Ah receptor agonist activity in frequently consumed food items

Wilhelm Johan de Waard (1) , Jac M.M.J.G. Aarts (2) , Ad A.C.M. Peijnenburg (3) , Theo M.C.M. de Kok (4) , Frederik-Jan van Schooten (4) , Ron Laurentius Hoogenboom (5)

1 Safety Medicines and Teratology
2 Toxicology
3 RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety
4 Maastricht University [Maastricht]
5 Safety and Health

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) receives much attention for its role in the toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. However, also many other compounds have been reported to bind and activate the AhR, of which natural food components are of special interest from a human health perspective. Using the DR CALUX® bioassay, we screened extracts from many food items, frequently consumed in The Netherlands, to estimate the intake of natural AhR-agonists (NAhRAs). Using the prototypical AhR-agonist TCDD as standard, we estimated that the daily intake of NAhRAs may be considerably higher than the reported intake of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. Potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, bread, hamburgers and grapefruit juice contained most NAhRAs. Food preparation and acid treatment can show a significant effect on the AhR-activation. Interaction of natural and xenobiotic AhR-agonists should be taken into account when performing risk-benefit analysis of both types of compounds.

Mots clés: Life Sciences

Wilhelm Johan de Waard, Jac M.M.J.G. Aarts, Ad A.C.M. Peijnenburg, Theo M.C.M. de Kok, Frederik-Jan van Schooten, et al.. Ah receptor agonist activity in frequently consumed food items. Food Additives and Contaminants, 2008, 25 (06), pp.779-787. ⟨10.1080/02652030701798880⟩. ⟨hal-00577440⟩