Effects of benzene metabolites on DNA cleavage mediated by human topoisomerase II alpha: 1,4-hydroquinone is a topoisomerase II poison

Inhibition of Topoisomerases by Metal Thiosemicarbazone Complexes

Topoisomerases, common targets for anti-cancer therapeutics, are crucial enzymes for DNA replication, transcription, and many other aspects of DNA metabolism. The potential anti-cancer effects of thiosemicarbazones (TSC) and metal-TSC complexes have been demonstrated to target several biological processes, including DNA metabolism. Human topoisomerases were discovered among the molecular targets for TSCs, and metal-chelated TSCs specifically displayed significant inhibition of topoisomerase II. The processes by which metal-TSCs or TSCs inhibit topoisomerases are still being studied. In this brief review, we summarize the TSCs and metal-TSCs that inhibit various types of human topoisomerases, and we note some of the key unanswered questions regarding this interesting class of diverse compounds.

A review on the degradation of acetaminophen by advanced oxidation process: pathway, by-products, biotoxicity, and density functional theory calculation

Water scarcity and the accumulation of recalcitrance compounds into the environment are the main reasons behind the attraction of researchers to use advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Many AOP systems have been used to treat acetaminophen (ACT) from an aqueous medium, which leads to generating different kinetics, mechanisms, and by-products. In this work, state-of-the-art studies on ACT by-products and their biotoxicity, as well as proposed degradation pathways, have been collected, organized, and summarized. In addition, the Fukui function was used for predicting the most reactive sites in the ACT molecule. The most frequently detected by-products in this review were hydroquinone, 1,4-benzoquinone, 4-aminophenol, acetamide, oxalic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, 1,2,4-trihydroxy benzene, and maleic acid. Both the experimental and prediction tests revealed that N-(3,4-dihydroxy phenyl) acetamide was mutagenic. Meanwhile, N-(2,4-dihydroxy phenyl) acetamide and malonic acid were only found to be mutagenic in the prediction test. The findings of the LC50 (96 h) test revealed that benzaldehyde is the most toxic ACT by-products and hydroquinone, N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)formamide, 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol, benzoquinone, 4-aminophenol, benzoic acid, 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, 4-nitrophenol, and 4-aminobenzene-1,2-diol considered harmful. The release of them into the environment without treatment may threaten the ecosystem. The degradation pathway based on the computational method was matched with the majority of ACT proposed pathways and with the most frequent ACT by-products. This study may contribute to enhance the degradation of ACT by AOP systems.

Topoisomerase II Poisons: Converting Essential Enzymes into Molecular Scissors

The extensive length, compaction, and interwound nature of DNA, together with its controlled and restricted movement in eukaryotic cells, create a number of topological issues that profoundly affect all of the functions of the genetic material. Topoisomerases are essential enzymes that modulate the topological structure of the double helix, including the regulation of DNA under- and overwinding and the removal of tangles and knots from the genome. Type II topoisomerases alter DNA topology by generating a transient double-stranded break in one DNA segment and allowing another segment to pass through the DNA gate. These enzymes are involved in a number of critical nuclear processes in eukaryotic cells, such as DNA replication, transcription, and recombination, and are required for proper chromosome structure and segregation. However, because type II topoisomerases generate double-stranded breaks in the genetic material, they also are intrinsically dangerous enzymes that have the capacity to fragment the genome. As a result of this dualistic nature, type II topoisomerases are the targets for a number of widely prescribed anticancer drugs. This article will describe the structure and catalytic mechanism of eukaryotic type II topoisomerases and will go on to discuss the actions of topoisomerase II poisons, which are compounds that stabilize DNA breaks generated by the type II enzyme and convert these essential enzymes into "molecular scissors." Topoisomerase II poisons represent a broad range of structural classes and include anticancer drugs, dietary components, and environmental chemicals.

1,2-Naphthoquinone as a Poison of Human Type II Topoisomerases

1,2-Naphthoquinone, a secondary metabolite of naphthalene, is an environmental pollutant found in diesel exhaust particles that displays cytotoxic and genotoxic properties. Because many quinones have been shown to act as topoisomerase II poisons, the effects of this compound on DNA cleavage mediated by human topoisomerase IIα and IIβ were examined. The compound increased the levels of double-stranded DNA breaks generated by both enzyme isoforms and did so better than a series of naphthoquinone derivatives. Furthermore, 1,2-naphthoquinone was a more efficacious poison against topoisomerase IIα than IIβ. Topoisomerase II poisons can be classified as interfacial (which interact noncovalently at the enzyme-DNA interface and increase DNA cleavage by blocking ligation) or covalent (which adduct the protein and increase DNA cleavage by closing the N-terminal gate of the enzyme). Therefore, experiments were performed to determine the mechanistic basis for the actions of 1,2-naphthoquinone. In contrast to results with etoposide (an interfacial poison), the activity of 1,2-naphthoquinone against topoisomerase IIα was abrogated in the presence of sulfhydryl and reducing agents. Moreover, the compound inhibited cleavage activity when incubated with the enzyme prior to the addition of DNA and induced virtually no cleavage with the catalytic core of the enzyme. It also induced stable covalent topoisomerase IIα-DNA cleavage complexes and was a partial inhibitor of DNA ligation. Findings were also consistent with 1,2-naphthoquinone acting as a covalent poison of topoisomerase IIβ; however, mechanistic studies with this isoform were less conclusive. Whereas the activity of 1,2-naphthoquinone was blocked in the presence of a sulfhydryl reagent, it was much less sensitive to the presence of a reducing agent. Furthermore, the reduced form of 1,2-naphthoquinone, 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene, displayed high activity against the β isoform. Taken together, results suggest that 1,2-naphthoquinone increases topoisomerase II-mediated double-stranded DNA scission (at least in part) by acting as a covalent poison of the human type II enzymes.

