Effects of N-nitrosodiethanolamine and 1,1-diethanolhydrazine in Syrian golden hamsters

5 Addendum to the Final Report on the Safety Assessment of 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol

A literature review of test data that have become available since the 1979 toxicological safety report on 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (BNPD) is presented and discussed. The earlier conclusion that BNPD is safe as a cosmetic ingredient at concentrations up to 0.1% except under circumstances where its action with amines or amides can result in the formation of nitrosamines or nitrosamides is reaffirmed. The new data suggest the possibility that when it is absorbed, this ingredient may contribute to endogenous formation of nitrosamines in humans.

8 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine, and Monoethanolamine

Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), and Monoethanolamine (MEA) are amino alcohols used in cosmetic formulations as emulsifiers, thickeners, wetting agents, detergents, and alkalizing agents. The nitrosation of the etha-nolamines may result in the formation of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) which is carcinogenic in laboratory animals.

In single-dose oral toxicity for rats, TEA was practically nontoxic to slightly toxic, and DEA and MEA were slightly toxic. Long-term oral ingestion of the ethanolamines by rats and guinea pigs produced lesions limited mainly to the liver and kidney. Long-term cutaneous applications to animals of the ethanolamines also produced evidence of hepatic and renal damage. TEA and DEA showed little potential for rabbit skin irritation in acute and subchronic skin irritation tests. MEA was corrosive to rabbit skin at a 30% concentration in a single semioccluded patch application and at a >10% concentration in 10 open applications over a period of 14 days.

The ethanolamines were nonmutagenic in the Ames test and TEA is also nonmutagenic to Bacillus subtilis. TEA did not cause DNA-damage inducible repair in an unscheduled DNA synthesis test. TEA had no carcinogenic or cocarcinogenic activity when dermally applied to mice for 18 months.

Clinical skin testing of TEA and cosmetic products containing TEA and DEA showed mild skin irritation in concentrations above 5%. There was very little skin sensitization. There was no phototoxicity or photosensitization reactions with products containing up to 20.04% TEA. A formulation containing 11.47% MEA and a formulation containing 1.6% DEA and 5.9% MEA were irritating to human skin in patch tests.

The Panel concludes that TEA, DEA, and MEA are safe for use in cosmetic formulations designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin. In products intended for prolonged contact with the skin, the concentration of ethanolamines should not exceed 5%. MEA should be used only in rinse-off products. TEA and DEA should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents.

Risk of renal cell carcinoma following exposure to metalworking fluids among autoworkers

OBJECTIVES

Metalworking fluids (MWF), used to cool and lubricate metal in occupational settings, are linked to several cancers but data on kidney cancer are limited. We examine how MWF influence the rate of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a large prospective study.

METHODS

A cohort of Michigan autoworkers consisting of 33 421 individuals was followed from 1985 to 2009. The cohort was linked to the Michigan Cancer Registry to identify new cases of RCC. We analysed RCC in relation to cumulative exposure to each specific type of MWF (straight, soluble and synthetic) and all 3 types pooled into a single MWF variable, with a 15-year lag. Cox proportional hazards regression with splines were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for age, gender, race, calendar year, year hired, time since hire, plant and other MWF types.

RESULTS

There were 135 incident cases. A linear increase in the log-HR was observed for RCC with increasing cumulative exposure to each MWF type and total MWF exposure. At the mean of total MWF exposure (18.80 mg/m(3)-year), the estimated HR was 1.11 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence for a dose-dependent association between MWF exposure and RCC. The influence of components of oil-based and water-based MWF needs further examination.

Bone marrow-derived cells contribute to NDEA-induced lung squamous cell carcinoma

Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDCs) have the ability to differentiate into lung epithelial cells in response to damage; however, their role in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) formation is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether BMDC-derived lung epithelial cells could contribute to SCC formation. A model of lung SCC induced with N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in recipient female mice transplanted with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive BMDCs from male donors was established. Incorporation of BMDCs in lung tissue was determined using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to detect GFP expression and fluorescence in situ hybridization to Y chromosomes. BMDC appeared at three stages of lung SCC progression: metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma. There was a significantly higher proportion of GFP-positive (GFP(+)) cells within SCC than was found in metaplasia and dysplasia 16 weeks post-transplantation (both P < 0.017); GFP(+) BMDCs were also observed in clusters within several SCC nests. Furthermore, most GFP(+) cells in SCC were pancytokeratin-positive (PCK(+)) epithelial cells, and some exhibited proliferative activity as determined by Ki67 staining (9.7 ± 3.92 %). The presence of GFP(+)Ki67(+)PCK(+) cells within SCC nests suggested that some donor BMDCs differentiated into proliferating epithelial cells. Finally, analysis of p63 expression, a marker of SCC cells, indicated that the presence of GFP(+)p63(+) cells (green) in inner parts of the SCC. These findings strongly suggest that BMDC-derived lung epithelial cells could participate in lung SCC formation and partially contribute to tumor growth, which might have significant potential implications for both clinical cancer therapy using BMDCs.

