B6C3F1 Mice Research Articles

Abstract B046: Addition of anti-VEGF overcomes the anti-PD-L1 refractoriness in a OV2944-HM-1 tumor model

Abstract Background: Efficacy of combination therapy with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was shown in the IMpower150 trial. In this study, we use the anti-PD-L1 sensitive Colon 38 mouse tumor model and the anti-PD-L1 insensitive OV2944-HM-1 (HM-1) mouse tumor model to investigate the efficacy and the mechanisms of this combination. Methods: Colon 38 and HM-1 tumor cells were subcutaneously inoculated into the right flank of C57BL/6J and B6C3F1 mice, respectively. Mice with established tumors were randomized into treatment groups (day1). Anti-PD-L1 mAb (anti-PD-L1, clone 6E11) or mouse IgG was administrated intraperitoneally to the mice at a dose of 5 mg/kg twice a week from day 1. Anti-VEGF mAb (anti-VEGF, clone B20-4.1.1) or mouse IgG was administrated intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 mg/kg weekly from day 1. Anti-CD8 mAb (anti-CD8, clone 116-13.1) was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 100 µg/head twice a week from day -10. Anti-CXCR3 mAb (anti-CXCR3, clone CXCR3-173) was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 100 µg/head twice a week from day 1. Tumor volume was measured twice a week. The tumors were sampled on day 1 and were subjected to immunohistochemical staining using the anti-CD8 mAb (anti-CD8, clone KT15) and anti-B7-H1/PD-L1 polyclonal antibody. The tumors were sampled on day 4 or 8 and were subjected to flow cytometry analysis using the antibody for CD8 and Granzyme B, and ELISA analysis for CXCL9. Results: HM-1 tumors showed lower PD-L1 expression under conditions where Colon 38 tumors were partially PD-L1 positive. CD8+ T cells were hardly observed in HM-1 tumors, while CD8+ T cells were prominently observed in Colon 38 tumors. In the Colon 38 model, combination treatment with anti-PD-L1 plus anti-VEGF significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared with the single agent treatments which themselves significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared with control treatment. In the HM-1 model, combination treatment with anti-PD-L1 plus anti-VEGF significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared with the anti-VEGF treatment which itself significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared with control treatment. In the HM-l model, significantly larger number of CD8+ T cells and Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells and a significantly higher level of CXCL9 were observed in tumor tissue with anti-PD-L1 treatment compared with control treatment on day 4. However, these statuses were not maintained on day 8. On the other hand, these statuses were observed in tumor tissue with combination treatment both on day 4 and day 8. Anti-CD8 canceled the potentiation of the antitumor effect in combination treatment to the level of anti-VEGF treatment. Anti-CXCR3 canceled the increased number of intratumoral CD8+ T cells in combination treatment to the level of control treatment. Conclusions: This is the first study to show that the combination treatment of anti-PD-L1 plus anti-VEGF exhibits more potent anti-tumor activity compared with single agent treatments, not only in an anti-PD-L1 sensitive model but also in an anti-PD-L1 insensitive model with PD-L1 low and immune desert like properties. At least in the anti-PD-L1 insensitive model, this can be mainly explained by the maintained increase of intratumoral CXCL9 leading to the increased infiltration of activated effector CD8+ T cells into tumor tissue. Conflict of interest: The authors are employees of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Citation Format: Nobuyuki Ishikura, Keigo Yorozu, Mitsue Kurasawa, Masamichi Sugimoto, Osamu Kondoh. Addition of anti-VEGF overcomes the anti-PD-L1 refractoriness in a OV2944-HM-1 tumor model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B046. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-B046

CREB Signaling Mediates Dose-Dependent Radiation Response in the Murine Hippocampus Two Years after Total Body Exposure.

The impact of low-dose ionizing radiation (IR) on the human brain has recently attracted attention due to the increased use of IR for diagnostic purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate low-dose radiation response in the hippocampus. Female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to total body irradiation with 0 (control), 0.063, 0.125, or 0.5 Gy. Quantitative label-free proteomic analysis of the hippocampus was performed after 24 months. CREB signaling and CREB-associated pathways were affected at all doses. The lower doses (0.063 and 0.125 Gy) induced the CREB pathway, whereas the exposure to 0.5 Gy deactivated CREB. Similarly, the lowest dose (0.063 Gy) was anti-inflammatory, reducing the number of activated microglia. In contrast, induction of activated microglia and reactive astroglia was found at 0.5 Gy, suggesting increased inflammation and astrogliosis, respectively. The apoptotic markers BAX and cleaved CASP-3 and oxidative stress markers were increased only at the highest dose. Since the activated CREB pathway plays a central role in learning and memory, these data suggest neuroprotection at the lowest dose (0.063 Gy) but neurodegeneration at 0.5 Gy. The response to 0.5 Gy resembles alterations found in healthy aging and thus may represent radiation-induced accelerated aging of the brain.

