Research

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12 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acrolein Promotes Aging and Oxidative Stress via the Stress Response Factor DAF-16/FOXO in Caenorhabditis elegans

by Jiaqian Hong, Yiming Song, Jiayan Xie, Jianhua Xie, Yi Chen, Ping Li, Danyang Liu, Xiaobo Hu and Qiang Yu

Foods 2022, 11(11), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11111590 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2025

Abstract

For this investigation, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) served, for the first time, as a model organism to evaluate the toxic effect and possible underlying mechanisms under acrolein (ACR) exposure. The results showed that ACR exposure (12.5–100 μM) shortened the lifespan of [...] Read more.

For this investigation, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) served, for the first time, as a model organism to evaluate the toxic effect and possible underlying mechanisms under acrolein (ACR) exposure. The results showed that ACR exposure (12.5–100 μM) shortened the lifespan of C. elegans. The reproductive capacity, body length, body width, and locomotive behavior (head thrash) of C. elegans were diminished by ACR, especially the doses of 50 and 100 μM. Furthermore, ACR significantly enhanced the endogenous ROS levels of C. elegans, inhibited the antioxidant-related enzyme activities, and affected the expression of antioxidant related genes. The increasing oxidative stress level promoted the migration of DAF-16 into the nucleus that was related to the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. It was also confirmed by the significant decrease of the lifespan-shortening trend in the daf-16 knockout mutant. In conclusion, ACR exposure induced aging and oxidative stress in C.elegans, resulting in aging-related decline and defense-related DAF-16/FOXO pathways’ activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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14 pages, 2140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Efficacy of Probiotic Bacteria to Reduce Acrylamide in Food and In Vitro Digestion

by Siu Mei Choi, Ling Yang, Yuxuan Chang, Ivan K. Chu and Naiping Dong

Foods 2022, 11(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11091263 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1760

Abstract

In this study, probiotic bacteria as a new post-processing approach to reduce acrylamide (AA) was investigated. The AA reduction ability of selected Lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium strains was demonstrated in (a) AA chemical solutions; (b) food matrices (biscuits and chips) and (c) in [...] Read more.

In this study, probiotic bacteria as a new post-processing approach to reduce acrylamide (AA) was investigated. The AA reduction ability of selected Lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium strains was demonstrated in (a) AA chemical solutions; (b) food matrices (biscuits and chips) and (c) in vitro digestion. The findings showed tested bacteria exhibited AA reduction ability which was probiotic strain-, AA concentration-, probiotic concentration-, incubation time- and pH-dependent. L. acidophilus LA 45 and B. longum ATCC 15707 (10⁹ CFU/mL) showed the highest AA reduction (86.85 and 88.85%, respectively) when exposed to 350 ng/mL AA solution for 8 h. The findings also demonstrated that AA reduction ability of selected probiotic strains was pH- and food matrix-dependent in both food matrices (9.45–22.15%) and in vitro digestion model (10.91–21.29%). This study showed probiotic bacteria can lower AA bioaccessibility under simulated digestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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13 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arsenic in Portuguese Rice: Is There Any Risk?

by Alexandra Silva, André Pereira, Liliana Silva and Angelina Pena

Foods 2022, 11(3), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030277 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

Arsenic is a metalloid with natural and anthropogenic sources and its inorganic form is toxic to humans. Rice is highly consumed worldwide and is prone to arsenic contamination; therefore, this study evaluated the inorganic arsenic content of 70 Portuguese rice samples. These were [...] Read more.

Arsenic is a metalloid with natural and anthropogenic sources and its inorganic form is toxic to humans. Rice is highly consumed worldwide and is prone to arsenic contamination; therefore, this study evaluated the inorganic arsenic content of 70 Portuguese rice samples. These were analysed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with a detection limit of 3.3 µg kg⁻¹. The average contamination was of 29.3 µg kg⁻¹, with brown and short rice presenting higher values than white and long rice. The highest concentration, 100 µg kg⁻¹, equalled the maximum residue limit (MRL) for rice destined for infants’ consumption. The estimated daily intake (EDI) surpassed the benchmark dose (lower confidence limit 10%) (BMDL₁₀) of 0.3 µg kg⁻¹ of bw/day considering children in the 95th percentile of rice consumption and the worst-case scenario concentration. However, other sources also contribute to the EDI and some population groups can exceed the BMDL₁₀. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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14 pages, 2545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptional Changes after Enniatins A, A1, B and B1 Ingestion in Rat Stomach, Liver, Kidney and Lower Intestine

by Alessandra Cimbalo, Manuel Alonso-Garrido, Guillermina Font, Massimo Frangiamone and Lara Manyes

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071630 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Enniatins (ENs) are depsipeptide mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi. They are known for their capacity to modulate cell membrane permeability and disruption of ionic gradients, affecting cell homeostasis and initiating oxidative stress mechanisms. The effect of the acute toxicity of ENs A, A1, [...] Read more.

