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Accumulation of 3-Monochloro-Propanediol Esters in Kidney Tissues of Patients with Human Renal Cell Carcinoma
by
,
Che-Yuan Hu
1,†, 
Yu-An Wang
2,†,
Kai-Wei Liao
3
,
Hung-Tsung Wu
4,
Chien-Hui Ou
1,5,
Choon Hui Tan
6 and 
Wei-Ju Lee
3,* 1
Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
2
Master Program in Food Safety, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
3
School of Food Safety, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
4
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
5
Department of Urology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan 701, Taiwan
6
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Cancers 2024, 16(19), 3313; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16193313
Submission received: 31 July 2024
/
Revised: 12 September 2024
/
Accepted: 15 September 2024
/
Published: 27 September 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)
Simple Summary
3-Monochloropropanediol esters (3-MCPDEs) are process contaminants generated during food processing. Although there is no clinical evidence directly linking them to adverse health effects, concerns have been raised regarding their potential to cause renal damage and cancer. To investigate this, we analyzed the concentrations of 3-MCPDEs in kidney tissues from 68 individuals, categorized into two groups: those with kidney cancer and those without. The levels of 3-MCPDEs were quantified using a validated analytical method, with the analyst blinded to the sample origins to ensure objectivity. The results indicated that 3-MCPDE concentrations were significantly higher in the kidneys of patients with kidney cancer compared to those without cancer. However, no significant correlation was found between 3-MCPDE levels and tumor size or stage. These findings suggest that 3-MCPDEs can accumulate in human kidneys and that their levels are elevated in cancerous tissues.
Abstract
Background: 3-Monochloro-propanediol esters (3-MCPDEs), commonly found in refined edible oils and related products, have generated concerns due to their nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity, yet clinical evidence remains limited. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to assess, for the first time, the accumulation of 3-MCPDEs in human kidney tissues, focusing on 68 participants, some with and others without renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: An analytical method for 3-MCPDE determination in kidney tissues underwent partial validation to ensure its suitability for sample analysis. The analyst was blind to the sample groups. Results: Results revealed significantly higher 3-MCPDE levels in RCC patients compared to non-RCC counterparts (0.22 vs. 0.01 µg/g) (p < 0.01). Moreover, no significant correlation was found between 3-MCPDE levels and tumor stage or size in the RCC group. Conclusions: Accumulation of 3-MCPDEs in humans, with significantly higher levels was observed in kidney tumor specimens compared to non-patients. These findings suggest minimizing the intake of 3-MCPD and its esters in diets in order to reduce potential negative health impacts.
Keywords:
process contaminant; 3-MCPDEs; kidney; renal cell carcinoma; method validation
