Showing papers in "Chemical Research in Toxicology in 1992"

Evaluation of the probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin as an indicator of reactive oxygen species formation and oxidative stress.

Abstract: The use of dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) as a measure of reactive oxygen species was studied in aqueous media. Hydrogen peroxide oxidized DCFH to fluorescent dichlorofluorescein (DCF), and the oxidation was amplified by the addition of ferrous iron. Hydrogen peroxide-induced DCF formation in the presence of ferrous iron was completely inhibited by deferoxamine and partially inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, but was augmented by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Iron-peroxide-induced oxidation of DCFH was partially inhibited by catalase but not by horseradish peroxidase. Nonchelated iron-peroxide oxidation of DCFH was partially inhibited by several hydroxyl radical scavengers, but was independent of the scavenger concentration, and this suggests that free hydroxyl radical is not involved in the oxidation of DCFH in this system. Superoxide anion did not directly oxidize DCFH. Data suggest that H2O2-Fe(2+)-derived oxidant is mainly responsible for the nonenzymatic oxidation of DCFH. In addition, peroxidase alone and oxidants formed during the reduction of H2O2 by peroxidase oxidize DCFH. Since DCFH oxidation may be derived from several reactive intermediates, interpretation of specific reactive oxygen species involved in biological systems should be approached with caution. However, DCFH remains an attractive probe as an overall index of oxidative stress in toxicological phenomena.

Peroxynitrite, a cloaked oxidant formed by nitric oxide and superoxide.

Abstract: Peroxynitrite [oxoperoxonitrate(1-), ONOO-] may be formed in vivo from superoxide and nitric oxide. The anion is stable, but the acid (pKa = 6.8) decays to nitrate with a rate of 1.3 s-1 at 25 degrees C. The experimental activation parameters of this process are delta H++ = +18 +/- 1 kcal/mol, delta S++ = +3 +/- 2 cal/(mol.K), and delta G++ = +17 +/- 1 kcal/mol. Peroxynitrite (or its protonated form) oxidizes some compounds such as thiols and thioethers in a biomolecular reaction. The reactions with glutathione and cysteine have activation enthalpies of 10.9 and 9.7 kcal/mol, respectively, which are lower than that of the isomerization reaction. Peroxynitrite reacts with other compounds such as dimethyl sulfoxide and deoxyribose in a unimolecular reaction for which the activation of peroxynitrite is rate-limiting. In theory, activation could involve (1) heterolysis to OH- and NO2+ (delta rxn Gzero' = 13 kcal/mol at pH 7) or (2) homolysis to .OH and .NO2 (delta rxn Gzero = 21 kcal/mol), and these processes also could be involved in the isomerization to nitrate. However, thermodynamic and kinetic considerations indicate that neither process is feasible, although binding to metal ions may reduce the large activation energy associated with heterolysis. An intermediate closely related to the transition state for isomerization of ONOOH to HONO2 may be the strongly oxidizing intermediate responsible for hydroxyl radical-like oxidations mediated by ONOOH. Thus, peroxynitrite reacts with different compounds by at least two distinct mechanisms, and the hydroxyl radical is not involved in either.

Hydroxylation of warfarin by human cDNA-expressed cytochrome P-450: a role for P-4502C9 in the etiology of (S)-warfarin-drug interactions.

Abstract: Previous kinetic studies have identified a high-affinity (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylase present in human liver microsomes which appears to be responsible for the termination of warfarin's biological activity. Inhibition of the formation of (S)-7-hydroxywarfarin, the inactive, major metabolite of racemic warfarin in humans, is known to be the cause of several of the drug interactions experienced clinically upon coadministration of warfarin with other therapeutic agents. In order to identify the specific form(s) of human liver cytochrome P-450 involved in this particular toxicity, we have determined the metabolic profiles of 11 human cytochrome P-450 forms expressed in HepG2 cells toward both (R)- and (S)-warfarin. Of the 11 forms examined only 2C9 displayed the regioselectivity and stereoselectivity appropriate for the high-affinity human liver microsomal (S)-7-hydroxylase. We further compared Michaelis-Menten and sulfaphenazole inhibition constants for (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation catalyzed by cDNA-expressed 2C9 and by human liver microsomes. Similar kinetic constants were obtained for each enzyme source. It is concluded that 2C9 is likely to be a principal form of human liver P-450 which modulates the in vivo anticoagulant activity of the drug. It is further concluded that those drug interactions with warfarin that arise as a result of decreased clearance of the biologically more potent S-enantiomer may have as their common basis the inhibition of P-450 2C9.