DNA Damage and Perturbed Topoisomerase IIα as a Target of 1,4-Benzoquinone Toxicity in Murine Fetal Liver Cells

Benzene is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Recent studies have shown a link between the development of childhood leukemias and maternal benzene exposure, suggesting that these leukemias may be initiated in utero. Benzene crosses the placental barrier however the mechanisms behind in utero benzene toxicity have not been well elucidated. This study is the first to show that the benzene metabolite, benzoquinone (BQ), perturbs fetal topoisomerase IIα (Topo IIα), an enzyme essential for DNA repair. Using cultured murine CD-1 fetal liver cells, this study shows that Topo IIα activity decreases following 24 hours of exposure to BQ (12.5 and 15.625 µM), with the 12.5 µM confirmed to disrupt the c-kit+Lin-Sca-1-Il7rα- population of cells in culture. Pre-treatment with the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine did not prevent the inhibtion of Topo IIα by BQ. An increase in Topo IIα-DNA covalent adducts was detected following 24-hour exposures to BQ (12.5 and 50 µM). Interestingly, BQ (12.5 µM) exposure did not significantly increase levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a marker of oxidative stress after 24 hours. However, increased levels of the double-stranded DNA break marker γH2AX were detected following 24 hours of BQ exposure, confirming that Topo IIα-induced breaks are increased in BQ treated cells. This study shows that fetal Topo IIα is perturbed by BQ and suggests that this protein is a target of benzene and may be implicated with in utero benzene toxicity.

Benzoquinone, a leukemogenic metabolite of benzene, catalytically inhibits the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN2 and alters STAT1 signaling

Protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) is mainly expressed in hematopoietic cells, where it negatively regulates growth factor and cytokine signaling. PTPN2 is an important regulator of hematopoiesis and immune/inflammatory responses, as evidenced by loss-of-function mutations of PTPN2 in leukemia and lymphoma and knockout mice studies. Benzene is an environmental chemical that causes hematological malignancies, and its hematotoxicity arises from its bioactivation in the bone marrow to electrophilic metabolites, notably 1,4-benzoquinone, a major hematotoxic benzene metabolite. Although the molecular bases for benzene-induced leukemia are not well-understood, it has been suggested that benzene metabolites alter topoisomerases II function and thereby significantly contribute to leukemogenesis. However, several studies indicate that benzene and its hematotoxic metabolites may also promote the leukemogenic process by reacting with other targets and pathways. Interestingly, alterations of cell-signaling pathways, such as Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), have been proposed to contribute to benzene-induced malignant blood diseases. We show here that 1,4-benzoquinone directly impairs PTPN2 activity. Mechanistic and kinetic experiments with purified human PTPN2 indicated that this impairment results from the irreversible formation (k _inact = 645 m^-1·s^-1) of a covalent 1,4-benzoquinone adduct at the catalytic cysteine residue of the enzyme. Accordingly, cell experiments revealed that 1,4-benzoquinone exposure irreversibly inhibits cellular PTPN2 and concomitantly increases tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 and expression of STAT1-regulated genes. Our results provide molecular and cellular evidence that 1,4-benzoquinone covalently modifies key signaling enzymes, implicating it in benzene-induced malignant blood diseases.

Role of aneuploidy in the carcinogenic process: Part 3 of the report of the 2017 IWGT workgroup on assessing the risk of aneugens for carcinogenesis and hereditary diseases

Aneuploidy is regarded as a hallmark of cancer, however, its role is complex with both pro- and anti-carcinogenic effects evident. In this IWGT review, we consider the role of aneuploidy in cancer biology; cancer risk associated with constitutive aneuploidy; rodent carcinogenesis with known chemical aneugens; and chemotherapy-related malignant neoplasms. Aneuploidy is seen at various stages in carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between induced aneuploidy occurring after exposure and clonal aneuploidy present in tumours is not clear. Recent evidence indicates that the induction of chromosomal instability (CIN), may be more important than aneuploidy per se, in the carcinogenic process. Down Syndrome, trisomy 21, is associated with altered hematopoiesis in utero which, in combination with subsequent mutations, results in an increased risk for acute megakaryoblastic and lymphoblastic leukemias. In contrast, there is reduced cancer risk for most solid tumours in Down Syndrome. Mouse models with high levels of aneuploidy are also associated with increased cancer risk for particular tumours with long latencies, but paradoxically other types of tumour often show decreased incidence. The aneugens reviewed that induce cancer in humans and animals all possess other carcinogenic properties, such as mutagenicity, clastogenicity, cytotoxicity, organ toxicities, hormonal and epigenetic changes which likely account for, or interact with aneuploidy, to cause carcinogenesis. Although the role that aneuploidy plays in carcinogenesis has not been fully established, in many cases, it may not play a primary causative role. Tubulin-disrupting aneugens that do not possess other properties linked to carcinogenesis, were not carcinogenic in rodents. Similarly, in humans, for the tubulin-disrupting aneugens colchicine and albendazole, there is no reported association with increased cancer risk. There is a need for further mechanistic studies on agents that induce aneuploidy, particularly by mechanisms other than tubulin disruption and to determine the role of aneuploidy in pre-neoplastic events and in early and late stage neoplasia.

