity clearly identified are kidney in male rats and urinary bladder, particularly in males, of both rats and mice. Increased tumour incidences observed were renal tubule cell adenomas in male rats and thyroid follicular cell adenomas in female mice and, non-significantly, at an intermediate dose in male mice. The renal adenomas were associated with alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy and, to a lesser extent, exacerbation of chronic progressive nephropathy. Neither of these modes of action can function in humans. The thyroid tumour response could be strain-specific. No thyroid toxicity was observed and a study of hepatic gene expression and enzyme induction and thyroid hormone status has suggested a possible mode of action.

Methyltertiary-Butyl Ether: Studies for Potential Human Health Hazards

When methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) in gasoline was first introduced to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and comply with the Clean Air Act, in the United States, a pattern of complaints emerged characterised by seven "key symptoms." Later, carefully controlled volunteer studies did not confirm the existence of the specific key symptoms, although one study of self-reported sensitive (SRS) people did suggest that a threshold at about 11-15% MTBE in gasoline may exist for SRSs in total symptom scores. Neurobehavioral and psychophysiological studies on volunteers, including SRSs, found no adverse responses associated with MTBE at likely exposure levels. MTBE is well and rapidly absorbed following oral and inhalation exposures. Cmax values for MTBE are achieved almost immediately after oral dosing and within 2 h of continuous inhalation. It is rapidly eliminated, either by exhalation as unchanged MTBE or by urinary excretion of its less volatile metabolites. Metabolism is more rapid humans than in rats, for both MTBE and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), its more persistent primary metabolite. The other primary metabolite, formaldehyde, is detoxified at a rate very much greater than its formation from MTBE. MTBE has no specific effects on reproduction or development, or on genetic material. Neurological effects were observed only at very high concentrations. In carcinogenicity studies of MTBE, TBA, and methanol (included as an endogenous precursor of formaldehyde, without the presence of TBA), some increases in tumor incidence have been observed, but consistency of outcome was lacking and even some degree of replication was observed in only three cases, none of which had human relevance: alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy-related renal tubule cell adenoma in male rats; Leydig-cell adenoma in male rats, but not in mice, which provide the better model of the human disease; and B-cell-derived lymphoma/leukemia of doubtful pathogenesis that arose mainly in lungs of orally dosed female rats. In addition, hepatocellular adenomas were significantly higher in female CD-1 mice and thyroid follicular-cell adenomas were increased in female B6C3F1 mice treated with TBA, but these results lack any independent confirmation, which would have been possible from a number of other studies.

Electron Hole Flow Patterns through the RNA-Cleaving 8-17 Deoxyribozyme Yield Unusual Information about Its Structure and Folding

DNA double helices have been shown to conduct electron holes over significant distances. Here, we report on the hole flow patterns within a more intricately folded DNA complex, the 8-17 deoxyribozyme bound to a DNA pseudosubstrate, incorporating three helical elements and two catalytically relevant loops. The observed hole flow patterns within the complex permitted a quantitative assessment of the stacking preferences of the three constituent helices and provided evidence for significant transitions within the complex's global geometry. The patterns further suggested varying levels of solvent exposure of the complex's constituent parts, and revealed that a catalytically relevant cytosine within the folded complex exists in an unusual structural/electronic environment. Our data suggest that the study of charge flow may provide novel perspectives on the structure and folding of intricately folded DNAs and RNAs.

Mechanism of metal-mediated DNA damage induced by metabolites of carcinogenic 2-nitropropane

