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Is 1,4-dioxane a genotoxic carcinogen?

K T Kitchin1, J L Brown

  • 1Environmental Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.

Cancer Letters
|August 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

1,4-dioxane exposure in rats showed increased hepatic DNA damage and ornithine decarboxylase activity at higher doses. These findings suggest 1,4-dioxane acts as both a weak genotoxic carcinogen and a strong non-genotoxic carcinogen promoter.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • 1,4-dioxane is a widely used industrial solvent.
  • Its carcinogenic potential and mechanisms require further elucidation.
  • Understanding its genotoxic and non-genotoxic effects is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genotoxic and promotional effects of 1,4-dioxane in Sprague-Dawley rats.
  • To assess the impact of 1,4-dioxane on key biomarkers of liver damage and carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered varying doses of 1,4-dioxane (0, 168, 840, 2550, 4200 mg/kg).
  • Hepatic DNA damage was measured using the alkaline elution technique.
  • Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, glutathione content, cytochrome P-450 content, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were determined.

Main Results:

  • 1,4-dioxane treatment significantly increased hepatic DNA damage and cytochrome P-450 content at doses of 2550 and 4200 mg/kg.
  • Large increases in hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity were observed at 840, 2550, and 4200 mg/kg.
  • Serum ALT activity and reduced glutathione content were also affected, indicating liver stress.

Conclusions:

  • The data suggest 1,4-dioxane exhibits weak genotoxic carcinogen properties.
  • 1,4-dioxane also acts as a strong promoter of carcinogenesis, functioning as a non-genotoxic carcinogen.
  • These findings highlight the dual role of 1,4-dioxane in cancer development.

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