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PubMed1985

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Telone II(R) (Technical-Grade 1,3-Dichloropropene [CAS No. 542-75-6] Containing 1.0% Epichlorohydrin as a Stabilizer) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies).

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of Telone II(R) (a soil fumigant containing approximately 89% cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropene, 2.5% 1,2-dichloropropane, 1.5% of a trichloropropene isomer, and 1.0% epichlorohydrin) were conducted by administering the commercial-grade formulation in corn oil by gavage to groups of 52 male and 52 female F344/N rats at doses of 0, 25, or 50 mg/kg and to groups of 50 male and 50 female B6C3F1 mice at doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg. Doses were administered three times per week for 104 weeks. Ancillary studies were conducted in which dose groups containing five male and five female rats were killed after receiving Telone II(R) for 9, 16, 21, 24, or 27 months. Mean body weights of high dose male rats were about 5% lower than those for the vehicle control and low dose male rats; no differences in body weights were observed among groups of female rats. Survival was comparable for the different groups of male and female rats. For male and female mice, the dosed groups initially weighed 6%-22% less than did the vehicle controls; the weight differential decreased to 5%-9% by the end of the studies. Twenty-five vehicle control male mice died during weeks 48-51 from suppurative inflammation of the heart (myocarditis). At the end of the studies, the survival of male mice was as follows: vehicle control, 8/50; low dose, 28/50; high dose 31/50. Survival of female mice was lower (P<0.05) in the high dose group than in the vehicle controls (46/50; 45/50; 36/50). The primary organs affected were the forestomach (rats and mice), urinary bladder (mice), lung (mice), and liver (rats). Compound-related nonneoplastic lesions included basal cell or epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach (rats and mice), epithelial hyperplasia of the urinary bladder (mice), and kidney hydronephrosis (mice). Neoplastic lesions associated with administration of Telone II(R) included squamous cell papillomas of the forestomach (male rats: 1/52; 1/52; 9/52; female rats: 0/52; 2/52; 3/52; female mice: 0/50; 1/50; 2/50), squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach (male rats: 0/52; 0/52; 4/52; female mice: 0/50; 0/50; 2/50), transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder (female mice: 0/50; 8/50; 21/48), alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas (female mice: 0/50; 3/50; 8/50), and neoplastic nodules of the liver (male rats: 1/52; 6/52; 7/52). Although the study in male mice was considered inadequate due to the deaths at weeks 48-51 of 25/50 vehicle control animals, 2/50 of the high dose males had transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder. Furthermore, increases were seen in the incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar neoplasms of the lung (1/50; 13/50; 12/50) and of squamous cell papillomas of the forestomach (0/50; 2/50; 3/50). These findings plus the finding of nonneoplastic lesions in two of these organs (basal cell or epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach: 0/50; 0/50; 4/50; epithelial hyperplasia of the urinary bladder: 0/50; 9/50; 18/50) suggest that Telone II(R) may have been responsible for the development of these lesions in male mice. Development of lesions of the forestomach (basal cell hyperplasia and squamous cell papilloma) was observed to be time dependent. The results of the scheduled kills supported the findings of the carcinogenesis studies. When the results from the scheduled kills at all time points were pooled with those of the 24-month carcinogenesis studies, the incidences were as follows: basal cell or epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach-- male rats: 3/77; 13/77; 31/77; female rats: 1/75; 5/77; 35/77; squamous cell papilloma of the forestomach-- male rats: 1/77; 1/77; 13/77; female rats: 0/75; 2/77; 8/77; neoplastic nodules of the liver--male rats: 1/77; 6/76; 8/77; female rats: 6/75; 8/77; 12/77. cis- and trans-1,3- Dichloropropane are the principle components (89%) in Telone II(R), but the 1.0% epichlorohydrin, a direct-acting mutagen and carcinogen added as a stabilizer, may have influenced the development of the forestomach lesions. 1,3-Dichloropropene was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimuriumnt of the forestomach lesions. 1,3-Dichloropropene was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, and TA1535 without metabolic activation and in TA100 and TA1535 with metabolic activation by Aroclor-induced male Sprague-Dawley rat and Syrian hamster liver S9. No mutagenic response was seen in TA1537. Sex-linked recessive lethal mutations were observed in Drosophila melanogaster, and 1,3-dichloropropene did not induce reciprocal translocations in D. melanogaster. A data audit was conducted on the Telone II® 2-year carcinogenesis studies in rats and mice and the ancillary studies in rats. Except for the already known problem of survival of male vehicle control mice, no other discrepancies or problems that would compromise the validity of the findings or alter the interpretations of these studies were found. Under the conditions of these gavage studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenicity for male F344/N rats, as indicated by Telone II®-related increased incidences of squamous cell papillomas and carcinomas of the forestomach, as well as an increased incidence of neoplastic nodules of the liver. In female F344/N rats, there was some evidence of carcinogenicity because Telone II® caused an increased incidence of squamous cell papillomas of the forestomach. The experiment in male B6C3F1 mice was considered to be an inadequate study of carcinogenicity because of reduced survival in the vehicle control group. However, there was some indication in the male mice of Telone II®-related increases of transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder, squamous cell papillomas of the forestomach, and alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas and carcinomas of the lung. There was clear evidence of carcinogenicity for female B6C3F1 mice, since Telone II® caused increased incidences of transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder; Telone II® also increased the incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas of the lung and of squamous cell papillomas or carcinomas of the forestomach in the female mice. Telone II®-related nonneoplastic lesions included basal cell or epithelial cell hyperplasia in the forestomach of male and female rats and male and female mice and epithelial hyperplasia of the urinary bladder in male and female mice. Synonyms: cis,trans-1,3-dichloropropene, D-D® Soil Fumigant; Telone® Soil Fumigants; Vorlex® Soil Fumigants

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Genetic analysis of recent Taiwanese isolates of a variant of coxsackievirus A24.

Epidemics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) caused by a variant of coxsackievirus A24 (CA24v) reappeared in Taiwan in 1990 and 1994, following the first two epidemics of 1985--86 and 1988--89. To analyze the genetic diversity of recent CA24v in Taiwan, 7 Taiwanese strains isolated during the 1990--94 period were studied together with one Japanese and two Thai strains isolated in 1993. A fragment of 674 nucleotides between the carboxy terminal 3A and the amino terminal 3D polymerase, including the entire 3C protease (3C(pro)), was amplified by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the nucleotide sequences were determined. In the 549 nucleotides (183 amino acids) of the entire 3C(pro), we found nucleotide differences at 80 positions between 10 strains and the prototype strain, EH24/70, one of the earliest strains of CA24v. Most of the nucleotide changes were synonymous substitutions and only nine amino acid changes were found. The nucleotide sequence homologies among 71 strains worldwide were 88-100%. These 71 nucleotide sequences were then analyzed by Neighbor-joining method and phylogenetically separated into three distinct genotypes. Genotype I consisted of early strains isolated in 1970--71 from Singapore and Hong Kong. Genotype II included isolates from Singapore and Thailand obtained in 1975. Genotype III comprised strains from the eastern hemisphere isolated in 1985--94 from Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Pakistan and Ghana. They were further divided chronologically into six clusters. The recent isolates from Taiwan obtained in 1985/1986, 1988/1989 and 1990--94 were classified into genotype III Clusters 1, 5, and 6 respectively. The evolutionary rate was re-estimated to be 3 x 10(- 3) 30 years after the emergence of the virus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Trends in codon and amino acid usage in Thermotoga maritima.

The usage of synonymous codons and the frequencies of amino acids were investigated in the complete genome of the bacterium Thermotoga maritima using a multivariate statistical approach. The GC3 content of each gene was the most prominent source of variation of codon usage. Surprisingly the usage of UGU and UGC (synonymous triplets coding for Cys, the least frequent amino acid in this species) was detected as the second most prominent source of variation. However, this result is probably an artifact due to the very low frequency of Cys together with the nonbiased composition of this genome. The third trend was related to the preferential usage of a subset of codons among highly expressed genes, and these triplets are presumed to be translationally optimal. Concerning the amino acid usage, the hydropathy level of each protein (and therefore the frequency of charged residues) was the main trend, while the second factor was related to the frequency of usage of the smaller residues, suggesting that the cell economy strongly influences the architecture of the proteins. The third axis of the analysis discriminated the usage of Phe, Tyr, Trp (aromatic residues) plus Cys, Met, and His. These six residues have in common the property of being the preferential targets of reactive oxygen species, and therefore the anaerobic condition of T. maritima is an important factor for the amino acid frequencies. Finally, the Cys content of each protein was the fourth trend.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2002

Differences in pyrenoid morphology are correlated with differences in the rbcL genes of members of the Chloromonas lineage (volvocales, chlorophyceae).

