In vivo genotoxic interactions among three phenolic benzene metabolites

Three benzene metabolites, hydroquinone (HQ), cathecol (CAT) and phenol (PHE) were studied to define their possible interaction in inducing micronuclei (Mn) in mouse bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). HQ and CAT, administered separately, induced Mn while PHE showed no genotoxic effects. Binary and ternary mixtures of two or three metabolites gave different results, causing considerable increase or decrease in Mn induction. HQ and PHE, in binary mixtures, as well as PHE and CAT, increased Mn synergistically, while HQ and CAT interacted negatively. The genotoxicity of ternary mixtures was mainly the consequence of two metabolites: HQ and CAT. The maximal effect obtained is far below the induction of Mn consequent to benzene treatment. These data suggest that toxic and genotoxic effects of benzene alone could be the result of more complex interactions among these and other metabolites.