Psoralen and isopsoralen from Psoraleae Fructus aroused hepatotoxicity via induction of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated CYP1A2 expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Psoraleae Fructus (PF), a traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used to treat diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis and leukoderma. Psoralen and isopsoralen are main bioactive ingredients of PF with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, estrogen-like neuroprotection, etc., meanwhile they are also representative hepatotoxic components of PF. Hepatic CYP1A2 has been reported to be the important metabolic enzymes involved in psoralen and isopsoralen-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the relationship between the hepatotoxicity and CYP1A2 expression, and the underlying mechanism of regulating CYP1A2 expression remain unclear.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore the associated mechanism between psoralen or isopsoralen induced hepatotoxicity and activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated transcriptional induction of CYP1A2 in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Psoralen and isopsoralen at different doses were treated on HepG2 cells (10, 25, 50, 100, 200 μM for 2, 12, 24, 36, 48 h) and mice (20, 80, 160 mg/kg for 3, 7, 14 days) for different time, to assess the correlation of induced hepatotoxicity and CYP1A2 mRNA and protein expression in vivo and in vitro, as well as the effect on CYP1A2 enzyme activity evaluated by phenacetin metabolism. In addition, the potential mechanism of the regulation of CYP1A2 expression mediated by AhR was explored through nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, immunofluorescence, cellular thermal shift assay and molecular docking, etc. RESULTS: Psoralen and isopsoralen induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, and hepatomegaly, biochemicals disorder and tissue pathological impairment in mice, respectively in dose- and time-dependent manners. Simultaneously accompanied with elevated levels of CYP1A2 mRNA and protein in the same trend, and the CYP1A2 activity was remarkably inhibited in vitro but significantly elevated overall in vivo. Besides, psoralen and isopsoralen bound to AhR and activated translocation of AhR from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, leading to the transcriptional induction of target gene CYP1A2.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatotoxicities in HepG2 cells and mice aroused by psoralen and isopsoralen were related to the induction of CYP1A2 expression and activity, whose underlying mechanism might be psoralen or isopsoralen activated AhR translocation and induced increase of CYP1A2 transcriptional expression. Hopefully, these finding are conductive to propose an alert about the combined usage of psoralen or isopsoralen and AhR ligands or CYP1A2 substrates in clinical practice.

Evaluation of photocytotoxicity liposomal form of furanocoumarins Sosnowsky's hogweed

Sosnovsky's hogweed, Heracleum sosnowskyi has a high photosensitizing ability. Although Sosnovsky's hogweed is known as a poisonous plant, its chemical composition and phototoxicity are poorly studied. We analyzed the chemical composition of the Sosnovsky's hogweed juice that grew in natural conditions. It was found that the content of 8-methoxypsoralen in the juice is 1332.7 mg/L, and that of 5-methoxypsoralen is 34.2 mg/L. We have developed and analyzed liposomes containing furanocoumarins of Sosnovsky's hogweed juice and studied their photocytotoxicity in L929 mouse fibroblast cell culture. It was found that liposomes containing furanocoumarins of Sosnovsky's hogweed juice are more toxic for L929 cells in comparison with liposomal forms of pure substances 8-methoxypsoralen and 5-methoxypsoralen. It was found that when exposed to UV radiation at 365 nm at a dose of 22.2 J/cm², the liposomal form of furanocoumarins Sosnovsky's hogweed is 3 times more toxic to L929 cells than in the dark. It was found that the photocytotoxic effect of liposomal furanocoumarins Sosnovsky's hogweed is a strongly stimulation of apoptosis.The data obtained suggest that the raw material of Sosnovsky's hogweed claims to be a source of furanocoumarins, and the liposomal form, given the hydrophobic properties of furanocoumarins, is very suitable for creating a phototherapeutic drug.

Synthesis and Photoactivated Toxicity of 2-Thiophenylfuranocoumarin Induce Midgut Damage and Apoptosis in Aedes aegypti Larvae

Furanocoumarins are photoactive compounds derived from secondary plant metabolites. They possess many bioactivities, including antioxidative, anticancer, insecticidal, and bactericidal activities. Here, we designed a new scheme for synthesizing 2-arylfuranocoumarin derivatives by condensation, esterification, bromination, and Wittig reaction. We found that 2-thiophenylfuranocoumarin (Iy) had excellent photosensitive activity. Three Iy concentrations (LC₂₅, LC₅₀, and LC₇₅) were used to treat the fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti). The photoactivated toxicity, sublethal dose, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress level, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and apoptosis were studied. The results showed that Iy induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in midgut cells under ultraviolet light. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that mitochondria were damaged, and the activities of related enzymes were inhibited. Ultimately, Iy exposure led to excessive ROS production followed by the inhibition of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR, which diminished ROS elimination and escalated oxidative stress in midgut cells, aggravating the degree of oxidative damage in these cells. Histopathological changes were observed in the midgut, which led to intestinal barrier dysfunction. When the elimination of ROS was blocked and it accumulated in cells, apoptosis-related genes, including AeDronc, AeCaspase7, and AeCaspase8, were induced and activated. In addition, Iy affected the growth and development of A. aegypti at sublethal concentrations, and there was an obvious post-lethal effect. Thus, we found that Iy caused midgut damage and apoptosis in A. aegypti larvae under ultraviolet light, which preliminarily revealed the mode of action of Iy in A. aegypti.

Imperatorin: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics

As a naturally occurring furanocoumarin, the medicinal value of imperatorin has been studied more and more. We hope to provide useful information for the further development of imperatorin by analyzing the literature of imperatorin in recent years. By collating the literature on the pharmacology of imperatorin, we found that the pharmacological activity of imperatorin is wide and imperatorin can be used for anti-cancer, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertension and antibacterial. In addition, we found that some researchers confirmed the toxicity of imperatorin. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that oxidation metabolism is the main metabolic pathways of imperatorin. At present, the shortcomings of research on imperatorin mainly include: most pharmacological studies are concentrated in vitro, lacking enough in vivo experimental data; more and more studies showed that imperatorin has synergistic effect with other drugs in anticancer and other aspects, but lacking the detailed explanation of the mechanism of the synergistic effect; imperatorin has side effect, but it lacks enough experimental conclusions. Based on the above defects, we believe that more in vivo experiments of imperatorin should be carried out in the future; future research need to explore synergistic mechanisms of imperatorin with other drugs, especially in anticancer; the dose affects both the pharmacological activity and the side effect of imperatorin. The relationship between the dose and the two aspects need to be further studied in order to reduce the side effect. In addition, through structural modification of imperatorin, it is possible to improve the treatment effect and reduce side effect.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of furocoumarins of Ducrosia anethifolia

CONTEXT

Phytochemical and pharmacological data on Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss. (Apiaceae), an Iranian medicinal plant, are scarce; however, furocoumarins are characteristic compounds of D. anethifolia.