Inactivation of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor by peroxynitrite.

Abstract: We here report the reactions of peroxynitrite (O=NOO-) with alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI) and with a synthetic decapeptide (MER10) containing the sequence of amino acids found in the active site of alpha 1PI (Pro-Met-Ser-Ile-Pro-Pro-Glu-Val-Lys-Phe). Peroxynitrite inactivates alpha 1PI at both pH 7.4 and 12.0. Thiourea and methionine protect alpha 1PI against inactivation by peroxynitrite, while mannitol and benzoate fail to afford effective protection. The major product isolated from the reaction between peroxynitrite and MER10 was analyzed by NMR, mass spectrometry, and amino acid analysis. These analyses indicate that peroxynitrite primarily oxidizes the methionine residue in the peptide. We detect neither smaller molecular weight peptides, which would indicate cleavage of MER10, nor hydroxylation or nitration of the phenylalanine residue. Our results suggest that peroxynitrite is capable of oxidizing methionine residues in proteins without the involvement of the hydroxyl radical or nitrogen dioxide. The implications of these observations on lung diseases attributed to cigarette smoke are discussed.

Metabolism of nicotine by human liver microsomes: stereoselective formation of trans-nicotine N'-oxide.

Abstract: Liver microsomes from humans catalyze the NADPH-dependent oxidation of (S)-nicotine. The principal product is the 5'-carbon atom oxidation product, nicotine delta 1',5'-iminium ion, which is efficiently converted to the gamma-lactam derivative cotinine in the presence of aldehyde oxidase. Another major product is nicotine N'-oxide. In contrast to previous reports describing in vitro or in vivo studies, formation of only trans-nicotine N'-oxide was observed. Demethylation of nicotine was not observed. Studies on the biochemical mechanism of nicotine 5-carbon atom oxidation strongly implicate one major cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme (i.e., P-450 2A6) as largely responsible for delta 1',5'-iminium ion formation. Stereoselective formation of trans-nicotine N'-oxide may be catalyzed in large part by the flavin-containing monooxygenase (form II). These conclusions are based on the effects of alternate substrates for the flavin-containing monooxygenase, heat inactivation studies, immunoblot studies, and selective substrates for cytochromes P-450. The results suggest that (S)-nicotine trans N'-oxygenation and delta 1',5'-iminium ion formation may be selective probes of human liver flavin-containing monooxygenase form II and cytochrome P-450 2A6 activities, respectively, useful for in vivo phenotyping of humans.

Oligomerization of indole-3-carbinol in aqueous acid.

Abstract: Indole-3-carbinol [I3C, also called 3-(hydroxymethyl)indole] is a naturally occurring modulator of carcinogenesis with a biological activity that is at least partially dependent on its conversion to active substances in acidic media. We compared the identities of the major oligomeric products of I3C produced under conditions approximating those found in gastric juice with the reported identities of products of 3-substituted indoles produced under enzymatic and other nonenzymatic conditions. After a 10-min treatment in aqueous HCl solution, I3C was converted in 18% yield to a mixture of acetonitrile-soluble products, the major components of which (as determined by HPLC) were diindol-3-ylmethane (5.9%), 5,6,11,12,17,18-hexahydrocyclononal[1,2-b:4,5-b':7,8-b"]triindo le (2.0%), and [2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)indol-3-yl]indol-3-ylmethane (5.9%). Tentative assignments were made for 3,3-bis(indol-3-ylmethyl)indolenine (0.59%), a symmetrical cyclic tetramer (0.64%), and a linear tetramer (1.1%). Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole (ICZ) was formed slowly in aqueous acidic solutions in low yields (2.0 ppm) which increased to greater than 90 ppm following addition of an organic solvent [tetrahydrofuran (THF) or dimethylformamide (DMF)] to a neutralized solution. Relative yields of trimers vs dimer increased with decreasing pH and with decreasing starting concentration of I3C. Evidence is presented that ICZ formation may not involve radical intermediates as is characteristic of photodynamic processes. A mechanistic rationale is presented for the formation of the identified products.

Formation, characterization, and toxicity of the glutathione and cysteine conjugates of toxic heptapeptide microcystins.

