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6-[Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-6-deoxygalactopyranose hydrochloride (C6-galactose mustard), a new alkylating agent with reduced bone marrow toxicity.

We have previously reported that chloroethyl nitrosourea and nitrogen mustard bone marrow toxicity can be selectively reduced by placement of the cytotoxic group on specific positions of a glucose molecule. We have now synthesized and evaluated a new drug in which the mustard cytotoxic group is attached to the carbon-6 position of galactose (C6-GLM). C6-GLM, administered i.p. as a single 10% lethal dose of 15.5 mg/kg, produced a 121% increase in life span (ILS) in mice bearing the ascitic P388 leukemia, compared to a 60% ILS with a 10% lethal dose of nitrogen mustard (P less than 0.01). A single p.o. dose of C6-GLM, 16 mg/kg, produced an ILS of 58%. Against i.p.-implanted B-16 melanoma, i.p. C6-GLM produced a 56% ILS compared to 30% with an equitoxic dose of nitrogen mustard (P less than 0.01). The activity of the two drugs for Ehrlich ascites was comparable, with 60% survivors with the galactose mustard. A single 10% lethal dose of C6-GLM reduced the white blood cells to 74% of control; circulating granulocytes remained at 91% of initial values. With nitrogen mustard, the nadir white blood cell count was 57% of control with an absolute granulocyte count of 70% of initial values (P less than 0.01). The toxicity of melphalan was considerably greater, with a lower and more protracted while blood cell nadir and an absolute neutrophil count nadir of 49% of control. These findings paralleled the relative decrements in bone marrow DNA synthesis produced by the three drugs. Measurement of human bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, following in vitro exposure to graded concentrations of the three mustards, confirmed the bone marrow sparing properties of C6-GLM. At the highest concentration, 1 X 10(-2) mM, the latter drug produced only a 33% reduction in colonies compared to a 75% reduction with nitrogen mustard and a virtual elimination of activity of colony-forming units with melphalan. The demonstration of antitumor activity, at least equivalent to nitrogen mustard, without the necessity of significant bone marrow toxicity supports the development of C6-GLM for clinical trials in humans.

Animals↗

Comparison of nitrogen mustard, cytarabine and dacarbazine as pleural sclerosing agents in rabbits.

We have previously shown that the intrapleural injection of mitozantrone but not bleomycin resulted in pleural fibrosis. Mechlorethamine hydrochloride (nitrogen mustard) was used extensively in the past to control malignant effusions, with relatively good success. The objective of this study was to determine if the intrapleural injection of nitrogen mustard would produce pleural sclerosis in our experimental model in rabbits. We therefore evaluated sclerosing capabilities of nitrogen mustard as well as those of cytarabine and dacarbazine. Nitrogen mustard (0.4 and 0.8 mg x kg(-1)), cytarabine (3, 6 and 20 mg x kg(-1)) and dacarbazine (4, 8 and 20 mg x kg(-1)) were instilled intrapleurally into anaesthetized rabbits. Twenty eight days after the instillation, the animals were killed, and the pleural spaces were assessed grossly for evidence of pleurodesis and microscopically for evidence of fibrosis and inflammation. The intrapleural injection of 0.8 mg x kg(-1) nitrogen mustard was effective in creating pleural fibrosis, either grossly or microscopically. The mean degree (scale 0-4) of gross pleurodesis in the rabbits that received 0.8 mg x kg(-1) nitrogen mustard was 3.2+/-1.0 and the mean degree of microscopic pleural fibrosis was 3.5+/-0.8. The intrapleural injection of 0.4 mg x kg(-1) nitrogen mustard and the different doses of cytarabine (3, 6 and 20 mg x kg(-1)) and dacarbazine (4, 8 and 20 mg x kg(-1)) were ineffective in producing pleurodesis. From this study, we conclude that the intrapleural injection of 0.8 mg x kg(-1) of nitrogen mustard produces clinically significant pleurodesis in rabbits. Consideration should be given to future clinical studies utilizing 0.6-0.8 mg x kg(-1) nitrogen mustard intrapleurally for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

Animals↗

Relationships between structure, toxicity and genetic effects in Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for substituted aniline mustards.

