Reproductive toxicity in acrylamide-treated female mice

Deep learning-assisted cellular imaging for evaluating acrylamide toxicity through phenotypic changes

Acrylamide (AA), a food hazard generated during thermal processing, poses significant safety risks due to its toxicity. Conventional methods for AA toxicology are time-consuming and inadequate for analyzing cellular morphology. This study developed a novel approach combining deep learning models (U-Net and ResNet34) with cell fluorescence imaging. U-Net was used for cell segmentation, generating a single-cell dataset, while ResNet34 trained the dataset over 200 epochs, achieving an 80 % validation accuracy. This method predicts AA concentration ranges by matching cell fluorescence features with the dataset and analyzes cellular phenotypic changes under AA exposure using k-means clustering and CellProfiler. The approach overcomes the limitations of traditional toxicological methods, offering a direct link between cell phenotypes and hazard toxicology. It provides a high-throughput, accurate solution to evaluate AA toxicology and refines the understanding of its cellular impacts.

GC/MS Analysis and Compounds Isolation of Lycium shawii Petroleum Ether Seeds Extract for Regulating Nrf2/OH-1 Pathway, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Acrylamide-Induced Infertility in Female Rats

Acrylamide is formed during heating of starchy foods at high temperature and induces reproductive toxicity. Our study is designed to evaluate the chemical constitution and anti-infertility effect of Lycium shawii seeds extract on female rats. Nutritional profile was estimated, and major active compounds were isolated and identified. Biological evaluation of L. shawii extract on female rats was performed and measured by prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, heme oxygenase-1, nuclear respiratory factor-2, malondialdehyde, glutathione, DNA fragmentation, and ovarian architecture parameters. Data revealed the presence of ɤ-tocopherol, vitamin C, magnesium, and 38 bioactive compounds in the fractions of L. shawii. Major constituents from gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z), methyl ester, 2,7-octadiene-1,6-diol, and 2,6-dimethyl hydroxy linalool but further five compounds (i.e., lupenone, betulin, lupeol acetate, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside) were isolated and identified. Treatment of rats with the seeds extract post acrylamide administration ameliorated female sex hormones, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and ovarian structure. In conclusion, L. shawii petroleum ether seeds fraction may be considered a nutraceutical agent for improving infertility disorders, oxidative stress, and inflammation due to its richness with biologically active phenolic and flavonoids compounds.

Acrylamide and Its Metabolite Glycidamide Induce Reproductive Toxicity During In Vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocytes

Acrylamide (ACR) and its metabolite glycidamide (GLY) are contaminants with known toxic effects, especially in reproductive systems. However, the mechanisms underlying their embryotoxic effects remain inadequately understood. In the current study, we investigated the effects of ACR and GLY exposure on oocyte and embryo developmental competence, focusing on DNA damage, apoptosis, autophagy, and epigenetic regulation. Oocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of ACR and GLY during in vitro maturation. The results demonstrated that both ACR and GLY significantly reduced cleavage and blastocyst developmental rates in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, treated oocytes exhibited actin organization disruption, increased DNA damage, and heightened apoptosis compared to the control. Autophagy-related markers, including LC3A, LC3B, and ATG7, were significantly elevated in the treatment groups. Moreover, both ACR and GLY compounds altered the expression of the epigenetic and MAPK signaling pathway regulators, such as DPPA3, EZH1, EZH2, EED, DUSP1, and ASK1. These disruptions collectively impaired embryonic development. This study underscores the adverse effects of ACR and GLY on reproductive health, driven by oxidative stress, genotoxicity, dysregulated autophagy, and epigenetic alterations.

Acrylamide Exposure Impairs Ovarian Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Reduces Oocyte Quality in Mouse

Acrylamide (AAM), a compound extensively utilized in various industrial applications, has been reported to induce toxic effects across multiple tissues in living organisms. Despite its widespread use, the impact of AAM on ovarian function and the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. Here, we established an AAM-exposed mouse toxicological model using 21 days of intragastric AAM administration. AAM exposure decreased ovarian coefficient and impaired follicle development. Further investigations revealed AAM would trigger apoptosis and disturb tricarboxylic acid cycle in ovarian tissue, thus affecting mitochondrial electron transport function. Moreover, AAM exposure decreased oocyte and embryo development potential, mechanically associated with pericentrin and phosphorylated Aurora A cluster failure, leading to meiotic spindle assembly defects. Collectively, these results suggest that AAM exposure may lead to apoptosis, glucose metabolic disorders, and mitochondrial dysfunction in ovary tissue, ultimately compromising oocyte quality.

The antioxidant protective effect of resveratrol on long-term exposure to acrylamide-induced skeletal toxicity in female mice

Background

Acrylamide (AA) is a toxic substance formed when cooking starch-based foods at high temperatures. Studies have shown that AA can cause neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and so on. However, there remains limited understanding of the potential skeletal toxicity of AA.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential skeletal toxicity of AA, as well as the potential bone protective effects of Resveratrol (RVT).

Methods

Based on the daily intake of adult women, adult female mice was treated with AA at 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg/d or AA/RVT (1 mg/kg/d AA +10 mg/kg/d RVT) for 8 weeks, and skeletal toxicity were evaluated by RT-qPCR and histopathological techniques.

Results

The results found that exposure to AA (0.1 or 1 mg/kg/d) after 8 weeks, osteogenesis exhibited pathological damage characteristics such as inhibition of growth plate function, and reduction of fibrous tissue, and cartilage exhibited pathological damage characteristics such as irregular cell morphology and arrangement, and damage to the tidal line. The results of cellular functional gene testing showed a decrease in the expression of functional genes in osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Meanwhile, after further co-treatment with AA (1 mg/kg/d) and resveratrol (RVT) (10 mg/kg/d), we found that RVT restored AA-induced damage to osteogenesis and cartilage, and reduced the high apoptosis and oxidative stress levels in osteogenesis/cartilage after AA exposure.

Conclusion

In summary, this study confirmed the skeletal toxicity of AA on female adult mice, and further clarified the antioxidant protective effect of RVT on this toxicity.