In vitro assessment of the cytotoxic, DNA damaging, and cytogenetic effects of hydroquinone in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

This study investigated the mechanisms of hydroquinone toxicity and assessed the relationships between its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and cytogenetic effects tested at 8, 140, and 280 μg mL-1 in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed for 24 h. The outcomes of the treatments were evaluated using the apoptosis/necrosis assay, the alkaline comet assay, and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome assay. The tested hydroquinone concentrations produced relatively weak cytotoxicity in resting lymphocytes, which mostly died via apoptosis. Hydroquinone’s marked genotoxic effects were detected using the alkaline comet assay. Significantly decreased values of all comet parameters compared to controls indicated specific mechanisms of hydroquinone-DNA interactions. Our results suggest that the two higher hydroquinone concentrations possibly led to cross-linking and adduct formation. Increased levels of DNA breakage measured following exposure to the lowest concentration suggested mechanisms related to oxidative stress and inhibition of topoisomerase II. At 8 μg mL-1, hydroquinone did not significantly affect MN formation. At 140 and 280 μg mL-1, it completely blocked lymphocyte division. The two latter concentrations also led to erythrocyte stabilization and prevented their lysis. At least two facts contribute to this study’s relevance: (I) this is the first study that quantifies the degree of reduction in total comet area measured in lymphocyte DNA after hydroquinone treatment, (II) it is also the first one on a lymphocyte model that adopted the “cytome” protocol in an MN assay and found that lymphocytes exposure even to low hydroquinone concentration resulted in a significant increase of nuclear bud frequency. Considering the limitations of the lymphocyte model, which does not possess intrinsic metabolic activation, in order to unequivocally prove the obtained results further studies using other appropriate cell lines are advised.

Human hemoglobin structural and functional alterations and heme degradation upon interaction with benzene: A spectroscopic study

Here, the effect of benzene on hemoglobin structure, stability and heme prosthetic group integrity was studied by different methods. These included UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, normal and synchronous fluorescence techniques, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Our results indicated that benzene has high hemolytic potential even at low concentrations. The UV-vis spectroscopic results demonstrated that benzene altered both the globin chain and the heme prosthetic group of hemoglobin increasing met- and deoxy-Hb, while decreasing oxy-Hb. However, with increasing benzene the concentration of all species decreased due to heme destruction. The spectrophotometric results show that benzene has a high potential for penetrating the hydrophobic pocket of hemoglobin. These results were consistent with the molecular docking simulation results of benzene-hHb. Aggregation and thermal denaturation studies show that the increased benzene concentration induced hemoglobin aggregation with a decrease in stability, which is consistent with the DSC results. Conventional fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the heme degradation species were produced in the presence of benzene. The results of constant wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (CWSFS) indicated that at least five heme-degraded species were produced. Together, our results indicated that benzene has adverse effects on hemoglobin structure and function, and heme degradation.

Effects of Secondary Metabolites from the Fungus Septofusidium berolinense on DNA Cleavage Mediated by Human Topoisomerase IIα

Two metabolites from the ascomycete fungus Septofusidium berolinense were recently identified as having antineoplastic activity [Ekiz et al. (2015) J. Antibiot. , DOI: 10.1038/ja.2015.84]. However, the basis for this activity is not known. One of the compounds [3,6-dihydroxy-2-propylbenzaldehyde (GE-1)] is a hydroquinone, and the other [2-hydroxymethyl-3-propylcyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione (GE-2)] is a quinone. Because some hydroquinones and quinones act as topoisomerase II poisons, the effects of GE-1 and GE-2 on DNA cleavage mediated by human topoisomerase IIα were assessed. GE-2 enhanced DNA cleavage ∼4-fold and induced scission with a site specificity similar to that of the anticancer drug etoposide. Similar to other quinone-based topoisomerase II poisons, GE-2 displayed several hallmark characteristics of covalent topoisomerase II poisons, including (1) the inability to poison a topoisomerase IIα construct that lacks the N-terminal domain, (2) the inhibition of DNA cleavage when the compound was incubated with the enzyme prior to the addition of plasmid, and (3) the loss of poisoning activity in the presence of a reducing agent. In contrast to GE-2, GE-1 did not enhance DNA cleavage mediated by topoisomerase IIα except at very high concentrations. However, the activity and potency of the metabolite were dramatically enhanced under oxidizing conditions. These results suggest that topoisomerase IIα may play a role in mediating the cytotoxic effects of these fungal metabolites.