Chloromonas is distinguished from Chlamydomonas primarily by the absence of pyrenoids, which are structures that are present in the chloroplasts of most algae and are composed primarily of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco. In this study we compared sequences of the rbcL (Rubisco large subunit-encoding) genes of pyrenoid-less Chloromonas species with those of closely related pyrenoid-containing Chlamydomonas species in the "Chloromonas lineage" and with those of 45 other green algae. We found that the proteins encoded by the rbcL genes had a much higher level of amino acid substitution in members of the Chloromonas lineage than they did in other algae. This kind of elevated substitution rate was not observed, however, in the deduced proteins encoded by two other chloroplast genes that we analyzed: atpB and psaB. The rates of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions in the rbcL genes indicate that the rapid evolution of these genes in members of the Chloromonas lineage is not due to relaxed selection (as it presumably is in parasitic land plants). A phylogenetic tree based on rbcL nucleotide sequences nested two Chlamydomonas species as a "pyrenoid-regained" clade within a monophyletic Chloromonas "pyrenoid-lost" clade. Character-state optimization with this tree suggested that the loss and the regain of pyrenoids were accompanied by eight synapomorphic amino acid replacements in the Rubisco large subunit, four of which are positioned in the region involved in its dimerization. However, both the atpB and the psaB sequence data gave robust support for a rather different set of phylogenetic relationships in which neither the "pyrenoid-lost" nor the "pyrenoid-regained" clade was resolved. The appearance of such clades in the rbcL-based tree may be an artifact of convergent evolutionary changes that have occurred in a region of the large subunit that determines whether Rubisco molecules will aggregate to form a visible pyrenoid.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed2004

Identifying functional genetic variants in DNA repair pathway using protein conservation analysis.

The role of DNA repair in initiation, promotion, and progression of malignancy suggests that variations in DNA repair genes confer altered cancer risk. Accordingly, DNA repair gene variants have been studied extensively in the context of cancer predisposition. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common genetic variations in the human genome. A fraction of SNPs are located within the genes, which are likely to alter the gene expression and function. SNPs that change the encoded amino acid sequence of the proteins (non-synonymous; nsSNPs) are potentially genetic disease determinant variations. However, as not all amino acid substitutions are supposed to lead to a change in protein function, it will be necessary to have a priori prediction and determination of the functional consequences of amino acid substitutions per se, and then together with other genetic and environmental factors to study their possible association with a trait. Here we report the analysis of nsSNPs in 88 DNA repair genes and their functional evaluation based on the conservation of amino acids among the protein family members. Our analysis demonstrated that >30% of variants of DNA repair proteins are highly likely to affect the function of the proteins drastically. In this study, we have shown that three nsSNPs, which were predicted to have functional consequences (XRCC1-R399Q, XRCC3-T241M, XRCC1-R280H), were already found to be associated with cancer risk. The strategy developed and applied in this study has the potential to identify functional protein variants of DNA repair pathway that may be associated with cancer predisposition.

DNA Repair↗

PubMed2003

A double-screening method to identify reliable candidate non-synonymous SNPs from chicken EST data.

Discovery of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNP), which cause amino acid substitutions, is important because they are more likely to alter protein function than synonymous SNPs (sSNP) or those SNPs that do not result in amino acid changes. By changing the coding sequences, nsSNP may play a role in heritable differences between individual organisms. In the chicken and many other vertebrates, the main obstacle for identifying nsSNP is that there is insufficient protein and mRNA sequence information for self-species referencing and thus, determination of the correct reading frame for expressed sequence tags (ESTs) is difficult. Therefore, in order to estimate the correct reading frame at nsSNP in chicken ESTs, a double-screening approach was designed using self- or cross-species protein referencing, in addition to the ESTScan coding region estimation programme. Starting with 23 427 chicken ESTs, 1210 potential SNPs were discovered using a phred/phrap/polyphred/consed pipeline process and among these, 108 candidate nsSNP were identified with the double screening method. A searchable SNP database (chicksnps) for the candidate chicken SNPs, including both nsSNPs and sSNPs is available at http://chicksnps.afs.udel.edu. The chicken SNP data described in this paper have been submitted to the data base SNP under National Center for Biotechnology Information assay ID ss4387050-ss4388259.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Proteins from hyperthermophiles: stability and enzymatic catalysis close to the boiling point of water.

It has become clear since about a decade ago, that the biosphere contains a variety of microorganisms that can live and grow in extreme environments. Hyperthermophilic microorganisms, present among Archaea and Bacteria, proliferate at temperatures of around 80-100 degrees C. The majority of the genera known to date are of marine origin, however, some of them have been found in continental hot springs and solfataric fields. Metabolic processes and specific biological functions of these organisms are mediated by enzymes and proteins that function optimally under these extreme conditions. We are now only starting to understand the structural, thermodynamic and kinetic basis for function and stability under conditions of high temperature, salt and extremes of pH. Insights gained from the study of such macromolecules help to extend our understanding of protein biochemistry and -biophysics and are becoming increasingly important for the investigation of fundamental problems in structure biology such as protein stability and protein folding. Extreme conditions in the biosphere require either the adaptation of the amino acid sequence of a protein by mutations, the optimization of weak interactions within the protein and at the protein-solvent boundary, the influence of extrinsic factors such as metabolites, cofactors, compatible solutes. Furthermore folding catalysts, known as chaperones, that assist the folding of proteins may be involved or increased protein protein synthesis in order to compensate for destruction by extreme conditions. The comparison of structure and stability of homologous proteins from mesophiles and hyperthermophiles has revealed important determinants of thermal stability of proteins. Rather than being the consequence of one dominant type of interactions or of a general stabilization strategy, it appears that the adaptation to high temperatures reflects a number of subtle interactions, often characteristic for each protein species, that minimize the surface energy and the hydration of apolar surface groups while burying hydrophobic residues and maximizing packing of the core as well as the energy due to charge-charge interactions and hydrogen bonds. In this article, mechanisms of intrinsic stabilization of proteins are reviewed. These mechanisms are found on different levels of structural organization. Among the extrinsic stabilization factors, emphasis is put on archaea chaperonins and their still strongly debated function. It will be shown, that optimization of weak protein-protein and protein-solvent interactions plays a key role in gaining thermostability. The difficulties in correlating suitable optimization criteria with real thermodynamic stability measures are due to experimental difficulties in measuring stabilization energies in large proteins or protein oligomers and will be discussed. Thus small single domain proteins or isolated domains of larger proteins may serve as model systems for large or multidomain proteins which due to the complexity of their thermal unfolding transitions cannot be analyzed by equilibrium thermodynamics. The analysis of the energetics of the thermal unfolding of a small, hyperthermostable DNA binding protein from Sulfolobus has revealed that a high melting temperature is not synonymous with a larger maximum thermodynamic stability. Finally, it is now well documented, that many thermophilic and hyperthermophilic proteins show a statistically increased number of salt bridges and salt bridge networks. However their contribution to thermodynamic and functional stability is still obscure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of C.I. Pigment Red 3 (CAS No. 2425-85-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies).

