DNA single strand breaks caused by 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and its metabolites.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental pollutants which have been shown to be carcinogenic. One possible mechanism for the apparent carcinogenicity of PCBs is their metabolism to phenolic metabolites through an arene oxide intermediate, with the arene oxide that is formed being the ultimate mutagenic or carcinogenic species. The ability of a tetrachlorobiphenyl and its phenolic and arene oxide metabolites to cause single strand breaks in DNA was therefore examined. 2,2',5,5'-TCB-3,4-epoxide was more potent in causing DNA single strand breaks than either 2,2',5,5'-TCB or a mixture of 3-hydroxy and 4-hydroxy-2,2',5,5'-TCB. These results support the idea that PCB epoxide may be involved in PCB carcinogenesis.