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BACKGROUND: Heterocyclic aromatic amines are formed during thermal processing of meat and are known to be mutagenic and carcinogenic factors, while the consumption of fruit and vegetables decreases the risk of cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate if berry fruit juices, a rich source of antioxidants (polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, ascorbate), may protect DNA from damages induced by the heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4, 5-b)pyridine (PhIP). METHODS: Lymphocytes isolated from healthy volunteers were treated with 25–100 μM PhIP in the presence or absence of pressed berry juice (0.1%) from: bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rosehips (Rosa rugosa), sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), Noni (Morinda citrifolia) and Goji (Lycium barbarum). Antioxidant power, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and ascorbate concentration in juices were determined. DNA damage was measured using comet assay. RESULTS: Berry juices were not genotoxic and caused an overall significant decrease in oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by PhIP. The antioxidant properties depend on concentration of polyphenols in juice. CONCLUSIONS: Northern Hemisphere berries bear the negative effects of food mutagens. Berries as natural source of polyphenols should be recommended in daily diet for maintaining health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enrichment of diet with edible flowers as sources of antioxidants may have beneficial effect on human health. The goal of the study was to check whether the popular edible flowers can provide protection against oxidative DNA damage, which is the main risk factor of aging and initiation of carcinogenesis. The analysis included hydrolates, 40% tinctures and essential oils from edible flowers Alcea rosea, Bellis perenis, Calendula officinalis, Calluna vulgaris, Centaurea cyanus, Citrus aurantium, Heliantus annuus, Hibiscus sabdarifa, Jasminum grandiflorum, Lavandula augustifolia, Matricaria chamomilla, Primula vulgaris, Rosa centifolia, Rosa damascena, Rosa rugosa, Sambucus nigra, Tagetes patula, Trifolium pratense and Viola cornuta. Antioxidant power, polyphenol content, cytotoxicity and DNA damage level were analysed. Oxidative DNA damage was induced by hydrogen peroxide. Most of the flowers acted as chemopreventive agents. Roses, French marigold, lavender, heather, elderflower, horned pansy and cornflower can be particularly useful in protecting human DNA against oxidative damage. The best antioxidant and genoprotective properties were observed in Rosa genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of DNA damage in lymphocytes of pregnant women with respect to hormonal and nutritional status and to air pollution in Lesser Poland. The study was performed on 39 healthy pregnant women. The oxidative DNA damage, alkali-labile sites and uracil in DNA of lymphocytes were measured by using the comet assay. The concentration of 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, cholesterol, vitamin B12 and folates were determined. Dietary data were assembled from food diaries. Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Krakow using automatic pollution monitoring system provided the air pollution information, such as concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO, NO 2 , SO 2 , CO and O 3 . Many statistical correlations between DNA damage and air pollutants concentration were found however their biological meaning is still to be explained. It should be taken under consideration, that the protective effect of air pollutants is a result of hormesis, as the measured amounts of air pollutants during the study did not exceed the admissible levels. There was found no diet-and air pollution interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]