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Inhibition of in vivo genotoxicity by coffee
1School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
The possible role of coffee in modulating the in vivo genotoxicity of the well established genotoxic chemicals, mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, procarbazine and adriamycin, was evaluated. Coffee was administered orally to mice that received the genotoxic chemicals ip. Genotoxicity was assessed in the bone-marrow micronucleus test. Doses of coffee in the range 225 to 1125 mg (dry weight)/kg body weight caused significant reductions in the in vivo genotoxicity of mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide and procarbazine but not adriamycin. The inhibitory effect was significant when the coffee was given about 2 hr before the genotoxin; there was a lesser effect when coffee was given together with the genotoxin but there was no inhibition when coffee was given 2-4 hr after the genotoxin. An experiment with mitomycin C demonstrated that the reduction in genotoxicity was dependent on the coffee dose. The inhibition of genotoxicity by coffee was observed in bone-marrow cells sampled 24, 48 or 68 hr after injecting cyclophosphamide. Freshly brewed coffee extract, standard instant coffee, decaffeinated instant coffee and freeze-dried home-brew coffee all exerted inhibitory effects.
Insights
Coffee consumption may reduce the genotoxicity of certain cancer drugs like mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide. This protective effect is most significant when coffee is consumed before the genotoxic agent.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Genotoxic chemicals are widely used in cancer therapy.
- Understanding modulators of genotoxicity is crucial for improving treatment safety.
- Coffee is a widely consumed beverage with potential biological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of coffee to modulate the in vivo genotoxicity of established genotoxic chemicals.
- To determine the dose-dependency and timing of coffee's inhibitory effects.
- To assess if different coffee preparations affect genotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of coffee to mice followed by intraperitoneal injection of genotoxic agents (mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, adriamycin).
- Assessment of genotoxicity using the bone-marrow micronucleus test.
- Evaluation of varying coffee administration times (before, during, after genotoxin) and doses.
Main Results:
- Coffee significantly reduced the genotoxicity of mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, and procarbazine, but not adriamycin.
- The inhibitory effect was most pronounced when coffee was administered 2 hours prior to the genotoxin.
- Dose-dependency was observed, and various coffee preparations (brewed, instant, decaffeinated) showed inhibitory effects.
Conclusions:
- Coffee exhibits a protective role against the in vivo genotoxicity induced by certain chemotherapeutic agents.
- Timing of coffee consumption relative to genotoxin exposure is critical for its modulatory effect.
- These findings suggest coffee may have a role in mitigating chemotherapy-induced genotoxicity, warranting further investigation.