Improvement in the diagnostic potential of 32P-postlabeling analysis demonstrated by the selective formation and comparative analysis of nitrated-PAH-derived adducts arising from diesel particle extracts

Two versions of the 32P-postlabeling assay (nuclease P1 and butanol extraction) enhance the detection limit of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-modified DNA. Previously published studies suggest that DNA adducts derived from N-substituted aryl compounds are poorly recovered in the nuclease P1 version. In this study, both versions were employed to ascertain whether the apparent differences in sensitivity could be used to select diagnostically for nitroaromatic-DNA adducts derived by treating calf thymus DNA with organic extracts isolated from four diesel and one gasoline vehicle emission particles. We enhanced the formation of nitrated-PAH-derived adducts through xanthine oxidase (XO)-catalyzed nitroreduction of nitrated-PAHs, constituents previously detected in the diesel emissions. Chromatographic mobilities of the XO-derived DNA adducts were compared to adducts detected in calf thymus DNA resulting from rat liver S9-mediated metabolism. All four diesel organic extracts treated with XO resulted in the formation of one major DNA adduct, chromatographically distinct from the multiple DNA adducts detected in the rat liver S9-treated incubations. This adduct was detectable with the butanol extraction but not the nuclease P1 version of the 32P-postlabeling assay and was chromatographically similar to DNA adducts formed following XO nitroreduction of 1-nitropyrene or ascorbic acid treatment of 1-nitro-8-nitroso-pyrene and 1-nitro-6-nitrosopyrene. In contrast, when S9 activation was used, multiple DNA adducts were detected along a diagonal zone of radioactivity and were radioactively labeled with equivalent efficiency irrespective of the assay version employed. The in vitro calf thymus DNA model described in this study enhances the diagnostic potential of the 32P-postlabeling assay through the selective formation of nuclease P1-sensitive N-substituted aryl-derived DNA adducts.     

DNA adduct measurements, cell proliferation and tumor mutation induction in relation to tumor formation in B6C3F1 mice fed coal tar or benzo[a]pyrene

Coal tar is a complex mixture containing hundreds of compounds, at least 30 of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Although humans are exposed to complex mixtures on a daily basis, the synergistic or individual effects of components within a mixture on the carcinogenic process remain unclear. We have compared DNA adduct formation and cell proliferation in mice fed coal tar or BaP for 4 weeks with tumor formation in a 2 year chronic feeding study. Additionally, we have analyzed tumor DNA for mutations in the K-ras, H-ras and p53 genes. In the forestomach of mice fed either coal tar or BaP an adduct indicative of BaP was detected, with adduct levels increasing in a dose-responsive manner. K-ras mutations were detected in the forestomach tumors, with the incidence being similar in mice fed coal tar or BaP. These results suggest that the BaP within coal tar is associated with forestomach tumor induction in coal tar-fed mice. DNA adduct levels in the small intestine were not predictive of tumor incidence in this tissue; instead, the tumors appeared to result from compound-induced cell proliferation at high doses of coal tar. K-ras mutations were detected in lung tumors. Since lung tumors were not increased by BaP, coal tar components other than BaP appear to be responsible for the tumors induced in this tissue. H-ras mutations, primarily occurring at codon 61, were the most common mutation observed in liver tumors induced by coal tar. Since this mutation profile is observed in spontaneous hepatic tumors, components in the coal tar may be promoting the expansion of pre-existing lesions.     

Influences of complex organic mixtures on tumor-initiating activity, DNA binding and adducts of benzo[a]pyrene

Co-incubation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and coal-derived complex organic mixtures has been shown to decrease the metabolism and mutagenic activity of BaP. Because of these influences, five mixtures were co-administered dermally to mice to initiate tumor development. Results from these studies demonstrated that BaP tumor-initiating activity was decreased substantially by four of the five mixtures. When one of the mixtures was separated into chemical class fractions, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compound fractions were the most effective, and the aliphatic and hydroxy-PAH fractions were the least effective as inhibitors of BaP-induced tumor initiation. Binding of [3H]BaP to epidermal DNA under conditions identical to those used for tumor initiation was decreased by co-administration of all five mixtures. Calculations of the number of tumors produced/micrograms BaP bound to DNA demonstrated that co-administration of this carcinogen with the mixtures consistently increased the effectiveness of the bound BaP at producing tumors by approximately a factor of 2. The HPLC radioactivity profiles of enzyme-hydrolyzed, adducted DNA indicated that, in the presence of the mixtures, the predominant adducts were derived from BaP-diol epoxide (BPDE); however, the mixtures decreased the ratios of the anti-BPDE-deoxyguanosine to syn-BPDE-deoxy-guanosine adducts. These data indicate that the prevailing influences of the mixtures (i.e. decreased DNA binding and adduct shifts) were similar to those observed with other bioassays following co-administration of binary mixtures. Furthermore, the data demonstrate that both DNA binding and adduct profiles are important in determining the contribution of a known carcinogen to tumor initiation by complex organic mixtures.     