C.I. Pigment Red 3, a yellowish red solid, is widely used for coloring paints, inks, plastics, and rubber, and in textile printing. It is used in a wide range of consumer items such as wallpaper, typewriter ribbons, carbon paper, and art materials. Toxicology and carcinogenicity studies were conducted by feeding groups of F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice of each sex diets containing C.I. Pigment Red 3 (97% pure) for 2 weeks, 13 weeks, and 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. 2-Week Studies: Groups of five rats and five mice of each sex were given feed containing 0, 6,000, 12,500, 25,000, 50,000, or 100,000 ppm C.I. Pigment Red 3 for 2 weeks. No chemical-related deaths occurred in rats or mice. Final mean body weights of exposed rats and male mice were lower than controls; female mice that received 6,000 and 50,000 ppm had significantly increased final mean body weights compared to that of the controls. The feed consumption of treated rats and mice was slightly greater than that of the controls, suggesting that C.I. Pigment Red 3 had no adverse effects on the feed palatability. Dose-related decreases in erythrocyte counts and hematocrit values and an increase in reticulocyte counts were observed in rats. Changes in these parameters were observed in mice, but there were no clear, dose-related trends. 13-Week Studies: Groups of ten rats and ten mice of each sex were given feed containing 0, 3,000, 6,000, 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm C.I. Pigment Red 3 for 13 weeks. No chemical-related deaths were observed in rats or mice. The final mean body weights of exposed female rats were significantly lower than that of the controls; the final mean body weights of exposed male rats and exposed mice were similar to controls. There were significant increases in relative liver and kidney weights of exposed male rats. Increases in the relative liver weights in mice did not occur with a dose-related trend and thus they were not considered related to chemical administration. Sites for the toxicity of C.I. Pigment Red 3 were the bone marrow, kidney, liver, and spleen in rats. Lesions observed in rats included bone marrow hyperplasia, congestion and hematopoietic cell proliferation of the spleen, and iron-positive pigmentation of the spleen, kidney, and liver. Sites for the toxicity of C.I. Pigment Red 3 in mice were the liver, kidney, and spleen in males and the liver and spleen in females. Lesions noted among mice in the spleen were hematopoietic cell proliferation and iron-positive pigmentation. In the liver, there was hematopoietic cell proliferation in male and female mice. Cytomegaly occurred in the renal tubule epithelium of the male mouse kidney. 2-Year Studies: Doses selected for the 2-year feed studies were 0, 6,000, 12,500, and 25,000 ppm for rats and 0, 12,500, 25,000, and 50,000 ppm for mice. The dose selection for rats was based on body weight changes observed for females that received 50,000 ppm; the dose selection for mice was based on the lack of body weight depression or death at the doses tested during the 13-week studies. Concentrations higher than 50,000 ppm in the feed were not used because higher levels might have adversely affected the nutritional value of the diet during the 2-year studies. Body Weight, Feed Consumption, Clinical Findings, and Survival in the 2-Year Studies: Final mean body weights for male rats that received 25,000 ppm, female rats that received 12,500 and 25,000 ppm, and male and female mice that received 50,000 ppm were more than 10% lower than those of the controls. Feed consumption of exposed rats and mice was similar to that of the controls. No clinical findings indicative of toxicity were observed in rats or mice. The survival of low-dose male rats was greater than that of the controls (0 ppm, 28/50; 6,000 ppm, 40/50; 12,500 ppm, 28/50; 25,000 ppm, 20/50). Survival of exposed female rats and exposed male mice was similar to the controls; the survival of high-dose female mice was significantly decreased compared to thcompared to that of the controls (39/50, 37/50, 31/50, 25/50). The reduced survival in this dose group may have been due to the increased incidence of ovarian abscesses. Neoplasms and Nonneoplastic Lesions in the 2-Year Studies: Benign adrenal pheochromocytomas were significantly increased in the 12,500 and 25,000 ppm groups of male rats compared to the controls (22/50, 29/50, 35/50, 34/50). However, malignant neoplasms were not increased in incidence (6/50, 7/50, 10/50, 4/50). The incidence of adrenal pheochromocytomas in dosed groups exceeded the range for NTP historical controls for feed studies (22&percnt;-48&percnt;), and the increased incidence of this neoplasm was attributed to C.I. Pigment Red 3 administration. Squamous cell papillomas of the skin occurred with a positive trend in male rats (0/50, 4/50, 2/50, 6/50), and the incidence in the high-dose group was significantly greater than that of the controls. A poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (diagnosed as carcinoma) was observed in a control male. The historical control rate for squamous cell papillomas in NTP feed studies is low (16/800 or 2&percnt;, range 0&percnt;-4&percnt;), and the higher incidence of this tumor in male rats may have been caused by the administration of C.I. Pigment Red 3. Hepatocellular adenomas occurred with a positive trend in female rats, with a significantly greater incidence in the high-dose group than in the control group (0/50, 0/50, 1/50, 10/50). This neoplasm has occurred in only one historical control group in NTP feed studies (3/800, range 0&percnt;-6&percnt;), and the increase in hepatocellular adenomas in female rats was attributed to chemical administration. Chemical-related nonneoplastic lesions observed in the livers of male and female rats included eosinophilic or mixed type foci of cellular alteration. Foci were often accompanied by angiectasis and cystic degeneration in males and by granulomas and cholesterol pigmentation in females. Chronic nephropathy occurred with increased severity in exposed male and female rats. The lesions were more severe in males than in females. Other lesions considered secondary to renal disease included parathyroid gland hyperplasia, fibrous osteodystrophy of the bone, and mineralization of various organs (stomach, intestine, heart, and blood vessels). The increased incidence of hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium of the renal papilla observed in treated rats was considered to be part of the chronic nephropathy. Zymbal's gland carcinoma incidences were marginally increased in the mid- and high-dose male rats (0/50, 0/50, 2/50, 3/50). The incidence in the high-dose group was outside the NTP historical control range (0&percnt;-4&percnt;), and the Zymbal's gland carcinomas may have been related to C.I. Pigment Red 3 administration. Mononuclear cell leukemias, mammary gland fibroadenomas, and preputial gland/clitoral gland adenomas occurred at lower incidences in exposed male and female rats. The decrease in mononuclear cell leukemia was attributed to the direct effect of C.I. Pigment Red 3 or its metabolites on the mechanism responsible for inducing leukemias in aging rats, while the decreased incidence of mammary gland fibroadenomas might be attributed to decreased body weights in female rats. The cause of the decreased incidences of preputial and clitoral gland tumors is unknown. Tubule adenomas of the renal cortex occurred at a significantly higher incidence in high-dose male mice than in controls (0 ppm, 0/50; 12,500 ppm, 0/50; 25,000 ppm, 0/50; 50,000 ppm, 6/50). Because this tumor occurred only in exposed males and was outside the range for NTP historical controls in feed studies (0&percnt;-2&percnt;), renal cortical tubule adenomas in male mice were considered to be related to the administration of C.I. Pigment Red 3. Follicular cell adenoma of the thyroid gland occurred with a positive trend in male mice (0/50, 0/49, 1/50, 5/50). Theincidence in the high-dose group was significantly greater than that in the controls. This chemical-related effect is supported by the increased incidence of follicular cell hyperplasia. Because the incidence of this tumor exceeded the range of the historical controls from NTP feed studies (0&percnt;-4&percnt;), the increase of follicular cell adenoma was attributed to chemical administration. Female mice receiving C.I. Pigment Red 3 had a significant increase in follicular cell hyperplasia but showed no increase in tumor incidence at this site. Focal renal tubule hyperplasia and cystic hyperplasia occurred in exposed male mice but not in the controls. Cytomegaly (karyomegaly) of the renal tubule epithelium was seen in all treated male mice. The severity of the accompanying chronic nephropathy was increased in both male and female mice. Genetic Toxicology: C.I. Pigment Red 3 was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100 and TA98 in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation (S9); no increases in gene mutation were observed in strains TA1535 and TA1537, with or without S9. C.I. Pigment Red 3 did not induce sister chromatid exchanges or chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells in either the presence or the absence of S9. Conclusions: Under the conditions of these 2-year feed studies, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of C.I. Pigment Red 3 in male F344/N rats as exhibited by increased incidences of benign pheochromocytomas of the adrenal gland. The marginal increase in the incidences of squamous cell papillomas of the skin and Zymbal's gland carcinomas may have been related to C.I. Pigment Red 3 administration. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of C.I. Pigment Red 3 in female F344/N rats as indicated by the increased incidence of hepatocellular adenomas. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of C.I. Pigment Red 3 in male B6C3F1 mice as exhibited by the increased incidences of tubule adenomas of the renal cortex and follicular cell adenomas of the thyroid gland. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of C.I. Pigment Red 3 in female B6C3F1 mice that received 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm. The incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia and preputial gland tumors in male rats and mononuclear cell leukemia, mammary gland fibroadenoma, and clitoral gland tumors in female rats were lower in the exposed groups. The incidences of liver foci were markedly increased in exposed male and female rats. The severity of chronic nephropathy was increased in male rats and to a lesser extent in female rats given C.I. Pigment Red 3. An increase in the severity of nephropathy was observed in male and female mice; cytomegaly (karyomegaly) of renal tubule epithelium was observed in male mice. Thyroid follicular cell hyperplasia occurred with an increased incidence in male and female mice receiving C.I. Pigment Red 3. Synonyms: 2-Naphthalenol, 1-((4-methyl-2-nitrophenyl)azo)-; Calcotone Toluidine Red YP; Fast Red A; Pigment Scarlet R; Recolite Fast Red RBL; Sengale Light Red B