Abstract: Microcystins LR, YR, and RR, cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria, were synthetically converted into glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys) conjugates. Fast atom bombardment mass spectra showed [M + H]+ ions corresponding to GSH and Cys conjugates of microcystins LR, YR, and RR for the obtained compounds. 1H NMR spectral analyses revealed that two singlet signals of olefinic protons of N-methyldehydroalanine (Mdha) in microcystins disappeared in the conjugates, confirming that thiols of GSH and Cys added nucleophilically to the alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl of the Mdha moiety. On examination of the 50% lethal dose (LD50) with intravenous injection using mice, both GSH and Cys conjugates showed reduction in toxicity compared with microcystins, but their toxicity still remained. Microcystin LR and its GSH conjugate were separated and identified in a standard mixture by using a frit-fast atom bombardment liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (Frit-FAB LC/MS) method. Obtained conjugates in the present study would be important compounds as the standard samples for study of metabolism of microcystins, and the Frit-FAB LC/MS method would be applicable to mass spectrometric identification of metabolites of microcystins.

Characterization and quantitation of urinary metabolites of [1,2,3-13C]acrylamide in rats and mice using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract: Acrylamide, widely used for the production of polymers and as a grouting agent, causes neurotoxic effects in humans and neurotoxic, genotoxic, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals In this study, 13C NMR spectroscopy was used to detect metabolites of acrylamide directly in the urine of rats and mice following administration of [1,2,3-13C]acrylamide (50 mg/kg po) Two-dimensional NMR experiments were used to correlate carbon signals for each metabolite in the urine samples and to determine the number of hydrogens attached to each carbon Metabolite structures were identified from the NMR data together with calculated values of shift for biochemically feasible metabolites and by comparison with standards The metabolites assigned in rat and mouse urine are N-acetyl-S-(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(3-amino-2-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl)cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(1-carbamoyl-2-hydroxy-ethyl)cysteine, glycidamide, and 2,3-dihydroxypropionamide These metabolites arise from direct conjugation of acrylamide with glutathione or from oxidation to the epoxide, glycidamide, and further metabolism Acrylamide was also detected in the urine Quantitation was carried out by integrating the metabolite carbon signals with respect to that of dioxane added at a known concentration The major metabolite for both the rat (70% of total metabolites excreted) and the mouse (40%) was formed from direct conjugation of acrylamide with glutathione The remaining metabolites for the rat (30%) and mouse (60%) are derived from glycidamide The species differences in extent of metabolism through glycidamide may have important consequences for the toxic and carcinogenic effects of acrylamide

Glutathione conjugation of aflatoxin B1 exo- and endo-epoxides by rat and human glutathione S-transferases.

Abstract: Much evidence supports the view that the rate of conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exo-epoxide is an important factor in determining the species variation in risk to aflatoxins and that induction of GSH S-transferases can yield a significant protective effect. An assay has been developed in which the enzymatic formation of the conjugates of GSH and AFB1 exo-epoxide and the recently described AFB1 endo-epoxide is measured directly. 1H NMR spectra are reported for both the AFB1 exo- and endo-epoxide-GSH conjugates. Structural assignments were made by comparison with AFB1 exo- and endo-epoxide-ethanethiol conjugates, for which nuclear Overhauser effects were measured to establish relative configurations. The endo-epoxide was found to be a good substrate for GSH conjugate formation in rat liver cytosol while mouse liver cytosol conjugated the exo-epoxide almost exclusively. Human liver cytosol conjugated both epoxide isomers to much lower extents than did cytosols prepared from rats or mice. Purified rat GSH S-transferases catalyzed the formation of the AFB1 exo-epoxide-GSH conjugate in the order 1-1 approximately 4-4 approximately 3-3 greater than 2-2 greater than 4-6 (7-7 and 8-8 did not form the exo-epoxide-GSH conjugate at levels above the nonenzymatic rate). The only rat GSH S-transferases that conjugated the endo-epoxide were 4-4 and 4-6, with 4-4 being the more active.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of N-(Deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine as the major adduct formed by the food-borne carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, with DNA.

