Metabolism of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives to Ultimate Carcinogens During Lipid Peroxidation

Lipid peroxidation triggered by ascorbate or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in rat liver microsomes can initiate the epoxidation of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzoapyrene. The stereochemistry of epoxidation is indicative of a peroxide-dependent free radical process. Since the epoxides formed may be the most carcinogenic derivatives of benzoapyrene yet identified, lipid peroxidation can effect the metabolic activation of proximate carcinogens to ultimate carcinogens.