title: An analysis of the efficacy of bacterial DNA-repair assays for predicting genotoxicity.
abstract: Several bacterial DNA-repair tests have been developed as rapid assays for genotoxicity. In these systems, a positive result is generally considered as evidence for interaction of a chemical with DNA and an indication of carcinogenicity. Recently much data have been published on the responses to suspect carcinogens of such systems in the presence and absence of added exogenous metabolising fractions. An analysis of this literature is presented and it is concluded that bacterial repair tests provide a useful prediction of potential carcinogenicity especially for certain classes of compounds. However, a significant number of procarcinogens and indirect-acting mutagens does not require mammalian metabolism in order to exhibit activity in repair assays. Possible reasons for this discrepancy as well as recommendations concerning the value of bacterial repair systems in carcinogenicity screening are discussed.
mesh_terms: D002273:Carcinogens; D004260:DNA Repair; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009153:Mutagens
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D009153:Mutagens