A series of 4-substituted aniline mustards of widely varying reactivities have been evaluated for their mutagenic effects in Salmonella typhimurium strains of varying uvrB gene and plasmid status, and for their ability to cause mitotic crossing-over in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The 4-methyl aniline mustard N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)-4-methylaniline and its corresponding half-mustard N-(2-chloroethyl)-4-methylaniline showed widely different effects in the various bacterial strains, with the half-mustard being much less toxic than the full mustard in the uvrB- strain TA100. However, in the uvrB+ strain TA1978+, possessing an intact excision repair system, both compounds were equally toxic and the full mustard was the more mutagenic. Both compounds were equally effective in promoting mitotic crossing-over in yeast. For a series of 4-substituted full mustards, the toxicity in S. typhimurium strain TA100 correlated with substituent electronic parameters in the same way as does mammalian cell toxicity, supporting the view that the primary mode of toxicity is via DNA cross-linking, even for unreactive analogues. However, there were no obvious correlations between substituent physiochemical properties and mutagenic potential in bacteria, suggesting that mutagenic events are subject to a variety of influences other than the reactivity of the mustard group. In contrast, the most chemically reactive compounds were the most toxic and most recombinogenic in yeast.

Alkylating Agents↗

Modulation of sulfur mustard induced cell death in human epidermal keratinocytes using IL-10 and TNF-alpha.

We compared the effects of overexpressing a tightly regulated anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 10 (IL-10), and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on sulfur mustard induced cytotoxicity in human epidermal keratinocytes. Both cytokines were overexpressed when compared with the cells transfected with the empty vector as determined by quantitative ELISA. Cells overexpressing interleukin 10 suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 8 and interleukin 6 following exposure to 50-300 microM sulfur mustard. These cells exhibited delayed onset of sulfur mustard induced cell death. On the other hand, cells overexpressing tumor necrosis factor alpha induced a sustained elevation in both interleukin 6 and 8 expression following exposure to 50-300 microM sulfur mustard. These cells were sensitized to the effects of sulfur mustard that resulted in an increased sulfur mustard induced cell death. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes treated with sulfur mustard exhibited elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha expression and increased activity of nuclear factor kappa B. Gene array data indicated that cells overexpressing interleukin 10 induced several genes that are involved in growth promotion and cell-fate determination. We, therefore, identify IL-10 and TNF-alpha signal transduction pathways and their components as possible candidates for early therapeutic intervention against sulfur mustard induced cell injury.

Autocrine Communication↗

Kinetics of phosphoramide mustard hydrolysis in aqueous solution.

Hydrolysis of phosphoramide mustard was investigated using HPLC, 31P NMR, and GC-MS with specific deuterium labels. The hydrolysis of phosphoramide mustard in sodium phosphate buffers was found to follow apparent first-order kinetics. The rate of hydrolysis was temperature and pH dependent, being slower under acidic conditions. The hydrolysis was not catalyzed by hydroxyl ion, and its pH dependence appeared to be the result of a change in the mechanism of hydrolysis at different pH values. At a pH value approximately above the pKa of the phosphoramide mustard nitrogen, the major hydrolytic pathway of phosphoramide mustard was via the formation of the aziridinium ion, followed by nucleophilic attack. At pH values below its pKa, cleavage of the P-N bond predominated. At pH 7.4, the formation of an aziridinium ion was followed by a rapid hydrolysis to yield the monohydroxy and, subsequently, the dihydroxy products. The hydrolysis at this pH was adequately described by consecutive first-order kinetics. Seven species in the hydrolytic mixture have been identified as intact phosphoramide mustard, N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)phosphorodiamidic acid, N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)phosphorodiamidic acid, phosphoramidic acid, phosphoric acid, N,N-bis-(2-chloroethyl)amine, and N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine by GC-MS with the aid of deuterium labels. Phosphoramide mustard was found to be stabilized by chloride ion. The stabilization was linearly related to the chloride ion concentration, and the mechanism was found to be via the formation of phosphoramide mustard from the aziridinium and chloride ions. Phosphoramide mustard was significantly more stable in human plasma and in 5% human serum albumin as compared to aqueous buffers, an observation that may be important in vivo.

