An integrated LC-MS/MS platform for noninvasive urinary nucleus acid adductomics: A pilot study for tobacco exposure.

Tobacco smoke exposure significantly increases the level of global nucleoside damage. To evaluate all aspects of nucleic acid (NA) modifications, NA adductomics analyzes DNA, RNA and nucleobase adducts and provides comprehensive data. Liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS/MS) and LC-Zeno-TOF-MS/MS were employed to screen for DNA, RNA and nucleobase adducts, as part of the analytical platform that was designed to combine high sensitivity and high resolution detection. We identified and distinguished urine nucleoside adducts via precursor ion and neutral loss scanning. A total of 245 potential adducts were detected, of which 28 were known adducts. The smoking group had significantly higher concentrations of nucleoside adducts in rat urine than the control group, based on MRM scanning, which was then used to perform relative quantitative analysis of these adducts. Urine nucleoside adducts were further confirmed using LC-Zeno-TOF-MS/MS. This highlights the potential of untargeted detection methods to provide comprehensive data on both known and unknown adducts. These approaches can be used to investigate the interactions among oxidative and alkylation stresses, and epigenetic modifications caused by exposure to tobacco smoke.

Intra- and Inter-Species Variability in Urinary N7-(1-Hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl)guanine Adducts Following Inhalation Exposure to 1,3-Butadiene.

1,3-Butadiene is a known carcinogen primarily targeting lymphoid tissues, lung, and liver. Cytochrome P450 activates butadiene to epoxides which form covalent DNA adducts that are thought to be a key mechanistic event in cancer. Previous studies suggested that inter-species, -tissue, and -individual susceptibility to adverse health effects of butadiene exposure may be due to differences in metabolism and other mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to examine the extent of inter-individual and inter-species variability in the urinary N7-(1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl)guanine (EB-GII) DNA adduct, a well-known biomarker of exposure to butadiene. For a population variability study in mice, we used the collaborative cross model. Female and male mice from five strains were exposed to filtered air or butadiene (590 ppm, 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks) by inhalation. Urine samples were collected, and the metabolic activation of butadiene by DNA-reactive species was quantified as urinary EB-GII adducts. We quantified the degree of EB-GII variation across mouse strains and sexes; then, we compared this variation with the data from rats (exposed to 62.5 or 200 ppm butadiene) and humans (0.004-2.2 ppm butadiene). We show that sex and strain are significant contributors to the variability in urinary EB-GII levels in mice. In addition, we find that the degree of variability in urinary EB-GII in collaborative cross mice, when expressed as an uncertainty factor for the inter-individual variability (UFH), is relatively modest (≤threefold) possibly due to metabolic saturation. By contrast, the variability in urinary EB-GII (adjusted for exposure) observed in humans, while larger than the default value of 10-fold, is largely consistent with UFH estimates for other chemicals based on human data for non-cancer endpoints. Overall, these data demonstrate that urinary EB-GII levels, particularly from human studies, may be useful for quantitative characterization of human variability in cancer risks to butadiene.

Ethnic differences in excretion of butadiene-DNA adducts by current smokers.

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a known human carcinogen used in the synthetic polymer industry and also found in cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust and wood burning smoke. BD is metabolically activated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP) 2E1 and 2A6 to 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EB), which can be detoxified by GST-catalyzed glutathione conjugation or hydrolysis. We have previously observed ethnic differences in urinary levels of EB-mercapturic acids in white, Japanese American and Native Hawaiian smokers. In the present study, similar analyses were extended to urinary BD-DNA adducts. BD-induced N7-(1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl) guanine (EB-GII) adducts were quantified in urine samples obtained from smokers and non-smokers belonging to three racial/ethnic groups: white, Japanese American and Native Hawaiian. After adjusting for sex, age, nicotine equivalents, body mass index and batch, we found that Japanese American smokers excreted significantly higher amounts of urinary EB-GII than whites [1.45 (95% confidence interval: 1.12-1.87) versus 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.85) fmol/ml urine, P = 4 × 10-5]. Levels of urinary EB-GII in Native Hawaiian smokers were not different from those in whites [0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.84) fmol/ml urine, P = 0.938]. There were no racial/ethnic differences in urinary EB-GII adduct levels in non-smokers. Racial/ethnic differences in urinary EB-GII adduct levels in smokers could not be explained by GSTT1 gene deletion or CYP2A6 enzymatic activity. Urinary EB-GII adduct levels in smokers were significantly associated with concentrations of BD metabolite dihyroxybutyl mercapturic acid. Overall, our results reveal that urinary EB-GII adducts in smokers differ across racial/ethnic groups. Future studies are required to understand genetic and epigenetic factors that may be responsible for these differences.

