Mutagenicity of various chemicals including nickel and cobalt compounds in cultured mouse FM3A cells

A chiral, low-cytotoxic [Ni15]-wheel complex

A new chiral [Ni15] complex with a Schiff-base ligand derived from o-vanillin and L-glutamic acid is presented, emphasizing the properties relevant for biology and materials science. The formation of the complex molecules in solution is confirmed by AFM and dynamic light scattering studies. The compound is weakly antiferromagnetic with considerable admixture of excited states, comprising negligibly interacting [Ni3] units. Studies of the interactions with two cell lines indicate low cytotoxicity.

Carcinogenicity assessment of water-soluble nickel compounds

IARC is reassessing the human carcinogenicity of nickel compounds in 2009. To address the inconsistencies among results from studies of water-soluble nickel compounds, we conducted a weight-of-evidence analysis of the relevant epidemiological, toxicological, and carcinogenic mode-of-action data. We found the epidemiological evidence to be limited, in that some, but not all, data suggest that exposure to soluble nickel compounds leads to increased cancer risk in the presence of certain forms of insoluble nickel. Although there is no evidence that soluble nickel acts as a complete carcinogen in animals, there is limited evidence that suggests it may act as a tumor promoter. The mode-of-action data suggest that soluble nickel compounds will not be able to cause genotoxic effects in vivo because they cannot deliver sufficient nickel ions to nuclear sites of target cells. Although the mode-of-action data suggest several possible non-genotoxic effects of the nickel ion, it is unclear whether soluble nickel compounds can elicit these effects in vivo or whether these effects, if elicited, would result in tumor promotion. The mode-of-action data equally support soluble nickel as a promoter or as not being a causal factor in carcinogenesis at all. The weight of evidence does not indicate that soluble nickel compounds are complete carcinogens, and there is only limited evidence that they could act as tumor promoters.

Epigenetic silencing of O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase gene in NiS-transformed cells

Nickel (Ni) compounds are potent carcinogens and can induce malignant transformation of rodent and human cells. To uncover the molecular mechanisms of nickel sulfide (NiS)-induced cell transformation, we investigated epigenetic alterations in a set of DNA repair genes. The silencing of the O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene locus and upregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression was specifically detected in NiS-transformed human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. In addition, we noted epigenetic alterations including DNA hypermethylation, reduced histone H4 acetylation and a decrease in the ratio of Lys-9 acetylated/methylated histone H3 at the MGMT CpG island in NiS-transformed 16HBE cells. Meanwhile, we identified concurrent binding of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, methylated DNA-binding domain protein 2 and DNMT1 to the CpG island of the MGMT promoter, demonstrating that these components collaborate to maintain MGMT methylation in NiS-transformed cells. Moreover, depletion of DNMT1 by introduction of a small hairpin RNA construct into NiS-transformed cells resulted in a 30% inhibition of cell proliferation and led to increased MGMT gene expression by reversion of the epigenetic modifications at the MGMT promoter region. MGMT suppression and hypermethylation at the CpG island of the MGMT promoter occurred 6 days after NiS treatment, indicating that epigenetic modifications of MGMT might be an early event in tumorigenesis. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that epigenetic silencing of MGMT is associated with DNA hypermethylation, histone modifications and DNMT1 upregulation, which contribute to NiS-induced malignant transformation.

Analysis of specific lysine histone H3 and H4 acetylation and methylation status in clones of cells with a gene silenced by nickel exposure

We have previously reported that the gpt transgene in G12 Chinese hamster cells could be silenced by water-insoluble nickel compounds nickel sulfide (NiS) or nickel subsulfide (Ni(3)S(2)) and showed that the transgene was silenced by de novo DNA methylation and chromatin condensation. To further understand the nature of this silencing, we used the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to elucidate the chromatin structure in nickel-induced silenced G12 clones. We also analyzed the effects of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on histone H3 and H4 acetylation and gpt gene expression in selected nickel-silenced clones. We observed that both histone H3 and H4 were hypoacetylated and a methyl DNA-binding protein MeCP2 was targeted to the gpt gene locus, resulting in a localized inactive chromatin configuration in nickel-silenced cell clones. The histone H3K9 was also found methylated in three of four nickel- silenced cell clones, whereas the histone H3K9 was deacetylated in all four cell clones, indicating that the H3K9 methylation was involved in nickel-induced gene silencing. The acetylation of the gpt gene could be increased by a combination of 5-AzaC and TSA treatment, but not by either 5-AzaC or TSA alone. The gpt transcript was studied by either Northern blot or by semiquantitative RT-PCR following treatment of the silenced clones with TSA or 5-AzaC. An increase in gpt mRNA could be detected by RT-PCR in the clones that regained acetylation of H3 and H4. These data show that gene silencing induced by nickel in the gpt transgenic cell line involved a loss of histone acetylation and an activation of histone methylation. Both H4 and H3 histone acetylation were lost in the silenced clones and these clones exhibited an increase in the methylation of the lysine 9 in histone H3.

