Impact of environmental exposures on the mutagenicity/carcinogenicity of heterocyclic amines

Mutagenicity of 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP) in human TP53 knock-in (Hupki) mouse embryo fibroblasts

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a possible human carcinogen formed in cooked fish and meat. PhIP is bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes to form 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP), a genotoxic metabolite that reacts with DNA leading to the mutation-prone DNA adduct N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-PhIP (dG-C8-PhIP). Here, we studied N-OH-PhIP-induced whole genome mutagenesis in human TP53 knock-in (Hupki) mouse embryo fibroblasts (HUFs) immortalised and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). In addition, mutagenicity of N-OH-PhIP in TP53 and the lacZ reporter gene were assessed. TP53 mutant frequency in HUF cultures treated with N-OH-PhIP (2.5 μM for 24 h, n = 90) was 10% while no TP53 mutations were found in untreated controls (DMSO for 24 h, n = 6). All N-OH-PhIP-induced TP53 mutations occurred at G:C base pairs with G > T/C > A transversions accounting for 58% of them. TP53 mutations characteristic of those induced by N-OH-PhIP have been found in human tumours including breast and colorectal, which are cancer types that have been associated with PhIP exposure. LacZ mutant frequency increased 25-fold at 5 μM N-OH-PHIP and up to ~350 dG-C8-PhIP adducts/10⁸ nucleosides were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation multistage scan mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS³) at this concentration. In addition, a WGS mutational signature defined by G > T/C > A transversions was present in N-OH-PhIP-treated immortalised clones, which showed similarity to COSMIC SBS4, 18 and 29 signatures found in human tumours.

The impact of low-dose carcinogens and environmental disruptors on tissue invasion and metastasis

The purpose of this review is to stimulate new ideas regarding low-dose environmental mixtures and carcinogens and their potential to promote invasion and metastasis. Whereas a number of chapters in this review are devoted to the role of low-dose environmental mixtures and carcinogens in the promotion of invasion and metastasis in specific tumors such as breast and prostate, the overarching theme is the role of low-dose carcinogens in the progression of cancer stem cells. It is becoming clearer that cancer stem cells in a tumor are the ones that assume invasive properties and colonize distant organs. Therefore, low-dose contaminants that trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition, for example, in these cells are of particular interest in this review. This we hope will lead to the collaboration between scientists who have dedicated their professional life to the study of carcinogens and those whose interests are exclusively in the arena of tissue invasion and metastasis.

Dietary Chlorella protects against heterocyclic amine-induced aberrant gene expression in the rat colon by increasing fecal excretion of unmetabolized PhIP

The food mutagen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is one of the most abundant heterocyclic amines formed by cooking meat and fish at high temperature. PhIP induces colorectal adenoma risk in male rats when administered orally. This study used male Fisher 344 rats to investigate the impact of dietary Chlorella on PhIP metabolism and aberrant colonic gene expression following short-term PhIP treatment. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that fecal excretion of unmetabolized PhIP was significantly increased in rats whose diets were supplemented with Chlorella compared to rats in a PhIP-only group (P<0.001). Quantitative realtime PCR confirmed that the increase in beta-catenin and cyclin D1 mRNA in the colon induced by PhIP was ameliorated in rats pre-fed with Chlorella (P=0.052 for beta-catenin; P=0.005 for cyclin D1). The increase in DNA shearing that is a hallmark of caspase-8-mediated apoptosis by PhIP was also significantly diminished in the colons of rats pre-fed Chlorella (P=0.012). These results suggested that administering dietary Chlorella with a Western-style diet concomitantly or immediately before mutagen exposure might be beneficial in blocking the absorption of food mutagens such as PhIP.

The protective effect of the flavonoids on food-mutagen-induced DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from colon cancer patients

The food mutagens IQ (2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline) and PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) are heterocyclic amines (HCA), generated when heating proteinaceous food. This study investigates the protective potential of the flavonoids quercetin (Q) and rutin (R) against oxidative stress induced in vitro by IQ and PhIP in lymphocytes from healthy individuals and untreated, newly diagnosed colon cancer patients using the Comet assay. In the presence of up to 500μM Q and R, the DNA damage resulting from a high dose of PhIP (75μM) or IQ (150μM) was significantly reduced (P<0.001) to levels comparable to six times lower IQ or 7.5 times lower PhIP doses. Lymphocytes from colon cancer patients had greater baseline DNA damage than those from healthy individuals (P<0.01) and this higher level of damage was also observed throughout in vitro treatment. Except for the >50years of age group and male gender, confounding factors such as smoking, drinking and/or dietary habits were not found to be significant. In conclusion, flavonoids reduced oxidative stress caused by food mutagens in vitro in lymphocytes of healthy individuals and colon cancer patients. Thus, dietary supplementation with flavonoid-rich vegetables and fruits may prove very effective in protecting against oxidative stress.

