Cell transformation and genotoxicity induced by bis(2, 3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether.

Bis(dichloropropyl) ether isomers have been identified in a petrochemical plant effluent through a toxicity identification evaluation study in the United States. They have also been observed in the microgram per liter range along one of the largest rivers in Europe, the Elbe River. In the present investigation, the genotoxic and transforming activity of a bis(dichloropropyl) ether isomer, bis(2,3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether, was assayed in vitro. The results demonstrate that bis(2,3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether is a potent mutagen in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 100, TA 1535, and to a lesser extent in strain TA 98, but only when tested in the presence of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). We have also investigated the induction of micronuclei by bis(2,3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether in the metabolically competent cell line, MCL-5. A linear, dose-dependent increase in micronuclei was observed following exposure to bis(2,3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether. The DNA strand-breaking capacity of this chemical was assessed in the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis ("comet") assay with MCL-5 cells. Bis(2,3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether clearly induced DNA strand breaks in the 4.5-45.5 microg/ml dose range. The ether also induced malignant transformation in C3H/M2 mouse fibroblasts after metabolic activation (S9 mix). Thus, it must be suspected that bis(2, 3-dichloro-1-propyl) ether may possess a carcinogenic potential. Since the compound along with its isomers is present in considerable concentrations in surface water, their elimination is a matter of significant public concern.

Inpatient cervical screening: a survey of patient acceptability.

Offering Pap tests to hospital inpatients could increase cervical screening rates. A survey to examine the acceptability of this concept was conducted with female inpatients in a rural public hospital. A large majority reported that they would find hospital Pap tests acceptable. Acceptability was not related to Pap test status, attitudes, or knowledge of cervical cancer. This strategy may provide access to cervical screening for underscreened groups.

Malignant transformation of mouse M2-fibroblasts by glycerol chlorohydrines contained in protein hydrolysates and commercial food.

Glycerol chlorohydrines, such as 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol, are present in commercial protein hydrolysates used for human nutrition. These compounds are genotoxic and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol induced tumors in rats. Now it is reported that both compounds are active at inducing malignant transformation of mouse fibroblasts. Therefore, the carcinogenic risk to humans by exposure to these compounds contained in food is of concern. The investigation of the in vivo carcinogenic potential of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol is urgently required to further evaluate the carcinogenic risk to exposed consumers.