2-Nitropropane (2-NP), a widely used industrial solvent, is carcinogenic to rats. To clarify the mechanism of carcinogenesis by 2-NP, we investigated DNA damage by 2-NP metabolites, N-isopropylhydroxylamine (IPHA) and hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HAS), using 32P-5'-end-labelled DNA fragments obtained from genes that are relevant to human cancer. In the presence of Fe(III) EDTA, both IPHA and HAS caused DNA damage at every nucleotide position without marked site preference. The damage was inhibited by free hydroxyl radical (-*OH) scavengers, catalase and deferoxamine mesilate, an iron chelating agent. These results suggest that the DNA damage was caused by -*OH generated via H(2)O(2) by both IPHA and HAS. In contrast, in the presence of Cu(II), IPHA frequently caused DNA damage at thymine. The Cu(II)-mediated DNA damage caused by IPHA was inhibited by catalase, methional and bathocuproine, a Cu(I)-specific chelator, suggesting the involvement of H(2)O(2) and Cu(I). These results suggest that the DNA damage induced by IPHA in the presence of Cu(II) was caused by a reactive oxygen species like the Cu(I)-hydroperoxo complex. On the other hand, HAS most frequently induced DNA damage at 5'-TG-3', 5'-GG-3' and 5'-GGG-3' sequences. Catalase and methional only partly inhibited the Cu(II)-mediated DNA damage caused by HAS, suggesting that the reactive oxygen species and another reactive species participate in this process. Formation of 8-oxodG by IPHA or HAS increased in the presence of metal ions. This study suggests that metal-mediated DNA damage caused by 2-NP metabolites plays an important role in the mutagenicity and the carcinogenicity of 2-NP.

2-Nitropropane-induced lipid peroxidation: antitoxic effects of melatonin

The degree of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as indicated by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA), and the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) in serum as parameters of hepatotoxicity were studied in rats treated with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the hepatocarcinogen 2-nitropropane (2-NP). Since melatonin, the main secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to protect against a number of toxic agents, it was given 30 min before 2-NP to test its protective effect against 2-NP toxicity. Significant increases in LPO in liver (P<0.0001), lung (P<0.05) and kidney (P<0.0001) were observed 24 h after 4 mmol/kg 2-NP while serum SDH activity was increased 470-fold. All parameters showed time (0, 4, 8, 24 h) and dose (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mmol/kg) dependency. The induction of LPO by 2-NP was significantly reduced in lung and kidney when melatonin (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg) was given prior to 2-NP administration. The elevation in serum SDH caused by 2-NP was also reduced when melatonin was given. These findings show that 2-NP induces LPO and that pharmacological levels of melatonin can reduce the toxicity of this hepatocarcinogen.

Prevention of oxidative DNA damage in rats by brussels sprouts

The alleged cancer preventive effects of cruciferous vegetables could be related to protection from mutagenic oxidative DNA damage. We have studied the effects of Brussels sprouts, some non-cruciferous vegetables and isolated glucosinolates on spontaneous and induced oxidative DNA damage in terms of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in groups of 6-8 male Wistar rats. Excess oxidative DNA damage was induced by 2-nitropropane (2-NP 100 mg/kg). Four days oral administration of 3 g of cooked Brussels sprouts homogenate reduced the spontaneous urinary 8-oxodG excretion by 31% (p<0.05) whereas raw sprouts, beans and endive (1:1), isolated indolyl glucosinolates and breakdown products had no significant effect. An aqueous extract of cooked Brussels sprouts (corresponding to 6.7 g vegetable per day for 4 days) decreased the spontaneous 8-oxodG excretion from 92 +/- 12 to 52 +/- 15 pmol/24 h (p<0.05). After 2-NP administration the 8-oxodG excretion was increased to 132 +/- 26 pmol/24 h (p<0.05) whereas pretreatment with the sprouts extract reduced this to 102 +/- 30 pmol/24 h (p<0.05). The spontaneous level of 8-oxodG in nuclear DNA from liver and bone marrow was not significantly affected by the sprouts extract whereas the level decreased by 27% in the kidney (p<0.05). In the liver 2-NP increased the 8-oxodG levels in nuclear DNA 8.7 and 3.8 times (p<0.05) 6 and 24 h after dose, respectively. The sprouts extract reduced this increase by 57% (p<0.05) at 6 h whereas there was no significant effect at 24 h. In the kidneys 2-NP increased the 8-oxodG levels 2.2 and 1.2 times (p<0.05) 6 and 24 h after dose, respectively. Pretreatment with the sprouts extract abolished these increases (p<0.05). Similarly, in the bone marrow the extract protected completely (p<0.05) against a 4.9-fold 2-NP induced increase (p<0.05) in the 8-oxodG level. These findings demonstrate that cooked Brussels sprouts contain bioactive substance(s) with a potential for reducing the physiological as well as oxidative stress induced oxidative DNA damage in rats. This could explain the suggested cancer preventive effect of cruciferous vegetables. The correspondence between the urinary excretion and 8-oxodG levels in 2-NP target organs supports its being the main repair product that reflects the rate of guanine oxidation in DNA.

