Carcinogenic effect of low doses of polycyclic and heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and amines and lack of protection by inulin supplementation

Food Chem Toxicol. 2024 Mar:185:114454. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114454. Epub 2024 Jan 17.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that meat processing and heat treatment may increase cancer risk through exposure to potentially carcinogenic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). This study aims to investigate the effect of low concentrations of PAHs and HAAs (from 1 to 100 μmol/L/24h and 48h) in colorectal tumor cells (HT-29, HCT116, and LS174T) and to evaluate the effect of PAHs in the presence of inulin in mice. In vitro, the 4-PAHs have no effect on healthy colon cells but decreased the viability of the colorectal tumor cells and activated the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. In vivo, in mice with colitis induced by 3% DSS, the 4-PAHs (equimolar mix at 50,100, 150 mg/kg.bw, orally 3 times a week for 3 weeks) induced a loss of body weight and tumor formation. Inulin (10 g/L) had no effect on colon length and tumor formation. A significant decrease in the loss of b.w was observed in inulin group as compared to the fiber free group. These results underscore the importance of considering the biological association between low-dose exposure to 4-HAPs and diet-related colon tumors.

Keywords: Cancer colon; Heterocyclic aromatic amines; Inulin; Meat; Mice; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

MeSH terms

  • Amines / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Colorectal Neoplasms*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Heterocyclic Compounds* / toxicity
  • Inulin / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / toxicity

Substances

  • Inulin
  • Amines
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Heterocyclic Compounds