DNA damage induced by hydroquinone can be prevented by fungal detoxification

Hydroquinone is a benzene metabolite with a wide range of industrial applications, which has potential for widespread human exposure; however, the toxicity of hydroquinone on human cells remains unclear. The aims of this study are to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of hydroquinone in human primary fibroblasts and human colon cancer cells (HCT116). Low doses of hydroquinone (227-454 μM) reduce the viability of fibroblasts and HCT116 cells, determined by resazurin conversion, and induce genotoxic damage (DNA strand breaks), as assessed by alkaline comet assays. Bioremediation may provide an excellent alternative to promote the degradation of hydroquinone, however few microorganisms are known that efficiently degrade it. Here we also investigate the capacity of a halotolerant fungus, Penicillium chrysogenum var. halophenolicum, to remove hydroquinone toxicity under hypersaline condition. The fungus is able to tolerate high concentrations of hydroquinone and can reverse these noxious effects via degradation of hydroquinone to completion, even when the initial concentration of this compound is as high as 7265 μM. Our findings reveal that P. chrysogenum var. halophenolicum efficiently degrade hydroquinone under hypersaline conditions, placing this fungus among the best candidates for the detoxification of habitats contaminated with this aromatic compound.

Etoposide catechol is an oxidizable topoisomerase II poison

Topoisomerase II regulates DNA topology by generating transient double-stranded breaks. The anticancer drug etoposide targets topoisomerase II and is associated with the formation of secondary leukemias in patients. The quinone and catechol metabolites of etoposide may contribute to strand breaks that trigger leukemic translocations. To further analyze the characteristics of etoposide metabolites, we extend our previous analysis of etoposide quinone to the catechol. We demonstrate that the catechol is ∼2-3-fold more potent than etoposide and under oxidative reaction conditions induces high levels of double-stranded DNA cleavage. These results support a role for etoposide catechol in contributing to therapy-induced DNA damage.

Epimerization of green tea catechins during brewing does not affect the ability to poison human type II topoisomerases

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active polyphenol in green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves, and many of its cellular effects are consistent with its actions as a topoisomerase II poison. In contrast to genistein and several related bioflavonoids that act as interfacial poisons, EGCG was the first bioflavonoid shown to act as a covalent topoisomerase II poison. Although studies routinely examine the effects of dietary phytochemicals on enzyme and cellular systems, they often fail to consider that many compounds are altered during cooking or cellular metabolism. To this point, the majority of EGCG and related catechins in green tea leaves are epimerized during the brewing process. Epimerization inverts the stereochemistry of the bond that bridges the B- and C-rings and converts EGCG to (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG). Consequently, a significant proportion of EGCG that is ingested during the consumption of green tea is actually GCG. Therefore, the effects of GCG and related epimerized green tea catechins on human topoisomerase IIα and IIβ were characterized. GCG increased levels of DNA cleavage mediated by both enzyme isoforms with an activity that was similar to that of EGCG. GCG acted primarily by inhibiting the ability of topoisomerase IIα and IIβ to ligate cleaved DNA. Several lines of evidence indicate that GCG functions as a covalent topoisomerase II poison that adducts the enzyme. Finally, epimerization did not affect the reactivity of the chemical substituents (the three hydroxyl groups on the B-ring) that were required for enzyme poisoning. Thus, the activity of covalent topoisomerase II poisons appears to be less sensitive to stereochemical changes than interfacial poisons.

The use of biomonitoring data in exposure and human health risk assessment: benzene case study

Abstract A framework of "Common Criteria" (i.e. a series of questions) has been developed to inform the use and evaluation of biomonitoring data in the context of human exposure and risk assessment. The data-rich chemical benzene was selected for use in a case study to assess whether refinement of the Common Criteria framework was necessary, and to gain additional perspective on approaches for integrating biomonitoring data into a risk-based context. The available data for benzene satisfied most of the Common Criteria and allowed for a risk-based evaluation of the benzene biomonitoring data. In general, biomarker (blood benzene, urinary benzene and urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid) central tendency (i.e. mean, median and geometric mean) concentrations for non-smokers are at or below the predicted blood or urine concentrations that would correspond to exposure at the US Environmental Protection Agency reference concentration (30 µg/m(3)), but greater than blood or urine concentrations relating to the air concentration at the 1 × 10(-5) excess cancer risk (2.9 µg/m(3)). Smokers clearly have higher levels of benzene exposure, and biomarker levels of benzene for non-smokers are generally consistent with ambient air monitoring results. While some biomarkers of benzene are specific indicators of exposure, the interpretation of benzene biomonitoring levels in a health-risk context are complicated by issues associated with short half-lives and gaps in knowledge regarding the relationship between the biomarkers and subsequent toxic effects.

