Protective effects of carotenoids and retinoids on benzo[a]pyrene induced mutagenicity and oxidative stress

Abstract

Benzo[a]pyeren (B[a]P) is one of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which is formed due to smoking of foods, incomplete combustion of woods, vehicle exhausts and cigarettes smokes. B[a]P gets entry into human and animal bodies mainly through their diets. B[a]P is confirmed to be pro-mutagenic and pro-carcinogenic to animals and humans in many studies.
Carotenoids such asβ-carotene and its metabolites like retinol and retinoic acids have a confirmed antioxidant activities through their radical scavenging roles.
The aim of this study, was firstly to estimate the B[a]P levels in fresh and heat treated meats. Additionally, B[a]P induced mutagenicity was studied using Salmonella mutagenicity assay. Moreover, B[a]P induced oxidative stress was examined using human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) cells after exposure to the relevant concentrations of B[a]P formed in heat-treated foods. In addition, the protective effects of carotenoids and retinoids against these harmful effects were also examined. The mechanisms behind these effects were also investigated.
The obtained results confirmed that carotenoids and retinoids have clear protective effects against B[a]P induced mutagenicity and oxidative stress, probably through their ability of induction of phase II and III enzymes and interference with the induction of phase I enzymes.