A novel cell model to detect the carcinogenic potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The aim of this study is to detect the carcinogenic potential of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) employing the novel cell model. The results indicated that the novel cell model (an improved cell transformation assay using Balb-E6E7 cells) could detect the initiating and promoting activities of three PAHs. The initiating and promoting activities of Benz[a] anthracene (B[a]A) were positive and positive respectively, whereas that of Benzo[ghi]perylene (B[ghi]P) were negative and positive, respectively. Pyr didn't show any carcinogenic potential. The Balb-E6E7 cell transformation assay possessed increases in transformed foci as many as 1-10 times and one-third reduction of time consumed comparing with conventional Balb/c 3T3 cell system. According to the standard of agents classified by the IARC, the data demonstrated the sensitivity and effectiveness of the Balb-E6E7 cell transformation assay were confirmed in predicting performance of PAHs carcinogenicity with the more focus transformation, less time consumed and better performance of cost and labor. The results might be of significance for improving the overall process of safety and risk assessment of chemical carcinogens and contributing to the cancer prevention.