Bromides↗

Effects of phosphoramide mustard and acrolein, cytotoxic metabolites of cyclophosphamide, on mouse limb development in vitro.

Phosphoramide mustard and acrolein are toxic and reactive metabolites of the widely used anticancer drug and known teratogen cyclophosphamide. To study the mechanism(s) involved and to determine which of the active metabolites of cyclophosphamide is responsible for the production of limb malformations, the effects of exposure of cultured limb buds to phosphoramide mustard and acrolein were investigated. Fore- and hindlimbs were excised from ICR mice on day 12 of gestation and cultured in roller bottles for 6 days. Limbs were exposed to either phosphoramide mustard or acrolein (10 or 50 micrograms/ml) for the first 20 hours of the culture period. Exposure to phosphoramide mustard produced limb reduction malformations in both the fore- and hindlimbs; total limb bone area was greatly reduced, while the relative contribution of the paw to this area in forelimbs was increased. There was a fourfold reduction in both DNA and RNA; protein content was reduced only by one-half. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly decreased in fore- and hindlimbs exposed to phosphoramide mustard, whereas creatine phosphokinase activity was only reduced in hindlimbs in the limbs exposed to the higher concentration of phosphoramide mustard. Exposure to acrolein also produced malformed limbs with a mangled appearance; however, total limb bone area and the relative contribution of the long bones versus paw structures were not altered. Acrolein exposure had little effect on growth parameters such as DNA (decreased only in hindlimbs exposed to 50 micrograms/ml), RNA (increased in hindlimbs exposed to 50 micrograms/ml), or protein content. Alkaline phosphatase and creatine phosphokinase activities were not altered in acrolein-exposed fore- or hindlimbs. Thus, phosphoramide mustard and acrolein have dramatically different effects on developing limbs in vitro; this observation may indicate that they have different targets and/or mechanisms of action as teratogens in the limb. The effects of phosphoramide mustard are very similar to those of "activated" cyclophosphamide (4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide).

Acrolein↗

Inhibition of sulfur mustard-increased protease activity by niacinamide, N-acetyl-L-cysteine or dexamethasone.

The pathologic mechanisms underlying sulfur mustard-induced skin vesication remain undefined. Papirmeister et al. (1985) have postulated a biochemical mechanism for sulfur mustard-induced cutaneous injury involving DNA alkylation, metabolic disruption, and enhanced proteolytic activity. We have previously utilized a chromogenic peptide substrate assay to establish that human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to sulfur mustard exhibited enhanced proteolytic activity. In this study, compounds known to alter the biochemical events associated with sulfur mustard exposure or to reduce protease activity were tested for their ability to block the sulfur mustard-increased proteolysis. Treatment of cells with niacinamide, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or dexamethasone resulted in a decrease of sulfur mustard-increased protease activity. Complete inhibition of sulfur mustard-increased proteolysis was achieved by using protease inhibitors (antipain, leupeptin, and 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonylfluoride). These data suggest that therapeutic intervention in the biochemical pathways that culminate in protease activation or direct inhibition of proteolysis might serve as an approach to the treatment of sulfur mustard-induced pathology.

