Increasing fish consumption does not affect genotoxicity markers in the colon in an intervention study

Carcinogenesis. 2010 Jun;31(6):1087-91. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgp255. Epub 2009 Oct 27.

Abstract

Observational studies suggest that fish consumption is associated with a decreased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A possible mechanism by which fish could reduce CRC risk is by decreasing colonic genotoxicity. However, concerns have also been raised over the levels of toxic compounds found in mainly oil-rich fish, which could increase genotoxicity. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the effects of fish on genotoxicity markers in the colon in a randomized controlled parallel intervention study. For a period of 6 months, subjects were randomly allocated to receive two extra weekly portions of (i) oil-rich fish (salmon), (ii) lean fish (cod) or (iii) just dietary advice (DA). The Comet Assay was used to measure the DNA damage-inducing potential of fecal water (n = 89) and DNA damage in colonocytes (n = 70) collected pre- and post-intervention as markers of genotoxicity. Genotoxicity of fecal water was not markedly changed after fish consumption: 1.0% increase in tail intensity (TI) [95% confidence interval (CI) -5.1; 7.0] in the salmon group and 0.4% increase in TI (95% CI -5.3; 6.1) in the cod group compared with the DA group. DNA damage in colonocytes was also not significantly changed after fish consumption, in either the salmon group (-0.5% TI, 95% CI -6.9; 6.0) or cod group (-3.3% TI, 95% CI -10.8; 4.3) compared with the DA group. Measurements of genotoxicity of fecal water and DNA damage in colonocytes did not correlate (r = 0.06, n = 34). In conclusion, increasing consumption of either oil-rich or lean fish did not affect genotoxicity markers in the colon.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Colon / chemistry*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Comet Assay
  • DNA Damage
  • Diet*
  • Fishes*
  • Mutagens / analysis*
  • Seafood*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Mutagens