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Lysosomal enzyme release from macrophages: a model of food yeast toxicity evaluation

F Hernández Rosales1, M Zayas, J Illnait

  • 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Scientific Research National Center, Havana City, Cuba.

Acta Biologica Hungarica
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated the toxicity of food yeast by measuring lysosomal enzyme release from macrophages and median lethal dose (LD50). Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated the lowest toxicity, suggesting its safety for consumption.

Area of Science:

  • Food microbiology
  • Immunotoxicology
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Food yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces fragilis, and Candida utilis are widely consumed.
  • Understanding their toxic potential is crucial for ensuring food safety.
  • Macrophages play a key role in immune responses and can release enzymes upon cellular stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the toxic effects of different food yeasts.
  • To investigate the relationship between food yeast exposure and lysosomal enzyme release from macrophages.
  • To determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of various food yeasts.

Main Methods:

  • Primary mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured and exposed to different food yeasts.
  • Lysosomal enzymes (N-acetyl glucosaminidase, beta-galactosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase) released into the supernatant were quantified.
  • Median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release in a dose-response manner.

Main Results:

  • Macrophage exposure to food yeasts, even below the LD50, induced the release of lysosomal enzymes.
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibited the highest LD50, indicating lower toxicity compared to Kluyveromyces fragilis and Candida utilis.
  • A correlation between in vitro lysosomal enzyme release and in vivo toxicity (LD50) was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Lysosomal enzyme release from macrophages can serve as an indicator of food yeast toxicity.
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae appears to be the least toxic among the tested food yeasts.
  • These findings are relevant for assessing the safety of food yeasts for human consumption.

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