Intestinal Tumor Development in C57BL/6J-ApcMin/+ Mice Expressing Human Sulphotransferases 1A1 and 1A2 After Oral Exposure to 2,5-Dimethylfuran

Abstract

Background: 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) is formed during heating of foods. Following side chain hydroxylation, DMF could be a substrate for human sulphotransferases (SULTs), which may lead to formation of a DNA reactive electrophile. Only few conflicting in vitro and no in vivo studies on DMF currently exist.

Materials and methods: The tumorigenic potential of DMF was studied in multiple intestinal neoplasia Apc(Min/+) (Min) mice that are sensitive to intestinal carcinogenesis and express hSULTs 1A1 and 1A2 (Min/hSULT). Min and Min/hSULT mice were orally exposed to DMF for six weeks.

Results: The intestinal tumor development of untreated female Min/hSULT mice was significantly lower compared to that of untreated Min females. No such effects of hSULTs were seen in males. DMF had a weak tumorigenic potential in the colon of female Min/hSULT mice, but not in males. Tumor development in Min mice was not affected.

Conclusion: Overall, the tumorigenic potential of DMF in a metabolically competent mouse model was not convincing.

Keywords: 2,5-Dimethylfuran; Min mice; SULT; human sulphotransferases; tumorigenicity.