Integration of QSAR and SAR methods for the mechanistic interpretation of predictive models for carcinogenicity

A Nano-QSTR model to predict nano-cytotoxicity: an approach using human lung cells data

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of new engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in industries such as cosmetics, electronics, and diagnostic nanodevices, has been revolutionizing our society. However, emerging studies suggest that ENMs present potentially toxic effects on the human lung. In this regard, we developed a machine learning (ML) nano-quantitative-structure-toxicity relationship (QSTR) model to predict the potential human lung nano-cytotoxicity induced by exposure to ENMs based on metal oxide nanoparticles.

RESULTS

Tree-based learning algorithms (e.g., decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and extra-trees (ET)) were able to predict ENMs' cytotoxic risk in an efficient, robust, and interpretable way. The best-ranked ET nano-QSTR model showed excellent statistical performance with R² and Q²-based metrics of 0.95, 0.80, and 0.79 for training, internal validation, and external validation subsets, respectively. Several nano-descriptors linked to the core-type and surface coating reactivity properties were identified as the most relevant characteristics to predict human lung nano-cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed model suggests that a decrease in the ENMs diameter could significantly increase their potential ability to access lung subcellular compartments (e.g., mitochondria and nuclei), promoting strong nano-cytotoxicity and epithelial barrier dysfunction. Additionally, the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a surface coating could prevent the potential release of cytotoxic metal ions, promoting lung cytoprotection. Overall, the current work could pave the way for efficient decision-making, prediction, and mitigation of the potential occupational and environmental ENMs risks.

Carcinogenicity prediction using the index of ideality of correlation

Carcinogenicity testing is necessary to protect human health and comply with regulations, but testing it with the traditionally used two-year rodent studies is time-consuming and expensive. In certain cases, such as for impurities, alternative methods may be convenient. Thus there is an urgent need for alternative approaches for reliable and robust assessments of carcinogenicity. The Monte Carlo technique with CORAL software is a tool to tackle this task for unknown compounds using available experimental data for a representative set of compounds. The models can be constructed with the simplified molecular input line entry system without additional physicochemical descriptors. We describe here a model based on a data set of 1167 substances. Matthew's correlation coefficient values for calibration and validation sets are 0.747 and 0.577, respectively. Double bonds between carbon atoms and double bonds of oxygen atoms are the molecular features that indicate the carcinogenic potential of a compound.

QSPR Models for the Prediction of Some Thermodynamic Properties of Cycloalkanes Using GA-MLR Method

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Cycloalkanes have been largely used in the field of medicine, components of food, pharmaceutical drugs, and they are mainly used to produce fuel. In present study the relationship between molecular descriptors and thermodynamic properties such as the standard enthalpies of formation (∆H°_f), the standard enthalpies of fusion (∆H°_fus), and the standard Gibbs free energy of formation (∆G°_f)of the cycloalkanes is represented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Genetic Algorithm (GA) and multiple linear regressions (MLR) were successfully used to predict the thermodynamic properties of cycloalkanes. A large number of molecular descriptors were obtained with the Dragon program. The Genetic algorithm and backward method were used to reduce and select suitable descriptors.

RESULTS

QSPR models were used to delineate the important descriptors responsible for the properties of the studied cycloalkanes. The multicollinearity and autocorrelation properties of the descriptors contributed in the models were tested by calculating the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) and the Durbin-Watson (DW) statistics. The predictive powers of the MLR models were discussed using Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV) and test set validation methods. The statistical parameters of the training, and test sets for GA-MLR models were calculated.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that the predictive ability of the models was satisfactory and molecular descriptors such as: the Functional group counts, Topological indices, GETAWAY descriptors, Constitutional indices, and molecular properties provide a promising route for developing highly correlated QSPR models for prediction the studied properties.

A review of quantitative structure-property relationships for the fate of ionizable organic chemicals in water matrices and identification of knowledge gaps

Many organic chemicals are ionizable by nature. After use and release into the environment, various fate processes determine their concentrations, and hence exposure to aquatic organisms. In the absence of suitable data, such fate processes can be estimated using Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPRs). In this review we compiled available QSPRs from the open literature and assessed their applicability towards ionizable organic chemicals. Using quantitative and qualitative criteria we selected the 'best' QSPRs for sorption, (a)biotic degradation, and bioconcentration. The results indicate that many suitable QSPRs exist, but some critical knowledge gaps remain. Specifically, future focus should be directed towards the development of QSPR models for biodegradation in wastewater and sediment systems, direct photolysis and reaction with singlet oxygen, as well as additional reactive intermediates. Adequate QSPRs for bioconcentration in fish exist, but more accurate assessments can be achieved using pharmacologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models. No adequate QSPRs exist for bioconcentration in non-fish species. Due to the high variability of chemical and biological species as well as environmental conditions in QSPR datasets, accurate predictions for specific systems and inter-dataset conversions are problematic, for which standardization is needed. For all QSPR endpoints, additional data requirements involve supplementing the current chemical space covered and accurately characterizing the test systems used.