Enniatins (ENs) are depsipeptide mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi. They are known for their capacity to modulate cell membrane permeability and disruption of ionic gradients, affecting cell homeostasis and initiating oxidative stress mechanisms. The effect of the acute toxicity of ENs A, A1, B and B1 at two different concentrations after 8 h of exposure was analysed in Wistar rats by a transcriptional approach. The following key mitochondrial and nuclear codified genes related to the electron transport chain were considered for gene expression analysis in stomach, liver, kidney and lower intestine by quantitative Real-Time PCR: mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 1 (MT-ND1), mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase 1 (MT-COX1), succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit A and ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha, respectively. Moreover, the expression of markers involved in oxidative stresssuperoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), heme oxygenase 1, apoptosis B-cell lymphoma 2, Bcl2 Associated protein X (Bax), tumor suppressor protein (p53), inhibition of apoptosis nuclear factor kappa of activated B cells, immune system interleukin 1β and intestinal tight junction Occludin merely in lower intestine tissues have been investigated. For mitochondrial genes, the main differences were observed for MT-ND1 and MT-COX1, showing its deficiency in all selected organs. With regard to the intestinal barrier’s cellular response to oxidative stress, the activity of the antioxidant gene SOD1 was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the catalytic enzyme GPx1 was also downregulated though merely at medium dose employed. On the contrary, the pro-apoptotic Bax and p53 regulators were activated after ENs exposure, reporting a significant increase in their expression. Furthermore, the alteration of intestinal permeability was assessed by the abnormal activity of the tight junction protein occludin. In summary, ENs may generate mitochondrial disorders and induce oxidative stress in intestinal barrier function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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15 pages, 8566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genotoxicity Evaluation of Propyl-Propane-Thiosulfinate (PTS) from Allium genus Essential Oils by a Combination of Micronucleus and Comet Assays in Rats

by Antonio Cascajosa-Lira, María Puerto, Ana I. Prieto, Silvia Pichardo, Leticia Díez-Quijada Jiménez, Alberto Baños, Enrique Guillamón, Rosario Moyano, Verónica Molina-Hernández, Ángeles Jos and Ana M. Cameán

Foods 2021, 10(5), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10050989 - 01 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2844

Abstract

Propyl-propanethiosulfinate (PTS) is a component of Allium essential oils. This organosulfur molecule can be used as a feed additive to decrease the appearance of bacterial resistances caused by the residues of antibiotics. In previous in vitro genotoxicity studies, contradictory results were reported for [...] Read more.

Propyl-propanethiosulfinate (PTS) is a component of Allium essential oils. This organosulfur molecule can be used as a feed additive to decrease the appearance of bacterial resistances caused by the residues of antibiotics. In previous in vitro genotoxicity studies, contradictory results were reported for PTS. In this work, the in vivo genotoxicity of PTS in male and female rats was assessed for the first time, following OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidelines. After oral administration (doses: 5.5, 17.4, and 55.0 mg/kg PTS body weight), a combination of the micronucleus (MN) assay (OECD 474) in bone marrow and the standard and enzyme-modified comet assay (OECD 489) was performed. After necropsy, histopathological studies were also carried out. The results did not show the in vivo genotoxicity of PTS at any doses assayed, revealed by the absence of increased MN, and DNA strand breaks or oxidative DNA damage in the standard and enzyme-modified comet assays. The histopathological study revealed that only the highest dose tested (55.0 mg/kg) in the liver and all dose groups in the stomach presented minimal pathological lesions in the organs studied. Consequently, the present work confirms that PTS is not genotoxic at the doses assayed, and it is a promising natural alternative to synthetic preservatives and antibiotics in animal feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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17 pages, 4260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foodborne TiO₂ Nanoparticles Induced More Severe Hepatotoxicity in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Mice via Exacerbating Oxidative Stress-Mediated Intestinal Barrier Damage

by Yu Zhao, Yizhou Tang, Shanji Liu, Tiantian Jia, Donggen Zhou and Hengyi Xu

Foods 2021, 10(5), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10050986 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

The hazard of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) in diseased population should be given focus due to the huge number of these NPs in foods and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the stronger biological adverse effect of oral exposure to TiO [...] Read more.

The hazard of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) in diseased population should be given focus due to the huge number of these NPs in foods and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the stronger biological adverse effect of oral exposure to TiO₂ NPs in a fructose-induced metabolic syndrome mouse model. Compared to the normal mice, low-dose (2 mg/kg) TiO₂ NPs did not cause severe hepatotoxicity. However, high-dose (20 mg/kg) TiO₂ NPs induced aggravated hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, with substantial alteration of related biochemical parameters in the mouse model. Moreover, significantly increased Ti and lipopolysaccharide burden were observed in metabolic syndrome murine liver and serum, which possibly worsened the portend intestinal leakage. The expression of tight junction-related protein showed that TiO₂ NPs induced further increase in serious intestinal permeability. The intestinal inflammatory and oxidative stress response in the model were also assessed. Results showed that TiO₂ NPs caused more severe intestinal inflammatory injury by intensifying the oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome mice and then induced further liver injury. This work provides information on the insights into the toxic effect of TiO₂ NPs in sub-healthy population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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15 pages, 2099 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

In Vivo Genotoxicity Evaluation of a Stilbene Extract Prior to Its Use as a Natural Additive: A Combination of the Micronucleus Test and the Comet Assay

by Concepción Medrano-Padial, María Puerto, Ana Isabel Prieto, Nahúm Ayala, Pauline Beaumont, Caroline Rouger, Stéphanie Krisa and Silvia Pichardo

Foods 2021, 10(2), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020439 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2860

Abstract

Genotoxic data of substances that could be used as food additives are required by the European Food Safety Authority. In this sense, the use of an extract from grapevine shoots containing a stilbene richness of 99% (ST-99), due to its antioxidant and antibacterial [...] Read more.