Mitigating Effect of Lepidium sativum Seeds Oil on Ovarian Oxidative Stress, DNA Abnormality and Hormonal Disturbances Induced by Acrylamide in Rats

Acrylamide (ACR), an industrial compound, causes both male and female reproductive toxicity. Lepidium sativum seeds (L. sativum) (Garden cress) are known for their health benefits as antioxidant, antiasthmatic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry and nutritional value of L. sativum seeds oil for attenuating the ovarian damage induced by acrylamide in rats. The phytochemical investigation of the seeds revealed the presence of vitamins, potassium, iron, sugar and amino acids. Twenty eight compounds from the unsaponifiable fraction and twenty three compounds from the saponifiable fraction were identified. Three sterols and two triterpenes were isolated and identified as β-sitosterol (1), ▵5-avenasterol (2), friedelanol (3), stigmasta-4, 22-dien-3-one (4), and ursolic acid (5). Treatment of acrylamide-induced rats with L. sativum seeds oil ameliorated prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) with variable degrees. The histopathological findings of ovaries supported these results. In conclusion, compounds (3-5) were isolated for the first time from L. sativum seeds oil. The seeds oil attenuated the ovarian damage and could potentially be a new supplemental agent against female infertility.

Impacts of Acrylamide on testis and spermatozoa

Acrylamide (ACR) is an industrial chemical used to produce polyacrylamide, a synthetic polymer with a wide range of applications. Depending on the dosage, its presence in occupational and environmental sources poses potential health risks to humans and animals. ACR can be formed in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures. Its effects on human sperm are not well understood. Animal studies indicate that ACR induces toxicity in the male reproductive system through oxidative stress mechanisms. Exposure to ACR alters the normal structure of testicular tubules, leading to congestion, interstitial edema, degeneration of spermatogenic cells, formation of abnormal spermatid giant cells, and necrosis and apoptosis. It also disrupts the balance of important biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. ACR has a negative impact on mitochondrial function, antioxidant enzymes, ATP production, and sperm membrane integrity, resulting in decreased sperm quality. Furthermore, it interferes with the expression of steroidogenic genes associated with testosterone biosynthesis. This review explores the detrimental effects of ACR on sperm and testicular function and discusses the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the adverse effects of ACR on male reproduction.

Acrylamide in food products and the role of electrochemical biosensors in its detection: a comprehensive review

In this review, the mechanisms of acrylamide formation in food, along with aspects related to its toxicity and associated consumption risks, are investigated, highlighting the potential impact on human health. European regulations regarding acrylamide content in food products are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and detecting this substance in nutrition, by public health protection measures. The primary objective of the research is to explore and analyze innovative methods for detecting acrylamide in food, with a particular focus on electrochemical biosensors. This research direction is motivated by the need to develop rapid, sensitive, and efficient monitoring techniques for this toxic compound in food products, considering the associated consumption risks. The research has revealed several significant results. Studies have shown that electrochemical biosensors based on hemoglobin exhibited increased sensitivity and low detection limits, capable of detecting very low concentrations of acrylamide in processed foods. Additionally, it has been found that the use of functionalized nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles, has led to the improvement of electrochemical biosensor performance in acrylamide detection. The integration of these technological innovations and functionalization strategies has enhanced the sensitivity, specificity, and stability of biosensors in measuring acrylamides. Thus, the results of this research offer promising perspectives for the development of precise and efficient methods for monitoring acrylamides in food, contributing to the improvement of food quality control and the protection of consumer health.

Dietary Acrylamide: A Detailed Review on Formation, Detection, Mitigation, and Its Health Impacts

In today's fast-paced world, people increasingly rely on a variety of processed foods due to their busy lifestyles. The enhanced flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of accessibility at reasonable prices have made ready-to-eat foods the easiest and simplest choice to satiate hunger, especially those that undergo thermal processing. However, these foods often contain an unsaturated amide called 'Acrylamide', known by its chemical name 2-propenamide, which is a contaminant formed when a carbohydrate- or protein-rich food product is thermally processed at more than 120 °C through methods like frying, baking, or roasting. Consuming foods with elevated levels of acrylamide can induce harmful toxicity such as neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and prenatal and postnatal toxicity. This review delves into the major pathways and factors influencing acrylamide formation in food, discusses its adverse effects on human health, and explores recent techniques for the detection and mitigation of acrylamide in food. This review could be of interest to a wide audience in the food industry that manufactures processed foods. A multi-faceted strategy is necessary to identify and resolve the factors responsible for the browning of food, ensure safety standards, and preserve essential food quality traits.

Investigation of the effects of swimming exercises in rats given acrylamide

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide is a toxic substance used in industrial and laboratory processes. Acrylamide exposure has a toxic effect on many systems. Protective mechanisms should be developed against the effects caused by acrylamide.

OBJECTIVE

In our study, we investigated whether exercise has a protective effect against the changes that acrylamide will cause in pancreas.

METHODS

32 adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were used. Control group was given only saline. Exercise group was applied swimming exercise for 1hour daily for 4 weeks. Acrylamide group was given 50mg/kg acrylamide by gavage for 4 weeks. Acrylamide+exercise group was applied 50mg/kg acrylamide for 4 weeks and swimming exercise for 1hour daily. After the experiment, fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test measurements were performed. Then, blood and pancreas samples were taken.

RESULTS

Acrylamide exposure caused an increase in fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance, a decrease in insulin levels and oxidative stress in acrylamide group. In exercise group, these values were similar to control group and no significant change was observed in acrylamide+exercise group. While there was an increase in the number of alpha cells in acrylamide group compared to the other groups, here was a decrease in the number of beta cells compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

We can say that acrylamide causes changes in the islets of Langerhans by affecting alpha and beta cell numbers. The protective effect of exercise on beta and alpha cell mass was not statistically significant in the acrylamide+exercise group. When the results were examined, the decrease in oxidative stress and the higher number of beta and alpha cells in the acrylamide+exercise group compared to the acrylamide group suggested that 4 weeks of swimming exercise may have an effect on acrylamide exposure.

Acrylamide in food: Occurrence, metabolism, molecular toxicity mechanism and detoxification by phytochemicals

Acrylamide (ACR) is a common pollutant formed during food thermal processing such as frying, baking and roasting. ACR and its metabolites can cause various negative effects on organisms. To date, there have been some reviews summarizing the formation, absorption, detection and prevention of ACR, but there is no systematic summary on the mechanism of ACR-induced toxicity. In the past five years, the molecular mechanism for ACR-induced toxicity has been further explored and the detoxification of ACR by phytochemicals has been partly achieved. This review summarizes the ACR level in foods and its metabolic pathways, as well as highlights the mechanisms underlying ACR-induced toxicity and ACR detoxification by phytochemicals. It appears that oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, biochemical metabolism and gut microbiota disturbance are involved in various ACR-induced toxicities. In addition, the effects and possible action mechanisms of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, quinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, as well as vitamins and their analogs on ACR-induced toxicities are also discussed. This review provides potential therapeutic targets and strategies for addressing various ACR-induced toxicities in the future.

