Sister-chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberrations by DHAQ and related anthraquinone derivatives in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

The induction of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells by doxorubicin (adriamycin), DHAQ and several related anthraquinone derivatives was investigated. Doxorubicin, DHAQ and some of its analogues exhibited genotoxic effects at 1 nM concentration. Among them, DHAQ possessed the strongest activity. The DNA-damaging action of these substituted anthraquinone compounds correlated well with their antiproliferative effect on cells, and this action was detectable at concentrations significantly below that which caused inhibition of cell proliferation. Our data suggest that the genotoxic effects of the compounds occur prior to manifestation of their antiproliferative activity.