Evaluation of fecal mutagenicity and colorectal cancer risk

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common internal malignancies in Western society. The cause of this disease appears to be multifactorial and involves genetic as well as environmental aspects. The human colon is continuously exposed to a complex mixture of compounds, which is either of direct dietary origin or the result of digestive, microbial and excretory processes. In order to establish the mutagenic burden of the colorectal mucosa, analysis of specific compounds in feces is usually preferred. Alternatively, the mutagenic potency of fecal extracts has been determined, but the interpretation of these more integrative measurements is hampered by methodological shortcomings. In this review, we focus on exposure of the large bowel to five different classes of fecal mutagens that have previously been related to colorectal cancer risk. These include heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), two exogenous factors that are predominantly ingested as pyrolysis products present in food and (partially) excreted in the feces. Additionally, we discuss N-nitroso-compounds, fecapentaenes and bile acids, all fecal constituents (mainly) of endogenous origin. The mutagenic and carcinogenic potency of the above mentioned compounds as well as their presence in feces, proposed mode of action and potential role in the initiation and promotion of human colorectal cancer are discussed. The combined results from in vitro and in vivo research unequivocally demonstrate that these classes of compounds comprise potent mutagens that induce many different forms of genetic damage and that particularly bile acids and fecapentaenes may also affect the carcinogenic process by epigenetic mechanisms. Large inter-individual differences in levels of exposures have been reported, including those in a range where considerable genetic damage can be expected based on evidence from animal studies. Particularly, however, exposure profiles of PAH and N-nitroso compounds (NOC) have to be more accurately established to come to a risk evaluation. Moreover, lack of human studies and inconsistency between epidemiological data make it impossible to describe colorectal cancer risk as a result of specific exposures in quantitative terms, or even to indicate the relative importance of the mutagens discussed. Particularly, the polymorphisms of genes involved in the metabolism of heterocyclic amines are important determinants of carcinogenic risk. However, the present knowledge of gene-environment interactions with regard to colorectal cancer risk is rather limited. We expect that the introduction of DNA chip technology in colorectal cancer epidemiology will offer new opportunities to identify combinations of exposures and genetic polymorphisms that relate to increased cancer risk. This knowledge will enable us to improve epidemiological study design and statistical power in future research.

Evaluation of nickel-zinc interactions by means of bioassays with amphibian embryos

The nickel hazard was evaluated by means of a 7-day toxicity test with Bufo arenarum embryos. The LC(50) values for this metal from 24 to 168 h diminished from about 26 to 1.8 mg Ni(2+)/L, respectively, but from 96 h onward, the LC(50) varied very slightly. Although a noticeable difference among the LC(50) and LC(10) or LC(90) was observed at 24 h of exposure, these parameters tended to a similar value at 168 h of exposure while the confidence intervals of LC(50) overlapped all other confidence interval values. These results, plotted as toxicity profile curves, are useful for determining time and concentration thresholds for Ni. Nickel-zinc interactions on B. arenarum embryos were evaluated by means of simultaneous treatments with both cations (Ni: 5-35 mg Ni(2+)/L; Zn: 0.5-130 mg Zn(2+)/L). As a general pattern, low Zn concentrations (0.5 mg Zn(2+)/L) did not have a clear-cut effect on Ni toxicity, higher Zn concentrations (2-20 mg Zn(2+)/L) enhanced Ni toxicity, and concentrations of 30 mg Zn(2+)/L and higher had a beneficial effect in most cases. The metal interaction studies provide a scientific basis for the establishment of water quality criteria for wildlife protection purposes.

