Efficient one-pot synthesis of biologically active polysubstituted aromatic amines

An efficient and modular one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted aromatic amines by a mild reductive amination procedure is described and the biological potential of these nitrogen-centered compounds is demonstrated by growth inhibition of murine connective tissue cells and microscopy-based morphological studies.     

Haemoglobin adducts of aromatic amines: diamines and polyaromatic amines

Aromatic amines and nitroarenes are important antioxidants and intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pesticides and plastics. In the present paper we introduce methods for the synthesis of deuterated standards: 3-[²H₈]aminofluoranthene, 3,3′-dimethyl-[²H₄]benzidine, [²H₄]benzidine, N′-acetyl-[²H₄]benzidine, 2,4-[²H₆]toluenediamine, 2,6-[²H₆]toluenediamine. These standards have been used for the quantification of haemoglobin adducts of diamines and polyaromatic amines. Haemoglobin was hydrolysed in 0.1 M sodium hydroxide and the hydrolysate extracted with dichloromethane. The extracts were derivatised with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and analysed by GC–MS with negative chemical ionisation. In one run up to 15 aromatic amines can be determined: 6-aminochrysene, 3-aminofluoranthene, 2-aminofluorene, 1-aminopyrene, benzidine, 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine, 3,3′-dimethoxybenzidine, 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine, 3,3′-methylenedianiline, 4,4′-methylenedianiline, N′-acetyl-benzidine, N′-acetyl-4,4′-methylenedianiline, 4,4′-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline), 2,4-toluenediamine and 2,6-toluenediamine.     

DNA cleavage by aromatic amines.

A series of aryl amines was found to induce cleavage of DNA. Subsequent refinement led to an efficient family of dimeric derivatives capable of cleavage at low concentration. Initial investigations suggest this is an unprecedented mode of DNA cleavage, which may be ultimately applied to the development of sequence-specific agents.     

Synthesis and bioelectrochemical behavior of aromatic amines

Four aromatic amines 1-amino-4-phenoxybenzene (A₁), 4-(4-aminophenyloxy) biphenyl (A₂), 1-(4-aminophenoxy) naphthalene (A₃) and 2-(4-aminophenoxy) naphthalene (A₄) were synthesized and characterized by elemental, spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR), mass spectrometric and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The compounds crystallized in monoclinic crystal system with space group P2₁. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds were observed between the amine group and amine/ether acceptors of neighboring molecules. Electrochemical investigations were done using cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). CV studies showed that oxidation of aromatic amines takes place at about 0.9 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the electron transfer (ET) process has irreversible nature. After first scan reactive intermediate were generated electrochemically and some other cathodic and anodic peaks also appeared in the succeeding scans. DPV study revealed that ET process is accompanied by one electron. DNA binding study of aromatic amines was performed by CV and UV–visible spectroscopy. These investigations revealed groove binding mode of interaction of aromatic amines with DNA.     

Fate and biodegradability of sulfonated aromatic amines

Ten sulfonated aromatic amines were tested for their aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability and toxicity potential in a variety of environmental inocula. Of all the compounds tested, only two aminobenzenesulfonic acid (ABS) isomers, 2- and 4-ABS, were degraded. The observed degradation occurred only under aerobic conditions with inocula sources that were historically polluted with sulfonated aromatic amines. Bioreactor experiments, with non-sterile synthetic wastewater, confirmed the results from the aerobic batch degradation experiments. Both ABS isomers were degraded in long-term continuous experiment by abioaugmented enrichment culture. The maximum degradation rate in the aerobic bioreactor was 1.6–1.8 gl^–1 d^–1 for 2-ABS and a somewhat lower value for 4-ABS at hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 2.8–3.3h. Evidence for extensive mineralization of 2- and 4-ABS was based on oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production during the batch experiments and the high levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in the bioreactor. Furthermore, mineralization of the sulfonate group was demonstrated by high recovery of sulfate. The sulfonated aromatic amines did not show any toxic effects on the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial populations tested. The poor biodegradability of sulfonated aromatic amines indicated under the laboratory conditions of this study suggests that these compounds may not be adequately removed during biological wastewater treatment.     

Electromigration methods for amino acids, biogenic amines and aromatic amines

Methods of electromigration in laboratory apparatus of small-bore size have recently undergone development at a remarkably rapid pace, leading to a variety of new analytical techniques. One such technique is called “capillary electrophoresis” (CE), which is further classified on the basis of electromigration mode, viz., “capillary zone electrophoresis” (CZE), which, in turn, has several variations. This review aims to give a short overview of the various electromigration methods for amino compounds by using CE. Firstly, this review briefly summarizes the detection methods employed for detection of monoamines and polyamines by CE for both native and derivative forms. Next, current CE methods are described, and their applications to detection of amino acids, biogenic amines, aromatic amines, including heteroaromatic amines and their enantiomers, are introduced from representative papers. Finally, new methods for single-cell analysis and microchip CE techniques are focused on.     