A cysteine-reactive alkyl hydroquinone modifies topoisomerase IIα, enhances DNA breakage, and induces apoptosis in cancer cells

We previously reported that the anticancer activity of a botanical compound 10'(Z),13'(E),15'(E)-heptadecatrienylhydroquinone [HQ17(3)] was attributed to topoisomerase (Topo) IIα poisoning and the induction of oxidative damage. HQ17(3) irreversibly inhibits Topo IIα activity in vitro and is more cytotoxic in leukemia HL-60 cells than in Topo IIα-deficient variant HL-60/MX2 cells, which suggests that Topo IIα is a cellular target of HQ17(3). This study further characterizes the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer activity of HQ17(3). Proteomic analyses indicated that HQ17(3) reacted with Cys-427, Cys-733, and Cys-997 of recombinant Topo IIα in vitro, whereas it reacted with Cys-427 of cellular Topo IIα in Huh7 hepatoma cells. The modification of HQ17(3) inhibited Topo IIα catalytic activity, increased the Topo IIα-DNA cleavage complex, and caused the accumulation of DNA breakage. In Huh7 cells, HQ17(3) treatment caused prompt inhibition of DNA synthesis and consequently induced the expression of DNA damage-related genes DDIT3, GADD45A, and GADD45G. Topo IIα inhibition, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were found to account for cytotoxicity caused by HQ17(3). Pretreatment of Huh7 cells with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) partially attenuated mitochondrial membrane damage, DNA breakage, and caspase activation. However, NAC pretreatment did not diminish HQ17(3)-induced cell death. These results suggest that the anticancer activity of HQ17(3) is attributed significantly to Topo IIα poisoning. The structural feature of HQ17(3) can be used as a model for the design of Topo IIα inhibitors and anticancer drugs.

Current understanding of the mechanism of benzene-induced leukemia in humans: implications for risk assessment

Benzene causes acute myeloid leukemia and probably other hematological malignancies. As benzene also causes hematotoxicity even in workers exposed to levels below the US permissible occupational exposure limit of 1 part per million, further assessment of the health risks associated with its exposure, particularly at low levels, is needed. Here, we describe the probable mechanism by which benzene induces leukemia involving the targeting of critical genes and pathways through the induction of genetic, chromosomal or epigenetic abnormalities and genomic instability, in a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC); stromal cell dysregulation; apoptosis of HSCs and stromal cells and altered proliferation and differentiation of HSCs. These effects modulated by benzene-induced oxidative stress, aryl hydrocarbon receptor dysregulation and reduced immunosurveillance, lead to the generation of leukemic stem cells and subsequent clonal evolution to leukemia. A mode of action (MOA) approach to the risk assessment of benzene was recently proposed. This approach is limited, however, by the challenges of defining a simple stochastic MOA of benzene-induced leukemogenesis and of identifying relevant and quantifiable parameters associated with potential key events. An alternative risk assessment approach is the application of toxicogenomics and systems biology in human populations, animals and in vitro models of the HSC stem cell niche, exposed to a range of levels of benzene. These approaches will inform our understanding of the mechanisms of benzene toxicity and identify additional biomarkers of exposure, early effect and susceptibility useful for risk assessment.

Etoposide quinone is a redox-dependent topoisomerase II poison

Etoposide is a topoisomerase II poison that is used to treat a variety of human cancers. Unfortunately, 2-3% of patients treated with etoposide develop treatment-related leukemias characterized by 11q23 chromosomal rearrangements. The molecular basis for etoposide-induced leukemogenesis is not understood but is associated with enzyme-mediated DNA cleavage. Etoposide is metabolized by CYP3A4 to etoposide catechol, which can be further oxidized to etoposide quinone. A CYP3A4 variant is associated with a lower risk of etoposide-related leukemias, suggesting that etoposide metabolites may be involved in leukemogenesis. Although etoposide acts at the enzyme-DNA interface, several quinones poison topoisomerase II via redox-dependent protein adduction. The effects of etoposide quinone on topoisomerase IIα-mediated DNA cleavage have been examined previously. Although findings suggest that the activity of the quinone is slightly greater than that of etoposide, these studies were carried out in the presence of significant levels of reducing agents (which should reduce etoposide quinone to the catechol). Therefore, we examined the ability of etoposide quinone to poison human topoisomerase IIα in the absence of reducing agents. Under these conditions, etoposide quinone was ∼5-fold more active than etoposide at inducing enzyme-mediated DNA cleavage. Consistent with other redox-dependent poisons, etoposide quinone inactivated topoisomerase IIα when incubated with the protein prior to DNA and lost activity in the presence of dithiothreitol. Unlike etoposide, the quinone metabolite did not require ATP for maximal activity and induced a high ratio of double-stranded DNA breaks. Our results support the hypothesis that etoposide quinone contributes to etoposide-related leukemogenesis.

