Comparative effects of eight varieties of blackberry on mutagenesis

Diets containing large amounts of fruits and vegetables are known to decrease the probability of developing cancer. The chemical composition of fruits can vary with their genetic characteristics and the environmental conditions under which they are cultivated. Because of this variability, different varieties of the same fruit could be expected to have different effects on processes leading to carcinogenesis. Blackberries have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic potential. Since somatic mutations play a major role in the initiation and progression of cancer, we have compared eight varieties of blackberry grown under the same conditions for their abilities to inhibit carcinogen-induced mutagenesis. Using the Ames assay, we have measured the effects of each of the eight varieties on: 1) mutation induction by 2-amino anthracene (2AA), 2) mutation induction by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and 3) cell survival. All varieties were found to strongly suppress 2AA mutagenesis, but have minimal effect on MMS mutagenesis.Experiments were performed with berry juice and with homogenized berries. In addition, berries extracts were acidified to-simulate changes which might be caused by the digestive process.