Acetylcysteine↗

Nitrogen mustard interference with potassium transport systems in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Nitrogen mustard (N-mustard) inhibits the ouabain-sensitive and the furosemide-sensitive Rb uptake of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, whereas the transport, which is resistant to both inhibitors, is not affected by the alkylating agent. At N-mustard concentrations below 10 microM, the reduction in Rb uptake is predominantly due to an interference with the furosemide-sensitive system. The dose response curve for the inhibition by N-mustard of the furosemide-sensitive Rb uptake closely parallels the dose response curve for the anti-tumor activity of the alkylating drug. This is in contrast to the behaviour of the ouabain-sensitive Rb transport. The inhibition of the furosemide-sensitive Rb uptake is expressed much less in cells which are resistant to N-mustard. The recovery of the furosemide-sensitive transport system after a single exposure to N-mustard is relatively slow and characterized by an initial 4 h lag period, whereas the repair of DNA-interstrand cross-links starts immediately after removal of the drug. At mM concentrations furosemide blocks the multiplication of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. However, lower concentrations of furosemide which cause a 50% reduction in the furosemide-sensitive Rb uptake do not interfere with cell proliferation. This is in contrast to the behaviour of N-mustard which exerts a clear-cut depression of cell growth at concentrations leading to a 50% inhibition of the furosemide-sensitive Rb transport. It is concluded, therefore, that the inhibition of the furosemide-sensitive system alone is not sufficient to explain the anti-tumor activity of the alkylating agent. The effect is discussed as part of a more extended N-mustard-induced membrane alteration which may be important for the growth inhibitory effect of the alkylating agent.

Alkylating Agents↗

Participation of central descending nociceptive facilitatory systems in secondary hyperalgesia produced by mustard oil.

The present series of experiments were designed to examine a potential role for central descending pain facilitatory systems in mediating secondary hyperalgesia produced by topical application of mustard oil and measuring the nociceptive tail-flick reflex in awake rats. Topical application of mustard oil (100%) to the lateral surface of the hind leg produced a facilitation of the tail-flick reflex that was significantly reduced in spinal transected animals. Mustard oil hyperalgesia was also inhibited in animals that had received electrolytic lesions in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of the non-selective cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist proglumide (10 micrograms) prior to mustard oil application completely blocked both the lesser and greater hyperalgesic responses observed in spinal transected and normal animals, respectively, and produced an inhibition of the tail-flick reflex in normal animals. Administration of the selective CCKB receptor antagonist L-365260 i.t. dose-dependently inhibited mustard oil hyperalgesia (ID50 = 364 ng) at doses approximately 5-fold less than the CCKA receptor antagonist devazepide (ID50 = 1760 ng). Similar to spinal proglumide, microinjection of the neurotensin antagonist SR48692 (3.5 micrograms) into the RVM blocked mustard oil hyperalgesia and inhibited the tail-flick reflex. These data suggest that secondary hyperalgesia produced by mustard oil is mediated largely by a central, centrifugal descending pain facilitatory system which involves neurotensin in the RVM and spinal CCK (via CCKB receptors). The inhibition of the tail-flick reflex produced by mustard oil following spinal or supraspinal administration of receptor antagonists suggests concurrent activation of central descending facilitatory and inhibitory systems.

Animals↗

Influence of selective alpha 2-adrenergic agents on mustard oil-induced central hyperalgesia in rats.

The effects of systemically administered medetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, and atipamezole, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, on mustard oil-induced central hyperalgesia were determined in unanesthetized rats. The mechanical threshold for eliciting a hindlimb flexion reflex (a nocifensive response) was determined with a series of calibrated monofilaments. Under control conditions mustard oil produced a significant decrease of the hindlimb withdrawal threshold for mechanical stimuli applied to a distal site in the hindlimb, whereas the corresponding threshold in the (untreated) contralateral side was not changed. Medetomidine administered 12 min prior to mustard oil treatment produced a significant dose-dependent (3-30 micrograms/kg s.c.) attenuation of the mustard oil-induced threshold decrease whereas the withdrawal threshold of the contralateral (untreated) hindlimb was not changed at these low doses. The antinociceptive effect of medetomidine (10 micrograms/kg) administered 12 min prior to the mustard oil treatment was not significantly stronger than the effect of medetomidine administered immediately after the mustard oil treatment. Atipamezole at a high (1000 micrograms/kg) or a low (10 micrograms/kg) dose did not influence the mustard oil-induced threshold decrease, whereas at an intermediate dose (100 micrograms/kg) atipamezole alone had a significant antinociceptive effect on mustard oil-induced hyperalgesia. The results indicate that medetomidine produces a selective attenuation of central hyperalgesia at doses which are sub-antinociceptive in intact rats. A pre-emptive treatment with medetomidine did not produce stronger antinociception than medetomidine treatment after the development of hyperalgesia. An alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole, attenuated central hyperalgesia in a non-monotonic fashion.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Mustard oil induces a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor-independent neurogenic inflammation and a non-neurogenic cellular inflammatory component in mice.