Exposure to acrylamide induces zygotic genome activation defects of mouse embryos

Acrylamide (ACR) is an important chemical raw material for wastewater treatment, paper industry and textile industry, which is widely exposed from occupational, environmental and dietary situation. ACR has neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, potential carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. Recent study indicates that ACR affected oocyte maturation quality. In the present study, we reported the effects of ACR exposure on zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in embryos and its related mechanism. Our results showed that ACR treatment caused 2-cell arrest in mouse embryos, indicating the failure of ZGA, which was confirmed by decreased global transcription levels and aberrant expression of ZGA-related and maternal factors. We found that histone modifications such as H3K9me3, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac levels were altered, and this might be due to the occurrence of DNA damage, showing with positive γ-H2A.X signal. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction and high levels of ROS were detected in ACR treated embryos, indicating that ACR induced oxidative stress, and this might further cause abnormal distribution of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and lysosomes. In conclusion, our results indicated that ACR exposure disrupted ZGA by inducing mitochondria-based oxidative stress, which further caused DNA damage, aberrant histone modifications and organelles in mouse embryos.

Quercetin ameliorates acute acrylamide induced spleen injury

Acrylamide is used for industrial and laboratory purposes; it also is produced during cooking of carbohydrate-rich food at high temperature. We investigated the therapeutic potential of quercetin for treatment of acute acrylamide induced injury to the spleen. We used female albino rats treated with acrylamide for 10 days followed by oral administration of quercetin in three doses for 5 days. We observed significantly reduced total body weight, spleen weight, red blood cells, total proteins, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phophate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, concentration of serum IgG and IgM after acrylamide induced toxicity compared to controls. We also found that white blood cells, triglycerides, cholesterol and lipid oxidation were increased significantly after acrylamide induced toxicity in rats compared to controls. Histoarchitecture of spleen was affected adversely by acrylamide toxicity. Administration of quercetin ameliorated adverse effects of acrylamide in a dose-dependent manner. Quercetin appears to ameliorate acrylamide induced injury to the spleen by increasing endogenous antioxidants and improving histoarchitecture and immune function.

Association between acrylamide exposure and sex hormones among premenopausal and postmenopausal women: NHANES, 2013-2016

PURPOSE

Acrylamide (AA) is a potential carcinogen that mainly comes from fried, baked and roasted foods, and Hb adducts of AA (HbAA) and its metabolite glycidamide (HbGA) are the biomarkers of its exposure. Increasing evidence suggests that AA is associated with various hormone-related cancers. This study aims to explore the association of HbAA and HbGA with female serum sex hormone concentrations.

METHODS

942 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles (2013-2016) were included in this cross-sectional study. The associations between HbAA or HbGA or HbGA/HbAA and sex hormones were assessed by the multiple linear regression. Further stratified analyses were conducted to figure out the effects of menopausal status, BMI and smoking status on sex hormone levels.

RESULTS

Among all participants, 597 were premenopausal and 345 were postmenopausal. HbAA was positively associated with both two androgen indicators. Specifically, a ln-unit increase in HbAA was associated with 0.41 ng/dL higher ln(total testosterone, TT) (95% CI 0.00, 0.27) and 0.14 ng/dL higher ln(free testosterone) (95%CI 0.00, 0.28), respectively. However, HbGA concentrations had no association with sex hormones in the overall population. Additionally, HbGA/HbAA was negatively associated with TT and SHBG in the overall population as well as postmenopausal women. In stratified analysis, higher HbAA was associated with rising TT in postmenopausal women (β = 0.29, 95%CI 0.04, 0.53) and underweight/normal-weight women (β = 0.18, 95%CI 0.03, 0.33). Other indicators had no significant association detected in estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that HbAA was positively associated with androgen concentrations, especially in postmenopausal and BMI < 25 women.

Fetal programming: in utero exposure to acrylamide leads to intergenerational disrupted ovarian function and accelerated ovarian aging

In this study we investigated the effects of multigenerational exposures to acrylamide (ACR) on ovarian function. Fifty-day-old Wistar albino female rats were divided into the control and ACR-treated groups (2.5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day) from day 6 of pregnancy until delivery. The obtained females of the first (AF1) and second generation (AF2) were euthanized at 4 weeks of age, and plasma and ovary samples were collected. We found that in utero multigenerational exposure to ACR reduced fertility and ovarian function in AF1 through inducing histopathological changes as evidenced by the appearance of cysts and degenerating follicles, oocyte vacuolization, and pyknosis in granulosa cells. TMR red positive cells confirmed by TUNEL assay were mostly detected in the stroma of the treated groups. Estradiol and IGF-1 concentrations significantly decreased as a result of decreased CYP19 gene and its protein expression. However, ACR exposure in AF2 led to early ovarian aging as evidenced by high estradiol and progesterone levels among all treated groups compared to control group, corresponding to the upregulation of the CYP19 gene and protein expression. The apoptotic cells of the stroma were greatly detected compared to that in the control group, whereas no significant difference was reported in ESR1 and ESR2 gene expression. This study confirms the developmental adverse effects of ACR on ovarian function and fertility in at least two consecutive generations. It emphasizes the need for more effective strategies during pregnancy, such as eating healthy foods and avoiding consumption of ACR-rich products, including fried foods and coffee.

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.

Comprehensive analysis of metabolic changes in rats exposed to acrylamide

Acrylamide (ACR) is a widely used environmentally hazardous compound that is known to be neurotoxic, genotoxic, carcinogenic, and reproductive toxicity. It is widely present in soil, water, agents used in chemical industries, and food. It can be distributed to all organs and tissues, and can cause damage to various human systems and those of other animals. Previous metabolomics studies have mainly focused on metabolites in serum and urine, but have lacked comprehensive analysis of major organs and tissues. In the current study, a gas chromatography-massspectrometry method was used to investigate mechanisms underlying organ toxicity, in an effort to identify potentially sensitive biomarkers in the main target tissues of rats after ACR exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to two groups; a control group and a group treated with 20 mg kg^-1 ACR intragastrically for 6 weeks. Metabolite changes in the two groups were statistically analyzed. The respective numbers of altered metabolites in the hippocampus, cortex, kidney, serum, heart, liver, and kidney fat were 21, 21, 17, 5, 15, 14, and 6. There were 14 metabolic pathways related to amino acid, fatty acid, purine, and energy metabolism, revealing that the toxic mechanism of ACR may involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and amino acid metabolism and energy disorders.