Abstract: The covalent binding of the N-acetoxy-, N-hydroxy-, and nitro derivatives of the food-borne carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) to 2'-deoxyribonucleosides or DNA was investigated in vitro and in vivo. N-Acetoxy-PhIP reacted with deoxyguanosine (dG), but not with the other deoxyribonucleosides, to form N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-PhIP (dG-C8-PhIP), whose structure was determined by NMR and mass spectral analyses and by ultraviolet absorption and pH-solvent partitioning characteristics. While reaction of N-acetoxy-PhIP with calf thymus DNA at pH 5.0 yielded 5.38 +/- 1.16 nmol of bound PhIP residues/mg of DNA, N-hydroxy-PhIP gave only 0.13-0.23 nmol binding/mg of DNA under identical reaction conditions. Nitro-PhIP produced no detectable binding under these conditions. HPLC analysis of 1-butanol extracts of enzymatically hydrolyzed DNA that had been modified by N-acetoxy-PhIP in vitro showed a major adduct which coeluted with and had an ultraviolet absorption and a mass spectrum that were identical to that of authentic dG-C8-PhIP. 32P-Postlabeling analysis of DNA isolated from colon, pancreas, lung, heart, and liver of rats treated orally with PhIP revealed the presence of a major PhIP-DNA adduct. This adduct had chromatographic properties identical to that of the 32P-labeled bis(phosphate) derivative of dG-C8-PhIP and represented 35-45% of the total adducts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of DNA adducts formed in vitro by reaction of N-hydroxy-2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline and N-hydroxy-2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline at the C-8 and N2 atoms of guanine.

Abstract: The covalent binding of the carcinogenic N-hydroxy metabolites of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo-[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) to deoxynucleosides and DNA was investigated in vitro. Two major adducts were formed by the reaction of the N-acetoxy derivatives of IQ and MeIQx with deoxyguanosine (dG); however, no adducts were formed with deoxycytidine, deoxyadenosine, or thymidine. From proton NMR and mass spectroscopic characterization the adducts were identified as 5-(deoxyguanosin-N2-yl)-2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (dG-N2-IQ),N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-3-methylimidazo-[4,5-f]q uinoline (dG-C8-IQ), 5-(deoxyguanosin-N2-yl)-2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]qu inoxaline (dG-N2-MeIQx), and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]qui noxaline (dG-C8-MeIQx). The level of dG-C8 adducts was approximately 8-10 times greater than the amount of dG-N2 adducts formed from the reaction of dG with the N-acetoxy derivatives of IQ and MeIQx. The C-8-substituted dG adduct was also the major adduct formed from reactions of DNA with N-acetoxy-IQ and N-acetoxy-MeIQx. Approximately 60-80% of the bound carcinogens were recovered from DNA as dG-C8 adducts upon enzymatic digestion. The dG-N2 adducts also were detected and accounted for approximately 4% of the bound IQ and 10% of the bound MeIQx. These results suggest that the relative contributions of the nitrenium and carbenium ion resonance forms as well as DNA macromolecular structure are major determinants for DNA adduct substitution sites. Investigations on adduct conformation of 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the anti form is preferred for the dG-N2 adducts of IQ and MeIQx, while the syn form is preferred for the dG-C8 adducts. The possible role of these adducts in the initiation of carcinogenesis is discussed.

Three new microcystins, cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins, from Nostoc sp. strain 152.

Abstract: Three new cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins, [D-Ser1,ADMAdda5]microcystin-LR (1), [D-Asp3,-ADMAdda5]microcystin-LHar (2), and [ADMAdda5,Mser7]microcystin-LR (3), were isolated from the cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) Nostoc sp. strain 152, together with four known microcystins, [ADMAdda5]microcystin-LR (4), [ADMAdda5]microcystin-LHar (5), [D-Asp3,-ADMAdda5]microcystin-LR (6), and [DMAdda5]microcystin-LR (7). The structures of new microcystins were assigned on the basis of high-resolution fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (HR FABMS), collisionally induced tandem FABMS (FABMS/MS), amino acid analysis, and gas chromatography (GC) on a chiral capillary column. All three new toxins contained 9-acetoxy-3-amino-2,6,8-trimethyl-10-phenyldeca-4,6-dienoic acid (ADMAdda) instead of the corresponding 9-methoxyl derivative (Adda), while 7 contains the corresponding 9-hydroxy analog (DMAdda). Compound 1 is the first microcystin reported that contains D-serine (D-Ser) in lieu of the D-alanine (D-Ala) unit which was thought to be an invariable amino acid component of the microcystins. Compound 2 has L-homoarginine (Har) instead of L-arginine (L-Arg) in 6 and D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) instead of D-erythro-beta-methylaspartic acid (D-MeAsp) in 5. Compound 3, the N-methylserine (Mser) variant of the N-methyldehydroalanine unit in 4, would be a biosynthetic precursor of 4.

A predictive model for substrates of cytochrome P450-debrisoquine (2D6).

