1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene

Description

1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolite. Here's what makes it important for research:

**What it is:**

* **Structure:** It's a derivative of chrysene, a common PAH found in environmental pollutants like coal tar, smoke, and diesel exhaust.
* **Formation:** It's formed in the body when chrysene is metabolized by enzymes called cytochrome P450s. This metabolic process adds two hydroxyl groups (-OH) to the chrysene molecule, resulting in 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene.

**Why it's important for research:**

* **Carcinogenesis:** This metabolite is a potent mutagen and carcinogen. It can damage DNA, leading to mutations that can contribute to cancer development. Research focuses on understanding its role in lung cancer and other cancers associated with exposure to PAHs.
* **Biomarker:** The presence of 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene in biological samples (like urine or blood) can serve as a biomarker of exposure to chrysene and other PAHs. This information is crucial for assessing the health risks associated with PAH exposure and for developing strategies for prevention and treatment.
* **Metabolic Pathways:** Studying the formation of this metabolite helps researchers understand the metabolic pathways involved in PAH detoxification and the factors influencing their toxicity. This knowledge can be used to develop interventions that target these pathways to minimize the carcinogenic effects of PAHs.
* **Environmental Health:** The research on 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene contributes to understanding the environmental health risks posed by PAHs. This knowledge helps in developing regulations and strategies for reducing PAH emissions from various sources, ultimately protecting human health.

**In summary:** 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene plays a significant role in research due to its carcinogenic properties, its use as a biomarker of PAH exposure, and its role in elucidating the metabolic pathways associated with PAH detoxification. Understanding this metabolite is vital for assessing health risks, developing preventive measures, and mitigating the harmful effects of PAHs on human health.

1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy-5-methylchrysene: major active metabolite of 5-methylchrysene; RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]