We have investigated phase II activation of the food-derived mutagen 2- hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenyl[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP) by cytosolic acetyltransferase, sulfotransferase, and tRNA synthetase/kinase enzymes from human breast tissue. Cytosol from homogenates of mammary gland tissue obtained from breast-reduction surgery or mastectomy was incubated with and without enzyme-specific cofactors, and mutagen binding to calf thymus DNA was quantified by 32P-postlabeling. In addition, microsomal fractions of mammary epithelial cells from some individuals were examined for prostaglandin H synthetase activation of N-OH-PhIP. Our results show that all four enzymes can participate in activating N-OH-PhIP, thus inducing PhIP-DNA adduct formation in human mammary cells. However, not all individuals exhibited all these activities; instead each individual showed a combination of one or more activation pathways. The present findings demonstrate that the human mammary gland has the capacity to metabolically activate a dietary mutagen by several enzyme systems, including acetyltransferase, sulfotransferase, tRNA synthetase/kinase, and prostaglandin hydroperoxidase catalysis.

No description available.

The DDT metabolite 3-methylsulfonyl-DDE (3-MeSO2-DDE) is bioactivated by cytochrome P450 11B1 (CYP11B1) in the adrenal cortex of mice and forms irreversibly bound protein adducts, reduces glucocorticoid secretion, and induces cell death selectively in cortisol-producing adrenocortical cells. 3-MeSO2-DDE has therefore been proposed as a lead compound for an improved adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) therapy. The aims of this thesis were to (1) develop in vitro test systems based on murine and human adrenocortical cell lines and to (2) investigate the mechanisms behind 3-MeSO2-DDE toxicity in adrenocortical cells. The cytotoxic and endocrine-modulating effects of 3-MeSO2-DDE were compared to those of o,p′-DDD (mitotane), the current ACC therapy, and to those of several structurally analogous compounds in both murine and human cell lines. 3-MeSO2-DDE bioactivation and cytotoxicity proceeded in a similar manner in the murine adrenocortical Y-1 cell line as in mice in vivo. The effects were highly structure-specific. Moreover, 3-MeSO2-DDE formed irreversibly bound protein adducts and caused cell death also in the human H295R cell line, and was slightly more cytotoxic than o,p′-DDD. However, 3-MeSO2-DDE toxicity in human cells was not affected by the CYP11B1 inhibitor etomidate, suggesting that bioactivation in human cells is performed by additional/other enzyme(s) than CYP11B1. 3-MeSO2-DDE generated biphasic responses in cortisol and aldosterone secretion and in expression levels of the steroidogenic genes CYP11B1, CYP11B2, and StAR. Such hormesis-like responses were not seen for o,p′-DDD or the precursor DDT metabolite p,p′-DDE. In addition, the two o,p′-DDD enantiomers (R)-(+)-o,p′-DDD and (S)-(-)-o,p′-DDD exhibited slight differences in cytotoxic and endocrine-modulating activity in H295R cells. In conclusion, this thesis  provides  extended  knowledge  on  the  mechanisms  of  action  of 3-MeSO2-DDE and points out important differences in effects between murine and human cells. Lead optimisation studies of 3-MeSO2-DDE using the herein presented in vitro test systems are ongoing.