Urinary N7-(1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl) guanine adducts in humans: temporal stability and association with smoking.

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a known human carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, and urban air. Workers occupationally exposed to BD in the workplace have an increased incidence of leukemia and lymphoma. BD undergoes cytochrome P450-mediated metabolic activation to 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EB), 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB) and 1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxybutane (EBD), which form covalent adducts with DNA. We have previously reported a quantitative nanoLC/ESI+-HRMS3 method for urinary N7-(1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl) guanine (EB-GII) adducts as a mechanism-based biomarker of BD exposure. In the present study, the method was updated to include high throughput 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) and employed to establish urinary EB-GII biomarker stability and association with smoking. Urinary EB-GII levels were measured bimonthly for 1 year in 19 smokers to determine whether single adduct measurement provides reliable levels of EB-GII in an individual smoker. In addition, association of EB-GII with smoking was studied in 17 individuals participating in a smoking cessation program. EB-GII levels decreased 34% upon smoking cessation, indicating that it is associated with smoking status, but may also originate from sources other than exposure to cigarette smoke.

Association between a urinary biomarker for exposure to PAH and blood level of the acute phase protein serum amyloid A in coke oven workers.

BACKGROUND: Coke oven workers are exposed to both free and particle bound PAH. Through this exposure, the workers may be at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Systemic levels of acute phase response proteins have been linked to cardiovascular disease in epidemiological studies, suggesting it as a marker of these conditions. The aim of this study was to assess whether there was association between PAH exposure and the blood level of the acute phase inflammatory response marker serum amyloid A (SAA) in coke oven workers. METHODS: A total of 87 male Polish coke oven workers from two different plants comprised the study population. Exposure was assessed by means of the individual post-shift urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene, as internal dose of short-term PAH exposure, and by anti-benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (anti-B[a]PDE)-DNA), as a biomarker of long-term PAH exposure. Blood levels of acute phase proteins SAA and CRP were measured by immunoassay. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were included to adjust for baseline levels of SAA. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression showed that the major determinants of increased SAA levels were urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (beta = 0.56, p = 0.030) and serum CRP levels (beta = 7.08; p < 0.0001) whereas anti-B[a]PDE-DNA, the GSTM1 detoxifying genotype, diet, and smoking were not associated with SAA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene as biomarker of short-term PAH exposure and serum levels of CRP were predictive of serum levels of SAA in coke oven workers. Our data suggest that exposure of coke oven workers to PAH can lead to increased systemic acute response and therefore potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Urinary and Genetic Biomonitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Egyptian Coke Oven Workers: Associations between Exposure, Effect, and Carcinogenic Risk Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Coke oven workers are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with possible genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Metabolizing enzymes genes and DNA repair genes are suspected to be correlated with the level of DNA damage. They may contribute to variable individual sensitivity to DNA damage induced by PAHs exposure at workplace. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between biomarkers of PAHs: 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), DNA adducts, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in coke oven workers, and to assess the role of cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1) gene expression and DNA repairing gene (XRCC1) polymorphism in detecting workers at risk. METHODS: 85 exposed workers and 85 unexposed controls were enrolled into this study. Urinary 1-OHP, 8-OHdG, and BPDE-DNA adduct were measured. CYP2E1 gene expression and genotyping of XRCC1 399 Arg/Gln were evaluated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The median urinary 1-OHP levels (6.3 µmol/mol creatinine), urinary 8-OHdG (7.9 ng/mg creatinine), DNA adducts (6.7 ng/µg DNA) in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the unexposed group. Carriers of the variant allele (Gln) of XRCC1 had the highest levels of 1-OHP, DNA adducts and 8-OHdG, and the lowest level of CYP2E1 gene expression. In exposed workers, significant positive correlations were found between 1-OHP level and each of the work duration, 8-OHdG, and DNA adducts levels. There was a significant negative correlation between 1-OHP level and CYP2E1 gene expression. Work duration and CYP2E1 gene expression were predictors of DNA adducts level; 1-OHP level and work duration were predictors of urinary 8-OHdG level. CONCLUSION: Workers with higher exposure to PAH were more prone to oxidative DNA damage and cancer development. DNA adducts level reflects the balance between their production by CYP2E1 and elimination by XRCC1 gene.

