Aminoazo dye-protein-adduct enhances inhibitory effect on digestibility and damages to Gastro-Duodenal-Hepatic axis

Abstract

4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB, methyl yellow, or butter yellow), a human carcinogen, has been banned for use in foods since 1988. In 2014, DAB adulteration in Tofu occurred in Taiwan. We hypothesize that DAB can form [DAB·SBP]adductadductwith soybean protein (SBP) which could damage Gastro-Duodenal-Hepatic axis. Sprague-Dawley rats gavage fed [DAB·SBP]adductadductrevealed severely reduced body weight and damaged duodenum, liver, hepatic mitochondria, and spleen. Hepatic levels of glutathione and ATP were severely reduced. Serum GOT and GPT were substantially elevated. Analysis by the adsorption isotherm clearly revealed DAB formed very stable [DAB·SBP]adductadductat 1:1 molar ration (Phase A). The equilibrium constant of this colloidal adduct[DAB·SBP]adductwas KeqA=α, behaving as gross]conjugate, with KeqC = 3.23×1-2 mg/mL, implicating a moderately strong adsorption. The in vitro pepsin digestibility test showed apparently reduced digestibility by 27% (by Ninhydrin assay) or 8% (by Bradford assay). Conclusively, this is the first report indicating that [DAB·SBP]adductpotentially is capable to damage the Gastro-Duodenal-Hepatic axis.