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of o-Nitroanisole (CAS No. 91-23-6) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies).

o-Nitroanisole is used as an intermediate for the preparation of o-anisidine and in the manufacture of azo dyes. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies were conducted by administering o-nitroanisole (>99% pure) in the diet to groups of male and female F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice for 14 days, 13 weeks, and 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Chinese hamster ovary cells, and mouse lymphoma cells. 14-DAY STUDIES: Groups of five male and five female F344 rats received diets containing 0, 583, 1,166, 2,332, 4,665, or 9,330 ppm o-nitroanisole. Mean body weight gains and final mean body weights of males in the 4,665 and 9,330 ppm groups were lower than those of the controls. Absolute liver weights were significantly increased in males receiving 1,166 ppm or more and in females receiving 583 ppm or more. Groups of five male and five female B6C3F1 mice received diets containing 0, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 ppm o-nitroanisole. Mean body weight gains and final mean body weights of males that received 250 ppm and females that received 4,000 ppm were significantly lower than those of the controls. No other chemical-associated effects were observed. 13-WEEK STUDIES: Groups of 10 male and 10 female F344 rats received diets containing 0, 200, 600, 2,000, 6,000, or 18,000 ppm o-nitroanisole. Final mean body weights and feed consumption by male and female rats receiving 6,000 and 18,000 ppm were lower than those of the controls. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were significantly lower and methemoglobin levels significantly higher in males in the 6,000 and 18,000 ppm groups than in controls. Absolute liver weights were significantly increased in females that received 200, 600, 2,000, and 6,000 ppm, absolute kidney weights were significantly increased in males that received 600, 2,000, and 6,000 ppm, and absolute spleen weights were significantly increased in males and females that received 6,000 and 18,000 ppm. Groups of 10 male and 10 female B6C3F1 mice received diets containing 0, 60, 200, 600, 2,000, or 6,000 ppm o-nitroanisole. Final mean body weight gains, final mean body weights, and feed consumption by male and female mice receiving 6,000 ppm were lower than those of the controls. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values in males and females that received 2,000 or 6,000 ppm were significantly lower than those in the controls. The absolute and relative liver weights of females in the 600 ppm group and relative liver weights of males and females in the 2,000 and 6,000 ppm groups were significantly greater than those of controls. Lesions associated with exposure to o-nitroanisole were present in the urinary bladder, spleen, kidney, liver, testis, and uterus of rats. Diffuse hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder occurred in all male and female rats that received 6,000 and 18,000 ppm. A transitional cell papilloma occurred in one male and transitional cell carcinomas occurred in two males and three females receiving 18,000 ppm. Congestion of the red pulp and capsular hyperplasia of the spleen and hepatocellular hypertrophy of the liver were present in males and females from the 18,000 ppm groups. Multifocal degeneration and necrosis of the renal tubule epithelium with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells were present in male rats that received 600, 2,000, and 6,000 ppm. At the 18,000 ppm level, degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium accompanied by loss of spermatogenic cells and decreased numbers of spermatozoa were observed in the testes of male rats, while uterine atrophy was observed in female rats. Hepatocyte hypertrophy of the centrilobular and midzonal regions of liver lobules was present in mice that received 200 ppm and increased in severity at higher exposure levels. 2-YEAR STUDIES: The doses selected for the 2-year study of o-nitroanisole in rats were based on lower mean body weights, reduced feed consumption, and increased severity of regenerative anemia in male and female rats receiving 6,000 and 18,000 ppm during the 13-week study. Groups of 6roups of 60 male and 60 female F344 rats received diets containing 0, 222, 666, or 2,000 ppm o-nitroanisole. Groups of 60 male and 60 female B6C3F1 mice received diets containing 0, 666, 2,000, or 6,000 ppm o-nitroanisole. After 15 months, up to 10 animals from each group were evaluated for chemical-related lesions. Survival, Body Weights, Feed Consumption, and Clinical Findings: Survival of male rats receiving 2,000 ppm was significantly lower than that of the controls due to increased severity of nephropathy. Survival of 222 and 666 ppm male rats and all exposed female rats was similar to that of the controls. Survival of groups of exposed male and female mice was similar to that of the controls. The final mean body weight of male rats receiving 2,000 ppm was lower than that of the controls. Final mean body weights of male and female mice that received 2,000 and 6,000 ppm were lower than those of the controls. Feed consumption by male and female rats was similar to that by the controls. The only clinical finding in male or female mice attributable to chemical administration was discolored urine. Neoplasms and Nonneoplastic Lesions: The incidence of mononuclear cell leukemia was significantly increased in male rats that received 666 and 2,000 ppm and in female rats that received 2,000 ppm (males: 0 ppm, 26/50; 222 ppm, 25/50; 666 ppm, 42/50; 2,000 ppm, 34/50; females: 14/50, 11/50, 14/50, 26/50). Nephropathy occurred in all male rats; the severity increased with exposure level. Focal hyperplasia of the renal tubule epithelium was present in three males receiving 222 ppm and two males receiving 2,000 ppm. Renal tubule adenomas occurred in one male from each of the 222, 666, and 2,000 ppm groups, and renal tubule carcinomas occurred in two males from the 2,000 ppm group. Focal hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder was present in one female rat that received 222 ppm and two male rats and six female rats that received 2,000 ppm. A transitional cell papilloma occurred in the urinary bladder of one female rat from the 2,000 ppm group, and a transitional cell carcinoma occurred in another female from the 2,000 ppm group. The incidence of forestomach ulcers increased in male rats that received 2,000 ppm, and the incidence of focal hyperplasia of the forestomach increased with exposure level in male and female rats. In addition, squamous cell papillomas of the forestomach were present in one female receiving 222 ppm, one male receiving 666 ppm, and one male and one female receiving 2,000 ppm, while squamous cell carcinomas were present in one male receiving 666 ppm and one male and one female receiving 2,000 ppm. The incidences of pituitary gland adenomas in male rats and mammary gland fibroadenomas in female rats decreased with exposure level. The incidence of cellular alteration in the liver was significantly increased in exposed groups of male and female mice. The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma, hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined), and hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma (combined) were significantly increased in male mice receiving 2,000 and 6,000 ppm. The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma were significantly increased in female mice that received 2,000 ppm. STOP-EXPOSURE STUDY: Groups of 60 male and 60 female F344 rats received diets containing 0, 6,000, or 18,000 ppm o-nitroanisole for 27 weeks and were then maintained on control feed without further chemical exposure for up to an additional 77 weeks. Up to 10 rats from each group were evaluated for the presence of chemical-related lesions at 3, 6, 9, and 15 months. Survival and Body Weights: Survival of exposed male and female rats was significantly lower than that of the controls as a result of moribund deaths associated with significantly increased incidences of urinary bladder neoplasms, primarily transitional cell carcinomas. All male rats that received 18,000 ppm were dead by week 48 and all females that received 18,000 ppm were dead by week 61. Mean body weights of exposed male and female rats were lower than those of the controls throughout the study. Neoplasms and Nonneoplastic Lesions: Hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder was present in nearly all exposed male and female rats examined at the interim evaluations. A transitional cell carcinoma was first observed at the 3-month interim evaluation in a male rat that received 18,000 ppm. At the 6- and 9-month interim evaluations, transitional cell papillomas or carcinomas were observed in both exposed groups of male rats. Transitional cell carcinomas were observed at the 6-month interim evaluation in females receiving 18,000 ppm and at the 9-month interim evaluation in females receiving 6,000 and 18,000 ppm. Adenomatous polyps of the large intestine were observed in a small number of exposed rats at the 6-, 9-, and 15-month interim evaluations. At the end of the study, the incidence of adenomatous polyps of the large intestine was significantly increased in all exposed groups and carcinomas of the large intestine were present in four males and two females from the 18,000 ppm groups. The incidence of hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium of the kidney pelvis was significantly increased in exposed male and female rats and transitional cell papillomas were present in three males and one female that received 18,000 ppm. Transitional cell carcinomas of the kidney were present in one male receiving 6,000 ppm and six males and one female receiving 18,000 ppm. Transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder were seen in nearly all exposed male and female rats. Of the males and females receiving 6,000 ppm which were without carcinomas, three males and one female had transitional cell papillomas. Generalized centrilobular hypertrophy, focal hepatocellular necrosis, multifocal hepatocellular cytoplasmic vacuolation, and Kupffer cell pigmentation were observed in the livers of male and female rats at the 3- and 6-month interim evaluations; however, only Kupffer cell pigmentation was observed at the end of the study. Congestion of the red pulp of the spleen was observed in nearly all exposed male and female rats at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month interim evaluations but the incidence was only slightly increased in the 18,000 ppm groups at the end of the study. Degeneration and atrophy of the seminiferous tubule epithelium of the testes were observed at the 3- and 6-month interim evaluations in all male rats receiving 18,000 ppm. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: o-Nitroanisole was tested in two laboratories for mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537 with and without exogenous metabolic activation (S9). Positive responses were observed at both laboratories in TA100 with and without S9 activation. One laboratory found no increase in mutations, while the second laboratory detected a weakly positive response in TA1535 without S9. No mutagenic activity was observed in the other tester strains. o-Nitroanisole was positive in the mouse lymphoma assay for induction of trifluorothymidine resistance in L5178Y cells without S9 activation. In cytogenetic tests with Chinese hamster ovary cells, o-nitroanisole induced a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations at the highest dose tested in the presence of S9 activation; sister chromatid exchanges were induced both with and without S9. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these feed studies there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of o-nitroanisole in male and female F344 rats that received diets containing 6,000 or 18,000 ppm for 6 months based on overall increased incidences of benign and malignant neoplasms of the urinary bladder, transitional cell neoplasms of the kidney, and benign and malignant neoplasms of the large intestine. There was a chemical-related increased incidence of mononuclear cell leukemia in male and female rats receiving diets containing 222, 666, or 2,000 ppm o-nitroanisole for 2 years. Marginally increased incidences of uncommon renal tubule neoplasms in male rats and forestomach neoplasms in male and female rats were considered uncertain findings. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of o-nitroanisole in male B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of benign and malignant hepatocellular neoplasms. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of o-nitroanisole in female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of hepatocellular adenomas. Increased severity of nephropathy in male rats, and increased incidences of focal hyperplasia of the renal tubule epithelium and forestomach ulcers in male rats, and of transitional cell hyperplasia of the urinary bladder, focal hyperplasia of the forestomach, and hyperplasia of transitional epithelium of the kidney pelvis in male and female rats were associated with exposure to o-nitroanisole. Synonyms: Methoxynitrobenzene, nitrophenyl methyl ether

