Acrylamide Decreases Cell Viability, and Provides Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, and Apoptosis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2

Food emulsifiers aggravate inflammation and oxidative stress induced by food contaminants in zebrafish

Food emulsifiers like glycerol monostearate (G) and Tween 80 (TW) are commonly used to help formation and maintain stability of emulsions. However, certain food contaminants and emulsifiers often co-occur in the same food item due to food culture and cooking methods. For this reason, the present study investigated interaction of toxic effect of emulsifiers (G and TW) and process contaminants (acrylamide (AA) and benzo [a]pyrene (BAP)) on zebrafish. Adult zebrafish were exposed to emulsifiers, food contaminants, or the combination through diet for 2 h and 7 days. Oxidative stress and inflammation caused by food contaminants were increased when food emulsifiers were present. These combined treatments also induced more severe morphological changes than the contaminant alone treatments. In the gut, disruption of villi structure and increased number of goblet cells was observed and in the liver there were increased lipid deposition, infiltration of immune cells, glycogen depletion and focal necrosis. Increased accumulation of AA and BAP in the liver and gut were detected after addition of emulsifiers, suggesting that emulsifiers can enhance absorption of diet-borne contaminants. Our results showed food emulsifiers and contaminants can interact synergistically and increase risk.

Habitual Daily Intake of Fried Foods Raises Transgenerational Inheritance Risk of Heart Failure Through NOTCH1-Triggered Apoptosis

Consumption of fried foods is highly prevalent in the Western dietary pattern. Western diet has been unfavorably linked with high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure (HF) as a cardiovascular disease subtype is a growing global pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. However, the causal relationship between long-term fried food consumption and incident HF remains unclear. Our population-based study revealed that frequent fried food consumption is strongly associated with 15% higher risk of HF. The causal relationship may be ascribed to the dietary acrylamide exposure in fried foods. Further cross-sectional study evidenced that acrylamide exposure is associated with an increased risk of HF. Furthermore, we discover and demonstrate that chronic acrylamide exposure may induce HF in zebrafish and mice. Mechanistically, we reveal that acrylamide induces energy metabolism disturbance in heart due to the mitochondria dysfunction and metabolic remodeling. Moreover, acrylamide exposure induces myocardial apoptosis via inhibiting NOTCH1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling. In addition, acrylamide exposure could affect heart development during early life stage, and the adverse effect of acrylamide exposure is a threat for next generation via epigenetic change evoked by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). In this study, we reveal the adverse effects and underlying mechanism of fried foods and acrylamide as a typical food processing contaminant on HF from population-based observations to experimental validation. Collectively, these results both epidemiologically and mechanistically provide strong evidence to unravel the mechanism of acrylamide-triggered HF and highlight the significance of reducing fried food consumption for lower the risk of HF.

Inhibition of polyphenols on Maillard reaction products and their induction of related diseases: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Food products undergo a pronounced Maillard reaction (MR) during the cooking process, leading to the generation of substantial quantities of Maillard reaction products (MRPs). Within this category, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), acrylamide (AA), and heterocyclic amines (HAs) have been implicated as potential risk factors associated with the development of diseases.

PURPOSE

To explore the effects of polyphenols, a class of bioactive compounds found in plants, on the inhibition of MRPs and related diseases. Previous research has mainly focused on their interactions with proteins and their effects on the gastrointestinal tract and other diseases, while fewer studies have examined their inhibitory effects on MRPs. The aim is to offer a scientific reference for future research investigating the inhibitory role of polyphenols in the MR.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library were searched for appropriate research.

RESULTS

Polyphenols have the potential to inhibit the formation of harmful MRPs and prevent related diseases. The inhibition of MRPs by polyphenols primarily occurs through the following mechanisms: trapping α-dicarbonyl compounds, scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, and preserving protein structure. Simultaneously, polyphenols exhibit the ability to impede the onset and progression of related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease through diverse pathways.

CONCLUSION

This review presents that inhibition of polyphenols on Maillard reaction products and their induction of related diseases. Further research is imperative to enhance our comprehension of additional pathways affected by polyphenols and to fully uncover their potential application value in inhibiting MRPs.

Utilizing Rapid Hydrogen Peroxide Generation from 6-Hydroxycatechol to Design Moisture-Activated, Self-Disinfecting Coating