Utilization of LC-MS/MS analyses to identify site-specific chemical protein adducts in vitro

Biologically reactive intermediates are formed following metabolism of xenobiotics, and during normal oxidative metabolism. These reactive species are electrophilic in nature and are capable of forming stable adducts with target proteins. These covalent protein modifications can initiate processes that lead to acute tissue injury or chronic disease. Recent advancements in mass spectrometry techniques and data analysis has permitted a more detailed investigation of site-specific protein modifications by reactive electrophiles. Knowledge from such analyses will assist in providing a better understanding of how specific classes of electrophiles produce toxicity and disease progression via site-selective protein-specific covalent modification. Hydroquinone (HQ) is a known environmental toxicant, and its quinone-thioether metabolites, formed via the intermediate generation of 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ), elicit their toxic response via the covalent modification of target proteins and the generation of reactive oxygen species. We have utilized a model protein, cytochrome c, to guide us in identifying 1,4-BQ- and 1,4-BQ-thioether derived site-specific protein modifications. LC-MS/MS analyses reveals that these modifications occur selectively on lysine and glutamic acid residues of the target protein, and that these modifications occur within identifiable "electrophile binding motifs" within the protein. These motifs are found within lysine-rich regions of the protein and appear to be target sites of 1,4-BQ-thioether adduction. These residues also appear to dictate the nature of post-adduction chemistry and the final structure of the adduct. This model system will provide critical insight for in vivo adduct hunting following exposure to 1,4-BQ-thioethers, but the general approaches can also be extended to the identification of protein adducts derived from other classes of reactive electrophiles.

Utilization of MALDI-TOF to determine chemical-protein adduct formation in vitro

Biological reactive intermediates can be created via metabolism of xenobiotics during the process of chemical elimination. They can also be formed as by-products of cellular metabolism, which produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. These reactive intermediates tend to be electrophilic in nature, which enables them to interact with tissue macromolecules, disrupting cellular signaling processes and often producing acute and chronic toxicities. Quinones are a well-known class of electrophilic species. Many natural products contain quinones as active constituents, and the quinone moiety exists in a number of chemotherapeutic agents. Quinones are also frequently formed as electrophilic metabolites from a variety of xeno- and endobiotics. Hydroquinone (HQ) is present in the environment from various sources, and it is also a known metabolite of benzene. HQ is converted in the body to 1,4-benzoquinone, which subsequently gives rise to hematotoxic and nephrotoxic quinone-thioether metabolites. The toxicity of these metabolites is dependent upon their ability to arylate proteins and to produce oxidative stress. Protein tertiary structure and protein amino acid sequence combine to determine which proteins are targets of these electrophilic quinone-thioether metabolites. We have used cytochrome c and model peptides to view adduction profiles of quinone-thioether metabolites, and have determined by MALDI-TOF analysis that these electrophiles target specific residues within these model systems.

Advances in understanding benzene health effects and susceptibility

Benzene is a ubiquitous chemical in our environment that causes acute leukemia and probably other hematological cancers. Evidence for an association with childhood leukemia is growing. Exposure to benzene can lead to multiple alterations that contribute to the leukemogenic process, indicating a multimodal mechanism of action. Research is needed to elucidate the different roles of multiple metabolites in benzene toxicity and the pathways that lead to their formation. Studies to date have identified a number of polymorphisms in candidate genes that confer susceptibility to benzene hematotoxicity. However, a genome-wide study is needed to truly assess the role of genetic variation in susceptibility. Benzene affects the blood-forming system at low levels of occupational exposure, and there is no evidence of a threshold. There is probably no safe level of exposure to benzene, and all exposures constitute some risk in a linear, if not supralinear, and additive fashion.

An effort to test the embryotoxicity of benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde to murine embryonic stem cells using airborne exposure technique

Benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde are well-known indoor air pollutants, especially after house decoration. They are also common pollutants in the working places of the plastic industry, chemical industry, and leather industry. It has been reported that these pollutants cause people to be irritated, sick, experience a headache, and be dizzy. They also have the potential to induce asthma, aplastic anemia, and leukemia, even cause abortion or fetus malformation in humans. In this study, the airborne toxicity of benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde to murine embryonic stem cells (mES cells) were tested using airborne exposure technique to evaluate the mES cell airborne exposure model on embryotoxicity prediction. Briefly, mES cells were cultured on Transwell inserts and were exposed to an airborne surrounding of test chemicals in a chamber for 1 h at 37 degrees C. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay after further culture for 18 h at 37 degrees C in normal medium. The airborne IC(50) (50% inhibition concentration) of benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde derived from the fitted dose-response curves were 17,400 +/- 1290, 16,000 +/- 250, 4680 +/- 500, and 620 +/- 310 ppm, respectively. Formaldehyde was found to be the compound most toxic to mES cells compared to benzene homologues. The toxicity data had good correlation with the in vivo data. The results showed that the mES airborne exposure model may be used to predict embryotoxicity of volatile organic compounds.