Sulfotransferase-mediated genotoxicity of propane 2-nitronate in cultured ovine seminal vesicle cells

2-Nitropropane (2-NP) is a well-known genotoxin and carcinogen in rat liver. Several metabolic pathways, particularly cytochrome P450-, peroxidase- and sulfotransferase-dependent ones, have been suggested to lead to the formation of DNA-reactive species from 2-NP. Because rat liver cells express most types of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, the role of specific pathways in the metabolic activation of 2-NP is difficult to assess in these cells. We have therefore investigated the genotoxicity of 2-NP and its anionic form, propane 2-nitronate (P2N), in cultured ovine seminal vesicle (OSV) cells. OSV cells lack cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase activity, but express prostaglandin-H-synthase (PHS) and, as we found out, phenol sulfotransferase. The induction of DNA repair synthesis and specific DNA modifications served as indicators for the genotoxicity of 2-NP and P2N. Both forms strongly induced repair, P2N being more active than 2-NP. The secondary nitroalkanes nitrocyclopentane and nitrocyclohexane also induced repair, whereas 1-nitropropane and the reduction product of 2-NP, acetone oxime, did not. P2N also elicited the formation of the characteristic DNA modifications 'DX1' and 8-aminodeoxyguanosine and increased the level of 8-oxodeoxyguanosine residues in the DNA. Pretreatment of OSV cells with indomethacin, an inhibitor of PHS, affected neither the induction of repair nor the formation of the DNA modifications, and P2N was not a reducing substrate for the PHS-peroxidase activity. In contrast, the sulfotransferase inhibitor pentachlorophenol strongly reduced genotoxicity. The results show that cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases are not required for the metabolic conversion of secondary nitroalkanes or their nitronates into DNA-damaging products, nor is PHS involved in the metabolic activation. Instead, the data corroborate an essential role of sulfotransferase(s) in the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of secondary nitroalkanes. Moreover, it is demonstrated for the first time that these compounds can be genotoxic in cells other than hepatocytes or hepatoma cells. This implies that in species other than the rat, organs other than the liver can be targets for the genotoxicity, and possibly carcinogenicity, of secondary nitroalkanes.

Denitrification of the genotoxicant 2-nitropropane: relationship to its mechanism of toxicity

1. The stabilities of the industrial chemical and constituent of cigarette smoke 2-nitropropane (2-NP) and its aci tautomer propane 2-nitronate (P2N) towards hepatic enzymes and proteins such as serum proteins and oxyhaemoglobin were investigated in vitro in biological (hepatocytes and subcellular liver fractions) and model systems (serum proteins, oxyhaemoglobin, methylene blue). 2. Denitrification of 2-NP, P2N and 2-deutero 2-nitropropane (2H-NP) occurred in murine hepatocytes significantly faster than in rat cells. For 2-NP the rates were 1271 +/- 167 versus 820 +/- 125 pmol nitrite x min-1 x 10(6) cells-1. 3. A similar observation was made in microsomes, where 2-NP denitrification was 1460 +/- 110 (mouse) versus 480 +/- 80 pmol nitrite x min-1 x mg protein-1 (rat). 4. The major NO2(-)-forming activity was found to be localized in the microsomal fraction. 5. Conversion of 2-NP into P2N, either chemically or enzymatically, was a prerequisite for rapid denitrification. 6. Serum proteins and oxyhaemoglobin proved to be capable of denitrifying P2N (198 +/- 24 pmol nitrite x min-1 x mg protein-1 and 7.1 +/- 1.0 nmol nitrite x min-1 x nmol HbO2(-1) respectively), but were much less active towards 2-NP (24 +/- 2 pmol nitrite x min-1 x mg protein-1 and none respectively). 7. Methylene blue decomposed 2-NP and P2N at rates of 11 +/- 3 and 192 +/- 4 pmol nitrite x min-1 x nmol, methylene blue-1 respectively. The dye also enhanced NO2- formation from P2N and 2-NP in the presence of hepatocytes or serum proteins, with a concomitant enhancement of both 2-NP and P2N toxicity. 8. The results presented report species differences in the denitrification rate of 2-NP and highlight the crucial nitro-aci tautomerism of 2-NP as a pivotal determinant of 2-NP toxicity.