Acrylamide impairs the developmental potential of germinal vesicle oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy/apoptosis in mice

Background: Acrylamide (ACR), an important endogenous contaminant in carbohydrate-rich foods, has been involved in various negative effects on multiple organ networks, including the reproductive system. Previous studies have reported that ACR affects oocyte quality and fertility. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the toxic effects and regulatory mechanisms of ACR on mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Research Design: In this study, adult female mice were exposed to ACR at 10 mg/kg/day/body weight through their drinking water continuously for 4 weeks. Study Sample and Data Analysis: The mitochondrial function, autophagy/apoptosis, and development potential of GV oocytes were investigated. Results: The results showed that ACR reduced the oocyte diameter, sperm-binding ability, parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate, and development potential of pre-implantation embryos. We also found that ACR exposure disrupted chromatin configuration, mitochondrial distribution, and membrane potential (Δφm) of oocytes. Actin filament expression was significantly reduced in both the membrane and cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Moreover, ACR exposure increased LC3-positive signals, early apoptosis rate, aberrant ATG3, ATG5, LC3, Beclin1, and mTOR mRNA expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that ACR exposure can affect the developmental potential of GV oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, actin filament assembly, and autophagy/apoptosis.

Film Properties, Water Retention, and Growth Promotion of Derivative Carboxymethyl Cellulose Materials from Cotton Straw

Three kinds of derivative carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) materials, CMC-Na, CMC-K, and CMC-NH4, were prepared from cotton straw fiber. Their chemical structure, film morphology, water retention, biodegradability, and growth promotion were investigated with infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and field experiments. The results showed that the infrared absorption peaks of the three materials were similar. It was observed that the DCMC materials could form films after being sprayed at the amount of 4.00 g/m2 and 12.00 g/m2, and the film thickness was showed in the order of CMC-K, CMC-NH4, and CMC-Na. The largest water holding capacity increased significantly after DCMC was sprayed on the soil. The water retention of CMC-Na, CMC-K, and CMC-NH4 increased by 47.74%, 72.85%, and 61.40% severally while sprayed with 12.00 g/m2 compared to the control group (CK), and the water retention rate increased with 6.93, 9.75, and 8.67 times, respectively, on the seventh day. The total number of soil microorganisms increased with the DCMC materials being sprayed; the number in the upper layer increased by 92.31%, 123.08%, and 138.46%, respectively, compared with CK. When the three materials were used to the cornfield at the amount of 100.00 kg/hm2, the corn yield increased by 33.11%, 70.93%, and 50.60%, respectively. The DCMC materials, as the sole carbon source, could be degraded by soil microorganisms. The nutrient elements such as NH4+ in the materials could further promote the growth of microorganisms and crops. This study might provide a new way to apply straw-based DCMC in soil water retention, soil amendment, and high value-added transformation of straws in arid areas.

Evaluation of acrylamide exposure in pregnant Wistar rats as a risk of developing renal disease in their litters

This study was designed at evaluating the acrylamide (ACR) exposure in pregnant Wistar rats as a risk of developing renal disease in their litters. Four groups of pregnant female rats were used. Group 1 control animals were given 2 ml/kg/day of distilled water. Groups 2, 3, and 4 animals were given oral gavage doses of 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day of ACR respectively immediately pregnancy was confirmed. Mother rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after delivery and litters were sacrificed at 13 weeks. Proteinuria was observed in ACR-treated mother rats and their litters. Serum electrolytes, urea, and creatinine values observed in the treated group were deranged for both the mothers and litters respectively. Disruption of nephrogenesis was observed in the litters of ACR-treated mother compared to the control. The results of the effect of ACR on lipid profile indicated a significant elevation in the LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride compared to the control. There was significant reduction in the SOD, catalase, GSH, and significant elevation in the C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde. Conclusively, exposure to acrylamide during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of renal disease in the mother rats and their litters.

Inhibition of acrylamide toxicity in vivo by arginine-glucose maillard reaction products

Acrylamide has a variety of toxicities, including carcinogenicity, and can be present in food via the Maillard reaction in processing of certain foods. Previous studies have demonstrated that co-existing Maillard reaction products (MRPs) ameliorated acrylamide-induced abnormal physiological status in mice. This study is focused on the effects on hematological parameters, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, oxidative stress in plasma and liver, and contents of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in mice exposed to acrylamide and to acrylamide and MRPs derived from arginine and glucose. Acrylamide alone caused significant increases in liver indexes, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, malonaldehyde level in liver and 8-OHdG level in testis, and significant decreases in weight gain, hematological parameters, levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase in plasma. Whether MRPs and acrylamide were physically mixed or when the solution is prepared from heating the mixture of arginine, glucose and acrylamide, the presence of MRPs effectively reduced the adverse changes caused by acrylamide. These results suggest that the toxicity of acrylamide to mice can be ameliorated by MRPs, the common compositions simultaneously generated with acrylamide in food matrix.

Comprehensive Study on the Acrylamide Content of High Thermally Processed Foods

Acrylamide (AA) formation in starch-based processed foods at elevated temperatures is a serious health issue as it is a toxic and carcinogenic substance. However, the formation of more AA entangles with modern-day fast food industries, and a considerable amount of this ingredient is being consumed by fast food eaters inadvertently throughout the world. This article reviews the factors responsible for AA formation pathways, investigation techniques of AA, toxicity, and health-related issues followed by mitigation methods that have been studied in the past few decades comprehensively. Predominantly, AA and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are produced via the Maillard reaction and can be highlighted as the major heat-induced toxins formulated in bread and bakery products. Epidemiological studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between AA accumulation in the body and the increased risk of cancers. The scientific community is still in a dearth of technology in producing AA-free starch-protein-fat-based thermally processed food products. Therefore, this paper may facilitate the food scientists to their endeavor in developing mitigation techniques pertaining to the formation of AA and HMF in baked foods in the future.