Urinary DNA adductomics - A novel approach for exposomics.

The exposome is a concept that encompasses the totality of internal and external environmental exposures, from conception onwards. Evaluation of the exposome, across the lifecourse represents a significant challenge, e.g., methods/technology may simply not exist to comprehensively assess all exposures, or they may not be applicable to human populations, or may have insufficient sensitivity. Cellular DNA adductomics aims to determine the totality of DNA adducts in the cellular genome. However, application to human populations requires the necessarily invasive sampling of tissue, to obtain sufficient DNA for sensitive analysis, which can represent a logistical and IRB challenge, particularly when investigating vulnerable populations. To circumvent this, we recently applied DNA adductomics to urine, detecting a range of expected and unexpected 2'-deoxyribonucleoside DNA adducts. However, base excision repair, the main DNA repair pathway for non-bulky DNA adducts, and processes such as spontaneous depurination, generate nucleobase adducts. Herein we propose a strategy to simultaneously assess 2'-deoxyribonucleoside and nucleobase adducts, using a widely used mass spectrometic platform (i.e., triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry). This will provide a much needed DNA adductomic approach for non-invasively, biomonitoring environmental exposures, through assessing the totality of DNA adducts; contributing to the evaluation of the exposome, across the life-course.

Contribution of Tobacco Use and 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone to Three Methyl DNA Adducts in Urine.

Human urinary DNA adducts may be useful surrogate biomarkers to estimate carcinogen exposure and activation, particularly if such adducts are of high selectivity from a specific carcinogen source. In this report, we provided evidence supporting tobacco use and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) being the dominant source for 3-methyladenine (3-mA), while nontobacco factors contribute significantly to 7-methylguanine and 1-methyladenine in the urine. Upon confirmation in human urine samples from larger populations in the future, urinary 3-mA may be used to estimate NNK bioactivation in smokers and to facilitate the development of a chemopreventive agent against NNK-induced carcinogenesis.

Novel approach to integrated DNA adductomics for the assessment of in vitro and in vivo environmental exposures.

Adductomics is expected to be useful in the characterization of the exposome, which is a new paradigm for studying the sum of environmental causes of diseases. DNA adductomics is emerging as a powerful method for detecting DNA adducts, but reliable assays for its widespread, routine use are currently lacking. We propose a novel integrated strategy for the establishment of a DNA adductomic approach, using liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS/MS), operating in constant neutral loss scan mode, screening for both known and unknown DNA adducts in a single injection. The LC-QqQ-MS/MS was optimized using a representative sample of 23 modified 2'-deoxyribonucleosides reflecting a range of biologically relevant DNA lesions. Six internal standards (ISTDs) were evaluated for their ability to normalize, and hence correct, possible variation in peak intensities arising from matrix effects, and the quantities of DNA injected. The results revealed that, with appropriate ISTDs adjustment, any bias can be dramatically reduced from 370 to 8.4%. Identification of the informative DNA adducts was achieved by triggering fragmentation spectra of target ions. The LC-QqQ-MS/MS method was successfully applied to in vitro and in vivo studies to screen for DNA adducts formed following representative environmental exposures: methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and five N-nitrosamines. Interestingly, five new DNA adducts, induced by MMS, were discovered using our adductomic approach-an added strength. The proposed integrated strategy provides a path forward for DNA adductomics to become a standard method to discover differences in DNA adduct fingerprints between populations exposed to genotoxins, and facilitate the field of exposomics.