2-Nitropropane-induced DNA damage in rat bone marrow

DNA damage detected by the comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) formation in DNA in the bone marrow has been studied in groups of 6 male Wistar rats treated with a single i.p. injection of the carcinogen 2-nitropropane (2-NP, 100 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle. Twenty-four hours after 2-NP the average tail length in the comet assay in bone marrow cells was increased from 1.46 +/- 0.27 to 9.61 +/- 1.56 microm (mean /- SD, p < 0.01), and 8-oxodG levels in the DNA were increased from 1.04 +/- 0.50 to 5.14 +/- 2.42 per 10(5) dG (p < 0.01). There was a close correlation between the comet tail length and the 8-oxodG level (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). The results indicate that 2-NP inflicts DNA damage in the bone marrow cells and thus could be leukemogenic.

Catalysis of nitro-aci tautomerism of the genotoxicant 2-nitropropane by cytosol from rodent and human liver

2-Nitropropane (2-NP) is a genotoxicant and hepatocarcinogen in rodents. Conversion to propane 2-nitronate (P2N), the anion of the tautomeric aci form of 2-NP, seems to be a pivotal part of the mechanism by which 2-NP causes its toxicity. We tested the hypothesis that the tautomeric equilibrium is influenced by enzymes in the liver, the target organ of 2-NP toxicity. Rat or mouse hepatocytes were incubated with 2-NP, P2N or the 2-NP isotopomer 2-deutero 2-nitropropane (2H-2-NP), which equilibrates with P2N much more slowly than 2-NP. Tautomers were analyzed by HPLC. The rates of conversion of 2-NP to P2N expressed as nmol P2N x (10(6) cells/ml)-1 x min-1 were 4.0 and 4.2 in the presence of hepatocytes from rats or mice, respectively, and 2.6 in the absence of cells. Production of 2-NP to P2N expressed as nmol 2-NP x (10(6) cells/ml)-1 x min-1 was increased from 6.1 in the absence of cells to 11.9 or 9.9 in the presence of hepatocytes from rats or mice, respectively. The rate of formation of P2N from 2H-2-NP as compared to 2-NP was characterised by a primary isotope effect of 3.4 and 3.8 in hepatocytes from rats and mice, respectively, contrasting with a value of 9.6 measured in medium omitting cells. When 2-NP was incubated with subfractions of rodent or human liver homogenate, production of P2N by cytosol was between 7.3 (mouse liver) and 28.1 times (human liver) higher than that observed in microsomes. Similarly generation of 2-NP from P2N by cytosol exceeded that in microsomes by a factor of two. Tautomerism in heat-activated cytosol, mitochondria or microsomes was not different from that in buffer only. The results suggest that the nitro-aci tautomerism of secondary nitroalkanes is catalysed by a hepatic enzyme which resides predominantly in the cytosol and may thus contribute to the generation of the toxic species via which 2-NP exerts its toxicity.

