Formation of a mutagenic diazoquinone by interaction of phenol with nitrite

Role of chemical reactions in the nitrogenous trace gas emissions and nitrogen retention: A meta-analysis

Increasing evidence has been found that chemical reactions affect significantly the terrestrial nitrogen (N) cycle, which was previously assumed to be mainly dominated by biological processes. Due to the limitation of knowledge and analytical techniques, it is currently challenging to discern the contribution of biotic and abiotic processes to the terrestrial N cycle for geobiologists and biogeochemists alike. To better understand the role of abiotic reactions in the terrestrial N cycle, it is necessary to comprehend the chemical controls on nitrogenous trace gas emissions and N retention in soil under various environmental conditions. In this manuscript, we assess the role of abiotic reactions in nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitric oxide (NO) emissions as well as N retention through a meta-analysis using all related peer-reviewed publications before August 2020. Results show that abiotic reactions contributed 29.3-37.7% and 44.0-57.0% to the total N₂O emission and N retention, representing 3.7-4.7 and 4.0-6.0 Tg year^-1 of global terrestrial N₂O emission and N retention, respectively. Much higher NO production was observed in sterilized soils than that in unsterilized treatments indicating the major contribution of chemical reactions to NO emission and rapid microbial reduction of NO to N₂O and N₂. Chemical hydroxylamine oxidation accounts for the largest abiotic contribution to N₂O emission, while chemical nitrite reduction and fixation represent for the largest contribution to abiotic NO production and soil N retention, respectively. Factors influencing the abiotic processes include pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N), and transition metals. These results broadened our knowledge about the mechanisms involved in chemical N reactions and provided a simplified estimation about their contribution to nitrogenous trace gas emission and N retention, which is meaningful to further study interactions of biologically and chemically mediated reactions in biogeochemical N cycle.

A Cranberry Concentrate Decreases Adhesion and Invasion of Escherichia coli (AIEC) LF82 In Vitro

While many beneficial host-microbiota interactions have been described, imbalanced microbiota in the gut is speculated to contribute to the progression and recurrence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease (CD). This in vitro study evaluated the impact of a cranberry concentrate Type M (CTM) on adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) LF82, a pathobiont associated with CD. Different stages of pathogenic infection were investigated: (i) colonization of the mucus layer, and (ii) adhesion to and (iii) invasion of the epithelial cells. Following 48 h of fecal batch incubation, 0.5 and 1 mM of CTM significantly altered AIEC LF82 levels in a simulated mucus layer, resulting in a decrease of 50.5% in the untreated blank, down to 43.0% and 11.4%, respectively. At 1 mM of CTM, the significant decrease in the levels of AIEC LF82 coincided with a stimulation of the metabolic activity of the background microbiota. The increased levels of health-associated acetate (+7.9 mM) and propionate levels (+3.5 mM) suggested selective utilization of CTM by host microorganisms. Furthermore, 1 mM of both fermented and unfermented CTM decreased the adhesion and invasion of human-derived epithelial Caco-2 cells by AIEC LF82. Altogether, this exploratory in vitro study demonstrates the prebiotic potential of CTM and supports its antipathogenic effects through direct and/or indirect modulation of the gut microbiome.

A Pectin-Rich, Baobab Fruit Pulp Powder Exerts Prebiotic Potential on the Human Gut Microbiome In Vitro

Increasing insight into the impact of the gut microbiota on human health has sustained the development of novel prebiotic ingredients. This exploratory study evaluated the prebiotic potential of baobab fruit pulp powder, which consists of pectic polysaccharides with unique composition as compared to other dietary sources, given that it is rich in low methoxylated homogalacturonan (HG). After applying dialysis procedures to remove simple sugars from the product (simulating their absorption along the upper gastrointestinal tract), 48 h fecal batch incubations were performed. Baobab fruit pulp powder boosted colonic acidification across three simulated human adult donors due to the significant stimulation of health-related metabolites acetate (+18.4 mM at 48 h), propionate (+5.5 mM at 48 h), and to a lesser extent butyrate (0.9 mM at 48 h). Further, there was a trend of increased lactate levels (+2.7 mM at 6h) and reduced branched chain fatty acid (bCFA) levels (−0.4 mM at 48 h). While Bacteroidetes levels increased for all donors, donor-dependent increases in Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, and Firmicutes were observed, stressing the potential interindividual differences in microbial composition modulation upon Baobab fruit pulp powder treatment. Overall, Baobab fruit pulp powder fermentation displayed features of selective utilization by host microorganisms and, thus, has promising prebiotic potential (also in comparison with the ‘gold standard’ prebiotic inulin). Further research will be required to better characterize this prebiotic potential, accounting for the interindividual differences, while aiming to unravel the potential resulting health benefits.

Role of gut microbiota in identification of novel TCM-derived active metabolites

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been extensively used to ameliorate diseases in Asia for over thousands of years. However, owing to a lack of formal scientific validation, the absence of information regarding the mechanisms underlying TCMs restricts their application. After oral administration, TCM herbal ingredients frequently are not directly absorbed by the host, but rather enter the intestine to be transformed by gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is a microbial community living in animal intestines, and functions to maintain host homeostasis and health. Increasing evidences indicate that TCM herbs closely affect gut microbiota composition, which is associated with the conversion of herbal components into active metabolites. These may significantly affect the therapeutic activity of TCMs. Microbiota analyses, in conjunction with modern multiomics platforms, can together identify novel functional metabolites and form the basis of future TCM research.

Amino Acids in Intestinal Physiology and Health

Dietary protein digestion is an efficient process resulting in the absorption of amino acids by epithelial cells, mainly in the jejunum. Some amino acids are extensively metabolized in enterocytes supporting their high energy demand and/or production of bioactive metabolites such as glutathione or nitric oxide. In contrast, other amino acids are mainly used as building blocks for the intense protein synthesis associated with the rapid epithelium renewal and mucin production. Several amino acids have been shown to support the intestinal barrier function and the intestinal endocrine function. In addition, amino acids are metabolized by the gut microbiota that use them for their own protein synthesis and in catabolic pathways releasing in the intestinal lumen numerous metabolites such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, branched-chain amino acids, polyamines, phenolic and indolic compounds. Some of them (e.g. hydrogen sulfide) disrupts epithelial energy metabolism and may participate in mucosal inflammation when present in excess, while others (e.g. indole derivatives) prevent gut barrier dysfunction or regulate enteroendocrine functions. Lastly, some recent data suggest that dietary amino acids might regulate the composition of the gut microbiota, but the relevance for the intestinal health remains to be determined. In summary, amino acid utilization by epithelial cells or by intestinal bacteria appears to play a pivotal regulator role for intestinal homeostasis. Thus, adequate dietary supply of amino acids represents a key determinant of gut health and functions.

