Cancer-causing Agent Research Articles

A qualitative exploratory study on the effects of formalin on mortuary attendants.

Objectives:To explore the effects of formalin on mortuary attendants in nine selected hospitals in Ghana.Methods:The study applies a qualitative exploratory descriptive design in the overall collection and analysis of data. Purposive sampling was used to reach the saturation of 19 participants. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and manually analysed using content analysis.Results:Five themes developed from the analysed data, namely, effects of formalin on the eyes, effects of formalin on the respiratory system, effects of formalin on the skin, effects on appetite, and formalin as a cancer-causing agent.Conclusion:This study has unveiled the negative effects of formalin on morgue attendants, which is likely to cause long-time health problems. It is therefore recommended that all mortuaries in Ghana should be assisted with protective equipment, in-service training, and practice of universal safety to help reduce risks associated with chemical hazards, especially formalin. There should be regular surveillance in the mortuaries and workers be screened regularly.

Triclosan Induced Oxidative Stress, Estrogenicity, Mutagenicity, Carcinogenicity, and Genotoxicity: A Novel Therapeutic Approach

Triclosan (TCS) is present in toothpaste and other cosmetic products as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. This manuscript highlights that TCS is a potential oxidative stress-causing agent, an estrogenic, mutagenic, cancer-causing agent, and genotoxic agent present in cosmetic products. This study also summarizes the therapeutic approach to overcome all of the harmful effects. It is a popular current topic, and a new research study is needed to find a new alternative as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent instead of TCS. TCS causes oxidative stress when the dynamic balance in synthesizing and removing reactive oxygen species (ROS) within typical physiological circumstances is disturbed. The antioxidant defence system includes both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants produced by the organism to tackle the harmful effects of ROS. TCSs have estrogenic, proliferative, and apoptotic properties due to research on cell fate. The mutagenic potential of TCS has been examined using in vitro and in vivo research in prokaryotic, eukaryotic systems, and mammalian cells. It also induces carcinogenic, estrogenic, and mutagenic effects. TCS's therapeutic effects, especially against inflammatory skin conditions, have been demonstrated by many materials gathered from in vitro and in vivo experiments. The new findings suggest that TCS, a commonly used cosmetic product, may cause cancer, as shown by animal and human models and clinical trials. TCS is not effectively regulated, as evidenced by its presence in various environmental media, human bodies, and animals. Its irresponsible usage and disposal may endanger humans and wildlife. TCS has been found to damage a wide variety of cells in cell-based investigations. TCS's exact function in the environmental selection of antibiotic and multidrug resistance genes is still unclear. Comprehensive evaluations of these domains, especially to derive serious human health risk inferences from TCS outcomes, may help future research and legislation to better serve the public's health.

Computational Modeling of Immune Response Triggering Immunogenic Peptide Vaccine Against the Human Papillomaviruses to Induce Immunity Against Cervical Cancer.

Papillomaviruses are placed within the family Papillomaviride, and the members of this family have a double-stranded circular DNA genome. Every year, ∼30% of cancers are reported to be human papillomavirus (HPV) related, which represents 63,000 cancers of all infectious agent-induced cancers. HPV16 and HPV18 are reported to be associated with 70% of cervical cancers. The quest for an effective drug or vaccine candidate still continues. In this study, we aim to design B cell and T cell epitope-based vaccine using the two structural major capsid protein L1 and L2 as well as other three important proteins (E1, E2, and E6) against HPV strain 16 (HPV16). We used a computational pipeline to design a multiepitope subunit vaccine and tested its efficacy using in silico computational modeling approaches. Our analysis revealed that the multiepitope subunit vaccine possesses antigenic properties, and using in silico cloning method revealed proper expression and downstream processing of the vaccine construct. Besides this, we also performed in silico immune simulation to check the immune response upon the injection. Our results strongly suggest that this vaccine candidate should be tested immediately for the immune response against the cervical cancer-causing agent. The safety, efficacy, expression, and immune response profiling makes it the first choice for experimental and in vivo setup.

