Human exposure and internal dose assessments of acrylamide in food

Mechanism of Apoptosis Induced by the Combined Action of Acrylamide and Elaidic acid through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Injury

Thermal processing of food is likely to form acrylamide (AA) and elaidic acid (EA), which are both mainly metabolized by the liver. The two substances are associated with the pathogenesis of liver disease. In the current study, we investigated the toxic effects of the combined action of AA and EA on HSC-T6 cells, and the mechanism of apoptosis exacerbated by the co-exposure. The results showed a synergistic effect of AA and EA, which exacerbated the damage and oxidative stress (OS) in HSC-T6. Meanwhile, the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) proteins, such as GRP78 and CHOP, was increased, the ERS pathway was activated, and Ca2+ in cells was increased, which exacerbated mitochondrial damage, and opened IP3R-Grp75-VDAC1 channel. Both ERS and mitochondrial damage caused the process of cell apoptosis. Inhibition of ERS by 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) significantly reversed the synergistic effects on mitochondrial damage via ERS, suggesting that AA and EA exacerbated mitochondrial damage through ERS-mediated Ca2+ overload. AA and EA synergistically damaged the function of mitochondria through exacerbating ERS and led to cell apoptosis.

Acrylamide increases and furanoic compounds decrease in plant-based meat alternatives during pan-frying

Plant-based meat alternatives are gaining popularity as protein sources. However, pan-frying may lead to the formation of potentially harmful food contaminants. We investigated the formation of acrylamide and furanoic compounds in four different plant-based meat alternatives and two meat burger patties during pan-frying at 160 and 200 °C. The highest acrylamide contents (72. ± 7.7 and 69.2 ± 9.5 µg/kg, respectively) were found in soy flour- and sunflower-protein based patties fried at 200 °C. Unprepared pea and soy protein-based burger patties contained the highest furfural amounts (2832.8 ± 576.2 and 2683.0 ± 868.5 µg/kg, respectively). Furfuryl alcohol content was highest in soy flour-based patties and increased temperature-dependently up to 1120.9 ± 383.4 µg/kg. Based on the tolerable intake calculated by the EFSA Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain, these amounts do not pose a health risk. Nevertheless, since plant-based novel food are being increasingly consumed, further investigations into the formation of food contaminants in novel processed foods are warranted.

Dietary lipoic acid alleviates autism-like behavior induced by acrylamide in adolescent mice: the potential involvement of the gut-brain axis

Consuming fried foods has been associated with an increased susceptibility to mental health disorders. Nevertheless, the impact of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA, LA) on fried food-induced autism-like behavior remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how LA affects autism-related behavior and cognitive deficits caused by acrylamide in mice, a representative food hazard found in fried foods. This improvement was accomplished by enhanced synaptic plasticity, increased neurotrophin expression, elevated calcium-binding protein D28k, and restored serotonin. Additionally, LA substantially influenced the abundance of bacteria linked to autism and depression, simultaneously boosted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in fecal samples, and induced changes in serum amino acid concentrations. In summary, these findings suggested that exposure to acrylamide in adolescent mice could induce the development of social disorders in adulthood. LA showed promise as a nutritional intervention strategy to tackle emotional disorders during adolescence.

Food emulsifiers increase toxicity of food contaminants in three human GI tract cell lines

Food products simultaneously containing both food contaminants and emulsifiers are common in baked products, coffee and chocolate. Little is known regarding how food contaminants and emulsifiers interact and alter toxicity. Recent studies have shown that while emulsifiers themselves have little toxicity, they could cause changes in the gut microenvironment and lead to issues such as increased uptake of allergens. This study examined toxic effect of two common process contaminants acrylamide (AA) and benzo [a]pyrene (BAP) combined with food emulsifiers polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (TW) or glycerol monostearate (G). In liver cell line HepG2 and gastrointestinal cell lines HIEC6 and Caco-2, toxicities of AA and BAP were increased by TW but not by G as indicated by decrease in IC50 values. Addition of TW also exacerbated gene expression changes caused by AA or BAP. Cellular uptake and cell membrane permeability were enhanced by TW but not by G, but tight junction proteins of Caco-2 monolayer was impacted by both emulsifiers. These results suggested that TW could increase toxicity of AA and BAP through increasing cell permeability thus chemical uptake and potentially through other interactions. The study is to draw the attention of regulators on the potential synergistic interaction of co-occurring chemicals in food.

Comparison of urinary mercapturic acid excretions in users of various tobacco/nicotine products

Urinary mercapturic acids (MAs) are detoxification products for electrophiles occurring in the human body. They are suitable biomarkers of exposure to directly acting electrophilic chemicals or to chemicals which generate the electrophile during its metabolism. We determined the urinary excretion of 19 MAs in habitual users of combustible cigarettes (CCs), electronic cigarettes (ECs), heated tobacco products (HTPs), oral tobacco (OT), and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, and nonusers (NUs) of any tobacco/nicotine products. The 19 MAs are assumed to be physiologically formed primarily from 15 toxicants with three of them belonging to IARC Group 1 (human carcinogen), seven to Group 2A (probable human carcinogen), four to Group 2B (possible human carcinogen), and one to Group 3 (not classifiable as carcinogen). Smoking (CC) was found to be associated with significantly elevated exposure to ethylene oxide (or ethylene), 1,3-butadiene, benzene, dimethylformamide, acrolein, acrylamide, styrene, propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, crotonaldehyde, and isoprene compared with the other user groups and NU. Users of HTPs revealed slight elevation in the MAs related to acrolein, acrylamide, and crotonaldehyde compared with the other non-CC groups. Vaping (EC) was not found to be associated with any of the MAs studied. In conclusion, the determination of urinary MAs is a useful tool for assessing the exposure to toxicants (mainly potential carcinogens) in users of various tobacco/nicotine products. Our data also give cause to clarify the role of vaping (EC) in urinary excretion of DHPMA (precursor: glycidol).

A systematic review: on the mercaptoacid metabolites of acrylamide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine

Acrylamide is widely found in a variety of fried foods and cigarettes and is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but also has many potential toxic effects. The current assessment of acrylamide intake through dietary questionnaires is confounded by a variety of factors, which poses limitations to safety assessment. In this review, we focus on the levels of AAMA, the urinary metabolite of acrylamide in humans, and its association with other diseases, and discuss the current research gaps in AAMA and the future needs. We reviewed a total of 25 studies from eight countries. In the general population, urinary AAMA levels were higher in smokers than in non-smokers, and higher in children than in adults; the highest levels of AAMA were found in the population from Spain, compared with the general population from other countries. In addition, AAMA is associated with several diseases, especially cardiovascular system diseases. Therefore, AAMA, as a biomarker of internal human exposure, can reflect acrylamide intake in the short term, which is of great significance for tracing acrylamide-containing foods and setting the allowable intake of acrylamide in foods.