A coating that can be activated by moisture found in respiratory droplets could be a convenient and effective way to control the spread of airborne pathogens and reduce fomite transmission. Here, the ability of a novel 6-hydroxycatechol-containing polymer to function as a self-disinfecting coating on the surface of polypropylene (PP) fabric was explored. Catechol is the main adhesive molecule found in mussel adhesive proteins. Molecular oxygen found in an aqueous solution can oxidize catechol and generate a known disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as a byproduct. However, given the limited amount of moisture found in respiratory droplets, there is a need to enhance the rate of catechol autoxidation to generate antipathogenic levels of H2O2. 6-Hydroxycatechol contains an electron donating hydroxyl group on the 6-position of the benzene ring, which makes catechol more susceptible to autoxidation. 6-Hydroxycatechol-coated PP generated over 3000 μM of H2O2 within 1 h when hydrated with a small amount of aqueous solution (100 μL of PBS). The generated H2O2 was three orders of magnitude higher when compared to the amount generated by unmodified catechol. 6-Hydroxycatechol-containing coating demonstrated a more effective antimicrobial effect against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria when compared to unmodified catechol. Similarly, the self-disinfecting coating reduced the infectivity of both bovine viral diarrhea virus and human coronavirus 229E by as much as a 2.5 log reduction value (a 99.7% reduction in viral load). Coatings containing unmodified catechol did not generate sufficient H2O2 to demonstrate significant virucidal effects. 6-Hydroxycatechol-containing coating can potentially function as a self-disinfecting coating that can be activated by the moisture present in respiratory droplets to generate H2O2 for disinfecting a broad range of pathogens.

The role of microRNAs in acrylamide toxicity

The chemical compound known as Acrylamide (AA) is employed in different industries worldwide and is also found in thermal-processed food. AA has been acting as a reproductive toxicant, carcinogen, and neurotoxic in various animals, which may promote several toxic impacts in animal and human species. Up to now, various studies have focused on the harmful mechanisms and intervention actions of AA. However, the underlying mechanisms that AA and its toxic effects can exert have remained uncertain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that are able to act as epigenetic regulators. These molecules can regulate a wide range of cellular and molecular processes. In this regard, it has been shown that different chemical agents can dysregulate miRNAs. To determine the possible AA targets along with mechanisms of its toxicity, it is helpful to study the alteration in the profiles of miRNA regulation following AA intake. The current research aimed to evaluate the miRNAs' mediatory roles upon the AA's toxic potentials. This review study discussed the AA, which is made within the food matrix, the way it is consumed, and the potential impacts of AA on miRNAs and its association with different cancer types and degenerative diseases. The findings of this review paper indicated that AA might be capable of altering miRNA signatures in different tissues and exerting its carcinogen effects.

Dietary Acrylamide: A Detailed Review on Formation, Detection, Mitigation, and Its Health Impacts

In today's fast-paced world, people increasingly rely on a variety of processed foods due to their busy lifestyles. The enhanced flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of accessibility at reasonable prices have made ready-to-eat foods the easiest and simplest choice to satiate hunger, especially those that undergo thermal processing. However, these foods often contain an unsaturated amide called 'Acrylamide', known by its chemical name 2-propenamide, which is a contaminant formed when a carbohydrate- or protein-rich food product is thermally processed at more than 120 °C through methods like frying, baking, or roasting. Consuming foods with elevated levels of acrylamide can induce harmful toxicity such as neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and prenatal and postnatal toxicity. This review delves into the major pathways and factors influencing acrylamide formation in food, discusses its adverse effects on human health, and explores recent techniques for the detection and mitigation of acrylamide in food. This review could be of interest to a wide audience in the food industry that manufactures processed foods. A multi-faceted strategy is necessary to identify and resolve the factors responsible for the browning of food, ensure safety standards, and preserve essential food quality traits.

Effect of Acrylamide and Mycotoxins in SH-SY5Y Cells: A Review

Thermal processes induce the formation of undesired toxic components, such as acrylamide (AA), which has been shown to induce brain toxicity in humans and classified as Group 2A by the International Agency of Research in Cancer (IARC), as well as some mycotoxins. AA and mycotoxins' toxicity is studied in several in vitro models, including the neuroblastoma cell line model SH-SY5Y cells. Both AA and mycotoxins occur together in the same food matrix cereal base (bread, pasta, potatoes, coffee roasting, etc.). Therefore, the goal of this review is to deepen the knowledge about the neurological effects that AA and mycotoxins can induce on the in vitro model SH-SY5Y and its mechanism of action (MoA) focusing on the experimental assays reported in publications of the last 10 years. The analysis of the latest publications shows that most of them are focused on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and alteration in protein expression, while others are interested in oxidative stress, axonopathy, and the disruption of neurite outgrowth. While both AA and mycotoxins have been studied in SH-SY5Y cells separately, the mixture of them is starting to draw the interest of the scientific community. This highlights a new and interesting field to explore due to the findings reported in several publications that can be compared and the implications in human health that both could cause. In relation to the assays used, the most employed were the MTT, axonopathy, and qPCR assays. The concentration dose range studied was 0.1-10 mM for AA and 2 fM to 200 µM depending on the toxicity and time of exposure for mycotoxins. A healthy and varied diet allows the incorporation of a large family of bioactive compounds that can mitigate the toxic effects associated with contaminants present in food. Although this has been reported in some publications for mycotoxins, there is still a big gap for AA which evidences that more investigations are needed to better explore the risks for human health when exposed to AA and mycotoxins.