The benzene metabolite, hydroquinone and etoposide both induce endoreduplication in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells

Both occupational exposure to the leukemogen benzene and in vitro exposure to its metabolite hydroquinone (HQ) lead to the induction of numerical and structural chromosome changes. Several studies have shown that HQ can form DNA adducts, disrupt microtubule assembly and inhibit DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) activity. As these are potential mechanisms underlying endoreduplication (END), a phenomenon that involves DNA amplification without corresponding cell division, we hypothesized that HQ could cause END. We measured END in the human lymphoblastoid cell line, TK6, treated with HQ (0-20 microM) and etoposide (0-0.2 microM) for 48 h. Etoposide was used as a positive control as it is a topo II poison and established human leukemogen that has previously been shown to induce END in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Both HQ and etoposide significantly induced END in a dose-dependent manner (P(trend) < 0.0001 and P(trend) = 0.0003, respectively). Since END may underlie the acquisition of high chromosome numbers by tumour cells, it may play a role in inducing genomic instability and subsequent carcinogenesis from HQ and etoposide. In order to further explore the cytogenetic effects of HQ and etoposide, we also examined specific structural changes. HQ did not induce translocations of chromosome 11 [t(11;?)] but significantly induced translocations of chromosome 21 [t(21;?)] and structural chromosome aberrations (SCA) (P(trend) = 0.0415 and P(trend) < 0.0001, respectively). Etoposide potently induced all these structural changes (P(trend) < 0.0001). The lack of an effect of HQ on t(11;?) and the reduced ability of HQ to induce t(21;?) and SCA, compared with etoposide, further suggests that HQ acts primarily as a topo II catalytic inhibitor rather than as a topo II poison in intact human cells.

Estrogen treatment induces MLL aberrations in human lymphoblastoid cells

Epidemiological data indicates increased risk of infant acute leukemia involving MLL gene aberrations with use of oral contraceptives. To determine whether estrogens might be implicated, we examined the effect of estradiol (E2) or 4-OH-E2 in an in vitro model of translocation susceptibility. Genomic DNA from the TK6 human lymphoblastoid cell line was screened by ligation mediated PCR and inverse PCR at a rearrangement hot spot within the MLL breakpoint cluster region to detect DNA aberrations. An increase in DNA double strand breaks was observed within this region after exposure to either E2 or 4-OH-E2. An increase in the frequency of MLL translocations was only found after exposure to E2. Induction of cleavage due to increased activation of apoptotic nucleases was excluded by pre-treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor, zVAD.fmk. We conclude that concentrations of E2 and 4-OH-E2 that may occur during pregnancy, or during use of oral contraceptives, can cause aberrations of the MLL gene and could thus be a factor in the early events of leukemogenesis occurring in utero.

The DNA cleavage reaction of topoisomerase II: wolf in sheep's clothing

Topoisomerase II is an essential enzyme that is required for virtually every process that requires movement of DNA within the nucleus or the opening of the double helix. This enzyme helps to regulate DNA under- and overwinding and removes knots and tangles from the genetic material. In order to carry out its critical physiological functions, topoisomerase II generates transient double-stranded breaks in DNA. Consequently, while necessary for cell survival, the enzyme also has the capacity to fragment the genome. The DNA cleavage/ligation reaction of topoisomerase II is the target for some of the most successful anticancer drugs currently in clinical use. However, this same reaction also is believed to trigger chromosomal translocations that are associated with specific types of leukemia. This article will familiarize the reader with the DNA cleavage/ligation reaction of topoisomerase II and other aspects of its catalytic cycle. In addition, it will discuss the interaction of the enzyme with anticancer drugs and the mechanisms by which these agents increase levels of topoisomerase II-generated DNA strand breaks. Finally, it will describe dietary and environmental agents that enhance DNA cleavage mediated by the enzyme.

DNA topoisomerase II, genotoxicity, and cancer

Type II topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes that play essential roles in a number of fundamental DNA processes. They regulate DNA under- and overwinding, and resolve knots and tangles in the genetic material by passing an intact double helix through a transient double-stranded break that they generate in a separate segment of DNA. Because type II topoisomerases generate DNA strand breaks as a requisite intermediate in their catalytic cycle, they have the potential to fragment the genome every time they function. Thus, while these enzymes are essential to the survival of proliferating cells, they also have significant genotoxic effects. This latter aspect of type II topoisomerase has been exploited for the development of several classes of anticancer drugs that are widely employed for the clinical treatment of human malignancies. However, considerable evidence indicates that these enzymes also trigger specific leukemic chromosomal translocations. In light of the impact, both positive and negative, of type II topoisomerases on human cells, it is important to understand how these enzymes function and how their actions can destabilize the genome. This article discusses both aspects of human type II topoisomerases.

Mutation of cysteine residue 455 to alanine in human topoisomerase IIalpha confers hypersensitivity to quinones: enhancing DNA scission by closing the N-terminal protein gate

Several quinone-based metabolites of industrial and environmental toxins are potent topoisomerase II poisons. These compounds act by adducting the protein, and previous studies suggest that they increase levels of enzyme-associated DNA strand breaks by at least two potential mechanisms. Quinones act directly on the DNA cleavage-ligation equilibrium of topoisomerase II by inhibiting the rate of ligation. They also block the N-terminal gate of the protein, thereby stabilizing topoisomerase II in its "closed clamp" form and trapping DNA in the central annulus of the enzyme. It has been proposed that this latter activity enhances DNA cleavage by increasing the population of enzyme molecules with DNA in their active sites, but a causal relationship has not been established. In order to more fully characterize the mechanistic basis for quinone action against topoisomerase II, the present study characterized the sensitivity of human topoisomerase IIalpha carrying a Cys455-->Ala mutation (top2alphaC455A) toward quinones. Cys455 was identified as a site of quinone adduction by mass spectrometry. The mutant enzyme was approximately 1.5-2-fold hypersensitive to 1,4-benzoquinone and the polychlorinated biphenyl quinone 4'Cl-2,5pQ, but it displayed wild-type sensitivity to traditional topoisomerase II poisons. The ability of 1,4-benzoquinone to inhibit DNA ligation mediated by top2alphaC455A was similar to that of wild-type topoisomerase IIalpha. However, the quinone induced approximately 3 times the level of clamp closure with the mutant enzyme. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that the ability of quinones to block the N-terminal gate of the type II enzyme contributes to their actions as topoisomerase II poisons.