Acrylamide impairs ovarian function by promoting apoptosis and affecting reproductive hormone release, steroidogenesis and autophagy-related genes: An in vivo study

Acrylamide (ACR) toxicity is quite common due to its widespread use in industry and due to the Maillard browning reaction that occurs in foods containing high concentrations of hydrocarbons subjected to high temperatures. This study aimed to elucidate the female reproductive toxicity of ACR in vivo. Fifty-day-old Wistar-Albino female rats were treated with different dosages of ACR (2.5, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day). After treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and serum and ovary samples were collected for histological examination, hormone analysis, TUNEL analysis, and RT-PCR studies. We found that ACR acts by significantly reducing ovarian weight and serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations. In addition, ACR treatment led to pyknotic, heterochromatic characteristics and nuclear fragmentation, as evidenced by hematoxylin staining. The TUNEL assay revealed that granulosa cells were affected after the oral administration of ACR, leading to the apoptosis of follicles at different stages of growth. Compared with the control condition, high doses of ACR (50 mg/kg/day) significantly induced the overexpression of INSL3, CYP17a, IGF1, ESR1, ESR2, ATG5, ATG12 and LC3 in the ovary. Moreover, LC3 mRNA levels significantly increased with increasing doses of ACR (2.5, 10 and 50 mg/kg/day), suggesting that ACR treatment induced autophagy. In conclusion, ACR induced ovarian dysfunction by affecting steroid hormone release, increasing apoptosis and mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes. The eventual correlation between apoptotic granulosa cell death and autophagy needs to be further explored.

Rapid Simultaneous Determination of Cascade Metabolites of Acrylamide in Urine for Toxicokinetics Profiles and Short-Term Dietary Internal Exposure

The current study developed an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to simultaneously analyze cascade metabolites of acrylamide in urine of rats and humans, including acrylamide, glycidamide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-l-cysteine (AAMA), N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-l-cysteine-sulfoxide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-l-cysteine, and N-acetyl-S-(1-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-l-cysteine. A tandem solid-phase extraction procedure was novelly used to purify all metabolites at once from human urine. The rapid analysis showed high sensitivity with LOD and LOQ ranges of 0.1-0.8 and 0.4-5.8 ng/mL, respectively, and achieved acceptable within-laboratory reproducibility (RSD < 12.0%) and spiking recovery (92.2%-117.3%) within 8 min per sample. Approximately 70.7 and 63.0% of ingested acrylamide were recovered during the toxicokinetics analysis from urine of male and female rats, respectively. For nonsmoking participants, the urinary levels of acrylamide and glycidamide were higher in men than women, whereas the urinary concentration of AAMA showed the opposite behavior. The current analysis provides methodological support of cascade metabolites of acrylamide for the dietary short-term internal exposure assessment of acrylamide.

Is Acrylamide as Harmful as We Think? A New Look at the Impact of Acrylamide on the Viability of Beneficial Intestinal Bacteria of the Genus Lactobacillus

The impact of acrylamide (AA) on microorganisms is still not clearly understood as AA has not induced mutations in bacteria, but its epoxide analog has been reported to be mutagenic in Salmonella strains. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether AA could influence the growth and viability of beneficial intestinal bacteria. The impact of AA at concentrations of 0–100 µg/mL on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was examined. Bacterial growth was evaluated by the culture method, while the percentage of alive, injured, and dead bacteria was assessed by flow cytometry after 24 h and 48 h of incubation. We demonstrated that acrylamide could influence the viability of the LAB, but its impact depended on both the AA concentration and the bacterial species. The viability of probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 increased while that of Lactobacillus plantarum decreased; Lactobacillus brevis was less sensitive. Moreover, AA influenced the morphology of L. plantarum, probably by blocking cell separation during division. We concluded that acrylamide present in food could modulate the viability of LAB and, therefore, could influence their activity in food products or, after colonization, in the human intestine.

Exposure to acrylamide inhibits uterine decidualization via suppression of cyclin D3/p21 and apoptosis in mice

Acrylamide (ACR), a neurotoxicity and carcinogenic chemical, has attracted considerable attention since it is present at high concentrations in thermally cooked carbohydrate-rich foods. ACR exposure significantly increased rate of fetal resorption, and decreased fetal body weights in mice. However, no detailed information is available about the effect of ACR on uterine decidualization, which is a vital process in the establishment of successful pregnancy. Thus, our aim of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of ACR on uterine decidualization in vivo during mice pregnancy. Mice were gavaged with 0, 10, and 50 mg ACR /kg/day from gestational days (GD) 1 until GD 8, whereas pseudopregnant mice from pseudopregnant day (PPD) 4 until PPD 8. Results indicated ACR treatment dramatically reduced numbers of implanted embryos, and decreased the weights of implantation site and oil-induced uterus. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in the weights of no oil-induced uterus between control and ACR-treated group. Furthermore, ACR significantly reduced numbers of polyploidy and PCNA-positive decidual cells and expression of cyclin D3 and p21 proteins, and induced apoptosis of decidua, as presented by up-regulation of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, and decreased Bcl-2 protein during normal pregnant and pseudopregnant process. In summary, ACR exposure significantly inhibited uterine endometrial decidualization via the apoptosis and suppression of cyclin D3/p21 in mice.

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.

Roles of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 activation and cleavage in induction of multi-oocyte ovarian follicles in the mouse by 3-nitropropionic acid

3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is known to be a mitochondrial toxin produced by plants and fungi, which may produce DNA damage in cells. However, studies of its reproductive toxicology are lacking. We know that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) plays an important role in a large variety of physiological processes and is involved in DNA repair pathways. The present study was therefore aimed at exploring the involvement of PARP-1 activation and cleavage after 3-NPA stimulation in female mice. We observed an increased number of atretic follicles and multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) after treatment with 3-NPA and serum concentrations of 17β-oestradiol and progesterone were significantly reduced. Our results provide evidence that PARP-1 cleavage and activational signals are involved in pathological ovarian processes stimulated by 3-NPA. In addition, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were significantly increased, whereas succinate dehydrogenase was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Results from our in vitro study similarly indicated that 3-NPA inhibited the proliferation of mouse granulosa cells and increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, 3-NPA induces granulosa cell apoptosis, follicle atresia and MOFs in the ovaries of female mice and causes oxidative stress so as to disrupt endogenous hormonal systems, possibly acting through PARP-1 signalling.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Testicular Histopathology of Mice Exposed to Restraint Stress

Simple Summary

The search for effective medicines is challenging. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, and its function remains unelucidated. Therefore, we undertook the present study to investigate reproductive disturbances due to restraint stress in mice and whether resveratrol plays an anti-stress role. Our results confirmed that resveratrol plays a potential role in the reduction of stress in mice.

