Chromosome breaking activity of human feces and its enhancement by transition metals.

Chloroform-methanol extracts from human fecal samples were found to contain compounds which induce chromosome aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The induction of chromosome aberrations is stimulated by Cu2+ or Mn2+ and inhibited by Fe2+ or Fe3+. Addition of catalase to the fecal extract or the mixture of fecal extract and Mn2+ reduced the frequency of chromosome aberrations. These properties are indicative of hydroxyradical producing agents.