Inhaled Furan Selectively Damages Club Cells in Lungs of A/J Mice.

Furan, a possible human carcinogen, is a product of incomplete combustion and is present in cigarette smoke, engine exhaust, and processed food. Oral administration induces liver toxicity and carcinogenesis in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. To assess possible adverse effects from inhalation, A/J mice were nose-only exposed for 3 hours to furan (0, 30, 75, 150, 300, or 600 ppmv) and euthanized after 24 hours, 48 hours, or 1 week. Histopathology evaluation revealed bronchiolar club cell necrosis (diffuse, marked) with airway denudation following exposure to 300 and 600 ppmv furan with evidence of club cell regeneration and partial repair after 1 week. Initial signs of hepatotoxicity were observed in the 150 ppmv furan-exposed group. Acute necrosis and mineralization were observed in livers at 24 and 48 hours with hepatocyte regeneration by 1-week postexposure in mice exposed to 300 and 600 ppmv furan; the 300 ppmv exposed group had multifocal mineralization that evoked a mild granulomatous response. Measurement of urinary furan metabolites confirmed that the mice metabolized furan to the toxic intermediate, cis-2-butene-1,4-dial. These observations indicate that inhaled furan is toxic to lungs with club cells as the target as well as liver.

Overproduction of thrombopoietin by BRAFV600E‐mutated mouse hepatocytes and contribution of thrombopoietin to hepatocarcinogenesis

In hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in B6C3F1 mice, the BrafV637E mutation, corresponding to the human BRAFV600E mutation, plays a pivotal role. The livers of transgenic mice with a hepatocyte‐specific human BRAFV600E mutation weighed 4.5 times more than that of normal mice and consisted entirely of hepatocytes, resembling DEN‐induced preneoplastic hepatocytes. However, these transgenic mice spontaneously died 7 wk after birth, therefore this study aimed to clarify the causes of death. In the transgenic mice, the liver showed thrombopoietin (TPO) overexpression, which is associated with eventual megakaryocytosis and thrombocytosis, and activated platelets were deposited in hepatic sinusoids. TPO was also overexpressed in the DEN‐induced hepatic tumors, and sinusoidal platelet deposition was observed in the hepatic tumors of humans and mice. Podoplanin was expressed in some of the Kupffer cells in the liver of the transgenic mice, indicating that platelet activation occurred via the interaction of podoplanin with C‐type lectin receptor 2 (CLEC‐2) on the platelet membrane. Additionally, erythrocyte dyscrasia and glomerulonephropathy/interstitial pneumonia associated with platelet deposition were observed. In the transgenic mice, aspirin (Asp) administration prevented platelet activation, reduced the liver/body weight ratio, decreased the platelet deposition in the liver, kidney, and lung, and prevented erythrocyte dyscrasia and ameliorated the renal/pulmonary changes. Thrombopoietin overproduction by BRAFV600E‐mutated hepatocytes may contribute to hepatocyte proliferation via thrombocytosis, platelet activation, and the interaction of platelets with hepatic sinusoidal cells, while hematologic, renal, and pulmonary disorders due to aberrant platelet activation may lead to spontaneous death in the transgenic mice.

Comparative disposition of dimethylaminoethanol and choline in rats and mice following oral or intravenous administration