Species- and length of exposure-dependent differences in the benzo(a)pyrene:DNA adducts formed in embryo cell cultures from mice, rats, and hamsters

The activation of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) to DNA-binding metabolites in early-passage embryo cell cultures prepared from various species of rodents was investigated by exposing cells from mice (BALB/c and Sencar), rats (Wistar and Fischer 344), and Syrian hamsters to [3H]BaP for various lengths of time. The BaP:DNA adducts containing cis-vicinal hydroxyl groups such as those formed from 7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha,10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (anti-BaPDE) were separated from the other types of BaP:DNA adducts by immobilized boronate chromatography, and the individual adducts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. A number of BaP:DNA adducts were present in the DNA from the cultures from all three species after 5 h of BaP treatment. After a 24-h exposure to BaP, the mouse and hamster embryo cell DNA contained a large amount of the adduct formed by reaction of (+)-anti-BaPDE with the 2-amino group of deoxyguanosine (dGuo) and a small amount of a 7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 beta,10 beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene:dGuo adduct. A large number of BaP:DNA adducts derived from 7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 beta,10 beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene and other unidentified BaP metabolites were present in rat embryo cell cultures at all times. Neither the Fischer 344 nor the Wistar rat embryo cell cultures had a significant amount of (+)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo adduct after 5 h of BaP treatment, and in the Wistar rat cells larger amounts of other adducts were present even after a 96-h exposure to BaP. In cell cultures from all three species the proportion of (+)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo adduct increased as the length of time of exposure to BaP increased. There are major differences in the metabolic activation of BaP to DNA binding metabolites in embryo cells from various species of rodents. However, the variations between cell cultures from different strains of rats or mice are not as great as the variations between cell cultures from different species. The time-dependent alterations in the BaP:DNA adducts indicate that analysis after various lengths of time of exposure to BaP is essential to characterize accurately the pathways of metabolic activation of BaP in cells from various species and tissues.     

Dose-dependent benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]-DNA adduct levels and persistence in F-344 rats following subchronic dietary exposure to B(a)P

In order to investigate the relationship between BaP–DNA adduct formation and long-term exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), DNA adduct levels in liver and lung tissues of male and female F-344 rats subchronically exposed to BaP were determined. Doses of 0, 5, 50, and 100 mg/kg BaP, representing control, low, intermediate, and high doses, respectively, were administered in the animal diet over a 90-day period. After dosing, animals were sacrificed, liver and lung tissues were removed, DNA was isolated and analyzed for BaP-induced DNA adducts by the ³²P-postlabeling method using a four-directional thin-layer chromatography system. At low and intermediate BaP doses, DNA adduct levels in the tissues were significantly correlated with exposure. However, at high BaP doses, the dose-DNA adduct relationship became non-linear. Similarly, the relative DNA adducts persistence at intermediate and high doses were significantly higher than that measured at low dose. The low and intermediate dose linearity and high dose non-linearity may be due to saturation of metabolic activation and detoxification enzymes, and DNA repair processes.     