Mulberry Leaf Polyphenols and Fiber Induce Synergistic Antiobesity and Display a Modulation Effect on Gut Microbiota and Metabolites

The antiobesity molecular mechanisms of mulberry leave components were analyzed based on intestinal micro-ecology and metabolomics. An obesity model was established by feeding rats with a high-calorie diet. Rats were divided into seven groups: the obesity model control (MC), positive control (PC), mulberry leaf powder (MLP), mulberry leaf fiber (MLF), mulberry leaf polyphenols (MLPS), mulberry leaf fiber and polyphenols mixture (MLM), and normal control (NC), and fed daily for 6 consecutive weeks. The results demonstrated that the MLM group had the best efficiency on weight loss, indicating synergistic interactions between MLPS and MLF. The reduction of Firmicutes abundance, and the downstream Clostridiales, Lachnespiraceae, was a key pathway for the antiobesity effects. The increased abundances of Lactobacillus vaginalis and Lactobacillus gasseri might result in lipid metabolism disorder. The test groups regulated the amino acid and oligopeptides metabolic disorder tents to normal levels compared with the MC and NC groups.

Tartary buckwheat protein prevented dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-fed mice associated with gut microbiota changes

As one of low-digestible proteins, tartary buckwheat protein (BWP) revealed a cholesterol-lowering activity. The relationship between the prevention of BWP on dyslipidemia and changes in the numbers of gut microbiota was investigated. The male C57BL/6 mice were separately fed on normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) with casein, and HFD with BWP extract for 6 weeks. Quantitative PCR assay was applied to quantify the microbiota composition in feces. The levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the mice fed on HFD with BWP were significantly lower than those on HFD with casein. BWP promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus and inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, Bifidobacterium population was closely related to contents of plasma lipids. Further, BWP significantly decreased the levels of plasma inflammation factors as induced by HFD, including lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. BWP significantly increased the excretion of total bile acids and short-chain fatty acids in feces. In conlusion, BWP benefited cholesterol metabolism, which could be attributed to regulating composition of gut microbiota.

Changes in the Luminal Environment of the Colonic Epithelial Cells and Physiopathological Consequences

Evidence, mostly from experimental models, has accumulated, indicating that modifications of bacterial metabolite concentrations in the large intestine luminal content, notably after changes in the dietary composition, may have important beneficial or deleterious consequences for the colonic epithelial cell metabolism and physiology in terms of mitochondrial energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species production, gene expression, DNA integrity, proliferation, and viability. Recent data suggest that for some bacterial metabolites, like hydrogen sulfide and butyrate, the extent of their oxidation in colonocytes affects their capacity to modulate gene expression in these cells. Modifications of the luminal bacterial metabolite concentrations may, in addition, affect the colonic pH and osmolarity, which are known to affect colonocyte biology per se. Although the colonic epithelium appears able to face, up to some extent, changes in its luminal environment, notably by developing a metabolic adaptive response, some of these modifications may likely affect the homeostatic process of colonic epithelium renewal and the epithelial barrier function. The contribution of major changes in the colonocyte luminal environment in pathological processes, like mucosal inflammation, preneoplasia, and neoplasia, although suggested by several studies, remains to be precisely evaluated, particularly in a long-term perspective.

Health relevance of intestinal protein fermentation in young pigs

The physiological role of the gastrointestinal microbiota has become an important subject of nutrition research in pigs in the past years, and the importance of intestinal microbial activity in the etiology of disease is doubtless. This review summarizes the recent knowledge related to the microbial ecology of protein fermentation and the appearance of protein-derived metabolites along the pig intestine. The amount of fermentable protein depends on factors such as dietary protein concentration, protein digestibility due to secondary or tertiary structure, the interaction with dietary compounds or anti-nutritional factors, and the secretion of endogenous proteins into the gut lumen. High protein diets increase the luminal concentrations and epithelial exposure to putatively toxic metabolites and increase the risk for post-weaning diarrhea, but the mechanisms are not yet clarified. Although the use of fermentable carbohydrates to reduce harmful protein-derived metabolites in pigs is well-established, recent studies suggest that the inclusion of fermentable carbohydrates into diets with low protein digestibility or high dietary protein level may not ameliorate all negative effects with regard to epithelial response. Based on the current knowledge, the use of diets with low levels of high-quality protein may help to reduce the risk for intestinal disease in young pigs.

Compared with Raw Bovine Meat, Boiling but Not Grilling, Barbecuing, or Roasting Decreases Protein Digestibility without Any Major Consequences for Intestinal Mucosa in Rats, although the Daily Ingestion of Bovine Meat Induces Histologic Modifications in the Colon

BACKGROUND

Cooking may impair meat protein digestibility. When undigested proteins are fermented by the colon microbiota, they can generate compounds that potentially are harmful to the mucosa.

OBJECTIVES

This study addressed the effects of typical cooking processes and the amount of bovine meat intake on the quantity of undigested proteins entering the colon, as well as their effects on the intestinal mucosa.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (n = 88) aged 8 wk were fed 11 different diets containing protein as 20% of energy. In 10 diets, bovine meat proteins represented 5% [low-meat diet (LMD)] or 15% [high-meat diet (HMD)] of energy, with the rest as total milk proteins. Meat was raw or cooked according to 4 processes (boiled, barbecued, grilled, or roasted). A meat-free diet contained only milk proteins. After 3 wk, rats ingested a (15)N-labeled meat meal and were killed 6 h later after receiving a (13)C-valine injection. Meat protein digestibility was determined from (15)N enrichments in intestinal contents. Cecal short- and branched-chain fatty acids and hydrogen sulfide were measured. Intestinal tissues were used for the assessment of protein synthesis rates, inflammation, and histopathology.