Deciphering the Inhibition Mechanism of under Trial Hsp90 Inhibitors and Their Analogues: A Comparative Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) performs functions in cellular activities together with other signaling pathways. Hsp90 is evolutionarily conserved and universally articulated as a human cancer-causing agent involved in lung cancer and breast cancer followed by colon and rectum cancers. It has emerged as an effective drug candidate, and inhibition may affect several signaling pathways associated with cancer spread. Therefore, in-silico approaches, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and binding free energy calculations were applied to create insights into the inhibition mechanism against Hsp90 to identify new cancer therapeutic drugs. Top-docked Hsp90-inhibitor complexes with their analogues were selected as the best complexes based on the GOLD fitness score and orientation. The significant interaction of Hsp90 inhibitors and their analogues were observed to be bound with active site residues as well as residing within the same cavity region. System stability factors RMSD, RMSF, beta-factor, and radius of gyration were analyzed for top-docked complexes and ensure strong binding interaction between inhibitors and the Hsp90 cavity. Cavity bound inhibitors were found to retain consistent hydrogen bonding during the simulation. The radial distribution function (RDF) illustrated that interacting active site residues drive the binding and stability of the inhibitors. Similarly, the axial frequency distribution, which is an indigenously developed analytical tool, produced noteworthy knowledge of the hydrogen-bonding pattern. Results yielded new insights into the design of cancer therapeutic drugs against Hsp90. This finding suggests that under trial Hsp90 inhibitors MPC-3100 could be a potential starting point into the development of potential anticancer agents with the possibility of future directions for the improvement of early existing Hsp90 inhibitors CNF-2024 and SNX-5422 as an anticancer agent.

Engineering Quantum Dot (Cadmium Sulfide) on Antibodies for Fluoroimmunoassays

Antibodies are good escorts for a therapeutic and diagnostic tool against many diseases as well as for targeting drug delivery and in immunohistochemistry. Cysteine-capped cadmium sulfide (quantum dot) nanoparticles have wide applications in immunohistochemistry due to their unique physical, chemical, and fluorescent properties. In this study, polyclonal antibodies against transferrin (as ligand), doxorubicin (anticancer drug), and H. pylori (cancer-causing agent) were developed in rabbits and purified. Purified antibodies were labeled with cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dot (QD) and used as a fluorescent-labeled marker for one-step identification in diagnosis and therapeutics. Cysteine-capped CdS QDs were synthesized in the presence of taurine (antioxidant) and characterized by FTIR, VSM, DLS, and TEM. CdS nanoparticles are monodisperse with a narrow size range below 7 nm and showed an increase of almost 30 nm after conjugation to IgG. The binding of QD-labeled antibodies was observed and confirmed by binding on MDA-MB 231 cancer cells, mouse liver tissue, mouse tumor tissue, and H. pylori under a fluorescent microscope. QD-labeled antibodies gave sharp fluorescence after binding with their respective targets. Intensity of fluorescence with quantum dot enhances many folds as compared to that of traditional fluorescent-labeled compounds. Experiments are underway to target transferrin and doxorubicin and to analyze the role of H. pylori in a mouse model of gastric cancer.

2989 To Determine the Frequency of Helicobacter pylori in Patients With Gastric Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Around the world, particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe, gastric disease remains a main source of malignant growth demise. A higher danger of advancement of gastric malignancy has been accounted for in patients with positive serologic tests for H pylori. This investigation is a push to demonstrate a relationship of H pylori as a cancer-causing agent and the seriousness of harm it is related with. H. pylori is perceived as a reason for constant gastritis, which might be viewed as the initial phase in a grouping of changes to the gastric mucosa perhaps bringing about malignancy. In this manner, the present examination investigated the presence of H. pylori disease in people with gastric malignant growth at tertiary consideration healing center. METHODS: The two year cross section study screened fifty cases of carcinoma stomach for H. pylori infection. The inclusion criteria were patients with carcinoma stomach confirmed by endoscopy and histopathology while the exclusion criteria patients received anti H pylori treatment within 6 months and the patients not willing/refuse to give consent for the study. All patients who presented with upper GI symptoms and suspected to have carcinoma stomach investigated in the form of complete blood count, ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. On endoscopy patient who had growth in the stomach biopsy was taken from and around the growth and subjected to Rapid urease test and histopathologic examination along with serology test for antibobies to H. pylori. The frequency/percentages (%) and means ± SD computed for study variables. RESULTS: During two year study period total fifty patients were explored for H. pylori infection. The frequency for male and female population was 32 (64%) and 18 (36%) with mean ± SD for age of male and female individuals was 55.83 ± 9.62 and 58.21 ± 8.72 respectively. The H. Pylori infection was positive in 30 (60%) patients while the growth exists in antrum 25 (50%), antrum and body 10 (20%), body 08 (16%), body and fundus 04 (8%), fundus 03 (6%) while regarding the histopathology well differentiated carcinoma 07 (14%), moderately differentiated carcinoma 10 (20%), poorly differentiated carcinoma 33 (66%). CONCLUSION: The existence of H. pylori observed in gastric carcinoma cases may lead to a spread of H. pylori in histologic sections and might describe the variation in H. pylori infection rates reported for patients with gastric cancer.