OBJECTIVE

Our experiments identify the secondary metabolites of D. anethifolia and assess their antitumor and anti-multidrug resistance activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pure compounds were isolated from the extract of aerial parts of the plant by chromatographic methods. Bioactivities were tested on multidrug resistant and sensitive mouse T-lymphoma cell lines. The inhibition of the cancer MDR efflux pump ABCB1 was evaluated by flow cytometry (at 2 and 20 µM). A checkerboard microplate method was applied to study the interactions of furocoumarins and doxorubicin. Toxicity was studied using normal murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts.

RESULTS

Thirteen pure compounds were isolated, nine furocoumarins namely, pabulenol (1), (+)-oxypeucedanin hydrate (2), oxypeucedanin (3), oxypeucedanin methanolate (4), (-)-oxypeucedanin hydrate (5), imperatorin (6), isogospherol (7), heraclenin (8), heraclenol (9), along with vanillic aldehyde (10), harmine (11), 3-hydroxy-α-ionone (12) and 2-C-methyl-erythrytol (13). Oxypeucedanin showed the highest in vitro antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity against parent (IC50  = 25.98 ± 1.27, 40.33 ± 0.63 µM) and multidrug resistant cells (IC50  = 28.89 ± 0.73, 66.68 ± 0.00 µM), respectively, and exhibited slight toxicity on normal murine fibroblasts (IC50  = 57.18 ± 3.91 µM).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Compounds 2, 3, 5, 7, 10-13 were identified for the first time from the Ducrosia genus. Here, we report a comprehensive in vitro assessment of the antitumor activities of D. anethifolia furocoumarins. Oxypeucedanin is a promising compound for further investigations for its anticancer effects.

[Sosnowsky's hogweed - toxicology and threat to health]

Sosnowsky's hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) is a genus of plants in the family Apiaceae which also includes Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier and Levier). They are both found in Central Europe, mainly in neglected green areas or riversides. Sosnowsky's hogweed was brought to Poland from the Soviet Union in the 1950s to be used in animal feed production. Intended goals couldn't be achieved and the plant spread throughout grounds distant to the primarily cultivated lands. Sosnowsky's hogweed is especially hazardous in direct contact with human skin. It results from the content of photoallergic substances called furanocoumarins in its essential oil. Clinically it is presented as burns, mainly of 2nd and 3rd degree. They mostly occur on the face, upper and lower limbs. Typical symptoms include pain, redness, swelling and heat in the area of exposure. Their extent depends on burn's depth and area and also on time of exposure to plant's toxins. In this article we present Sosnowsky's hogweed's activity and its influence on human health.

Antiproliferative Effect of Angelica archangelica Fruits

The aim of this work was to study the antiproliferative effect of a tincture from fruits of Angelica archangelica and the active components using the human pancreas cancer cell line PANC-1 as a model. Significant dose-dependent antiproliferative activity was observed in the tincture with an EC50 value of 28.6 μg/ml. Strong antiproliferative activity resulted from the two most abundant furanocoumarins in the tincture, imperatorin and xanthotoxin. The contribution of terpenes to this activity was insignificant. Imperatorin and xanthotoxin proved to be highly antiproliferative, with EC50 values of 2.7 μg/ml and 3.7 μg/ml, respectively, equivalent to 10 and 17 μm. The results indicate that furanocoumarins account for most of the antiproliferative activity of the tincture.

Phytotoxic furanocoumarins from the shoots of Semenovia transiliensis

Discovery of novel, natural herbicides has become important to manage increasing weed resistance to synthetic herbicides and environmental issues. The systematic bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of the methylene chloride/methanol extract of the shoots of Semenovia transiliensis led to the isolation of several phytotoxic compounds. Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce, a dicot) and Agrostis stolonifera L. (bentgrass, a monocot) bioassays were used to identify and isolate the phytotoxic fractions. A number of furanocoumarin compounds isolated from S. transiliensis shoots were phytotoxic to both test species. These included psoralen, isopsoralen, heratomin, isopentenyloxyisobergapten, imperatorin, bergapten, xanthotoxin, heraclenin, and heraclenol. All the active secondary metabolites isolated from the shoots of S. transiliensis were furanocoumarins. Identification of these was accomplished using mass spectrometry and 1- and 2-dimensional NMR techniques. Phytotoxic activity o f isolated compounds w a s evaluated in a dose-response manner from 0.3 to 1000 microM. Ingeneral, all of the compounds were more active on A. stolonifera than L. sativa. Bergaptin and xanthotoxin were the most active of the compounds, with moderate activity at 100 microM. Imperatorin and xanthotoxin inhibited growth of Lemna paucicostata Hegelm. by 50% at 29 and 60 microM, respectively. Our results show that S. transiliensis is rich in furanocoumarins, which are probably involved in various aspects of the chemical ecology of the species. Unfortunately, the general cytotoxicity of furanocoumarins makes them an unlikely candidate for pesticide discovery.