Maternal acrylamide exposure changes intestinal epithelium, immunolocalization of leptin and ghrelin and their receptors, and gut barrier in weaned offspring

Acrylamide (ACR) is an amide formed as a byproduct in many heat-processed starchy-rich foods. In utero ACR exposure has been associated with restricted fetal growth, but its effects of postnatal functional development of small intestine is completely unknown. The current study investigated the time- and segment-dependent effects of prenatal ACR exposure on morphological and functional development of small intestine in weaned rat offspring. Four groups of pregnant female Wistar rats were exposed to ACR (3 mg/kg b.w./day) for 0, 5, 10 and 15 days during pregnancy. Basal intestinal morphology, immunolocalization of gut hormones responsible for food intake and proteins of intestinal barrier, activity of the intestinal brush border disaccharidases, apoptosis and proliferation in intestinal mucosa were analyzed in offspring at weaning (postnatal day 21). The results showed that in utero ACR exposure disturbs offspring gut structural and functional postnatal development in a time- and segment-depended manner and even a short prenatal exposure to ACR resulted in changes in intestinal morphology, immunolocalization of leptin and ghrelin and their receptors, barrier function, activity of gut enzymes and upregulation of apoptosis and proliferation. In conclusion, prenatal ACR exposure disturbed the proper postnatal development of small intestine.

Toxicity, formation, contamination, determination and mitigation of acrylamide in thermally processed plant-based foods and herbal medicines: A review

Thermal processing is one of the important techniques for most of the plant-based food and herb medicines before consumption and application in order to meet the specific requirement. The plant and herbs are rich in amino acids and reducing sugars, and thermal processing may lead to Maillard reaction, resulting as a high risk of acrylamide pollution. Acrylamide, an organic pollutant that can be absorbed by the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, skin and mucous membranes, has potential carcinogenicity, neurological, genetic, reproductive and developmental toxicity. Therefore, it is significant to conduct pollution determination and risk assessment for quality assurance and security of medication. This review demonstrates state-of-the-art research of acrylamide focusing on the toxicity, formation, contamination, determination, and mitigation in taking food and herb medicine, to provide reference for scientific processing and ensure the security of consumers.

Production and Inhibition of Acrylamide during Coffee Processing: A Literature Review

Coffee is the third-largest beverage with wide-scale production. It is consumed by a large number of people worldwide. However, acrylamide (AA) is produced during coffee processing, which seriously affects its quality and safety. Coffee beans are rich in asparagine and carbohydrates, which are precursors of the Maillard reaction and AA. AA produced during coffee processing increases the risk of damage to the nervous system, immune system, and genetic makeup of humans. Here, we briefly introduce the formation and harmful effects of AA during coffee processing, with a focus on the research progress of technologies to control or reduce AA generation at different processing stages. Our study aims to provide different strategies for inhibiting AA formation during coffee processing and investigate related inhibition mechanisms.

Analysis of breast follow-up results in patients after polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) or silicone prosthesis removal

BACKGROUND

Polyacrylamide hydrogel has been prohibited since 2006 due to numerous complications. Unsatisfactory breast contour was always observed in patients after PAAG removal. The same occurred in patients after silicone prosthesis removal. We attempt to compare and analyze the difference in postoperative breast conditions and pathology between the two groups.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent PAAG or silicone prosthesis removal between 2011 and 2021. The BREAST-Q was used to evaluate the follow-up results, including satisfaction with breasts, physical well-being, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and the operation.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients were analyzed. The PAAG group complained of more lumps or indurations (p = 0.004), benefited less from operations as for symptomatic relief (p = 0.002), and had more chronic inflammation(p = 0.000) than the silicone group. No breast cancer was found. All the Breast-Q scores were lower in the PAAG group than in the silicone group, and there was a significant difference in satisfaction with physical well-being (p = 0.035). Besides, patients without symptoms tended to score higher in all aspects of Breast-Q than patients with symptoms after removal. The two groups (symptom & no symptom) differed in psychosocial well-being (p = 0.043) and satisfaction with operation (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

The breast contour of patients after PAAG or silicone prosthesis removal was worse than before. Early removal of PAAG before complications arise may result in a better surgical benefit. There is no doubt that PAAG are harmful both physically and psychologically. All patients are suggested to have PAAG injections removed.

Neurotoxicity of acrylamide in adult zebrafish following short-term and long-term exposure: evaluation of behavior alterations, oxidative stress markers, expression of antioxidant genes, and histological examination of the brain and eyes

In the present work, 224 adult female zebrafish (56 fish in each group) were randomly divided into four groups (two control groups and two toxicity groups) as per duration of exposure (7 and 21 days). All fish of the two toxicity groups were exposed to 0.610 mM acrylamide (ACR) concentration for 7 and 21 days. The effects of ACR exposure on behavior, oxidative stress biomarkers, molecular expression of antioxidant genes (sod, cat, and nrf2), and histopathological examination of the brain and eye were examined. Our result shows that ACR exposure for 7 days produced an anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish. Short-term exposure of ACR resulted in alterations of oxidative stress markers (SOD and CAT activity, and the level of GSH and MDA) in the brain and eye of zebrafish. However, the antioxidant defense system of adult female zebrafish could be able to counteract the free radicals generated in long-term ACR exposure as indicated by non-significant difference in oxidative insult following short-term and long-term exposure. ACR exposure downregulated the mRNA expression of the sod, cat, and nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) genes in the brain and eye without significant difference between the two toxicity groups. Mild histological changes in the dorsal telencephalic area, tectum opticum, medulla, and hypothalamus area of the brain of zebrafish have been observed following short-term and long-term ACR exposure. In the eye, marked histological changes in the retinal pigmented epithelium layer (RPE), structural changes of the photoreceptor layer (PRL) with disorganized layer of rods and cones, and reduction of the relative thickness of the RPE, PRL, outer nuclear layer (ONL), and inner nuclear layer (INL) have been noted following ACR exposure for 21 days as compared to 7 days. ACR produced neurobehavioral aberrations and oxidative stress within 7 days of exposure, while various histological changes in the brain and eyes have been observed following long-term exposure (21 days) to ACR.