Formation of DNA adducts in rat lung following chronic inhalation of diesel emissions, carbon black and titanium dioxide particles

Exposure of rats to diesel emissions results in the developmentof lung tumors. The objective of this study was to determinewhether the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitro-PAHsor other polycyclic organic matter adsorbed to diesel particlesinduces the formation of DNA adducts in the lung when comparedto particles with little or no adsorbed organic matter. Ratswere exposed to diesel emissions containing particles with over30% solvent-extractable adsorbed organic matter and to particleswith < 0.1% absorbed organic matter (carbon black particlesand TiO₂). Wistar rats were exposed to diesel emissions (7.5mg/m³) for 2 months, 6 months and 2 years and for 2 years tocarbon black (11.3 mg/m³) and TiO₂ particles (10.4 mg/m³) tocompare tumorigenic response and DNA adduct formation in thelung. Two versions of the ³²P-postlabeling assay for the detectionof DNA adducts were used to tentatively identify nitrated-amineor arylamine adducts formed relative to other nitro PAH basedon the demonstrated sensitivity of these adducts of nucleaseP1 treatment. Total adducts levels were determined for peripherallung tissue DNA as detected in a diagonal radioactive zone.One major adduct which migrated outside this region (adduct1) and a nuclease P1-sensitive adduct (adduct 2) were quantitatedseparately. Adduct 1 increased significantly over time in thefiltered air exposed animals but decreased markedly at the 2year time points regardless of particle type, presumably asa result of adduct dilution through de novo cell synthesis orcell proliferationinvoked in response to particle loading and/oreffect on the endogenous synthesis or degradation of DNA reactivemoieties. The nuclease sensitive adduct (adduct 2), possiblyresulting from exposure to nitro-PAHs, was detected in diesel-exposedrats but was not detected in the rats exposed to TiO₂ and carbonblack. No significant elevation in PAH-derived adducts, relativeto the filtered air controls, was observed in the rodents exposedto diesel emission. Our datasuggest that long-term contact withthese particles may result in a cell proliferative response,enhanced degradation ofI-compounds not related to cell proliferation,and/or synthesis of I-compounds, irrespective of the differencesin organic content associated with the three particle types.This response may be an important factor in explaining the reportedsimilarityintumorigenic response in rodents exposed to diesel emissions,carbon black and TiO₂ particles.     

32P-postlabelling analysis of DNA adducts in the skin of mice treated with petrol and diesel engine lubricating oils and exhaust condensates

Samples of unused or used petrol and diesel engine lubricating oils were applied to the shaved dorsal skin of 4- to 6-week-old male Parkes mice, either as a single treatment (50 microliters/mouse) or as four consecutive daily treatments (50 microliters/application). DNA isolated from the skin 24 h after the final treatment was digested to 3'-mononucleotides and analysed by 32P-postlabelling for the presence of aromatic adducts. Enhancement of sensitivity using butanol extraction or nuclease P1 digestion of the DNA hydrolysates led to the detection of up to eight adduct spots on polyethyleneimine-cellulose thin-layer chromatograms with samples of DNA from skin treated with used engine oils, at levels of 40-150 amol total adducts/micrograms DNA. Multiple treatments with the used oils gave rise to similar patterns of adducts in lung DNA. A single treatment of mouse skin with petrol engine exhaust condensate (50 microliters), or diesel engine exhaust condensate (50 microliters), containing 20 and 46 micrograms benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)/g respectively, gave rise to approximately 75 amol total adducts/micrograms DNA in skin. A significant proportion, 31 and 48% respectively, of the adducts formed by the petrol and diesel engine exhaust condensates co-chromatographed with the major BaP-DNA adduct, but with the used engine oils, only petrol engine oil, and not diesel engine oil, produced significant amounts of an adduct (22% of total) that corresponded to the BaP-DNA adduct.     

Analysis of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of petrol and diesel engine lubricating oils and determination of DNA adducts in topically treated mice by 32P-postlabelling

Engine lubricating oils are known to accumulate carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during engine running. Oils from nine petrol-powered and 11 diesel-powered vehicles, in addition to samples of unused oil, were analysed for PAH content and ability to form DNA adducts when applied topically to mouse skin. The levels of 19 PAHs, determined by GC, were in total, approximately 22 times higher in used oils from petrol engines than in oils from diesel engines. Male Parkes mice were treated with 50 microliters of oil daily for 4 days before they were killed and DNA isolated from skin and lung tissue. DNA samples were analysed by nuclease P1-enhanced 32P-postlabelling. Used oils from both diesel and petrol engines showed several adduct spots on PEI-cellulose plates at total adduct levels of up to 0.57 fmol/microgram DNA [approximately 60 times greater than in experiments with samples of unused oil in which adduct levels (0.01-0.02 fmol adducts/microgram DNA) were close to the limit of detection]. Higher adduct levels were generally formed by petrol engine oils than by diesel engine oils. Lung DNA contained similar total adduct levels to those in skin although the adduct maps were less complex. Total adduct levels correlated with extent of oil use in the engine, the total PAH concentration in oils and with the concentrations of certain individual PAHs present in the oils. An adduct spot that co-eluted with that of the major benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct accounted for 9-26% of the total adducts in skin DNA, and approximately 8% of the adducts in lung DNA, of mice treated with petrol engine oils. A major, and as yet unidentified, adduct spot comprised up to 30% of the total adducts in skin DNA, and up to 89% of the total adducts in lung DNA, of these animals.     