Heracleum Sosnowskyi Manden

Heracleum Sosnowskyi was discovered in 1772 and described as a separate species in 1944 by I. P. Mandenova. Its name is derived from the surname of a botanist studying Caucasian flora, Prof. D.I. Sosnowski. In the area of the Caucasus foothills, the plant reaches approximately 1-1,5 m in height, whereas in Poland its size is significantly larger, up to 3-3.5 m. Heracleum blooms from mid-June to the end of July. The flowers are arranged in umbels and last for 2-3 weeks. In Central Europe, the species colonizes mostly neglected green areas, ruins and riversides. Heracleum poses a serious threat to the human population due to its photoallergic properties, resulting from the presence of intensely toxic furanocoumarin in its sap. Furanocoumarins are found in small hairs that cover the leaves and stem, and are the components of the essential oil. They may penetrate the skin through the epithelial layer, posing a direct threat to human health. Contact with the plant, followed by sun exposure, may lead to the development of large blisters and symptoms of burns. Heracleum, in the event of consumption, is also harmful to farm animals, causing, among others, internal bleeding and diarrhea. Although the toxic properties of Heracleum have been known for many years, every summer people who had contact with the plant present at physicians of different medical specialties.

Byakangelicin induces cytochrome P450 3A4 expression via transactivation of pregnane X receptors in human hepatocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Byakangelicin is found in extracts of the root of Angelica dahurica, used in Korea and China as a traditional medicine to treat colds, headache and toothache. As byakangelicin can inhibit the effects of sex hormones, it may increase the catabolism of endogenous hormones. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of byakangelicin on the cytochrome P450 isoform cytochrome (CY) P3A4 in human hepatocytes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cultures of human hepatocytes and a hepatoma cell line (Huh7 cells) were used. mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Plasmid constructs and mutants were prepared by cloning and site-directed mutagenesis. Reporter (luciferase) activity was determined by transient co-transfection experiments.

KEY RESULTS

In human primary hepatocytes, byakangelicin markedly induced the expression of CYP3A4 both at the mRNA level (approximately fivefold) and the protein level (approximately threefold) but did not affect expression of human pregnane X receptor (hPXR). In reporter assays, byakangelicin activated CYP3A4 promoter in a concentration-dependent manner (EC₅₀ = 5 µM), and this activation was enhanced by co-transfection with hPXR. Further reporter assays demonstrated that the eNR4 binding element in the CYP3A4 promoter was required for the transcriptional activation of CYP3A4 by byakangelicin.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Byakangelicin induced expression and activity of CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes. This induction was achieved by the transactivation of PXR and not by increased expression of PXR. Therefore, byakangelicin is likely to increase the expression of all PXR target genes (such as MDR1) and induce a wide range of drug-drug interactions.

Pyridazinopsoralens of wide chemotherapeutic interest

The synthesis of new 6,10-dimethylpyridazino[4,5-h]psoralens, carrying no (4), one (5), or two (6-9) dialkylaminoalkylcarboxamide side chains on the pyridazine ring is reported. All compounds exert a significant photoantiproliferative activity. Moreover, the derivatives characterised by the protonable side chains show a notable cytotoxicity in the dark. The investigation on the mechanism of action demonstrated the capacity to intercalate into DNA base pairs and to inhibit the relaxation activity of topoisomerase II.

Slt2 (Mpk1) MAP kinase is involved in the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to 8-methoxypsoralen plus UVA

The bifunctional furocoumarin 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is a well established drug in the photochemotherapy of psoriasis and other skin diseases. In eukaryotic cells, this compound intercalates into DNA and undergoes photocycloaddition with pyrimidines to form monoadducts and interstrand crosslinks initiating a cascade of events leading to cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic responses. In yeast cells, exposure to 8-MOP plus UVA induces transcription of a large set of genes, and cellular reaction is different from an overall DNA damage response and specific to 8-MOP/UVA [M. Dardalhon, W. Lin, A. Nicolas, D. Averbeck, Specific transcriptional responses induced by 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA in yeast, FEMS Yeast Res. 7 (2007) 866-878]. To further define the relationship between induced genes and genotoxic consequences after 8-MOP/UVA treatment, the survival responses of mutants deleted for genes that are specifically induced by 8-MOP plus UVA were analysed in terms of survival. Six mutants deleted for RAD51, RAD54, DUN1, DIN7, already known to be implicated in DNA damage responses, and for SLT2/MPK1 and PDE2 involved in cell wall stress responses, were found sensitive to 8-MOP plus UVA treatment. Further characterization of slt2 mutant provides evidence for the existence of an 8-MOP/UVA response in yeast in which the yeast Slt2 MAPK pathway is implicated. Activation by 8-MOP plus UVA of this MAP kinase previously observed at the transcriptional level is now confirmed at the protein level. In addition to sensitivity to 8-MOP/UVA, yeast cells lacking SLT2 show reduced survival after 3-carbethoxypsoralen plus UVA and 1,6-dioxapyrene plus UVA. Osmotic support could suppress the sensitivities to these genotoxic agents, suggesting that these sensitivities are related to cell integrity defects and/or cell wall defects.

The pathogen reduction treatment of platelets with S-59 HCl (Amotosalen) plus ultraviolet A light: genotoxicity profile and hazard assessment

Despite restrictive donor criteria and screening procedures, infections resulting from the transfusion of bacterially contaminated platelet products continue to occur. Pathogen reduction technologies targeting nucleic acids have been developed. However, concerns about the safety of these procedures exist; the main concern being the possible mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of the pathogen-inactivated preparation in the recipient. This report reviews the genotoxicity profile of the S-59 (Amotosalen) plus long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA) pathogen reduction technology, and assesses the mutagenic and carcinogenic hazards in recipients of treated platelets. S-59, a synthetic heterocyclic psoralen, non-covalently intercalates into the nucleic acids of pathogens and forms crosslinks when UVA photoactivated. Before clinical use, the levels of residual S-59 and free photoproducts are greatly reduced using a 'compound adsorption device' (CAD). In vitro, S-59 is mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium and mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK(+/-) cells, and is clastogenic in CHO cells. There is reduced activity (Salmonella, CHO cells) or no activity (mouse lymphoma cells) with metabolic activation (S9 mix). When tested up to toxic dose levels, S-59 was negative in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay and the rat hepatocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test. Based on comparative studies conducted with S-59 plus UVA-treated platelets (up to 25 times without CAD), any genotoxic effects can be attributed to residual S-59. Considering (1) the known genotoxic mechanism of action for S-59, (2) the negative in vivo studies for S-59 at multiples >40,000x over clinical peak plasma levels, and (3) the fact that the positive in vitro genotoxicity effects for the end product seem due to residual S-59, any mutagenic hazard to a recipient of S-59 plus UVA-treated platelets is negligible and there is no concern about a carcinogenic potential as a consequence of a mutagenic activity. This conclusion is supported by a negative p53(+/-) mouse carcinogenicity study.