Abstract: Molecular modeling techniques were used to derive a predictive model for substrates of cytochrome P450 2D6, an isozyme known to metabolize only compounds with one or more basic nitrogen atoms Sixteen substrates, accounting for 23 metabolic reactions, with a distance of either 5 A ("5-A substrates", eg, debrisoquine) or 7 A ("7-A substrates", eg, dextromethorphan) between oxidation site and basic nitrogen atom were fitted into one model by postulating an interaction of the basic nitrogen atom with a negatively charged carboxylate group on the protein This acidic residue anchors and neutralizes the positively charged basic nitrogen atom of the substrates In case of "5-A substrates" this interaction probably occurs with the carboxylic oxygen atom nearest to the oxidation site, whereas in the case of "7-A substrates" this interaction takes place at the other oxygen atom Furthermore, all substrates exhibit a coplanar conformation near the oxidation site and have negative molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs) in a part of this planar domain approximately 3 A away from the oxidation site No common features were found in the neighbourhood of the basic nitrogen atom of the substrates studied so that this region of the active site can accommodate a variety of N-substituents Therefore, the substrate specificity of P450 2D6 most likely is determined by the distance between oxidation site and basic nitrogen atom, by steric constraints near the oxidation site, and by the degree of complementarity between the MEPs of substrate and protein in the planar region adjacent to the oxidation site(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis and characterization of estrogen 2,3- and 3,4-quinones. Comparison of DNA adducts formed by the quinones versus horseradish peroxidase-activated catechol estrogens.

Abstract: Catechol estrogens (CE) are among the major metabolites of estrone (E1) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2). Oxidation of these metabolites to semiquinones and quinones could generate ultimate carcinogenic forms of E1 and E2. The 2,3- and 3,4-quinones of E1 and E2 were synthesized by MnO2 oxidation of the corresponding CE, following the method for synthesizing E1-3,4-quinone [Abul-Hajj (1984) J. Steroid Biochem. 21, 621-622]. Characterization of these compounds was accomplished by UV, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. The relative stability of these compounds was determined in DMSO/H2O (2:1) at room temperature, and the 3,4-quinones were more stable than the 2,3-quinones. The four quinones directly reacted with calf thymus DNA to form DNA adducts analyzed by the 32P-postlabeling method. The adducts were compared to those formed when the corresponding CE were activated by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to bind to DNA. The E1- and E2-2,3-quinones formed much higher levels of DNA adducts than the corresponding 3,4-quinones. In addition, many of the adducts (70-90%) formed by the E1- and E2-2,3-quinones appeared to be the same as those formed by activation of 2-OHE1 or 2-OHE2 by HRP to bind to DNA. Little overlap was observed between the adducts formed by E1- and E2-3,4-quinones and HRP-activated 4-OHE1 and 4-OHE2. These results suggest that semiquinones and/or quinones are ultimate reactive intermediates in the peroxidatic activation of catechol estrogens.

Synthesis and sequence-specific DNA binding of a topoisomerase inhibitory analog of Hoechst 33258 designed for altered base and sequence recognition

Abstract: The preparation and DNA binding characteristics of a structural analog of Hoechst 33258 bearing two pyridinic nitrogen atoms are described. The 1H NMR signals of the complex formed between the new ligand 1 and decadeoxyribonucleotide d(CATGGCCATG)2 were assigned by employing one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. Intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) between the ligand and the DNA receptor fragment confirm that the ligand binds in the minor groove of the DNA, interacting with the centrally located 5'-GGCCA segment. In contrast to the steric clash between the benzimidazole rings of the parent Hoechst 33258 molecule and the guanine 2-NH2 groups, which renders it G.C avoiding and thus A.T base pair preferring, the ligand 1 described here overcomes these unfavorable interactions and instead exhibits a marked preference of G.C base pairs. This behavior appears to arise from additional stabilization due to H-bonding with the guanine 2-NH2 groups. Although a ligand-induced distortion at the binding site is qualitatively assessable, the overall B-type conformation of the DNA fragment is retained upon complexation. The structural conclusions drawn from the NOE-NMR evidence were confirmed by molecular mechanics and molecular modeling studies.

Oxidation of aflatoxins and sterigmatocystin by human liver microsomes: significance of aflatoxin Q1 as a detoxication product of aflatoxin B1.

