Adduction of biomacromolecules with acrylamide (AA) in mice at environmental dose levels studied by accelerator mass spectrometry

Since 2002, WHO has strongly called scientists to investigate intensively the toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of acrylamide (AA), because humans are widely exposed to AA via various foodstuffs. In this study we measured the biomacromolecule adducts of [2,3-14C]AA (0, 7.5 × 10−2, 7.5 × 10−1, 7.5, 9.3 × 101, 2.4 × 102 and 1.0 × 103 μg/kg b.w.) in adult male mice by ultrasensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) technique. The aim is to evaluate the potential molecular toxicity of AA at human relevant dose levels, particularly towards the sperm cells. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin (SA), protamine, sperm DNA, tails and heads were isolated 24 h post dosing and the adduct levels were measured by AMS, respectively. Good log/log linear dose–response correlations were established. Moreover, the correlation of AA–protamine adducts, AA–sperm DNA adducts, as well as AA–sperm head/tail adducts with AA–Hb or AA–SA adducts presented a linear log/log mode. In sperm, the formation of AA–protamine adducts were predominating to AA–DNA adducts. The adducts on sperm heads/tails might both influence the fertility efficacy.