Simultaneous quantification of three alkylated­purine adducts in human urine using sulfonic acid poly(glycidyl methacrylate­divinylbenzene)-based microspheres as sorbent combined with LC-MS/MS.

Three alkylated DNA adducts, N3­methyladenine, N3­ethyladenine and N7­ethylguanine, have been proved to be potential biomarkers for DNA injury caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. In this study, a highly specific and sensitive method using a new mixed-mode sulfonate-functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) as a solid-phase extraction sorbent was developed for the analysis of these three alkylated-purine adducts in human urine. Under optimized conditions, the prepared sorbent interacts strongly with these urinary adducts, demonstrating high clean-up efficiency and extraction recovery. The method detection limits (S/N ≥ 3) of N3-MeA, N3-EtA and N7-EtG were 1.75, 0.20, and 0.15 pg mL-1, respectively, while the method quantitation limits were found to be 5.78, 0.66, and 0.49 pg mL-1 for N3-MeA, N3-EtA and N7-EtG, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were investigated, of which were in the range of 1.6-3.8% and 3.2-5.6%, respectively. The recovery values of the alkylated DNA adducts in spiked urine sample were ranged 89.7-104.5%. Their concentrations were statistically significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. These results show that the proposed method is suitable for the analysis of alkylated DNA adducts.

Urinary Methyleugenol-deoxyadenosine Adduct as a Potential Biomarker of Methyleugenol Exposure in Rats.

Methyleugenol (ME), a natural ingredient of several herbs and spices used in the human diet, is hepatocarcinogenic in rodents. Following metabolic activation to the reactive carbocation intermediate, ME can bind covalently to DNA, which is directly associated with its carcinogenicity. In this work, a non-invasive approach to determine ME exposure was established by monitoring the urinary N6-(methylisoeugenol-3'-yl)-2'-deoxyadenosine (ME-dA) adduct. The developed method entails liquid-liquid extraction enrichment of urinary ME-dA, incorporation of deuterated ME-dA as an internal standard, and analysis by liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry. Male rats (10-12 weeks, 180-200 g) were treated (p.o.) with ME, and ME-dA was excreted in urine in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The non-invasive approach enabled us to successfully determine exposure to ME-containing herbs and spices. These results suggest that ME-dA can potentially serve as an effective biomarker of ME exposure in rats. It is expected that the developed approach of detecting urinary ME-dA will facilitate the investigation of ME carcinogenesis.

Infection with Opisthorchis felineus induces intraepithelial neoplasia of the biliary tract in a rodent model.

The liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus is a member of the triad of epidemiologically relevant species of the trematode family Opisthorchiidae, and the causative agent of opisthorchiasis felinea over an extensive range that spans regions of Eurasia. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the infection with the liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis as group 1 agents and a major risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. However, the carcinogenic potential of the infection with O. felineus is less clear. Here, we present findings that support the inclusion of O. felineus in the Group 1 list of biological carcinogens. Two discrete lines of evidence support the notion that infection with this liver fluke is carcinogenic. First, novel oxysterol-like metabolites detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the egg and adult developmental stages of O. felineus, and in bile, sera, and urine of liver fluke-infected hamsters exhibited marked similarity to oxysterol-like molecules known from O. viverrini. Numerous oxysterols and related DNA-adducts detected in the liver fluke eggs and in bile from infected hamsters suggested that infection-associated oxysterols induced chromosomal lesions in host cells. Second, histological analysis of liver sections from hamsters infected with O. felineus confirmed portal area enlargement, inflammation with severe periductal fibrosis and changes in the epithelium of the biliary tract characterized as biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, BilIN. The consonance of these biochemical and histopathological changes revealed that O. felineus infection in this rodent model induced precancerous lesions conducive to malignancy.