Abstract: Aflatoxin Q1 8,9-oxide was synthesized and found to yield lower levels of N7-guanyl adducts than obtained from aflatoxin B1 8,9-oxide when mixed with calf thymus DNA or Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 cells. However, when S. typhimurium TA 98 was treated with the (analogous) epoxides of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin Q1, or sterigmatocystin, the ratios of revertants to N7-guanyl DNA adducts were similar. Aflatoxin Q1 and aflatoxin B1 8,9-oxide (trapped here as the glutathione conjugate) are the major oxidative products formed from aflatoxin B1 at all substrate concentrations in human liver microsomes, and cytochrome P-450 (P-450) 3A4 appears to be the dominant enzyme involved in both oxidations, as judged by studies involving correlation of activities in different liver samples, chemical inhibition, immunoinhibition, and reconstitution with purified hepatic and yeast recombinant P-450 3A4. Aflatoxin Q1 is not appreciably oxidized in human liver microsomes and is not very genotoxic. The postulated formation of both aflatoxin Q1 and aflatoxin 8,9-oxide from aflatoxin B1 can be rationalized by a model in which P-450 3A4 binds the substrate in either of two different configurations. This is further demonstrated by the dichotomous effect of 7,8-benzoflavone--this flavone stimulates 8,9-epoxidation while inhibiting the 3 alpha-hydroxylation reaction to form aflatoxin Q1. Thus, the 3 alpha-hydroxylation of aflatoxin B1 to aflatoxin Q1 is viewed as a potentially significant detoxication pathway.

Identification and quantitation of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts formed by rat liver microsomes in vitro.

Abstract: The two DNA adducts of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) previously identified in vitro and in vivo are the stable adduct formed by reaction of the bay-region diol epoxide of BP (BPDE) at C-10 with the 2-amino group of dG (BPDE-10-N2dG) and the adduct formed by reaction of BP radical cation at C-6 with the N-7 of Gua (BP-6-N7Gua), which is lost from DNA by depurination. In this paper we report identification of several new BP-DNA adducts formed by one-electron oxidation and the diol epoxide pathway, namely, BP bound at C-6 to the C-8 of Gua (BP-6-C8Gua) and the N-7 of Ade (BP-6-N7Ade) and BPDE bound at C-10 to the N-7 of Ade (BPDE-10-N7Ade). The in vitro systems used to study DNA adduct formation were BP activated by horseradish peroxidase or 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat liver microsomes, BP 7,8-dihydrodiol activated by microsomes, and BPDE reacted with DNA. Identification of the biologically-formed depurination adducts was achieved by comparison of their retention times on high-pressure liquid chromatography in two different solvent systems and by comparison of their fluorescence line narrowing spectra with those of authentic adducts. The quantitation of BP-DNA adducts formed by rat liver microsomes showed 81% as depurination adducts: BP-6-N7Ade (58%), BP-6-N7Gua (10%), BP-6-C8Gua (12%), and BPDE-10-N7Ade (0.5%). Stable adducts (19% of total) included BPDE-10-N2dG (15%) and unidentified adducts (4%). Microsomal activation of BP 7,8-dihydrodiol yielded 80% stable adducts, with 77% as BPDE-10-N2dG and 20% of the depurination adduct BPDE-10-N7Ade. The percentage of BPDE-10-N2dG (94%) was higher when BPDE was reacted with DNA, and only 1.8% of BPDE-10-N7Ade was obtained.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis of 2'-deoxy-7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanosine and 2'-deoxy-7,8-dihydro-8-oxoadenosine and their incorporation into oligomeric DNA.

Abstract: Reliable methods have been developed for the synthesis of the 3'-O-[(diisopropylamino) (2-cyanoethoxy)phosphino]-5'-O-(4,4'- dimethoxytrityl) derivatives of 2'-deoxy-7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanosine (8-oxo-dGuo, 1) and 2'-deoxy-7,8-dihydro-8-oxoadenosine (8-oxo-dAdo, 2), and for the efficient incorporation of the latter into oligomeric DNA. Both methods rely on the conversion of the 2'-deoxy-8-bromopurine nucleosides 3 and 10 to their corresponding 2'-deoxy-8-(benzyloxy) nucleosides 4 and 12 followed by catalytic hydrogenation to generate the 8-oxo function at the C-8 position. The preparation of the phosphoramidites 8 and 19 required for the synthesis of a series of DNA oligomers was carried out under strictly anhydrous conditions. Failure to keep the systems dry resulted in great difficulties during the purification procedures, and erratic results when DNA synthesis was attempted. In the preparation of the DNA itself, it was found to be extremely important during the ammonia deprotection step to add an antioxidant. Otherwise aerial oxidation resulted in almost complete loss of the oligomer. However, when these special conditions were followed, oligomeric DNA containing 8-oxo-dGuo and 8-oxo-dAdo residues could be prepared in excellent yield. Analysis of selected DNA oligomers by enzymatic degradation and mass spectroscopic analysis confirmed the designated sequences and compositions.