New Methacrylated Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels as Localized Drug Delivery Systems in Skin Cancer Therapy

The aim of the present work was to obtain drug-loaded hydrogels based on combinations of dextran, chitosan/gelatin/xanthan, and poly (acrylamide) as a sustained and controlled release vehicle of Doxorubicin, a drug used in skin cancer therapy that is associated with severe side effects. Hydrogels for use as 3D hydrophilic networks with good manipulation characteristics were produced using methacrylated biopolymer derivatives and the methacrylate group's polymerization with synthetic monomers in the presence of a photo-initiator, under UV light stimulation (365 nm). Transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR) confirmed the hydrogels' network structure (natural-synthetic composition and photocrosslinking), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the microporous morphology. The hydrogels are swellable in simulated biological fluids and the material's morphology regulates the swelling properties: the maximum swelling degree was obtained for dextran-chitosan-based hydrogels because of their higher porosity and pore distribution. The hydrogels are bioadhesive on a biological simulating membrane, and values for the force of detachment and work of adhesion are recommended for applications on skin tissue. The Doxorubicin was loaded into the hydrogels and the drug was released by diffusion for all the resulting hydrogels, with small contributions from the hydrogel networks' relaxation. Doxorubicin-loaded hydrogels are efficient on keratinocytes tumor cells, the sustained released drug interrupting the cells' division and inducing cell apoptosis; we recommend the obtained materials for the topical treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Combined Effects of Acrylamide and Ochratoxin A on the Intestinal Barrier in Caco-2 Cells

Acrylamide (AA) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are contaminants that co-exist in the same foods, and may create a serious threat to human health. However, the combined effects of AA and OTA on intestinal epithelial cells remain unclear. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of AA and OTA individually and collectively on Caco-2 cells. The results showed that AA and OTA significantly inhibited Caco-2 cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, and increased the lucifer yellow (LY) permeabilization, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In addition, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α increased, while the levels of IL-10 decreased after AA and OTA treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that AA and OTA damaged the intestinal barrier by reducing the expression of the tight junction (TJ) protein. The collective effects of AA and OTA exhibited enhanced toxicity compared to either single compound and, for most of the intestinal barrier function indicators, AA and OTA combined exposure tended to produce synergistic toxicity to Caco-2 cells. Overall, this research suggests the possibility of toxic reactions arising from the interaction of toxic substances present in foodstuffs with those produced during processing.

Acrylamide in food: Occurrence, metabolism, molecular toxicity mechanism and detoxification by phytochemicals

Acrylamide (ACR) is a common pollutant formed during food thermal processing such as frying, baking and roasting. ACR and its metabolites can cause various negative effects on organisms. To date, there have been some reviews summarizing the formation, absorption, detection and prevention of ACR, but there is no systematic summary on the mechanism of ACR-induced toxicity. In the past five years, the molecular mechanism for ACR-induced toxicity has been further explored and the detoxification of ACR by phytochemicals has been partly achieved. This review summarizes the ACR level in foods and its metabolic pathways, as well as highlights the mechanisms underlying ACR-induced toxicity and ACR detoxification by phytochemicals. It appears that oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, biochemical metabolism and gut microbiota disturbance are involved in various ACR-induced toxicities. In addition, the effects and possible action mechanisms of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, quinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, as well as vitamins and their analogs on ACR-induced toxicities are also discussed. This review provides potential therapeutic targets and strategies for addressing various ACR-induced toxicities in the future.

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of acrylamide: Arguments for the derivation of a tolerable daily intake (TDI value)

This opinion of the Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM) of the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) presents arguments for an updated risk assessment of diet-related exposure to acrylamide (AA), based on a critical review of scientific evidence relevant to low dose exposure. The SKLM arrives at the conclusion that as long as an appropriate exposure limit for AA is not exceeded, genotoxic effects resulting in carcinogenicity are unlikely to occur. Based on the totality of the evidence, the SKLM considers it scientifically justified to derive a tolerable daily intake (TDI) as a health-based guidance value.

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Protecting IEC-6 Cells from Acrylamide-Induced Tight Junction Damage by Ganoderma atrum Polysaccharide

SCOPE

The previous in vivo studies show Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-F₂ ) has a protective effect against the acrylamide (AA)-induced intestinal oxidative damage in rats. Now, this study aims to explore the protective mechanism with IEC-6 cell model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq), the study screens MAPK signaling pathway as one of the most crucial pathways for pretreatment with PSG-F₂   against AA-induced damage in IEC-6 cells. In total, six key MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins (p-P38/P38, p-ERK/ERK, and p-JNK/JNK), and three tight junction key proteins (Zonula Occludens protein-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin) are detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence, which verify the RNA-Seq data. Moreover, PD98059 interference inhibits critical proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway, thus uncovering the precise molecular mechanisms of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway involve in the protective effects of PSG-F₂ against AA-induced intestinal barrier damage.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm that PSG-F₂ can be used as a daily dietary supplement to protect the intestinal cells from damage caused by thermal processing hazards AA.

Protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa juice against acrylamide-induced cellular toxicity

Acrylamide (AA) a widely used industrial chemical is also formed during food processing by the Maillard reaction, which makes its exposure to humans almost unavoidable. In this study, we used Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model organism to investigate AA toxicity (10 or 20 mM concentration) in eukaryotes. In S. pombe, AA delays cell growth causes oxidative stress by enhancement of ROS production and triggers excitement of the antioxidant defence system resulting in the division arrest. Aronia fruit contains a variety of health-promoting substances with considerable antioxidant potential. Therefore, Aronia juice supplementation was tested to evaluate its protective effect against AA-derived perturbations of the organism. Cell treatment with several Aronia juice concentrations ranging from 0 to 2% revealed the best protective effect of 1 or 2% Aronia juice solutions. Both chosen Aronia juice concentrations alleviated AA toxicity through the improvement of the antioxidant cell capacity and metabolic activity by their strong ROS scavenging property. Efficiency of Aronia juice cell protection is dose dependent as the 2% solution led to significantly higher cellular defence compared with 1%. Due to the high similarity of biological processes of S. pombe with higher eukaryotes, the protective effect of Aronia juice against AA toxicity might also apply to higher organisms.

Dietary exposure to acrylamide of university students in Ningxia of Northwest China and the effect on their neurobehavioral performance and oxidative stress in serum

This study aims to investigate dietary exposure to acrylamide (AA) and also make an assessment of its effect on the neurobehavioral performance and oxidative stress in the serum of university students in Ningxia. The place primarily consists of arid, dry desert, and wheat-based foods are the staple food there. A total of 803 university students in Ningxia participated in this cross-sectional study. Diet intake of AA was estimated with FFQ. The AA risk was calculated as margin of exposure (MOE) values. NCTB questionnaires were used to assess neurobehavioral performance. The serum oxidative stress levels of the university students were measured as GSH, MDA, and SOD. The mean for AA exposure of university students was 0.515 μg kg^-1 bw day^-1. The highest contributor was traditional Chinese grain products, representing 34.71% of the total daily AA intake. Followed were deep-fried potato products, traditional Western grain products, soft drinks, and nuts, which accounted for 23.87%, 16.59%, 11.15%, and 11%, respectively. The median AA exposure were 480 (BMDL₁₀ = 0.18 mg kg^-1 bw day^-1) and 827 (BMDL₁₀ = 0.31 mg kg^-1 bw day^-1), respectively. The results indicated that diet AA may have an effect on the emotional status and neurobehavior among this population. We observed no significant differences in oxidative stress under the three levels of AA exposure (p > .05). It suggests a health concern for university students in Northwest China that should get society's attention.

Approved Genetically Modified Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) for Improved Stress Resistance and Food Safety

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are one of the most important crops worldwide. However, its production and nutrient content are endangered by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The main yield losses are caused by pest damage (e.g., Colorado potato beetle and aphids), virus disease (e.g., Potato leafroll virus and Potato viruses Y and X), or oomycete pathogens (like Phytophthora infestans), which also significantly affect the production of antinutrients and toxic metabolites of plants. Therefore, the use of genetic engineering could be an efficient tool, not harmful to the environment, and beneficial to the consumer. In this review, we focus on the main sources of problems in the field of potato production according to approved genetic modifications, their traditional solution and positive impact of gene transfection reducing economic losses, use of insecticides, and improving the nutritional properties of potatoes. We summarize all transgenic events that have been performed on potatoes and have been approved for cultivation and/or direct use or processing as feed or food.

Food-Borne Chemical Carcinogens and the Evidence for Human Cancer Risk

Commonly consumed foods and beverages can contain chemicals with reported carcinogenic activity in rodent models. Moreover, exposures to some of these substances have been associated with increased cancer risks in humans. Food-borne carcinogens span a range of chemical classes and can arise from natural or anthropogenic sources, as well as form endogenously. Important considerations include the mechanism(s) of action (MoA), their relevance to human biology, and the level of exposure in diet. The MoAs of carcinogens have been classified as either DNA-reactive (genotoxic), involving covalent reaction with nuclear DNA, or epigenetic, involving molecular and cellular effects other than DNA reactivity. Carcinogens are generally present in food at low levels, resulting in low daily intakes, although there are some exceptions. Carcinogens of the DNA-reactive type produce effects at lower dosages than epigenetic carcinogens. Several food-related DNA-reactive carcinogens, including aflatoxins, aristolochic acid, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and ethylene oxide, are recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causes of human cancer. Of the epigenetic type, the only carcinogen considered to be associated with increased cancer in humans, although not from low-level food exposure, is dioxin (TCDD). Thus, DNA-reactive carcinogens in food represent a much greater risk than epigenetic carcinogens.