[Purely natural: phototoxic dermatitis]

The local application of undiluted bergamot oil in association with simultaneous exposure to sunlight brought about a phototoxic reaction of the skin. Despite successful treatment of the vesicles, Hyperpigmentation and stress-related erythema persisted.

Targeting effector memory T cells with the small molecule Kv1.3 blocker PAP-1 suppresses allergic contact dermatitis

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 has been recently identified as a molecular target that allows for selective pharmacological suppression of effector memory T (T(EM)) cells without affecting the function of naïve and central memory T cells. We here investigated whether PAP-1, a small molecule Kv1.3 blocker (EC50=2 nM), could suppress allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In a rat model of ACD, we first confirmed that the infiltrating cells in the elicitation phase are indeed CD8+ CD45RC- memory T cells with high Kv1.3 expression. In accordance with its selective effect on T(EM) cells, PAP-1 did not impair sensitization, but potently suppressed oxazolone-induced inflammation by inhibiting the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and reducing the production of the inflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-17 when administered intraperitoneally or orally during the elicitation phase. PAP-1 was equally effective when applied topically, demonstrating that it effectively penetrates skin. We further show that PAP-1 is not a sensitizer or an irritant and exhibits no toxicity in a 28-day toxicity study. Based on these results we propose that PAP-1 could potentially be developed into a drug for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

New furan side tetracyclic allopsoralen derivatives: synthesis and photobiological evaluation

Novel tetracyclic allopsoralen derivatives characterized by the condensation of a fourth cyclohexenylic (5-7) or benzenic (8-10) ring at the furan side and a methoxy (5 and 8), a hydroxy (6 and 9), or a dimethylaminopropoxy (7 and 10) side chain in the 10 position of the chromophore were prepared. Compounds 7 and 10 showed a strong photoantiproliferative activity, up to 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the photochemotherapeutic drug 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP). The investigation into the mechanism of action demonstrated for 10 the capacity to intercalate between DNA base pairs in the ground state, to give rise to a covalent photoaddition upon UVA irradiation, and to inhibit polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a sequence-specific manner. Conversely, compound 7 showed a limited capacity to form an intercalative complex and the lack of ability to photoadd to the macromolecule, thus revealing a novel and unusual behavior for an allopsoralen derivative.

Repair of psoralen interstrand cross-links in Xenopus laevis egg extracts is highly mutagenic

The recognition and removal of interstrand cross-links is perhaps the least understood of all repair pathways in eukaryotic cells. We have shown previously that uncoupling of cross-links occurs in mammalian cell extracts and have identified a number of factors that mediate this process. However, we have not observed complete repair of the substrate in this system. Here, we show that uncoupling of interstrand cross-links also occurs in Xenopus laevis egg extracts, and that the initial products of this reaction are identical to the products observed in mammalian cell extracts suggesting a common mechanism. However in contrast to mammalian cell extracts, we observe repair of the cross-linked substrate in the Xenopus extracts presumably by a translesion bypass mechanism that allows replication past the uncoupled monoadduct, and its likely subsequent removal by nucleotide excision repair. This repair process is shown to be highly mutagenic consistent with bypass synthesis.

Phototoxicity, distribution and kinetics of association of UVA-activated chlorpromazine, 8-methoxypsoralen, and 4,6,4′-trimethylangelicin in Jurkat cells

Extracorporeal phototherapy (ECP) is a therapeutic approach based on photobiological effects of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) on white blood cells isolated from the blood, exposed to UVA and then reinfused into the patient. 8-MOP is presently the only drug approved for clinical application of ECP; therefore, identification of other photosensitizers with better photochemical and pharmacokinetic properties might enhance the efficacy of this treatment modality. Among such alternative drugs are 4,6,4'-trimethylangelicin (TMA) and chlorpromazine (CPZ), which have previously been studied in an animal model for ECP. In this current study, cellular bioavailability of 8-MOP, TMA and CPZ was investigated in vitro, using low doses of UVA relevant for the clinical setting of ECP. Our fluorescence microscopy study revealed that 8-MOP and CPZ penetrated readily into the cells, where they accumulated with similar kinetics. No distinct fluorescence was observed in cells incubated with TMA. We found that the phototoxic efficiency of 8-MOP was an order of magnitude greater than that of CPZ, i.e., to obtain a similar reduction in survival of cells subjected to photosensitization by the drugs, the concentration of CPZ needed to be 10 times higher than that of 8-MOP. The photoactivated TMA exhibited the highest pro-apoptotic efficiency. A clear indication of photoinduced formation of reactive oxygen species and peroxidation of lipids was observed only in CPZ-sensitized cells, suggesting different mechanisms for phototoxicity mediated by CPZ and by the two furocoumarins.

Screening study for potential lead compounds for natural product-based fungicides: I. Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of coumarins against Botrytis cinerea

An efficient, one-pot synthesis of angular and linear dihydropyranocoumarins, along with C-6 and C-8 prenylated coumarins is reported. These compounds, together with single- and furanocoumarins, were tested for their potential antifungal activity against the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea Pers ex Fr. The results show that furanocoumarins may be able to control the fungus B cinerea.

1,4,8-Trimethylfuro[2,3-H]quinolin-2(1H)-one, a new furocoumarin bioisoster

1,4,8-Trimethylfuro[2,3-h]quinolin-2(1H)-one (compound 5a) is the most interesting derivative among some new furoquinolinones prepared with the aim of moderating the strong toxic effects of 1,4,6,8-tetramethyl derivative (FQ), a powerful potential drug for photomedicine. Compound 5a showed a photobiological activity lower than FQ, but considerable higher than 8-MOP, the furocoumarin used in clinical photomedicine; contrary to classic furocoumarins, 5a induced a strong inhibition of protein synthesis in mammalian cells. Genotoxicity and skin erythema induction, the main side effects of both FQ and 8-MOP photosensitization, are virtually absent with 5a. This behavior seems to be connected to its particular reaction mechanism: differently from furocoumarin derivatives, 5a induced low levels of DNA-protein and no inter-strands cross-links, but formed covalent RNA-protein linkages, lesions not observed with known furocoumarins. Moreover, compound 5a generated reactive oxygen species to a considerable extent. For these features, compound 5a appears to be a new photosensitizing agent whose special activity deserves to be deeply investigated.

