DNA adduct levels associated with p53 induction and delay of MCF-7 cells in S phase after exposure to benzo[g]chrysene dihydrodiol epoxide enantiomers.

Optically active isomers of a mammary carcinogen, anti-benzo[g]chrysene 11, 12-dihydrodiol 13, 14-epoxide, react to different extents with DNA and generate DNA adducts that differ in their stereochemistry. In the study reported here, the effect of these two enantiomers on the progress of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells through the cell cycle was investigated. Each enantiomer caused the cells to accumulate in the S phase, but a higher dose of the benzo[g]chrysene 11S, 12R-dihydrodiol 13R, 14S-epoxide than of its enantiomer was required to induce this effect. Similarly, induction of p53 also required a higher dose of benzo[g]chrysene 11S, 12R-dihydrodiol 13R, 14S-epoxide. Postlabeling stud…