An in vitro Approach to Protective Effect of Lactoferrin on Acrylamide-induced Oxidative Damage

Acrylamide is a compound that occurs with high temperature during food processing and causes oxidative damage. Recently, the importance of antioxidative components is increasing to prevent oxidative damage. Lactoferrin is an antioxidant protein mainly found in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the dose-dependent protective effects of lactoferrin on oxidative damage caused by acrylamide. In this study, HepG2 cell lines were treated with lactoferrin doses (0, 25, 50, 100µM) and half maximal inhibitory concentration of acrylamide. After 24 hours malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase levels were measured. Acrylamide significantly increased malondialdehyde levels in HepG2 cells compared to the control group; however, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductace significantly reduced. On the other hand, added lactoferrin doses (50-100µM) significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels. Besides, it was found that glutathione reductase, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels significantly increased. As a result, the protective effect of lactoferrin against the oxidative damage caused by acrylamide in HepG2 cells was determined. This effect is thought to be due to the antioxidant capacity of lactoferrin. In this context, it is recommended that more studies are carried out on the mechanism of action of lactoferrin on oxidative stress caused by acrylamide.

Dietary Habits and Daily Routines as Prognostic Factors in Endometrial Cancer: A Machine Learning Approach

Endometrial cancer (EC) is becoming more common worldwide, primarily due to an increase in life expectancy and obesity. As several modifiable factors may affect EC incidence and progression, we aimed to elucidate how dietary habits and daily routines influence recurrence and survival among women with EC, using a Random Survival Forest (RSF) approach. 481 women who previously underwent hysterectomy due to EC completed two extensive questionnaires on dietary habits and daily routines, and we used RSF to identify risky or protective variables. Among the 186 variables considered, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and fried potatoes increased the risk of EC recurrence and death, while physical activity decreased the risk of death. We conclude that RSF is a suitable approach to study survival in multivariable datasets.

Food-Borne Chemical Carcinogens and the Evidence for Human Cancer Risk

Commonly consumed foods and beverages can contain chemicals with reported carcinogenic activity in rodent models. Moreover, exposures to some of these substances have been associated with increased cancer risks in humans. Food-borne carcinogens span a range of chemical classes and can arise from natural or anthropogenic sources, as well as form endogenously. Important considerations include the mechanism(s) of action (MoA), their relevance to human biology, and the level of exposure in diet. The MoAs of carcinogens have been classified as either DNA-reactive (genotoxic), involving covalent reaction with nuclear DNA, or epigenetic, involving molecular and cellular effects other than DNA reactivity. Carcinogens are generally present in food at low levels, resulting in low daily intakes, although there are some exceptions. Carcinogens of the DNA-reactive type produce effects at lower dosages than epigenetic carcinogens. Several food-related DNA-reactive carcinogens, including aflatoxins, aristolochic acid, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and ethylene oxide, are recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causes of human cancer. Of the epigenetic type, the only carcinogen considered to be associated with increased cancer in humans, although not from low-level food exposure, is dioxin (TCDD). Thus, DNA-reactive carcinogens in food represent a much greater risk than epigenetic carcinogens.

Dietary Risk Assessment of Acrylamide in School Canteen Snacks among Primary School Students in Alexandria Governorate

Abstract BACKGROUND: Acrylamide (AA) is considered as a carcinogenic and genotoxic food contaminant produced in carbohydrate-rich foods Canteen snacks available in school are among these carbohydrate-rich foods. The paper investigates the risk associated with consuming acrylamide rich canteen snacks.   AIM:  The aim of the work was to study the dietary risk of acrylamide in school canteen snacks among primary school students and to determine the concentration of AA in different snacks   METHODS: The level of AA was detected in 73 samples for 16 different canteen snacks sold at school canteens. Samples were collected randomly from the canteens of primary schools in Alexandria city. All samples were extracted and cleaned-up then analyzed using HPLC techniques. A food frequency questionnaire was designed to determine the frequency and amount of consumption of different canteen snacks among primary school students during school day. The data was collected from six different primary schools in Alexandria city (3 public and 3 private schools). All interviewed school students (466 student) were weighted for the calculation of dietary exposure of AA during school day.   RESULTS: The results showed that, the average and the 95th percentile of acrylamide exposure were 1.4 and 4 μgkg−1 BWsd−1, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference between dietary exposure to AA between private schools and public schools. The estimated margin of exposure (MOE) calculated from the average acrylamide exposure was 128 and 221 and from 95th percentile was 45 and 77, based on BDML10 values 0.18 mgkg−1 BWd−1 and 0.31 mgkg−1 BWd−1. With the highest risk calculated in schools offering fried foods prepared in school canteen.   CONCLUSION: Dietary exposure to AA from canteen snacks among primary school students in Alexandria city is considered as a health concern according to the definition of the WHO, where the calculated MOE values were very close to the values set by the JECFA committee (45-310) for health problems of concern.    

Dietary Xenobiotics Derived from Food Processing: Association with Fecal Mutagenicity and Gut Mucosal Damage

Whereas the mechanisms underlying the association of toxic dietary xenobiotics and cancer risk are not well established, it is plausible that dietary pattern may affect the colon environment by enhancing or reducing exposure to mutagens. This work aimed to investigate the association between xenobiotics intake and different stages of intestinal mucosal damage and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and examine whether these associations may be mediated by altered intestinal mutagenicity. This was a case control study with 37 control subjects, 49 patients diagnosed with intestinal polyps, and 7 diagnosed with CRC. Lifestyle, dietary, and clinical information was registered after colonoscopy. For xenobiotics intake estimation the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) and the Computerized Heterocyclic Amines Resource for Research in Epidemiology of Disease (CHARRED) databases were used. The mutagenicity of fecal supernatants was assayed by the Ames test and light microscopy was used for the presence of aberrant crypt formation. Among all the potential carcinogens studied, the polyp group showed higher intakes of ethanol and dibenzo (a) anthracene (DiB(a)A). Besides, intakes between 0.75 and 1.29 µg/d of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were related with a higher risk of belonging to the polyp group. On the contrary, an intake of wholegrain cereals greater than 50 g/d was associated with a reduction in the relative risk of belonging to the polyp group. Heterocyclic amines (HAs) such as 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo (4,5,b) pyridine (PhIP) were associated with an increased level of mutagenicity in polyps. This study is of great interest for the identification of possible therapeutic targets for the early prevention of colon cancer through diet.