Rutin alleviated acrolein-induced cytotoxicity in Caco-2 and GES-1 cells by forming a cyclic hemiacetal product

Acrolein (ACR), an α, β-unsaturated aldehyde, is a toxic compound formed during food processing, and the use of phenolics derived from dietary materials to scavenge ACR is a hot spot. In this study, rutin, a polyphenol widely present in various dietary materials, was used to investigate its capacity to scavenge ACR. It was shown that more than 98% of ACR was eliminated under the conditions of reaction time of 2 h, temperature of 80 °C, and molar ratio of rutin/ACR of 2/1. Further structural characterization of the formed adduct revealed that the adduct of rutin to ACR to form a cyclic hemiacetal compound (RAC) was the main scavenging mechanism. Besides, the stability of RAC during simulated in vitro digestion was evaluated, which showed that more than 83.61% of RAC was remained. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of RAC against Caco-2 and GES-1 cells was significantly reduced compared with ACR, where the IC50 values of ACR were both below 20 μM while that of RAC were both above 140 μM. And the improvement of the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by RAC might be one of the detoxification pathways. The present study indicated that rutin was one of the potential ACR scavengers among natural polyphenols.

Acrylamide-Derived Ionome, Metabolic, and Cell Cycle Alterations Are Alleviated by Ascorbic Acid in the Fission Yeast

Acrylamide (AA), is a chemical with multiple industrial applications, however, it can be found in foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Due to its genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, AA has been classified as a potential carcinogen. With the use of spectrophotometry, ICP-OES, fluorescence spectroscopy, and microscopy cell growth, metabolic activity, apoptosis, ROS production, MDA formation, CAT and SOD activity, ionome balance, and chromosome segregation were determined in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. AA caused growth and metabolic activity retardation, enhanced ROS and MDA production, and modulated antioxidant enzyme activity. This led to damage to the cell homeostasis due to ionome balance disruption. Moreover, AA-induced oxidative stress caused alterations in the cell cycle regulation resulting in chromosome segregation errors, as 4.07% of cells displayed sister chromatid non-disjunction during mitosis. Ascorbic acid (AsA, Vitamin C), a strong natural antioxidant, was used to alleviate the negative impact of AA. Cell pre-treatment with AsA significantly improved AA impaired growth, and antioxidant capacity, and supported ionome balance maintenance mainly due to the promotion of calcium uptake. Chromosome missegregation was reduced to 1.79% (44% improvement) by AsA pre-incubation. Results of our multiapproach analyses suggest that AA-induced oxidative stress is the major cause of alteration to cell homeostasis and cell cycle regulation.

Nanocurcumin and curcumin prevent N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide-induced liver damage and promotion of hepatic cancer cell growth

Acrylamide (AC) is an environmental contaminant with cancer-promoting and cytotoxic properties, while curcumin (Cur.) is a phytochemical with documented anticancer and cytoprotective efficacy. Nanoparticle formulations can increase the efficacy of phytochemicals, so we examined the anticancer and hepatoprotective efficacies of nanocurcumin (N.Cur). Curcumin and nanocurcumin reduced HepG2 and Huh-7 cancer cell viability and increased apoptosis in the presence and absence of AC, while AC alone promoted proliferation. Furthermore, the anticancer efficacy of nanocurcumin was greater than that of curcumin. In mice, AC greatly increased hepatic expression of CYP2E1, P53, cleaved caspase-3, and COL1A1 as well as serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. These effects were reversed by nanocurcumin and curcumin. Nanocurcumin also reduced the histopathology and fibrosis caused by AC, and reversed AC-induced glycogen depletion. Nanoparticle formulation can increase the anticancer and hepatoprotective efficiencies of curcumin.

Acrylamide in widely consumed foods - a review

Acrylamide (AA) is considered genotoxic, neurotoxic and a 'probable human carcinogen'. It is included in group 2 A of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The formation of AA occurs when starch-based foods are subjected to temperatures higher than 120 °C in an atmosphere with very low water content. The aim of this review is to shed light on the toxicological aspects of AA, showing its regulatory evolution, and describing the most interesting mitigation techniques for each food category involved, with a focus on compliance with EU legislation in the various classes of consumer products of industrial origin in Europe.

Assessment of the genotoxicity of acrylamide

EFSA was requested to deliver a statement on a recent publication revisiting the evidence for genotoxicity of acrylamide (AA). The statement was prepared by a Working Group and was endorsed by the CONTAM Panel before its final approval. In interpreting the Terms of Reference, the statement considered the modes of action underlying the carcinogenicity of AA including genotoxic and non-genotoxic effects. Relevant publications since the 2015 CONTAM Panel Opinion on AA in food were reviewed. Several new studies reported positive results on the clastogenic and mutagenic properties of AA and its active metabolite glycidamide (GA). DNA adducts of GA were induced by AA exposure in experimental animals and have also been observed in humans. In addition to the genotoxicity of AA, there is evidence for both secondary DNA oxidation via generation of reactive oxygen species and for non-genotoxic effects which may contribute to carcinogenesis by AA. These studies extend the information assessed by the CONTAM Panel in its 2015 Opinion, and support its conclusions. That Opinion applied the margin of exposure (MOE) approach, as recommended in the EFSA Guidance for substances that are both genotoxic and carcinogenic, for risk characterisation of the neoplastic effects of AA. Based on the new data evaluated, the MOE approach is still considered appropriate, and an update of the 2015 Opinion is not required at the present time.