The assessment of teratogenic effects of chemicals is generally performed using in vivo teratogenicity assays e.g., in rats or rabbits. Following the 3R principles, the development of alternative methods is encouraged to reduce the number of animal tests. From this perspective, we have developed an in vitro assay (mDarT) using the zebrafish Danio rerio embryo teratogenicity assay (DarT) combined with an exogenous mammalian metabolic activation system (MAS), able to biotransform proteratogenic compounds. Cyclophosphamide, ethanol, benzo[a]pyrene and thalidomide were used as test materials to assess the efficiency of this assay. Briefly, the zebrafish embryos were co-cultured at 2 hpf (hours post fertilization) with the test material at varying concentrations, mammalian liver microsomes from different species and NADPH for 60 min at 32°C under moderate agitation in Tris buffer. The negative control (test material alone) and the MAS control (MAS alone) were incubated in parallel. For each test group, 20 eggs were used for statistical robustness. Afterwards fish embryos were transferred individually into 24-well plates filled with fish medium for 48 hours at 26°C with a 12 hour-light cycle. Teratogenicity was scored after 24 and 48 hpf using morphological endpoints. The test was considered to be valid if a minimum of 90% of fish eggs developed normally for the two controls (test material alone and MAS alone). For each test material, the experiment was repeated three times with the controls satisfying the validation criteria (≤ 10% impaired embryos). Indeed, no significant teratogenic effects were observed compared to controls in fish embryos exposed to the proteratogens alone (i.e., without metabolic activation) or the MAS alone. In contrast, the four test materials induced significant abnormalities in fish embryos when co-incubated with animal liver microsomes. For cyclophosphamide, ethanol and thalidomide a concentration-response relationship was shown and the qualitative nature of the malformations was similar between fish embryos and humans. Benzo[a]pyrene was demonstrated to be significantly teratogenic in fish embryos in spite of no concentration-response and unspecific teratogenic fingerprints. We conclude that the application of animal liver microsomes will improve and refine the DarT as a predictive and valuable alternative method to screen teratogenic substances.

Les amines hétérocycliques aromatiques (AHA) sont des contaminants de l'environnement et de l'alimentation, majoritairement formés lors de la cuisson de viande et poisson ainsi que dans la fumée de cigarette et les gaz d'échappements. Les AHA sont mutagènes chez la bactérie, cancérogènes multi-sites chez le rongeur et sont classées comme cancérogènes possibles ou probables chez l'Homme par l'IARC. Il est aujourd'hui indispensable de caractériser des biomarqueurs d'exposition dérivés des AHA (adduits à l'ADN et métabolites) pour améliorer l'estimation du risque chez l'Homme. Des résultats de l'équipe ont démontré que le 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC) forme des niveaux d'adduits à l'ADN élevés dans les hépatocytes humains. Ces niveaux sont plus élevés que ceux formés par les autres AHA. L'objectif de cette thèse est de mieux comprendre le potentiel génotoxique d'AαC chez l'Homme. Nos travaux ont démontré que les adduits à l'ADN dérivés d'AαC sont persistants dans les hépatocytes humains et formés à des doses aussi faibles que 1nM. De plus, le CYP1A2 a été confirmé comme enzyme majoritaire dans la bioactivation d'AαC dans le foie humain. Nous avons également caractérisé les métabolites majeurs dérivés d'AαC dans les hépatocytes humains. Cette étude a permis d'établir pour la première fois une corrélation entre l'activité catalytique du CYP1A2, la formation d'AαC-HN2-O-Gl et la formation des adduits à l'ADN dérivés d'AαC. Le métabolite AαC-HN2-O-Gl étant réactif vis-à-vis de l'ADN in vitro, nos travaux confortent l'hypothèse que la voie des UDP-Glucuronosyltransférases (UGTs) est une nouvelle voie de bioactivation d'AαC dans le foie humain. De plus, nous avons montré que les adduits à l'ADN dérivés des AHA sont formés dans les lymphocytes T humains activés et en particulier les adduits en position C8 de la guanine dérivés d'AαC. Au total, ces travaux ont permis l'identification de métabolites stables et des adduits à l'ADN, potentiels biomarqueurs d'exposition à AαC, qui sont indispensables pour une meilleure estimation du risque génotoxique d'AαC chez l'Homme. / Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) are environmental and food contaminants, mainly formed during meat and fish cooking, but also in cigarette smoke and exhaust gaz. HAA are mutagenic in bacteria, carcinogenic in rodents and are classified as possible or probable human carcinogens by IARC. Today it is essential to characterize exposure biomarkers i.e. DNA adducts and metabolites, to assess the human risk associated with HAA. The research team has previously demonstrated that 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC) form high levels of DNA adducts in human hepatocytes. These levels are greater that those derived from other HAAs. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to better understand the genotoxic potential of AαC in human. We demonstrated that in human hepatocytes, DNA adducts derived from AαC are persistent and formed at doses as low as 1nM. Moreover, we confirmed that CYP1A2 is the major enzyme implicated in the bioactivation of AαC in human liver. We have also characterized the major metabolites derived from AαC formed in human hepatocytes. This study allows, for the first time, the establishment of a correlation between the catalytic activity of CYP1A2, AαC-HN2-O-Gl formation and AαC derived DNA adducts formation. AαC-HN2-O-Gl being reactive toward DNA in vitro, our work reinforces the hypothesis that the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGTs) pathway is a new bioactivation pathway for AαC in human liver. Moreover, we demonstrated the formation of HAA derived DNA adducts, especially those derived from AαC at position C8 of guanine, in activated human T lymphocytes. Taken together, our data lead to the identification of stable metabolites as well as DNA adducts which are potentials AαC exposure biomarkers in human. These biomarkers are essential for a better assessment of the genotoxic risk of AαC in human.