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and its salts have been used to treat numerous disorders in humans and hence safety of its use is a concern. DMAE is a close structural analog of choline, an essential nutrient. Exposure to DMAE may affect choline uptake and synthesis. The current investigation characterizes: 1) the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of DMAE in Wistar Han rats and B6C3F1 mice following a single gavage or intravenous (IV) administration of 10, 100 or 500 mg/kg [14C]DMAE, and 2) the ADME of [14C]choline (160 mg/kg) and the effect on its disposition following pre-treatment with DMAE (100 or 500 mg/kg). In both rats and mice, following gavage administration, DMAE was excreted in urine (16–69%) and as exhaled CO2 (3–22%). The tissue retention was moderate (21–44%); however, the brain concentrations were low and there was no accumulation. Serum choline levels were not elevated following administration of DMAE. The DMAE metabolites in urine were DMAE N-oxide and N,N-dimethylglycine; the carcinogen, N-N-dimethylnitrosamine, was not detected. The pattern of disposition of [14C]choline following gavage administration was similar to that of [14C]DMAE. Prior treatment with DMAE had minimal effects on choline disposition. The pattern of disposition of [14C]DMAE and [14C]choline following IV administration was similar to gavage administration. There were minimal dose-, sex- or species-related effects following gavage or IV administration of [14C]DMAE or [14C]choline. Data from the current study did not support previous reports that: 1) DMAE alters choline uptake and distribution, or 2) that DMAE is converted into choline in vivo.

Development and Validation of an Analytical Method for Quantitation of Sulfolane in Rat and Mouse Plasma by GC-MS.

Sulfolane is an industrial solvent commonly used for extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons in the oil refining process, as well in the purification of natural gas. Its wide use and high solubility in water has led to contamination of groundwater. The objective of this work was to develop and validate an analytical method to quantitate sulfolane in rodent plasma in support of the National Toxicology Program toxicology and toxicokinetic studies of sulfolane. The method uses extraction of plasma with ethyl acetate and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with electron ionization. The method was validated in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rat plasma over the concentration range of 20-100,000 ng/mL. The method was linear (r ≥ 0.99), accurate (mean relative error (RE) ≤ ±5.1%) and precise (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 2.9%). The absolute recovery was ≥74%. The limit of detection was 0.516 ng/mL. Standards as high as ~2.5 mg/mL could be successfully diluted into the calibration range (mean %RE ≤ ±4.5; %RSD ≤ 4.6). Extracted samples were stable for at least 3 days at ambient and refrigerated temperatures, and freeze/thaw stability in matrix was demonstrated after three cycles over 3 days (calculated concentrations within 90.8-102% of Day 0 concentrations). Sulfolane was stable in frozen plasma for at least 75 days at -80°C (calculated concentrations within 93.0-98.1% of Day 0 concentrations). Matrix evaluation was performed for sulfolane in female SD rat plasma and male and female B6C3F1 mouse plasma (mean %RE ≤ ±4.9; %RSD ≤ 3.3). These data demonstrate that the method is suitable for determination of sulfolane in rodent plasma.

Hepatotoxicity of a Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in the Mouse Model.

The goal of this study was to investigate Cannabidiol (CBD) hepatotoxicity in 8-week-old male B6C3F1 mice. Animals were gavaged with either 0, 246, 738, or 2460 mg/kg of CBD (acute toxicity, 24 h) or with daily doses of 0, 61.5, 184.5, or 615 mg/kg for 10 days (sub-acute toxicity). These doses were the allometrically scaled mouse equivalent doses (MED) of the maximum recommended human maintenance dose of CBD in EPIDIOLEX® (20 mg/kg). In the acute study, significant increases in liver-to-body weight (LBW) ratios, plasma ALT, AST, and total bilirubin were observed for the 2460 mg/kg dose. In the sub-acute study, 75% of mice gavaged with 615 mg/kg developed a moribund condition between days three and four. As in the acute phase, 615 mg/kg CBD increased LBW ratios, ALT, AST, and total bilirubin. Hepatotoxicity gene expression arrays revealed that CBD differentially regulated more than 50 genes, many of which were linked to oxidative stress responses, lipid metabolism pathways and drug metabolizing enzymes. In conclusion, CBD exhibited clear signs of hepatotoxicity, possibly of a cholestatic nature. The involvement of numerous pathways associated with lipid and xenobiotic metabolism raises serious concerns about potential drug interactions as well as the safety of CBD.

Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract Does Not Elicit Hepatotoxic Effects and Modulates the Gut Microbiome in Lean B6C3F₁ Mice.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatotoxic potential and effects on the gut microbiome of decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE) in lean B6C3F1 mice. Gavaging dGTE over a range of 1X–10X mouse equivalent doses (MED) for up to two weeks did not elicit significant histomorphological, physiological, biochemical or molecular alterations in mouse livers. At the same time, administration of dGTE at MED comparable to those consumed by humans resulted in significant modulation of gut microflora, with increases in Akkermansia sp. being most pronounced. Results of this study demonstrate that administration of relevant-to-human-consumption MED of dGTE to non-fasting mice does not lead to hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, dGTE administered to lean mice, caused changes in gut microflora comparable to those observed in obese mice. This study provides further insight into the previously reported weight management properties of dGTE; however, future studies are needed to fully evaluate and understand this effect.