Metabolism and biomarkers of heterocyclic aromatic amines in molecular epidemiology studies: lessons learned from aromatic amines

Aromatic amines and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are structurally related classes of carcinogens that are formed during the combustion of tobacco or during the high-temperature cooking of meats. Both classes of procarcinogens undergo metabolic activation by N-hydroxylation of the exocyclic amine group to produce a common proposed intermediate, the arylnitrenium ion, which is the critical metabolite implicated in toxicity and DNA damage. However, the biochemistry and chemical properties of these compounds are distinct, and different biomarkers of aromatic amines and HAAs have been developed for human biomonitoring studies. Hemoglobin adducts have been extensively used as biomarkers to monitor occupational and environmental exposures to a number of aromatic amines; however, HAAs do not form hemoglobin adducts at appreciable levels, and other biomarkers have been sought. A number of epidemiologic studies that have investigated dietary consumption of well-done meat in relation to various tumor sites reported a positive association between cancer risk and well-done meat consumption, although some studies have shown no associations between well-done meat and cancer risk. A major limiting factor in most epidemiological studies is the uncertainty in quantitative estimates of chronic exposure to HAAs, and thus, the association of HAAs formed in cooked meat and cancer risk has been difficult to establish. There is a critical need to establish long-term biomarkers of HAAs that can be implemented in molecular epidemioIogy studies. In this review, we highlight and contrast the biochemistry of several prototypical carcinogenic aromatic amines and HAAs to which humans are chronically exposed. The biochemical properties and the impact of polymorphisms of the major xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes on the biological effects of these chemicals are examined. Lastly, the analytical approaches that have been successfully employed to biomonitor aromatic amines and HAAs, and emerging biomarkers of HAAs that may be implemented in molecular epidemiology studies are discussed.

Acute effects of ethanol on the transfer of nicotine and two dietary carcinogens in human placental perfusion

Many mothers use, against instructions, alcohol during pregnancy. Simultaneously mothers are exposed to a wide range of other environmental chemicals. These chemicals may also harm the developing fetus, because almost all toxic compounds can go through human placenta. Toxicokinetic effects of ethanol on the transfer of other environmental compounds through human placenta have not been studied before. It is known that ethanol has lytic properties and increases the permeability and fluidity of cell membranes. We studied the effects of ethanol on the transfer of three different environmental toxins: nicotine, PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine) and NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) in placental perfusion. We tested in human breast cancer adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 whether ethanol affects ABCG2/BCRP, which is also the major transporter in human placenta. We found that the transfer of ethanol is comparable to that of antipyrine, which points to passive diffusion as the transfer mechanism. Unexpectedly, ethanol had no statistically significant effect on the transfer of the other studied compounds. Neither did ethanol inhibit the function of ABCG2/BCRP. These experiments represent only the effects of acute exposure to ethanol and chronic exposure remains to be studied.

Herbal tonic does not inhibit estrogen receptor negative mammary tumor development in a transgenic mouse model

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer often self-administer complementary and alternative medicines to augment their conventional treatments, improve health, or prevent recurrence. Flor-Essence® herbal tonic is a complex mixture of eight herbal extracts used by cancer patients because of anecdotal evidence that it can treat or prevent disease. In this study four experimental groups of female MMTV-Neu mice were left untreated or treated with 3% Flor-Essence® in utero, from birth until 5 weeks of age, or throughout their lifetime. Palpable mammary tumor incidence and body weight was determined weekly for each group. The mice were sacrificed at 28 weeks of age and mammary tumors were enumerated to determine average tumor incidence and multiplicity for each group. Female mice exposed to Flor-Essence® herbal tonic in utero weighed significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). The average tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity in the experimental mice treated with Flor-Essence® herbal tonic did not differ from the control animals. Flor-Essence® does not inhibit mammary tumor incidence or mammary tumor multiplicity in MMTV-Neu transgenic mice. Flor-Essence® exposure in utero causes increased body weight in experimental animals. This conclusion challenges widely available anecdotal information as well as the hopes of the consumer that this product will inhibit or suppress tumor development.