The assessment of teratogenic effects of chemicals is generally performed using in vivo teratogenicity assays e.g., in rats or rabbits. Following the 3R principles, the development of alternative methods is encouraged to reduce the number of animal tests. From this perspective, we have developed an in vitro assay (mDarT) using the zebrafish Danio rerio embryo teratogenicity assay (DarT) combined with an exogenous mammalian metabolic activation system (MAS), able to biotransform proteratogenic compounds. Cyclophosphamide, ethanol, benzo[a]pyrene and thalidomide were used as test materials to assess the efficiency of this assay. Briefly, the zebrafish embryos were co-cultured at 2 hpf (hours post fertilization) with the test material at varying concentrations, mammalian liver microsomes from different species and NADPH for 60 min at 32°C under moderate agitation in Tris buffer. The negative control (test material alone) and the MAS control (MAS alone) were incubated in parallel. For each test group, 20 eggs were used for statistical robustness. Afterwards fish embryos were transferred individually into 24-well plates filled with fish medium for 48 hours at 26°C with a 12 hour-light cycle. Teratogenicity was scored after 24 and 48 hpf using morphological endpoints. The test was considered to be valid if a minimum of 90% of fish eggs developed normally for the two controls (test material alone and MAS alone). For each test material, the experiment was repeated three times with the controls satisfying the validation criteria (≤ 10% impaired embryos). Indeed, no significant teratogenic effects were observed compared to controls in fish embryos exposed to the proteratogens alone (i.e., without metabolic activation) or the MAS alone. In contrast, the four test materials induced significant abnormalities in fish embryos when co-incubated with animal liver microsomes. For cyclophosphamide, ethanol and thalidomide a concentration-response relationship was shown and the qualitative nature of the malformations was similar between fish embryos and humans. Benzo[a]pyrene was demonstrated to be significantly teratogenic in fish embryos in spite of no concentration-response and unspecific teratogenic fingerprints. We conclude that the application of animal liver microsomes will improve and refine the DarT as a predictive and valuable alternative method to screen teratogenic substances.

Les particules fines atmosphériques (PF) sont capables de pénétrer dans les poumons où certains composés transportés peuvent interagir avec les cellules pulmonaires et atteindre la circulation sanguine. L'exposition aux PF affecte particulièrement les populations sensibles telles que les personnes agées. Cette thèse s'inscrit dans une démarche d'identification des effets des PF sur les lymphocytes T humains (LT) tout en visant à déterminer des biomarqueurs liés à l'exposition et à évaluer la variation de la réponse cellulaire en fonction de l'âge. Des LT ont été isolés de prélèvements sanguins de 91 volontaires appartenant à trois classes d'age (20-30, 45-55, 70-85 ans) puis exposés ex vivo pendant 72h à 45 µg/µl de PF collectées à Dunkerque. Les étapes d'isolement, purification et activation des LT ont d'abord été optimisées. Suite à la caractérisation de la population échantillonnée, une population d'étude homogène a été sélectionnée ( 10 sujets / classe d'âge). Nous avons mis en évidence une induction génique d'enzymes impliquées dans l'activation métabolique des HAP identifiés dans l'échantillon de PF. La caractérisation du profil des Lt a permis de proposer un profil mixte Th1/Th2 causé par l'exposition. L'étude transcriptomique des miARN a mis en évidence une surexpression de miR-124-3p impliqué dans la régulation de plusieurs fonctions au niveau du système immunitaire et de miR-1290 impliqué dans plusieurs types de cancer. Quant à l'influence de l'âge, une surexpression des gènes codant pour les enzymes antioxydantes (NQO1 et HMOX1), une augmentation de la concentration des cytokines (IL-4 et IL-13) ainsi qu'une modification du profil d'expression de certains miARN ont été notées chez les sujets les plus âgés. / Atmospheric fine particulate matter (FP) are able to enter the lungs where some compounds can interact with lung cells and reach the bloodstream . Exposure to FP affects in particular susceptible populations such as the elderly. This thesis is part of a project aiming to identify the effects of FP on human T lymphocytes (LT) while attempting to determine biomarkers related to exposure and to evaluate the variation of the cellular response as a function of age. LT were isolated from blood samples of 91 volunteers belonging to three age groups (20-30, 45-55, 70-85 years) then exposed ex vivo for 72h to 45 µg/µl of FP collected in Dunkirk. The steps of isolation, purification and activation of LT were first optimized. Following the characterization of the sampled population, a homogeneous study population was selected (10 subjects/age class). We have demonstrated an induction of the genes coding for the enzymes involved in the metabolic activation of PAH identified in the PF sample. Characterization of the LT profile made it possible to propose a mixed th1/th2 profile cause by the exposure. Teh transcriptomic study of miRNAs revealed an overexpression of miR-124-3p involved in the regulation of several functions in the immune system and miR-1290 involved in several types of cancer. As for the influence of age, overexpression of the genes coding for the antioxidant enzymes (NQO1 and HMOX1), an increase in the concentration of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) as well as a modification of the expression profile of some miRNAs were noted on the elderly.