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

NADP-malate dehydrogenase gene evolution in Andropogoneae (Poaceae): gene duplication followed by sub-functionalization.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Plastid NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase (MDH) catalyses the conversion of oxaloacetate to malate. In C4 plants, it is involved in photosynthetic carbon assimilation. In Poaceae, one NADP-MDH gene has been identified in rice (C3; Erhartoideae) and maize (C4; Panicoideae), whereas two tandemly repeated genes have been identified in Sorghum (C4; Panicoideae). In the present study, the molecular evolution of the NADP-MDH multigene family was investigated in order to analyse how the C4 isoform has evolved over a broader range of panicoid grasses. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cloning was used to isolate cDNAs encoding NADP-MDHs from 15 species of Panicoideae. A gene phylogeny was reconstructed based on cDNA sequences using distance and maximum parsimony methods. Episodic selection along some branches of the phylogenetic tree was tested by analysing non-synonymous and synonymous rate ratios. Transcription of NADP-MDH genes was compared in green leaves of five accessions of Saccharum, Sorghum and Vetiveria using a semi-quantitative PCR approach. KEY RESULTS: Phylogenetic analyses of these data support the existence of two NADP-MDH gene lineages (NMDH-I and NMDH-II) in several Andropogoneae (i.e. Saccharum, Sorghum and Vetiveria). Episodic positive selection was shown along the basal branch of the NMDH-II clade. Three amino acid modifications allow the two gene lineages to be distinguished, suggesting a positive selection at these sites. In green leaves, we showed that the transcript accumulation was higher for NMDH-I than for NMDH-II. CONCLUSIONS: It is hypothesized that the maintenance of both NADP-MDH genes in some Andropogoneae is due to a partition of the original functions across both copies. NMDH-I probably corresponds to the C4 isoform as previously suggested. Nevertheless, some C4 species (e.g. maize) only have one gene which should be selected for its high expression level in leaves. This study confirms that gene duplicates have been recruited for C4 photosynthesis but are not required in every case.

Evolution, Molecular↗

PubMed1990

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Allyl Glycidyl Ether (CAS No. 106-92-3) in Osborne-Mendel Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies).

Allyl glycidyl ether is used as a resin intermediate and as a stabilizer of chlorinated compounds, vinyl resins, and rubber. NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis studies were conducted by exposing groups of Osborne-Mendel rats and B6C3F1 of each sex to allyl gylcidyl ether (greater than 97% pure) by inhalation for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 2 weeks, 13 weeks, or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and Drosophila melanogaster. Studies of reproductive effects were conducted in rats and mice exposed to allyl glycidyl ether for 8 weeks. Two-Week Studies: Exposure concentrations ranged up to 500 ppm in rats and 100 ppm in mice. All rats that were exposed to 500 ppm died; no deaths occurred at the next lower (200 ppm) exposure concentration. All male mice and 3/5 female mice exposed to 100 ppm and 2/5 male mice and 1/5 female mice exposed to 50 ppm died. Compound-related lesions in rats and mice included acute inflammation of the nasal passage and major airways. Eight-Week Studies of Reproductive Effects: Rats were exposed to 0-200 ppm allyl glycidyl ether, and mice were exposed to 0-30 ppm, 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks. The mating performance of exposed male rats was markedly reduced; however, sperm motility and number were not affected. No deficiencies were seen in the reproductive performance of exposed female rats or male or female mice. Thirteen-Week Studies: Exposure concentrations ranged up to 200 ppm for rats and 30 ppm for mice. All rats lived to the end of the studies. The final mean body weights of male rats exposed to 10-200 ppm were 7%-24% lower than that of controls. Clinical signs attributable to irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes were seen in exposed animals. Histologic lesions included squamous metaplasia of the nasal passage in all exposure groups (4 ppm, lowest concentration) and involved both the respiratory epithelium and the olfactory epithelium. The lesions were more severe anteriorly and dorsally and with increasing concentration. At 30 ppm and higher, erosion was seen in the nasal passage and squamous metaplasia was seen in the upper airways. There were no compound-related deaths in mice. The final mean body weights of mice exposed to 30 ppm were 12% lower than those of controls for both males and females. Mice exposed to 10 or 30 ppm allyl glycidyl ether had squamous metaplasia of the nasal passage, involving both the respiratory epithelium and the olfactory epithelium, which tended to be more severe in the anterior and dorsal portions of the nasal passage. In mice exposed to 30 ppm, epithelial erosions were also found. Body Weights and Survival in the Two-Year Studies: Two-year studies were conducted by exposing groups of 50 Osborne-Mendel rats and B6C3F1 mice of each sex to 0, 5, or 10 ppm allyl glycidyl ether by inhalation for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 102 or 103 weeks. Mean body weights of the exposed rats were within 8% of those of controls throughout the studies. Mean body weights of mice exposed to 5 or 10 ppm were 5%-20% lower than those of controls. Deaths were seen in all groups of male rats beginning at 1 year of age (final survival-- control, 12/50; 5 ppm, 11/50; 10 ppm, 8/50). Survival of female rats was not exposure related (24/50; 30/50; 25/50). Exposed mice had slightly increased survival (male mice: 38/50; 39/50; 46/50; female mice: 33/50; 42/50; 41/50). Nonneoplastic and Neoplastic Effects in the Two-Year Studies: In male rats exposed to 10 ppm allyl glycidyl ether, three apparently unrelated neoplasms of the nasal passage were found. Two neoplasms, a papillary adenoma and a squamous cell carcinoma, appeared to arise from different cell types in the respiratory epithelium. One poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the olfactory region was also found. One papillary adenoma of respiratory epithelial origin was found in a female rat exposed to 5 ppm. Exposure-related nonneoplastic lesions of the nasal passages in rats included inflammation, squamous metaplasiin rats included inflammation, squamous metaplasia, respiratory metaplasia (replacement of olfactory epithelium by ciliated epithelium), hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium, and degeneration of the olfactory epithelium. In male mice exposed to 10 ppm allyl glycidyl ether, a hemangioma and three papillary adenomas were present in the nasal passage. In female mice exposed to 10 ppm, a hemangioma and an adenoma were found in the nasal passage. Nonneoplastic lesions of the nasal passages in mice included inflammation, squamous metaplasia, hyperplasia, basal cell hyperplasia, dysplasia of the respiratory epithelium, and metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium. In male mice, there was an exposure-related decrease in the incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms; in female mice, there was a decrease in the incidences of pituitary gland adenomas. Genetic Toxicology: Allyl glycidyl ether was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strains TA100 and TA1535 with and without exogenous metabolic activation; no mutagenic activity was observed in strains TA98 or TA1537. Allyl glycidyl ether induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in CHO cells both in the presence and the absence of metabolic activation. A significant increase in sex-linked recessive lethal mutations was recorded in the germ cells of male D. melanogaster fed a sucrose solution containing allyl glycidyl ether, but no increase in reciprocal translocations occurred in these cells. Conclusions: Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of allyl glycidyl ether for male Osborne-Mendel rats, based on the presence of one papillary adenoma of respiratory epithelial origin, one squamous cell carcinoma of respiratory epithelial origin, and one poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of olfactory epithelial origin, all occurring in the nasal passage of males exposed to 10 ppm. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of allyl glycidyl ether for female rats. One papillary adenoma of the respiratory epithelium was present in a female rat exposed to 5 ppm. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of allyl glycidyl ether for male B6C3F1 mice, based on the presence of three adenomas of the respiratory epithelium, dysplasia in four males, and focal basal cell hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium in seven males in the nasal passage of mice exposed to 10 ppm. There was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of allyl glycidyl ether for female mice, based on the presence of one adenoma of the respiratory epithelium and focal basal cell hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium in seven females exposed to 10 ppm. The sensitivity of the assay to detect potential carcinogenicity may have been reduced in male rats because of poor survival in all groups. In exposed mice, body weights were decreased 10&percnt; or more, mortality was decreased, and there were lower incidences of liver neoplasms (males) and pituitary gland adenomas (females) compared with controls. Significant exposure-related nonneoplastic lesions were restricted to the nasal passage in both rats and mice and induced inflammation, metaplasia, respiratory epithelial hyperplasia, and olfactory epithelial degeneration. Basal cell hyperplasia and dysplasia of the respiratory epithelium of the nasal passage were found only in the mice. Synonyms: allyl 2,3-epoxypropyl ether; 1-allyloxy-2,3-epoxypropane; 1,2-epoxy-3-allyloxypropane; glycidyl allyl ether; ((2-propenyloxy)methyl)oxirane; 1-(allyloxy)-2,3-epoxypropane