Genotoxicity of glycidamide in comparison to (±)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide and α-acetoxy-N-nitroso-diethanolamine in human blood and in mammalian V79-cells

Genotoxic activity of glycidamide (GA) was investigated in comparison to that of the known carcinogens (+/-)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide ((+/-)-BPDE) and alpha-acetoxy-N-nitroso-diethanolamine (alpha-A-NDELA), using the hypoxanthine-phosphoribosyl-transferase (hPRT) gene mutation assay with V79 mammalian cells and modified alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (alkaline comet assay with and without treatment of cells with formamido-pyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (FPG)) in lymphocytes from human whole blood. As shown earlier, GA induced significant DNA damage in lymphocytes from treated whole blood at > or = 300 microM (4 h) (Baum et al., Mutat. Res. 2005, 580, 61-69). In the present study, using the alkaline comet assay with FPG treatment, increased formation of DNA strand breaks was observed in lymphocytes treated with GA (10 microM; 4 h). alpha-A-NDELA and (+/-)-BPDE were genotoxic at 10-30 microM (1 h). Genotoxic activity of these compounds was not enhanced after FPG treatment. FPG treatment thus offers an enhanced sensitivity of DNA damage detection for genotoxic compounds with preference for N(7)- resp. N(3)-purine alkylation. In the hPRT assay with V79 cells, mutagenic activity of (+/-)-BPDE became significant at > or = 3 microM (24 h). For alpha-A-NDELA significant activity was observed at greater, not dbl 10 microM (24 h). As previously observed, GA was considerably less effective, inducing significant mutagenicity roughly at about 80-300-fold higher concentrations (800 microM; 24 h) (Baum et al., Mutat. Res. 2005, 580, 61-69).

Microsome-mediated oxidation of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), a bident carcinogen

N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), an environmentally prevalent, potent carcinogen, undergoes competitive rat liver microsome-mediated oxidation at both the alpha (adjacent to N)- and beta-positions of the 2-hydroxyethyl chains. The former process, alpha-hydroxylation, is detected by the formation of glycolaldehyde (determined as its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone DNP) that is assumed to arise from the decomposition of the corresponding alpha-hydroxynitrosamine, which is also the progenitor of the 2-hydroxyethyldiazonium ion. This finding refutes prior published work that states that the alpha-hydroxylation of NDELA does not occur. Competitive microsomal oxidation at the beta-position gives the hemiacetal N-nitroso-2-hydroxymorpholine (NHMOR) at a rate 1.5 times alpha-hydroxylation. Glycolaldehyde is oxidized in this system to glyoxal at a rate 39 times the conversion of NDELA to glycolaldehyde. The alpha-hydroxylation of NHMOR at either C-3 or C-5 to give glyoxal or glycolaldehyde, respectively, occurs at respective rates 3-6 times that of the alpha-hydroxylation of NDELA. Ethylene glycol, a hydrolysis product of the 2-hydroxyethyldiazonium ion is shown to undergo microsome mediate oxidation to glyoxal. Ethyl-2-hydroxyethylnitrosamine (NEELA) undergoes a similar set of microsome-mediated oxidations at alpha-position of the ethyl (fastest) and 2-hydroxyethyl groups, as well as beta-oxidation of the 2-hydroxyethyl group, a process which is slightly more rapid than alpha-hydroxylation of the same chain. Comparisons of oxidations rates of these substrates, as manipulated by preinducers, isoniazid, streptozocin, and phenobarbital, and enzyme inhibitors diethyldithiocarbamate and 4-methylpyrazole, with that of dimethylnitrosamine, a substrate for cytochrome P450 2E1, strongly suggest that this isozyme is also responsible for the oxidations reported here. alpha-Deuteration of NDELA practically eliminates its alpha-hydroxylation by microsomes from isoniazid induced rats, but doubles beta-oxidation, while beta-deuteration of this substrate significantly reduces beta-oxidation and enhances alpha-hydroxylation. Since both glyoxal-guanine and 2-hydroxyethyl-DNA base adducts are known to arise from the in vivo administration of NDELA and because this work demonstrates that these two fragments can come from the microsomal oxidation of a single nitrosamine molecule containing the 2-hydroxyethyl group, NDELA and related nitrosamines are bident (two-toothed) carcinogens, a process which is likely to enhance their carcinogenic potency.