Cooking up low-acrylamide foods

The Maillard reaction is arguably the world’s most beloved chemical process. Cooks learned long ago that raw, unappetizing ingredients such as potatoes and grains can be turned into toasty treats with the addition of heat and a bit of time. Chemists know our enjoyment is due to the magic that happens when amino acids meet sugars to produce mouthwatering organic compounds such as pyrazines, pyrroles, and furanones. But in 2002 the food world learned that this browning reaction has a dark side. It turns out that one of those Maillard products is acrylamide, a chemical long known to cause cancer in animal studies. In humans, it is considered likely to be carcinogenic and has been identified as a cancer-causing agent in tobacco smoke. Acrylamide is used industrially to make polyacrylamides–water-soluble thickeners widely used in grouts and water treatment facilities. Because of acrylamide’s human health effects, regulators including the US Environmental

Response surface methodology application in optimization of performance and exhaust emissions of RON 98, aviation gasoline 100LL and the blends in Lycoming O-320 engine

AVGAS is a specially blended gasoline for use in aircraft engines of the piston type. AVGAS contains TEL additive for octane boosting but is viewed as a human cancer-causing agent. Alternatively, unleaded Motor Gasoline (MOGAS) is an alternative for AVGAS. In this study, all the test fuels were characterised based on chemical and physical properties of the fuels. GC analysis of the tested fuels were categorised based on hydrocarbon types and basic fuel properties. For optimisation, engine speed and fuel were the input parameters and Brake Horsepower (BHP), Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTHE), Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Unburned Hydrocarbon (HC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) were the output responses. The engine speed (RPM) was varied at 2000–2700 and the fuels were RON 98 (unleaded high-aromatic MOGAS), AVGAS, 20%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 80% blend ratios. One factor response surface methodology (RSM) which contained 49 experimental runs was used. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed on the models. Values of “Prob > F”, differences between “Predicted R2” and “adjusted R2” and ‘Adequate Precision” determined model validation. BHP and BTHE were maximised and BSFC and the emissions were minimised. Confirmation test was carried out to evaluate errors. Results indicated that at 2077 RPM, RON 98 fuel gave optimum solution of all tested fuels and the corresponding values of BHP, BTHE, BSFC, CO, HC and NOx were found to be 136 Hp, 31%, 0.25 Kg/kW-hr, 6.7%, 350 ppm and 51 ppm respectively with a desirability index of 0.713.

Insights into the Microbial L-Asparaginases: from Production to Practical Applications.

L-asparaginase is a valuable protein therapeutic drug utilized for the treatment of leukemia and lymphomas. Administration of asparaginase leads to asparagine starvation causing inhibition of protein synthesis, growth, and proliferation of tumor cells. Besides its clinical significance, the enzyme also finds application in the food sector for mitigation of a cancer-causing agent acrylamide. The numerous applications ensue huge market demands and create a continued interest in the production of costeffective, more specific, less immunogenic and stable formulations which can cater both the clinical and food processing requirements. The current review article approaches the process parameters of submerged and solid-state fermentation strategies for the microbial production of the L-asparaginase from diverse sources, genetic engineering approaches used for the production of L-asparaginase enzyme and major applications in clinical and food sectors. The review also addresses the immunological issues associated with the L-asparaginase usage and the immobilization strategies, drug delivery systems employed to circumvent the toxicity complications are also discussed. The future prospects for microbial Lasparaginase production are discussed at the end of the review article.