High Level of Tobacco Carcinogen-Derived DNA Damage in Oral Cells Is an Independent Predictor of Oral/Head and Neck Cancer Risk in Smokers.

Exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is recognized to play an important role in the development of oral/head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). We recently reported higher levels of TSNA-associated DNA adducts in the oral cells of smokers with HNSCC as compared with cancer-free smokers. In this study, we further investigated the tobacco constituent exposures in the same smokers to better understand the potential causes for the elevated oral DNA damage in smokers with HNSCC. Subjects included cigarette smokers with HNSCC (cases, n = 30) and cancer-free smokers (controls, n = 35). At recruitment, tobacco/alcohol use questionnaires were completed, and urine and oral cell samples were obtained. Analysis of urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and N'-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN; TSNA biomarkers), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP, a PAH), cotinine, 3'-hydroxycotinine, and the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) were performed. Cases and controls differed in mean age, male preponderance, and frequency of alcohol consumption (but not total alcoholic drinks). Univariate analysis revealed similar levels of NNN, 1-HOP, and cotinine between groups but, as reported previously, significantly higher DNA adduct formation in the cases. Multiple regression adjusting for potential confounders showed persistent significant difference in DNA adduct levels between cases and controls [ratio of geometric means, 20.0; 95% CI, 2.7-148.6). Our cohort of smokers with HNSCC demonstrates higher levels of TSNA-derived oral DNA damage in the setting of similar exposure to nicotine and tobacco carcinogens. Among smokers, DNA adduct formation may act as a predictor of eventual development of HNSCC that is independent of carcinogen exposure indicators. Cancer Prev Res; 10(9); 507-13. ©2017 AACRSee related editorial by Johnson and Bauman, p. 489.

Disposition of the Dietary Mutagen 2-Amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline in Healthy and Pancreatic Cancer Compromised Humans.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Once diagnosed, prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Exposure to carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) derived from cooked meat has been shown to be positively associated with pancreatic cancer risk. To evaluate the processes that determine the carcinogenic potential of HCAs for human pancreas, 14-carbon labeled 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), a putative human carcinogenic HCA found in well-done cooked meat, was administered at a dietary relevant dose to human volunteers diagnosed with pancreatic cancer undergoing partial pancreatectomy and healthy control volunteers. After (14)C-MeIQx exposure, blood and urine were collected for pharmacokinetic and metabolite analysis. MeIQx-DNA adducts levels were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry from pancreatic tissue excised during surgery from the cancer patient group. Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma revealed a rapid distribution of MeIQx with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 3.5 h in 50% of the cancer patients and all of the control volunteers. In 2 of the 4 cancer patients, very low levels of MeIQx were detected in plasma and urine suggesting low absorption from the gut into the plasma. Urinary metabolite analysis revealed five MeIQx metabolites with 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline-8-carboxylic acid being the most abundant accounting for 25%-50% of the recovered 14-carbon/mL urine. There was no discernible difference in metabolite levels between the cancer patient volunteers and the control group. MeIQx-DNA adduct analysis of pancreas and duodenum tissue revealed adduct levels indistinguishable from background levels. Although other meat-derived HCA mutagens have been shown to bind DNA in pancreatic tissue, indicating that exposure to HCAs from cooked meat cannot be discounted as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the results from this current study show that exposure to a single dietary dose of MeIQx does not readily form measurable DNA adducts under the conditions of the experiment.

Effect of Increased Water Intake on Urinary DNA Adduct Levels and Mutagenicity in Smokers: A Randomized Study.