A neurogenic component has been suggested to play a pivotal role in a range of inflammatory/immune diseases. Mustard oil (allyl-isothiocyanate) has been used in studies of inflammation to mediate neurogenic vasodilatation and oedema in rodent skin. The aim of the present study was to analyse mustard oil-induced oedema and neutrophil accumulation in the mouse ear focussing on the roles of neurokinin 1 (NK(1)) and vanilloid (TRPV1) receptors using normal (BALB/c, C57BL/6) as well as NK(1) and TRPV1 receptor knockout mice. A single or double treatment of 1% mustard oil on the BALB/c mouse ear induced ear oedema with responses diminished by 6 h. However a 25-30% increase in ear thickness was maintained by the hourly reapplication of mustard oil. Desensitisation of sensory nerves with capsaicin, or the NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333, inhibited oedema but only in the first 3 h. Neutrophil accumulation in response to mustard oil was inhibited neither by SR140333 nor capsaicin pre-treatment. An activating dose of capsaicin (2.5%) induced a large oedema in C57BL/6 wild-type mice that was minimal in TRPV1 receptor knockout mice. By comparison, mustard oil generated ear swelling was inhibited by SR140333 in wild-type and TRPV1 knockout mice. Repeated administration of mustard oil maintained 35% oedema in TRPV1 knockout animals and the lack of TRPV1 receptors did not alter the leukocyte accumulation. In contrast repeated treatment caused about 20% ear oedema in Sv129+C57BL/6 wild-type mice but the absence of NK(1) receptors significantly decreased the response. Neutrophil accumulation showed similar values in both groups. This study has revealed that mustard oil can act via both neurogenic and non-neurogenic mechanisms to mediate inflammation in the mouse ear. Importantly, the activation of the sensory nerves was still observed in TRPV1 knockout mice indicating that the neurogenic inflammatory component occurs via a TRPV1 receptor independent process.

Animals↗

A fifty year mortality follow-up study of veterans exposed to low level chemical warfare agent, mustard gGas.

PURPOSE: To determine if there is an increased risk of any cause specific mortality associated with low level mustard gas exposure among World War II Navy veterans. METHODS: A retrospective mortality follow-up study was conducted comparing the mortality of World War II Navy veterans who received low-level non-lethal exposures of mustard gas to that of World War II Navy veterans who were not exposed. This study identified 1545 Navy recruits stationed at Bainbridge, Maryland, between 1944-1945, who voluntarily participated in mustard gas chamber tests. These veterans were exposed to mustard gas while wearing protective clothing and masks. Control veterans consisted of 2663 Navy veterans who served at the same location and time as the exposed, but did not participate in chamber tests. Cause specific mortality risks associated with mustard gas exposure and level of mustard gas exposure were examined using adjusted and unadjusted relative risk estimates. RESULTS: There was no excess of any cause specific mortality associated with varying levels of mustard gas exposures among Navy veterans subject to the chamber tests. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of mustard gas exposures experienced by World War II veterans, which were sufficient to cause skin reactions (erythema, vesicles, and ulceration), were not associated with any increased risk of cause specific mortality.

Adult↗

Synthesis and reactivity of aryl nitrogen mustard-oligodeoxyribonucleotide conjugates.

