Hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide in human blood – What has been done and what is next?

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology Vol. 161; p. 112799
• Main Authors: Pedersen, Marie, Vryonidis, Efstathios, Joensen, Andrea, Törnqvist, Margareta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2022
• Subjects: Acrylamide; Acrylamide - blood; Biomarker; Diet; Exposure; Food Contamination; Hemoglobin adducts; Hemoglobins - chemistry; Humans; Risk Factors; Smoking; Acrylamide; Biomarker; Exposure; Diet; Hemoglobin adducts
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112799

Acrylamide forms in many commonly consumed foods. In animals, acrylamide causes tumors, neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive effects. Acrylamide crosses the placenta and has been associated with restriction of intrauterine growth and certain cancers. The impact on human health is poorly understood and it is impossible to say what level of dietary exposure to acrylamide can be deemed safe as the assessment of exposure is uncertain. The determination of hemoglobin (Hb) adducts from acrylamide is increasingly being used to improve the exposure assessment of acrylamide. We aim to outline the literature on Hb adduct levels from acrylamide in humans and discuss methodological issues and research gaps. A total of 86 studies of 27,966 individuals from 19 countries were reviewed. Adduct levels were highest in occupationally exposed individuals and smokers. Levels ranged widely from 3 to 210 pmol/g Hb in non-smokers from the general population and this wide range suggests that dietary exposure to acrylamide varies largely. Non-smokers from the US and Canada had slightly higher levels as compared with non-smokers from elsewhere, but differences within studies were larger than between studies. Large studies with exposure assessment of acrylamide and related adduct forming compounds from diet during early-life are encouraged for the evaluation of health effects.
•We reviewed 86 studies on Hb adducts from acrylamide measured in 27,966 humans from 19 countries.•Adduct levels were highest in occupationally exposed individuals and smokers.•The adduct levels were on average three-fold higher in smokers as compared to non-smokers.•The wide adduct range in non-smokers suggests that dietary acrylamide exposure can be reduced.•Studies on health effects of early-life exposure to acrylamide and related exposures are needed.