Anticancer Potential of Post-Fermentation Media and Cell Extracts of Probiotic Strains: An In Vitro Study

Simple Summary

Probiotics and their metabolites are very important for human health. The aim of this research was to determine probiotic strains with the strongest inhibitory properties against intestinal cancer cells. As a result of the screening, it was possible to find two strains, i.e., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 0991 and Levilactobacillus brevis 0983, that could inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by induction of oxidative stress and programmed cell death. Both strains exhibit interesting anticancer properties and potential as functional food ingredients; however, the results must be confirmed in further research.

Abstract

Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), many of which are probiotics, can produce health-promoting metabolites (postbiotics). Purpose: To assess the mechanism of antiproliferative action of postbiotics, post-fermentation media (PFM) and cell extracts (CEs) of several strains of LAB were studied against colon (Caco-2), and cervix (HeLa) cancer cell lines, as well as normal intestine (IEC-6) cells, were used as a comparison. Methods: Postbiotics of various LAB (n = 39) were screened for their antiproliferative activity. The effect of PFM and CEs on reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP production, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalisation, and apoptosis-related caspases 3/7 and 9 activation was assayed. Results: PFM and CEs showed strong dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 cells, up to 77.8 ± 0.8% and 58.4 ± 1.6% for PFM and CEs, respectively. Stronger inhibitory activity against cancerous (Caco-2 and HeLa) cells than against normal (IEC-6) cells was observed. PFM were more inhibitory than CEs, and both generated oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. PFM of L. plantarum 0991 and L. brevis 0983 induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cells by the mitochondrial signalling pathway. Conclusions: Anticancer activity of PFM and CEs of LAB, as well as the ability of apoptosis induction, is strain-specific.

Vitamin D mediates the association between acrylamide hemoglobin biomarkers and obesity

Mediation analysis aims to discover the role of intermediate variables from exposure to disease. The current study was performed to evaluate how vitamin D mediates the association between acrylamide hemoglobin biomarkers and obesity. Data were collected on 10,377 adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 and 2013-2014 aged ≥ 18 years. Obesity was assessed through body mass index and abdominal circumference measurements. Generalized linear and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were used to estimate the association between vitamin D and acrylamide hemoglobin biomarkers, and the mediation effect of vitamin D was also discussed. After adjusting for potentially confounding factors, vitamin D had strong negative associations with serum concentrations of acrylamide hemoglobin adducts (HbAA, HbGA, and HbAA + HbGA). The RCS plots demonstrated that vitamin D was inversely and nonlinearly associated with HbAA and HbAA + HbGA while inversely and linearly associated with HbGA, and also a striking difference when vitamin D was lower than 60 nmol/L. Mediation analysis suggested that a negative correlation between acrylamide and obesity was mediated by vitamin D. The current study is expected to offer a fresh perspective on reducing the toxicity of acrylamide.

DNA damage response proteins synergistically affect the cancer prognosis and resistance

Amplification of oxidative stress can be utilized as a strategy to attenuate cancer progression by instigating apoptosis. However, the duration of positive response to such therapies is limited, as cancer cells eventually develop resistance. The underlying molecular mechanisms of cancer cells to escape apoptosis under oxidative stress is unknown. Employing big data, and its integration with transcriptome, proteome and network analysis in six cancer types revealed system-level interactions between DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, including; DNA damage repair, cell cycle checkpoints and anti-apoptotic proteins. Cancer system biology is used to elucidate mechanisms for cancer progression, but networks defining mechanisms causing resistance is less explored. Using system biology, we identified DDR hubs between G1-S and M phases that were associated with bad prognosis. The increased expression of DDR network was involved in resistance under high oxidative stress. We validated our findings by combining H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress and DDR inhibitors in human lung cancer cells to conclude the necessity of targeting a 'disease-causing network'. Collectively, our work provides insights toward designing strategies for network pharmacology to combat resistance in cancer research.

Buforin I an alternative to conventional antibiotics: Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties, stability, and safety

Cationic antimicrobial peptides are being developed as a promising class of antimicrobial sub-stances. The introduction of a new antibiotic component requires a comprehensive study of its properties so that it can be relied upon to continue laboratory procedures and clinical trials on laboratory animals or human volunteers. Antimicrobial activity of buforin I was evaluated against 15 of the most important pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. This was followed by assessing anti-biofilm activity, time-dependent inhibitory, thermal stability, plas-ma stability, hemolysis, and cytotoxic activities. The range of obtained MICs was between 4 and 16 μg/mL. The most resistant and most sensitive microbial strains were S. salivarius and C. perfringens, respectively. Buforin I not only inhibited biofilm formation, but also showed a high biofilm radiation activity. Buforin I was stable in human plasma and also at different temperatures including 40, 60, and 80 °C. Although no significant anti-cancer properties were observed for buforin I, the lack of cytotoxicity as well as the lack of hemolytic activity confirm its safety. The high therapeutic index indicated that buforin I has a considerable pharmaceutical potential and can be a reasonable candidate to replace antibiotics or administered in combination with antibiotics to increase the effectiveness as well as reduce the dose of antibiotics.