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of 2,3-Dibromo-1-Propanol (CAS No. 96-13-9) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies).

2,3-Dibromo-l-propanol, a colorless liquid, has been used as a flame retardant, as an intermediate in the preparation of the flame retardant tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides and pharmaceutical preparations. Toxicology and carcinogenicity studies were conducted by applying 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol (approximately 98% pure) in ethanol to the subscapular area of the skin of male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice 5 days per week for 16 days, 13 weeks, 48 to 51 weeks (male rats), 52 to 55 weeks (female rats), 36 to 39 weeks (male mice), or 39 to 42 weeks (female mice). Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, Drosophila melanogaster, mouse Iymphoma cells, and mouse bone marrow cells. 16-DAY STUDY IN RATS Groups of five male and five female rats received dermal applications of 0, 44, 88, 177, 375, or or 750 mg/kg 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol 5 days per week for 16 days. One male and one female receiving 750 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The mean body weight gains and final mean body weights of dosed rats were similar to those of the controls. There were no clinical findings or gross lesions associated with chemical application. 16-DAY STUDY IN MICE Groups of five male and five female mice received dermal applications of 0, 44, 88, 177, 375, or 750 mg/kg 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol 5 days per week for 16 days. Four males and one female receiving 750 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The mean body weight gains and final mean body weights of dosed mice were similar to those of the controls. There were no clinical findings or gross lesions associated with chemical application. 13-WEEK STUDY IN RATS Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats received dermal applications of 0, 44, 88, 177, 375, or 750 mg/kg 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol 5 days per week for 13 weeks. All rats survived until the end of the for 16 days. One male and one female receiving study. For rats in the 750 mg/kg groups, the mean 750 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The body weight gain was 11% lower than that of the controls for males and 13% lower for females. The mean liver weights and liver-weight-to-body-weight ratios of males receiving 375 or 750 mg/kg and of females receiving 750 mg/kg were increased. Chemical-related lesions occurred in the kidney of male rats and in the liver of female rats. The average severity of nephropathy was slightly increased in males receiving dermal applications of 750 mg/kg, while individual cell necrosis was observed in the liver of all female rats in the 750 mg/kg group. 13-WEEK STUDY IN MICE Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice received dermal applications of 0, 44, 88, 177, 375, or 750 mg/kg 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol 5 days per week for 13 weeks. Eight male mice receiving 750 mg/kg died during the study, while all female mice survived. The final mean body weights of dosed and control mice were similar. The mean liver weights and liver weight-to-body-weight ratios of males receiving 375 or 750 mg/kg and of females receiving 750 mg/kg were increased. Chemical-related lesions occurred in the liver and lung of mice. Centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis occurred in all males in the 750 mg/kg group that died during the study, while individual cell necrosis was observed in the liver of females receiving 177, 375, or 750 mg/kg. Pleomorphism of the epithelium in pulmonary bronchioles occurred with a dose related increased incidence in males and females. Necrosis of the bronchiolar epithelium was observed in males receiving 750 mg/kg. LONG-TERM STUDY IN RATS Originally planned to last for 2 years, the chronic study in rats was terminated early because of reduced survival in the high-dose groups related to chemical induced neoplasms and because of the detection of antibodies to Iymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in sentinel mice. Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats received dermal applications of 0,188, or 375 mg/kg 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol 5 days per week for 48 to 51 weeks (males) or 52 to 55 weeks (females). Su5 weeks (females). Survival, Body Weights, and Clinical Findings The survival of 375 mg/kg male and female rats was significantly lower than that of the controls (males: 50/50, 41/50,16/50; females: 48/50, 38/50, 24/50). In the 375 mg/kg groups, the final mean body weight was 23&percnt; lower than that of the controls for males and 14&percnt; lower for females. There were no chemical related clinical findings. Pathology Findings Application of 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol to the skin produced significant dose-related increases in the incidences of neoplasms at numerous sites in male and female rats. Almost all dosed rats had malignant neoplasms; only one control male and one control female had malignant neoplasms. In male rats, the incidences of benign or malignant neoplasms of the skin, nose, Zymbal's gland, oral mucosa, esophagus, and small and large intestines were significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups, while the incidences of neoplasms of the forestomach and liver were significantly increased only in the high-dose group. Neoplasms of the kidney, vascular neoplasms of the spleen, and mesotheliomas in males occurred with a significant positive trend. In female rats, the incidences of benign or malignant neoplasms of the nose, Zymbal's gland, oral mucosa, esophagus, large intestine, and liver were significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups, while the incidences of neoplasms of the skin, forestomach, small intestine, mammary gland, and clitoral gland were significantly increased in the high-dose group only. Neoplasms of the kidney in females occurred with a significant positive trend. LONG-TERM STUDY IN MICE Originally planned to last for 2 years, the chronic study in mice was terminated early because of the detection of antibodies to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in sentinel mice. Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice received dermal applications of 0, 88, or 177 mg/kg 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol 5 days per week for 36 to 39 weeks (males) or 39 to 42 weeks (females). Survival, Body Weights, and Clinical Findings All mice (except two low-dose females) survived until study termination. Mean body weights of control and dosed mice were similar throughout the study, and there were no clinical findings attributed to 2,3-dibromo-l-propanol. Pathology Findings Application of 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol to the skin produced significant dose-related increases in the incidences of neoplasms at several sites in male and female mice. Benign or malignant neoplasms were observed in 40&percnt; of the low-dose males, 66&percnt; of the high-dose males, 52&percnt; of the low-dose females, and 56&percnt; of the high-dose females. In control groups, neoplasms occurred in 6&percnt; of the males and 10&percnt; of the females. In male and female mice, the incidences of benign or malignant neoplasms of the forestomach were significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups, while the incidences of neoplasms of the skin were significantly increased only in the high-dose groups. The incidences of liver and lung neoplasms were increased in high-dose males. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY 2,3-Dibromo-l-propanol was mutagenic in a variety of short-term tests, independent of exogenous metabolic activation (S9). It induced gene mutations in three strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, TA100, and TA1535) and was positive in the mouse Iymphoma assay for induction of trifluorothymidine resistance in L5178Y cells. 2,3-Dibromo-l-propanol induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. In germ cells of male Drosophila melanogaster, 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol induced sex-linked recessive lethal mutations and reciprocal translocations. Results of an in vivo bone marrow micronucleus assay in male mice treated with 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol were negative. CONCLUSIONS Under the conditions of these long-term dermal studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol in male F344/N rats based on increased incidences of neoplasms of the skin, nose, oral mucosa, esophagus, forestomach, small and large intestine, Zymbal's gland, liver, kidney, tunica vaginalis, and spleen. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol in female F344/N rats based on increased incidences of neoplasms of the skin, nose, oral mucosa, esophagus, forestomach, small and large intestine, Zymbal's gland, liver, kidney, clitoral gland, and mammary gland. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol in male B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of neoplasms of the skin, forestomach, liver, and lung. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol in female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of neoplasms of the skin and the forestomach. The increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas in female mice may have been related to chemical administration. In rats, 2,3-dibromo-1-propanol caused increased incidences of hyperkeratosis in the skin, forestomach, and esophagus, epithelial dysplasia in the nose, pleomorphism and basophilic and clear cell changes in the liver, and nuclear enlargement in the kidney. There were also chemical-related increases in the incidences of forestomach ulcers and acanthosis, angiectasis in the liver, and renal hyperplasia in male rats and epithelial dysplasia of the forestomach and bile duct hyperplasia in the liver in female rats. Chemical-related increases occurred in the incidences of hyperplasia in the skin, epithelial dysplasia of the forestomach, and bronchiolar epithelial pleomorphism and hyperplasia in male and female mice and in the incidence of eosinophilic cytoplasmic change in the liver in males. Synonyms: 2,3-dibromopropanol; 2,3-dibromopropyl alcohol.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Nucleotide variations in genes encoding plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 and serine proteinase inhibitor B10 associated with prostate cancer.