RESULTS

Meat protein digestibility was lower in rats fed boiled meat (94.5% ± 0.281%) than in the other 4 groups (97.5% ± 0.0581%, P < 0.001). Cecal and colonic bacterial metabolites, inflammation indicators, and protein synthesis rates were not affected by cooking processes. The meat protein amount had a significant effect on cecal protein synthesis rates (LMD > HMD) and on myeloperoxidase activity in the proximal colon (HMD > LMD), but not on other outcomes. The ingestion of bovine meat, whatever the cooking process and the intake amount, resulted in discrete histologic modifications of the colon (epithelium abrasion, excessive mucus secretion, and inflammation).

CONCLUSIONS

Boiling bovine meat at a high temperature (100°C) for a long time (3 h) moderately lowered protein digestibility compared with raw meat and other cooking processes, but did not affect cecal bacterial metabolites related to protein fermentation. The daily ingestion of raw or cooked bovine meat had no marked effect on intestinal tissues, despite some slight histologic modifications on distal colon.

Isolation and identification of oxidation products of syringol from brines and heated meat matrix

In this study we developed new extraction and detection methods (using HPLC-UV and LC-MS), making it possible to analyze the smoke phenol syringol and its oxidation products nitrososyringol, nitrosyringol, and the syringol dimer 3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diol, which were identified in heated meat for the first time. Preliminary brine experiments performed with different concentrations of ascorbic acid showed that high amounts of this antioxidant also resulted in almost complete degradation of syringol and to formation of the oxidation products when the brines were heated at low pH values. Heat treatment (80°C) and subsequent simulated digestion applied to meat samples containing syringol, ascorbic acid and different concentrations of sodium nitrite produced 3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diol even at a low nitrite level in the meat matrix, while nitroso- and nitrosyringol were isolated only after the digestion experiments. Increasing amounts of oxygen in the meat matrix decreased the syringol concentration and enhanced the formation of the reaction products in comparison to the samples without added oxygen.

Changes in the Mutagenic and Estrogenic Activities of 17β-Estradiol after Treatment with Nitrite

We determined the changes in the mutagenic and estrogenic activities of 17beta-estradiol after a nitrite treatment. Nitrite-treated 17beta-estradiol showed mutagenic activities toward Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 100 and TA 98. We confirmed that nitrite-treated 17beta-estradiol generated radicals from the results of an analysis of electron spin resonance. By applying an instrumental analysis, we identified 2-nitro-17beta-estradiol to have been formed in the reaction mixture. 2-Nitro-17beta-estradiol did not exhibit mutagenic activities toward Salmonella typhimurium strains, suggesting that other mutagens might have been formed in the reaction mixture. The clastogenic properties of nitrite-treated 17beta-estradiol and 2-nitro-17beta-estradiol were analyzed by a micronucleus test with male ICR mice. Nitrite-treated 17beta-estradiol and 2-nitro-17beta-estradiol induced a significantly higher frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes in mice. The estrogenic activity of 2-nitro-17beta-estradiol was found to be lower than that of 17beta-estradiol. These data suggest that a daily oral intake of 17beta-estradiol and nitrite might induce the formation of mutagenic compounds in our body.

Gut microbial activity, implications for health and disease: the potential role of metabolite analysis

Microbial metabolism of proteins and amino acids by human gut bacteria generates a variety of compounds including phenol, indole, and sulfur compounds and branched chain fatty acids, many of which have been shown to elicit a toxic effect on the lumen. Bacterial fermentation of amino acids and proteins occurs mainly in the distal colon, a site that is often fraught with symptoms from disorders including ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). In contrast to carbohydrate metabolism by the gut microbiota, proteolysis is less extensively researched. Many metabolites are low molecular weight, volatile compounds. This review will summarize the use of analytical methods to detect and identify compounds in order to elucidate the relationship between specific dietary proteinaceous substrates, their corresponding metabolites, and implications for gastrointestinal health.

C8-linked bulky guanosine DNA adducts: experimental and computational insights into adduct conformational preferences and resulting mutagenicity

Bulky DNA adducts are formed through the covalent attachment of aryl groups to the DNA nucleobases. Many of these adducts are known to possess conformational heterogeneity, which is responsible for the variety of mutagenic outcomes associated with these lesions. The present contribution reviews several conformational and mutagenic themes that are prevalent among the DNA adducts formed at the C8-site of the guanine nucleobase. The most important conclusions obtained (to date) from experiments are summarized including the anti/syn conformational preference of the adducts, their potential to inflict DNA mutations and mismatch stabilization, and their interactions with DNA polymerases and repair enzymes. Additionally, the unique role that computer calculations can play in understanding the structural properties of these adducts are highlighted.

Induction effect of coadministration of soybean isoflavones and sodium nitrite on DNA damage in mouse stomach

We have already found that nitrite-treated isoflavones exhibit genotoxic activities toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 and 98 strains (submitted: nitrite-treated genistein). However, we have not demonstrated genotoxic activity induced by simultaneous treatment with isoflavones and NaNO(2)in vivo. In the present study, we examined whether coadministration of isoflavones (such as daidzein and genistein) and NaNO(2) induces DNA damage in the stomach of ICR male mice. Mice were coadministered with isoflavones (1mg/kg body weight) and NaNO(2) (10mg/kg body weight), and dissected to collect tissues at 1, 3, and 6h after administration. We used comet assay combined with repair enzyme formamidopyrimidine-N-glycosylase (FPG) to detect FPG-sensitive sites. An HPLC-ECD system was employed to determine 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in the stomach. In addition, we observed leukocyte infiltration by histopathological investigation, and measured total superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the stomach. We confirmed that oxidative DNA damage in the stomach was significantly increased by coadministration. Total SOD activities were also significantly stimulated by coadministration. However, the induction of inflammation in the stomach was not found. These data suggest that coadministration of isoflavones and NaNO(2) can cause DNA damage in the stomach because of the formation of radicals.

Arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS) affect the protein/carbohydrate fermentation balance and microbial population dynamics of the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem

Arabinoxylan‐oligosaccharides (AXOS) are a recently newly discovered class of candidate prebiotics as – depending on their structure – they are fermented in different regions of gastrointestinal tract. This can have an impact on the protein/carbohydrate fermentation balance in the large intestine and, thus, affect the generation of potentially toxic metabolites in the colon originating from proteolytic activity. In this study, we screened different AXOS preparations for their impact on the in vitro intestinal fermentation activity and microbial community structure. Short‐term fermentation experiments with AXOS with an average degree of polymerization (avDP) of 29 allowed part of the oligosaccharides to reach the distal colon, and decreased the concentration of proteolytic markers, whereas AXOS with lower avDP were primarily fermented in the proximal colon. Additionally, prolonged supplementation of AXOS with avDP 29 to the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) reactor decreased levels of the toxic proteolytic markers phenol and p‐cresol in the two distal colon compartments and increased concentrations of beneficial short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) in all colon vessels (25–48%). Denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis indicated that AXOS supplementation only slightly modified the total microbial community, implying that the observed effects on fermentation markers are mainly caused by changes in fermentation activity. Finally, specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis showed that AXOS supplementation significantly increased the amount of health‐promoting lactobacilli as well as of Bacteroides–Prevotella and Clostridium coccoides–Eubacterium rectale groups. These data allow concluding that AXOS are promising candidates to modulate the microbial metabolism in the distal colon.

Metabolic diversity of the intestinal microbiota: implications for health and disease

The bacteria colonizing the human intestinal tract exhibit a high phylogenetic diversity that reflects their immense metabolic potential. By virtue of their catalytic activity, the human gut micro-organisms have an impact on gastrointestinal function and host health. All dietary components that escape digestion in the small intestine are potential substrates of the bacteria in the colon. The bacterial conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and nonnutritive compounds such as polyphenolic substances leads to the formation of a large number of compounds that may have beneficial or adverse effects on human health.

Effects of amino acid-derived luminal metabolites on the colonic epithelium and physiopathological consequences

Depending on the amount of alimentary proteins, between 6 and 18 g nitrogenous material per day enter the large intestine lumen through the ileocaecal junction. This material is used as substrates by the flora resulting eventually in the presence of a complex mixture of metabolites including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, short and branched-chain fatty acids, amines; phenolic, indolic and N-nitroso compounds. The beneficial versus deleterious effects of these compounds on the colonic epithelium depend on parameters such as their luminal concentrations, the duration of the colonic stasis, the detoxication capacity of epithelial cells in response to increase of metabolite concentrations, the cellular metabolic utilization of these metabolites as well as their effects on colonocyte intermediary and oxidative metabolism. Furthermore, the effects of metabolites on electrolyte movements through the colonic epithelium must as well be taken into consideration for such an evaluation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that other non-nitrogenous compounds are believed to interfere with these various phenomenons. Finally, the pathological consequences of the presence of excessive concentrations of these compounds are related to the short- and, most important, long-term effects of these compounds on the rapid colonic epithelium renewing and homeostasis.

Further examination of the effects of nitrosylation on Alternaria alternata mycotoxin mutagenicity in vitro

Previously, Alternaria extract and metabolite mutagenicities+/-nitrosylation were characterized using Ames Salmonella strains TA98 and TA100, which are both reverted at GC sites. To examine other targets for mutation, the metabolites Altertoxin I (ATX I), Altenuene (ALT), Alternariol (AOH), Alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), Tentoxin (TENT), Tenuazonic acid (TA) and Radicinin (RAD) were reexamined+/-nitrosylation, using Ames Salmonella strain TA97, sensitive to frameshift mutations at a run of C's, as well as strains TA102 and TA104, reverted by base pair mutations at AT sites and more sensitive to oxidative damage. ATX I was also assessed for mammalian mutagenicity at the Hprt gene locus in Chinese hamster V79 lung fibroblasts and rat hepatoma H4IIE cells. When tested from 1 to 100 microg/plate without nitrosylation, ATX I was mutagenic in TA102+/-rat liver S9 for activation and weakly mutagenic in TA104+/-S9, demonstrating direct-acting AT base pair mutagenicity. AOH was also directly mutagenic at AT sites in TA102+/-S9 while AME was weakly mutagenic in TA102+/-S9 and TA104+S9. Nitrosylation of ATX I enhanced mutagenicity at AT sites in TA104+/-S9 but produced little change in TA102+/-S9 compared to native ATX I. However, nitrosylated ATX I generated a potent direct-acting frameshift mutagen at C sites in TA97+/-S9. While ATX I was not mutagenic in either V79 cells or H4IIE cells, 5 and 10 microg/ml nitrosylated ATX I produced a doubling of 6-thioguanine resistant V79 colonies and 0.5 and 1 microg/ml were mutagenic to H4IIE cells, becoming toxic at higher concentrations. These results suggest ATX I, AME and AOH induce mutations at AT sites, possibly through oxidative damage, with nitrosylation enhancing ATX I frameshift mutagenicity at runs of C's. Nitrosylated ATX I was also directly mutagenic in mammalian test systems.

Influence of phenol, p-cresol and indole on growth and survival of intestinal lactic acid bacteria

Some intestinal bacteria can produce many genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic substances. The major products of the bacterial aromatic amino acids fermentation-phenolic and indolic compounds which are responsible for colon cancer development are accumulated in the colon. The effect of phenol, p-cresol and indole (2, 20 and 100 microg/ml doses) on growth and survival of four strains of intestinal lactic acid bacteria was studied. Growth of bacteria was not affected by any of the concentrations of phenol and p-cresol tested. The growth of 2 strains was slightly inhibited by 100 microg/ml of indole. There was no influence of phenol and p-cresol on survival of lactic bacteria until 120 h and specific reaction to carcinogens depending on strain was observed after that incubation time. Indole concentrations 20 and 100 microg/ml appeared to be toxic for all tested strains but just after 24, 48 or 72 h of incubation depending on the strain. In total, 2 microg/ml of indole had a very little effect.