Isoflavone daidzein regulates immune responses in the B6C3F1 and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice

Daidzein (DAZ), a dominant isoflavone in various natural products such as soybeans, has been gaining attention due to the beneficial health effects (e.g., protection against cancer and diabetes) of its metabolites. Our major hypothesis was that dietary exposure to the soy phytoestrogen DAZ could modulate the immune responses toward a protective effect and lead to improved metabolic functions (such as glucose metabolism). In this study, we applied complementary mouse models, the hybrid B6C3F1 and inbred type 1 diabetes prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, to investigate if DAZ exposure modulated the immune responses. The animals were orally administered DAZ at various physiological doses (2–20 mg/kg body weight) during adulthood. DAZ significantly altered the relative organ weights in female B6C3F1 mice and decreased the B cell population (represented by CD3−IgM+), while the T cell populations (represented by CD3+IgM−, CD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+) were increased. In addition, DAZ dosing produced a decrease in the percentage of late apoptotic thymocytes. However, the activities cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells were not altered in the B6C3F1 mice. In NOD mice, the blood glucose level and glucose tolerance were not affected by DAZ exposure, but DAZ modulated the antibody production, as shown by increased levels of IgG2b in NOD females and IgG1 in NOD males. Further, DAZ increased CD8+CD25+ splenocytes in NOD females. Taken together, DAZ induced an immunomodulatory effect in both NOD and B6C3F1 mouse strains; however, minimal effects on glucose homeostasis were observed.

Genotoxic and Epigenotoxic Alterations in the Lung and Liver of Mice Induced by Acrylamide: A 28 Day Drinking Water Study.

Acrylamide has been classified as a "Group 2A carcinogen" (probably carcinogenic to humans) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The carcinogenicity of acrylamide is attributed to its well-recognized genotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acrylamide on epigenetic alterations in mice. Female B6C3F1 mice received acrylamide in drinking water for 28 days, at doses previously used in a 2 year cancer bioassay (0, 0.0875, 0.175, 0.35, and 0.70 mM), and the genotoxic and epigenetic effects were investigated in lungs, a target organ for acrylamide carcinogenicity, and livers, a nontarget organ. Acrylamide exposure resulted in a dose-dependent formation of N7-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)guanine and N3-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)adenine in liver and lung DNA. In contrast, the profiles of global epigenetic alterations differed between the two tissues. In the lungs, acrylamide exposure resulted in a decrease of histone H4 lysine 20 trimethylation (H4K20me3), a common epigenetic feature of human cancer, while in the livers, there was increased acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac), a gene transcription activating mark. Treatment with 0.70 mM acrylamide also resulted in substantial alterations in the DNA methylation and whole transcriptome in the lungs and livers; however, there were substantial differences in the trends of DNA methylation and gene expression changes between the two tissues. Analysis of differentially expressed genes showed a marked up-regulation of genes and activation of the gene transcription regulation pathway in livers, but not lungs. This corresponded to increased histone H3K27ac and DNA hypomethylation in livers, in contrast to hypermethylation and transcription silencing in lungs. Our results demonstrate that acrylamide induced global epigenetic alterations independent of its genotoxic effects, suggesting that epigenetic events may determine the organ-specific carcinogenicity of acrylamide. Additionally this study provides strong support for the importance of epigenetic alterations, in addition to genotoxic events, in the mechanism of carcinogenesis induced by genotoxic chemical carcinogens.

