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Benzo[b]fluoranthene and 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-fluorobenzo[b]fluoranthene were evaluated for tumor-initiating activity in mouse skin. These fluorinated benzo[b]fluoranthene derivatives were assayed at doses of 400, 120, 40, and 10 nmol per mouse. Similar tumorigenic activity was observed for benzo[b]fluoranthene and 5-fluorobenzo[b]fluoranthene. While 4-fluorobenzo[b]fluoranthene did produce a significant tumorigenic response at each dose assayed, substantially fewer tumors per mouse were observed compared to benzo[b]fluoranthene at initiator doses at or above 120 nmol. Only moderate tumorigenic activity was observed for 6- and 7-fluorobenzo[b]fluoranthene. Both of these fluorinated derivatives were significantly less tumorigenic (P < 0.05) than 4-fluorobenzo[b]fluoranthene when administered at initiator doses at or below 120 nmol. These results were unanticipated in view of data which indicate that metabolism of trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxybenzo[b]-fluoranthene to trans-9,10-dihydro-5,9,10-trihydroxybenzo[b]fluoranthene represents a principal activation mechanism of benzo[b]fluoranthene in mouse skin. The potential of fluorine substitution not only to inhibit metabolism, but also to alter the genotoxic activity of those metabolites which do form could explain the tumorigenic activity observed with these fluorinated derivatives of benzo[b]fluoranthene. These data suggest caution in the interpretation of results based exclusively upon the assumption that the only influence of fluorine substitution is inhibition of the formation of specific metabolites.

The metabolism and mutagenic activity of 4-fluorobenzo[j]fluoranthene (4F-B[j]F) and 10-fluorobenzo[j]fluoranthene (10F-B[j]F) were evaluated and compared with benzo[j]fluoranthene (B[j]F) using an identical rat liver homogenate preparation. Previous studies have shown that the major genotoxic metabolites of B[j]F are the 4,5- and 9,10-dihydrodiol. The 9,10-dihydrodiol was the principal metabolite formed in the case of 4F-B[j]F, while the 4,5-dihydrodiol was the principal metabolite formed in the metabolism of 10F-B[j]F. Studies on the relative genotoxicity of these fluorinated derivatives were performed to indirectly determine the possible contribution of the 4,5- and 9,10-dihydrodiol in the activation of B[j]F to a genotoxic agent. In the presence of microsomal activation, both of these fluorinated derivatives of B[j]F were more mutagenic in S. typhimurium TA97a, TA98 and TA100 than B[j]F. However, differences in mutagenic potency were observed between 4F- and 10F-B[j]F. 10F-B[j]F had similar mutagenic potency to 4F-B[j]F in TA97a and TA98 at doses associated with the linear portion of the dose response curve. However, a slightly higher mutagenic response was observed with 10F-B[j]F in TA98 at doses above 5 nmol. In contrast, 4F-B[j]F was more active than 10F-B[j]F as a mutagen in TA100. The tumor-initiating activity of these analogs on mouse skin was assessed at doses of 2.0, 1.0 and 0.3 mumol. Skin irritation was observed with the fluorinated B[j]F derivatives at doses above 0.3 mumol. At a dose of 0.3 mumol, 4F-B[j]F exhibited tumorigenic activity which was similar to B[j]F. In contrast, 10F-B[j]F was less active than B[j]F at all three doses assayed. Both fluorinated derivatives of B[j]F formed higher levels of DNA adducts in vivo in mouse skin than B[j]F. A modified 32P-postlabeling method was required to detect fast migrating B[j]F:DNA adducts that went undetected in previous studies. The level of DNA adducts formed from 4F-B[j]F was considerably greater than the levels observed with 10F-B[j]F. This is consistent with the greater mutagenic activity in S. typhimurium TA100 and tumor-initiating activity exhibited by 4F-B[j]F. These studies suggest that fluorine substitution may significantly alter the intrinsic genotoxicity of the 4,5- and 9,10-dihydrodiol of B[j]F. These data also imply that B[j]F may be primarily activated via the formation of the 9,10-dihydrodiol metabolite. This pathway of activation is inconsistent with our previous studies which indicate that the 4,5-dihydrodiol is the most important pathway of activation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The metabolites of benzo[j]fluoranthene (BjF) as formed in vitro using the 9000 X g supernatant from Aroclor-pretreated rats have been identified. Two dihydrodiols, trans-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyBjF and trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxyBjF have been identified as major metabolites by comparison of their spectral and chromatographic properties with those of pure synthetic standards. There was no evidence that any of the isomeric 2,3-dihydrodiol was formed as a metabolite of BjF under these incubation conditions. Neither of the metabolic dihydrodiols of BjF were formed with a high degree of stereoselectivity. The enantiomeric purity of the 4,5-dihydrodiol was 20% while that of the 9,10-dihydrodiol was 46%. At least four phenols were detected among the metabolites of BjF. These were identified as 3-, 4-, 6- and 10-hydroxyBjF based upon comparison of their UV spectra and HPLC retention times with those of synthetic reference standards. BjF-4,5-dione was also identified as a metabolite under these incubation conditions.