Oxygen-derived free radical and active oxygen complex formation from cobalt(II) chelates in vitro.

Abstract: The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping technique was used to study the generation of oxygen free radicals from the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with various Co(II) complexes in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) spin trap was used in these experiments to detect superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals. Superoxide radical was generated from the reaction of H2O2 with Co(II), but was inhibited when Co(II) was chelated with adenosine 5'-diphosphate or citrate. Visible absorbance spectra revealed no change in the final oxidation state of the cobalt ion in these samples. The EDTA complex also prevented detectable free-radical formation when H2O2 was added, but visible absorbance data indicated oxidation of the Co(II) to Co(III) in this case. The amount of DMPO/.OOH adduct detected by EPR was greatly enhanced when H2O2 reacted with the nitrilotriacetate complex relative to Co(II) alone, and in addition, concurrent formation of the DMPO/.OH adduct due to slow oxidation of Co(II) was observed. The hydroxyl radical adduct formation was suppressed by ethanol, but not DMSO, indicating that free hydroxyl radical was not formed. The deferoxamine nitroxide radical was exclusively formed when H2O2 was added to the Co(II) complex of this ligand, most probably in a site-specific manner. In the presence of ethylenediamine, Co(II) bound molecular O2 and directly oxidized DMPO to its DMPO/.OH adduct without first forming free superoxide, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide. An experiment using 17O-enriched water revealed that the Co(II)-ethylenediamine complex caused the DMPO to react with solvent water to form the DMPO/.OH adduct. The relevance of these results to toxicological studies of cobalt is discussed.

Products and mechanism of the reaction of ozone with phospholipids in unilamellar phospholipid vesicles

Abstract: While considerable effort has been expended on determining the health effects of exposure to typical urban concentrations of O3, little is known about the chemical events responsible for toxicity. Phospholipids containing unsaturated fatty acids in the cell membranes of lung cells are likely reaction sites for inhaled ozone (O3). In this study, we examined the reaction of O3 with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) in unilamellar phospholipid vesicles. Reaction of ozone with the carbon-carbon double bond of POPC yielded an aldehyde and a hydroxy hydroperoxide. The hydroxy hydroperoxide eliminated H2O2 to yield a second aldehyde. Upon further ozonolysis, the aldehydes were oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acids. A material balance showed that no other reaction consumed POPC and O3 or produced these products. As a mechanistic probe, we measured incorporation of oxygen-18 from 18O3 into aldehyde, carboxylic acid, and H2O2. Approximately 50% of the aldehyde oxygen atoms were derived from O3. Oxygen in H2O2 was derived solely from O3, where both oxygen atoms in a molecule of H2O2 were from the same molecule of O3. One of the carboxylic acid oxygen atoms was derived from the precursor aldehyde, while the other was derived from O3. These results support the following mechanism. Cleavage of the carbon-carbon double bond of POPC by O3 yields a carbonyl oxide and an aldehyde. Reaction of H2O with the carbonyl oxide yields a hydroxy hydroperoxide, preventing formation ozonide by reaction of the carbonyl oxide and aldehyde. Elimination of H2O2 from the hydroxy hydroperoxide yields a second aldehyde. Oxidation of the aldehydes by O3 yields carboxylic acids.

Nickel(II)-mediated oxidative DNA base damage in renal and hepatic chromatin of pregnant rats and their fetuses. Possible relevance to carcinogenesis.

Abstract: DNA base damage was studied in renal and hepatic chromatin of nickel(II)-injected pregnant female F344/NCr rats and their fetuses under conditions leading to initiation of sodium barbital-promotable renal tumors, but not liver tumors, in the male offspring. Pregnant rats were given a total of 90 or 180 mumol of nickel(II) acetate/kg body wt in a single ip dose on day 17 or in 2 or 4 ip doses between days 12 and 18 of gestation. Control rats received 180 mumol of sodium acetate/kg body wt. The animals were killed 24 or 48 h after the last injection. Chromatin was isolated from livers and kidneys from both adults and fetuses and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. Eleven products derived from the purine and pyrimidine bases in DNA bases were identified and quantified. These were the following: 5-hydroxy-5-methylhydantoin, 5-hydroxyhydantoin, 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil, cytosine glycol, thymine glycol, 5,6-dihydroxycystosine, 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, 8-hydroxyadenine, 2-hydroxyadenine, and 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-Gua). Nickel(II) exposure increased the content of these products, especially those derived from purines, in both renal and hepatic chromatin of pregnant rats. The major difference between these two organs was the content of 8-OH-Gua, which increased greatly in the kidney but remained unchanged in the liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enzymatic and chemical demethylenation of (methylenedioxy)amphetamine and (methylenedioxy)methamphetamine by rat brain microsomes.

