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Past, present, and future of mutagens in cooked foods
Abstract:
Mutation assay with Salmonella typhimurium enabled us to detect various types of mutagens in cooked foods. A series of mutagenic heterocyclic amines has been isolated and identified in broiled fish and meat and in pyrolyzates of amino acids and proteins. Feeding experiments showed these mutagens to be carcinogenic in mice and rats. The mechanism of formation and pathway of metabolic activation of these heterocyclic amines have been elucidated. Their contents in various cooked foods have been determined. The presence of mutagenic nitropyrenes (some of which were confirmed as carcinogens) in grilled chicken was also established. Roasted coffee beans also yield mutagens such as methylglyoxal. The formation of mutagen precursors, including beta-carboline derivatives and tyramine which become mutagens with nitrite treatment, was found during food processing. Oncogene activation in animal tumors induced by some of these food mutagens/carcinogens has been confirmed. The role of mutagens/carcinogens in cooked foods in human cancer development has not yet been exactly evaluated. In order to do this, more information on their carcinogenic potency, human intake, metabolism in the human body, and the effects of combined administration with other initiators, promoters and other modifying factors in food is required.
Insights
Researchers identified mutagens in cooked foods like heterocyclic amines and nitropyrenes, which are carcinogenic in animal studies. Further research is needed to evaluate their role in human cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Food Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Cooked foods can contain mutagens, posing potential health risks.
- Heterocyclic amines and nitropyrenes are classes of mutagens found in various cooked foods.
- Understanding the formation and effects of these compounds is crucial for food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and identify mutagens in cooked foods using a mutation assay.
- To investigate the carcinogenic potential of identified food mutagens in animal models.
- To elucidate the formation pathways and metabolic activation of these mutagens.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Salmonella typhimurium assay for mutagen detection.
- Isolated and identified mutagenic heterocyclic amines and nitropyrenes.
- Conducted feeding experiments in mice and rats to assess carcinogenicity.
Main Results:
- Identified various mutagenic heterocyclic amines in broiled fish, meat, and protein pyrolyzates.
- Confirmed mutagenic nitropyrenes in grilled chicken and methylglyoxal in roasted coffee beans.
- Demonstrated carcinogenicity of these mutagens in rodent models and confirmed oncogene activation.
Conclusions:
- Mutagens like heterocyclic amines and nitropyrenes are present in cooked foods and are carcinogenic.
- Further research is required to evaluate the precise role of these food mutagens/carcinogens in human cancer, considering intake, metabolism, and interactions.