Carcinogenic potential of trans-2-hexenal is based on epigenetic effect.
BACKGROUND
Trans-2-hexenal (2-hexenal) is an alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compound protecting plants against harmful substances. Since humans have a permanent intake of 2-hexenal via vegetable products, this genotoxic and mutagenic compound is considered to play a role in human carcinogenicity.


METHODS
Ha-ras and p53 gene expression changes and tumor development were investigated in mice and rats after 2-hexenal administration.


RESULTS
2-Hexenal exposure did not result in gene expression alterations 24, 48 or 72 hours after administration while 10 out of the 72 mice and rats included in the long-term study developed a malignancy by the end of the 18-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that, although 2-hexenal showed no effect on the expression of the investigated onco- and suppressor genes, it has a marked carcinogenic potential, which may be explained only by an epigenetic effect of the compound.
Nádasi
Edit
E
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Hungary. edit.nadasi@aok.pte.hu
Varjas
Tímea
T
Pajor
László
L
Ember
István
I
D000447:Aldehydes / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000187:drug effects; D011905:Genes, ras / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008806:Mice, Inbred AKR; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D023421:Models, Animal; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
D000447:Aldehydes; D002273:Carcinogens; C051750:2-hexenal