Assessments of Mutagenic and Genotoxic Effects of Noodles using Salmonella Typhimurium and Caenorhabditis Elegans as a Model Organism

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25103.021

Keywords:

Noodle, Seasoning, Genotoxic, Mutagenic, Ames test, Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt:

  • Seasoning powders showed weak mutagenicity at high doses in the Ames test (MI > 1).
  • High doses impaired C. elegans movement, growth, and reproduction.
  • C. elegans is a valid model for testing dietary effects on reproduction.
  • Noodles alone were non-genotoxic; seasoning posed mild genetic/reproductive risks.

Full Abstract:

Instant noodles are consumed globally in billions of servings, yet limited attention has been given to their potential genetic and reproductive toxicity.  This study aimed to assess the mutagenicity of raw and cooked noodles and their associated seasonings.  The study employed both in vitro and in vivo approaches, utilizing the Ames test on Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 to assess mutagenicity, while Caenorhabditis elegans served as a model organism for in vivo genotoxicity tests.  Noodles with their associated seasonings from two frequent brands in Jos North, Nigeria, were tested at various concentrations, with mutagenicity evaluated through revertant colony counts and genotoxicity assessed via the worms' survival and reproduction.  Data were analyzed using the Mutagenicity Index (MI) for the Ames test, with a threshold of MI ≥ 2 indicating significant mutagenic potential.  The Ames test, conducted on Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100, revealed no significant mutagenic activity in the raw noodles or with different cooking methods (Mutagenicity Index [MI] < 1). However, seasonings from the two brands demonstrated weak mutagenic activity at higher concentrations (MI > 1 with metabolic activation).  In C. elegans, the noodles had no adverse impact on survival or reproduction, but seasonings significantly impaired movement, growth, and reproduction at high doses.  These findings suggest that the noodles assessed may be safe for consumption, though high levels of certain seasoning components could pose reproductive or genetic risks.  The study underscores the need for further investigations, recommending stricter regulatory scrutiny of food additives and encouraging manufacturers to minimize harmful compounds in seasonings.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alabi, O. A., Esan, E. B., Odunukan, O. C., & Shokunbi, O. S. (2014). Assessment of the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of Indomie noodle seasoning using bacterial (Salmonella) reverse mutation and SOS Chromo tests. Journal of Innovative Biology, 1(4), 210–214. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270274960

Ames, B. N., Lee, F. D., & Durston, W. E. (1973). An improved bacterial test system for the detection and classification of mutagens and carcinogens. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 70(3), 782–786. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.70.3.782

BusinessDay NG. (2024, July 14). Nigeria now among top 10 global noodle consumers. BusinessDay. https://businessday.ng/new/article/Nigeria-now-among-top-10-global-noodle-consumers

Charles, I. A., Ogbolosingha, A. J., & Afia, I. U. (2024). Heavy metals and PAHs in instant noodles consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(15), 18205–18216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-18205-9

Diniz, Y. S., Fernandes, A. A., Campo, K. E., Mani, F., Ribas, B. O., & Novelli, E. L. (2004). Toxicity of hypercaloric diet and monosodium glutamate: Oxidative stress and metabolic shifting in hepatic tissue. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 42, 319–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2003.09.006

Fardet, A. (2016). Minimally processed foods are more satiating and less hyperglycemic than ultra-processed foods: A preliminary study with 98 ready-to-eat foods. Food & Function, 7(5), 2338–2346. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6FO00107F

Jewett, E., Arnott, G., Connolly, L., Vasudevan, N., & Kevei, E. (2022). Microplastics and their impact on reproduction—Can we learn from the C. elegans model? Frontiers in Toxicology, 4, Article 748912. https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2022.748912

Joseph, A., Edet, U., Asanga, E., Udoeyop, F. A., Ubi, B. I., Bebia, G., Akindele, A. F. I., Odu, R., & Nwaokorie, F. (2024). Spice-induced metal contamination and microbiological risk assessment of instant noodles prepared for human consumption. Biological Trace Element Research, 202(10), 4787–4801. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-023-04018-y

Khudhur, P. K., Hajee, S. I., AbdulKareem, S. M., & Rahman, L. Q. (2021). Evaluation of hemato-biochemical parameters, body and organ weight, and reproductive profile changes in response to receiving different levels of Indomie noodles in albino rats. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Special Issue 2, 195–202. https://doi.org/10.36468/pharmaceutical-sciences.spl.239

