An evaluation of the utility of blood concentration of somatic mutagens to inform germ cell mutagenic hazard
Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Journal Article
Article
Article
Language
en
Date
2025-11-22
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Title
An evaluation of the utility of blood concentration of somatic mutagens to inform germ cell mutagenic hazard
Translated Title
Published in
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2026; 165:105989
Abstract
The Globally Harmonized System standardizes chemical hazard communication. Within this system, germ cell mutagenicity holds unique importance due to the potential of heritable mutations. Yet, such testing is rarely performed, requiring alternative approaches to assess germ cell mutagenic potential. One strategy involves using physiological parameters to predict if somatic cell mutagens reach the gonads and induce mutations in germ cells. Therefore, the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute's Genetic Toxicology Technical Committee examined whether blood concentrations of somatic cell mutagens can predict genotoxic effects in germ cells. We analyzed 11 substances with dominant lethal test data and 30 with transgenic rodent gene mutation data in male germ cells, together with blood concentrations. While significant associations were found between genotoxic outcomes in somatic tissues (e.g., micronuclei, mutation induction) and outcomes for germ cell mutagenicity, considerable variability was noted in genotoxic responses. This variability could not be explained by blood concentrations alone. Notably, blood levels of substances positive in both somatic and germ cells were similar to those that were positive for somatic cell genotoxicity and negative in germ cells. We conclude that the concentration of a somatic cell genotoxic substance in blood is insufficient to predict germ cell mutagenicity.