Cigarette smoking is associated with acrylamide exposure among the U.S. population: NHANES 2011-2016

2-carbamoylethyl mercapturic acid (2CaEMA, N-Acetyl-S-carbamoylethyl-L-cysteine) is a urinary metabolite and exposure biomarker of acrylamide, which is a harmful volatile organic compound found in cigarette smoke and in some foods. The goal of this study was to determine the association between cigarette smoking and urinary 2CaEMA concentrations among the U.S. population while considering potential dietary sources of acrylamide intake and demographics. We measured 2CaEMA concentrations in urine specimens collected during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016 cycles from eligible participants 18 years and older (n = 5443) using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. We developed multiple regression models with urinary 2CaEMA concentrations as the dependent variable and sex, age, race/Hispanic origin, reported primary sources of dietary acrylamide intake, and cigarette smoke exposure as independent variables. This study demonstrates that cigarette smoking is strongly associated with urinary 2CaEMA, suggests that cigarette smoking is likely a primary source of acrylamide exposure, and provides a baseline measure for 2CaEMA in the U.S. population.

Amelioration of acrylamide induced neurotoxicity by benzo[b]thiophene analogs via glutathione redox dynamics in zebrafish larvae

Acrylamide is a thermal process contaminant, which gets global attention due to its neurotoxic nature and its omnipresence in carbohydrate-rich foods. Chronic exposure to acrylamide leads to neuronal deterioration and motor dysfunction. Acrylamide could severely affect the antioxidant defense system, especially in the developing brain leading to premature neurological disorders. Acrylamide forms adduct in presynaptic neurons leading to neuroinflammation which is also a factor to consider. In this present study, we have explored whether our benzo[b]thiophene analogs, 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) ethanone (BP) and 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) propan-1-one hydrate (EP) with antioxidant activity, could inhibit the acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity-like behavior in zebrafish larvae. The experiment was set up to expose 3 days post fertilized (dpf) larvae to acrylamide (0.75 mM) for 3 days with or without compounds (80 µM). Locomotion behavioral analysis, antioxidants, glutathione, and acetylcholineesterase activity in the head region were analyzed after one day of the experimental procedure. We witnessed a restoration effect on glutathione redox dynamics. Since glutathione plays a crucial role in the detoxification of acrylamide, it is necessary to maintain the glutathione redox cycle to eliminate acrylamide from the body. BP and EP reduced the pro-inflammatory transcript in the head, which correlates with the reduction in oxidative stress. Finally, BP and EP showed a positive effect on synaptic vesicle cycling transcript and partially restores the motor neuron response to stimuli. Findings in this study showed the ability of compound BP and EP possess therapeutic value in oxidative stress-associated neurological disorders.

Review of the state of the art of acrylamide human biomonitoring

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a very useful tool for assessing human exposure to acrylamide (AA). In the framework of the Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) AA was included in its second list of priority substances due to the potential threat to human health. HBM data on AA are scarce, but the use of specific and sensitive biomarkers represents a reliable indicator of exposure. In this review an overview of available knowledge on HBM of AA is provided in terms of: i) preferred exposure biomarkers and matrices for the HBM of AA; ii) analytical methods for determining its biomarkers of exposure in the most used specimens; iii) current HBM data available; and iv) tools for interpreting HBM data for AA in relation to risk assessment. Finally, future trends in this field are discussed.

Ethnobotanical and phytochemical aspects of the edible herb Coriandrum sativum L

Coriandrum sativum (coriander) is an edible herb in the family Apiaceae. The leaves, fruits, and stems of C. sativum have long been used as culinary spice due to their favorable odor. Traditional practitioners used this plant for treating different diseases like blepharitis, scabies, aphthous stomatitis, laryngitis, headache, and palpitation. In modern researches, coriander has demonstrated anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antimigraine, neuroprotective, analgesic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. Coriander contains a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals among which phenylpropenes, terpenoids, isocoumarins, phytosterols, and fatty acids are the most important. This review provides information about the botanical and ethnobotanical aspects, chemical profile, therapeutic uses in Islamic traditional medicine (ITM), and recent pharmacological studies of coriander effects. The results have shown that coriander and its monoterpenoid compound, linalool, can be considered as potential drug candidates for treating metabolic syndrome and different inflammatory conditions especially neural and CNS diseases.

Pilot Study for the Dietary Assessment of Xenobiotics Derived from Food Processing in an Adult Spanish Sample

Background: Although xenobiotics from food processing have gained support as possible drivers of the relationship between diet and some types of cancer, there are still few studies characterizing the intake of these compounds among different populations. Aim: To describe the intake of heterocyclic amines (HAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrates, nitrites, nitrosamines, and acrylamide; and to identify dietary and lifestyle related factors. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in 70 adult volunteers. Intake was registered by means of a food frequency questionnaire, including cooking methods, temperature, and degree of browning. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) and the Computerized Heterocyclic Amines Resource for Research in Epidemiology of Disease (CHARRED) databases were used for xenobiotic estimation in conjunction with data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Results: Dietary HAs (amino-alpha-carboline (AαC), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo (4,5,f) quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3,8 dimethylimidazo (4,5,f) quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8 trime-thylimidazo (4,5,f) quinoxaline (DiMeIQx), and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo (4,5,b) pyridine (PhIP)) were mainly derived from meat and meat products, while benzo (a) pyrene (B(a)P), dibenzo (a) anthracene (DiB(a)A), and total PAHs were explained by oils and fats, alcoholic beverages, and milk, respectively. Microwaved, fried, grilled, broiled, barbecued, and braised cooking methods were mainly responsible for HAs and PAHs consumption. Conclusion: Based on the wide presence and levels of intake of these compounds in different sources, more efforts should be made to adjust their intake to the levels recommended by health agencies.

Non-Centrifugal Sugar (NCS) and Health: A Review on Functional Components and Health Benefits

Non-centrifugal sugar (NCS) is the scientific term the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) uses to define a solid product, produced by sugarcane juice evaporation, which is unrefined or minimally refined. NCS is referred to in various names globally, the most significant ones are whole cane sugar, panela (Latin America), jaggery (India) and kokuto (Japan). NCS contains minerals, bioactive compounds, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have therapeutic potentials from time immemorial. Even though the bioactive property is dependent on the composition, which relies mainly on the agronomic conditions and production process, NCS possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, substituting the consumption of refined sugar with NCS might be helpful in the control of chronic diseases generally connected to oxidative stress and inflammation. Experimental facts from in vitro and in vivo models have proven that NCS plays an essential role in weight management, maintaining insulin sensitivity and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. NCS has also shown hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. This review aims to synopsize the recent literature pertaining to the benefits of NCS in human health. The NCS can be considered a nutraceutical and functional food. However, detailed and regulated studies are important to enhance the beneficial effects in human and animal interventions.

Hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide in human blood - What has been done and what is next?