UNLABELLED: The association between fluid intake and bladder cancer risk remains controversial. Very little is known about to which extent the amount of water intake influences the action of excreting toxics upon the urinary system. This proof of concept trial investigates the effect of water intake on mutagenesis in smokers, a high risk population for bladder cancer. METHODS: Monocentric randomized controlled trial. Inclusion Criteria. Male subjects aged 2045-45 y/o, smokers, and small drinkers (24-hour urinary volume <1 L and osmolality >700 mOsmol/kg). OUTCOMES: 4-ABP DNA adducts formation in exfoliated bladder cells in 24-hour urine collection and urinary mutagenicity in 24-hour urine. TEST GROUP: Subjects consumed 1.5 L daily of the study product (EVIAN) on top of their usual water intake for 50 days. CONTROL GROUP: Subjects continued their usual lifestyle habits. RESULTS: 65 subjects were randomized. Mean age was 30 y/o and mean cigarettes per day were 20. A slight decrease in adducts formation was observed between baseline and last visit but no statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the groups. Urinary mutagenicity significantly decreased. The study shows that increasing water intake decreases urinary mutagenicity. It is not confirmed by urinary adducts formation. Further research would be necessary.

Estrogen-like metabolites and DNA-adducts in urogenital schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer.

An estrogen-DNA adduct mediated pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of the squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with infection with the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium. Extracts from developmental stages of S. haematobium, including eggs, induce tumor-like phenotypes in cultured cells. In addition, estrogen-derived, reactive metabolites occur in this pathogen and in sera of infected persons. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed on urine from 40 Angolans diagnosed with urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), half of who also presented UGS-associated squamous cell carcinoma and/or urothelial cell carcinoma. The analysis revealed numerous estrogen-like metabolites, including seven specifically identified in UGS cases, but not reported in the database of metabolites in urine of healthy humans. These schistosome infection-associated metabolites included catechol estrogen quinones (CEQ) and CEQ-DNA-adducts, two of which had been identified previously in S. haematobium. In addition, novel metabolites derived directly from 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) were identified in urine of all 40 cases of UGS. These metabolites can be expected to provide deeper insights into the carcinogenesis UGS-induced bladder cancer, and as biomarkers for diagnosis and/or prognosis of this neglected tropical disease-linked cancer.

Ultrasensitive UPLC-MS-MS method for the quantitation of etheno-DNA adducts in human urine.

Etheno-DNA adducts are generated from the metabolism of exogenous carcinogens and endogenous lipid peroxidation. We and others have previously reported that 1,N6-ethenodeoxyadenosine (εdA) and 3,N4-ethenodeoxycytidine (εdC) are present in human urine and can be utilized as biomarkers of oxidative stress. In this study, we report a new ultrasensitive UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the analysis of εdA and edC in human urine, capable of detecting 0.5 fmol εdA and 0.3 fmol εdC in 1.0 mL of human urine, respectively. For validation of the method, 20 human urine samples were analyzed, and the results revealed that the mean levels of εdA and εdC (SD) fmol/µmol creatinine are 5.82 ± 2.11 (range 3.0-9.5) for εdA and 791.4 ± 328.8 (range 116.7-1264.9) for εdC in occupational benzene-exposed workers and 2.10 ± 1.32 (range 0.6-4.7) for εdA and 161.8 ± 200.9 (range 1.8-557.5) for εdC in non-benzene-exposed workers, respectively. The ultrasensitive detection method is thus suitable for applications in human biomonitoring and molecular epidemiology studies.