Mutagenic activities of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 9-methylcarbazole were evaluated in S. typhimurium TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98, and TA100. Only 9-methylcarbazole was found to be mutagenic in S. typhimurium TA100 in the presence of rat-liver homogenate. Mutagenic activity was also observed in TA100 for 2,9-, 3,9-, and 4,9-dimethylcarbazole. None of these methylated carbazole derivatives was mutagenic in TA1535, TA1537, TA1538 and TA98 in either the presence of absence of rat-liver homogenate. These results indicate that a 9-methyl substituent is associated with the mutagenic activity of these carbazole derivatives. Comparative studies on the mutagenic activity of 9-substituted carbazoles demonstrated that the activity of 9-ethylcarbazole was less than that of 9-methylcarbazole. 9-Phenyl- and 9-i-propylcarbazole were inactive under identical assay conditions. 9-Hydroxymethylcarbazole, a major metabolite of 9-methylcarbazole, was confirmed to be a direct-acting mutagen in S. typhimurium TA100. 9-Formylcarbazole was inactive as a mutagen when assayed with or without metabolic activation. These data are consistent with the finding that 9-hydroxymethylcarbazole is a major proximate mutagenic form of 9-methylcarbazole.

A series of nitrobiphenyls, nitronaphthalenes, and their methyl-substituted derivatives were assayed for mutagenicity toward S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100. In assays conducted in the absence of rat liver S9 fraction, substitution of a methyl group ortho to the nitro group decreased mutagenicity (3-methyl-4-nitrobiphenyl, 2-methyl-1-nitronaphthalene, and 3-methyl-2-nitronaphthalene). The mutagenicity of 4-nitrobiphenyl was also inhibited by methyl substitution at the 2'-position (2'-methyl-4-nitrobiphenyl), and at both the 3- and 2'-positions (3,2'-dimethyl-4-nitrobiphenyl). In assays conducted in the presence of rat liver S9 fraction, inhibition of mutagenicity by methyl substitution was demonstrated for 2-methyl-1-nitronaphthalene, 3-methyl-2-nitronaphthalene and 3,2'-dimethyl-4-nitrobiphenyl. Thus, methyl substitution of nitrobiphenyls and nitronaphthalenes generally decreased mutagenicity, when assays were conducted in the absence of rat liver S9 fraction. However, in the presence of rat liver S9 fraction, the inhibitory effect of methyl substitution on mutagenicity was less pronounced. These results contrast to the usual enhancing effect of ortho-methyl substitution of the corresponding aromatic amines and their N-oxidized derivatives (hydroxylamines and C-nitroso compounds).

An extensive series of alkylated phenanthrenes was assayed for mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Among the alkylated phenanthrenes assayed, 1-methylphenanthrene, 9-methylphenanthrene, 1,4-dimethylphenanthrene and 4,10-dimethylphenanthrene were active as mutagens. These studies suggest that the structural requirements favoring mutagenic activity among alkylated phenanthrenes are inhibition of 9,10-dihydrodiol formation and the presence of an unsubstituted angular ring adjacent to a free peri position. The mutagenic activities of 9-fluoro-, 9-chloro-, and 9-bromo-phenanthrene were also evaluated. The positive mutagenic response of these halogenated phenanthrenes further supports the observation that inhibition of 9,10-dihydrodiol formation among substituted phenanthrenes favors mutagenic activity.