A versatile method is described for preparing aryl nitrogen mustard-oligodeoxyribonucleotide (mustard-ODN) conjugates under anhydrous conditions. The chemistry uses DMSO soluble triethylammonium or tributylammonium salts of the ODNs. A G/A motif triplex forming ODN was chosen for study since it had been shown earlier to bind with high affinity and specificity to a duplex DNA target. A 5'-hexylamine derivative of this ODN was reacted with three different 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl ester derivatives of aryl nitrogen mustards which were designed to have different alkylation rates. An HPLC assay was used to determine reaction rates of these mustard-ODNs under various conditions. The reactivity of the mustard groups depended on chloride concentration and the presence of nucleophiles. Conjugation of mustards to G/A-containing ODNs decreased their aqueous stability. Hydrolysis and alkylation rates of these agents were consistent with reaction via an aziridinium intermediate. Rates of sequence specific alkylation within a triplex were determined by denaturing gel electrophoresis and shown to depend on inherent reactivity of the mustard group. The improved synthesis and chemical characterization of mustard-ODNs should facilitate their use as sequence specific alkylating agents and as probes for nucleic acid structure.

Alkylation↗

DNA-directed alkylating agents. 4. 4-anilinoquinoline-based minor groove directed aniline mustards.

A series of 4-anilinoquinoline-linked aniline mustards of widely varying mustard reactivity were prepared and evaluated for their antitumor activity. The compounds were designed as minor grove binding agents, where the aniline mustard ring is itself part of the DNA-binding ligand. While there was a general trend for cytotoxicity to correlate with mustard reactivity, this was much less pronounced than with untargeted mustards. The compounds were much more cytotoxic than the parent diols, and were also at least 10-fold more cytotoxic than the corresponding aniline mustards themselves. Comparative cell line studies suggested that the mechanism of cytotoxicity varied with mustard reactivity. The most reactive mustards cross-linked DNA, while cell killing by the less reactive compounds appeared to be by the formation of bulky monoadducts. The compounds were active but not particularly dose-potent against P388 leukemia in vivo. The modest potency may be related to their poor aqueous solubility, since the more soluble methyl quaternary salts were equally active at much lower doses.

Alkylating Agents↗

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil and mustard oil in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction: the Indian experiment of infarct survival--4.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, the effects of treatment with fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid, 1.08 g/day) and mustard oil (alpha-linolenic acid, 2.9 g/day) were compared for 1 year in the management of 122 patients (fish oil, group A), 120 patients (mustard oil, group B), and 118 patients (placebo, group C) with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Treatments were administered about (mean) 18 hours after the symptoms of AMI in all three groups. The extent of cardiac disease, rise in cardiac enzymes, and lipid peroxides were comparable among the groups at entry into the study. After 1 year total cardiac events were significantly less in the fish oil and mustard oil groups compared with the placebo group (24.5% and 28% vs. 34.7%, p < 0.01). Nonfatal infarctions were also significantly less in the fish oil and mustard oil groups compared with the placebo group (13.0% and 15.0% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.05). Total cardiac deaths showed no significant reduction in the mustard oil group; however, the fish oil group had significantly less cardiac deaths compared with the placebo group (11.4% vs. 22.0%, p < 0.05). Apart from the decrease in the cardiac event rate, the fish oil and mustard oil groups also showed a significant reduction in total cardiac arrhythmias, left ventricular enlargement, and angina pectoris compared with the placebo group. Reductions in blood lipoproteins in the two intervention groups were modest and do not appear to be the cause of the benefit in the two groups. Diene conjugates showed a significant reduction in the fish oil and mustard oil groups, indicating that a part of the benefit may be caused by the reduction in oxidative stress. The findings of this study suggest that fish oil and mustard oil, possibly due to the presence of n-3 fatty acids, may provide rapid protective effects in patients with AMI. However, a large study is necessary to confirm this suggestion.

Adult↗

Mustard allergy in children.

BACKGROUND: Mustard allergy is not well known. This study aimed to assess its clinical features and other associated allergies, and to define skin prick tests (SPT), specific IgE, and dose response by oral food challenge. METHODS: Our study investigated 36 children with positive mustard SPT. The diagnosis of mustard allergy was based on open or single-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (SBPCFC). We compared the subjects to 22 controls. RESULTS: The initial clinical features were atopic dermatitis (51.8%), and urticaria and/or angioedema (37%). Fifteen children were allergic (positive SBPCFC) and 21 children were nonallergic (negative SBPCFC). Symptoms after mustard ingestion started under 3 years of age in 53.3% of the subjects. There was no significant difference in the food allergies and associated inhalant allergen sensitizations between the two groups. In the allergic group, the mean wheal diameter for mustard SPT was 8.8 mm and the median concentration of mustard serum (s) IgE 14.8 kU/l. The mean cumulative reactive dose were 153 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reactions to mustard started early in life. Clinical symptoms were not severe in children. Mustard should be included in screening tests of food allergy in children.