Urinary estrogen metabolites and self-reported infertility in women infected with Schistosoma haematobium.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, endemic in 76 countries, that afflicts more than 240 million people. The impact of schistosomiasis on infertility may be underestimated according to recent literature. Extracts of Schistosoma haematobium include estrogen-like metabolites termed catechol-estrogens that down regulate estrogen receptors alpha and beta in estrogen responsive cells. In addition, schistosome derived catechol-estrogens induce genotoxicity that result in estrogen-DNA adducts. These catechol estrogens and the catechol-estrogen-DNA adducts can be isolated from sera of people infected with S. haematobium. The aim of this study was to study infertility in females infected with S. haematobium and its association with the presence of schistosome-derived catechol-estrogens. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken of female residents of a region in Bengo province, Angola, endemic for schistosomiasis haematobia. Ninety-three women and girls, aged from two (parents interviewed) to 94 years were interviewed on present and previous urinary, urogenital and gynecological symptoms and complaints. Urine was collected from the participants for egg-based parasitological assessment of schistosome infection, and for liquid chromatography diode array detection electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/UV-DAD/ESI-MSn) to investigate estrogen metabolites in the urine. Novel estrogen-like metabolites, potentially of schistosome origin, were detected in the urine of participants who were positive for eggs of S. haematobium, but not detected in urines negative for S. haematobium eggs. The catechol-estrogens/ DNA adducts were significantly associated with schistosomiasis (OR 3.35; 95% CI 2.32-4.84; P≤0.001). In addition, presence of these metabolites was positively associated with infertility (OR 4.33; 95% CI 1.13-16.70; P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Estrogen metabolites occur widely in diverse metabolic pathways. In view of the statistically significant association between catechol-estrogens/ DNA adducts and self-reported infertility, we propose that an estrogen-DNA adduct mediated pathway in S. haematobium-induced ovarian hormonal deregulation could be involved. In addition, the catechol-estrogens/ DNA adducts described here represent potential biomarkers for schistosomiasis haematobia.

Simultaneous determination of four sulfur mustard-DNA adducts in rabbit urine after dermal exposure by isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a classic vesicant agent, which has been greatly employed in several wars or military conflicts. The most lesion mechanism is its strong alkylation of DNAs in vivo. Until now there are four specific DNA adducts of SM identified for further retrospective detection, i.e., N(7)-(2-hydroxyethylthioethyl)-2'-guanine (N(7)-HETEG), bis(2-ethyl-N(7)-guanine)thioether (Bis-G), N(3)-(2-hydroxyethylthioethyl)-2'-adenine (N(3)-HETEA) and O(6)-(2-hydroxyethylthioethyl)-2'-guanine (O(6)-HETEG), respectively. Here, a novel and sensitive method of isotope-dilution ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combining with solid phase extraction was reported for the simultaneous determination of four SM-DNA adducts. A lower limit of detection of 2-5ngL(-1), and a lower limit of quantitation of 5-10ngL(-1) were achieved, respectively, and the recoveries ranged from 87% to 116%. We applied this method in the determination of four SM-DNA adducts in rabbit urine after dermal exposure by SM in three dose levels (2, 5, 15mgkg(-1)), so as to investigate the related metabolic behavior in vivo. For the first time, in SM exposed rabbit urine, our results revealed the relative accumulation abundance of four SM-DNA adducts, i.e., 67.4% for N(7)-HETEG, 22.7% for Bis-G, 9.8% for N(3)-HETEA, 0.1% for O(6)-HETEG, and significant dose and time dependent responses of these SM-DNA adducts. The four adducts were detectable after 8h, afterwards, their contents continuously increased, achieved maximum in the first two or three days and then gradually decreased till the end of one month. Meanwhile, the amounts of SM-DNA adducts were positively correlated with the exposure doses.

Unbalanced estrogen metabolism in ovarian cancer.

Greater exposure to estrogens is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. To investigate the role of estrogens in ovarian cancer, a spot urine sample and a saliva sample were obtained from 33 women with ovarian cancer and 34 age-matched controls. Thirty-eight estrogen metabolites, conjugates and DNA adducts were analyzed in the urine samples using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, and the ratio of adducts to metabolites and conjugates was calculated for each sample. The ratio of depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts to estrogen metabolites and conjugates was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (p < 0.0001), demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity. DNA was purified from the saliva samples and analyzed for genetic polymorphisms in the genes for two estrogen-metabolizing enzymes. Women with two low-activity alleles of catechol-O-methyltransferase plus one or two high-activity alleles of cytochrome P450 1B1 had higher levels of estrogen-DNA adducts and were more likely to have ovarian cancer. These findings indicate that estrogen metabolism is unbalanced in ovarian cancer and suggest that formation of estrogen-DNA adducts plays a critical role in the initiation of ovarian cancer.