The effects of fluorine substitution on benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F) DNA adduct formation and tumorigenicity in mouse epidermis were investigated. Fluoro derivatives studied included 1-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9- and 11-fluoroB[b]F as well as 1,9- and 6,9-difluoroB[b]F. Each compound was applied topically to mice and hydrocarbon/DNA adduct formation was assessed using the 32P-post-labelling technique. All of the fluorinated compounds bound to DNA to a lesser extent than B[b]F. Among the fluorinated compounds, the greatest binding was observed for 8-fluoroB[b]F. Lowest levels of hydrocarbon/DNA adduct formation from the fluoro derivatives were observed for 1-, 7-, 11- and 6,9-difluoroB[b]F. The tumor-initiating activities on mouse skin of 7-, 9- and 11-fluoroB[b]F were determined. All three compounds were significantly less tumorigenic than B[b]F. The results of this study are discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of metabolic activation of B[b]F.

Methylated fluorenes were assayed for mutagenic activity towards Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. None of these methylfluorenes were mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activation. In the presence of 9000 X g supernatant from Aroclor-induced rats, 9-methylfluorene and 1,9-dimethylfluorene were active towards TA98 and TA100. The structural requirement for mutagenic activity within this series was the presence of a single methyl substituent at the 9-position. Enhanced mutagenic activity was also observed for benzofluorenes similarly methylated at their benzylic positions.

Several methylated analogs of fluorene were evaluated as mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 in the presence and absence of microsomal activation. Among the methylated derivatives of fluorene assayed were 9-methylfluorene, 2-fluoro- and 2,7-difluoro-9-methylfluorene, 1,9-, 2,9-, 3,9- and 4,9-dimethylfluorene, 2,3,9-trimethylfluorene and 2,7,9-trimethylfluorene. Mutagenic activity was observed for several of these fluorene derivatives in the presence of rat liver homogenate. The data support a previous observation that a single methyl substituent in the 9-position of fluorene is associated with mutagenic activity within this series of compounds. Substitution with fluorine at both the 2- and 7-positions of 9-methylfluorene was not associated with a loss of mutagenic activity as evidenced by the similar mutagenic activity of 2,7-difluoro-9-methylfluorene and 9-methylfluorene. However, 2,7,9-trimethylfluorene was not mutagenic under these assay conditions. 9-Methylfluorene, 1,9-, 2,9-, 3,9- and 4,9-dimethylfluorene and 2,3,9-trimethylfluorene were active as mutagens in the presence of rat liver homogenate, but were inactive as tumor initiators when assayed on mouse skin.

A series of aminobiphenyls and aminonaphthalenes were assayed for mutagenicity toward S. typhimurium, in the presence of rat liver 9000 g supernatant, to investigate the effects of positional isomerism and ortho-methyl substitution. Among the 3 possible aminobiphenyl isomers, only 4-aminobiphenyl was a potent mutagen, showing activity in S. typhimurium TA1538 and TA100, but not TA1535. 4-Amino-3-methylbiphenyl was a more potent mutagen in S. typhimurium TA1538 than was 4-aminobiphenyl, whereas both 3-amino-4-methylbiphenyl and 3-aminobiphenyl were inactive in this strain. 3-Amino-4-methylbiphenyl was mutagenic in S. typhimurium TA100, in contrast to 3-aminobiphenyl. These results demonstrate the enhancing effect of an ortho-methyl group on mutagenicity in the aminobiphenyls, which contrasts to the inhibitory effect of methyl substitution frequently observed in the 4-nitrobiphenyl system. Among the 2-aminonaphthalenes, 2-amino-3-methylnaphthalene was the most mutagenic compound in S. typhimurium TA1538, followed by 2-amino-1-methylnaphthalene and 2-aminonaphthalene. In S. typhimurium TA1535, however, 2-aminonaphthalene was a more potent mutagen than either of the ortho-methyl substituted derivatives. No significant mutagenic activity was observed for either 1-aminonaphthalene or 1-amino-2-methylnaphthalene in S. typhimurium TA1538 and TA1535. However, 1-aminoanaphthalene was weakly mutagenic in S. typhimurium TA 100.