28-Day somatic gene mutation study of 1-bromopropane in female Big Blue® B6C3F1 mice via whole-body inhalation: Support for a carcinogenic threshold

A 2-year inhalation rat and mouse cancer study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) on 1-bromopropane, a brominated solvent most commonly used as a vapor degreaser, showed significant increase in tumors in the lung of female mice and in the large intestine of male and female rats. The most sensitive endpoint was lung tumors in female mice. Mice of both sexes had hyperplasia and inflammation of the nose and showed regeneration of lung tissue. The NTP assumed that these tumors were due to genotoxic effects and that a linear dose-response relationship was appropriate. It is plausible that, similar to chloroform, hyperplasia and inflammation are required as initial events for tumor development. If true, then a threshold-based model may be more appropriate for 1-bromopropane. To test this hypothesis, a 28-day repeat dose inhalation Big Blue® Assay was conducted using female transgenic B6C3F1 mice. The target exposure concentrations and the exposure regimen were identical to those used by the NTP. Results demonstrated no elevation in mutant frequency of the cII transgene in lung, colon, or liver. Positive controls produced statistically significant increases in mutant frequencies across all tested tissues. These results demonstrate that 1-bromopropane does not induce cII mutants in lungs, colon, or liver under the testing conditions. These data have important ramifications in the quantitative evaluation of tumor results for this chemical and support a mechanism of action where a threshold for carcinogenicity is plausible.

Immunohistochemistry of γ-H2AX as a method of early detection of urinary bladder carcinogenicity in mice.

Phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) has been demonstrated as a DNA damage marker both in vitro and in vivo. We previously reported the effects of genotoxic carcinogens in the urinary bladder of rats by immunohistochemical analysis of γ-H2AX using samples from 28-day repeated-dose tests. To evaluate the application of γ-H2AX as a biomarker of carcinogenicity in the bladder, we examined species differences in γ-H2AX formation in the urinary bladder of mice. Six-week-old male B6C3F1 mice were treated orally with 12 chemicals for 4weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine, p-cresidine and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), classified as genotoxic bladder carcinogens, induced significant increases in γ-H2AX levels in the bladder urothelium. In contrast, genotoxic (2-nitroanisole, glycidol, N-nitrosodiethylamine and acrylamide) and non-genotoxic (dimethylarsinic acid and melamine) non-bladder carcinogens did not upregulate γ-H2AX. Importantly, 2-nitroanisole, a potent genotoxic bladder carcinogen in rats, significantly increased the proportion of γ-H2AX-positive cells in rats only, reflecting differences in carcinogenicity in the urinary bladder between rats and mice. Significant upregulation of γ-H2AX was also induced by uracil, a non-genotoxic bladder carcinogen that may be associated with cell proliferation, as demonstrated by increased Ki67 expression. 2-AAF caused γ-H2AX formation mainly in the superficial layer, together with reduced and disorganized expression of uroplakin III, unlike in rats, suggesting the mouse-specific cytotoxicity of 2-AAF in umbrella cells. These results suggest γ-H2AX is a useful biomarker reflecting species differences in carcinogenicity in the urinary bladder.

Chronic exposure to gamma irradiation at low-dose rates accelerates blood pressure decline associated with aging in female B6C3F1 mice

Purpose: Many studies are focusing on the biological effects of gamma irradiation at low-dose rates. Studies have shown that chronic exposure to gamma irradiation at low-dose rates shortened the lifespan of mice due to neoplasm formation. The aim of this study was to clarify the physiological effects of long-term exposure to gamma irradiation at low-dose rates in mice, measured with noninvasive parameters such as blood pressure.Materials and methods: Specific-pathogen-free female B6C3F1 mice were irradiated with gamma rays at a low dose of 20 mGy/day – a dose rate shown to shorten the life span in previous studies. The blood pressure parameters (systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure), heart rate, tail blood volume, and blood flow of the mice were measured every 7 weeks. Age-matched, non-irradiated mice were used as controls.Results and conclusion: The blood pressure levels of the irradiated mice decreased at an earlier age compared to the non-irradiated control mice. The expression levels of the marker genes of aging that are also associated with regulation of blood pressure showed significant differences between non-irradiated and irradiated mice. These results indicated that long-term exposure to gamma irradiation at low-dose rates induce the expression levels of Rap1a and reduces Panx1 and Sirt3, which may have contributed to the accelerated blood pressure decline in female mice.

Effects of inhibition of hepatic sulfotransferase activity on renal genotoxicity induced by lucidin-3-O-primeveroside.