Metabolism of the genotoxicant 2-nitropropane to a nitric oxide species

The mechanisms by which the paint constituent 2-nitropropane (2-NP) exerts genotoxicity and hepatocarcinogenicity are poorly understood. The hypothesis was tested that nitric oxide (NO) is a hepatic metabolic intermediate generated from 2-NP and/or its anionic tautomer propane 2-nitronate (P2N). Incubations of liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats or mice with 2-NP or P2N gave spectra with Soret maxima at 448 nm which indicated the presence of a ferrous-NO complex. Levels of 3':5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and nitrite were measured by ELISA assay and HPLC, respectively, in freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes. Levels of cGMP generated within 3 h in cells by 2-NP, P2N (5 mM each) or the diethylamine/NO complex [Et2NNO(N==O)]Na (0.6 mM), an NO precursor, were 6, 15 and 34 times, respectively, those seen in control hepatocytes. Production of cGMP following treatment with 2-NP was linear with time of incubation; cGMP generation from P2N reached its peak already after 1 h. cGMP levels observed in incubates with 1-nitropropane and 2-deutero 2-nitropropane (5 mM), 2-NP isomers devoid of genotoxic properties, were significantly lower than those seen in the presence of 2-NP. Inclusion in the incubate of methylene blue, which inhibits NO-mediated reactions, decreased cGMP formation in hepatocytes with [Et2NNO(N==O)]Na, but increased it in cells with 2-NP or P2N. The production of nitrite from 2-NP, P2N or [Et2NNO(N==O)]Na mirrored cGMP formation. The results suggest that 2-NP and its nitronate generate an NO species in cells which may mediate, or contribute to, 2-NP genotoxicity.

Unique primary structure of 2-nitropropane dioxygenase from Hansenula mrakii

We have isolated the gene encoding 2-nitropropane dioxygenase from Hansenula mrakii, an FAD enzyme that catalyzes the oxygenative denitrification of various anionic nitroalkanes. The gene contained an open reading frame consisting of 1122 nucleotides corresponding to 374 amino acid residues. The protein molecular mass was estimated to be 41,466 Da, which was similar to the subunit molecular mass of the enzyme determined by SDS/PAGE. Several FAD enzymes such as D-amino acid oxidase and glucose oxidase also catalyze the oxidation of nitroalkanes as a side-reaction, although not so efficiently [Kido, T. & Soda, K. (1984) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 234, 468-475]. However, we found no proteins in the databases (GenBank, EMBL, PIR and SWISS-PROT) which are homologous to 2-nitropropane dioxygenase of H. mrakii in primary structure. No protein motifs, including a nucleotide-binding motif, GXGXXG, were found in PROSITE, a database of biologically significant protein sites and patterns. Accordingly, 2-nitropropane dioxygenase is a new type of flavoprotein with a unique structure.

Induction of gamma GT- and GST-P positive foci in the liver of rats treated with 2-nitropropane or propane 2-nitronate

2-Nitropropane (2-NP) or its anionic form propane 2-nitronate (P2-N) were tested as initiators in a sequential model of rat hepatocarcinogenesis, at the end of which preneoplastic foci were histologically detected. Six intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 25, 50 or 100 mg 2-NP or P2-N/kg body weight resulted in the appearance of liver gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma GT)- and glutathione S-transferase (GST-P)-positive foci, whose number and size increased with the dose of initiator. 2-NP and P2-N were equally effective. The potency of the highest dose (6 x 100 mg/kg body wt) was comparable to that of a single injection of diethylnitrosamine (100 or 200 mg/kg body wt). This work provides a short-term (70 days) and convenient model for further studies on 2-NP carcinogenicity.

Propane 2-nitronate is the major genotoxic form of 2-nitropropane

The mutagenicity of 2-nitropropane in Salmonella typhimurium (strain TA100) was proportional to the pH (range 6.1-9.1) of the medium used for pre-incubation of the agent and for incubation of the agent with the Salmonella. The mutagenicity correlated with an enhanced rate of tautomerase to propane 2-nitronate at relatively high pH as measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Both the mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium (strains TA100 and TA102) and the rate of tautomerisation to the nitronate was lower with 2-deutero-2-nitropropane than with non-deuterated 2-nitropropane. Furthermore, 2-deutero-2-nitropropane was less potent in the induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes over a 4-h period. Propane 2-nitronate therefore appears to be pivotal in the causation of the genetic toxicity of 2-nitropropane. The presence of hepatocytes enhanced nitronate production from 2-nitropropane suggesting a contribution from hepatic enzymes in the tautomerisation reaction.