32P-Postlabeling and HPLC separation of DNA adducts formed by diesel exhaust extracts in vitro and in mouse skin and lung after topical treatment

Diesel exhaust extracts contain many carcinogenic compoundswhich have been shown to form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAH)— and nitrated PAH—DNA adducts in rodent skinand lung. The aim of this study was to characterize by ³²P-postlabeling,TLC and HPLC the primary postlabeled PAH-DNA adduct(s) formedin vitro and in vivo by diesel extracts. The diesel particleextracts had known concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b,j,k]-fluoranthenes(B[b,j,k]F) and chrysene. DNA adducts were analyzed in calfthymus DNA incubated in vitro with PAHs activated by S9 mixand in skin and lung DNA from topically treated mice. The maindiesel-derived DNA adduct formed in vitro and in vivo did notco-migrate on HPLC and large TLC plates with ()-r-7, t-8-dihydroxy-t-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (anti BPDE)—,B[b]F—, B[j]F—, B[k]F— or chrysene—DNAadduct standards. By co-chromatography DNA adducts formed bychrysene from both in vitro and in vivo samples were identified.Nissan diesel extract containing higher PAH concentrations thanVolkswagen automobile extract formed skin DNA adducts that co-migratedwith chrysene— and anti BPDE—DNA-derived adducts.We conclude that the use of a highly sensitive ³²P-postlabelingmethod combined with HPLC improves the identification of PAHadducts formed by complex mixtures such as diesel exhaust extracts.     

DNA adducts in bronchial biopsies

To investigate the feasibility of measuring DNA-carcinogen adducts in the lungs of non-surgical patients, endobronchial biopsies were obtained from 78 patients undergoing routine diagnostic bronchoscopy. Lung cancer was present in 37 (47%) of the patients. DNA was isolated from the tissues and analyzed by HPLC- or nuclease-PI-enriched 32P-postlabelling, using procedures selective for aromatic adducts. Chromatograms from all 28 current smokers showed a distinctive diagonal adduct zone which was present in only 24 of 40 ex-smokers and 4 of 10 lifetime non-smokers. Adduct levels and chromatographic patterns were similar in bronchial tissue from different lobes of the lung, in bronchial and alveolar tissue, and in tumor and non-tumor bronchial tissue taken from the same subject. Bronchial DNA adduct levels were strongly associated with cigarette smoking status and dropped rapidly after smoking ceased. Higher levels of DNA adducts seen in the lung-cancer patients were mainly due to cigarette smoking. Frequent alcohol intake was the only dietary factor associated with higher levels of bronchial DNA adducts. We conclude that the level of bronchial DNA adducts is strongly associated with cigarette-smoking history and with alcohol intake, but is not associated with lung cancer independently from its relation to smoking. The results indicate the feasibility of using 32P-postlabelling to detect and quantitate genetic damage in bronchial biopsy specimens.     

Comparative 32P-analysis of cigarette smoke-induced DNA damage in human tissues and mouse skin