Quinone-induced enhancement of DNA cleavage by human topoisomerase IIalpha: adduction of cysteine residues 392 and 405

Several quinone-based metabolites of drugs and environmental toxins are potent topoisomerase II poisons. These compounds act by adducting the protein and appear to increase levels of enzyme-DNA cleavage complexes by at least two potentially independent mechanisms. Treatment of topoisomerase IIalpha with quinones inhibits DNA religation and blocks the N-terminal gate of the protein by cross-linking its two protomer subunits. It is not known whether these two effects result from adduction of quinone to the same amino acid residue(s) in topoisomerase IIalpha or whether they are mediated by modification of separate residues. Therefore, this study identified amino acid residues in human topoisomerase IIalpha that are modified by quinones and determined their role in the actions of these compounds as topoisomerase II poisons. Four cysteine residues were identified by mass spectrometry as sites of quinone adduction: Cys170, Cys392, Cys405, and Cys455. Mutations (Cys --> Ala) were individually generated at each position. Only mutations at Cys392 or Cys405 reduced sensitivity ( approximately 50% resistance) to benzoquinone. Top2alphaC392A and top2alphaC405A displayed faster rates ( approximately 2-fold) of DNA religation than wild-type topoisomerase IIalpha in the presence of the quinone. In contrast, as determined by DNA binding, protein clamp closing, and protomer cross-linking experiments, mutations at Cys392 and Cys405 did not affect the ability of benzoquinone to block the N-terminal gate of topoisomerase IIalpha. These findings indicate that adduction of Cys392 and Cys405 is important for the actions of quinones against the enzyme and increases levels of cleavage complexes primarily by inhibiting DNA religation.

Case report: Hydroquinone and/or glutaraldehyde induced acute myeloid leukaemia?

BACKGROUND

Exposures to high doses of irradiation, to chemotherapy, benzene, petroleum products, paints, embalming fluids, ethylene oxide, herbicides, pesticides, and smoking have been associated with an increased risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Although there in no epidemiological evidence of relation between X-ray developer, fixer and replenisher liquids and AML, these included glutaraldehyde which has weakly associated with lymphocytic leukemia in rats and hydroquinone has been increasingly implicated in producing leukemia, causing DNA and chromosomal damage, inhibits topo-isomerase II, alter hematopoiesis and inhibit apoptosis of neoplastic cells.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two white females (A and B) hired in 1985 as medical radiation technologists in a primary care center, in Greece. In July 2001, woman A, 38-years-old, was diagnosed as having acute monocytic leukaemia (FAB M5). The patient did not respond to therapy and died three weeks later. In August 2001, woman B, 35-year-old, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (FAB M3). Since discharge, she is in continuous complete remission. Both women were non smokers without any medical history. Shortly after these incidents official inspectors and experts inspected workplace, examined equipment, archives of repairs, notes, interviewed and monitored employees. They concluded that shielding was inadequate for balcony's door but personal monitoring did not show any exceeding of TLV of 20 mSv yearly and cytogenetics analysis did not reveal findings considered to be characteristics of ionizing exposure. Equipment for developing photos had a long list of repairs, mainly leakages of liquids and increases of temperature. On several occasions the floor has been flooded especially during 1987-1993 and 1997-2001. Inspection confirmed a complete lack of ventilation and many spoiled medical x-ray films. Employees reported that an "osmic" level was continuously evident and frequently developed symptoms of respiratory irritation and dizziness.

CONCLUSION

The findings support the hypothesis that the specific AML cases might have originated from exposure to chemicals, especially hydroquinone and/or glutaraldehyde. The report also emphasises the crucial role of inspection of facilities and enforcement of compliance with regulations in order to prevent similar incidents.

Topoisomerase II and the etiology of chromosomal translocations

Acute leukemias with balanced chromosomal translocations, protean morphologic and immunophenotypic presentations but generally shorter latency and absence of myelodysplasia are recognized as a complication of anti-cancer drugs that behave as topoisomerase II poisons. Translocations affecting the breakpoint cluster region of the MLL gene at chromosome band 11q23 are the most common molecular genetic aberrations in leukemias associated with the topoisomerase II poisons. These agents perturb the cleavage-religation equilibrium of topoisomerase II and increase cleavage complexes. One model suggests that this damages the DNA directly and leads to chromosomal breakage, which may result in untoward DNA recombination in the form of translocations. This review will summarize the evidence for topoisomerase II involvement in the genesis of translocations and extension of the model to acute leukemia in infants characterized by similar MLL translocations.