No description available.

La pollution atmosphérique particulaire constitue un facteur de risque majeur pour la santé humaine. En dépit des nombreuses études réalisées, les mécanismes d'action sous-jacents à l'exposition aux particules et responsables des effets physiopathologiques observés restent encore mal connus. Notre travail a consisté en la collecte d'aérosols particulaires sur 2 sites urbains (Fann et Faidherbe) dans la ville de Dakar (Sénégal) et un site rural (Ngaparou). Les sites urbains sont caractérisés par un trafic automobile dense avec le site de Fann présentant une circulation majoritaire de véhicules de transport en commun alors qu'à Faidherbe le trafic est constitué en majorité de véhicules particuliers. la caractérisation physico-chimique des trois échantillons particulaires a montré une granulométrie fine (96% < 2,5 μm), donc capables de pénétrer profondément dans les poumons, des surfaces spécifiques comprises entre 8 et 13m²/g pouvant adsorber à leur surfaces des substances potentiellement toxiques. Leur composition chimique, riche en éléments inorganiques et organiques, démontre la diversité de leur sources (naturelle et anthropique). Après évaluation de leur cytotoxicité dans les cellules épithéliales bronchiques humaines (BEAS-2B), nous avons montré la capacité de ces aérosols particulaires à induire l'activation métabolique de leur fraction organique par l'induction de l'expression génique des enzymes de métabolisation CYP1A1, 1B1 et NQO1. Nous n'avons pas observé de réponse significative dans le processus d'altération oxydative via la péroxydation lipidique (MDA) et le statut du glutathion (GSSG/GSH). En revanche nous avons montré l'implication de ces aérosols particulaires dans le développement de la réponse inflammatoire par l'expression et la sécrétion significative de cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 et IL-8. / Airborne Particulate Matter (PM) is an important risk factor for human health. In spite of the numerous studies that have been carried out, the underlying mechanisms of action involved in particulate matter physiopathological effects are still unclear. In this work, PM samples were collected in two urban sites (Fann and Faidherbe) in Dakar (Senegal) and in a rural site (Ngaparou). The two urban sites mainly differ in the type of motor vehicles circulating in the area : most of the traffic is made of buses in Fann, whereas they are absent from Faidherbe. The physical characterization of the three samples showed their fine size distribution (96% < 2,5 μm), with surface areas ranging from 8 to 13m²/g. Collected PM were then able to reach deep lung, and to adsorb potentially toxic substances. Their chemical composition, rich in inorganic and organic compounds demonstrated the diversity of emission sources. After assessing their cytotoxicity in human epithelial bronchial cells (BEAS-2B), we showed that these PM could induce gene expression of metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1, 1B1 and NQO1, and therefore the metabolic activation of their organic fraction. No significant response to oxidative damage through lipid peroxidation (MDA) or glutathione status modification (GSSG/GSH) was observed after cells exposure to particulate matter. However, this exposure induced an inflammatory response by a significant increase in expression and secretion of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.