Sulfotransferase 1A (SULT1A) expression is lower in the liver of humans than that of rodents. Therefore, species differences should be taken into consideration when assessing the risk of rodent hepatocarcinogens metabolically activated by SULT1A in humans. Although some renal carcinogens require SULT1A-mediated activation, it is unclear how SULT1A activity in the liver affects renal carcinogens. To explore the effects of SULT1A activity in the liver on genotoxicity induced by SULT1A-activated renal carcinogens, B6C3F1 mice or gpt delta mice of the same strain background were given lucidin-3-O-primeveroside (LuP), a hepatic and renal carcinogen of rodents, for 4 or 13weeks, respectively, and pentachlorophenol (PCP) as a liver-specific SULT inhibitor, was given from 1week before LuP treatment to the end of the experiment. A 4week exposure of LuP induced lucidin-specific DNA adduct formation. The suppression of Sult1a expression was observed only in the liver but not in the kidneys of PCP-treated mice, but co-administration of PCP suppressed LuP-induced DNA adduct formation in both organs. Thirteen-week exposure of LuP increased mutation frequencies and cotreatment with PCP suppressed these increases in both organs. Given that intact levels of SULT activity in the liver were much higher than in the kidneys of rodents, SULT1A may predominantly activate LuP in the liver, consequently leading to genotoxicity not only in the liver but also in the kidney. Thus, species differences should be considered in human risk assessment of renal carcinogens activated by SULT1A as in the case of the corresponding liver carcinogens.

Candidate early predictive plasma protein markers of doxorubicin-induced chronic cardiotoxicity in B6C3F1 mice

Cardiotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of doxorubicin (DOX) treatment in cancer patients. Currently, there is a lack of sensitive biomarkers to predict the risk of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Using SOMAmer-based proteomic technology, 1129 proteins were profiled to identify potential early biomarkers of cardiotoxicity in plasma from male B6C3F1 mice given a weekly intravenous dose of 3 mg/kg DOX or saline (SAL) for 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 weeks (6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 mg/kg cumulative DOX doses, respectively). Also, a group of mice received the cardio-protectant, dexrazoxane (DXZ; 60 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) 30 min before a weekly DOX or SAL dose. Proteomic analysis in plasma collected a week after the last dose showed a significant ≥1.2-fold change in level of 18 proteins in DOX-treated mice compared to SAL-treated counterparts during 8-week exposure. Of these, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), mitochondrial glutamate carrier 2, Wnt inhibitory factor 1, legumain, and mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1 were increased in plasma at 6 mg/kg cumulative DOX dose, prior to the release of myocardial injury marker, cardiac troponin I at 12 mg/kg and higher cumulative doses. These six proteins also remained significantly elevated following myocardial injury or pathology at 24 mg/kg. Pretreatment of mice with DXZ significantly attenuated DOX-induced elevated levels of only NOTCH1 and vWF with mitigation of cardiotoxicity. This suggests NOTCH1 and vWF as candidate early biomarkers of DOX cardiotoxicity, which may help in addressing a clinically important question of identifying cancer patients at risk for cardiotoxicity.

Buta-1,3-diene. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

Buta-1,3-diene is a gas used in the production of thermoplastic resins, elastomers and synthetic rubber. Buta-1,3-diene is absorbed mainly in the respiratory tract and then metabolized to monoepoxide – 1,2-epoxybut-3-ene and diepoxide – 1.2:3,4 diepoxybutane, and after their conjugation with glutathione is excreted with urine. According to data from the Central Registry on Exposure to Substances, Mixtures, Agents or Carcinogenic or Mutagenic Technological Processes, in 2015 the number of people exposed to buta-1,3-diene in Poland was 958 and additionally about 200 were exposed to petroleum substances which carcinogenic effect is depending on the buta-1,3-diene. According to data from sanitary-epidemiological stations, in Poland in 2013 and 2016, there were no workers exposed to buta-1,3-diene at levels exceeding maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of 4.4 mg/m3. Buta-1,3-diene in small concentrations is a mild narcotic agent for humans, while for occupationally exposed workers it has irritating properties to the mucous membranes of the eyes and airways. Buta-1,3-diene is a substance with low acute toxicity to animals (LC50 value for rats is 270 000 mg/m3). This substance is mutagenic and genotoxic, it can cause damage to the genetic material of somatic and germ cells. It has been proved that buta-1,3-diene is carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice and rats. There is also epidemiological evidence that occupational exposure to buta-1,3-diene is associated with the risk of a cancer of a lymphohematopoietic system. According to the IARC classification, buta-1,3-diene is included in group 1, i.e., carcinogenic substances for humans, and according to ACGIH classification to group A2, i.e., substances suspected to be carcinogenic for humans. In Europe, buta-1,3-diene is classified in Cat. 1A. carcinogens and Cat. 1B. mutagenic compounds. Buta-1,3-diene does not cause fertility disturbances, and its teratogenic effects appeared when doses were toxic to mothers only. In Directive 2017/2398 of the European Parliament and of Council (EU) 2017/2398 of 12 December 2017 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work for buta-1,3-diene, binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV ) was at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 (Official Journal of the EU L 345 of 27/12/2017, p. 87). The directive will be in force in the EU Member States on January 17, 2020. It was proposed to adopt the value of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the buta-1,3-diene at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 and the following values of the biological exposure indices (BEI):  1.6 mg of 1,2-dihydroxy-4-(N-acetyl-cystein-S-yl)butane/g creatinine in urine measured at the end of working shift  2.1 pmol/g Hb - hemoglobin adducts: mixture of N-[1-(hydroxymethyl)prop-2-enyl]valine and N (2-hydroxybut-3-enyl)valine in blood showing exposure for the last 120 days. This standard is additionally marked Carc. 1A – a substance with proven carcinogenic effect for humans and Muta. 1B – a substance that is considered mutagenic for humans. There is no evidence for establishing STEL value for buta-1,3-diene. The estimated additional risk of leukemia during the 40-year exposure to buta-1,3-diene at a concentration of 2.2 mg/m3 is 8×10-7, it is lower than the risk for the general population in Poland, which is 7.15×10-5.