DNA modification and repair by 2-nitropropane is extensive in hepatocytes of rats compared to those of humans and mice

Hepatocytes from rats, mice or humans were exposed to either 2-nitropropane or propane 2-nitronate and the extent of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) was measured. At a concentration of 2-nitropropane (0.1 mM) that produced a marked induction of UDS in rat hepatocytes, a negative or minimal response was seen in hepatocytes from mice and humans. A 10-fold higher concentration of 2-nitropropane was required in mouse hepatocytes for an equivalent UDS response to that seen in rat-liver cells. All three species showed UDS after exposure of hepatocytes to propane 2-nitronate at 0.1 mM although the effect in human cells was variable. In rat hepatocytes the induction of UDS by 2-nitropropane was not inhibited by the antioxidant dimethyl sulphoxide (1%). In these cells, 2-nitropropane produced an electrochemically active modified deoxynucleoside, similar to that reported to be formed in livers of rats which had received 2-nitropropane in vivo. A smaller but significant production of this altered deoxynucleoside was found in mouse hepatocytes but not in human hepatocytes treated identically. The level of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydrode-oxyguanosine was not increased in hepatocytes from any of the three species exposed to 2-NP under the same conditions. It is suggested that the UDS caused by 2-nitropropane may be in response to damage other than that produced by oxygen radicals.

Assessment of the genotoxic potential of riboflavin and lumiflavin. B. Effect of light

On exposure to visible light, riboflavin and lumiflavin produced reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen and superoxide radicals. The reaction was found to be time- and concentration-dependent. Both riboflavin and lumiflavin, upon illumination, showed mutagenic response in the umu test as well as in the Ames/Salmonella assay with Salmonella typhimurium TA102. The mutagenic response was partially abolished by superoxide dismutase while sodium azide did not have any effect. No mutagenicity was observed if the compounds were not illuminated. The results suggested the involvement of superoxide radicals in light-induced mutagenicity of riboflavin as well as lumiflavin.

Propane 2-nitronate is more rapidly denitrified and is more genotoxic than 2-nitropropane in cultured rat hepatoma cells

We have investigated the importance of nitronate formation from 2-nitropropane (2-NP) for the oxidative metabolism and the genotoxicity of 2-NP in 2sFou rat hepatoma cells. Treatment of the cells with 2-NP for up to 3 h resulted in the time-dependent appearance of nitrite in the culture medium and in a weak induction of DNA repair synthesis. Both nitrite formation and repair induction were markedly enhanced in cells exposed to the anionic form of 2-NP, propane 2-nitronate. These observations suggest that propane 2-nitronate, rather than 2-NP itself, is oxidized by the liver cells to yield a DNA-damaging product. The results also indicate that the nitro/nitronate equilibration in intact liver cells is slow, suggesting that nitronate formation represents the rate-limiting step in the metabolic activation of 2-NP.

Evaluation of secondary nitroalkanes, their nitronates, primary nitroalkanes, nitrocarbinols, and other aliphatic nitro compounds in the Ames Salmonella assay

