Mechanisms of oxidative DNA damage induced by carcinogenic arylamines

Abstract

Most arylamines are pro-carcinogens, and require metabolic activation to yield ultimate carcinogen metabolites. O-Acetylation of the N-hydroxy form of an arylamine yields an acetoxyarylamine, which can form a highly reactive arylnitrenium ion, the ultimate metabolite responsible for DNA adduct formation. However, we demonstrate here that the N-hydroxy and nitroso forms of arylamines can also induce DNA damage, including 7,8- dihydro-8-oxo-2′- deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) lesions, via reactive oxygen species formation. The N-hydroxy and nitroso derivatives of carcinogenic arylamines may contribute to the carcinogenic process through H2O2 formation. N-Hydroxy derivatives induce metal-mediated DNA damage, with remarkable enhancement by NADH. Nitroso derivatives induce NADH-dependent DNA damage in the presence of metal ions. Hydroxy derivatives of arylamines formed by enzymatic hydroxylation or as o- or p-aminophenols can also induce DNA damage in the presence of metal ions. The autoxidation of ophenylenediamine and several arylamine metabolites is accelerated in the presence of SOD or manganese, resulting in the enhancement of metal-mediated DNA damage. The oxidative DNA damage induced by arylamine compounds may participate in chemical carcinogenesis, in addition to DNA adduct formation.