Probing the mechanism of the carcinogenic activation of N-nitrosodiethanolamine with deuterium isotope effects: in vivo induction of DNA single-strand breaks and related in vitro assays

A series of bioassays, including in vivo induction of DNA single-strand breaks (SSB) and cytotoxicity in cytochrome P450 2E1-transfected cells, were utilized with N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), its deuterated isotopomers (alpha-D4NDELA and beta-D4NDELA), N-nitroso-2-hydroxymorpholine (NHMOR), and two of its deuterated isotopomers (2-D-NHMOR and 5,5-D2-NHMOR) to probe the mechanism of carcinogenic activation of NDELA and the role of its metabolite NHMOR. DNA samples, taken from the livers of male Wistar rats 4 h after the administration of NDELA, exhibited dose-dependent DNA SSB levels over the range of 0.08-0.75 mmol/kg (body weight), with the greatest SSB level at the highest dose. Deuterium isotope effects on DNA SSB levels were inversely dependent on dose: alpha-D4NDELA, 3. 22-1.37; and beta-D4NDELA, 1.38-0.79. At the lowest dose of 0.15 mmol/kg (body weight), 5,5-D2-NHMOR gave an isotope effect for DNA SSB of 2.8 while that for 2-D-NHMOR was 0.7. NDELA and beta-D4NDELA were equally cytotoxic to human P450 2E1-transfected V79 Chinese hamster cells, while alpha-D4NDELA was not. Significant DNA SSB levels were observed in these cells for NDELA and beta-D4NDELA but not for alpha-D4NDELA. A kinetic deuterium isotope effect of 2.6 for Vmax/Km was observed for the horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase-mediated oxidation of beta-D4NDELA to NHMOR, while kH/kD for alpha-D4NDELA was 1.05. These data provide the first definitive evidence for the activation of NDELA by a pathway involving the scission of the alpha-CH bond and are consistent with P450 2E1-mediated alpha-hydroxylation of NDELA producing the corresponding reactive alpha-hydroxynitrosamine.

DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells of metal workers exposed to N-nitrosodiethanolamine in synthetic cutting fluids

In 28 smoking and 37 non-smoking male metal workers from 7 small to medium sized plants the genotoxic effect caused by the occupational exposure measured as DNA single strand breaks in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells was investigated. Metal workers using synthetic cutting fluids are possibly exposed to the carcinogenic N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA). In this investigation NDELA was detected in the air of the working halls in a concentration up to 1000 ng/m3 and in the cutting fluids in a concentration up to 135 mg/l (mean values per plant). Workers staying in rooms with a mean concentration of NDELA in the air of about 1 microgram/m3 revealed two times more DNA strand breaks than workers staying in an environment with less than 50 ng/m3 of NDELA (p < 0.01). Non-smoking workers with more than 4.5 h contact to cutting fluids per day showed an 1.5 times higher mean level of DNA strand breaks than their nonsmoking colleagues having had less than 4.5 h contact to cutting fluids (p < 0.02). Also workers having had work place-related complaints showed a statistically significantly higher level of DNA strand breaks compared to workers with no or no work place-related complaints. No significant correlation was obtained between the extent of DNA damage and the estimated extent of skin contact or the concentration of NDELA found in the cutting fluids. Therefore, for workers in this investigation NDELA incorporated by inhalation is probably more relevant for genotoxic damage than NDELA resorbed by skin. An increased level of DNA damage was found in metal workers depending on the concentration of NDELA in the air of the work places. However, without further investigations it cannot be excluded that also other concomitant agents in the environment were responsible for the observed genotoxic effect.

Retrospective follow-up study of foundry and engine plant workers

A retrospective follow-up study of 21,013 workers employed at a foundry and two engine manufacturing plants was conducted to determine if these workers had an unusual mortality experience. A total of 2,235 deaths occurred during the follow-up period of 1970-1987. Mortality from all causes was lower than expected. Men experienced a 6-13% excess of lung cancer deaths, depending on the choice of the comparison group. The data displayed evidence of a positive trend between lung cancer mortality and increasing duration of employment (p = 0.008). White men experienced a statistically significant excess of deaths from stomach cancer (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 158; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 101-234). Black men had increased mortality from pancreatic cancer, especially among engine plant workers (SMR = 303; CI = 121-624), and an excess of prostate cancer, concentrated among foundry workers (SMR = 234; CI = 112-430).

Dose response study of N-nitrosodiethanolamine initiation of rat hepatocarcinogenesis

Initiating activity of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) for rat liver carcinogenesis was investigated using an 8-weeks bioassay system. Male F344 rats were initially treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of NDELA at one of five dose levels: 1,600, 800, 400, 200, or 100 mg/kg. Two weeks later, the rats were placed on 0.02% 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) or 0.05% phenobarbital (PB) containing diet for 6 weeks. All animals were subjected to 2/3 partial hepatectomy 4 weeks after the NDELA treatment, and killed at the end of the eighth week. NDELA itself exerted low toxicity in terms of body weight gain. Clear dose-dependent initiating activity of NDELA was observed in terms of development of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive liver cell foci, this being more apparent with PB promotion than with 2-AAF where the enhancing regimen itself caused multiple lesion development. Initiating potential of NDELA, however, was much lower than that observed for diethylnitrosamine in our previous work.

