Carcinogenic polynuclear hydrocarbons bind to macromolecules in cultured human bronchi

Abstract

THE ability of cells in human tissues to metabolise procarcinogens into oncogenic metabolites may be one important determinant in organ and host susceptibility to environmental carcinogens. Metabolic activation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNH) seems to be required before they can cause neoplastic transformation of cells either in vivo or in vitro1,2. This activation may involve the production of a metabolite(s) capable of tight binding to cellular macromolecules including DNA. The binding level of PNH to macromolecules generally shows a good correlation with their oncogenicity in experimental animals and cells in culture3-6, although exceptions exist7. Whether or not this correlation exists in man is unknown. © 1974 Nature Publishing Group.