Biomonitoring of carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines in hair: a validation study

A facile method was established to measure heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) accumulated in human hair and rodent fur. The samples were digested by base hydrolysis, and the liberated HAAs were isolated by tandem solvent/solid-phase extraction. Quantification was done by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, using a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer in the selected reaction monitoring mode. In a pilot study of 12 human volunteers, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) was detected in the hair of six meat-eaters at levels ranging from 290 to 890 pg/g hair. 2-Amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AalphaC) were below the limit of quantification (LOQ) (50 pg/g hair) in hair from meat-eaters and six vegetarians. PhIP was detected in the hair from one vegetarian, and at a level just above the LOQ (65 pg/g hair), indicating that PhIP exposure occurs primarily through meat consumption. The levels of PhIP in hair samples from two meat-eaters varied by less than 24% over a 6 month interval, signifying that the exposure to PhIP and its accumulation in hair are relatively constant over time. In a controlled feeding study, female C57BL/6 mice were given these HAAs in their drinking water for 1 month, at six daily dose concentrations ranging from 0 and 0.080 to 800 microg/kg body weight. PhIP was detected in fur of mice at all doses, whereas AalphaC and MeIQx were detected in fur at dosages > or =0.8 mug AalphaC/kg body weight and > or =8 microg MeIQx/kg body weight. There was a strong positive relationship between dosage and each of the HAAs accumulated in fur and their DNA adducts formed in liver and colon (p values < 0.0001); however, the levels of HAA in fur did not correlate to the levels of DNA adducts after adjustment of dose. Thus, hair appears to be a promising tissue with by which we can noninvasively biomonitor the chronic exposure to PhIP, a potential human carcinogen.

Drug interactions

Drugs for allergy are often taken in combination with other drugs, either to treat allergy or other conditions. In common with many pharmaceuticals, most such drugs are subject to metabolism by P450 enzymes and to transmembrane transport. This gives rise to considerable potential for drug-drug interactions, to which must be added consideration of drug-diet interactions. The potential for metabolism-based drug interactions is increasingly being taken into account during drug development, using a variety of in silico and in vitro approaches. Prediction of transporter-based interactions is not as advanced. The clinical importance of a drug interaction will depend upon a number of factors, and it is important to address concerns quantitatively, taking into account the therapeutic index of the compound.

Biomonitoring of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and its carcinogenic metabolites in urine

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amine that is produced in cooked meats. The simultaneous analysis of PhIP and its metabolites in human urine is a challenge, because these biomarkers only occur in urine at parts per billion or lower concentrations and must be selectively purifed from thousands of other urinary constituents. We have developed a facile solid-phase extraction method, employing a mixed-mode reverse-phase cation exchange resin, to simultaneously isolate PhIP, its glucuronide conjugates, and the glucuronide conjugates of the genotoxic metabolite 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine from the urine of meat eaters. PhIP and its metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS), using a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer in the selected reaction monitoring scan mode. The lower limit of quantification (LOQ) of PhIP is 5 parts per trillion (ppt), and the LOQ values for the glucuronide conjugates are 50 ppt, when 25 microL of urine is employed for assay. The extraction scheme is versatile and has been employed to isolate other ring-hydroxylated and glucuronidated metabolites of PhIP, for characterization by LC-ESI/MS/MS.

Responses of PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) in MCF-7 cells are culture condition dependent

To compare the effects of the food toxin 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and estradiol in hormone-responsive MCF-7 cells, the cells were exposed to different concentrations of either PhIP or estradiol. The effect of various culture conditions (e.g. phenol red, FBS, vehicle (DMSO/EtOH) and seeding density) on responses was studied. Cells were continuously grown with steroid-containing or -deprived medium, or switched from steroid-containing to -deprived medium for the experiments to minimize the effect of background estrogenicity. Effects of PhIP and estradiol on cell viability and proliferation were determined by ATP analysis and Ki-67 immunocytochemistry. Expression of estrogen receptor alpha, cell stress markers (p53 and ERK) and estrogen responsive proteins (c-myc and ERK) were immunoblotted. All concentrations of estradiol induced cell proliferation, viability and changes in protein expression, typical for estrogenic responses. PhIP, however, increased viability only at low concentrations and depending on culture conditions. No changes in protein expressions by PhIP were noted, not even when switching cells from steroid-containing to -deprived medium which down-regulated the expression of proteins at basal level. Vehicle affected significantly viability, especially after exposure to PhIP, but not protein expression while medium changes affected both. In conclusion, the effects of PhIP and estradiol in MCF-7 cells are dependent on culture conditions. The detected PhIP-induced changes are weaker compared to those induced by estradiol.