Persistence of N-nitrosodiethanolamine contamination in American metal-working lubricants

The potent carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) was discovered as a contaminant of commercial metal-working lubricants over a decade ago. To determine whether or not improvements in industrial practice suggested in the meantime have eliminated this contamination from United States products, a selection of cutting fluids obtained from the current marketplace was analysed for NDELA content. All six semi-synthetic fluids examined contained NDELA at levels ranging from 0.5 to 4.3 ppm. Three of six petroleum-based lubricants and five of six synthetics also contained significant NDELA (when analysed at a detection limit of 0.03 ppm), at levels of up to 0.16 and 55 ppm, respectively. The mean concentrations were 1.5 ppm for the semi-synthetics, 0.07 ppm for the petroleum-based products, and 11.4 ppm for the synthetic metal-working fluids. While these levels are far below the values of 1-2% by weight (10,000-20,000 ppm) found in some contaminated products 13 years ago, they may nevertheless pose a continuing health risk for the machinists who work with them.

Cytogenetic effects of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) and NDELA-monoacetate in human lymphocytes

The mutagenicity of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) and NDELA monoacetate was tested in vitro on lymphocytes of two healthy probands by determining the frequencies of chromosome aberrations, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). A dose-dependent increase was found in all three test systems for NDELA as well as its monoacetate. The SCE test proved to be most sensitive for the genotoxic effect of NDELA because the differences to the control cultures had already become significant at 250-625 mumol/culture (26.6-65.4 mM). However, NDELA monoacetate showed a higher reactivity in the micronuclei and chromosome aberration test: significantly increased values were found even at 12.5 mumol (1.3 mM), whereas in the SCE test the differences became significant at the 25-mumol (2.7 mM) level. NDELA caused significantly increased rates of micronuclei and chromosome aberrations only at the highest test levels (625-1250 mumol; 65.4-127.6 mM). The results indicate important differences in the genotoxic effects of the two compounds, which might be explained by different lipophilicity and/or special activation processes.

A method for the determination of N-nitrosoalkanolamines in cosmetics

A method für the determination of N-nitrosoalkanolamines in cosmetics and toiletries is described. The ingredients used in their manufacture N-nitroso-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine (N-nitrosodiethanolamine, NDELA) and N-nitroso-bis-(2-hydroxy-propyl)amine (NBHPA) are almost exclusively the contaminants. The method has therefore been modified for their determination. N-Nitroso-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-(2-hydroxypropyl)amine is used as the internal standard. After dilution with water, the cosmetic is adsorbed onto a kieselguhr column and extracted with n-butanol. The extract is brought to dryness, re-dissolved in chloroform/acetone (5 + 1) and transferred to a silica gel column. The column is washed and eluted with acetone. The eluate is dried and the residue is treated with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl-heptafluorobutyramide. Trimethylsilyl (TMS)derivatives of N-nitrosoalkanolamines are determined by gas-chromatography with a thermal energy analyzer (TEA). Recovery of the internal standard is 95% and the determination limit is 5 micrograms/kg, Repeated analyses of a foam bath, spiked with 30 micrograms/kg NDELA, gave an average content of 32 micrograms/kg NDELA (variation coefficient 8.8%; n = 10). In order to avoid artefact formation during the clean-up process, kieselguhr containing 50% sodium ascorbate has to be used when cosmetics containing free dialkanolamines are analyzed.

Effect of lifetime administration of dimethylaminoethanol on longevity, aging changes, and cryptogenic neoplasms in C3H mice

The effects of lifetime treatment with dimethylaminoethanol on longevity and cryptogenic neoplasm formation were studied in females of two mouse sub-lines, the C3H/HeN which carries a germinal mammary tumor provirus and the C3H/HeJ(+) which also carries the exogenous mammary tumor virus. Administration in the drinking water of 10 mM dimethylaminoethanol to the C3H/HeN mice or 15 mM to the C3H/HeJ(+) mice did not result in significant differences between treated and untreated groups in average survival. No changes in age-related organ structure or morphology were observed with dimethylaminoethanol treatment, except for an apparent decrease in the amount of lipofuscin in the liver judged in histological sections. Among untreated C3H/HeJ(+) females, 89% developed neoplasms of the mammary gland, ovary, liver, lung and reticuloendothelial system, while the incidence was 88% in the treated mice. In C3H/HeN females, neoplasms of the mammary gland, ovary, liver, lung and lymphatic system occurred in 57% and in 60% of treated mice. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between control and treated animals in the age of onset or the type of specific neoplasms. Dimethylaminoethanol did not induce any neoplasms.