The pso mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprise two groups: one deficient in DNA repair and another with altered mutagen metabolism

Yeast mutants that are sensitive to photoactivated psoralens, named pso mutants, were isolated and described more than 20 years ago. Nine genes responsible for the pso phenotypes were identified and seven of them cloned and molecularly characterized. Of the nine PSO genes of yeast seven apparently encode proteins involved in the repair of DNA lesions generated by photoinduced psoralens and by other mutagens, while two, PSO6 and PSO7, are responsible for structural elements of the membrane and for a functional respiratory chain, respectively. Of the seven proven or putative DNA repair genes six directly or indirectly control induced mutagenesis. Four of these PSO loci were found allelic to already known repair genes, whereas two, PSO2 and PSO4, represent new genes involved in DNA repair and in repair/pre-mRNA processing in S. cerevisiae. Gene PSO2 encodes a protein indispensable for repair of DNA interstrand cross-links that are produced by a variety of bi- and poly-functional mutagens and that appears to be important for a likewise repair function in humans as well.

Recombinational and mutagenic repair of psoralen interstrand cross-links in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Psoralen photoreacts with DNA to form interstrand cross-links, which can be repaired by both nonmutagenic nucleotide excision repair and recombinational repair pathways and by mutagenic pathways. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, psoralen cross-links are processed by nucleotide excision repair to form double-strand breaks (DSBs). In yeast, DSBs are repaired primarily by homologous recombination, predicting that cross-link and DSB repair should induce similar recombination end points. We compared psoralen cross-link, psoralen monoadduct, and DSB repair using plasmid substrates with site-specific lesions and measured the patterns of gene conversion, crossing over, and targeted mutation. Psoralen cross-links induced both recombination and mutations, whereas DSBs induced only recombination, and monoadducts were neither recombinogenic nor mutagenic. Although the cross-link- and DSB-induced patterns of plasmid integration and gene conversion were similar in most respects, they showed opposite asymmetries in their unidirectional conversion tracts: primarily upstream from the damage site for cross-links but downstream for DSBs. Cross-links induced targeted mutations in 5% of the repaired plasmids; all were base substitutions, primarily T --> C transitions. The major pathway of psoralen cross-link repair in yeast is error-free and involves the formation of DSB intermediates followed by homologous recombination. A fraction of the cross-links enter an error-prone pathway, resulting in mutations at the damage site.

A novel group of ovarian toxicants: the psoralens

The psoralens are naturally occurring metabolites found in many crop plants; synthetic forms of 5-methoxypsoralen (bergapten) and 8-methoxypsoralen (xanthotoxin) are widely used in skin photochemotherapy. Our previous research documented that dietary bergapten and xanthotoxin reduced birthrates in female rats when males and females were exposed to these chemicals. The present study was designed to determine the cause of this reduced birthrate and whether this resulted from direct impact on the females. The study demonstrates that bergapten and xanthotoxin administered, either alone or in combination to female rats (mated to undosed males), significantly reduced the number of implantation sites, pups, and corpora lutea in dosed females compared with control animals. Additionally, full uterine weight and empty uterine weight were significantly reduced. These compounds also significantly reduced circulating estrogen levels in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the psoralens significantly induced mRNAs of liver enzymes typically induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, CYP1A1 and UGT1A6; the higher the dose, the greater the induction. UGT 2B1 mRNA, typically induced by phenobarbital-like compounds, was not significantly affected. Thus, enhanced oxidative metabolism and conjugation of estrogens in psoralen-treated animals may provide a partial explanation for the effects observed. These findings are also consistent with psoralen-induced reduction in ovarian follicular function and ovulation.

Photodynamic antisense regulation using psoralen-conjugated oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioate)s (I). Growth regulation of cervical carcinoma cells

To increase the antisense regulatory effect of oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioate)s (S-Oligo), a photo-crosslinking reagent, 4, 5', 8-trimethylpsoralen, was used in this study. Psoralen-conjugated oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioate) (Ps-S-Oligo) complementary to the human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) mRNA drastically inhibited the cellular proliferation of cervical cancer cells only upon UVA-irradiation. In contrast, Ps-S-Oligos with mismatched sequences and scrambled one showed lesser inhibitory effects than that with matched one. These results suggest that psoralen-conjugated antisense S-Oligo has significant potential to regulate gene expression upon UVA-irradiation.

Genotoxic activity of 4,4',5'-trimethylazapsoralen on plasmid DNA

The genotoxic activities of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and 4,4',5'-trimethylazapsoralen (4,4',5'-TMAP) on plasmid DNA have been compared. In a previous work, 4,4',5'-TMAP, a methyl derivative of a psoralen isoster, had shown potential photochemotherapeutic activity. The mutagenic activity of mono- and bifunctional lesions caused by these compounds was evaluated both after UVA irradiation, which causes the formation of both kinds of lesions, and after a two-step irradiation procedure of the psoralen-plasmid DNA complex, which allowed monoadducts and interstrand crosslinks to be studied separately. Furthermore, we used a procedure that allowed us to evaluate both the mutagenic and recombinogenic activity of the two compounds. Results indicate that the most important difference between 8-MOP and 4,4',5'-TMAP consists in their mode of photoreaction with DNA rather than in their mutagenic potential. In fact, in all of the experimental procedures, 4,4',5'-TMAP shows a lower ability than 8-MOP to generate interstrand crosslinks. However, when comparable toxicity levels are reached, the two compounds show the same mutagenic potentiality.