Mutagens formed from beta-carbolines with aromatic amines

Norharman, widely distributed in our environment such as cigarette smoke and cooked foods, is not mutagenic to Salmonella strains, but becomes mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and YG1024 with S9 mix in the presence of aromatic amines, including aniline and o-toluidine. Therefore, we have designated norharman as a "co-mutagen". Since, humans are simultaneously exposed to norharman and aromatic amines in daily life, it is important to clarify the mechanisms of its co-mutagenic action to further understanding of the potential genotoxic effects in humans. Regarding the mechanisms of this action of norharman with aniline, a mutagenic compound, 9-(4'-aminophenyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole[aminophenylnorharman (APNH)] is produced by their interaction, and converted to the hydroxyamino derivative which eventually forms the DNA adduct, dG-C8-APNH through possible ultimate reactive forms with esterification, and this induces mutations. Also other aminophenyl-beta-carboline compounds, such as 9-(4'-amino-3'-methylphenyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole[amino-3'-methylphenylnorharman (3'-AMPNH)], 9-(4'-amino-2'-methylphenyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole [amino-2'-methylphenylnorharman (2'-AMPNH)], 9-(4'-aminophenyl)-1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole[aminophenylharman (APH)] and 9-(4'-amino-3'-methylphenyl)-1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole[amino-3'-methylphenylharman (AMPH)], have been found on reaction of norharman or harman with aniline or toluidine isomers. These compounds showed mutagenic and clastogenic actions in bacterial and mammalian cells. Among them, APNH demonstrated the most potent activity, and it was most extensively studied. When APNH was administered as a single dose to F344 rats, severe testicular toxicity was observed after 6 days. Moreover, liver preneoplastic lesions (GST-P-positive foci) in the liver clearly developed in animals fed 10-50 ppm of APNH in the diet for 4 weeks. Since, APNH was detected in 24 h urine of rats upon simultaneous administration with norharman and aniline by gavage, it is likely to be also produced from norharman and aniline in the human body. From these findings, it is suggested that aminophenyl-beta-carboline derivatives may be classified as one of the novel types of endogenous mutagens and carcinogens.     

Formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines in model systems

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs) are mutagenic and carcinogenic substances that are formed in significant amounts during heating of meat or fish at temperatures of at least 150 degrees C. To investigate the chemistry lying behind the formation of these harmful substances model systems were established. The first aim was to identify the naturally occurring precursors, namely creatinine, amino acids and carbohydrates. Later these model systems were used to develop strategies for a reduction of the content of the heterocyclic aromatic amines and for the evaluation of the reaction mechanisms that lead to the formation of these substances. All these aspects are discussed in this review.     

Activation of aromatic amines by prostaglandin H synthase

Prostaglandin H synthase catalyzes the first step in the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. The peroxidase activity of this enzyme can support the oxidation of xenobiotics, particularly aromatic amines. This pathway of metabolism may contribute to the activation of carcinogenic aromatic amines in target tissues such as the skin, lung, and bladder. In this review, recent work on this subject is summarized. I emphasize the elucidation of the structures of aromatic amine oxidation products, and their interactions with biological macromolecules. Prostaglandin H synthase supports the activation of benzidine to a mutagenic species in the Ames (Salmonella typhimurium) test, and our studies of the mechanism of this activation are described.     

Microsomal activation of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic amines in Drosophila melanogaster

Benzo[a]pyrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-aminoanthracene, and 1-aminopyrene, when fed to adult Drosophila melanogaster males, gave a negative mutagenic response in the X-linked recessive lethal assay. Benzo[a]pyrene was also ineffective in inducing "Minutes". Aflatoxin B1, EMS and DMN gave a positive response which was dependent on the concentration of mutagen fed. Whole fly homogenates prepared from adult Drosophila were assayed for mixed-function oxidase activity in the Salmonella/microsome test. Crude Drosophila microsomes activated 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-aminofluorene, 2,7-diaminofluorene, 2-aminoanthracene, 1-aminopyrene, and aflatoxin B1. Tests with benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene, 1,2,3,4-dibenz[a]anthracene, and 7-12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene were negative.     

Oxidation of aromatic amines by peroxidase at pH 14

Horseradish peroxidase catalyzes the peroxidation of p-anisidine and other aromatic amines at pH 14. Sensitivity to KCN and thermal inactivation are characteristic of classical heme-enzyme catalysis.     

Mammalian cell mutagenicity and metabolism of heterocyclic aromatic amines

Heterocyclic aromatic amines are bacterial mutagens which also induce DNA damage in mammalian cells. Damage has been demonstrated using a number of endpoints, including gene mutation, chromosome aberrations, sister-chromatid exchange, DNA-strand breaks, DNA repair and oncogene activation. Although the responses in mammalian cells are weak when compared to bacterial mutagenicity, heterocyclic aromatic amines are rodent carcinogens. Metabolic N-oxidation by cytochrome P450 is an initial activation step with subsequent transformation of the N-hydroxy metabolites to the ultimate mutagenic species by O-acetyltransferase or sulfotransferase. Major routes of detoxification include cytochrome P450-mediated ring oxidation followed by conjugation to glucuronic or sulfuric acid. Direct conjugation to the exocyclic amine group also occurs. Major reactions include N-glucuronidation and sulfamate formation.