Application of the key characteristics of carcinogens in cancer hazard identification.

Smith et al. (Env. Health Perspect. 124: 713, 2016) identified 10 key characteristics (KCs), one or more of which are commonly exhibited by established human carcinogens. The KCs reflect the properties of a cancer-causing agent, such as ‘is genotoxic,’ ‘is immunosuppressive’ or ‘modulates receptor-mediated effects,’ and are distinct from the hallmarks of cancer, which are the properties of tumors. To assess feasibility and limitations of applying the KCs to diverse agents, methods and results of mechanistic data evaluations were compiled from eight recent IARC Monograph meetings. A systematic search, screening and evaluation procedure identified a broad literature encompassing multiple KCs for most (12/16) IARC Group 1 or 2A carcinogens identified in these meetings. Five carcinogens are genotoxic and induce oxidative stress, of which pentachlorophenol, hydrazine and malathion also showed additional KCs. Four others, including welding fumes, are immunosuppressive. The overall evaluation was upgraded to Group 2A based on mechanistic data for only two agents, tetrabromobisphenol A and tetrachloroazobenzene. Both carcinogens modulate receptor-mediated effects in combination with other KCs. Fewer studies were identified for Group 2B or 3 agents, with the vast majority (17/18) showing only one or no KCs. Thus, an objective approach to identify and evaluate mechanistic studies pertinent to cancer revealed strong evidence for multiple KCs for most Group 1 or 2A carcinogens but also identified opportunities for improvement. Further development and mapping of toxicological and biomarker endpoints and pathways relevant to the KCs can advance the systematic search and evaluation of mechanistic data in carcinogen hazard identification.

No Detection of Episomal or Integrated High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinomas among Korean Population

ObjectivesHigh-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is known to be a representative cancer-causing agent in the genital and head and neck regions. Many studies have detected hrHPV DNA in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. However, hrHPV–etiologic correlation in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma remains unclear. This study is designed to determine the prevalence of episomal or integrated hrHPV DNA in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma among the Korean population. MethodsSurgically resected nonsmall cell lung carcinoma tissues, including 134 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) and 99 cases of adenocarcinoma (ADC), were examined. In situ hybridization (ISH) for detecting episomal or integrated hrHPV DNA was performed using the INFORM HPV III Family 16 Probe (B) in the Ventana-validated assay. Anyplex II HPV28 detection kit based on real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for HPV DNA detection and genotyping. ResultsAll members of the study population were of Korean ethnicity. Episomal or integrated hrHPV DNA ISH analysis result was negative in all 233 cases. One SqCC of 89 samples (42 SqCCs and 47 ADCs) was positive for an hrHPV genotype by Anyplex II HPV28 detection kit. ConclusionOur finding did not demonstrate hrHPV–etiologic correlation in primary lung SqCC and ADC in the Korean population.

Alcohol as a Risk Factor for Cancer Burden: A Review

Alcohol is eliminated from the body by various metabolic mechanisms. The primary enzymes in such mechanism involved are alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 2E1, and catalase. Variations in the genes for these enzymes have been found to influence alcohol consumption. The consequences of alcohol metabolism include oxygen deficits (i.e., hypoxia) in the liver, resulting in the formation of harmful compounds (i.e., adducts) and highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules (i.e., reactive oxygen species) that can damage cell components. Approximately, worldwide 3.6 % of cancers derive from chronic alcohol drinking, including those of the upper aerodigestive tract, the liver, the colorectum and the breast. Although the mechanisms for alcohol-associated carcinogenesis are not completely understood, recent findings have focused on acetaldehyde, the first and most toxic ethanol metabolite, as a cancer-causing agent. Alcohol-related carcinogenesis may aggravate due to other factors such as smoking and being triggered by genetic susceptibility. Besides, the role of genetic polymorphisms of the alcohol-metabolizing enzymes could not be ruled out.