GST polymorphism and excretion of heterocyclic aromatic amine and isothiocyanate metabolites after Brassica consumption

Brassica vegetable intake has been associated with decreased risk and well-done meat intake has been associated with increased risk of cancers at multiple organ sites in epidemiologic studies. Experimental studies suggest a role of modulation of phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes as one mechanism for these associations. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are carcinogens formed in meat that has been cooked to well-done and at high temperatures. Phase I metabolizing enzymes catalyze the activation of HAAs, and phase II metabolizing enzymes serve to detoxify the active carcinogens. The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of phase II metabolizing enzymes that are induced by, and act to conjugate, isothiocyanates (ITCs), phytochemicals found in Brassica vegetables. This review summarizes the results of feeding studies in humans that examine effects of polymorphisms in GSTs on ITC metabolite excretion, reviews the evidence for modulation of HAA mutagenicity by ITCs, and discusses the need for feeding studies examining potential interactions among polymorphic genes encoding phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes, meat intake, and Brassica intake to elucidate their role in cancer etiology.

Effect of 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AalphaC), a carcinogenic heterocyclic amine present in food, on atherosclerotic plaque development in apoE deficient mice

There is experimental and epidemiological evidence demonstrating that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, heterocyclic amines (HAs), a class of carcinogenic compounds present in food, which share many biochemical features with PAHs, have not received much attention. Previous reports have shown that the heterocyclic amine 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AalphaC) binds and metabolically affects endothelial cells in animal models suggesting a potential role in vascular remodeling. The present study investigates the effect of exposure to HAs on atherosclerotic plaque development in the apoE(-/-) mice. We observed that animals treated with AalphaC developed atherosclerotic lesions characterized by lower lipid content but richer in inflammatory cells and collagen content when compared with control animals. Moreover, atherosclerotic plaques from AalphaC-treated apoE(-/-) mice were also smaller with a marked reduction in the tunica media thickness. Furthermore, total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in AalphaC-treated apoE(-/-) mice. In contrast to what has been previously reported for PAHs, we provide for the first time evidence that HAs may protect against cardiovascular disease by inducing stable atherosclerotic plaques and reducing circulating cholesterol levels. These results open new avenues to further investigate the role of these food-borne carcinogens in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.

ABCG2/BCRP decreases the transfer of a food-born chemical carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in perfused term human placenta

We have studied the role of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters in fetal exposure to carcinogens using 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) a known substrate for ABC transporters as a model compound. In perfusion of human term placenta, transfer of (14)C-PhIP (2 microM) through the placenta resulted in fetal-to-maternal concentration ratio (FM ratio) of 0.72+/-0.09 at 6 h. The specific ABCG2 inhibitor KO143 increased the transfer of (14)C-PhIP from maternal to fetal circulation (FM ratio 0.90+/-0.08 at 6 h, p<0.05) while the ABCC1/ABCC2 inhibitor probenecid had no effect (FM ratio at 6 h 0.75+/-0.10, p=0.84). There was a negative correlation between the expression of ABCG2 protein in perfused tissue and the FM ratio of (14)C-PhIP (R=-0.81, p<0.01) at the end of the perfusion. The expression of ABCC2 protein did not correlate with FM ratio of PhIP (R: -0.11, p=0.76). In addition, PhIP induced the expression of ABC transporters in BeWo cells at mRNA level. In conclusion, our data indicates that ABCG2 decreases placental transfer of (14)C-PhIP in perfused human placenta. Also, PhIP may modify ABC transporter expression in choriocarcinoma cells.