Kirkland, D., Aardema, M., Henderson, L., & Müller, L. (2005). Evaluation of the ability of a battery of three in vitro genotoxicity tests to discriminate rodent carcinogens and non-carcinogens I. Sensitivity, specificity and relative predictivity. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 584(1–2), 1–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrgentox.2005.10.002

Kubo, T., Urano, K., & Utsumi, H. (2002). Mutagenicity characteristics of 255 environmental chemicals. Journal of Health Science, 48(6), 545–554. https://doi.org/10.1248/jhs.48.545

Leung, M. C. K., Williams, P. L., Benedetto, A., Au, C., Helmcke, K. J., Aschner, M., & Meyer, J. N. (2008). Caenorhabditis elegans: An emerging model in biomedical and environmental toxicology. Toxicological Sciences, 106(1), 5–28. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfn121

Li, J., Dai, L., Feng, Y., Cao, Z., Ding, Y., Xu, H., Wang, J., & Zhao, M. (2024). Multigenerational effects and mutagenicity of three flame retardants on germ cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 269, 115815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115815

Marketing Edge. (2017). Battle of noodles brands over market share. http://www.marketingedge.com.ng/2017/01/27/battle-of-noodle-brands-over-market-share

Maron, D. M., & Ames, B. N. (1983). Revised methods for the Salmonella mutagenicity test. Mutation Research, 113(3), 173–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1161(83)90010-9

Ning, Z., Zhang, H., Wang, X., Liu, Y., & Gao, W. (2024). Trans-generational neurotoxicity and oxidative stress response in C. elegans exposed to TBBPA. Environmental Science & Technology, 58(9), 4127–4136. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c10560

Obi, O. Y., Ezeokeke, B. N., & Oti, K. C. (2023). Heavy metal concentration and human health risk assessment of seasoning powders sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific and Healthcare Research, 8(2), 98–106. https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20230212

Oforofuo, I. A., Onakewhor, J. U., & Idaewor, P. E. (1997). The effects of chronic administration of MSG on the adult Wistar rat testes. Journal of Bioscience Research Communications, 9, 6–15. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=442432

Onakewhor, J. U., Oforofuo, I. A., & Singh, S. P. (1998). Chronic administration of monosodium glutamate induces oligozoospermia and glycogen accumulation in Wistar rat testes. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2, 190–197. https://www.ajrh.info/index.php/ajrh/article/view/1048

Onyema, O. O., Farombi, E. O., Emerole, G. O., Ukoha, A. I., & Onyeze, G. O. (2006). Effects of vitamin E on monosodium glutamate-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 43, 20–24. https://doi.org/10.1191/0960327106ht621oa

Rao, S. S., & Lifshitz, R. (1995). The Muta-ChromoPlate method for measuring mutagenicity of environmental samples and pure chemicals. Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality, 10, 307–313. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.2530100412

Sanni, M. E., Emmanuel, D., Friday, T., Abbah, O. C., & Ogala, E. (2013). Effects of chronic administration of Indomie noodles on the activity of alanine aminotransferase of rat kidney. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, 30(30), S65–S71. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2175354

Singh, P., Mann, K. A., Mangat, H. K., & Kaur, G. (2003). Prolonged glutamate excitotoxicity: Effects on mitochondrial antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 243, 139–145. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021668314070

Stang, W. J. (1980). NEIC microbial bioassay for toxic and hazardous materials (Ames test for mutagenicity) (EPA-330/9-80-002). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-54596-2_200444

Uti, O. G., Eweti, Z. V., Adah, J., & Eseigbe, P. (2023). Spice-induced metal contamination and microbiological risk in instant noodles. Journal of Food Protection, 86(11), 1203–1212. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.12034

World Instant Noodles Association. (2016). Global demand of instant noodles: Top 15. https://instantnoodles.org/en/common_en/pdf/EN_MARKET_VOLUME_3LG_A4_2016.pdf

Wu, Z., Wang, L., Chen, W., Wang, Y., Cui, K., Chen, W., Liu, J., Jin, H., & Zhou, Z. (2024). Reproductive toxicity and multi/transgenerational effects of emerging pollutants on C. elegans. Toxics, 12(785). https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110785

Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Musa, U. U., & Onwuliri, E. A. (2025). Assessments of Mutagenic and Genotoxic Effects of Noodles using Salmonella Typhimurium and Caenorhabditis Elegans as a Model Organism. UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR), 10(3), 198–206. https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25103.021