Acrylamide in Baby Foods: A Probabilistic Exposure Assessment

Acrylamide (also known as 2-propenamide) (AA) is a toxicant that develops in food during high-temperature cooking, and its occurrence is common in biscuits and baked snacks. AA is known for its in vivo neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects, and it is considered a potential carcinogen for humans. Infants may be exposed to AA as early as during weaning through baked food such as biscuits. This study set out to ascertain the concentration of AA in food products intended for infants to assess the dietary exposure to this food contaminant. AA levels were determined through GC/MS and bromination, and dietary exposure was evaluated by a probabilistic method based on Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that the probability of a carcinogenic exposure is 94%, 92%, and 87%, respectively, for 6-, 12-, and 18-months infants, suggesting the need to delay the introduction of baked products in the diet of weaned infants. It should be noted, however, that these conclusions were drawn considering the biscuits as the primary source of exposure.

The Utilisation of Acrylamide by Selected Microorganisms Used for Fermentation of Food

Acrylamide (AA) present in food is considered a harmful compound for humans, but it exerts an impact on microorganisms too. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of acrylamide (at conc. 0–10 µg/mL) on the growth of bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5) and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis var. lactis), which are used for food fermentation. Moreover, we decided to verify whether these microorganisms could utilise acrylamide as a nutritional compound. Our results proved that acrylamide can stimulate the growth of L. acidophilus and K. lactis. We have, to the best of our knowledge, reported for the first time that the probiotic strain of bacteria L. acidophilus LA-5 is able to utilise acrylamide as a source of carbon and nitrogen if they lack them in the environment. This is probably due to acrylamide degradation by amidases. The conducted response surface methodology indicated that pH as well as incubation time and temperature significantly influenced the amount of ammonia released from acrylamide by the bacteria. In conclusion, our studies suggest that some strains of bacteria present in milk fermented products can exert additional beneficial impact by diminishing the acrylamide concentration and hence helping to prevent against its harmful impact on the human body and other members of intestinal microbiota.

Restoration and stabilization of acrylamide-induced DNA, mitochondrial damages and oxidative stress by chrysin in human lymphocyte

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide (AA) is a water-soluble toxic chemical that is considered one of the most important food contaminants. Furthermore, AA is considered a major public health risk.

METHODS

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of AA on cytotoxicity, oxidative damage and genotoxicity in human lymphocytes and also to evaluate the protective effects of the chrysin (CH). Lymphocytes after isolation from the blood were treated with AA (50 µM), AA (50 µM) plus CH (10, 25, 50 µM) and CH (50 µM), and parameters such as cell viability, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage, as well as oxidative damage to DNA were examined.

RESULTS

The results showed that CH was able to reduce cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, collapse in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and oxidative damage of DNA caused by AA in human lymphocytes. Also, co-treatment of the AA-exposed human lymphocytes with CH increases the glutathione (GSH) levels.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that CH (10, 25, 50 µM) shows a protective role in AA-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and DNA oxidative damage.

Siomycin A induces reactive oxygen species-mediated cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women worldwide and accounts for 4% of all cancer cases in female patients. To date, ovarian cancer has the poorest prognosis among all types of gynecological cancer; thus, it is necessary to identify prospective therapeutic options. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cytotoxicity of various anticancer drugs against several types of carcinoma, including ovarian cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of Siomycin A, a thiopeptide antibiotic, on the ovarian cancer cell lines PA1 and OVCAR3. To determine the viability of these cells following exposure to Siomycin A, the MTT assay was used, and apoptosis was determined by ELISA. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC1 staining, and cellular ROS levels were assessed by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining in the presence and absence of antioxidant NAC. The subsequent levels of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione were also determined following Siomycin A treatment in the two cell lines. A combination study with Siomycin A and cisplatin indicated enhanced efficiency of the drugs on ovarian cancer cell viability. The results of the present study also demonstrated that Siomycin A induced ROS production, inhibited the major antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and intracellular GSH in PA1 and OVCAR3 cells, and inhibited the cell viability with an IC₅₀ of ~5.0 and 2.5 µM after 72 h respectively compared with the untreated controls. Additionally, the Siomycin A-induced ROS production further targeted apoptotic cell death by impairing the mitochondrial membrane potential and modulating the levels of pro- and antiapoptotic proteins compared with those in the corresponding control groups. The administration of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine significantly abrogated the cytotoxic effects of Siomycin A. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated the role of ROS in Siomycin A-mediated cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells.