Metabolism of 4-methylimidazole in Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice

4-Methylimidazole (4-MeI) is a widely used chemical, also identified as a by-product of heating foods. In cancer bioassays, 4-MeI induced lung tumors in mice, but not in rats. To establish if metabolic differences could explain species difference in carcinogenicity, this study investigated metabolism of 4-MeI in rat and mouse lung and liver microsomes and S-9 fractions, and in vivo in rats and mice. No metabolites were detected in rat or mouse lung and liver microsomes, or lung S-9 fractions. Male and female F-344 rats and B6C3F1 mice were administered 50 and 150 mg/kg [14C] 4-MeI by gavage. Excreta, exhaled CO2 and volatiles were collected for 48 h. Elimination was mainly via urine, with 79–89% of the radioactivity in urine in rats and 41–70% in mice. Most of the radioactivity (71–88%) in urine was unchanged 4-MeI. Additional radioactive peaks (the largest metabolite was 8–18%) were characterized by LC-MS/MS as 4-hydroxymethylimidazole, its glucuronide, and other oxidized products, including methylhydantoin. 4-MeI was largely excreted unchanged in rats and mice with limited oxidative metabolism and conjugation. 4-MeI was not oxidized in subcellular fractions from rat and mouse lung and liver. Overall, the metabolism of 4-MeI appeared similar between rats and mice.

Buta-1,3-diene. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

Buta-1,3-diene is a gas used in the production of thermoplastic resins, elastomers and synthetic rubber. Buta-1,3-diene is absorbed mainly in the respiratory tract and then metabolized to monoepoxide – 1,2-epoxybut-3-ene and diepoxide – 1.2:3,4 diepoxybutane, and after their conjugation with glutathione is excreted with urine. According to data from the Central Registry on Exposure to Substances, Mixtures, Agents or Carcinogenic or Mutagenic Technological Processes, in 2015 the number of people exposed to buta-1,3-diene in Poland was 958 and additionally about 200 were exposed to petroleum substances which carcinogenic effect is depending on the buta-1,3-diene. According to data from sanitary-epidemiological stations, in Poland in 2013 and 2016, there were no workers exposed to buta-1,3-diene at levels exceeding maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of 4.4 mg/m3. Buta-1,3-diene in small concentrations is a mild narcotic agent for humans, while for occupationally exposed workers it has irritating properties to the mucous membranes of the eyes and airways. Buta-1,3-diene is a substance with low acute toxicity to animals (LC50 value for rats is 270 000 mg/m3). This substance is mutagenic and genotoxic, it can cause damage to the genetic material of somatic and germ cells. It has been proved that buta-1,3-diene is carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice and rats. There is also epidemiological evidence that occupational exposure to buta-1,3-diene is associated with the risk of a cancer of a lymphohematopoietic system. According to the IARC classification, buta-1,3-diene is included in group 1, i.e., carcinogenic substances for humans, and according to ACGIH classification to group A2, i.e., substances suspected to be carcinogenic for humans. In Europe, buta-1,3-diene is classified in Cat. 1A. carcinogens and Cat. 1B. mutagenic compounds. Buta-1,3-diene does not cause fertility disturbances, and its teratogenic effects appeared when doses were toxic to mothers only. In Directive 2017/2398 of the European Parliament and of Council (EU) 2017/2398 of 12 December 2017 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work for buta-1,3-diene, binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV ) was at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 (Official Journal of the EU L 345 of 27/12/2017, p. 87). The directive will be in force in the EU Member States on January 17, 2020. It was proposed to adopt the value of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the buta-1,3-diene at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 and the following values of the biological exposure indices (BEI): • 1.6 mg/g creatinine of 1,2-dihydroxy-4-(N-acetyl-cystein-S-yl)butane in urine measured at the end of working shift • 2.1 pmol/g Hb - hemoglobin adducts: mixture of N-[1-(hydroxymethyl)prop-2-enyl]valine and N (2-hydroxybut-3-enyl)valine in blood showing exposure for the last 120 days. This standard is additionally marked Carc. 1A – a substance with proven carcinogenic effect for humans and Muta. 1B – a substance that is considered mutagenic for humans. There is no evidence for establishing STEL value for buta-1,3-diene. The estimated additional risk of leukemia during the 40-year exposure to buta-1,3-diene at a concentration of 2.2 mg/m3 is 8×10-7, it is lower than the risk for the general population in Poland, which is 7.15×10-5.