Cell killing and DNA damage induced in cultured mammalian cells by some tetrahydrobenzopsoralenquinones

The mechanism of action of two tetrahydrobenzopsoralenquinones: 4-methyl-tetrahydrobenzopsoralenquinone (compound 3) and 4-hydroxymethyltetrahydrobenzopsoralenquinone (compound 4) was studied in mammalian cells. These agents differ structurally from earlier benzo and tetrahydrobenzopsoralen derivatives 4-hydroxymethylbenzopsoralen (compound 1) and 4-hydroxymethyltetrahydrobenzopsoralen (compound 2) by the replacement of the benzopyranone with a quinonepyranone. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative activity of such derivatives in normal human lymphocytes and CHO cells cultivated in vitro. Compound 4 showed a noticeable antiproliferative activity. Studying the induction of chromosomal aberrations and of SCEs, we demonstrated that compound 4 has a clastogenic effect on mammalian cells. By means of DNA filter elution and protein precipitation techniques we evaluated the DNA damage produced by the tested compounds. Some experiments performed in presence of a DNA synthesis inhibitor showed that ongoing DNA synthesis is involved in cell killing by derivative 4. All data obtained suggest that compound 4 can interfere with the activity of topoisomerase II. Catalytic studies carried out with purified topoisomerase II and bacteriophage DNA confirmed this hypothesis.

Alkoxypsoralens, novel nonpeptide blockers of Shaker-type K+ channels: synthesis and photoreactivity

A series of psoralens and structurally related 5,7-disubstituted coumarins was synthesized and investigated for their K+ channel blocking activity as well as for their phototoxicity to Artemia salina and their ability to generate singlet oxygen and to photomodify DNA. After screening the compounds on Ranvier nodes of the toad Xenopus laevis, the affinities of the most promising compounds, which proved to be psoralens bearing alkoxy substituents in the 5-position or alkoxymethyl substituents in the neighboring 4- or 4'-position, to a number of homomeric K+ channels were characterized. All compounds exhibited the highest affinity to Kv1.2. 5,8-Diethoxypsoralen (10d) was found to be an equally potent inhibitor of Kv1.2 and Kv1.3, while lacking the phototoxicity normally inherent in psoralens. The reported compounds represent a novel series of nonpeptide blockers of Shaker-type K+ channels that could be further developed into selective inhibitors of Kv1.2 or Kv1. 3.

1-Thiopsoralen, a new photobiologically active heteropsoralen. Photophysical, photochemical and computer aided studies

1-Thiopsoralen (7H-thieno[3,2-g]benzofuran-7-one) 1, a lead compound of a series of heteropsoralens, was investigated. The electronic transitions involved were studied. Fluorescence quantum yield is very low, while laser flash photolysis showed that the triplet state is practically the sole transient of 1. Fluorescence quantum yield (phi F) and triplet lifetime (tau F) as well as triplet quantum yield (phi T) and lifetime (tau T) were determined. The production of singlet oxygen was also evaluated by photophysical measurements. Photophysical data suggest that DNA photobinding of 1, owing to short fluorescence lifetime value and high triplet quantum yield, occurs likely through triplet mechanism. Interactions between 1 and DNA were studied both in the ground and the excited state. In the ground state 1 undergoes intercalation inside duplex DNA. This fact is also supported by molecular modeling studies. By UVA-light activation 1 photobinds covalently to DNA forming mono and diadducts. The furan side 1-thymine monoadduct, isolated from DNA photomodified by thiopsoralen, shows a cis-syn stereochemistry, in agreement with quantum mechanics studies. Compound 1 photobinds also with linolenic acid, component of lecithins, giving a C4-cycloaddition, and supporting that this compound also induces photolesions at the level of cell membrane, like psoralen. Compound 1 exhibits strong skin-phototoxicity.

Toxicity and repair of psoralen adducts in bacteriophage T7

Psoralens react photochemically with DNA to form interstrand crosslinks as well as two types of monoadduct (furan-side and pyrone-side adducts). To investigate the relative roles of these adducts in toxicity, we have studied the interaction of 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (TMP) and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) with bacteriophage T7. These two derivatives differ in the fraction of pyrone-side monoadducts formed, TMP producing very small amounts of this type of adduct. The results show similar phage survival for the two psoralen analogs at equivalent numbers of crosslinks per DNA molecule. However, the survival fraction of treated phage is significantly lower than the fraction of noncrosslinked DNA molecules. Phage survival decreases after secondary irradiation which is used to transform monoadducts into crosslinks, but this decrease is not due solely to crosslinks; at doses beyond that required to transform all crosslinkable monoadducts into crosslinks, phage survival continues to decrease, pointing to the production of other genotoxic lesions during secondary irradiation. These results indicate that, although crosslinks can kill phage T7, as shown by the secondary irradiation results, they are not sufficient in number to explain the psoralen toxicity after primary irradiation. Therefore monoadducts, both furan-side and pyrone-side types, must in large part be responsible for phage inactivation.

Formation of cyclobutane thymine dimers from UVA photosensitization of pyridopsoralen monoadducted DNA

The present report provides evidence that thymine dimerization can be UVA photosensitized at a tetranucleotide, 5'-TATT-3', by a 7-methyl-pyrido(3,4-c)psoralen monoadduct in DNA. The efficiency of the photoprocess depends on the tetranucleotide flanking sequences. These results demonstrate that one DNA lesion can originate the contiguous formation of a second type of lesion and emphasize the sequence-specific response to interaction of drugs with DNA. Results are related to the sensitivity of DNA to 1,10-phenanthroline-cuprous ion complex nucleolytic activity and discussed in terms of the major role of local deformability of DNA in interaction with ligands.

Molecular analysis of Salmonella hisG428 ochre revertants for rapid characterization of mutational specificity

The Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA104 and TA102 were developed primarily to aid in the detection of oxidative mutagens and other agents that react preferentially with AT base pairs. Reversion of prototrophy of strains harboring the hisG428 ochre allele can occur by (i) any of seven single base substitutions or (ii) several tandem double base substitutions at the ochre codon, (iii) in-frame deletions removing all or part of the ochre codon or (iv) mutations at several distinct tRNA extragenic suppressor loci. We have used allele-specific oligonucleotide probes and DNA sequence analysis to characterize 625 revertants of strain TA104 (hisG428, rfa, DeltauvrB/pKM101) arising spontaneously or after treatment with methyl methane-sulfonate, glyoxal, streptonigrin or angelicin with UVA radiation. The reversion profiles obtained from these analyses distinguished readily each of the mutagen-treated populations from one another and from spontaneously derived revertants. Both GC and AT base pair-specific revertants were observed. Molecular analyses of S. typhimurium hisG428 revertants permitted rapid assessment of base pair substitution specificity of mutagens, especially the detection of AT base pair substitutions not recovered in strains carrying the complementary hisG46 allele.