A novel mutagen, 2-(5-hydroxy-4,6-dinitroindolyl) ethanol, formed in the reaction between 5-hydroxytryptamine and nitrite under acid conditions, especially in the presence of l-cysteine

We examined the mutagenic activity of each of 29 amino acids mixed under acidic conditions with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and nitrite using Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 100 with or without a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). The reaction mixture containing L-cysteine was strongly mutagenic without S9 mix. We subjected an ethyl acetate extract of the reaction mixture to HPLC, isolated a mutagenic component, and investigated its chemical structure by LC-mass spectrometry (MS), high-resolution fast atom bombardment (HRFAB)-MS, and 1H and 13C NMR. We identified the mutagen as 2-(5-hydroxy-4,6-dinitro-3-indolyl) ethanol (2HDIE). We injected 8 mg/kg 2HDIE i.p. into male ICR mice and found that the compound increased the frequency of micronuclei in peripheral reticulocytes. Our results suggest that 2HDIE might be formed in vivo by consumption of 5-HT, nitrite and L-cysteine in foods, and might act as a mutagen.

Changes in the mutagenic and estrogenic activities of bisphenol A upon treatment with nitrite

Bisphenol A (4,4'isopropylidenediphenol: BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is contained in food-packaging and can-coating agents as well as in dental sealants. Nitrite is present in vegetables, fish and tap water as an ingredient or contaminant, and also in human saliva. Here, we explored the possible generation of genotoxicity from the reactions of BPA and nitrite under acidic conditions, a situation simulating the stomach. We determined the changes in the mutagenic and estrogenic activities of BPA before and after nitrite treatment. Untreated BPA did not exhibit any mutagenicity. However, the mixture of BPA and sodium nitrite after incubation at pH 3.0 showed strong mutagenic activity toward Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 100 and TA 98 either with or without a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). The clastogenic properties of nitrite-treated and untreated BPA were analyzed by a micronucleus test with male ICR mice. A single gastric intubation of nitrite-treated BPA induced a significantly higher frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRETs) in mice. The results of analysis of electron spin resonance (ESR) suggest that the expression of the mutagenic activity of nitrite-treated BPA is related to the generation of radicals in the reaction mixture. By applying 1H and 13C NMR, AB-MS and APCI/LC/MS, we identified two compounds 3-nitrobisphenol A and 3,3'-dinitro-bisphenol A. These compounds were synthesized by the reaction of BPA with nitric acid. 3,3'-Dinitro-bisphenol induced a significantly greater frequency of MNRETs in male ICR mice. By applying a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-reporter expression system and an estrogen R(alpha) competitor screening kit, we found that nitrite-treated BPA and 3,3'-dinitro-bisphenol A showed weak estrogenic activity compared to that of untreated BPA.

Oxidative effects induced by dediazoniation of the p-hydroxybenzenediazonium ion in a neutral aqueous medium

The toxicity of arenediazonium ions is believed to result from the appearance of very reactive compounds during the dediazoniation process. In the case of the p-hydroxybenzenediazonium ion (PDQ), radical species generated during dediazoniation could potentially initiate lipid peroxidation. The data obtained in spectrophotometric experiments suggest that an interaction between PDQ and linoleic acid (LA) gives rise to the characteristic absorption of oxidized products deriving from LA, both in the presence and absence of a mixed micellar medium containing the surfactant Tween 20 (Tw20). Spectroscopic evidence also clearly points to the interference of these processes in the dediazoniation of PDQ. Analysis by reverse-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirms that the decomposition of PDQ in a mixed micellar medium induces the peroxidation of both LA and methyl linoleate (MEL), thus causing the appearance of peaks characteristic of dienic conjugated hydroperoxides. The same products are observed after interaction between LA and the water-soluble 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane), a frequently used initiator of lipid peroxidation. The proportion of isomers produced during the peroxidation process agrees well with that reported for reactions mediated by free radicals. A further chromatographic analysis of the decomposition of PDQ in the presence of 2-methylcyclohexa-2,5-diene-1-carboxylic acid (CHD) shows that phenol and quinone are the main products of the reaction. These results are discussed on the understanding that aryl and peroxyl radicals abstract a hydrogen atom from CHD, in accordance with our general scheme for PDQ dediazoniation described in a previous publication.

Mutagenicity of bisphenol A (4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol) in vitro: effects of nitrosylation

Bisphenol A (4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol) is a common component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Since bisphenol A-containing plastics and resins have found uses in food-contact items, its potential migration into foodstuffs and possible health consequences have been the focus of many recent studies. However, the potential mutagenic activation of bisphenol A by nitrosylation has received little attention. Incubation of bisphenol A with sodium nitrite under acidic conditions produced a yellow-brown product. When nitrosylated bisphenol A was tested in the Ames Salmonella/microsome assay at 100 ng to 1 mg/plate, dose-dependent increases in mutagenicity were found in both TA98 and TA100 Salmonella strains. These results indicated the presence of a direct-acting mutagenic activity causing both frameshift and base pair mutations, respectively. When compared to colony formation in untreated controls, the addition of rat liver S9 for metabolic activation had little influence on revertant colony formation. Unreacted bisphenol A dissolved in DMSO, acidic buffer, or inactivated nitrosylation solution showed negligible mutagenicity. When the nature of the mutagenic changes was examined using the Ames II trade mark Assay, a variety of base pair changes was found including T:A to A:T - S9, G:C to A:T +/- S9,C:G to A:T +/- S9 and C:G to G:C +/- S9. Bisphenol A also induced frameshift mutations at G:C sites. In addition, the presence of electrophiles was shown by the production of an intensely coloured orange-red product upon incubation of nitrosylated bisphenol A with the nucleophile 4-(4'-nitrobenzyl)pyridine. These findings suggest that migration of bisphenol A into nitrite containing foodstuffs, or its ingestion in the presence of nitrite, could lead to the formation of mutagenic compounds.

In-silico screening of high production volume chemicals for mutagenicity using the MCASE QSAR expert system

Computational screening is suggested as a way to set priorities for further testing of high production volume (HPV) chemicals for mutagenicity and other toxic endpoints. Results are presented for batch screening of 2484 HPV chemicals to predict their mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium (Ames test). The chemicals were tested against 15 databases for Salmonella strains TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA97 and TA98, both with metabolic activation (using rat liver and hamster liver S9 mix test) and without metabolic activation. Of the 2484 chemicals, 1868 are predicted to be completely nonmutagenic in all of the 15 data modules and 39 chemicals were found to contain structural fragments outside the knowledge of the expert system and therefore suggested for further evaluation. The remaining 616 chemicals were found to contain different biophores (structural alerts) believed to be linked to mutagenicity. The chemicals were ranked indescending order according to their predicted mutagenic potential and the first 100 chemicals with highest mutagenicity scores are presented. The screening result offers hope that rapid and inexpensive computational methods can aid in prioritizing the testing of HPV chemicals, save time and animals and help to avoid needless expense.