The secondary nitroalkanes 2-nitropropane, 2-nitrobutane, 3-nitropentane and nitrocyclopentane, as well as their anionic forms (nitronates); the primary nitroalkanes 1-nitropropane, 1-nitrobutane, and 1-nitropentane and their respective nitronates; the nitrocarbinols 2-nitro-1-propanol, 2-nitro-1-butanol, 3-nitro-2-butanol, and 3-nitro-2-pentanol and their respective nitronates; 2-methyl-2-nitropropane, and 2-nitroso-2-nitropropane were tested in the Ames Salmonella assay using strains TA98, TA100 and TA102. Nitronates of the secondary nitroalkanes 2-nitropropane, 2-nitrobutane, 3-nitropentane, and nitrocyclopentane were significantly mutagenic in Salmonella strains TA100 and TA102 at 10-80 mumoles/plate, but the parent compounds were mutagenic at only a single dose level or were not mutagenic at all in the same dose range. The primary nitroalkanes and the nitrocarbinols were not mutagenic, or only marginally so, at the concentrations tested. The nitronates of the primary nitroalkanes and the nitrocarbinols reprotonated too rapidly under the conditions of the assay for adequate evaluation of mutagenicity. 2-Methyl-2-nitropropane was not mutagenic in strains TA100 and TA102; 2-nitroso-2-nitropropane was also not mutagenic in strains TA100 and TA102, but induced an equivocal mutagenic response in TA98. The positive Salmonella mutation data for the nitronates of the secondary nitroalkanes studied correlate very well with the very slow rate of reprotonation of secondary nitroalkane nitronates at pH 7.7 (Conaway et al. (1991) Cancer Res., 51, 3143), and provide further evidence that nitronates of secondary nitroalkanes, rather than the neutral parent forms with which they may be in equilibrium, are the more proximate mutagenic species.

Relationship of hepatocarcinogenicity and hepatocellular proliferation induced by mutagenic noncarcinogens vs carcinogens. II. 1- vs 2-nitropropane

2-Nitropropane (2-NP) is mutagenic in a number of short-term mutagenicity assays in vitro and in vivo, and is a potent hepatocarcinogen in rats. A structural isomer, 1-nitropropane (1-NP), is mutagenic in V79 cells and can induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes, yet did not induce tumors in rats following chronic exposure. We examined the correlation of cell proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis induced by this mutagenic noncarcinogen-carcinogen pair in a rat liver proliferation model. Rats were exposed to gavage doses of 0.5, 1, or 2 mmol/kg of 1-NP or 2-NP daily for 10 days; the highest two dose groups were similar to the doses used in the carcinogenesis bioassay. Cell proliferation was quantitated by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine, detected immunohistochemically, into newly synthesized DNA. Animals exposed to the vehicle exhibited a labeling index (LI) of approximately 1.9% and animals exposed to CCL4 had a LI of approximately 30%. Rats exposed to the hepatocarcinogen 2-NP exhibited a dose-related increase in LI to 6.3 and 11% at the 1 and 2 mmol/kg doses, respectively, and no increase above control at the 0.5 mmol/kg exposure level. Animals exposed to the noncarcinogenic isomer 1-NP showed no statistically significant increase in LI above controls at any dose level tested. Serum chemistries were consistent with mild to moderate decreases in hepatocellular function, cholestasis, and necrosis following 2-NP exposure, but only minimal effects were observed, probably due to slight dehydration resulting from 1-NP exposure. These data indicate a positive association between increased cell proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis induced by these two nitropropane isomers.

Oxidative denitrification of 2-nitropropane and propane-2-nitronate by mouse liver microsomes: lack of correlation with hepatocytotoxic potential

2-Nitropropane (2-NP) is an industrial chemical with hepatotoxic and genotoxic properties. It exists in chemical equilibrium with propane-2-nitronate, which is much more genotoxic than 2-NP. In this work the link between toxicity and metabolism of 2-NP and its nitronate was investigated. To that end 2-NP or propane-2-nitronate were incubated with murine hepatic microsomes at concentrations of up to 10 mM, and generation of nitrite was measured as product of metabolic oxidation of the two species. Under the acidic reaction conditions of the colorimetric nitrite assay propane-2-nitronate decomposed chemically to nitrite. Therefore an ion-pair HPLC assay at neutral pH was developed which enabled determination of nitrite formed from the nitronate. The rate of metabolic nitrite generation from propane-2-nitronate was 5-10-fold that obtained with 2-NP. Metabolism of either species to nitrite was dependent on the presence in the incubate of viable microsomes and of NADPH, and it was inhibited in the presence of carbon monoxide or the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor SKF525A. Acetone could also be measured as a metabolite of 2-NP. Optical difference spectra were recorded in mixtures of propane-2-nitronate with liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats. The spectral dissociation constant was found to be 30 mM, which compares with 10 mM reported for 2-NP. 2-NP and propane 2-nitronate were incubated with mouse hepatocytes in suspension and cytotoxicity was determined by measurement of leakage of cellular lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. Both species were hardly toxic, as concentrations of 20 mM were required to elicit significant damage to the cells. The results demonstrate that propane-2-nitronate, like 2-NP, undergoes microsomal oxidative denitrification, probably catalysed by cytochrome P-450. Metabolism of both species occurs at markedly different rates, but the difference in metabolism is not reflected by a difference in hepatocytotoxic potential.