Previous studies using a highly sensitive 32P-postlabeling assay for the analysis of carcinogen/mutagen-induced DNA damage have shown the presence of tobacco smoking-related DNA adducts in human placenta (Everson, R.B., Randerath, E., Santella, R.M., Cefalo, R.C., Avitts, T. A., and Randerath, K., Science (Wash. DC), 231: 54-57, 1986). The occurrence of such adducts in smokers' bronchus and larynx is reported here. Since the chemical nature of these adducts could not be characterized by direct methods due to the extremely low levels of individual adducts (less than 0.03 fmol per microgram DNA), we have sought an experimental animal model for studying the formation of tobacco-related DNA adducts. Because cigarette smoke condensate is known to initiate tumors in mouse skin, ICR mice were treated topically with cigarette tar equivalent to 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 cigarettes for 0.4, 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively, and skin DNA was isolated 1 day after the last treatment. When DNA from exposed mice was analyzed by the 32P-postlabeling assay, 12 distinct 32P-labeled DNA adduct spots, as well as a diagonal radioactive zone, which presumably reflected the presence of incompletely resolved adducts, were noted on polyethyleneimine-cellulose TLC fingerprints. One derivative in particular (adduct 1) was seen to increase rapidly during the early treatment phase and also to persist to 8 days after treatment. The prominent adduct 1 was observed in the same location on the fingerprints of DNA samples from smokers. Cochromatography experiments suggested identity of human and mouse DNA adduct 1. Similarly, several other human and mouse adducts (adducts 3, 5, 6, and 9) appeared identical, and the diagonal radioactive zone was also present on DNA adduct maps from smokers. While absolute levels of individual human adducts were too low to be accurately quantitated, semiquantitative estimation of total tobacco-related aromatic DNA adducts in the human specimens gave values of 1 adduct in (1.7-2.9) X 10(7) nucleotides (0.10-0.18 fmol per micrograms DNA), with adduct 1 constituting 8.5-14% of the total. On the basis of these results, it appears now feasible to determine the chemical origin of smoking-induced DNA adducts in human tissues by preparation of authentic 32P-labeled reference adducts from animals treated with characterized subfractions of cigarette tar, 32P-postlabeling, and cochromatography of 32P-labeled human and animal adducts.     

Effect of arsenic on benzo[a]pyrene DNA adduct levels in mouse skin and lung

Concomitant exposures to arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are widespread. While BaPacts by binding to and inducing mutations in critical siteson DNA, the mechanism(s) of arsenic carcinogenesis remains unknown.Data from epidemiological studies of arsenic copper smelterworkers and arsenic ingestion in drinking water suggest a positiveinteraction for arsenic exposure and smoking and lung cancer.A previous in vitro study showed that arsenic potentiated theformation of DNA adducts at low doses of BaP and arsenic. Thepresent study was conducted to test the effect of arsenic onBaP–DNA adduct formation in vivo. We hypothesized thatarsenic co-treatment would significantly increase BaP adductlevels in C57BL/6 mouse target organs: skin and lung. Treatmentgroups were: five mice, -BaP/-arsenic; five mice, -BaP/+arsenic;15 mice, +BaP/-arsenic; 15 mice, +BaP/+arsenic. Mice in theappropriate groups were provided sodium arsenite in drinkingwater (2.1 mg/l), ad libitum, for 13 days (starting 9 days beforeBaP treatment), and 200 nmol BaP/25 ml acetone (or acetone alone)was applied topically, once per day for 4 days. DNA was extractedfrom skin and lung and assayed by ³²P-postlabeling. Statisticalcomparisons were made using independent t-tests (unequal variancesassumed). BaP–DNA adduct levels in the +BaP groups weresignificantly higher than -BaP controls. Arsenic co-treatmentincreased average BaP adduct levels in both lung and skin; theincrease was statistically significant in the lung (P = 0.038).BaP adduct levels in the skin of individual animals were positivelyrelated to skin arsenic concentrations. These results corroborateour in vitro findings and provide a tentative explanation forarsenic and PAH interactions in lung carcinogenesis.     

Immunocytochemical visualization of DNA adducts in mouse tissues and human white blood cells following treatment with benzo[a]pyrene or its diol epoxide. A quantitative approach