Effects of antioxidant 1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone or ascorbic acid on carcinogenesis induced by administration of aminopyrine and sodium nitrite in a rat multi-organ carcinogenesis model

The effect of antioxidant, 0.25% 1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ) or 0.25% ascorbic acid (AsA), on carcinogenesis induced by administration of 0.05% aminopyrine (AP) and 0.05% sodium nitrite (NaNO2), was examined using a rat multi-organ carcinogenesis model. Groups of twenty F344 male rats were treated sequentially with an initiation regimen of N-diethylnitrosamine, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine, N,N'-dimethylhydrazine and 2,2'-dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine during the first 4 weeks, followed by AP+NaNO2, AP+NaNO2+HTHQ, AP+NaNO2+AsA, NaNO2+HTHQ, NaNO2+AsA, each of the individual chemicals alone or basal diet and tap water as a control. All surviving animals were killed at week 28, and major organs were examined histopathologically for development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. In the AP+NaNO2 group, the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas and hemangiosarcomas were 95% and 35%, respectively. When HTHQ or AsA was simultaneously administered, the incidences decreased to 58% and 11%, or to 80% and 15%, respectively. On the other hand, in the AP+NaNO2 group and the NaNO2-alone group, when HTHQ, but not AsA, was simultaneously administered, the incidence of carcinomas in the forestomach significantly increased. The results suggest that HTHQ can prevent tumor production induced by AP and NaNO2 more effectively than AsA. On the other hand, an enhancing or possible carcinogenic effect of simultaneous administration of HTHQ and NaNO2 only on the forestomach is suggested, while simultaneous treatment with the same dose of AsA and NaNO2 may not be carcinogenic to the forestomach or other organs.

Promoting effects of combined antioxidant and sodium nitrite treatment on forestomach carcinogenesis in rats after initiation with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

The effects of sodium nitrite (NaNO2), in combination with one of three antioxidants, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) and propyl gallate (PG), on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) stomach carcinogenesis were investigated in F344 rats. Groups of 15 male rats were treated with an intragastric dose of 150 mg/kg body weight of MNNG, and starting 1 week later, were treated with 0.5% TBHQ, 1% alpha-Toc, 1% PG or basal diet with or without 0.2% NaNO2 in their drinking water until they were killed at the end of week 36. Macroscopically, in MNNG-treated animals, combined administration of alpha-Toc or PG with NaNO2 significantly increased the areas and numbers of forestomach nodules as compared with the respective antioxidant alone values. Microscopically, in MNNG-treated animals, treatment with TBHQ significantly increased the incidence and multiplicity of forestomach papillomas as compared with basal diet alone value. Combined administration of alpha-Toc with NaNO2 significantly raised the multiplicity of forestomach papillomas, with a tendency to elevation in the incidence as compared with the group given alpha-Toc alone. Incidences of forestomach moderate and/or severe hyperplasias were significantly higher in the TBHQ or PG plus NaNO2 groups than in the single compound groups. In rats without MNNG treatment, combined treatment of antioxidants with NaNO2 significantly increased the incidences of mild or moderate hyperplasia. In the glandular stomach, although the incidence of atypical hyperplasia showed a non-significant tendency for decrease with TBHQ treatment, additional administration of NaNO2 caused significant increase. These results indicate that co-administration of NaNO2 with alpha-Toc, TBHQ or PG and particularly the first, promotes forestomach carcinogenesis. Concurrent alpha-Toc, TBHQ or PG treatment with NaNO2 is likely to induce forestomach tumors in the long term.

Renal carcinogenicity of concurrently administered fish meal and sodium nitrite in F344 rats

The effects of long-term concurrent administration of powdered fish meal and sodium nitrite were examined in F344 rats. A total of 600, 6-week-old rats were divided into 6 male and 6 female groups, each consisting of 50 animals. Rats in groups 1-3 and 7-9 were respectively fed diets supplemented with 64%, 32% and 8% (basal diet) fish meal, and simultaneously given 0.12% sodium nitrite in their drinking water. Groups 4-6 and 10-12 were respectively given 64%, 32% and 8% fish meal and tap water. At the 104th week, all surviving animals were killed and examined histopathologically. Treatment with fish meal dose-dependently increased the incidences and multiplicities of atypical tubules, adenomas and renal cell carcinomas in sodium nitrite-treated males. Females were less susceptible than males for renal tumor induction. In males given the 64% fish meal diet alone, the incidence and multiplicity of atypical tubules were also significantly increased as compared with the 8% fish meal alone case. Nephropathy was apparent in fish meal-treated groups in a clear dose-dependent manner, irrespective of the sodium nitrite treatment, and was more prominent in males than in females. Dimethylnitrosamine was found in the stomach contents after 4-week treatment with 64% fish meal plus 0.12% sodium nitrite, at a level twice that in the 8% fish meal plus 0.12% sodium nitrite group. The results clearly indicate that concurrent administration of fish meal and sodium nitrite induces renal epithelial tumors. Further studies are required to elucidate how nephropathy and nitrosamines produced in stomach contents may contribute to the observed renal tumor induction.

Nitrosation of phenolic compounds: inhibition and enhancement

The nitrosation of phenol, m-, o-, and p-cresol, 2,3-, 3,5-, and 2, 6-dimethylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butylphenol, 2,4,6-trimethylphenol, o-chlorophenol, and o-bromophenol was studied. Kinetic monitoring of the reactions was accomplished by spectrophotometric analysis of the products at 345 nm. At pH > 3, the dominant reaction was C-nitrosation through a mechanism that appears to consist of an attack on the nitrosatable substrate by NO(+)/NO(2)H(2)(+), followed by a slow proton transfer. The finding of an isokinetic relationship supports the idea that the same mechanism operates throughout the series. The observed sequence of nitrosatable substrate reactivities is explained by (i) the preferred para-orientation of the hydroxyl group for the electrophilic attack of nitrosating agents, (ii) steric hindrance of alkyl substituents, which reduces or prevents attack by nitrosating agents, and (iii) the hyperconjugative effect of the methyl substituent, which causes electronic charge to flow into the aromatic nucleus, as well as the opposite electronic withdrawing effect induced by halogen substituents. The results show that potential nitrosation of widespread environmental species such as chlorophenols is negligible, but more attention should be paid to polyphenols with strongly nucleophilic carbon atoms.