Hydrogen peroxide formation by cells treated with a tumor promoter

To determine whether oxidants capable of DNA modification are produced by cells treated with tumor promoters, we adapted a fluorometric method to our needs. HeLa cells were preincubated with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFdAc), treated with various agents, sonicated, centrifuged and fluorescence of the oxidized product (DCF) was determined in supernatants. When cells were exposed to H2O2 in the presence of azide (catalase inhibitor) or o-phenanthroline (a lipophilic Fe chelator), an increase in fluorescence was observed. These results show that some Fe ions were interacting with the H2O2 which entered the cells, thus decreasing its levels available for oxidation of the substrate and potentially increasing formation of .OH, known DNA-damaging species. Glutathione (GSH), which is present in cells in substantial amounts, was found to reduce DCF whereas azide counteracted GSH-mediated reduction. Treatment of HeLa cells with 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in the presence of DCFdAc and azide resulted in dose- and time-dependent formation of DCF. Even when cells were sonicated prior to incubation with TPA, DCF was formed at levels proportional to the number of cells as well as dose of TPA. Flow cytometry of TPA-treated cells confirmed these findings. These results demonstrate that tumor promoters can cause oxidative activation of HeLa cells, which produce active oxygen species, most likely H2O2, that ultimately contribute to the formation of oxidized bases such as 5-hydroxymethyl uracil in cellular DNA. They also show that this fluorometric method can be utilized for determination of cellular H2O2 formation at nM concentrations.

Investigation of the chemical basis of nitroalkane toxicity: tautomerism and decomposition of propane 1- and 2-nitronate under physiological conditions

Unlike primary nitroalkanes, such as 1-nitropropane, the secondary nitroalkane 2-nitropropane is geno- and hepatotoxic. Nitroalkanes exist in equilibrium with alkane nitronates. In order to investigate the relationship between nitroalkane toxicity and generation and stability of nitronates, propane 1- or 2-nitronate (4-6 mM) were incubated in buffer (pH 3.8 -7.4) in the absence or presence of cysteine. Equilibrium formation and degradation were studied by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and ion pair HPLC chromatography. Propane 1-nitronate generated 1-nitropropane rapidly and almost quantitatively. In the case of propane 2-nitronate equilibrium at pH 7.4 was reached within 8 h, when 48% of initial nitronate had tautomerised to 2-nitropropane. The pKa of the reaction 2-nitropropane less than--greater than propane 2-nitronate measured by HPLC was 7.63. Equilibrium formation, hydrolysis and reduction of nitronates were pH-dependent and, in the case of propane 2-nitronate, yielded mainly acetone, nitrite and acetone oxime, apart from 2-nitropropane. Hydrolysis of propane 2-nitronate (4 mM) to nitrite was modulated by cysteine (4 mM) and p-methoxyphenol (0.4 mM). At pH 7.4 they increased nitrite generation by 300 and 28%, respectively, at pH 4.8 they decreased nitrite formation by 91 and 82%, respectively, probably by scavenging radical intermediates. Differences between nitroalkanes in terms of content of nitronate tautomer at equilibrium are probably an important chemical determinant of their toxic potential.