Angular furoquinolinones, psoralen analogs: novel antiproliferative agents for skin diseases. Synthesis, biological activity, mechanism of action, and computer-aided studies

With the aim of obtaining new potential photochemotherapeutic agents, having increased antiproliferative activity and decreased undesired effects, we have prepared some new furoquinolinones. Two of them have been studied in detail: 1,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2H-furo[2,3-h]-quinolin-2-one (8), and 4,6,8,9-tetramethyl-2H-furo[2,3-h]quinolin-2-one (10). These compounds form a molecular complex with DNA, undergoing intercalation inside the duplex macromolecule, as shown by linear flow dichroism. The complexed ligands, by subsequent irradiation with UV-A light, photobind with the macromolecule forming only monocycloadducts with thymine with cis-syn configuration. In order to evaluate the electronic effects induced by the nitrogen atom in position 1 of 8, semiempirical calculations have been performed on both 4,6,4'-trimethylangelicin (TMA) and 8. The results obtained do not clearly differentiate between the two molecules which, at this level of approximation, show the possibility of photoreaction with both the 3,4- and 8,9-olefinic bonds for 8 and the 3,4- and 4',5'-bonds for TMA. In the lower energy conformation of intercalated 8, the furan ring is turned toward the minor groove of the polynucleotide, in such a way that photoreaction of this ring with thymine is favored. These compounds unexpectedly inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis in Ehrlich cells, in the dark. They also show a strong photoantiproliferative activity, 2 orders of magnitude higher than 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), the most used drug for photochemotherapy. Their mutagenic activity on Escherichia coli is similar to that of TMA and 8-MOP. On the basis of these results, the compounds should deserve evaluation of their activity in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases.

Isopimpinellin is not phototoxic in a chick skin assay

Synthetic isopimpinellin (5,8-dimethoxypsoralen), confirmed to contain as impurities only trace quantities at most of psoralen, bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) and xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen), is not phototoxic when tested in a chick skin bioassay system. These findings are at variance with earlier studies showing isopimpinellin to be phototoxic against chick skin and support the conclusion that isopimpinellin is photobiologically inactive. As recently proposed by others, the several reports of isopimpinellin photoactivity are most likely attributable to contamination by small amounts of highly active psoralens such as bergapten or xanthotoxin.

Visible light-sensitized oxidation of arachidonic acid in the presence of inperatorin

To understand the mechanism of the phototoxic effects of inperatorin, a psoralen derivative used as a pigmentation agent, we have investigated the photosensitized oxidation of arachidonic acid (ARA) by irradiation with visible light (> 400 nm) in the presence of inperatorin. HPLC and GC/MS analyses of the products showed the formation of many hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HPETEs) including the products of lipoxygenase-catalyzed reactions such as 5- and 15-HPETEs, which are the precursors of chemical mediators such as leukotrienes and lipoxins, during the reaction. Active oxygen scavening agents such as D-mannitol, superoxide dismutase, and beta-carotene inhibited the formation of the oxidation products, indicating that the oxidation reaction was mediated by various active oxygen species. These results suggest that the phototoxic effects of inperatorin could also be induced by visible light and could be explained at least partially in terms of inflammation initiated by the biologically active HPETEs arising from photosensitized oxygenation reactions of ARA with the drug.

Mutagenesis by 8-methoxypsoralen and 5-methylangelicin photoadducts in mouse fibroblasts: mutations at cross-linkable sites induced by offoadducts as well as cross-links

Psoralens are used clinically in the treatment of several skin diseases, including psoriasis, vitiligo, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma. However, psoralen treatment has been associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. To elucidate molecular events that may play a role in the psoralen-related carcinogenesis, we examined psoralen-induced mutagenesis in a mouse fibroblast cell line carrying a recoverable, chromosomally integrated lambda phage shuttle vector. Using the supF gene as a mutation reporter gene, we determined the spectrum of mutations induced by photoactivation of 8-methoxypsoralen and of 5-methylangelicin. Both psoralens generated predominately T:A to A:T and some T:A to G:C transversions. Most of the mutations occurred at either 5' TpA or 5' ApT sites, both of which are conducive to interstrand cross-link formation. However, 5-methylangelicin produces only monoadducts, whereas 8-methoxypsoralen generated 20% cross-links and 80% monoadducts under the conditions of our experiments, as measured by direct HPLC analysis of the DNA from the treated cells. Although most of the mutations occurred at potentially cross-linkable sites, these results implicate monoadducts, as well as cross-links, as critical premutagenic lesions in psoralen-treated mammalian cells. These findings may help in the identification of carcinogenic changes induced by psoralen, and they may aid in the improved design of psoralen-based treatment regimens in the future.

Photoinduction of micronuclei by 4,4',6-trimethylangelicin and 8-methoxypsoralen in different experimental models

The frequencies of micronuclei induced by treatment with 4,4',6-trimethylangelicin (TMA) and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) have been compared in the following experimental models: (1) peripheral normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) during 10 days after single p.o. administration of TMA or 8-MOP in male and female mice; (2) peripheral NCE during photocarcinogenesis by TMA or 8-MOP topically administered to female mice; (3) primary cultures of human skin fibroblasts treated with TMA or 8-MOP. The frequency of micronuclei in peripheral NCE of mice (both sexes) was significantly enhanced after p.o. administration of TMA or 8-MOP. This latter was more active than TMA in inducing chromosomal damage. No increased frequencies of micronuclei in peripheral NCE were detected in mice subjected to TMA or 8-MOP photocarcinogenic treatment, even when malignancies developed. In human fibroblast cultures, at equimolar concentrations, the induction of lethal effects by TMA in the presence of 365-nm radiation was higher than that exerted by 8-MOP. At equal survival, however, TMA showed practically the same activity as 8-MOP in the induction of micronuclei. Our findings provide evidence of genotoxicity by TMA administered p.o. without irradiation and give further information about photogenotoxicity of these substances.