Genotoxic data of substances that could be used as food additives are required by the European Food Safety Authority. In this sense, the use of an extract from grapevine shoots containing a stilbene richness of 99% (ST-99), due to its antioxidant and antibacterial activities, has been proposed as an alternative to sulfur dioxide in wine. The aim of this work was to study, for the first time, the in vivo genotoxic effects produced in rats orally exposed to 90, 180, or 360 mg ST-99/kg body weight at 0, 24, and 45 h. The combination of micronucleus assay in bone marrow (OECD 474) and standard (OECD 489) and enzyme-modified comet assay was used to determine the genotoxicity on cells isolated from stomach, liver, and blood of exposed animals. The ST-99 revealed no in vivo genotoxicity. These results were corroborated by analytical studies that confirm the presence of stilbenes and their metabolites in plasma and tissues. Moreover, to complete these findings, a histopathological study was performed under light microscopy in liver and stomach showing only slight modifications in both organs at the highest concentration used. The present work confirms that this extract is not genotoxic presenting a good profile for its potential application as a preservative in the wine industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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Review

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18 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessReview

Efficacy of Gamma Irradiation in Improving the Microbial and Physical Quality Properties of Dried Chillies (Capsicum annuum L.): A Review

by Naleene Balakrishnan, Salma Mohamad Yusop, Irman Abdul Rahman, Eqbal Dauqan and Aminah Abdullah

Foods 2022, 11(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11010091 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4742

Abstract

Dried chilli is one of the highly traded spices globally and is well-known for its natural flavour, colour, and unique pungent taste. It is rich in nutrients and has medicinal benefits. During the dehydration and storage process, the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms in [...] Read more.

Dried chilli is one of the highly traded spices globally and is well-known for its natural flavour, colour, and unique pungent taste. It is rich in nutrients and has medicinal benefits. During the dehydration and storage process, the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms in dried chilli is unavoidable. Recently, the occurrence of toxigenic fungi and faecal coliforms has been widespread that can cause severe illness and even death. Therefore, sanitation treatment is highly required to decontaminate undesirable microorganisms. Among the common sanitation treatments applied, food irradiation is gaining attention worldwide because of concern for post-harvest loss, foodborne disease, and more stringent regulation in dried chilli trading. Irradiation can successfully preserve dried chilli from pathogenic bacteria with minimal disturbance to critical physical properties, such as pungency and colour. It can also save dried chilli from secondary pollution by storing it into final packing before radiation which helps in distribution to market promptly after treatment. Furthermore, radiation does not leave any chemical residues after the treatment, ensuring the quality and safety of the dried chilli. The efficiency of radiation depends mainly on the initial level of contamination and the persistence of the harmful microorganism. A low irradiation dose is sufficient for dried chili to reduce microbial load to an acceptable level and eliminate pathogens even though a minimum radiation dose of 10 kGy is required for complete sterilization. However, high dosage may affect the colour properties. Gamma radiation, X-ray, and electron beam radiation are the three approved radiation sources for dried chilli in most countries and proven effective for dried chilli preservation. Thus, this review paper highlights the microbial and physical quality properties in gamma radiated dried chillies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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32 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessReview

Toxicological Evaluation of Piceatannol, Pterostilbene, and ε-Viniferin for Their Potential Use in the Food Industry: A Review

by Concepción Medrano-Padial, Ana Isabel Prieto, María Puerto and Silvia Pichardo

Foods 2021, 10(3), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10030592 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2810

Abstract

The application of stilbenes in the food industry is being considered because of their biological activities. Piceatannol, pterostilbene and ε-viniferin have awakened the industry’s interest. However, before they can be commercialized, we must first guarantee their safety for consumers. The present work reviews [...] Read more.

The application of stilbenes in the food industry is being considered because of their biological activities. Piceatannol, pterostilbene and ε-viniferin have awakened the industry’s interest. However, before they can be commercialized, we must first guarantee their safety for consumers. The present work reviews the toxicological studies performed with these stilbenes. A wide variety of studies has demonstrated their cytotoxic effects in both cancer and non-cancerous cell lines. In contrast, although DNA damage was detected by some authors, in vitro genotoxic studies on the effects of piceatannol, pterostilbene, and ε-viniferin remain scarce. None of the three reviewed substances have been evaluated using the in vitro tests required by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as the first step in genotoxicity testing. We did not find any study on the toxic effects of these stilbenes in vivo. Thus, more studies are needed to confirm their safe use before they can be authorized as additive in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Additives and Contaminants on Food)

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