We mentioned in the intro post to BHT and BHA that both antioxidants may be significantly harmful carcinogens. In this post, we will look into that claim more in-depth by observing test results from multiple experiments.
Tests have been done for years to find a consistent effect of these two antioxidants but there have been no consistent results. BHT and BHA's carcinogenicity remains a controversy.
Here are a few results found in two separate experiments (as presented by the abstracts):
- Experiment testing cytotoxicity* and apoptosis**-inducing activity of
BHA, BHT, the two mixed in a 1:1 ratio, and BMP (2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol)
using human promeylocytic leukemia cell lines and human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines as test subjects instead of the usual rats.
Results: Decrease in cytotoxic concentration (less cytotoxic) in order of BHA,BHT > BHA+BHT mix > BMP
Inserting reactive intermediates showed to enhance cytotoxicity; antioxidants reacted with them, oxidized and produced cytotoxic radicals.
- Experiment testing effects of added BHA and BHT (separately tested) to the diet of rats.
Results: BHA induced high incidences of papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma of the forestomachs. Enhanced carcinogenesis in the forestomach and urinary bladder in two-stage carcinogenesis. Inhibited carcinogenesis in the liver. (sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity)
BHT not found to be carcinogenic. Enhanced the induction of urinary bladder tumors and inhibited that of liver tumors in two-stage carcinogenesis. Had no effect on carcinogenesis in the forestomach. Could be a promoter of thyroid carcinogenesis.
We will look at further significant and relevant studies as well as the science behind how these harmful radicals are produced when BHT/BHA reacts with another substance.
* cytotoxicity - the degree to which something is toxic to living cells
** apoptosis - a cell suicide mechanism
No comments:
Post a Comment