Impact of Acrylamide on Cellular Senescence Response and Cell Cycle Distribution via an In-vitro Study

Exposure to certain environmental toxins has been shown to be associated with cellular senescence mainly through induction of oxidative stress and impact on cellular systems. Acrylamide (ACR) has raised worldwide concerns regarding the high risk of human dietary exposure to its hazardous effect. Although there is ample evidence about the carcinogenicity of ACR, limited studies have focused on its impact on cellular aging. The levels of β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, cell cycle distribution, and the expression of the senescence-associated gene and inflammatory markers were evaluated following exposure of embryonic fibroblast cells to ACR. A significant elevation in SA-β-gal activity after exposure to different concentrations of ACR was accompanied by a considerably increased level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. ACR-treated cells showed a noticeable decline in the total antioxidant capacity and thiol molecules. Moreover, the expression of cellular senescence-related genes including p38, p53, and p21 significantly upregulated at the high concentration of 5 mM ACR. ACR also induced G0/G1 phase arrest in embryonic fibroblast cells. The current study results revealed that exposure to ACR could enhance senescence response, contributing to increased oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Redispersion of cryoaggregated gold nanoparticle by means of laser irradiation and effect on biological interactions

Agglomeration/aggregation is an indispensable phenomenon observed by different nanoparticles. In the present study, commercial grade (50 nm) and chemically synthesized (40 nm) gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were aggregated at sub-zero temperatures, followed by disruption of the AuNP aggregates via nanosecond laser-ablation and subsequent effect on biological interactions. AuNPs were characterized pre/post laser-ablation via UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, etc. The process of freezing (aggregation) and laser-ablation (dispersion) was performed multiple times, in order to compare the yield of nanoparticles after each cycle of laser-ablation. Further, AuNPs pre/post laser-ablation were assessed for cytotoxicity, protein-corona formation, and cell-uptake by in vitro studies using RAW264.7, Caco-2 and Neuro-2 a cell lines. Aggregates for both the types of AuNPs displayed fragmentation following first cycle of laser-ablation. In addition, AuNPs obtained after fragmentation of the aggregates showed reduction in diameter and reshaping, as compared to native AuNPs. The size and shape of the nanoparticles after second and third cycle of laser-ablation was same as that obtained after first cycle of ablation. Both laser-ablated and native AuNPs showed similar effects on viability of RAW 264.7 and Caco-2 cells, after 24 h and 48 h of exposure. Cell uptake of native and laser-ablated AuNPs was observed to be a size dependent phenomenon. Present findings showed that nanosecond laser ablation of cryoaggregated AuNPs lead to changes in the physical properties of AuNPs post ablation like size and shape, however, biological interaction with cells remained same. This work is first report on biological interactions of AuNPs generated via laser-ablation of cryoaggregated AuNPs.

SMYD3 promotes colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) progression by mediating cell proliferation and apoptosis

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a type of common malignant tumor originating in the digestive tract. Recently, targeted therapy has had significant effects on the treatment of COAD. However, more effective molecular targets need to be developed. SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) is a type of methyltransferase which methylates histone and non-histone proteins. The effects of SMYD3 on cancer progression and metastasis have been widely revealed. However, its possible role in COAD remains unclear. The current study demonstrated that SMYD3 expression was upregulated in human COAD tissues via analyzing the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the immunohistochemical assays. Furthermore, the expression of SMYD3 was correlated with prognosis and tumor stage (P=0.038) in patients with COAD. Colony formation, MTT, FCM assays and animal assays indicated SMYD3 affected the proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle of COAD cells in vitro and promoted tumor growth in mice in vivo. In summary, the results demonstrated the effects of SMYD3 on COAD progression and we hypothesized that SMYD3 is a novel molecular target for COAD treatment.

Panax quinquefolium L. Ginsenosides from Hairy Root Cultures and Their Clones Exert Cytotoxic, Genotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Activity towards Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2

American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium (L.), is traditionally used in folk medicine. It exhibits a range of anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Its main components are ginsenosides, also known as panaxosides or triterpene saponins. In order to obtain high yields of ginsenosides, different methods of controlled production are involved, i.e., with hairy root cultures. However, they are still employed under in vitro conditions. Our studies revealed that hairy root cultures subjected to an elicitation process can be considered as a potent source of ginsenosides. The present study examines the biological activity of ginseng hairy root cultures against the Caco-2 human adenocarcinoma cell line. Among our six different clones of P. quinquefolium hairy roots, extracts B and Be (treated with elicitor) were the strongest inhibitors of the cellular metabolic activity. While all extracts induced DNA damage, B and Be also generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration-dependent manner, which was correlated with the depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of apoptosis. These findings indicate that further research concerning P. quinquefolium hairy root cultures should focus on the activity of rare ginsenosides and other biologically active compound profiles (i.e., phenolic compounds).