Protective effects of coffee against induction of DNA damage and pre‐neoplastic foci by aflatoxin B₁

Abstract

All brews reduced the frequencies of the hepatic foci. The most pronounced protection (reduction 82%) was seen with the caffeine containing metal and paper filtered brews. DNA migration was reduced between 65 and 75% with the caffeine containing brews. In additional experiments, clear protective effects were found with caffeine at dose levels that corresponded to those contained in the coffee. This observation indicates that the alkaloid accounts partly for the protective effects of coffee. Furthermore, our findings indicate that induction of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase contributes to the chemopreventive effects of coffee since all brews increased the activity of this detoxifying enzyme.

Potential Mechanisms Underlying the Role of Coffee in Liver Health

“…97 Ten studies on whole coffee consumption in relation to hepatic carcinogenesis were conducted, [99][100][101][102] of which six specifically looked into tumor morphology. [103][104][105][106][107][108] Only Hasegawa et al found no difference in the frequency and location of diethylnitrosamine-induced tumors in coffeetreated rats. 103 All other studies found either reduced tumor frequency or size upon coffee consumption in rats with endogenously or exogenously induced carcinogenesis.…”

“…103 All other studies found either reduced tumor frequency or size upon coffee consumption in rats with endogenously or exogenously induced carcinogenesis. [104][105][106][107][108] Furtado et al identified higher expression of proapoptotic Bax proteins in rats treated with instant coffee or caffeine, suggesting apoptosis-mediated protection against liver carcinogenesis. 107 This apoptosis-mediated hypothesis was supported by a preceding in vivo/in vitro study on rats implanted with a hepatoma cell line treated with instant CC.…”

“…In addition, the number of liver foci decreased with 82% in CC-treated mice as compared with only 57% in DC-treated mice. 106 Two studies specifically examined the effect of caffeine on liver carcinogenesis and found a protective effect in terms of hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and number of lesions. 109,110 Of note, mortality rate was slightly higher in the caffeine-treated group as compared with the control group, suggesting a possible toxic effect of caffeine itself.…”

Coffee provides a natural multitarget pharmacopeia against the hallmarks of cancer

“…By analyzing the effects of the consumption of coffee by rats, Ferk et al (2014) noticed that coffee consumption prevents DNA damage and that this protective effect is stronger when the coffee is prepared using a metal filter, which releases more caffeine, cafestol and kahweol (Fig. 1).…”

An insight towards anticancer potential of major coffee constituents

“…Nikitina et al suggested improved capacity to repair DNA damage by the intake of high levels of caffeinated coffee. Similarly, Ferk et al reported a reduction in hepatic tissue DNA damage by caffeine at a dose corresponding to the dose present in the coffee. Chlorogenic acid has also been noted as potential DNA protective agent .…”