2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine Induced Colon Injury by Disrupting the Intestinal Bacterial Composition and Lipid Metabolic Pathways in Rats

Analysis of the Nutritional Value of Diets and Food Choices in Polish Female Ulcerative Colitis Individuals Compared with a Pair-Matched Control Sample

Ulcerative colitis patients often attribute their symptoms to specific dietary products. Therefore, even though there are no specific dietary recommendations, these patients commonly have dietary restrictions, often with no consultation from their physician or dietitian, as they believe that they may be beneficial for them. The aim of the study was to analyze the nutritional value of diets and food choices in Polish female ulcerative colitis individuals, in comparison with a pair-matched control sample. The study was conducted on a group of 44 Polish female ulcerative colitis individuals being in remission and 44 individuals within a pair-matched control sample, matched by their age and concurrent diseases, excluding those resulting from ulcerative colitis. The analysis of the diet was based on the self-reported data, including 3-day dietary records (to assess the intake of nutrients and food products), as well as the simple open-ended question about food products excluded from their diet. It was stated that Polish female ulcerative colitis individuals were characterized by a lower energy value of diet (p = 0.0043), accompanied by the higher proportion of total protein (p = 0.0128) than the pair-matched control sample. As a result of a lower energy value for ulcerative colitis individuals, the intake of numerous nutrients was also lower (p < 0.05); however, after recalculation per 1000 kcal, ulcerative colitis individuals were characterized by higher total protein (p = 0.0121), starch (p = 0.0009), and vitamin B₆ intake (p = 0.0319), as well as lower alcohol intake (p = 0.0464). Similarly, as a result of a lower energy value for ulcerative colitis individuals, the intake of numerous foods was also lower (p < 0.05); however, after recalculation per 1000 kcal, ulcerative colitis individuals were characterized by higher meat (p = 0.0058) and potatoes intake (p = 0.0052), as well as lower legumes (p = 0.0301), chocolate sweets (p = 0.0165), and alcoholic beverages intake (p = 0.0062). For chocolate sweets (p = 0.0134) and alcoholic beverages (p = 0.0091), ulcerative colitis individuals were characterized by a higher frequency of declaration of dietary exclusion. At the same time, ulcerative colitis individuals were characterized by a lower frequency of meeting the recommended intake for magnesium (p = 0.0005), iron (p = 0.0189), vitamin E (p = 0.0389), and vitamin B₁ (p = 0.0032). It was concluded that even in remission, there is a risk of inadequate consumption, not meeting the recommended intake, and nutritional deficiencies in the population of female ulcerative colitis patients.

2-Amino-3-Methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline Triggering Liver Damage by Inhibiting Autophagy and Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

It is important to note that 2-Amino-3-methylimidazole[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) is one of the most common heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which is a class of mutagenic/carcinogenic harmful compounds mainly found in high-protein thermal processed foods and contaminated environments. However, the pre-carcinogenic toxicity of IQ to the liver and its mechanism are poorly understood, further research is needed. In light of this, we exposed zebrafish to IQ (0, 8, 80, and 800 ng/mL) for 35 days, followed by comprehensive experimental studies. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis showed that hepatocytes were damaged. TUNEL results showed that IQ induced apoptosis of liver cells, the expression of apoptosis factor gene was significantly increased, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased. In addition, upregulated expression of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related factors transcription levels were elevated obviously, suggesting that IQ induced ERS. Decreased protein expression of autophagy-related 5 (Atg5)-Atg12, Beclin1, and LC3-II, increased protein expression of p62, and autophagy-related factors transcription levels were significantly decreased, suggesting that IQ inhibited autophagy. Overall, our research showed that the potential harm of IQ to the liver before the occurrence of liver cancer was related to ERS and its mediated autophagy and apoptosis pathways.

2-Amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline induced oxidative stress and inflammation via TLR4/MAPK and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in zebrafish (Danio rerio) livers

2-Amino-3-methylimidazole[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) is a harmful substance, mainly existing in protein-abundant thermally processed foods and polluted environments. This study investigated the hepatotoxicity of IQ by exposing zebrafish model organisms at 0, 8, 80, and 800 ng/mL concentrations for 35 days and was supposed to reveal the mechanism of IQ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. The results showed that, after IQ exposure, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in zebrafish liver increased significantly; meanwhile, significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels induced severe oxidative stress and inflammation; however, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione s-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels significantly decreased. The results indicated that the increased IQ exposure gradually aggravated pathological changes of zebrafish liver tissue (irregular cell morphology, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and inflammatory cell infiltration) and induced significant liver damage at last. Alterations in the expressions of genes and proteins involved in the IQ-induced TLR4/MAPK and TLR4/NF-κB pathways can elucidate the mechanism of its hepatotoxicity. The study provides evidence of IQ-induced hepatotoxicity and helps to draw attention to the health risks of dietary and environmental exposure to IQ.

Modelling the Effects of Roselle Extract, Potato Peel Flour, and Beef Fat on the Sensory Properties and Heterocyclic Amines Formation of Beef Patties Studied by Using Response Surface Methodology

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are compounds with carcinogenic potential formed during high-temperature processing of meat and meat products. Vegetables or their extracts with high antioxidant capacity can be incorporated into the meat matrix to reduce their formation, but it is necessary to find the optimal levels to achieve maximum inhibition without affecting the sensory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of roselle extract (RE, 0-1%), potato peel flour (PP, 0-2%), and beef fat (BF, 0-15%) on the sensory properties and formation of HCAs in beef patties using response surface methodology. IQx, IQ, MeIQx, MeIQ, 4,8-DiMeIQx, and PhIP were identified and quantified by HPLC. Regression models were developed to predict sensory properties and HCAs' formation. All models were significant (p < 0.05) and showed a R2 > 0.70. Roselle extract and beef fat had a negative linear effect on the formation of the total HCAs, while PP had a positive linear effect. The optimal formula that minimizes the formation of HCAs included 0.63% RE, 0.99% PP, and 11.96% BF. RE and PP are foods that can be used as ingredients in low-fat beef patties to minimize the formation of HCAs without affecting their sensory properties.