Abstract

We evaluated immobilization stress and resveratrol supplementation in immature male mice at 30 days of age for 15 consecutive days. Fifty Swiss mice were divided into five groups (10 mice each): Controls, restraint stress (RS), restraint stress + vehicle (RS + V), RS + 2 mg/kg, and RS + 20 mg/kg. We determined results on the basis of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), “Periodic acid-Schiff” staining, and TUNEL assay. The results indicated that immobilization stress significantly decreased body weight, testis weight, and water/food intake compared to the control; while resveratrol ameliorated these effects. The quantitative histologic evaluation of the seminiferous tubule diameter, luminal diameter, area of seminiferous tubules, area of tubule lumen, epithelial height, Leydig cell number, and the width of the tunica albuginea were similarly decreased after exposure to RS. These parameters recovered back to normal in the RS + 2 mg/kg group. The development of spermatogenesis was significantly delayed in the RS, RS + V, and RS + 20 mg groups based upon our evaluation score system. However, we observed no significant differences in the RS + 2 mg group compared with the control group. The number of TUNEL-positive cells also significantly decreased in the RS + 2 mg/kg group. In conclusion, we found that the administration of 2 mg/kg was an effective dose against immobilization stress in mice.

Resveratrol Protects against Restraint Stress Effects on Stomach and Spleen in Adult Male Mice

The objectives were to investigate whether restraint stress (which is known as a mixture of psychologic and physical stress) exerts negative effects on the stomach and spleen, and whether the phenolic compound resveratrol (RES) exerts any protective roles. Fifty adult male mice were divided into five groups, with 10 mice per group as follows: control (C), restraint stress (RS), RS with vehicle (RS + V), RS with 2 mg/kg of resveratrol (RS + 2 mg RES), and RS with 20 mg/kg of resveratrol (RS + 20 mg RES). Mice were restrained in conical centrifuge tubes for 4 h daily to establish the RS model. RS + 2 mg RES, RS + 20 mg RES, and RS + V groups were given an oral dose of resveratrol or vehicle for 15 consecutive days, while the control group was not exposed to restraint stress. Herein, we showed that restraint stress decreased body weight and food and water consumption in stressed groups RS and RS + V compared to controls, while the groups treated with resveratrol showed improvements. Moreover, restraint stress caused acute damage to the morphology of gastric cells and reduced the quantitative distribution of parietal cells along with their decreased size and diameter, pointing to gastritis or ulcer. Furthermore, the antibody against the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was highly attached in the RS groups. Splenic size, weight, and length were also greatly augmented in the stressed groups compared to the controls, while these phenomena were not observed in the RS + 2 mg RES group. Our findings proved significant ameliorating effects of resveratrol against restraint stress in adult male mice.

Heat exposure affected the reproductive performance of pregnant mice: Enhancement of autophagy and alteration of subcellular structure in the corpus luteum

To investigate whether autophagy and subcellular changes are involved in the corpus luteum after heat exposure, a total of 30 early pregnant mice were divided equally into heat stress (HS) and non-HS (NHS) groups (n = 15). Mice in the HS group were exposed to 40.5 ± 0.2 ℃ for 7 consecutive days. Ovaries were collected for immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum was collected to determine progesterone by RIA and uteri were collected to count the implantation sites. Results showed that heat exposure increased rectal temperature, decreased body weight and number of implantation sites. WB analysis revealed that ovarian expression of LC3B and Atg7 was up-regulated, while p62 was down-regulated in the HS group. IHC results demonstrated that ovarian staining intensity of LC3B was more intense in the HS group than that of the NHS group. LC3B was mainly localized in the granulosa cells, oocytes and luteal steroidogenic cells of the HS group. TEM results revealed double-layered separated membranes indicative of autophagosomes in the luteal steroidogenic cells of the HS group. Moreover, TEM showed that the mitochondrial cristae became dearth, structure-less, swollen after HS. Additionally, the nucleus expanded and accumulation of lipid droplets increased after HS. Results also showed that heat exposure decreased serum progesterone level and ovarian P450scc expression. These results indicate that HS enhanced autophagy and altered the subcellular structure of luteal steroidogenic cells, which may contribute to interfering with the maintenance of luteal function in early pregnant mice.

Single and simultaneous effects of acrylamide and ethanol on bone microstructure of mice after one remodeling cycle

Background

This study aimed to examine femoral bone microstructure of mice after single and simultaneous administration to acrylamide and ethanol since both substances are often consumed separately and/or together by humans. Interactive effects of these toxins were analysed after one remodeling cycle.

Methods

Twenty clinically healthy adult mice were randomly divided into four groups following 2 weeks administration of toxins: A group - mice were fed with acrylamide (40 mg/kg bw); E group - mice were ethanol-fed (15% ethanol); AE group - mice were simultaneously fed with both toxins, and a C group – control (without acrylamide and/or ethanol supplementation). Generally, 2D and 3D imaging methods were used to determine cortical and trabecular bone tissues microstructure. Biochemical analyses of plasma parameters were also realized using commercially available ELISA tests and spectrophotometrically.

Results

Single and simultaneous exposure to acrylamide and ethanol affected only cortical bone microstructure. No significant changes in trabecular bone morphometry were detected among all groups. In mice from the A group, increased endocortical remodeling associated with a higher level of serum calcium and vasoconstriction of primary osteon’s vascular canals (POVC) were identified. On the contrary, increased cortical porosity consistent with a decreased relative bone volume, bone mineral density (BMD) and lower levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione (GSH), calcium in plasma and also with vasodilation of POVC were observed in the E group. In the AE group, the highest density of secondary osteons associated with a lower BMD and decreased levels of ALP, GSH were documented. The parameters of POVC and Haversian canals approximated to the C group. In addition, single and simultaneous exposure to both toxins caused liver disease consistent with a higher values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in plasma of all experimental groups.

Conclusions

Single administration to acrylamide and ethanol had negative effects on cortical bone structure of mice after one remodeling cycle. However, we identified possible antagonistic impact of these toxins on the structure of the cortical bone.

