International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
AF-2 [2-(2-FURYL)-3-(5-NITRO-2-FURYL)ACRYLAMIDE]
VOL.: 31 (1983) (p. 47)
CAS No.: 3688-53-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Furanacetamide, a-[(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]-
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
AF-2 was tested for carcinogenicity in three experiments in mice,
in two experiments in rats and in two experiments in hamsters by
administration in the diet. It produced benign and malignant
forestomach tumours in mice of both sexes, benign and malignant
mammary tumours and forestomach papillomas in rats of both sexes and
benign and malignant forestomach tumours in hamsters of both sexes and
oesophageal tumours in male hamsters. In one experiment in weanling
mice by subcutaneous injection, it produced lung tumours. It produced
multiple lung tumours in the offspring of mice treated subcutaneously
during pregnancy.
AF-2 induced DNA damage in bacteria and in human cells and
mutations in bacteria, fungi, insects and mammalian cells in vivo and
in vitro. It caused chromosomal anomalies in mammalian cells,
including human cells. AF-2 caused neoplastic transformation in
hamster cells. There is sufficient evidence that AF-2 is active in
short-term tests.
AF-2 induced foetal deaths in mice and was teratogenic to
survivors of dams pretreated with phenobarbital.
5.2 Human data
AF-2 has been used in Japan since at least 1965, but it is not
used presently. Its use as a food preservative was a source of
exposure for the general population.
No data were available to assess the teratogenicity or
chromosomal effects of this compound in humans.
The one available epidemiological study in which a regional
correlation between AF-2 consumption and breast cancer mortality was
analysed was considered inadequate to evaluate the carcinogenicity of
AF-2.
5.3 Evaluation
The epidemiological data were inadequate to evaluate the
carcinogenicity of AF-2 to humans.
There is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of AF-2 in
experimental animals.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 56: Group 2B)
Synonyms
- AF2
- FF
- Furylfuramide
- 2-(2-Furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylic acid amide
- a-(Furyl)-b-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylic amide
- trans-2-(2-Furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylamide
- Tofuron
Last updated: 16 April 1998