Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons mutagenic activity

Lindmark, D.G. 1981. Activation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons to mutagens by the marine ciliate Parauronema acutum. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 41 1238-1242. 

LaVoie E, Bedenko V, Hirota N, et al. 1979. A comparison of the mutagenicity, tumor initiating activity and complete carcinogenicity of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. In Jones PW. Leber P. eds. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Ann Arbor. Ml Science Publishers. Inc. 

LaVoie EJ, Tulley L, Bedenko V, et al. 1980b. Mutagenicity, tumor-initiating activity, and metabolism of tricyclic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. In Bjorseth A, Dennis AJ, eds. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons Chemistry and biological effects. Columbus, OH Batelle Press. 

Rice JE, Coleman DT, Hosted TJJ, et al. 1985b. On the metabolism, mutagenicity, and tumor-initiating activity of indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. In Cooke M, Dennis AJ, eds. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons Metabolisms, methods and metabolism. Proceedings of the Eighth International Symposium. Columbus, OH Battelle Press, 1097-1109. 

Katz M, Meddle JA, Salamone MF. 1981. Mutagenic activity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other environmental pollutants. In Dennis AJ, ed. Chemical analytical and biological fate Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, 5th International Symp. Columbus, OH Battelle Press, 519-528. 

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are listed by the U.S. Environmental Proteetion Agency (U.S. EPA) and European Community as priority pollutants due to their mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. PAHs can be formed during natural processes or emitted by anthropogenic activity. 

It is known that many chemicals, e.g. polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons require enzyme modification before becoming biologically active. The production of such so-called "ultimate mutagens or carcinogens" is dependent on a series of inducible enzymes. The induction of these enzymes may increase or decrease the ultimate effect of the parent molecule. These inducible enzyme systems are also under genetic control, raising the question of the existence of susceptible individuals in the general population. 

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