Les particules fines (PM₂.₅) présentes dans l'air extérieur peuvent être inhalées puis retenues au niveau pulmonaire, conduisant à l'apparition ou à l'aggravation de différentes pathologies cardio-respiratoires. La composition complexe des PM₂.₅ rend d'autant plus difficile l'étude de leurs mécanismes d'action. Cette thèse s'inscrit donc dans une démarche d'identification des processus impliqués dans un éventuel potentiel cancérigène des PM₂.₅, en lien avec leur composition chimique. Nous avons étudié la toxicité de six échantillons de PM₂.₅, collectés sous influence industrielle, urbaine ou rurale au cours des saisons printemps-été 2008 et automne-hiver 2008-2009. L'étude de la fraction biologique a révélé la diversité et la richesse des particules en contaminants fongiques et bactériens. Le test d'Ames nous a permis de mettre en évidence une forte mutagénicité des PM₂.₅, vraisemblablement liée aux composés nitro-aromatiques. Sur la base de tests de cytotoxicité préalables, nous avons étudié l'effet de 3,75 et 15 µg/cm² de particules sur la lignée de cellules épithéliales bronchiques humaines BEAS-2B. Nous avons mis en évidence une induction génique de différents enzymes impliquées dans l'activation métabolique des hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques, associée à une augmentation d'activité catalytique. Cette induction semble conduire à la formation d'adduits encombrants à l'ADN. De plus, les PM₂.₅ induisent des cassures simple- et double-brin de l'ADN, la formation de micronoyaux, ainsi que des perturbations de l'activité télomérase. Ces effets génotoxiques sont associés à des altérations épigénétiques que sont une hyperméthylation du promoteur de P16ᴵᴺᴷ⁴ᴬ, des modifications post-traductionnelles de l'histone 3 et des changements dans l'expression des miRNA étudiés. Considérant l'influence de la composition des PM₂.₅, les composés organiques semblent être responsables des effets génotoxiques les plus importants, alors que les métaux paraissent avoir des effets épigénétiques supérieurs. En conclusion, il apparaît que les échantillons de PM₂.₅ étudiés, de par l'action conjointe de leurs fractions organique et inorganique, sont susceptibles d'induire in vitro de multiples lésions décrites dans les étapesd'initiation et de promotion de la cancérogénèse broncho-pulmonaire. / Fine airborne particulate matter (PM₂.₅) can be inhaled and retained in deep lung for long periods, leading to onset or exacerbation of cardio-respiratory diseases. However, the complex composition of PM₂.₅ makes difficult the study of their mechanisms of action. This work fits into a global approach aiming to identify the toxicity mechanisms involved in a putative PM₂.₅ carcinogenicity, in association with PM composition. We study six PM samples collected either under industrial, urban or rural area, in spring-summer 2008 or autumn-winter 2008-2009 seasons. Biological fraction analysis revealed numerous and diverse bacterial and fungal components. We carried out Ames tests revealing a high mutagenic potency for PM samples, presumably linked to their nitro-aromatic content. Based on previous cytotoxicity assays, we studied PM effect on bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, at two concentrations (3.75 and 15µg/cm²). We demonstrated gene induction of several xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolic activation. This was associated with an increase in their catalytic activity, leading to bulky DNA-adducts formation in exposed cells. Furthermore, PM₂.₅ lead to DNA single- and double-strand breaks, micronuclei formation, and disturbed telomerase activity. In addition to these genotoxic effects, our study revealed epigenetic alterations such as P16ᴵᴺᴷ⁴ᴬ promoter hypermehylation, histone 3 post-translational modifications, and miRNAs expression changes. Considering the impact of chemical composition on PM toxicity, organic compounds lead to the highest genotoxicity, whereas metals seem to induce more pronounced epigenetic modifications. Altogether, our results indicate that the studied PM₂.₅ samples, through cooperative action of organic and inorganic fractions, may lead in vitro to multiple alterations involved in initiation and promotion steps toward pulmonary carcinogenesis.