Alpharetroviral vectors: from a cancer-causing agent to a useful tool for human gene therapy.

Gene therapy using integrating retroviral vectors has proven its effectiveness in several clinical trials for the treatment of inherited diseases and cancer. However, vector-mediated adverse events related to insertional mutagenesis were also observed, emphasizing the need for safer therapeutic vectors. Paradoxically, alpharetroviruses, originally discovered as cancer-causing agents, have a more random and potentially safer integration pattern compared to gammaretro- and lentiviruses. In this review, we provide a short overview of the history of alpharetroviruses and explain how they can be converted into state-of-the-art gene delivery tools with improved safety features. We discuss development of alpharetroviral vectors in compliance with regulatory requirements for clinical translation, and provide an outlook on possible future gene therapy applications. Taken together, this review is a broad overview of alpharetroviral vectors spanning the bridge from their parental virus discovery to their potential applicability in clinical settings.

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate perturbs the expression of genes involved in immune response and lipid and steroid metabolism in chicken embryos

We previously demonstrated that in ovo exposure to the flame retardant tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) decreased plasma thyroxine levels, reduced growth parameters, and decreased gallbladder size in chicken embryos. In the current study DNA microarrays were used to evaluate global mRNA expression in liver tissue of male chicken embryos that exhibited the above mentioned effects. Injected doses were dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle control, 7.6 or 45μg TDCPP/g egg. TDCPP caused significant changes in the expression of five genes at the low dose and 47 genes at the high dose (False Discovery Rate p≤0.1, fold change≥1.5). The gene expression analysis suggested a compromised immune function, a state of cholestatic liver/biliary fibrosis, and disrupted lipid and steroid metabolism. Circulating bile acid levels were elevated, which is an indication of liver dysfunction, and plasma cholesterol levels were reduced; however, hepatic bile acid and cholesterol levels were unaltered. Interactome analyses identified apolipoprotein E, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha as key regulatory molecules involved in the effects of TDCPP. Our results demonstrate a targeted effect of TDCPP toxicity on lipid metabolism, including cholesterol, that helps explain the aforementioned phenotypic effects, as chicken embryos are highly dependent on yolk lipids for growth and maintenance throughout development. Finally, our results are in concordance with the literature that describes TDCPP as a cancer-causing agent, since the majority of dysregulated genes were involved in cancer pathways.

Study on the methods for reducing the acrylamide content in potato slices after microwaving and frying processes

Acrylamide, a neurotoxic and potential cancer-causing agent, was found in a range of fried and baked starchy foods and has caused worldwide concern. Ever since, it has been an urgent agenda to find out effective ways to limit acrylamide formation during processing. The aim of this work is to examine the effect of immersion in different solutions on the acrylamide content in potato slices after microwaving and frying. Acrylamide levels were analyzed by the HPLC method, which was confirmed by HPLC-MS/MS. The results showed that immersing potato slices in water reduced the amount of acrylamide by 8–40% after microwaving and 19–75% after frying, respectively. For microwave processing, immersion in a NaCl solution at a concentration of 0.5 g L−1 caused a considerable reduction of the acrylamide content by 96%, followed by a treatment with a CaCl2 solution of 2 g L−1 (80%) and a citric acid solution at a concentration of 1 g L−1 (58%) . For the frying process, the most effective method for acrylamide reduction was the immersion in a citric acid solution at a concentration of 1 g L−1 (77%), followed by a CaCl2 solution at a concentration of 2 g L−1 (72%) and a NaCl solution at a concentration of 0.5 g L−1 (64%). The optimal soaking treatments could effectively reduce the acrylamide content while reasonably retaining the sensory attributes of the crisps.