Structure-activity relations in carcinogenesis by N-nitroso compounds

For a large number of N-nitroso compounds a comparison of their carcinogenic effects in rats and Syrian golden hamsters has been made. Nitrosamines, which require metabolic activation, and nitrosoalkylamides, which do not, produce quite different tumor responses. There are also large differences in the types of tumor induced in rats and in hamsters. In all the studies doses of the various compounds, equimolar to the extent that was possible, are administered orally. Continuous doses (in drinking water or food) often produce a response different from that after administration of the same compound in pulsed doses (by gavage), even though the same total dose is delivered. Continuous doses of nitrosamines are usually more effective than pulsed doses, but with the nitrosoalkylureas, the reverse is more generally the case. Rat and hamster liver is a common target of many nitrosamines, but rarely of nitrosamides. The most common site of tumor induction in rats by N-nitroso compounds is the esophagus, but the hamster esophagus never responds. The pancreas duct of the hamster is a common target of nitrosamines containing a beta-oxygenated propyl group, but pancreas duct tumors are never seen in rats. Nitrosomethyl-n-alkylamines (with an even numbered carbon chain) induce bladder tumors in rats and hamsters. Many nitrosoalkylureas induce tumors of the nervous system in rats, as well as a great variety of other tumors. In hamsters, nitrosoalkylureas give rise only to tumors of the forestomach and spleen, but no tumors of the nervous system. The similar carcinogenic actions of certain groups of N-nitroso compounds can be related to their generation, directly or by metabolism, of similar simple moieties having certain organs as their target.

Mutagenicity of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in the Salmonella/microsome test

Mutagenicity of a commercially available N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) and purified NDELA was examined, using Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as a tester strain. Purified NDELA was positive in the presence of liver activation system from either rats or hamsters, but the mutagenicity was completely lost when dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a solvent. In contrast, the commercial NDELA which was chemically of 93.8% purity showed positive mutagenicity without metabolic activation, and the liver activation system and DMSO had no effect on the direct mutagenic activity. These results indicate that an apparent discrepancy among previous findings of several investigators with the mutagenic response of NDELA might be due to an impurity in NDELA samples and the solvent, DMSO.

Studies on the metabolic activation of diethanolnitrosamine in animal-mediated and in vitro assays using Escherichia coli K-12 343/113 as an indicator

The mutagenic activity of diethanolnitrosamine (NDELA), a carcinogenic compound which leads to inconsistent results in standard in vitro procedures was tested in vitro and in animal-mediated assays with the indicator strain Escherichia coli (E. coli) K-12 343/113. This strain allows the simultaneous detection of forward and back mutations arising in several genes of the E. coli chromosome. In animal-mediated assays in which mice were used as hosts for i.v. injected E. coli indicator cells, s.c. application of NDELA induced a dose dependent increase of galactose fermenting mutants in cells recovered from the livers of animals exposed for 3 h to the mutagen. Comparison with results obtained with diethylnitrosamine (DENA) in the same test system revealed that the two compounds apparently cause different types of mutagenic lesions. Induction of arg+ mutations by DENA and several other aliphatic nitrosamines is mainly due to base pair substitutions, whereas NDELA is rather mutagenic in the galRs system. This latter system is, in addition, sensitive to frameshifts and deletions. These differences in mutagenic specificity suggest that NDELA and DENA, although structurally closely related, are activated via different molecular mechanisms. In fact, evidence is accumulating that alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) could be involved in the activation of NDELA. On the other hand, the effective mutagenesis of NDELA obtained in vitro with E. coli upon addition of rat liver microsomal fraction would not be expected if ADH is involved in the activation since the S-9 Mix used in the present experiments was devoid of cofactors (NAD, NADP), necessary to accomplish oxidation by ADH. Therefore, further in vivo studies were performed, in which pyrazole, a potent blocker of ADH, was administered prior (1 and 24 h) to the injection of the mutagen. The observation that a dose dependent increase of mutants in the liver (and to a lower extent in the spleens) of treated animals takes place under conditions in which ADH activity is blocked, whereas several microsomal enzymes are stimulated, indicated that besides oxidation of NDELA by ADH other metabolic activation pathways are involved. Apparently enzymes contained in the liver homogenate, possibly NADPH dependent enzymes of the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system, play an important role in the formation of mutagenic metabolites of NDELA.

Comparative in vitro and in vivo beta-oxidation of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in different animal species

The metabolism of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) was studied to assess whether the formation of the beta-oxidated metabolites N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(formylmethyl)nitrosamine (EFMN) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(carboxymethyl)nitrosamine (ECMN) is involved in the mechanism of tumor induction in various animal species with different susceptibility to NDELA carcinogenicity. In vitro studies using liver S9 fractions from rats, hamster, B6C3F1 and CD-1 mice and rabbits showed that all the animal species metabolize NDELA through the beta-oxidation pathway, although to different extents. Urinary excretion of NDELA and its metabolite ECMN in rats, hamsters and mice after 5 mg X kg-1 NDELA i.p. confirmed these findings. The results suggest there is no correlation between carcinogenesis by NDELA and its beta-oxidation. The possibility that ECMN formation might represent a detoxifying metabolic pathway for NDELA is discussed.