The formation and stability of benzo[a]pyrene DNA adducts were studied in tissues of BALB/c mice exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The DNA adducts were visualized with an immunocytochemical peroxidase staining technique using an antiserum specific for the major B[a]P-derived adduct in DNA [(+/-)trans-7,8-dihydroxy-anti-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10- tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE-N2-dG)]. The nuclear staining density was measured by microdensitometry. When mice were treated with an increasing dose of B[a]P the nuclear staining increased in the tissues studied (lung, heart and kidney). A linear relationship was found between the immunocytochemical nuclear staining signal and the actual DNA adduct level in the lung as measured by 32P-postlabeling. Maximum adduct formation was found 5 days after a single i.p. injection of B[a]P. Adduct levels decreased gradually after 7 days, but even after 61 days a slight specific staining was still present, suggesting that not all adducts had disappeared at that time. As judged from the disappearance of [3H]thymidine from prelabeled DNA the loss of adducts from the lung was not a result of DNA repair but one of cell turnover. In human white blood cells B[a]P-derived adducts could be detected after in vitro incubation with the reactive metabolite of B[a]P (BPDE). Dose-response studies demonstrated a positive relationship between BPDE-DNA adduct formation, the immunocytochemical staining signal and the BPDE concentration in the culture medium.     

Transport of DNA-adducting metabolites in mouse serum following benzo [a]pyrene administration

Metabolic activation of benzo[]pyrene (BaP) by cellular enzymesis required for DNA adduct formation. In vivo DNA adducts mightalso arise from BaP metabolites supplied via the systemic circulation,rather than from in situ activation. We determined whether electrophilicmetabolites could be detected in mouse serum 4 h after BaP dosing(i.p.) by trapping metabolites with salmon sperm DNA (ssDNA),followed by ³²P-postlabeling analysis for DNA adducts. In vitrostudies demonstrated that mouse serum sequesters BaP-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide(BPDE) and protects it from hydrolysis. BPDE was rapidly transferredfrom serum to ssDNA or splenocytes, with adduct levels in ssDNA4- to 7-fold greater than in splenocytes. After BaP administration,mouse serum produced two adduct spots when incubated with ssDNA.The major adduct (spot 3) co-chromatographed with a BPDE adductstandard, while the minor adduct (spot 2) was unrelated to BPDE.A BPDE standard curve in control serum was developed to quantitateBPDE levels in dosed serum. These levels ranged from 13.1 to19.1 nM. Tissue DNA contained three adduct spots: spots 2 and3 appeared identical to the respective adducts arising fromdosed serum. BPDE-DNA adducts in tisues were highest in liver,lung and spleen, with kidney and stomach levels significantlylower. Levels of adduct 2 did not correlate with levels of adduct3, especially in spleen where the adduct 2/adduct 3 ratio wasvery low. In vitro studies in which splenocytes were presentedwith both adducting metabolites suggested that splenocytes preferentiallyform adduct 3. These results indicate that two of the threeBaP electrophilic metabolites responsible for cellular DNA damageare present in mouse serum. The levels of BPDE in serum maybe sufficient to account for a substantial portion of the tissueload of BPDE-DNA adducts.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts in lung tissue from lung cancer patients

In an attempt to probe for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adducts in human subjects resulting from smoking (or other chronic environmental exposure), lung tissue and lung tumours were obtained from patients hospitalized for lung cancer. DNA was isolated from the tissue samples and examined both in an ELISA using a polyclonal antibody against (+/-)trans-7,8-dihydroxy-anti-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10- tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE)-DNA as well as by the nuclease P1-mediated modification of the 32P-post-labelling technique. The ELISA results showed BPDE-DNA antigenicity in lung DNA from 6 out of 21 patients, and adduct levels ranged from 2 to 134 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides. For all 21 patients, the autoradiographs of chromatograms of 32P-postlabelled digests of DNA from non-tumorous lung tissue showed a strong diagonal radioactive zone (DRZ). This DRZ was generally absent in tumorous tissue. DNA samples that were positive in the ELISA contained a dominant spot within the DRZ that co-chromatographed with the major BPDE-DNA adduct (BPDE-dG). The quantities of the BPDE-dG spots ranged from 2.1 to 42 adducts in 10(9) nucleotides. These values were lower than the levels found in the ELISA but correlated well with the ELISA results (Kendall W = 0.97; P = 0.00). The levels of the DRZ adducts ranged from 1.9 to 34 adducts in 10(8) nucleotides. Correlations between smoking and DNA adduct levels were poor because of the small number of current smokers (n = 13). However, smokers of filter cigarettes had significantly lower DNA adduct levels compared with smokers of cigarettes without a filter (P = 0.02 by Fischer's exact test).     