DNA damage and topoisomerase II inhibition induced by a benzopsoralen derivative

The ability of 4-hydroxymethyl-4',5'-benzopsoralen (HMBP) to damage DNA of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) and to inhibit the activity of topoisomerase II in vitro has been studied. This compound is characterized by a fourth ring condensed at the furan-side in the psoralen molecule. Contrary to other known furocoumarin derivatives, HMBP induces chromosomal aberrations in mammalian cells without UVA activation. The lesions induced in the dark by HMBP in DNA were studied by alkaline and neutral elution in CHO cells; comparable amounts of single-strand breaks and DNA-protein cross-links as well as the formation of double-strand breaks were detected. Moreover, HMBP appeared to inhibit the activity of mammalian topoisomerase II in vitro, in both the catenation and the decatenation assay. In these experiments the drug was effective only when it was pre-incubated with DNA substrate. These results are also consistent with the cytotoxic and mutagenic activity of HMBP in the dark, as tested on V79 Chinese hamster cells (V79/HGPRT system).

Single strand and double strand DNA damage-induced reciprocal recombination in yeast. Dependence on nucleotide excision repair and RAD1 recombination

Single strand and double strand DNA damage-induced recombination were compared in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The non-replicating plasmid pUC18-HIS3 was damaged in vitro and introduced into yeast cells; plasmid-chromosome recombinants were selected as stable His+ transformants. Single strand damage was produced by UV irradiation at 254 nm or by psoralen photoreaction at 390 nm. Double strand damage was produced by psoralen photoreaction at 350 nm or by restriction endonuclease digestion. Recombinants were classified as resulting from gene conversion without crossing over, single plasmid integration, or multiple plasmid integration. Single and double strand DNA damage produced different patterns of recombination. In repair proficient cells double strand damage induced primarily multiple plasmid integrations, while single strand damage induced higher proportions of gene conversions and single integrations. Reciprocal recombination depended on the RAD1 gene, which is involved in both excision repair and recombination; plasmid integration induced by all forms of damage was decreased in a rad1 disruption strain. Mutation of the RAD3 excision repair gene decreased plasmid integration induced by far UV irradiation and psoralen crosslinks, but not by double strand breaks, which are not substrates of nucleotide excision repair. Double strand break-induced plasmid integration was also decreased by disruption of RAD10, which forms a complex with RAD1; disruption of RAD4 had no effect. Thus, while nucleotide excision repair genes are involved in the processing of damaged DNA to generate recombination intermediates, RAD1 and RAD10 are additionally involved in reciprocal exchange.

Biophysical and biological properties of newly synthesized dioxinocoumarin derivatives. II. Dark and photoinduced effects on T7 phage, yeast and HeLa cells

The dioxinocoumarin derivatives 5H-[2]benzopyrano-[3,4-g][1,4]benzodioxin-5-one (I), 5H-[2]benzopyrano-[3,4-g][2,3]-dihydro-[1,4]benzodioxin-5-on e II, 6H-[2]benzopyrano[3,4-f]-1,4-benzodioxin-6-one (III) and 6H-[2]benzopyrano[3,4-f]-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-one (IV) were synthesized. Their biological effect was studied in the presence and absence of UVA radiation, and compared with that of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and angelicin derivatives on T7 phage, diploid yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and HeLa cells. The photobiological activities of compounds I and III were stronger than that of 8-MOP in phage inactivation and DNA synthesis inhibition in HeLa cells, whereas compounds II and IV, with a saturated dioxin ring, showed very poor activity. The photosensitizing activity of dioxinocoumarins on phage inactivation decreased by a factor of two to three in the absence of oxygen. Treatments with compound I and UVA in the presence of oxygen modified the helical structure and stability of phage DNA and proteins. Compounds I and II were more active than IV for photoinduced cell killing in yeast, although always less active than 8-MOP. At comparable photocytotoxic levels, compounds I and III were as strong inducers of cytoplasmic "petite" mutants in yeast as angelicin, suggesting a possible monofunctional mode of action with cellular DNA.

Effect of addition of dried healthy or diseased parsnip root tissue to a modified AIN-76A diet on cell proliferation and histopathology in the liver, oesophagus and forestomach of male Swiss Webster mice

Umbelliferous crop plants, including the parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.), elaborate enhanced levels of furocoumarins, including psoralens, when subjected to biotic or abiotic stress. These furocoumarins are recognized to lead to phototoxicity. In this study, the effect of these agents, which are present in diseased parsnip root tissue, on the liver and two tissues on the route of entry to the body (the oesophagus and forestomach) were investigated. Young male Swiss Webster mice were fed for approximately 30 days with modified AIN-76A diets containing 32.5% dried healthy, 32.5% apparently healthy or 32.5% fungicide-treated parsnip root tissue, and 8, 16 or 32.5% dried diseased (Phoma complanata-infected) parsnip root tissue. As controls, three modified AIN-76A diets differing in their edible starch-to-sucrose ratios (C1-C3) were administered for an equal time. Dried healthy parsnip root tissue, compared with controls, did not significantly affect any of the indices of cellular proliferation or histopathological parameters that were assessed. Histopathological examination of the oesophagus and forestomach demonstrated no significant changes as a result of feeding any of the diets containing parsnip tissue. In the liver, the highest level (but neither of the two lower levels) of dried diseased parsnip root tissue led to swelling of the cytoplasm in cells surrounding the central vein of hepatic lobules, with consequent compression of the peripheral cells. Using [3H]thymidine radioautography, a dose-related increase in cell labelling with the level of diseased parsnip root tissue was demonstrated in the liver. Compared with control diet C2 only, the extent of [3H]thymidine labelling in the liver was increased in mice receiving apparently healthy parsnip tissue; a slight, not statistically significant, increase was also noted with fungicide-treated parsnip tissue. Increased [3H]thymidine labelling with the feeding of diseased parsnip tissue was also found in the greater curvature of the forestomach and the region of the oesophageal-forestomach junction, but not at the glandular junction of the forestomach nor in the mid-oesophagus.