Gestational exposure to acrylamide inhibits mouse placental development in vivo

Acrylamide, a carcinogen and neurotoxic substance, recently has been discovered in various heat-treated carbohydrate-rich foods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acrylamide exposure on placental development. Pregnant mice received acrylamide by gavage at dosages of 0, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day from gestational days (GD) 3 until GD 8 or GD 13. The results showed that acrylamide feeding significantly decreased the numbers of viable embryos and increased the numbers of resorbed embryos on GD 13. Acrylamide exposure reduced the absolute and relative weight of placentas and embryos, and inhibited the development of ectoplacental cone (EPC) and placenta, as shown by the atrophy of EPC and reduced placental area. Acrylamide markedly reduced the numbers of labyrinth vessels. Expression levels of most placental key genes such as Esx1, Hand1, and Hand2 mRNA dramatically decreased in acrylamide-treated placentas. Furthermore, acrylamide treatment inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of placentas, as shown by decreased Ki67-positive cells and Bcl-2 protein, and increased the expression of Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-8 proteins. In conclusion, our results indicated that gestational exposure to acrylamide inhibits placental development through dysregulation of placental key gene expression and labyrinth vessels, suppression of proliferation, and apoptosis induction in mice.

The Formation of Acrylamide from and Its Reduction by 3-Aminopropanamide Occur Simultaneously During Thermal Treatment

3-Aminopropanamide (3-APA) is the direct precursor of acrylamide produced in the Maillard reaction between asparagine and reducing sugars. In this research, we found that 3-APA could reduce acrylamide by the formation of adducts between acrylamide and 3-APA via Michael addition. The effects of temperature, heating duration and 3-APA/acrylamide ratio on the reduction of acrylamide were investigated. Addition of 3-APA to acrylamide at a molar ratio of 5:3 at 160 °C for 20 min reduced acrylamide by up to 47.29%. The major adduct was identified as 3,3',3'-nitrilotris, and its cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells was evaluated to be much lower than acrylamide. The viability of Caco-2 cells retained at 88.31% and 86.43% after incubation with 16 mM 3,3',3'-nitrilotris for 24 and 48 hr, respectively, while those incubated with the same concentration of acrylamide were 23.33% and 19.12%, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The current study reported 3-APA could reduce acrylamide through the Micheal addition reaction between 3-APA and acrylamide. The adduct showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared to acrylamide. The research is critical in evaluation and control of food contaminants. The results brought new insights in the area of food safety, especially in the mechanism researches on formation and mitigation of endogenous contaminants in thermal-processed foods.

Interaction between dietary acrylamide intake and genetic variants for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer risk

Purpose

The association between dietary acrylamide intake and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer risk in epidemiological studies is inconsistent. By analyzing gene-acrylamide interactions for ER+ breast cancer risk, we aimed to clarify the role of acrylamide intake in ER+ breast cancer etiology.

Methods

The prospective Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer includes 62,573 women, aged 55–69 years. At baseline, a random subcohort of 2589 women was sampled from the total cohort for a case–cohort analysis approach. Dietary acrylamide intake of subcohort members (n = 1449) and ER+ breast cancer cases (n = 844) was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes in acrylamide metabolism, sex steroid systems, oxidative stress and DNA repair. Multiplicative interaction between acrylamide intake and SNPs was assessed with Cox proportional hazards analysis, based on 20.3 years of follow-up.

Results

Unexpectedly, there was a statistically non-significant inverse association between acrylamide and ER+ breast cancer risk among all women but with no clear dose–response relationship, and no association among never smokers. Among the results for 57 SNPs and 2 gene deletions, rs1056827 in CYP1B1, rs2959008 and rs7173655 in CYP11A1, the GSTT1 gene deletion, and rs1052133 in hOGG1 showed a statistically significant interaction with acrylamide intake for ER+ breast cancer risk.

Conclusions

This study did not provide evidence for a positive association between acrylamide intake and ER+ breast cancer risk. If anything, acrylamide was associated with a decreased ER+ breast cancer risk. The interaction with SNPs in CYP1B1 and CYP11A1 suggests that acrylamide may influence ER+ breast cancer risk through sex hormone pathways.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-018-1619-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Acrylamide-induced changes in femoral bone microstructure of mice

Acrylamide (AA) is one of the most common toxins in foods. Its effect on bone microstructure has not been investigated. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of acute exposure to AA on femoral bone microstructure in mice. Adult animals were treated perorally with 2 doses of AA (E1 group, 1 mg/kg b.w.) in a 24-h period and with 3 doses of AA (E2 group, 1 mg/kg b.w.) in a 48-h period. Mice exposed to AA had smaller sizes of primary osteon's vascular canals. Secondary osteons were significantly smaller in mice from E2 group; however their increased number (from 38 % to 77 %) was identified in both E1 and E2 groups. In these groups, a higher number of resorption lacunae (from 100 % to 122 %) was also found. The values for bone volume, trabecular number were increased and that for trabecular separation was decreased in mice administered AA. Significantly higher value of bone surface was observed in mice from E1 group whereas trabecular thickness was increased in E2 group. The effect of AA on microstructure of compact and trabecular bone tissues is different. In our study, one dose of AA was used and acute effects of AA were investigated. Therefore, further studies are needed to study mechanisms by which AA acts on bone.

Interactions between dietary acrylamide intake and genes for ovarian cancer risk

Some epidemiological studies observed a positive association between dietary acrylamide intake and ovarian cancer risk but the causality needs to be substantiated. By analyzing gene-acrylamide interactions for ovarian cancer risk for the first time, we aimed to contribute to this. The prospective Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer includes 62,573 women, aged 55–69 years. At baseline in 1986, a random subcohort of 2589 women was sampled from the total cohort for a case cohort analysis approach. Dietary acrylamide intake of subcohort members and ovarian cancer cases (n = 252, based on 20.3 years of follow-up) was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes in acrylamide metabolism and in genes involved in the possible mechanisms of acrylamide-induced carcinogenesis (effects on sex steroid systems, oxidative stress and DNA damage). Genotyping was done on DNA from toenails through Agena’s MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Multiplicative interaction between acrylamide intake and SNPs was assessed with Cox proportional hazards analysis. Among the results for 57 SNPs and 2 gene deletions, there were no statistically significant interactions between acrylamide and gene variants after adjustment for multiple testing. However, there were several nominally statistically significant interactions between acrylamide intake and SNPs in the HSD3B1/B2 gene cluster: (rs4659175 (p interaction = 0.04), rs10923823 (p interaction = 0.06) and its proxy rs7546652 (p interaction = 0.05), rs1047303 (p interaction = 0.005), and rs6428830 (p interaction = 0.05). Although in need of confirmation, results of this study suggest that acrylamide may cause ovarian cancer through effects on sex hormones.

