Methylated purines in human liver DNA after probable dimethylnitrosamine poisoning

Cancer Res. 1980 Sep;40(9):3116-7.

Abstract

DNA, isolated from two samples of human liver obtained from a suspected dimethylnitrosamine poisoning, contained 1363 to 1373 micromol of 7-methylguanine per mol of guanine and 273 to 317 micromol of O6-methylguanine per mol of guanine. Liver and kidney DNA obtained from unrelated cases contained no detectable methylated purines. From the DNA methylation levels, it is estimated that the dimethylnitrosamine-poisoning victim had been exposed to a dose of 20 mg or more of dimethylnitrosamine per kg of body weight. The results indicate for the first time that humans, like rodents, appear to activate dimethylnitrosamine metabolically to a strong methylating agent, resulting in methylation of liver DNA at both the 7- and O6 positions of guanine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • DNA / analysis*
  • Dimethylnitrosamine / poisoning*
  • Guanine / analysis
  • Humans
  • Liver / analysis*
  • Male
  • Methylation
  • Purines / analysis*

Substances

  • Purines
  • Guanine
  • DNA
  • Dimethylnitrosamine