Acrylamide forms in many commonly consumed foods. In animals, acrylamide causes tumors, neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive effects. Acrylamide crosses the placenta and has been associated with restriction of intrauterine growth and certain cancers. The impact on human health is poorly understood and it is impossible to say what level of dietary exposure to acrylamide can be deemed safe as the assessment of exposure is uncertain. The determination of hemoglobin (Hb) adducts from acrylamide is increasingly being used to improve the exposure assessment of acrylamide. We aim to outline the literature on Hb adduct levels from acrylamide in humans and discuss methodological issues and research gaps. A total of 86 studies of 27,966 individuals from 19 countries were reviewed. Adduct levels were highest in occupationally exposed individuals and smokers. Levels ranged widely from 3 to 210 pmol/g Hb in non-smokers and this wide range suggests that dietary exposure to acrylamide varies largely. Non-smokers from the US and Canada had slightly higher levels as compared with non-smokers from elsewhere, but differences within studies were larger than between studies. Large studies with exposure assessment of acrylamide and related adduct forming compounds from diet during early-life are encouraged for the evaluation of health effects.

Exposure assessment of Spanish lactating mothers to acrylamide via human biomonitoring

Acrylamide (AA) is an organic compound classified as "Probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2 A) that can be found principally in processed carbohydrate-rich foods and tobacco smoke. In humans, after exposure, AA is rapidly metabolized and excreted in urine, predominantly as N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-l-cysteine (AAMA), N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-l-cysteine (GAMA3) and N-Acetyl-3-[(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)sulfinyl]-L-alanine (AAMA-Sul), which can be used as short-term biomarkers of exposure to AA. In this study, the presence of AA metabolites in urine samples of lactating mothers living in Spain (n = 114) was analyzed by "dilute and shoot" and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All urinary metabolites were detected in 100% of the analyzed samples, with geometric means of 70, 33 and 15 ng ml^-1, for AAMA, AAMA-Sul and GAMA3, respectively. The consumption of coffee, bread and precooked food products were found to be significant predictors of internal exposure to AA. An estimated daily intake (EDI) of AA based on its urinary metabolites was calculated, obtaining mean values between 1.2 and 1.9 μg AA·kg bw^-1·day^-1 in the target population. The risk assessment was evaluated using both reverse and forward dosimetry, showing an average margin of exposure (MOE) of 349 and a hazard quotient (HQ) of 5.5. Therefore, AA exposure should be considered a medium priority for risk assessment follow-up in the Spanish population, since a health concern with respect to non-neoplastic toxicity could not be discarded.

Dietary exposure to acrylamide: A critical appraisal on the conversion of disregarded intermediates into acrylamide and possible reactions during digestion

The amount of acrylamide in asparagine rich thermally processed foods has been broadly monitored over the past two decades. Acrylamide exposure can be estimated by using the concentration of acrylamide found in foods and alternatively, biomarkers of exposure are correlated. A better estimation of dietary acrylamide exposure is crucial for a proper food safety assessment, regulations, and public health research. This review addresses the importance of the presence of neglected Maillard reaction intermediates found in foods, that may convert into acrylamide during digestion and the fate of acrylamide in the gastrointestinal tract as a reactive compound. Therefore, it is questioned in this review whether acrylamide concentration in ingested foods is directly correlated with the dietary exposure to acrylamide.

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Neglected Maillard reaction intermediates play role in acrylamide formation in gut.

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Exposure may increase when intermediates are converted into acrylamide in the gut.

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Nucleophiles cause elimination of acrylamide in the intestinal phase.

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The fate of acrylamide during digestion could be important for exposure estimation.

Association between Acrylamide Hemoglobin Adduct Levels and Depressive Symptoms in US Adults: NHANES 2013-2016

Acrylamide (AA) is widely present in heat-processed carbohydrate-rich food, cigarette smoke, and the environment. Prolonged exposure to AA may cause central nervous system damage. However, few epidemiologic studies assessed the association between hemoglobin adduct levels of AA or its metabolite glycidamide (GA) and depressive symptoms. We included 3595 US adults (≥18 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016. Data for hemoglobin adduct levels from AA and GA (HbAA and HbGA) were used as a measure of internal dose. Depressive symptom data were from mental health questionnaires and measured by nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores. Results of logistic regression models showed a positive association between HbAA in quartile 4 and depressive symptoms with ORs and 95% CI of 2.47 (1.29, 4.77) [OR_{continuous HbAA} and 95% CI: 1.006 (1.000, 1.013)], but an inverse association was detected in quartiles 2 and 3 of HbGA/HbAA [0.62 (0.38, 0.99) and 0.54 (0.32, 0.92), respectively]. Especially, an association between HbAA and depressive symptoms was strengthened in smokers, in age 18-39 and 40-59 years and BMI 25-30 kg/m² groups. Further explorations are needed to study the found associations between HbAA, HbGA, and depressive symptoms.

Associating acrylamide internal exposure with dietary pattern and health risk in the general population of Taiwan

We determined the urinary levels of acrylamide (AA) metabolites of the general Taiwanese population, explore the association between AA internal exposure and dietary intake frequency, and assess the health risk. Urine samples and dietary questionnaires were collected from the subjects of the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. AA metabolite [N-acetyl-S-(propionamide)-cysteine (AAMA)] concentrations were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ToF-MS). Multiple regression was used to examine associations between AA metabolite levels and dietary patterns. A total of 706 subjects were studied. We found that per increase in weekly frequency of sweetened beverages in the 6-11-years group (β = 0.322, p = 0.018) and oily snacks intakes in the 12-18-years group (β = 0.335, p = 0.012) will increase 10^β of urinary AAMA concentrations. Assuming that 50% of the AA intake is excreted as urinary AAMA, the Monte Carlo simulation showed that 1.75-19.48% among all age groups have exceeded the reference dose of 2 μg/kg-body weight/day.

Dietary acrylamide intake and risk of women's cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to review earlier publications on the association between dietary acrylamide intake and risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. We performed a systematic search in the online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Scopus for relevant publications up to August 2020. Prospective cohort studies that considered dietary acrylamide as the exposure variable and breast, endometrial or ovarian cancer as the main outcome variable or as one of the outcome variables were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of fourteen cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. We found no significant association between dietary acrylamide intake and the risk of breast (relative risk (RR) 0·95; 95 % CI 0·90, 1·01), endometrial (RR 1·03; 95 % CI 0·89, 1·19) and ovarian cancers (RR 1·02; 95 % CI 0·84, 1·24). In addition, we observed no significant association between dietary acrylamide intake and the risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers in different subgroup analyses by smoking status, menopausal status, BMI status and different types of breast cancer. In conclusion, no significant association was found between dietary acrylamide intake and the risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers.