Sulf-2: an extracellular modulator of cell signaling and a cancer target candidate

Importance of the field: Sulf-1 and Sulf-2 are sulfatases that edit the sulfation status of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on the outside of cells and regulate a number of critical signaling pathways. The Sulfs are dysregulated in many cancers with Sulf-2 in particular implicated as a driver of carcinogenesis in NSCLC, pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.Areas covered in this review: This review describes the novel activity of the Sulfs in altering the sulfation pattern of HSPG chains on the outside of cells. Thereby, the Sulfs can change the binding of growth factors to these chains and can either promote (e.g., Wnt) or inhibit (e.g., fibroblast growth factor-2) signaling. The review focuses on the widespread upregulation of both Sulfs in cancers and summarizes the evidence that Sulf-2 promotes the transformed behavior of several types of cancer cells in vitro as well as their tumorigenicity in vivo.What the reader will gain: Sulf-2 is a bonafide candidate as a cancer-causing agent in NSCLC and other cancers in which it is upregulated.Take home message: Sulf-2 is an extracellular enzyme and as such would be an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC and other cancers.

Silsesquioxane Materials as Sun Protection Factor Ingredients and as Films for Greenhouse Covers

Using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) derived from the hydrolytic condensation of (3–methacryloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPMS), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VMS), and (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPMS), three hybrid nanofilms, f-MP (film-MPMS-POSS), f-GP and f-VP, were prepared using sol-gel and crosslinking processes. The average transparency (AT) and absorption coefficents (AC) of the films were measured in the ranges of 280-2500 nm. Two film transparency applications are described in this work: 1) The AT values of the POSS films in the range of the ultraviolet B (UV-B) spectrum (280–320 nm) (a skin cancer-causing agent) and 2) the AT values in the visible light (VIS) region (400-750 nm) and the near infrared (NIR) region (750-2500 nm) (providing crops growth energy and the improvement of the photosynthetic process efficiency). The AT values of the POSS films in the UV-B range are only about 13%, indicating these films can provide a physical barrier to block UV-B absorption by the skin, and therefore are possible POSS materials for sunscreen ingredients. The AT values in the VIS region are 95.13%, 89.16% and 91.60%, respectively, and the AT values in the near infrared (NIR) region (750-2500 nm) are 95.39%, 93.11% and 90.50%, respectively. These high AT films are good candidates for greenhouse covers. The AT values among the three films in the 280-2500nm region are different and exhibit varied selectivity for absorbed spectra due to the dissimilar sizes of organic branches covalently bonded to the silica network in the film structure.

Molecular mechanisms of alcohol-mediated carcinogenesis

Approximately 3.6% of cancers worldwide derive from chronic alcohol drinking, including those of the upper aerodigestive tract, the liver, the colorectum and the breast. Although the mechanisms for alcohol-associated carcinogenesis are not completely understood, most recent research has focused on acetaldehyde, the first and most toxic ethanol metabolite, as a cancer-causing agent. Ethanol may also stimulate carcinogenesis by inhibiting DNA methylation and by interacting with retinoid metabolism. Alcohol-related carcinogenesis may interact with other factors such as smoking, diet and comorbidities, and depends on genetic susceptibility.

Aflatoxins occurrence in milk and feed in Northern Italy during 2004–2005

Aflatoxin B 1, a common occurring type of aflatoxin in feed, is a potent cancer-causing agent. Lactating cows fed with aflatoxin-contaminated feed trasmit the toxin, as the metabolic form aflatoxin M 1, into the milk with high risk for consumers. The aim of this study is to determine the contamination degree of raw milk and feed in Valle d’Aosta region. From the beginning of 2004 to the end of 2005 samples of raw cow’s milk and cattle feed has been analysed: in 2004, the presence of aflatoxin M1 in milk and B1 in feed was higher than the maximum allowable in 1.7% of raw milk samples and in 8.1% of feed samples. In 2005 the presence of these aflatoxins are below the limits of EU regulations. The samples were analysed with an ELISA immunoassay, used as screening test, and the positive samples were confirmed by the HPLC analysis.

Acrylamide from Maillard reaction products.

The discovery of the adventitious formation of the potential cancer-causing agent acrylamide in a variety of foods during cooking has raised much concern, but the chemical mechanism(s) governing its production are unclear. Here we show that acrylamide can be released by the thermal treatment of certain amino acids (asparagine, for example), particularly in combination with reducing sugars, and of early Maillard reaction products (N-glycosides). Our findings indicate that the Maillard-driven generation of flavour and colour in thermally processed foods can -- under particular conditions -- be linked to the formation of acrylamide.