Autoradiography of [14C]N-nitrosodiethanolamine in Sprague-Dawley rats

Whole-body autoradiography in Sprague-Dawley rats injected i.v. with [14C]N-nitrosodiethanolamine ([14C]NDELA) showed a localization of tissue-bound radioactivity in the liver and the nasal olfactory mucosa. Microautoradiography of the nasal olfactory mucosa showed the highest labelling over the subepithelial glands (Bowman's glands) in the lamina propria mucosae. Experiments in vitro showed a capacity of the liver and the nasal mucosa to form 14CO2 from the [14C]NDELA. Most of the injected [14C]NDELA was recovered in the urine in a non-metabolized form. A small proportion of the dose was exhaled as 14CO2. The target tissues for the NDELA carcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats are the liver and the nasal mucosa. Our results indicate that a bioactivation of the NDELA will take place in the nasal mucosa, as well as in the liver.

Mortality of workers in an automobile engine and parts manufacturing complex

A proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) study was conducted using data on workers from three local unions representing an integrated automobile factory composed of forge, foundry, and engine (machine and assembly) plants. Ninety four percent of the death certificates were obtained for all active and non-active workers who died during the period 1 January 1970 to 31 December 1979 and were vested in union and company benefit programmes. Observed numbers of deaths were compared with expected numbers based on two standards, the proportionate mortality among men in the United States 1970-9 and among men in Erie County 1975. There was close agreement between the number of observed and expected deaths by either standard of comparison among white auto workers in the forge and foundry plants. Valid analyses of cause specific mortality among non-whites could be conducted for the foundry plant only. Although there was raised PMR for deaths due to diseases of the circulatory system using the Erie County standard, none of the other cause specific PMRs was significant. Although based on small numbers, the risk of cancer of the lung was significantly high in non-whites under age 50 in the foundry (PMR = 2.6; p less than 0.05). The cause specific PMRs for whites in the engine plant were statistically significant for malignant neoplasms (1.2) and all external causes (0.62) based on the US white male standard. Analysis of cancer specific mortality among white men in the machining/assembly plant showed significant excesses for cancer of the digestive system (PMR=1.5), particularly of the liver (PMR=2.6) and pancreas (PMR=1.9); cancers of the respiratory system (PMR=1.4 using the Erie County standard); and cancer of the urinary bladder (PMR=2.3). Workers employed for more than 20 years showed statistically increased mortality ratios for cancers of the digestive system (1.9), particularly cancer of the pancreas (2.3) and cancer of the rectum (2.8). Individuals whose employment began during or before 1950 exhibited increased PMRs for cancers of the digestive organs (1.8), particularly of the pancreas (2.5) and of the bladder (3.4). Workers whose employment began after 1950, on the other hand, exhibited raised PMRs for cancers of the respiratory system (1.5) and of the kidney (3.2). Since the foundry and forge plants did not start production until 1955, mortality associated with those work settings may be greater in the future.

Alcoholdehydrogenase as an activating enzyme for N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA): in vitro activation of NDELA to a potent mutagen in Salmonella typhimurium

N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), a potent carcinogen, has not so far been found to be mutagenic in a wide range of test systems. In particular, mutagenicity testing in Salmonella typhimurium with rat liver S-9 mix or microsomal fraction used for activation has failed to indicate mutagenicity. However, when incubated with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the presence of NAD, NDELA is converted to a potent mutagen. A possible mechanism of activation comprises the generation of an aldehyde as a primary metabolite formed by NAD/ADH and its subsequent rearrangement into cyclic intermediates. The latter might either be further metabolized or spontaneously decompose into various alkylating agents and glycolaldehyde. Standard test conditions used for the Ames test will not favor the detection of mutagens to be activated by NAD/ADH because they require the presence of NADPH, whereas ADH needs NAD to become an activating enzyme, as shown for NDELA.

Kinetics and bioavailability of N-nitrosodiethanolamine after intravenous and cutaneous administration to rats

Male CD-COBS rats were given N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) by intravenous or cutaneous administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Blood and liver were analysed for NDELA at various times after administration. The excretion of unchanged NDELA and its acidic metabolite N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-carboxymethylnitrosamine (ECMN) was determined in urine for 24 hr after treatment. The semilogarithmic blood concentration-time plot after iv injection showed a triphasic profile indicating that a three-compartment model may adequately describe the kinetics of this compound. After cutaneous application NDELA was rapidly absorbed through the skin, and the absolute bioavailability was calculated to be 27% from blood data, and to be 32% (NDELA + ECMN) from urine data. Hepatic NDELA levels reflected blood levels after both treatments, indicating that this organ does not accumulate NDELA to a significant extent. Urinary excretion of unchanged NDELA after iv and cutaneous administration was 83 and 25% of the administered dose, respectively. ECMN excretion was 4.9 and 2.5% of the administered dose after iv and cutaneous administration, respectively.