Allicin Ameliorates Intestinal Barrier Damage via Microbiota-Regulated Short-Chain Fatty Acids-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Cascade Response in Acrylamide-Induced Rats

Acrylamide (AA) is a heat-induced toxicant, which can cause severe damage to health. In the present study, SD rats were used to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of allicin dietary supplementation in the rats with AA-induced intestinal injury. The elevated expression of occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), mucin 2, and mucin 3 indicated that oral allicin alleviated the intestinal epithelial barrier breakage induced by AA, compared with the AA-treated group. In the gut microbiota, Bacteroides, Escherichia_Shigella, Dubosiella, and Alloprevotella related to the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were negatively affected by AA, while allicin regulated cascade response of the microbiota-SCFAs signaling to reverse the reduction of acetic acid and propionic acid by AA treatment. Allicin also dramatically down-regulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF-κB signaling pathway proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines by promoting the production of SCFAs in AA-treated rats. Allicin relieved the intestinal barrier injury and inflammation caused by AA as evidenced by the regulation cascade response of the microbiota-SCFAs-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, allicin is highly effective in the treatment and prevention of AA-induced intestinal injury.

Determination of Acrylamide in Selected Foods from the Romanian Market

Several processed food products may contain toxic compounds considered risk factors for human health. Known for its possible carcinogenic effects, acrylamide is an organic compound periodically analyzed by the entities responsible for consumer safety. Knowing the acrylamide content of food offers the possibility of implementing corrective measures when needed, targeted at lowering its level. The aim of the paper was to screen for the presence of acrylamide in four products consumed almost daily in Romania and calculate acrylamide exposure by consuming one serving. Expressed in µg/kg coffee has the highest average acrylamide content (199), followed by potato chips (134), pretzels (120), and bread (14). Results regarding the acrylamide content in one serving showed the highest levels of acrylamide in pretzels (10.20 µg/serving), followed by potato chips (4.00 µg/serving), coffee (2.20 µg/cup), and bread (0.40 µg/slice). The calculation of the acrylamide content for one serving of the studied products will facilitate the following studies on the dietary acrylamide intake of the Romanian population, studies which, to our knowledge, have not been performed so far.

A Review of Dietary Intake of Acrylamide in Humans

The dietary intake of acrylamide (AA) is a health concern, and food is being monitored worldwide, but the extent of AA exposure from the diet is uncertain. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of estimated dietary intake. We performed a PubMed search identifying studies that used dietary questionnaires and recalls to estimate total dietary AA intake. A total of 101 studies were included, corresponding to 68 original study populations from 26 countries. Questionnaires were used in 57 studies, dietary recalls were used in 33 studies, and 11 studies used both methods. The estimated median AA intake ranged from 0.02 to 1.53 μg/kg body weight/day between studies. Children were represented in 25 studies, and the body-weight-adjusted estimated AA intake was up to three times higher for children than adults. The majority of studies were from Europe (n = 65), Asia (n = 17), and the USA (n = 12). Studies from Asia generally estimated lower intakes than studies from Europe and the USA. Differences in methods undermine direct comparison across studies. The assessment of AA intake through dietary questionnaires and recalls has limitations. The integration of these methods with the analysis of validated biomarkers of exposure/internal dose would improve the accuracy of dietary AA intake exposure estimation. This overview shows that AA exposure is widespread and the large variation across and within populations shows a potential for reduced intake among those with the highest exposure.

Inhibitory effect of polysaccharides on acrylamide formation in chemical and food model systems

The inhibitory effect of three polysaccharides (alginate, pectin and chitosan) on acrylamide formation was investigated in chemical and fried potato food model systems, under two heating regimes (heating block and microwave). In the chemical system, acrylamide formation followed a second order reaction kinetic behaviour. Activation energies (Ea) were 17.85 and 110.78 kJ/mol for conventional and microwave heating respectively. Acrylamide content was highest at 180 °C after 60 min conventional heating (27.88 ng/ml) and 3.5 fold higher after microwave heating for 60 s (800 W, 98.02 ng/ml). Alginate (0.3% w/v) and pectin (0.2% w/v) solutions efficiently inhibited acrylamide formation by 65% and 56% respectively under conventional heating, and 36% and 30% respectively under microwave heating. Coating potatoes with alginate, pectin and chitosan (1% w/v) prior to frying dramatically inhibited acrylamide formation by 54%, 51% and 41% respectively. However only alginate and pectin slightly reduced acrylamide by 5% in the microwave.

Long-term acrylamide exposure exacerbates brain and lung pathology in a mouse malaria model

The consumption of dietary acrylamide (ACR), a carcinogen, results in the dysfunction of various organs and the immune system. However, the impact of ACR exposure on the progression of infectious diseases is unknown. This study investigated the effect of ACR on the progression of malaria infection using a mouse model of malaria. C57BL/6 mice were continuously treated with ACR at a dose of 20 mg/kg bodyweight/day for six weeks (long-term exposure) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Next, the mice were infected with the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei NK65 (PbNK). Parasitemia and survival rate were analyzed in the different treatment groups. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ACR exposure on the morphology of various organs. Long-term ACR exposure exacerbated PbNK-induced multiorgan dysfunction. MRI and histopathological analysis revealed signs of encephalomeningitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome in the PbNK-infected long-term ACR exposure mice, which decreased the survival rate of mice, but not in the PbNK-infected long-term PBS exposure group. These findings enhance our understanding of the impact of ACR on the progression of infectious diseases, such as malaria.

Exploring the possible neuroprotective and antioxidant potency of lycopene against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats' brain

Acrylamide (Ac) is a carbonyl compound extracted from hydrated acrylonitrile with a significantly high chemical activity. It is widely existed and used in food processing, industrial manufacturing and laboratory personnel work. However, lycopene (Ly) is a most potent natural antioxidant among various common carotenoids extracted from red plants. Nevertheless, little is known about the relationship of Ac-induced neurotoxicity and the ameliorative role of Ly in the regulation of oxidative and antioxidant capacity during Ac exposure. Therefore, this work sought to investigate the neurotoxicity induced by Ac exposure and the potential modulatory role of Ly by reversing the brain dysfunctions during Ac exposure. For this purpose, forty male albino rats were assigned into four equal groups. Control group received distilled water, Ly group was given with a daily dose of 10 mg/kg bw, Ac group was given with a daily dose of 25 mg/kg bw, and Ac-Ly group was gavaged Ac plus Ly at the same doses as the former groups. All treatments were given orally for 21 consecutive days. The concentrations of antioxidants (reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and protein carbonyl) biomarkers, as well as neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured in the brain homogenates. An immunohistochemical staining was applied with anti-GFPA antibody to determine the severity of astrocytosis. The in vivo study with rat model demonstrated that Ac exposure significantly decline the hematological parameters, brain neurotransmitters concentrations and AChE activity, as well as levels of antioxidant biomarkers but markedly elevate the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Moreover, marked histological alterations and astrocytosis were observed through the increased number of GFAP immunopositively cells in cerebral, cerebellar and hippocampal tissues compared with the other groups. Interestingly, almost all of the previously mentioned parameters were retrieved in Ac-Ly group compared to Ac group. These findings conclusively indicate that Ly oral administration provides adequate protection against the neurotoxic effects of Ac on rat brain tissue function and structure through modulations of oxidative and antioxidant activities.

