COMPACT and molecular structure in toxicity assessment: a prospective evaluation of 30 chemicals currently being tested for rodent carcinogenicity by the NCI/NTP.

A new series of 30 miscellaneous National Toxicology Program chemicals has been evaluated prospectively for carcinogenicity and overt toxicity by COMPACT (Computer Optimised Molecular Parametric Analysis for Chemical Toxicity. CYP1A and CYP2E1). Evaluations were also made by Hazardexpert, and for metal ion redox potentials; and these, together with COMPACT, were compared with results from the Ames test for mutagenicity in Salmonella, the micronucleus test, and 90-day subchronic rodent pathology. Seven of the 30 chemicals (nitromethane, chloroprene, xylenesulphonic acid, furfuryl alcohol, anthraquinone, emodin, cinnamaldehyde) were positive for potential carcinogenicity in the COMPACT evaluation; xylenesulphonic acid and furfuryl alcohol were only equivocally positive. Four of the 30 chemicals-scopolamine, D&C Yellow No. 11, citral, cinnamaldehyde-were positive by Hazardexpert; 6 of 30-D&C Yellow No. 11, 1-chloro-2-propanol, anthraquinone, emodin, sodium nitrite, cinnamaldehyde-were positive in the Ames test; 2 of 30-phenolphthalein and emodin-were positive in the in vivo cytogenetics test; and 3 of 30-molybdenum trioxide, gallium arsenide, vanadium pentoxide-were metal compounds with redox potentials of the metal/metal ion indicative of possible carcinogenicity. The overall prediction for carcinogenicity was positive for 12 of 30 chemicals: nitromethane, chloroprene, D&C Yellow No. 11, molybdenum trioxide, 1-chloro-2-propanol, furfuryl alcohol, gallium arsenide, anthraquinone, emodin, sodium nitrite, cinnamaldehyde, vanadium pentoxide). This overall prediction has been made on the basis of the results of the computer tests and from consideration of the information from bacterial mutagenicity, together with likely lipid solubility and pathways of metabolism and elimination.