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The use of information systems in genetic toxicology
Fd Chem. Toxic. Vol. 24, No. 6/7, p. 703, 1986 Printed in Great Britain. All rights reserved
0278-6915/86 53.00+0.00 Copyright © 1986 Pergamon Journals Ltd
THE USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN GENETIC TOXICOLOGY E. M. WATERS and J. M. PARRY Biomedical and Physiological Studies Research Group, School of Biology, University College of Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
Introduction
Information on the mutagenicity of a chemical has become a vital component in the assessment of potential carcinogenicity. A variety of studies has indicated that the adequate evaluation of mutagenicity is dependent upon the assessment of both qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of in vitro and in vivo assay systems.
Computerized data bases
A prerequisite for data evaluation is convenient access to the pertinent literature. To date, the development of computerized data bases in the field of toxicology has concentrated on the storage and retrieval of all available references for a chemical. Some systems, such as the Environmental Mutagen Information Center (EMIC) and the Environmental Teratology Information Center (ETIC), have developed a field indexing system in which keywords are assigned to specific subject areas. However, a factual database containing evaluated data on a wide spectrum of parameters is of considerable commercial value. This rationale has been the driving force behind the construction of the European Communities Data and Information Network (ECDIN) Data Bank. The ECDIN Data Bank is designed to enable those engaged in environmental management and research to obtain reliable information on chemical products. A wide range of data on environmentally important chemicals is included, encompassing physical properties and nomenclature, production and commercial data, analysis, regulatory status, classical toxicology, aquatic toxicology, and carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and teratogenicity. Specialist institutions throughout the European Community are contracted to provide the data for each parameter, The mutagenicity profiles are designed to complement the other
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data sections to produce a complete dossier on the chemical. Construction of a mutagenicity profile
Chemicals for which mutagenicity profiles are to be prepared are identified in conjunction with the Commission Services on the basis of environmental importance and current interest. Literature references to the genetic effects of each chemical are located, primarily using the EMIC files. Copies of the original papers are obtained and evaluated; those with good quality data are selected for inclusion in ECDIN. The profiles provide details of experimental procedure, quantification of results and statistical analysis. An example from the mutagenicity profile for chloroprene is given below. The ECDIN Data Bank is available commercially via the DataCentralen Host Centre. A sample o f the mutagenicity data for chloroprene Substance: 0009396 Chloroprene Type of study: Genetic end point: Species/strain: Genetic system: Comment:
Plate assay Point mutation Salmonella typhimurium TAI00 Reverse mutation His- to His + Base substitution strain
DOSING REGIME
Concentration: 1/~mole/plate METHODOLOGICAL DETAILS Activation system: No + v e Control: M N N G Incubation time: 48 hr at 37°C Method details: Ames test. Cells plated at 1-2 x 108. Gaseous exposure in desiccators. RESULTS
Effect: + Dose-effect relationship: + Reference: Mutation Research 76:1-50 (1980)
0278-6915/86 53.00+0.00 Copyright © 1986 Pergamon Journals Ltd
THE USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN GENETIC TOXICOLOGY E. M. WATERS and J. M. PARRY Biomedical and Physiological Studies Research Group, School of Biology, University College of Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
Introduction
Information on the mutagenicity of a chemical has become a vital component in the assessment of potential carcinogenicity. A variety of studies has indicated that the adequate evaluation of mutagenicity is dependent upon the assessment of both qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of in vitro and in vivo assay systems.
Computerized data bases
A prerequisite for data evaluation is convenient access to the pertinent literature. To date, the development of computerized data bases in the field of toxicology has concentrated on the storage and retrieval of all available references for a chemical. Some systems, such as the Environmental Mutagen Information Center (EMIC) and the Environmental Teratology Information Center (ETIC), have developed a field indexing system in which keywords are assigned to specific subject areas. However, a factual database containing evaluated data on a wide spectrum of parameters is of considerable commercial value. This rationale has been the driving force behind the construction of the European Communities Data and Information Network (ECDIN) Data Bank. The ECDIN Data Bank is designed to enable those engaged in environmental management and research to obtain reliable information on chemical products. A wide range of data on environmentally important chemicals is included, encompassing physical properties and nomenclature, production and commercial data, analysis, regulatory status, classical toxicology, aquatic toxicology, and carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and teratogenicity. Specialist institutions throughout the European Community are contracted to provide the data for each parameter, The mutagenicity profiles are designed to complement the other
703
data sections to produce a complete dossier on the chemical. Construction of a mutagenicity profile
Chemicals for which mutagenicity profiles are to be prepared are identified in conjunction with the Commission Services on the basis of environmental importance and current interest. Literature references to the genetic effects of each chemical are located, primarily using the EMIC files. Copies of the original papers are obtained and evaluated; those with good quality data are selected for inclusion in ECDIN. The profiles provide details of experimental procedure, quantification of results and statistical analysis. An example from the mutagenicity profile for chloroprene is given below. The ECDIN Data Bank is available commercially via the DataCentralen Host Centre. A sample o f the mutagenicity data for chloroprene Substance: 0009396 Chloroprene Type of study: Genetic end point: Species/strain: Genetic system: Comment:
Plate assay Point mutation Salmonella typhimurium TAI00 Reverse mutation His- to His + Base substitution strain
DOSING REGIME
Concentration: 1/~mole/plate METHODOLOGICAL DETAILS Activation system: No + v e Control: M N N G Incubation time: 48 hr at 37°C Method details: Ames test. Cells plated at 1-2 x 108. Gaseous exposure in desiccators. RESULTS
Effect: + Dose-effect relationship: + Reference: Mutation Research 76:1-50 (1980)