32P-postlabelling with high-performance liquid chromatography for analysis of abundant DNA adducts in human tissues

Abundant complex DNA adducts can be detected in human tissues by a combined 32P-postlabelling and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The HPLC profiles reveal a panorama of nuclease P1-resistant human adducts, which are not among the known human DNA adducts and are suspected of being endogenous. Lipid peroxidation-induced DNA adducts and I-compounds are two possible candidates for these adducts. Therefore, we performed two experiments: one was to identify chromatographically the lipid peroxidation-induced adducts among other human adducts with two acrolein- and crotonaldehyde-derived propano adduct standards (Acr-dG3 and Cro-dG1&2) and a structurally unknown adduct (Cro-DNA) derived from crotonaldehyde-treated DNA; and the other was to analyse the adducts in breast tissue from patients with breast cancer and from controls and to compare their behaviour with that of I-compounds in cancerous tissues. In the first experiment, Acr-dG3 and Cro-dG1 were detected in three human lung tissues, at levels ranging from 3.4 to 8.9 (x 10(-8)) and from not detectable to 2.9 (x 10(-8)), respectively. Acr-dG3 and Cro-DNA were detected in three human colon tissues, at levels of 0.2-0.4 (x 10(-8)) and 1.2-3.4 (x 10(-8)), respectively. In the second experiment, adjacent and tumorous breast tissues from 15 patients with breast cancer (of an average age of 33.4 years) and normal breast tissue from 18 controls (of an average age of 57.3) were analysed for the abundant complex adducts. The total adduct levels in the adjacent and tumorous tissues were lower than in the normal tissues (with medians of 8.0, 11.8 and 13.3 (x 10(-7)), respectively). Significant differences in the adduct levels between adjacent or tumorous tissues and normal tissues were observed in three HPLC peaks, and age was significantly associated with three peaks. These results are consistent with our speculation that the abundant adducts are comprised of lipid peroxidation-induced adducts and human homologues of I-compounds.     

DNA adduct formation by the environmental contaminant 3-nitrobenzanthrone after intratracheal instillation in rats

3-Nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA) is an environmental pollutant and suspected human carcinogen found in emissions from diesel and gasoline engines and on the surface of ambient air particulate matter; human exposure to 3-NBA is likely to occur primarily via the respiratory tract. In our study female Sprague Dawley rats were treated by intratracheal instillation with a single dose of 0.2 or 2 mg/kg body weight of 3-NBA. Using the butanol enrichment version of the (32)P-postlabeling method, DNA adduct formation by 3-NBA 48 hr after intratracheal administration in different organs (lung, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, heart, small intestine and liver) and in blood was investigated. The same adduct pattern consisting of up to 5 DNA adduct spots was detected by thin layer chromatography in all tissues and blood and at both doses. Highest total adduct levels were found in lung and pancreas (350 +/- 139 and 620 +/- 370 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides for the high dose and 39 +/- 18 and 55 +/- 34 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides for the low dose, respectively) followed by kidney, urinary bladder, heart, small intestine and liver. Adduct levels were dose-dependent in all organs (approximately 10-fold difference between doses). It was demonstrated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that all 5 3-NBA-derived DNA adducts formed in rats after intratracheal instillation are identical to those formed by other routes of application and are, as previously shown, formed from reductive metabolites bound to purine bases. Although total adduct levels in the blood were much lower (41 +/- 27 and 9.5 +/- 1.9 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides for the high and low dose, respectively) than those found in the lung, they were related to dose and to the levels found in lung. These results show that uptake of 3-NBA by the lung induces high levels of specific DNA adducts in several organs of the rat and an identical adduct pattern in DNA from blood. Therefore, 3-NBA-DNA adducts present in the blood are useful biomarkers for exposure to 3-NBA and may help to assess the effective biological dose in humans exposed to it.     