In Vivo acrylamide exposure may cause severe toxicity to mouse oocytes through its metabolite glycidamide

High acrylamide (ACR) content in heat-processed carbohydrate-rich foods, as well as roasted products such as coffee, almonds etc., has been found to be as a risk factor for carcinogenicity and genotoxicity by The World Health Organization. Glycidamide (GLY), the epoxide metabolite of ACR, is processed by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system and has also been found to be a genotoxic agent. The aim of this study was to determine whether ACR and/or GLY have any detrimental effect on the meiotic cell division of oocytes. For this purpose, germinal vesicle-stage mouse oocytes were treated with 0, 100, 500, or 1000 μM ACR or 0, 25, or 250 μM GLY in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed after an intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg/day ACR of female BALB/c mice for 7 days. The majority of in vitro ACR-treated oocytes reached the metaphase-II stage following 18 hours of incubation, which was not significantly different from the control group. Maturation of the oocytes derived from in vivo ACR-treated mice was impaired significantly. Oocytes, reaching the M-II stage in the in vivo ACR-treated group, were characterized by a decrease in meiotic spindle mass and an increase in chromosomal disruption. In vitro GLY treatment resulted in the degeneration of all oocytes, indicating that ACR toxicity on female germ cells may occur through its metabolite, GLY. Thus, ACR exposure must be considered, together with its metabolite GLY, when female fertility is concerned.

Acrylamide: inhibition of formation in processed food and mitigation of toxicity in cells, animals, and humans

Potentially toxic acrylamide is largely derived from the heat-inducing reactions between the amino group of the amino acid asparagine and carbonyl groups of glucose and fructose in plant-derived foods including cereals, coffees, almonds, olives, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. This review surveys and consolidates the following dietary aspects of acrylamide: distribution in food, exposure and consumption by diverse populations, reduction of the content in different food categories, and mitigation of adverse in vivo effects. Methods to reduce acrylamide levels include selecting commercial food with a low acrylamide content, selecting cereal and potato varieties with low levels of asparagine and reducing sugars, selecting processing conditions that minimize acrylamide formation, adding food-compatible compounds and plant extracts to food formulations before processing that inhibit acrylamide formation during processing of cereal products, coffees, teas, olives, almonds, and potato products, and reducing multiorgan toxicity (antifertility, carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, teratogenicity). The herein described observations and recommendations are of scientific interest for food chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, but also have the potential to benefit nutrition, food safety, and human health.

Toxicological Effect of Manganese on NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 Signaling Pathway in Chicken Testes

Manganese (Mn) pollution can cause tissue and organ dysfunction and structural damage. The toxicity of Mn in poultry was reported, but inflammatory damage that Mn induced in the testicular tissue has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Mn poisoning on NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 signaling pathway in chicken testes. One hundred eighty Hyline male chickens at 7 days of age were fed either commercial diet or MnCl2-added commercial diet containing 600, 900, and 1800 mg/kg Mn for 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) content, iNOS activity, and histopathology were examined in chicken testes. The results showed that excess Mn upregulated mRNA expression of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, and iNOS, NO content, and iNOS activity at 60th and 90th day. Mn had a time-dependent effect on NF-κB and TNF-α mRNA expression. Mn had a dose- and time-dependent effect on NO content and iNOS activity. Mn exposure induced chicken testis histological changes in dose- and time-dependent manner. It indicated that Mn exposure resulted in inflammatory injury of chicken testis tissue through NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 signaling pathway.

Effect of Acrylamide on Oocyte Nuclear Maturation and Cumulus Cells Apoptosis in Mouse In Vitro

Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical compound with severe neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. Recent studies showed that ACR impairs the function of reproductive organs, e.g., epididymis and testes. In vitro maturation of mouse oocyte is a sensitive assay to identify potential chemical hazard to female fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of ACR on the nuclear maturation and cumulus cells apoptosis of mouse oocytes in vitro. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were incubated in a maturation medium containing 0, 5, 10 and 20 μM of ACR. Chromosome alignment and spindle morphology of oocytes was determined by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Our results showed that oocytes exposed to different doses of ACR in vitro were associated with a significant decrease of oocyte maturation, significant increase of chromosome misalignment rate, occurrence of abnormal spindle configurations, and the inhibition of oocyte parthenogenetic activation. Furthermore, apoptosis of cumulus cells was determined by TUNEL and CASPASE-3 assay. Results showed that apoptosis in cumulus cells was enhanced and the expression of CASPASE-3 was increased after cumulus–oocyte complexes were exposed to ACR. Therefore, ACR may affect the nuclear maturation of oocytes via the apoptosis of cumulus cells in vitro.

Acrylamide toxic effects on mouse oocyte quality and fertility in vivo

Acrylamide is an industrial chemical that has attracted considerable attention due to its presumed carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and cytotoxic effects. In this study we investigated possible acrylamide reproductive toxic effects in female mice. Mice were fed an acrylamide-containing diet for 6 weeks. Our results showed the following effects of an acrylamide-containing diet. (1) Ovary weights were reduced in acrylamide-treated mice and oocyte developmental competence was also reduced, as shown by reduced GVBD and polar body extrusion rates. (2) Acrylamide feeding resulted in aberrant oocyte cytoskeletons, as shown by an increased abnormal spindle rate and confirmed by disrupted γ-tubulin and p-MAPK localization. (3) Acrylamide feeding resulted in oxidative stress and oocyte early stage apoptosis, as shown by increased ROS levels and p-MAPK expression. (4) Fluorescence intensity analysis showed that DNA methylation levels were reduced in acrylamide-treated oocytes and histone methylation levels were also altered, as H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H3K4me2, and H3K27me3 levels were reduced after acrylamide treatment. (5) After acrylamide feeding, the litter sizes of acrylamide-treated mice were significantly smaller compared to thus of control mice. Thus, our results indicated that acrylamide might affect oocyte quality through its effects on cytoskeletal integrity, ROS generation, apoptosis induction, and epigenetic modifications.