QSAR models for predicting toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans using quantum chemical descriptors

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Aug;85(2):109-15. doi: 10.1007/s00128-010-0065-2. Epub 2010 Jul 14.

Abstract

By partial least square regression, simple quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed for the toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Quantum chemical descriptors computed by semi-empirical PM3 method were used as predictor variables. Three optimal QSAR models are developed for 25 PCDDs, 35 PCDFs, 25 PCDDs and 35 PCDFs together, respectively. The cross-validated Q (cum) (2) values for the three QSAR models of 25 PCDDs, 35 PCDFs, 25 PCDDs and 35 PCDFs together are 0.816, 0.629 and 0.603, respectively, indicating good predictive capabilities for the biological toxicity of these PCDD/Fs. The present study suggests that quantum chemical descriptors of POPs indeed govern the binding affinity of these chemicals for aryl hydrocarbon receptors. Moreover, different models contain different molecular descriptors to define respective equation, which suggests that the relationship between molecular structure and the binding affinity of these chemicals for aryl hydrocarbon receptors is complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzofurans / chemistry
  • Benzofurans / metabolism
  • Benzofurans / toxicity*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
  • Hepatocytes / drug effects
  • Models, Chemical
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / chemistry
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / metabolism
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / toxicity
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / metabolism
  • Soil Pollutants / chemistry
  • Soil Pollutants / toxicity*

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • Soil Pollutants