Abstract: The metabolism of (methylenedioxy)amphetamine (MDA) and (methylenedioxy)methamphetamine (MDMA) was examined in microsomal preparations from rat brains. The products generated from MDA and MDMA were identified as dihydroxyamphetamine (DHA) and dihydroxymethamphetamine (DHMA), respectively. The demethylenation reaction required NADPH and was strongly inhibited by CO/O2 (4:1 v/v), suggesting that the formation of DHA and DHMA is mediated by cytochrome P450. The conversion was inhibited by desipramine, imipramine, and methimazole, whereas SKF-525A and alpha-naphthoflavone had little effect. Lineweaver-Burk plots of MDA and MDMA demethylenation were biphasic in both cases, indicating that multiple isozymes may participate in the oxidation. The microsomal preparation showed no significant stereoselectivity in the demethylenation of either MDA or MDMA. Catechol formation differed with the incubation buffer and was 2.6 times greater when phosphate rather than HEPES buffer was used. This difference disappeared, however, when desferrioxamine B methanesulfonate (desferal) and hydroxyl radical (.OH) scavenging agents were added to either buffer. The demethylenation was also sensitive to catalase and was stimulated by the addition of ferric ion and EDTA to the microsomal incubation mixture. These results indicate that the demethylenation of MDA and MDMA by rat brain microsomes has a cytochrome P450-mediated component as well as a chemical component involving .OH.

Structures of three new homotyrosine-containing microcystins and a new homophenylalanine variant from Anabaena sp. strain 66.

Abstract: A hepatotoxic strain of cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. 66 was isolated from a hepatotoxic water bloom sample in Lake Kiikkara, Finland. Four cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins were isolated and purified by HPLC from cultured cells of this organism. The structures of three new homotyrosine (Hty) containing toxins, [Dha7]microcystin-HtyR (Dha = dehydroalanine) (1), [D-Asp3,Dha7]microcystin-HtyR (2), and [L-Ser7]microcystin-HtyR (3), were assigned, based upon amino acid analyses using both a Waters Pico Tag HPLC system and chiral capillary GC, 1H NMR, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS), and collisionally induced tandem FABMS. A new homophenylalanine (Hph) variant of 1, [Dha7]microcystin-HphR (4), was also obtained as a minor component. Compound 3 is most likely a biosynthetic precursor of 1. The four new toxins did not have an N-methyl group at the dehydroamino acid or its precursor unit.

Mechanism of metabolic activation of the potent carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Abstract: The DNA adducts of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) previously identified in vitro and in vivo are stable adducts formed by reaction of the bay-region diol epoxides of DMBA with dG and dA. In this paper we report identification of several new DMBA-DNA adducts formed by one-electron oxidation, including two adducts lost from DNA by depurination, DMBA bound at the 12-methyl to the N-7 of adenine (Ade) or guanine (Gua) [7-methylbenz[a]anthracene (MBA-12-CH2-N7Ade or 7-MBA-12-CH2-N7Gua, respectively]. The in vitro systems used to study DNA adduct formation were DMBA activated by horseradish peroxidase or 3-methyl-cholanthrene-induced rat liver microsomes. The biologically-formed depurination adducts were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography and by fluorescence line narrowing spectroscopy. Stable DMBA-DNA adducts were analyzed by the 32P-postlabeling method. Quantitation of DMBA-DNA adducts formed by microsomes showed about 99% as depurination adducts: 7-MBA-12-CH2-N7Ade (82%) and 7-MBA-12-CH2-N7Gua (17%). Stable adducts (1.4% of total) included one adduct spot that may contain adduct(s) formed from the diol epoxide (0.2%) and unidentified adducts (1.2%). Activation of DMBA by horseradish peroxidase afforded 56% of stable unidentified adducts and 44% of depurination adducts, with 36% of 7-MBA-12-CH2-N7Ade and 8% of 7-MBA-12-CH2-N7Gua. Adducts containing the bond to the DNA base at the 7-CH3 group of DMBA were not detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)