Comparative analysis of the in vitro cytotoxicity of the dietary biogenic amines tyramine and histamine

Food Chem. 2016 Apr 15;197(Pt A):658-63. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.11.013. Epub 2015 Nov 9.

Abstract

Tyramine and histamine, the most toxic biogenic amines (BA), are often found in high concentrations in certain foods. Prompted by the limited knowledge of BA toxicity, and increasing awareness of the risks associated with high intakes of dietary BA, the in vitro cytotoxicity of tyramine and histamine was investigated. Tyramine and histamine were toxic for HT29 intestinal cell cultures at concentrations commonly found in BA-rich food, as determined by real-time cell analysis. Surprisingly, tyramine had a stronger and more rapid cytotoxic effect than histamine. Their mode of action was also different, while tyramine caused cell necrosis, histamine induced apoptosis. To avoid health risks, the BA content of foods should be reduced and legal limits established for tyramine.

Keywords: Biogenic amines; Cytotoxicity; Food security; Histamine; Histamine (PubChem CID: 5818); Tyramine; Tyramine (PubChem CID: 66449).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Biogenic Amines / analysis
  • Biogenic Amines / toxicity*
  • DNA Fragmentation
  • Food Analysis
  • HT29 Cells
  • Histamine / analysis
  • Histamine / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestines / cytology
  • Intestines / drug effects
  • No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level
  • Tyramine / analysis
  • Tyramine / toxicity*

Substances

  • Biogenic Amines
  • Histamine
  • Tyramine