Mitochondrial, lysosomal and DNA damages induced by acrylamide attenuate by ellagic acid in human lymphocyte

Acrylamide (AA), is an important contaminant formed during food processing under high temperature. Due to its potential neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity effects, this food contaminant has been recognized as a human health concern. Previous studies showed that acrylamide-induced toxicity is associated with active metabolite of acrylamide by cytochrome P450 enzyme, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. In the current study, we investigated the role of oxidative stress in acrylamide's genotoxicity and therapeutic potential role of ellagic acid (EA) in human lymphocytes. Human lymphocytes were simultaneously treated with different concentrations of EA (10, 25 and 50 μM) and acrylamide (50 μM) for 4 h at 37°C. After 4 hours of incubation, the toxicity parameters such cytotoxicity, ROS formation, oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSH/GSSG) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, lysosomal membrane integrity, mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) collapse and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were analyzed using biochemical and flow cytometry evaluations. It has been found that acrylamide (50 μM) significantly increased cytotoxicity, ROS formation, GSH oxidation, lipid peroxidation, MMP collapse, lysosomal and DNA damage in human lymphocytes. On the other hand, cotreatment with EA (25 and 50 μM) inhibited AA-induced oxidative stress which subsequently led to decreasing of the cytotoxicity, GSH oxidation, lipid peroxidation, MMP collapse, lysosomal and DNA damage. Together, these results suggest that probably the co-exposure of EA with foods containing acrylamide could decrease mitochondrial, lysosomal and DNA damages, and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in human body.

Vitamin E effects on developmental disorders in fetuses and cognitive dysfunction in adults following acrylamide treatment during pregnancy

We investigated the effects of acrylamide (AA) and vitamin E treatment during pregnancy on brain tissues of fetuses and on adult rats. Pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control, corn oil, vitamin E, AA, vitamin E +AA. The rats administered AA received10 mg/kg/day and those administered vitamin E received 100 mg/kg/day both by via oral gavage for 20 days. On day 20 of pregnancy, half of the pregnant rats were removed by cesarean section in each group. Morphological development parameters were measured in each fetus and histopathological, biochemical and genetic analyses were conducted on the fetuses. The remaining pregnant rats in each group gave birth to the fetuses vaginally and biochemical, histopathological, genetic and cognitive function tests were conducted when the pups were 8 weeks old. AA administration caused adverse effects on fetus number, fetal weight, crown-rump length, placenta and brain weight. AA negatively affected malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, total oxidant and antioxidant status, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, brain tissue morphology, histopathology error score and gene expression (BDNF/β-actin mRNA ratio) in fetuses. AA administration caused disruption of biochemical, histopathological and cognitive functions in adult rats. Vitamin E provided protection against neurotoxicity in both fetuses and adult rats. We conclude that exposure to AA during pregnancy should be avoided and adequate amounts of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, should be consumed.

Effect of Acrylamide Supplementation on the Population of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)-Like Immunoreactive Neurons in the Porcine Small Intestine

Acrylamide is one of the harmful substances present in food. The present study aimed to establish the effect of acrylamide supplementation in tolerable daily intake (TDI) dose (0.5 µg/kg b.w./day) and a dose ten times higher than TDI (5 µg/kg b.w./day) on the population of vasoactive intestinal peptide-like immunoreactive (VIP-LI) neurons in the porcine small intestine and the degree of the co-localization of VIP with other neuroactive substances (neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), substance P (SP), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART)). In our work, 15 Danish landrace gilts (5 in each experimental group) received capsules (empty or with low or high doses of acrylamide) for a period of 28 days with their morning feeding. Using double immunofluorescence staining, we established that acrylamide supplementation increased the number of neurons showing immunoreactivity towards VIP in all types of enteric nervous system (ENS) plexuses and fragments of the small intestine studied. Moreover, both doses of acrylamide led to changes in the degree of co-localization of VIP with nNOS, SP, and CART in intramural neurons. The observed changes may be the adaptation of neurons to local inflammation, oxidative stress, or the direct toxic effects of acrylamide on intestinal neurons, also referred to as neuronal plasticity.

Protective effects of thymoquinone against acrylamide-induced liver, kidney and brain oxidative damage in rats

Acrylamide (AA), an industrial monomer, may cause multi-organ toxicity through induction of oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidant properties of thymoquinone (TQ), an active constituent of Nigella sativa, have been established before. The aim of the current study was to assess the protective effects of TQ against AA-induced toxicity in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups each of eight rats. The first group acted as a negative control and received normal saline. Groups II and III were administered TQ orally at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, for 21 days. The four group received AA (20 mg/kg b.wt.) for 14 days. The five and six groups were given TQ at either dose for 21 days, starting seven days before AA supplementation (for 14 days). Acrylamide intoxication was associated with significant (p < 0.05) increases in serum levels of liver injury biomarkers (alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, and alkaline phosphatase), renal function products (urea, creatinine), DNA oxidative damage biomarker (8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine), and pro-inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Moreover, AA intoxication was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels, while reduced glutathione concentration and activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the liver, kidney, and brain. TQ administration normalized AA-induced changes in most serum parameters and enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the current experiment showed that TQ exerted protective and antioxidant activities against AA-induced toxicity in mice.

Effect of Microwave Heating on the Acrylamide Formation in Foods

Acrylamide (AA) is a neurotoxic and carcinogenic substance that has recently been discovered in food. One of the factors affecting its formation is the heat treatment method. This review discusses the microwave heating as one of the methods of thermal food processing and the influence of microwave radiation on the acrylamide formation in food. In addition, conventional and microwave heating were compared, especially the way they affect the AA formation in food. Available studies demonstrate differences in the mechanisms of microwave and conventional heating. These differences may be beneficial or detrimental depending on different processes. The published studies showed that microwave heating at a high power level can cause greater AA formation in products than conventional food heat treatment. The higher content of acrylamide in microwave-heated foods may be due to differences in its formation during microwave heating and conventional methods. At the same time, short exposure to microwaves (during blanching and thawing) at low power may even limit the formation of acrylamide during the final heat treatment. Considering the possible harmful effects of microwave heating on food quality (e.g., intensive formation of acrylamide), further research in this direction should be carried out.