Enumeration of human colonic bacteria producing phenolic and indolic compounds: effects of pH, carbohydrate availability and retention time on dissimilatory aromatic amino acid metabolism

Concentrations of phenolic compounds in human gut contents were more than fourfold higher in the distal colon (6.2 mmol kg-1) compared to the proximal bowel (1.4 mmol kg-1). Tryptophan metabolites were never found in more than trace amounts in large intestinal contents and phenol substituted fatty acids were the major products of aromatic amino acid fermentation that accumulated in the proximal colon, whereas phenol and p-cresol were more important in the distal gut, accounting for 70% of all products of dissimilatory aromatic amino acid metabolism. In vitro incubations of colonic material showed that phenol was produced most rapidly (1.0 mumol g-1 h-1), whereas indole was formed comparatively slowly (0.06 mumol g-1 h-1). Most probable number (MPN) estimations demonstrated that large populations of phenol and indole producing bacteria occur in the large intestine (range log10 9.8-11.5 (g dry wt faeces)-1, mean 10.6, N = 7). With respect to phenolic compounds, phenylacetate and phenylpropionate producers predominated, while indoleacetate-forming bacteria were the major tryptophan-utilizing organisms. Quantitation of products of dissimilatory aromatic amino acid metabolism in MPN tubes showed that phenol and phenylpropionate mainly accumulated at low sample dilutions, whereas phenylacetate, p-cresol, indoleacetate and indolepropionate were formed in greatest amounts at high sample dilutions. The significance of pH and carbohydrate availability with respect to aromatic amino acid metabolism was shown in batch culture fermentation studies, where net production of phenolic compounds by mixed populations of intestinal bacteria was reduced by approximately 33% during growth at pH 5.5 compared to pH 6.8, and by 60% in the presence of a fermentable carbohydrate. Experiments with 16 species of intestinal bacteria belonging to six different genera showed that environmental factors such as low pH and high carbohydrate availability markedly reduced dissimilatory aromatic amino acid metabolism in some organisms, but stimulated this process in others. A three-stage continuous culture model of the colon was used to investigate the effect of system retention time (27.1 or 66.7 h) on aromatic amino acid fermentation. Qualitative and quantitative increases in phenol production occurred from vessel 1 to vessel 3 in this model. Concentrations of phenolic compounds in vessel 3 were three times greater at R = 66.7 h compared to R = 27.1 h. Phenol and p-cresol were not detected in vessel 1, though formation of these metabolites increased from vessel 2 to vessel 3, in a pattern similar to that observed in the distal colon.

Excess EDRF/NO, a potentially deleterious condition that may be involved in accelerated atherogenesis and other chronic disease states

1. To date, no method exists for preventing the injury-induced, accelerated atherogenesis that can occur as a "late complication" after initially successful invasive cardiovascular therapy (e.g. coronary angioplasty, endarterectomy). The problems intrinsic to some of the therapeutic approaches that are presently being developed have been analyzed, and the need for an alternative approach is evident. 2. An hypothesis is advanced, providing a novel conceptual basis for developing preventive therapy for accelerated atherogenesis, as well as for other chronic (degenerative) disease states, using agents that selectively inhibit the actions and metabolic transformations of excessive amounts of endogenously-derived and/or exogenously-acquired nitric oxide (NO). 3. It is considered that excess NO can damage tissue by enhancing the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH.) via the peroxynitrite pathway and alpha-hydroxynitrosamines via nitrosation processes, and that it can stimulate cell proliferation by activating guanyl cyclase. These actions would facilitate the process of accelerated atherogenesis. 4. Selectivity for opposing the effects and metabolic handling of excess NO, regardless of its origin (endogenous via the action of constitutive or inducible NO synthase, or exogenous), rather than selectivity for inhibiting the activity of inducible versus constitutive NO synthase, is considered to be the key element required of candidate therapeutic agents. 5. The vitamin C derivative, 2-O-octadecylascorbic acid, which could protect that part of the NO mechanism that is essential for normal function by scavenging superoxide anion-radicals (O2-., while preventing the formation of OH. and potentially toxic nitrosamines via metabolic reactions involving excess NO, represents a model compound for developing effective therapy.

Induction and promotion of forestomach tumors by sodium nitrite in combination with ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate in rats with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine pre-treatment

In experiment I, short-term effects of combined treatment with anti-oxidants, sodium ascorbate (NaAsA) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) on forestomach cell proliferation were examined in F344 male rats. Groups of 5 animals aged 6 weeks were treated for 4 weeks with 0.8% catechol, 0.8% hydroquinone, 1% tert-butyl-hydroquinone (TBHQ), 2% gallic acid or 2% pyrogallor alone or in combination with 0.3% NaNO2 in the drinking water and/or 1% NaAsA in the diet. The thicknesses of forestomach mucosa in rats treated with anti-oxidants and NaNO2 in combination were greater than those with antioxidant alone and additional NaAsA treatment further enhanced the thickening of mucosa. It was noteworthy that values for mucosae of animals treated with NaNO2 and NaAsA without anti-oxidant were similar to those for anti-oxidants. In experiment 2, effects of combined treatment with NaAsA or ascorbic acid (AsA) and NaNO2 on carcinogenesis were examined in F344 male rats with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) pre-treatment. Groups of 20 or 15 rats, respectively, aged 6 weeks, were given a single intra-gastric administration of 150 mg/kg body weight of MNNG in DMSO:water = 1:1 or the vehicle alone by stomach tube. Starting 1 week later, they received supplements of 1% NaAsA or 1% AsA in the diet and 0.3% NaNO2 in drinking water in combination, each of the individual chemicals alone, or basal diet until the end of week 52. In MNNG-treated animals, incidences of forestomach papillomas and carcinomas were significantly enhanced in the NaNO2 alone group (84 and 47%, respectively) as compared with the basal diet group (30 and 10%), with further significant increase in carcinomas occurring with additional NaAsA (79%, p < 0.05) or AsA (85%, p < 0.05) treatment. In animals without MNNG, all animals in the NaNO2 group demonstrated mild hyperplasia, additional administration of NaAsA or AsA remarkably enhancing the grade of hyperplasia, and resulting in 53% and 20% incidences, respectively, of papillomas. Thus NaNO2 was demonstrated to exert promoter action for forestomach carcinogenesis, with NaAsA and AsA acting as co-promoters. The results strongly indicate that combined treatment with NaAsA or AsA and NaNO2 may induce forestomach carcinomas in the long term.

