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Bracken carcinogens in the human diet.

M Shahin1, B L Smith, A S Prakash

  • 1National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia.

Mutation Research
|July 23, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Bracken fern contains ptaquiloside (PT), a carcinogen causing cancer and DNA damage in animals. This plant toxin presents a significant model for environmental and experimental carcinogenesis research.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Plant science

Background:

  • Bracken fern (Pteridium) is unique in causing natural cancer in animals.
  • It induces various syndromes including thiamine deficiency, hemorrhage, blindness, and neoplasia in the urinary bladder and upper gut.
  • Ptaquiloside (PT) is identified as the primary carcinogen responsible for these effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the carcinogenic mechanisms of ptaquiloside (PT) from bracken fern.
  • To explore the genotoxic effects and DNA alkylation patterns of PT.
  • To establish and utilize animal models for studying bracken fern-induced carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of PT concentrations in different parts of bracken fern.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies to demonstrate mutagenicity, clastogenicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity of PT.
  • DNA alkylation studies to identify specific adducts formed by PT.
  • Development of a rat model for PT carcinogenesis using intravenous administration.
  • Experimental feeding of bracken fern to cows and analysis of milk for PT.

Main Results:

  • PT, a norsesquiterpene glucoside, is present in high concentrations in bracken fern, especially in young fronds.
  • PT induces DNA alkylation at specific sites on adenine and guanine bases.
  • PT causes mutations in proto-oncogenes, leading to cancer.
  • A rat model effectively demonstrated PT-induced carcinogenesis.
  • PT was detected in milk from bracken-fed cows, and this milk induced cancer in rats.

Conclusions:

  • Ptaquiloside (PT) is a potent carcinogen in bracken fern, acting through DNA alkylation and subsequent mutations.
  • Bracken fern poses an environmental risk, with potential exposure through consumption of fern or contaminated milk.
  • PT carcinogenesis serves as a valuable model for understanding environmental and experimental cancer development.

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