DNA fingerprint analysis reveals differences in mutational patterns in experimentally induced rat peritoneal tumors, depending on the type of environmental mutagen

We performed tumor DNA fingerprint analysis using the synthetic minisatellite probe S3315x2 based on the 33.15-repeat unit. The aim of the study was to investigate fingerprinting patterns of peritoneal tumors induced experimentally in Wistar rats by two carcinogens with unknown mechanism of action (crocidolite asbestos and nickel powder) and, as a positive control, benzo[a]pyrene. The carcinogens were administered intraperitoneally into rats. The banding patterns obtained with DNA from 71 peritoneal tumors were compared to the corresponding normal tissues. DNA derived from peritoneal tumors induced by the three carcinogens differed with respect to mutation frequencies and mutation patterns. The mutation frequencies in these tumors, revealed by DNA fingerprinting, were 18.2% for benzo[a]pyrene, 14.8% for crocidolite asbestos, and 40.9% for nickel powder. The alterations detected in the banding pattern of benzo[a]pyrene-induced peritoneal tumors were exclusively additional bands. On the contrary, in the DNA from asbestos-induced peritoneal tumors, only deletions of bands were observed on the autoradiographs. In the DNA from nickel-induced peritoneal tumors, both types of mutations occurred. The different mutation frequencies and mutation patterns appear to discriminate between benzo[a]pyrene, crocidolite asbestos, and nickel powder, and may be related to the mechanisms of action of these compounds.

Nickel subsulfide is similar to potassium dichromate in protecting normal human fibroblasts from the mutagenic effects of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide

The cellular response to multiple carcinogen treatment has not been extensively studied, even though the effect of individual carcinogens is, in many cases, well known. We have previously shown that potassium dichromate can protect normal human fibroblasts from the mutagenic effects of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (BPDE), and that this effect may be via an oxidative stress mechanism [Tesfai et al. (1998) Mutat Res 416:159-168]. Here, we extend our previous work by showing that nickel subsulfide can produce the some effect. Normal human fibroblasts, preincubated with nickel subsulfide for 46 hr followed by a coincubation of nickel subsulfide and BPDE for 2 hr, showed a dramatic reduction in the mutant frequency of the hypoxanthine (guanine)phosphoribosyl-transferase (HPRT) gene when compared to cells treated only with BPDE. The preincubation period with nickel subsulfide was necessary to see the antagonistic effect, since it was not observed if the cells were simply incubated with both carcinogens for 2 hr. The extent of the antagonistic effect was nickel subsulfide dose-dependent and also appeared to be species-specific, since the effect was not observed when Chinese hamster fibroblasts were tested. Finally, the antagonistic effect of the nickel subsulfide was eliminated by vitamin E, suggesting that production of reactive oxygen species by the nickel may be required. This data, along with our previous work, suggest that the antagonistic effect we observe is not chromium-specific, and that it could be species-specific.

Hprt mutants in a transplantable murine tumour arise more frequently in vivo than in vitro

A model system was developed to allow investigation of the frequency at which clastogenic and/or mutagenic events occur in situ in a transplantable murine fibrosarcoma tumour (MC1A-C1) compared with in vitro culture. The marker selected for detecting these events was the X-linked hprt (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase) gene. We found that the hprt gene in MC1A-C1 was not suitable for this purpose, most likely because multiple active copies were present. To circumvent the problem, HPRT- [6-thioguanine (6-TG)-resistant] clones were isolated by inactivating all hprt genes with methylnitrosourea. Spontaneous revertants to hypoxanthine/aminopterin/thymidine resistance (HATR) were isolated and found to be approximately 1000 times more sensitive than the parental tumour to induction of 6-TGR mutants by cobalt-60 gamma-rays. This sensitivity is expected for a heterozygous marker, these revertants may therefore possess only one functional hprt locus but two or more active X chromosomes. A clone with a stable hprt gene was identified and a neo gene was introduced. The resulting cell line (MN-11) could be grown as a subcutaneous tumour in syngeneic C57BL/6 animals. The frequency of mutations arising in vivo in the marker hprt gene could be estimated by culturing explanted tumour cells in the presence of 6-TG, using G418 selection to distinguish tumour from host cells. The frequency of mutants in MN-11 cells grown as tumours was found to be 3.4-fold higher than in tissue culture for an equivalent period of time. These data provide the first direct evidence for the existence of mutagenic factors in a tumour environment that might contribute to tumour progression.