Effects of combined treatment with phenolic compounds and sodium nitrite on two-stage carcinogenesis and cell proliferation in the rat stomach

The effects of combined treatment with NaNO2 and phenolic compounds on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) stomach carcinogenesis were investigated in F344 rats. In the first experiment, groups of 15-20 male rats were treated with an intragastric dose of 150 mg/kg body weight of MNNG, and starting 1 wk later, were given 2.0% butylated hydroxyanisole, 0.8% catechol, 2.0% 3-methoxycatechol or basal diet either alone or in combination with 0.2% NaNO2 in the drinking water until they were killed at week 52. All three antioxidants significantly enhanced forestomach carcinogenesis without any effect of additional NaNO2 treatment. However, in the absence of MNNG pretreatment, the grade of forestomach hyperplasia in the catechol and 3-methoxycatechol groups was significantly increased by the combined treatment with NaNO2. In a second experiment, the combined effects of various phenolic compounds and NaNO2 on cell proliferation in the upper digestive tract were examined. Groups of 5 rats were given one of 24 phenolic compounds or basal diet either alone or in combination with 0.3% NaNO2 for 4 weeks and then killed. Particularly strong enhancing effects in terms of thickness of the forestomach mucosa were seen with t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), catechol, gallic acid, 1,2,4-benzenetriol, dl-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-alanine and hydroquinone in combination with NaNO2. In the glandular stomach, similar enhancing effects were evident in 11 cases, and in the esophagus with phenol, TBHQ and gallic acid. These results demonstrate that NaNO2 can augment cell proliferation induced in the stomach epithelium by various phenolic compounds.

Comparison of reversibility of rat forestomach lesions induced by genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens

Reversibility of forestomach lesions induced by genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens was compared histopathologically. Groups of 30 to 33 male F344 rats were given dietary 0.1% 8-nitroquinoline, dietary 0.4-0.2% 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylamide, an intragastric dose of 20 mg/kg body weight N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine once a week, or 20 ppm N-methylnitrosourethane in the drinking water as a genotoxic carcinogen, or 2% butylated hydroxyanisole, 2% caffeic acid, 2% sesamol or 2% 4-methoxyphenol in the diet as a non-genotoxic carcinogen for 24 weeks. Ten or 11 rats in each group were killed at week 24. Half of the remainder were maintained on basal diet alone for an additional 24 weeks and the other half were given the same chemical for 48 weeks, and then killed. Forestomach lesions induced by genotoxic carcinogens did not regress after removal of carcinogens. In contrast, simple or papillary hyperplasia (SPH), but not basal cell hyperplasia (BCH), induced by non-genotoxic carcinogens clearly regressed after cessation of insult. SPH labeling indices in the non-genotoxic carcinogen-treated cases decreased after removal of the carcinogenic stimulus whereas BCH values were low irrespective of treatment. Atypical hyperplasia (AH), observed at high incidences in rats treated with genotoxic carcinogens, was also evident in animals receiving non-genotoxic agents, even after their withdrawal, albeit at low incidences. AH labeling indices remained high even without continued insult. These results indicate that even with non-genotoxic carcinogens, heritable alterations at the DNA level could occur during strong cell proliferation and result in AH development. This putative preneoplastic lesion might then progress to produce carcinomas.

Substitution of p- and o-hydroxyphenyl radicals at the 8 position of purine nucleosides by reaction with mutagenic p- and o-diazoquinones

Incubation of 2'-deoxyadenosine (dAdo), 2'-deoxyguanosine (dGuo), adenosine, guanosine (Guo), thymidine, deoxycytidine with p- and o-diazoquinones, mutagens produced by the reaction of phenol and nitrite, at pH 7 and 37 degrees C resulted in a decrease of each nucleoside depending upon the concentration of the diazoquinones. pD-dAdo, pD-dGuo and pD-Guo were isolated from the reaction mixtures of dAdo, dGuo and Guo, respectively, with p-diazoquinone at pH 9.5, and oD-dGuo was from the mixture of dGuo and o-diazoquinone at pH 9.5. The products were identified as 8-(p-hydroxyphenyl)- and 8-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-purine nucleosides by 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, secondary ion mass spectrum, ultraviolet absorption spectrum and elemental analysis. p- and o-Diazoquinones may be converted into p- and o-hydroxyphenyl radicals, respectively, which in turn attack the 8 position of the purine nucleosides. The mutagenicity of these diazoquinones may be partly due to the radical reactions.

DNA strand breakage by hydroxyphenyl radicals generated from mutagenic diazoquinone compounds

The mutagenic diazoquinone compounds p-diazoquinone (p-DQ), o-diazoquinone (o-DQ) and 3-diazo-N-nitrosobamethan (D-BM) cleaved the phosphodiester bond of lambda DNA, phi X174 RFI DNA and M13mp8ss DNA. p-DQ also cleaved the phosphodiester bond of bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate. The breakage of the phosphodiester bond was inhibited by the antioxidant butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA), ethanol, the spin trapping agent DMPO, cysteine and 2-mercaptoethanol. While incubation of p-DQ and o-DQ alone gave p-hydroquinone and catechol, respectively, incubation of these compounds in the presence of BHA and ethanol gave phenol in large yields. Incubation of p-DQ and o-DQ with the spin trapping agents DMPO and PBN gave spin adducts assignable as p- and o-hydroxyphenyl adducts, respectively. The breakage of the phosphodiester bond of DNA by the diazoquinone compounds is suggested to be due to the hydroxyphenyl radicals generated during incubation.