Genes encoding the serine proteinase inhibitor B family (SERPINBs) are mainly clustered on human chromosome 18 (18q21). Several serpins are known to affect malignant phenotypes of tumor cells, so aberrant genetic variants in this molecular family are candidates for conferring susceptibility for risk of cancer. We investigated whether eight selected non-synonymous variations within SERPINB loci at 18q21 might be associated with risk of prostate cancer in Japanese men. A case-control study involving 292 prostate-cancer patients and 384 controls revealed significant differences in regard to distribution of four missense variations in genes encoding plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI2) and SERPINB10. The most significant association was detected for the N120D polymorphism in the PAI2 gene (P = 5.0 x 10(-5)); men carrying the 120-N allele (120-N/N and 120-N/D genotypes) carried a 2.4-fold increased risk of prostate cancer (95% confidence interval 1.45-4.07). Associations were also detected for three other missense polymorphisms in those two genes. Strong linkage disequilibrium in the region encompassing PAI2 and SERPINB10 extended to about 50 kbp. The results suggested that missense variations in one or both of these genes confer important risks for prostate cancer, and may be themselves tumorigenic. Although confirmative replication studies on larger cohorts are awaited, clinical examination of these variations may become useful for identifying individuals at high risk for prostate cancer.

Alleles↗

PubMed1993

Ribonucleotide reductase-deficient mutants of pseudorabies virus are avirulent for pigs and induce partial protective immunity.

We have mutagenized and mapped the gene encoding the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RR1) in pseudorabies virus (PRV; synonyms Aujeszky's disease virus, suid herpesvirus type 1). PRV strains carrying an oligonucleotide that leads to termination of translation of the RR1 gene are avirulent for mice. We subsequently constructed a PRV strain carrying a deletion in the RR1 gene and also a PRV strain carrying both the deletion in the RR1 gene and a deletion in the glycoprotein g1 gene, which is a marker for PRV virulence. Both PRV strains were assayed for virulence and immunogenicity in pigs, the natural host for PRV. In contrast to a marker-rescued PRV strain, these RR1-deleted mutants were avirulent, were shed in very low titres in the oropharyngeal fluid by the animals, and induced low titres of neutralizing antibodies. However, protection against clinical signs after infection with virulent PRV was induced by both RR1-deleted mutants. The relative importance of viral RR and thymidine kinase enzymes for deoxynucleotide synthesis in viral replication is discussed. In addition, we discuss the potential use of RR as a target for anti-herpesviral drugs and the use of PRV strains, deleted for the RR1 gene, as vaccine strains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

[Processes of cell necrosis--apoptosis--and their modification by toxic substances].

Apoptosis--a programme physiological necrosis of cells is a synonym of a complex multistage process of cell reduction described during the 1970s. It occurs during metamorphosis on insects and amphibians as well as during embryogenesis, intrauterine and extra-fetal life of mammals. It regulates the atrophy of completely developed organs, e.g. thymus, and the hormonal restructuring of adrenal glands, mammary and prostate glands, ovaries and others. It is a reverse of proliferation and it guarantees homeostasis of the number, structure and biochemical activity of tissues and organs. It is developed by apoptosis substances and factors represented by protein hormones, peptides, steroid hormones, cytokines and metabolites of vitamin A, antimetabolites, drugs, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, antigens. On the other hand, the development of apoptosis is arrested by so called "survival factors"--erythropoietin, CSF, NGF, IL-1 and 2, certain hormones, phenobarbital, cyproterone. The process of a programmed necrosis is associated with spectacular "events" of morphological, biochemical and macromolecular nature. Steering is provided by a group of genes, partly recognized, particularly in the Nematode of Caenorhabditis elegans. They are among others killer genes which remove the remnants of decaying cells and genes which hinder the expression of death genes. Transduction of the signal from the receptor to the nuclear chromatin releasing a programmed necrosis of cells is also discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (CAS No. 756-79-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies).