Genotoxic activities in vivo of cobaltous chloride and other metal chlorides as assayed in the Drosophila wing spot test

A series of metal chlorides were subjected to the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster. In the test, larvae trans-heterozygous for the wing-hair mutations mwh and flr were orally treated at the third instar stage with a test compound and the wings were inspected at the adult stage for spots expressing phenotypes of the markers. CoCl2, MnCl2, MoCl3, NiCl2 and ZnCl2 were clearly effective in inducing spots with one or two mutant hairs (small spots). CoCl2 was clearly effective in inducing spots with three or more mutant hairs (large spots) as well. CrCl3, FeCl2 and FeCl3 were negative under the conditions used. Based on estimated frequencies of small spots induced at the LD50, the genotoxic effectiveness of the positive metal salts were ranked in a sequence of CoCl2 > ZnCl2 > MoCl3 > (MnCl2, NiCl2). Since CoCl2 did not induce large spots in the wings of the mwh/TM3 flies with a suppressed ability of mitotic crossing-over, the large spots induced by this compound in the mwh/flr system were ascertained as mutant clones due to mitotic crossing-overs.

Food-borne heterocyclic amines. Chemistry, formation, occurrence and biological activities. A literature review

This review summarizes the abundant literature on food-borne heterocyclic amines, their chemistry and formation, their occurrence in food, their biological activities including mutagenicity, induction of DNA damage and carcinogenicity. Pharmacokinetics and biotransformation are also discussed. Factors that influence these effects are given consideration, with special emphasis on dietary factors that might counteract detrimental biological effects. The annual per capita intake of heterocyclic amines via food is estimated. Risk extrapolations that have been published suggest that food-borne heterocyclic amines are relevant for human cancer etiology.

Mutagenic responses of nickel oxides and nickel sulfides in Chinese hamster V79 cell lines at the xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus

Mutagenesis of several insoluble nickel compounds--crystalline nickel sulfide NiS, nickel subsulfide Ni3S2, nickel oxides (black and green) and soluble NiCl2 was studied in three Chinese hamster cell lines--at the hprt gene of the well-defined V79 cell line, and at gpt in two transgenic derivative cell lines G12 and G10. The transgenic cell line G12 responded very strongly to the insoluble Ni compounds, such that the gpt mutagenesis was at least 20 times higher than the spontaneous mutagenesis and in some experiments was even higher. In contrast the response of the G10 cells was much lower--the mutant frequencies only increased 2-3 times over the controls. In V79 cells, NiS and NiO (black) did not induce a mutagenic response at hprt. Soluble NiCl2 also exhibited no mutagenic activity in V79 cells and induced considerably lower activity than the insoluble compounds in the transgenic G12 cells. Following vitamin E pretreatment of G12 cells for 24 h prior to nickel exposure, increased cell survival was observed for several insoluble Ni compounds whereas vitamin E had no effect on NiCl2 cytotoxicity. With vitamin E pretreatment, significantly lower mutagenic responses in G12 cells were also noted for some insoluble Ni compounds, while no such effect was observed for NiCl2.

Increased sister chromatid exchanges and tumor markers in workers exposed to elemental chromium-, cobalt- and nickel-containing dusts

Sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) in blood lymphocytes, serum tumors markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA), and urinary excretion of chromium, cobalt and nickel were determined in 26 male workers occupationally exposed to chromium, cobalt and nickel dust and in 25 controls matched for age and smoking habits. The differences in the urinary excretion of metals between exposed persons and controls were statistically significant. An analysis of variance on the SCE rank values revealed that both exposure status (exposed persons vs. controls) and smoking habits (smokers and former smokers vs. never smokers) had a statistically significant effect. For the tumor markers, the analysis of variance did not reveal a statistically significant difference between exposed persons and controls. However, CEA serum levels were significantly correlated not only with smoking habits but also with duration of exposure. As cobalt is only weakly mutagenic, these results suggest that the small amount of absorbed chromium and nickel may have been sufficient to induce SCE. The hypothesis that tumor markers may be increased in groups of subjects exposed to genotoxic substances deserves further study.

Metal carcinogenesis: mechanistic implications

Cancer epidemiology has identified several metal compounds as human carcinogens. Recent evidence suggests that carcinogenic metals induce genotoxicity in a multiplicity of ways, either alone or by enhancing the effects of other agents. This review summarizes current information on the genotoxicity of arsenic, chromium, nickel, beryllium and cadmium compounds and their possible roles in carcinogenesis. Each of these metals is distinct in its primary modes of action; yet there are several mechanisms induced by more than one metal, including: the induction of cellular immunity and oxidative stress, the inhibition of DNA metabolism and repair and the formation of DNA- and/or protein-crosslinks.