Polynuclear aromatic Hydrocarbons

Question 1

Characteristics ?

Answer 1

Powerful carcinogens
Skin cancer
Oxidation –> Epoxide
Some are Mutagenic

Question 2

Powerful carcinogens ?

Answer 2

Benzopyrene
Phenanthrene
Cholanthrene Derivatives
–> Skin cancer and sarcomas (subcutaneously)

Question 3

Direct acting Carcinogens ?

Answer 3

Nitrogen mustard
Methyl nitrosurea
–> can react with DNA
–> Polycyclic must be metabolized before (Enzymes in the Body (Liver))

Question 4

Epoxide

Answer 4

very reactive electrophilic groups –> React with the negative center of the DNA

• -> BUT normally they are rapidly hydrolyzed into Hydroxyl groups
• -> coupled to GLUCURONIC acid –> Urine