Effect of structure on carcinogenicity

Tyrosine is more fluorescent than tryptophan in solution, but when present in proteins, its fluorescence is weaker. This can be explained by the fact that the protein tertiary structure inhibits tryosine fluorescence. Also, energy transfer from tyrosines to tryptophan residues occurs in proteins inducing a total or important quenching of tyrosine fluorescence. This tyrosine — tryptophan energy transfer can be evidenced by nitration of tyrosine residues with tetranitromethane (TNM), a highly potent pulmonary carcinogen. Because TNM specifically nitrates tyrosine residues on proteins, the effects of TNM on the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of tyrosine, and the subsequent effects on cell proliferation, can be investigated. 

There are numerous methods available to identify the potential for chemicals to cause both healtli conditions and adverse effects on tlie eiiviroiiment. These can include, but are not limited to, toxicology, epidemiology, molecular and atomic structural analysis, MSDS sheets, engineering approaches to problem solving, fate of chemicals, and carcinogenic versus non-carcinogenic healtli hazards... 

Although many of the aromatic compounds based on benzene have pleasant odors, they are usually toxic, and some are carcinogenic. Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons are highly flammable and burn with a luminous, sooty flame. The effects of molecular size (in simple arenes as well as in substituted aromatics) and of molecular symmetry (e.g., xylene isomers) are noticeable in physical properties [48, p. 212 49, p. 375 50, p. 41]. Since the hybrid bonds of benzene rings are as stable as the single bonds in alkanes, aromatic compounds can participate in chemical reactions without disrupting the ring structure. 

Particular attention has been focused on the toxic effects of aromatic hydrocarbons because these chemicals have proven highly carcinogenic to humans and marine life. Of greatest concern are the PAHs, which are toxic to the benthos at the ppb level. The most common compounds are shown in Figure 28.20 their structures are based on fused aromatic rings. These high-molecular-weight compoimds are very nonpolar and, hence, have low solubilities. Once in seawater, they tend to adsorb onto particles and become incorporated in the sediments. The toxicity of PAHs is enhanced by photochemical reaction with UV radiation. Photo-activated toxicity is especially problematic in shallow-water sediments, such as found in estuaries. 

The review of all structural classes of chemical carcinogens and SAR analyses of the effects of chemical reactivity, molecular geometry, and metabolism on... 

Kohn, M.C. Melnick, R.L. (1996) Effects of the structure of a toxicokinetic model of butadiene inhalation exposure on computed production of carcinogenic intennediates. Toxicology, 113, 31-39... 

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