Adolescent↗

Altered expression of lung cytochrome P450 3A1 in rat after exposure to sulfur mustard.

Expression of cytochromes P450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferases in the lung may be affected by inhaled pollutants. We have investigated the effect of sulfur mustard on the expression of CYP 1A1, 2B1, 2E1 and 3A1, as well as of alpha-, micro- and pi-glutathione S-transferases in rat lung. Sulfur mustard (0.025, 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered to anaesthetized animals by intratracheal injection. Expression of CYP and glutathione S-transferases was analysed 24 hr after administration of the vesicant warfare using western blotting. Preservation of airway epithelium integrity after animal exposure to sulfur mustard was confirmed by histological examination of tracheal and lung tissues from control and treated animals. Constitutive levels of CYP 2B1 and 3A1 proteins were found in lung tissue from control rats, whereas CYP 1A1 and 2E1 proteins were not detected. Animal exposure to sulfur mustard enhanced CYP 3A1 protein levels by 80 to 103%. In contrast, exposure to sulfur mustard neither modified CYP 2B1 expression, nor led to detectable expression of CYP 1A1 or 2E1. Constitutive levels of alpha-, micro- and pi-glutathione S-transferase proteins were found in lung tissue from control rats. Exposure to sulfur mustard had no effect on expression of either of the glutathione S-transferases. Our results show that intratracheal exposure to sulfur mustard selectively increases CYP 3A1 expression in rat lung. Taking into account the major role of CYP of the 3A family in the metabolism of drugs, up-regulation of CYP 3A1 by sulfur mustard might have important therapeutic consequences.

Animals↗

Regulation of 1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced by sulfur mustard (HD) on human skin cells.

The regulatory effects of the active form of vitamin D, 1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3) were assessed on the cytokine and chemokine secretion induced by sulfur mustard on human skin fibroblasts and human epidermal keratinocytes. Stimulation of human skin fibroblasts with sulfur mustard (10(-4) M for 24 hr at 37 degrees ) resulted in approximately a 5 times increase in the secretion of interleukin-6 and over a 10 times increase for interleukin-8, which was inhibited by 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3, at <or=10(-9) M. 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3 also suppressed interleukin-8 secretion by 5 times and interleukin-6 by 4 times on sulfur mustard-stimulated human epidermal keratinocytes at concentrations <or= 10(-9) M. The effect of 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3 was dose-dependent for the suppression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced by sulfur mustard on human skin fibroblasts/human epidermal keratinocytes, apparent at nanomolar concentrations. Our results indicate that the suppression of these inflammatory mediators by 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3 is dependent on the source of the primary cultures, cell densities, and kinetics of pretreatments. In contrast to the inhibition of cytokine/chemokine production, cell proliferation was enhanced by almost 1.7 times on treated human epidermal keratinocytes with 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3 (1 x 10(-9) M) after sulfur mustard-stimulation (10(-4) M for 24 hr at 37 degrees C). The observed enhancement diversified based on cell density, and kinetics of pretreatment with a maximal synergism (s) observed at 1 x 10(-9) M. Photomicrographs show typical signs of cellular degeneration caused by sulfur mustard such as chromatin condensation. The observed cellular degeneration was lessened when human epidermal keratinocytes were treated with 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3 (2 x 10(-9) M). 1-alpha, 25(OH)2D3 could be an alternative treatment for cutaneous inflammation disorders caused by sulfur mustard because we have demonstrated its ability to suppress inflammatory mediators and enhanced cell proliferation in human skin cells stimulated with sulfur mustard.

Administration, Cutaneous↗