Lifespan Kras mutation levels in lung and liver of B6C3F1 mice.

Somatic mutations accumulate in the human genome and are correlated with increased cancer incidence as humans age. The standard model for studying the carcinogenic effects of exposures for human risk assessment is the rodent 2-year carcinogenicity assay. However, there is little information regarding the effect of age on cancer-driver gene mutations in these models. The mutant fraction (MF) of Kras codon 12 GGT to GAT and GGT to GTT mutations, oncogenic mutations orthologous between humans and rodents, was quantified over the lifespan of B6C3F1 mice. MFs were measured in lung and liver tissue, organs that frequently develop tumors following carcinogenic exposures. The MFs were evaluated at 4, 6, 8, 12, 21, and 85 weeks, with the 12-week and 21-week time points being coincident with the conclusion of 28-day and 90-day exposure durations used in short-term toxicity testing. The highly sensitive and quantitative Allele-specific Competitive Blocker PCR (ACB-PCR) assay was used to quantify the number of mutant Kras codon 12 alleles. The mouse lung showed a slight, but significant trend increase in the Kras codon 12 GAT mutation over the 85-week period. The trend with age can be equally well-fit by several non-linear functions, but not by a linear function. In contrast, the liver GAT mutation did not increase, and the GTT mutation did not increase for either organ. Even with the slight increase in the lung GAT MFs, our results indicate that the future use of Kras mutation as a biomarker of carcinogenic effect will not be confounded by animal age. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:715-721, 2018. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Development and Validation of an Analytical Method to Quantitate Tris(chloroisopropyl)phosphate in Rat and Mouse Plasma using Gas Chromatography with Flame Photometric Detection.

Tris(chloropropyl)phosphate (TCPP) is an organophosphorus flame retardant (OPFR) and plasticizer increasingly used in consumer products and as a replacement for brominated flame retardants. Commercially available TCPP is a mixture of four structural isomers the most abundant of which is tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TCPP-1). Although there is a widespread use of TCPP and potential for human exposure, there is limited data on the safety or toxicity of TCPP. The National Toxicology Program is conducting long-term studies to examine the toxicity of the TCPP in rats after lifetime exposure, including perinatal oral exposure. Quantitative estimates of internal dose are essential to interpret toxicological findings in rodents. To aid in this, a method was fully validated to quantitate the most abundant isomer, TCPP-1, in female Harlan Sprague Dawley (HSD) rat and B6C3F1 mouse plasma with partial validation in male rat plasma, and male and female mouse plasma. The method used protein precipitation using trichloroacetic acid followed by the extraction with toluene, and analysis by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. The performance of the method was evaluated over 5-70 ng TCPP-1/mL plasma. The method was linear (r ≥ 0.99), accurate (inter-day relative error: ≤ ± -7.2) and precise (inter-batch relative standard deviation: ≤27.5%). The validated method has lower limits of quantitation and detection of ~5 and 0.9 ng/mL, respectively, in female HSD rat plasma and can be used on samples as small as 50 μL demonstrating the applicability to plasma samples from toxicology studies.