Enhanced micronucleus formation and modulation of BCL-2:BAX in MCF-7 cells after exposure to binary mixtures

BACKGROUND

Within mixtures, interactions between different xenobiotics may occur to give rise to additive, synergistic, inhibitory and/or stimulatory effects in target cells. The role that xenobiotics individually or in mixtures, and at environmental concentrations, play in the etiology of common human diseases often remains obscure.

METHODS

In the presence or absence of lindane, chromosomal aberrations were detected in MCF-7 cells after 24-hr treatment with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) or 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Micronuclei were scored in 1,000 binucleate cells/treatment. We investigated intracellular responses using quantitative gene expression analyses of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A [CDKN1A (P21(WAF1/CIP1))], B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), BCL-2-associated X (BAX), and isoforms of cytochrome P450 (CYP), CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1. Immunocytochemical analyses of p53, p21(Waf1/Cip1), Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in MCF-7 cells were also carried out.

RESULTS

After exposure to binary mixtures of B[a]P plus lindane or PhIP plus lindane, a 10-fold increase in micronucleus formation resulted; these test agents individually induced 2- to 5-fold increases. Lindane increased the ratio of Bcl-2:Bax, as did 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). Although treatment with B[a]P alone was found to elevate expression of P21(WAF1/CIP1)and CYP isoenzymes, it reduced the ratio of BCL-2:BAX mRNA transcripts. Treatment with a binary mixture of 10(-8) M B[a]P plus 10(-12) M lindane or 10(-10) M E(2) reversed B[a]P-induced reductions in the ratio of Bcl-2- to Bax-positive cells. In contrast, treatments with PhIP (known to possess hormonelike properties) plus lindane or E(2) resulted in profound reductions in Bcl-2:Bax ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that low-dose treatments (i.e., close to environmental levels) may increase DNA damage while influencing survival in exposed cells and that these effects may depend on the endocrine activity of test agents.

Dietary intake of heterocyclic amines in relation to socio-economic, lifestyle and other dietary factors: estimates in a Swedish population

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the dietary intakes of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), to examine the intakes in relation to socio-economics, lifestyle and other dietary factors and to compare the classification of subjects by intake of HCA versus intake of meat and fish.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis within the Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) cohort. Data were obtained from a modified diet history, a structured questionnaire on socio-economics and lifestyle, anthropometric measurements and chemical analysis of HCAs. HCA intake was cross-classified against meat and fish intake. The likelihood of being a high consumer of HCAs was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Dietary intakes were examined across quintiles of HCA intake using analysis of variance.

SETTING

Baseline examinations conducted in 1991-1994 in Malmö, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

A sub-sample of 8599 women and 6575 men of the MDC cohort.

RESULTS

The mean daily HCA intake was 583 ng for women and 821 ng for men. Subjects were ranked differently with respect to HCA intake compared with intake of fried and baked meat and fish (kappa = 0.13). High HCA intake was significantly associated with lower age, overweight, sedentary lifestyle and smoking. Intakes of dietary fibre, fruits and fermented milk products were negatively associated with HCA intake, while intakes of selenium, vegetables, potatoes, alcohol (among men) and non-milk-based margarines (among women) were positively associated with HCA intake.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated daily HCA intake of 690 ng is similar to values obtained elsewhere. The present study suggests that lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intakes, and types of milk products and margarines) may confound associations between HCA intake and disease. The poor correlation between HCA intake and intakes of fried meat and fish facilitates an isolation of the health effects of HCAs.

Flame-broiled food, NAT2acetylator phenotype, and breast cancer risk among women with benign breast disease

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to examine the association between flame-broiled food consumption, a source of heterocyclic amine exposure, and the development of breast cancer among cohort of women with benign breast disease (BBD). The variation of the association by acetylation phenotype, as determined by the genotypes of selected N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) enzymes, was also examined.

METHODS

Among participants in an ongoing cohort study, 1187 women reported having a breast biopsy for BBD and completed a food frequency questionnaire. NAT2 G857A, NAT2 T341C, and NAT2 G590A genotypes were determined using DNA extracted from blood specimens collected in 1989. Incident cases of breast cancer were identified through linkage of the cohort participants with the Washington County Cancer Registry and the Maryland State Cancer Registry. Follow-up for the BBD cohort began at study entry in 1989 and ended on April 28, 2003.