DNA adducts in tumour, normal peripheral lung and bronchus, and peripheral blood lymphocytes from smoking and non-smoking lung cancer patients: correlations between tissues and detection by 32P-postlabelling and immunoassay

Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer. This comparative study of smoking-related carcinogen-DNA adducts in pulmonary tissues and peripheral blood lymphocytes aims to further explore the primary DNA damaging processes by cigarette smoke in target and surrogate tissues. Samples of tumour and normal peripheral lung tissue, normal bronchial tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained from a total of 85 lung cancer patients who underwent lung resection. Bulky DNA adducts were determined by 32P-postlabelling, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adducts were detected by (+/-)-7beta, 8alpha-dihydroxy-9alpha,10alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene-DNA chemiluminescence immunoassay (BPDE-DNA CIA) in smaller subsets of tissue samples subject to availability of DNA. Bulky DNA adduct levels ranged between 0.3 and 27.8 adducts/10(8) nucleotides (nt) with mean adduct levels between 2.8 and 11.5 adducts/10(8) nt. Mean PAH-DNA adduct levels were 2.6-6.2 adducts/10(8) nt. Significantly higher bulky DNA adduct levels were detected in smokers' lungs as compared with non-smokers' (P < 0.02). PAH-DNA adduct levels appeared higher in the lungs of smokers compared with non-smokers but the difference was not significant. Lung tumour contained on average a 50% lower DNA adduct level compared with normal lung tissue. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the DNA adduct levels of the corresponding tumour and normal lung tissue samples in both smokers and non-smokers using both methodologies. Bulky DNA adduct levels in normal lung and blood lymphocytes correlated significantly in non-smokers only (r = 0.55, P = 0.023). In lung tumour DNA samples there was a weak correlation between values obtained by 32P-postlabelling and by the BPDE-DNA immunoassay (r = 0.27, P = 0.054). However, with normal lung DNA samples, values obtained by the two assays did not correlate.     

Analysis of benzo(a)pyrene:DNA adducts formed in cells in culture by immobilized boronate chromatography

A chromatographic procedure using boronic acid residues linked to a cellulose support [(N-(N'-[m-(dihydroxyboryl)-phenyl]succinamyl)amino]ethyl cellulose), used by Sawicki et al. (Cancer Res., 43: 3212-3218, 1983) for analysis of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene:DNA adducts, was modified to allow the analysis of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP):DNA adducts formed in cells in culture. Adducts resulting from reaction of 7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha, 10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (anti-BaPDE) contain cis-vicinal hydroxyl groups that complex with the boronic acid residues; adducts resulting from 7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 beta, 10 beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (syn-BaPDE) do not. A mixture of [3H]-syn-BaPDE:deoxyguanosine (dGuo) adduct and [14C]-anti-BaPDE:dGuo adduct was completely resolved on a column of boronate:cellulose. Early-passage cultures of Sencar mouse, Syrian hamster, and Wistar rat embryo cells and a culture of a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) were exposed to [3H]BaP, and the BaP:DNA adducts were resolved by boronate chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The Hep G2 cells and mouse embryo cells contained two major adducts, a (+)-anti-BaPDE:dGuo adduct and a syn-BaPDE:dGuo adduct. Boronate chromatography permitted the resolution of an additional minor syn-BaPDE:deoxyribonucleoside adduct in the mouse embryo cells. The hamster and rat embryo cells contained a number of major BaP-DNA adducts that were resolved by boronate chromatography followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The rat embryo cells contained three syn-BaPDE:deoxyribonucleoside adducts and approximately equal amounts of two adducts tentatively identified as dGuo adducts of the (+) and (-) enantiomers of anti-BaPDE. The boronate chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography procedure improves the separation of the BaP:DNA adducts formed in biological systems and facilitates the identification of the BaP metabolite(s) responsible for the formation of these adducts.     

DNA adducts in different tissues of smokers and non-smokers

Purified DNA from human lung, liver, bladder, pancreas, breast and cervix has been analysed for DNA adducts using the nuclease P1 modification of the 32P post-labelling technique. Tissues were obtained at autopsy from 13 men and 6 women. Relatives were asked to provide information on smoking history for deceased subjects. All tissues examined except the breast had detectable adducts. In lung, bladder and pancreatic tissue a characteristic pattern of adducts was seen which has previously been reported as typical of cigarette-smoke-induced damage. Smokers and former smokers tended to have higher adduct levels than non-smokers in the tissues examined but this was only significant for the lung. There appeared to be considerable variation in adduct levels among smokers which could not be accounted for by duration or daily consumption level. Certain smokers had high adduct levels in all tissues examined, whilst in others high levels were only seen in some tissues. All cervical samples examined had detectable adducts. These results confirm the finding that cigarette smoking is associated with DNA damage in the lung and suggest that similar damage may be related to tobacco-induced neoplasms of other tissues.