Developmental and behavioural toxicity induced by acrylamide exposure and amelioration using phytochemicals in Drosophila melanogaster

Acrylamide, an environmental pollutant, is known to occur in food substances cooked at high temperatures. Studies on various models indicate acrylamide to cause several physiological conditions such as neuro- and reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenesis. In our study, exposure of Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon K strain) to acrylamide via their diet resulted in a concentration and time-dependent mortality, while the surviving flies exhibited significant locomotor deficits, most likely due to oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage. Also, Drosophila embryos exhibited signs of developmental toxicity as evidenced by the alteration in the migration of border cells and cluster cells during the developmental stages, concomitant to modulation in expression of gurken and oskar genes. Curcumin, a known antioxidant has been widely studied for its neuroprotective effects against acrylamide; however; very few studies focus on thymoquinone for its role against food toxicant. Our research focuses on the toxicity elicited by acrylamide and the ability of the antioxidants: thymoquinone, curcumin and combination of thereof, in reversing the same.

Dietary Intake of Acrylamide and Risk of Breast, Endometrial, and Ovarian Cancers: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis

Acrylamide is a probable human carcinogen. Aside from occupational exposures and smoking, diet is the main source of exposure in humans. We performed a systematic review of the association between estimated dietary intake of acrylamide and risk of female breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers in nonexperimental studies published through February 25, 2020, and conducted a dose-response meta-analysis. We identified 18 papers covering 10 different study populations: 16 cohort and two case-control studies. Acrylamide intake was associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly among never smokers. For endometrial cancer, risk was highest at intermediate levels of exposure, whereas the association was more linear and positive among never smokers. For breast cancer, we found evidence of a null or inverse relation between exposure and risk, particularly among never smokers and postmenopausal women. In a subgroup analysis limited to premenopausal women, breast cancer risk increased linearly with acrylamide intake starting at 20 μg/day of intake. High acrylamide intake was associated with increased risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers in a relatively linear manner, especially among never smokers. Conversely, little association was observed between acrylamide intake and breast cancer risk, with the exception of premenopausal women.

A Review on Acrylamide in Food: Occurrence, Toxicity, and Mitigation Strategies

Acrylamide (AA) is a food contaminant present in a wide range of frequently consumed foods, which makes human exposure to this toxicant unfortunately unavoidable. However, efforts to reduce the formation of AA in food have resulted in some success. This review aims to summarize the occurrence of AA and the potential mitigation strategies of its formation in foods. Formation of AA in foods is mainly linked to Maillard reaction, which is the first feasible route that can be manipulated to reduce AA formation. Furthermore, manipulating processing conditions such as time and temperature of the heating process, and including certain preheating treatments such as soaking and blanching, can further reduce AA formation. Due to the high exposure to AA, recognition of its toxic effect is necessary, especially in developing countries where awareness about AA health risks is still very low. Therefore, this review also focuses on the different toxic effects of AA exposure, including neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicity.

Acrylamide Induced Toxicity and the Propensity of Phytochemicals in Amelioration: A Review

Acrylamide is widely found in baked and fried foods, produced in large amount in industries and is a prime component in toxicity. This review highlights various toxicities that are induced due to acrylamide, its proposed mode of action including oxidative stress cascades and ameliorative mechanisms using phytochemicals. Acrylamide formation, the mechanism of toxicity and the studies on the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions are elaborated in this paper. The various types of toxicities caused by Acrylamide and the modulation studies using phytochemicals that are carried out on various type of toxicity like neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, immune system, and skeletal system, as well as embryos have been explored. Lacunae of studies include the need to explore methods for reducing the formation of acrylamide in food while cooking and also better modulators for alleviating the toxicity and associated dysfunctions along with identifying its molecular mechanisms.

Acrylamide in coffee: formation and possible mitigation strategies - a review

It is widely known that acrylamide, present in some different heat-treated foods, is an important toxic compound to humans. Coffee beverage is one of the most important sources of acrylamide, because the raw bean contains the reaction substrates and it is processed at very high temperature during roasting. Due to its high consumption all over the world, it is necessary to find applicable solutions to decrease the concentration of this undesired Maillard reaction product.The present review summarizes the advance made in understanding the acrylamide formation and describes the potential acrylamide reduction strategies along all coffee production steps, from raw material to coffee brew preparation with a dominant focus on roasting stage.Currently, it is quite established that the selection of the highest quality Arabica green coffee variety, high roasting thermal input and shortest brewing techniques lead to low final acrylamide levels. There are also few innovative interventions proposed for acrylamide control in coffee such as enzymatic treatments of raw material, vacuum or steam roasting, roasted beans supercritical fluid extraction, final beverage treatments like yeast fermentation and amino acids/additive additions. However, for these strategies the impact on the desired sensorial and nutritional coffee brew properties must be evaluated and some proposed procedures are still difficult to be applied at real industrial scale. Furthermore, in-depth studies are needed in order to find appropriate and practical solutions for acrylamide mitigation in coffee with a holistic risk/benefit approach.

Influence of Acrylamide Administration on the Neurochemical Characteristics of Enteric Nervous System (ENS) Neurons in the Porcine Duodenum

The digestive tract, especially the small intestine, is one of the main routes of acrylamide absorption and is therefore highly exposed to the toxic effect of acrylamide contained in food. The aim of this experiment was to elucidate the effect of low (tolerable daily intake—TDI) and high (ten times higher than TDI) doses of acrylamide on the neurochemical phenotype of duodenal enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons using the pig as an animal model. The experiment was performed on 15 immature gilts of the Danish Landrace assigned to three experimental groups: control (C) group—pigs administered empty gelatine capsules, low dose (LD) group—pigs administered capsules with acrylamide at the TDI dose (0.5 μg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day), and the high dose (HD) group—pigs administered capsules with acrylamide at a ten times higher dose than the TDI (5 μg/kg b.w./day) with a morning feeding for 4 weeks. Administration of acrylamide, even in a low (TDI) dose, led to an increase in the percentage of enteric neurons immunoreactive to substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), galanin (GAL), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VACHT) in the porcine duodenum. The severity of the changes clearly depended on the dose of acrylamide and the examined plexus. The obtained results suggest the participation of these neuroactive substances in acrylamide-inducted plasticity and the protection of ENS neurons, which may be an important line of defence from the harmful action of acrylamide.