The bioassay tests and mass spectrometry for evaluation of xenoestrogens in tuna fish

Exposure to xenoestrogens through food is a significant concern. These compounds have estrogen-like activity and lead to cell proliferation. In this study, MCF-7 cells were utilized for bioassay tests and evaluation of cell proliferation of extracts prepared from canned tuna fish. First, a pre-screening using the MTT test was done with the solid and liquid parts of the canned tuna fish. It was observed that the proliferation of cells in the solid part of canned tuna cans actually occurs in tuna meat. Therefore, this portion of canned tuna fish was selected for further studies. The binding affinity with ERα and ERβ receptors was determined through RT-qPCR, and the extract was analyzed via mass spectrometry to identify estrogenic components. The study revealed an increased cell proliferation rate upon treatment with the canned tuna fish extract. 17β-estradiol was considered as positive control. The cell proliferation rate ranged from 27 % to 36.6 % compared to 17β-estradiol. Both ERα and ERβ receptors of MCF-7 cells were stimulated almost equally in the sample extract group. Mass spectrometry analysis identified bisphenol A(BPA) and other estrogenic compounds such as phytoestrogens, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, natural and synthetic estrogen hormones. Our findings emphasize the necessity of using a combination of bioassay tests and analytical methods to carefully manage and evaluate the combined estrogenic effects of components in food samples.