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Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &... Jan 2019Heterocyclic amines (HCA) are potent carcinogenic substances formed in meat. Because of their mutagenic activity, they may increase the risk of colorectal adenomas,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Heterocyclic amines (HCA) are potent carcinogenic substances formed in meat. Because of their mutagenic activity, they may increase the risk of colorectal adenomas, which are the precursors of colorectal cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. The aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize the knowledge about the intake of HCAs and its associations with CRA.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE. We used odds ratios (OR); or relative risks, RR) from every reported intake and compared the highest versus lowest level of dietary HCAs. In addition, we assessed a dose-response relationship.
RESULTS
Twelve studies on HCA intake and risk of CRA were included in our analysis. We observed a statistically significant association when comparing top versus bottom intake category of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine [PhIP; OR = 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-1.29], 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx; OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.08-1.34), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (DiMeIQx; OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.05-1.27), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP; OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.04-1.27), and mutagenicity index (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.06-1.41). Furthermore, we observed a significant dose-response effect for PhIP, MeIQx, and mutagenicity index.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests that there is a positive association of HCAs, BaP, mutagenicity index with risk of CRA. In addition, our dose-response analyses showed an increased risk of CRA for PhIP, MeIQx, and mutagenicity index.
IMPACT
This study provides evidence for a positive association between the dietary intake of meat mutagens and CRA risk.
Topics: Adenoma; Adult; Aged; Amines; Benzo(a)pyrene; Colorectal Neoplasms; Diet; Female; Heterocyclic Compounds; Humans; Imidazoles; Male; Meat; Middle Aged; Mutagens; Odds Ratio; Quinoxalines; Red Meat
PubMed: 30275115
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-1017 -
Clinical Epigenetics May 2020Assessing long-term health effects from a potentially harmful environment is challenging. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have become omnipresent in our...
Assessing long-term health effects from a potentially harmful environment is challenging. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have become omnipresent in our environment. Individuals may or may not experience clinical health issues from being exposed to the increasing environmental pollution in daily life, but an issue of high concern is that also the non-exposed progeny may encounter consequences of these ancestral exposures. Progress in understanding epigenetic mechanisms opens new perspectives to estimate the risk of man-made EDCs. However, the field of epigenetic toxicology is new and its application in public health or in the understanding of disease etiology is almost non-existent, especially if it concerns future generations. In this review, we investigate the literature on transgenerational inheritance of diseases, published in the past 10 years. We question whether persistent epigenetic changes occur in the male germ line after exposure to synthesized EDCs. Our systematic search led to an inclusion of 43 articles, exploring the effects of commonly used synthetic EDCs, such as plasticizers (phthalates and bisphenol A), pesticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, atrazine, vinclozin, methoxychlor), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, such as benzo(a)pyrene). Most studies found transgenerational epigenetic effects, often linked to puberty- or adult-onset diseases, such as testicular or prostate abnormalities, metabolic disorders, behavioral anomalies, and tumor development. The affected epigenetic mechanisms included changes in DNA methylation patterns, transcriptome, and expression of DNA methyltransferases. Studies involved experiments in animal models and none were based on human data. In the future, human studies are needed to confirm animal findings. If not transgenerational, at least intergenerational human studies and studies on EDC-induced epigenetic effects on germ cells could help to understand early processes of inheritance. Next, toxicity tests of new chemicals need a more comprehensive approach before they are introduced on the market. We further point to the relevance of epigenetic toxicity tests in regard to public health of the current population but also of future generations. Finally, this review sheds a light on how the interplay of genetics and epigenetics may explain the current knowledge gap on transgenerational inheritance.
Topics: Animals; Atrazine; Benzhydryl Compounds; Benzo(a)pyrene; DDT; Dioxins; Endocrine Disruptors; Epigenesis, Genetic; Male; Mammals; Mice; Paternal Inheritance; Phenols; Phthalic Acids
PubMed: 32398147
DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00845-1