Genetic activity of the carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) on unstable mutant alleles of the white locus in Drosophila melanogaster

The genetic activities of the carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) were assayed somatically and germinally on two stocks carrying unstable alleles of the white (w+) eye colour gene: one incorporating a TE (z TE w+; coded UZ), the other with a tandem duplication of part of the encoding w+ sequence (wi16). Treatment was applied topically on late embryonic and early larval stages over a wide dose range (0.01-2.0 M) and the general mutagenic levels actually achieved were measured in terms of the X-recessive mutations (lethals and visibles) recovered in Muller-5 tests on samples of the males scored for somatic sectoring. The carcinogen was germinally ineffective on the z TE w+ and wi16 loci even at the maximal tested dose (2.0 M), and was only weakly mutagenic with respect to the X-recessives (lethals + visibles) at massive doses (1.0-2.0 M). In contrast, it proved to be genetically effective somatically, inducing red eye sectors through regulatory effects involving the TE in the UZ stock and complete reversion to w+ in the case of wi16 at comparatively moderate doses (less than or equal to 0.26 M). The possible implications of the demonstration of the genetic activity of NDELA in the soma to the carcinogenic process, and to the wider problem of screening for environmental genotoxic compounds, are discussed.

Reducing nitrosamine contamination in cutting fluids

In simulated metalworking coolants that contained both nitrite and di- or triethanolamine at pH 9, N-nitrosodiethanolamine formed at an initial rate of 11 or 6 ppm/wk, respectively. This rate was increased on heating the fluids, on acidification or by the addition of paraformaldehyde, 1,3,5-trimethylhexahydro-s-triazine, ferricyanide or ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetate. N-Nitrosodiethanolamine also formed when nitrite-free coolants containing either of the two amines above were exposed to nitric oxide in air. No nitrosamines were detected in fluids containing primary amines in place of the secondary and tertiary amines, except that N-nitrosooxazolidine was formed in the fluid containing monoethanolamine after addition of formaldehyde-releasing agents, and N-nitrosodiethanolamine and N-nitrosomorpholine were found in fluid containing diglycolamine (HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2NH2) after the fluid was heated at 100 degrees C for 48 hr. These data suggest several steps by which nitrosamine formation in commercial cutting fluids might be substantially reduced: avoiding acid-splitting as a disposal procedure; removing nitrite from the fluid and/or scavenging adventitious nitrosating agents; avoiding unnecessary heating; adding preservatives to the diluted fluid rather than to the commercial concentrate; replacing inherently nitrosatable amine additives by substitutes which are resistant to nitrosamine formation; minimizing concentrations of catalytically active metal complexes.

N-nitrosodiethanolamine in antifreeze

Carcinogenic N-nitrosodiethanolamine has been found at concentrations varying from 15 to 5700 mg/liter in several leading French brands of antifreeze. Moreover, mixtures of antifreezes which, separately, are innocuous, can form this nitrosamine which appears to arise from interaction of triethanolamine derivatives with sodium nitrite. It is recommended that sodium nitrite be abandoned as an anticorrosion additive.

Identification of an acidic metabolite of N-nitrosodiethanolamine isolated from rat urine

N-Nitrosodiethanolamine metabolism was studied in order to clarify the mechanism(s) by which this compound elicits its carcinogenic effect. Samples of 24 h urine from rats given a single dose of N-nitrosodiethanolamine were collected. Gas chromatographic thermal energy analyses showed the presence of only one compound containing the nitroso moiety besides N-nitrosodiethanolamine. This compound was identified as the acidic derivative N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-carboxymethylnitrosamine by comparison with an authentic standard by means of gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis of the trimethylsilyl or pentafluorobenzyl esters. The amount of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-carboxymethylnitrosamine excreted in the 24 h urine was about 6% of the N-nitrosodiethanolamine administered.

The fate of N-nitrosodiethanolamine after oral and topical administration to rats

14C-labelled N-nitrosodiethanolamine ([14C]NDELA) was given to Osborne-Mendel rats at two dose levels, 0.5 or 50 mg/kg, by oral or topical administration. The excreta and tissues were analysed at various times from 4 hr to 1 wk after administration to determine the distribution of radioactivity. After oral administration, [14C]NDELA was rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, distributed throughout all organs and tissues, and then excreted, mainly via the kidneys. The tissue concentration reached a peak at 8 hr, but some activity remained after 1 wk. After topical application NDELA was slowly absorbed percutaneously, but once absorbed was distributed as in the orally dosed rats. Metabolic profiles of urine and bile samples from both the orally and topically dosed rats were identical, although the quantities varied. In addition to unchanged NDELA, one metabolite was present. The dose level had little effect on the quantities of unchanged NDELA or the metabolite present.

Evaluation, using Salmonella typhimurium, of the mutagenicity of seven chemicals found in cosmetics

Six chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics were evaluated for mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium. Two of these ingredients, trans-4-phenyl-3-butene-2-one and 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, were mutagenic in the presence of rat liver S-9 towards strains TA100 and TA1537 respectively. An impurity found in some cosmetic products, N-nitrosodiethanolamine, was mutagenic to S. typhimurium strains TA1535 and TA100 in the presence of hamster-liver S-9 but not rat-liver S-9.

