Formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts in peripheral white blood cells during consumption of charcoal-broiled beef

The effect of ingesting charcoal-broiled (CB) beef on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adduct levels in nucleated peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) was examined in four healthy, non-smoking males who consumed an average of 280 g CB beef daily for 7 days. PAH-DNA adducts were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. During the week of CB beef consumption, two individuals exhibited a 3- to 6-fold increase in PAH-DNA adducts above baseline levels observed during the month prior to CB beef consumption. In contrast, PAH-DNA adduct levels in the two other subjects did not increase. Thus, dietary sources of PAH can contribute to the PAH-DNA adduct load in peripheral WBCs in some individuals.