A comparative investigation of DNA adducts, DNA strand breaks and gene mutations induced by benzo[a]pyrene and (+/-)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol 9,10-oxide in cultured human cells.

Abstract Genotoxic effects of benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP) and its reactive metabolites (±)- anti -benzo[ a ]pyrene-7,8-diol 9,10-oxide ((±)- anti -BPDE) were comparatively investigated in vitro with the permanent human fibroblast cell line MRC5CV1. Induced DNA adducts were measured by 32 P-postlabeling, DNA strand breakage was determined by the comet assay and the HPRT gene mutation test was used to detect cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. Treatment of MRC5CV1 cells with S9 mix-activated BP or with (±)- anti -BPDE resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in DNA adducts and strand breaks. Genotoxic effects of BP and (±)- anti- BPDE were detected by 32 P-postlabeling and the comet assay with sim…