Qualitative detection of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in cosmetic products

A relatively quick and simple procedure is described for the detection of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in various cosmetic products. The procedure is based on the irreversible formation of p-nitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline which has a bright yellow colour in basic solution. The compound is formed following extraction of the cosmetic, photolysis of the aqueous extract and the addition of N,N-dimethylaniline to photolysed extract.

Comparative studies of neoplastic response to a single dose of nitroso compounds. The effect of N-nitrosobis (2-hydroxypropyl)amine in Syrian golden hamsters

Single s.c. applications of N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) caused carcinogenic effects in adult Syrian golden hamsters at doses as low as 1/40 of the LD50. The tumor spectrum decreased at lower doses, which affected the pancreas more strongly than the liver, whereas higher doses exhibited a more pronounced hepatocarcinogenicity and also induced tumors in the respiratory tract, gallbladder, kidney, and vagina. These results demonstrated a potent pancreatic carcinogenic effect of BHP at the lowest dose level. Hence, the presence of BHP in the environment, even in small quantities, should be regarded as a potential hazard to human health.

The carcinogenicity of N-nitrosodiethanolamine, an environmental pollutant, in Syrian hamsters

Weekly subcutaneous injections of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) at doses of 1000, 500 and 250 mg/kg body wt for life induced tumors in Syrian hamsters which primarily affected the upper respiratory tract. The incidence of these malignant neoplasms arising exclusively from the olfactory region was between 73% (highest dose) and 35% (lowest dose). Lower numbers of neoplasms were found with decreasing frequency in the trachea, larynx and lungs. The results indicate that doses of NDELA lower than 250 mg/kg body wt may also be carcinogenic. Hence, NDELA and its precursors should be regarded as hazardous to human health.

The effect of cosmetic vehicles on the penetration of N-nitrosodiethanolamine through excised human skin

Cosmetic products are frequently applied to the skin by a large number of people, but some contain compounds that are potentially toxic, if absorption through the skin is sufficient. The percutaneous absorption of N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), an impurity in many cosmetic products, has been evaluated in diffusion cells using excised human skin. The nitrosamine was applied to the skin in vehicles with different solubility properties. The permeability constants for water (5.5 X 10(-6) cm hr-1) and propylene glycol (3.2 X 10(-6) cm hr-1) were small and similar. In isopropyl myristate, the permeability constant increased approximately 250-fold to 1.1 X 10(-3) cm hr-1. The NDELA membrane:vehicle partition coefficients were determined using trypsin-treated stratum corneum as the membrane. These coefficients were 1.8 and 1.0, respectively, for water and propylene glycol and 230 for isopropyl myristate. The permeability of NDELA through skin is apparently increased greatly when applied from sufficiently lipoidal formulations; this is primarily due to the favorable partition coefficients for NDELA from such formulations. The amount of NDELA penetrating the skin from 3 types of cosmetic products was calculated based on their different conditions of use. Products applied over large areas of the body that remain on the skin for long periods of time (i.e., sun tanning lotion) will result in the greatest absorption of NDELA if all other factors are equal.

Potent carcinogenicity of nitrosodiethanolamine in rats

Nitrosodiethanolamine is found in synthetic cutting oils and in many cosmetic preparations and is probably the N-nitroso compound to which human exposure is greatest. It is formed by reaction of the commonly used amines diethanolamine and triethanolamine with nitrosating agents. An assessment of the possible risk in human exposure to nitrosodiethanolamine must be based on sound chronic toxicity data. A previously published chronic test of this compound in rats has shown it to induce liver tumours after very high oral doses, and tumours of the nasal cavity after administration of high repeated doses to Syrian hamsters by subcutaneous injection. To improve our understanding of the carcinogenic potency of nitrosodiethanolamine, we undertook a more extensive study, in which the compound was administered at concentrations ranging from 3,900 to 31,250 parts per million (p.p.m.) in drinking water, to groups of rats for about 6 months. We report here that when the animals were killed, all bore hepatocellular carcinomas, many of which metastasized at the higher doses, indicating that nitrosodiethanolamine is a carcinogen of considerable potency in the rat. However, it is inactive or very weakly active in short-term tests, such as the Salmonella mutagenesis test developed by Ames.

Mutagenicity of nitrosodiethanolamine on Salmonella typhimurium

Nitrosodiethanolamine was examined in the Ames assay for bacterial mutagens. In absence of S9 activation a mutagenic effect was found.

Urinary excretion of N-nitrosodiethanolamine administered orally to rats

N-Nitrosodiethanolamine (NDE1A) was administered by gavage to male rats in single doses of 1000, 500 and 100 mg/kg body wt. More than 70% of a given dose was excreted unchanged in the urine, essentially within the first 24 h after exposure. This high excretion rate might explain the relatively low carcinogenic potential of NDE1A, and also offers a possible method of monitoring exposure to this compound under occupational and/or environmental conditions.