RESULTS

Of the women in this study, 77 subsequently developed breast cancer. Results showed that, among rapid acetylators, flame-broiled food intake was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06, 6.46). No association was observed between flame-broiled food intake and breast cancer among slow acetylators (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.39, 1.43).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that flame-broiled food may be a modifiable risk factor for the progression of BBD to invasive breast cancer among women who have genotypes consistent with rapid acetylation.

The carcinogenic and protective effects of food

It has been estimated that 70% of all cancers are caused by the food that we consume and smoking tobacco (Wogan et al, 2004). Currently, food health advice focuses on maintaining a diet which is low in fat and calories, rather than concentrating on the cooking methods used and the amount of meat that is consumed. More time should be spent educating individuals on the importance of cooking in different ways and eating a varied diet which includes cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. Nurses can be influential in the provision of health education advice to patients on the types of cooking methods that can be used to reduce the risk of developing forms of cancer and also the types of food that offer protection against cancer.

Identification of compounds that inhibit growth of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine–resistant cancer cells

The dietary carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine (PhIP) is a heterocyclic amine and is a common byproduct of cooked meat and fish. Although most cells undergo apoptosis when exposed to this mutagen, subsets develop resistance. Rather than die, these resistant cells persist and accumulate mutations, thereby driving tumorigenesis of exposed organs within the gastrointestinal tract. By applying a high-throughput cell-based screen of 32,000 small molecules, we have identified a family of compounds that specifically inhibit the growth of PhIP-resistant cancer cells. These compounds may prove useful for the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal tumors arising after exposure to PhIP and related carcinogens.

Genotoxicity of heat-processed foods

Gene-environment interactions include exposure to genotoxic compounds from our diet and it is no doubt, that humans are regularly exposed to e.g. food toxicants, not least from cooked foods. This paper reviews briefly four classes of cooked food toxicants, e.g. acrylamide, heterocyclic amines, nitrosamines and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Many of these compounds have been recognised for decades also as environmental pollutants. In addition cigarette smokers and some occupational workers are exposed to them. Their occurrence, formation, metabolic activation, genotoxicity and human cancer risk are briefly presented along with figures on estimated exposure. Several lines of evidence indicate that cooking conditions and dietary habits can contribute to human cancer risk through the ingestion of genotoxic compounds from heat-processed foods. Such compounds cause different types of DNA damage: nucleotide alterations and gross chromosomal aberrations. Most genotoxic compounds begin their action at the DNA level by forming carcinogen-DNA adducts, which result from the covalent binding of a carcinogen or part of a carcinogen to a nucleotide. The genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of these cooked food toxicants have been evaluated regularly by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which has come to the conclusion that several of these food-borne toxicants present in cooked foods are possibly (2A) or probably (2B) carcinogenic to humans, based on both high-dose, long-term animal studies and in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests. Yet, there is insufficient scientific evidence that these genotoxic compounds really cause human cancer, and no limits have been set for their presence in cooked foods. However, the competent authorities in most Western countries recommend minimising their occurrence, therefore this aspect is also included in this review.

Cell and tissue responses to genotoxic stress

Cancers arise as a consequence of the accumulation of multiple genetic mutations in a susceptible cell, resulting in perturbation of regulatory networks that control proliferation, survival, and cellular function. Here, the sources of cellular stress that can cause oncogenic mutations and the responses of cells to DNA damage are reviewed. The role of different repair pathways and the potential for cell- and tissue-specific reliance on individual repair mechanisms are discussed. Evidence for cell- and tissue-specific activation of p53-mediated growth arrest and apoptosis after exposure to an individual genotoxin is assessed and some of the potential mediators of these different responses are provided. These cell- and tissue-specific responses to particular forms of DNA damage are likely to be key determinants of tissue-specific tumour susceptibility, and there is good evidence for genetic variations in these responses. The role that genotoxic agents play in altering the microenvironment to produce indirect effects on tumourigenesis through altered production of free radicals and cytokines that are characteristic of inflammatory-type processes is also evaluated. Changes to the microenvironment as direct or indirect effects of genotoxic stress can be involved in both tumour initiation and progression and may even be a prerequisite for tumourigenesis. Therefore, tumour susceptibility after endogenous or exogenous genotoxic stress represents a balance between cell-intrinsic responses of target cells and changes to the microenvironment. A fuller understanding of cell- and tissue-specific responses, alterations to the microenvironment, and genetic modifiers of these responses could lead to novel prevention and therapeutic strategies for common forms of human malignancy.