Dimethyl methylphosphonate (98% pure) is one of four chemicals nominated by the U.S. Army for toxicology and carcinogenesis studies because it was being considered for use to simulate the physical and spectroscopic (but not the biologic) properties of anticholinesterase (nerve) agents. Dimethyl methylphosphonate is also used as a flame retardant, a preignition additive for gasoline, an antifoam agent, a plasticizer and stabilizer, a textile conditioner and antistatic agent, and an additive for solvents and low-temperature hydraulic fluids. The United States produces 0.2-2 million pounds (91,000-910,000 kg) of per year. Gavage was chosen as the route of administration for all four candidate "simulants" to mimic potential exposure. Experimental Design: Dimethyl methylphosphonate was administered in corn oil by gavage to male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice in single-administration, 15-day, and 13-week studies to obtain toxicity data, to establish dose levels for the 2-year studies, and to identify target tissues. Additional studies were also performed to determine toxicity to the reproductive system of male F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice and to study the potential for genetic damage in bacteria, mammalian cells, and Drosophila. Single-Administration Studies: In the single-administration studies, dimethyl methylphosphonate was given to rats and mice at doses up to 6,810 mg/kg body weight. No compound-related deaths were seen in male or female rats or male mice; two high dose female mice died. Rats exhibited inactivity, unsteady gait, and prostration after dosing; mice were inactive after dosing. Fifteen-Day Studies: Rats and mice received doses of 0, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, or 15,000 mg/kg dimethyl methylphosphonate per day. Compound-related deaths occurred in the three highest dose groups of rats and the two highest dose groups of mice. Rats receiving doses of 2,500 mg/kg or higher were inactive and at 5,000 or 10,000 mg/kg had an unsteady gait after dosing; mice exhibited inactivity, shallow breathing, and prostration at doses of 10,000 mg/kg or higher. No lesions were reported in rats. Nonneoplastic lesions of the stomach were seen in some male mice at doses of 1,250 mg/kg and higher and in some female mice at doses of 5,000 mg/kg and higher. Thirteen-Week Studies: Dimethyl methylphosphonate was given at doses up to 8,000 mg/kg per day. Compound-related deaths occurred at 2,000, 4,000, and 8,000 mg/kg in rats and at 4,000 and 8,000 mg/kg in mice. Mean body weights of rats at 1,000 mg/kg and mice at 2,000 mg/kg were similar to those of the vehicle controls; decreased weight gain was seen at higher doses. No compound-related clinical signs were reported. Minimal to mild renal and testicular lesions were seen at all doses in male rats, but the severity of these lesions did not increase with increasing dose of the chemical. No apparent target tissues were identified in female rats or male and female mice. Doses selected for the 2-year studies were based on body weight effects and mortality seen in the 13-week studies; the lesions seen in the kidney of male rats at the end of the 13-week studies were judged not to be life threatening. In the 2-year studies, dimethyl methylphosphonate was administered in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg per day to groups of 50 F344/N rats of each sex and at 0, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg per day to groups of 50 B6C3F1 mice of each sex. All animals were dosed 5 days per week for 103 weeks. Body Weight and Survival in the Two-Year Studies: Mean body weights of high dose male rats were 5%-10% lower than those of the vehicle controls between weeks 28 and 76 and were 10%-24% lower between weeks 80 and 104. Mean body weights of high dose female rats were 8%-12% lower than those of the vehicle controls after week 80. Survival of male rats was greater than 50% in all groups until week 80, and after this time, survival decreased in both groups, with the survival at the end of the study being 27/50 in vehicle control, 17/50 in low dose, and 4/50 in high dose groups. Survival of in low dose, and 4/50 in high dose groups. Survival of low dose female rats was comparable to that of the vehicle controls, but the final survival of high dose female rats was decreased (vehicle control, 30/50; low dose, 33/50; high dose, 23/50). No other compound-related clinical signs were observed. Mean body weights of high dose male mice were 7&percnt;-16&percnt; lower than those of the vehicle control males between weeks 36 and 76, and those of high dose female mice were 6&percnt;-12&percnt; lower between weeks 88 and 103. Decreased survival between weeks 23 and 45 in high dose male mice was associated with fighting. Seventeen high dose male and 22 high dose female mice died during week 45; these deaths were associated with the accidental administration of a dose mixture that had a concentration 34&percnt; greater than the targeted amount. Eleven low dose male mice died on the same day during week 77. By the end of the study, 29/50 vehicle control, 12/50 low dose, and 0/50 high dose male mice were alive; 41/50, 30/50, and 2/50 female mice survived to the end of the study. Renal Effects in the Two-Year Studies: Administration of dimethyl methylphosphonate to male rats increased the average severity of nephropathy and caused mineralization (calcification) of the collecting tubules in the renal papilla (12/50; 41/50; 36/49), hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium lining the renal pelvis and overlying the renal papilla (0/50; 23/50; 21/49), and focal hyperplasia of the renal tubular epithelium (0/50; 8/50; 9/49). Administration of dimethyl methylphosphonate to male rats was also associated with the occurrence of rare renal tubular cell adenocarcinomas (0/50; 2/50; 3/49) and papillomas of the transitional epithelium lining of the renal pelvis (0/50; 2/50; 3/49); a transitional cell carcinoma occurred in a low dose male rat. There were no tubular cell or transitional cell neoplasms of the kidney in female rats. Hematopoietic System Effects in the Two-Year Studies: The incidence of mononuclear cell leukemia was increased in high dose male rats (10/50; 11/50; 17/50). Genetic Toxicity: Dimethyl methylphosphonate was not mutagenic when tested in the Salmonella typhimurium/microsome assay by the preincubational protocol with strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 with or without metabolic activation. The chemical did induce forward mutations in the mouse lymphoma L5178Y/TK± assay system in the absence of metabolic activation. Treatment of cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells with dimethyl methylphosphonate did not induce chromosomal aberrations; however, sister chromatid exchanges were induced after exposure to this chemical in both the presence and absence of metabolic activation. When fed to Drosophila, dimethyl methylphosphonate induced a significant increase in the frequency of sex-linked recessive lethal mutations but did not induce reciprocal translocations. Dimethyl methylphosphonate caused a dominant lethal effect in male rats and mice. Studies of Reproductive Effects: Dimethyl methylphosphonate caused a dose-related increase in the number of fetal resorptions in undosed female rats and mice mated with males that received the chemical by gavage in water 5 days per week for 13 weeks at doses of 0-2,000 mg/kg per day. After the 13-week dosing period, histopathologic changes were seen in the kidney and testis of male rats but not in male mice; dosed male rats sired fewer litters and fewer pups per litter. Dose-related decreases in sperm count and sperm motility occurred in male rats but not in male mice. Toxic effects to the reproductive system of male rats and mice were reversible after a 13-to 14-week recovery period. Data Audit: An audit of the experimental data was conducted for the 2-year studies on dimethyl methylphosphonate. No data discrepancies were found that influenced the final interpretations. Conclusions: Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of dimethyl methylphosphonate for male F344/N rats as shown by increased incidences of tubular cell hyperplasia, tubular cell adenocarcinomas, hyperplasia of the transitional cell epithelium, and transitional cell papillomas of the kidney. There was an increased incidence of mononuclear cell leukemia in male rats at 1,000 mg/kg. Renal toxicity and decreased survival occurred in dosed male rats. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of dimethyl methylphosphonate for female F344/N rats given doses of 500 or 1,000 mg/kg. The study in male B6C3F1 mice was an inadequate study of carcinogenic activity because of decreased survival in both dosed groups. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity for female B6C3F1 mice receiving dimethyl methylphosphonate at 1,000 mg/kg; decreased survival of female mice at 2,000 mg/kg made this group inadequate for determination of carcinogenic activity. Synonyms: fyrol DMMP; methyl phosphonic acid, dimethyl ester; DMMP; methanephosphonic acid dimethyl ester; dimethyl methanephosphonate

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Nucleotide diversity of the ZmPox3 maize peroxidase gene: relationships between a MITE insertion in exon 2 and variation in forage maize digestibility.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms were investigated within the ZmPox3 maize peroxidase gene, possibly involved in lignin biosynthesis because of its colocalization with a cluster of QTL related to lignin content and cell wall digestibility. The purpose of this study was to identify, on the basis of 37 maize lines chosen for their varying degrees of cell wall digestibility and representative of temperate regions germplasm, ZmPox3 haplotypes or individual polymorphisms possibly associated with digestibility. RESULTS: Numerous haplotypes with high diversity were identified. Frequency of nucleotide changes was high with on average one SNP every 57 bp. Nucleotide diversity was not equally distributed among site categories: the estimated pi was on average eight times higher for silent sites than for non-synonymous sites. Numerous sites were in linkage disequilibrium that decayed with increasing physical distance. A zmPox3 mutant allele, carrying an insertion of a transposable element in the second exon, was found in lines derived from the early flint inbred line, F7. This element possesses many structural features of miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITE). The mutant allele encodes a truncated protein lacking important functional sites. An ANOVA performed with a subset of 31 maize lines indicated that the transposable element was significantly associated with cell wall digestibility. This association was confirmed using an additional set of 25 flint lines related to F7. Moreover, RT-PCR experiments revealed a decreased amount of corresponding mRNA in plants with the MITE insertion. CONCLUSION: These results showed that ZmPox3 could possibly be involved in monolignol polymerisation, and that a deficiency in ZmPox3 peroxidase activity seemingly has a negative effect on cell wall digestibility. Also, genetic diversity analyses of ZmPox3 indicated that this peroxidase could be a relevant target for grass digestibility improvement using specific allele introgressions.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2006

A combined empirical and mechanistic codon model.

The evolutionary selection forces acting on a protein are commonly inferred using evolutionary codon models by contrasting the rate of synonymous to nonsynonymous substitutions. Most widely used models are based on theoretical assumptions and ignore the empirical observation that distinct amino acids differ in their replacement rates. In this paper, we develop a general method that allows assimilation of empirical amino acid replacement probabilities into a codon-substitution matrix. In this way, the resulting codon model takes into account not only the transition-transversion bias and the nonsynonymous/synonymous ratio, but also the different amino acid replacement probabilities as specified in empirical amino acid matrices. Different empirical amino acid replacement matrices, such as secondary structure-specific matrices or organelle-specific matrices (e.g., mitochondria and chloroplasts), can be incorporated into the model, making it context dependent. Using a diverse set of coding DNA sequences, we show that the novel model better fits biological data as compared with either mechanistic or empirical codon models. Using the suggested model, we further analyze human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease sequences obtained from drug-treated patients and reveal positive selection in sites that are known to confer drug resistance to the virus.

Amino Acid Substitution↗