Several N-nitrosamines are formed during the nitrosation of the polyamines, spermidine and spermine. Since these polyamines may represent a source for the endogenous or exogenous formation of N-nitrosamines, their major nitrosation products were assayed for carcinogenicity in male Syrian golden hamsters. Administration of N-nitroso-3-butenyl(2-propenyl)amine SC once a week for life at a dose of 300 mg/kg induced neoplasms mostly in the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, larynx, trachea). Lung microlithiasis (alveolar and bronchial) also developed in all these animals. In contrast, N-nitroso-3-butenyl(3-hydroxypropyl)amine and N-nitroso-4-hydroxybutyl(2-propenyl)amine induced neoplasms, primarily in the digestive tract, including the nonglandular stomach, cecum, colon, and adrenal gland.

The effect of the cocarcinogen fluoranthene on the DNA binding and metabolism of [3H]benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in vivo in mouse skin has been investigated. In the presence of fluoranthene the level of B[a]]P-DNA binding was increased at each of the time intervals examined (4, 8, 24 and 48 h) with enhancements ranging from 76% at 4 h to 36% at 48 h. The ratio of anti-7,8,-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (anti-BPDE)-DNA adducts/syn-BPDE-DNA adducts was also increased in the presence of fluoranthene. This increase was greatest at 8 h (44%) but by 48 h the ratio was identical in the presence and absence of fluoranthene. The observed increase in anti-BPDE-DNA adducts/syn-BPDE-DNA adducts did not parallel increases in B[a]P-DNA binding suggesting that alteration of the anti-BPDE/syn-BPDE ratio is not a major contributing factor to the cocarcinogenic activity of fluoranthene. The influence of fluoranthene on the metabolism of B[a]P in vivo in mouse skin was also investigated. Fluoranthene was found to have little or no effect on the formation of ethyl acetate extractable metabolites of B[a]P in mouse skin. Specifically, there was no increase in the amount of B[a]P-7,8-diol in the presence of fluoranthene. Fluoranthene also had little or no effect on the levels of beta-glucuronide or sulfate conjugates of B[a]P metabolites formed in vivo in mouse skin. These studies suggest that the effect of fluoranthene is being expressed at some point after B[a]P has been activated to an ultimate carcinogen.

Human urine from smokers and nonsmokers on strictly controlled diets was assayed for mutagenic activity. Two distinct diets were employed in this study. Diet study A consisted of a high-meat, high-fat diet, observed for 5 days, followed by a vegan diet, adhered to for the next 5 days. The vegan diet contained no meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products. It was comprised of soy products, prepackaged vegan dinners, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and herbal teas. Diet study B consisted of 3 days on a typical western diet followed by a macrobiotic diet of grains and fresh vegetables for 5 days. Portions of 24-h urine samples were assayed in Salmonella typhimurium TA1538. The levels of urinary creatinine and cotinine were measured. Mutagenic activity was observed in the urine of most smokers. However, the levels of mutagens in the urine of light smokers were similar to those of nonsmokers. For both nonsmokers and smokers there was a significant increase in urine mutagenicity when volunteers were on the vegan diet. Several nonsmokers on the vegan diet in diet study A had pronounced mutagenic activity in their urine samples, in some instances at higher levels than that in the urine of smokers on a meat diet. In diet study B no clear differences were observed between the meat diet and the macrobiotic diet. In diet studies A and B the mutagenic potency of smokers' urine could not be correlated with cotinine levels alone or with urinary pH. These data suggest that dietary factors can play a dominant role in the mutagenicity of urine concentrates.

The mutagenic activity of all 4 isomeric aminocarbazoles and 4 nitrocarbazoles was evaluated in Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98. TA100 and TA1535. All compounds were assayed both in the presence and absence of liver homogenate from Aroclor-treated rats. Among the aminocarbazoles, 2-aminocarbazole was found to be most active in both tester strains, although somewhat less active than 2-aminofluorene. 3-Aminocarbazole was the only other isomer that was mutagenic towards TA98 at the dose levels employed (5--200 micrograms). 4-Aminocarbazole was moderately active in TA100, and 1-aminocarbazole was inactive in both TA98 and TA100. Similar differences in mutagenic potency and specificity towards the tester strains were observed for the related series of nitrocarbazoles.