Accumulation of ethoxyquin in the tissue

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacokinetics

Background:

• Ethoxyquin (EQ) is a synthetic antioxidant used in animal feed.
• Understanding EQ residue levels and its biological effects in tissues is crucial for food safety and animal health.
• Previous studies have indicated potential impacts of EQ on liver function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine Ethoxyquin (EQ) residue levels in various mouse tissues after dietary administration.
• To investigate the effects of EQ on liver weight and hepatic glutathione levels, including mitochondrial glutathione.
• To establish a quantitative method for EQ residue analysis in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed diets containing 0, 0.125, or 0.5% EQ HCl for up to 14 weeks.
• Tissue samples (liver, kidney, lung, brain) were analyzed using HPLC-fluorometric detection.
• Homogenization, centrifugation, and layer separation preceded the analysis of EQ residue levels.

Main Results:

• EQ residue levels varied across tissues, with significant accumulation observed in liver and brain.
• Mice receiving EQ showed significantly increased relative liver weight and hepatic glutathione levels compared to controls.
• The higher EQ feeding group exhibited approximately twofold higher mean hepatic mitochondrial glutathione levels after 14 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Dietary Ethoxyquin (EQ) leads to measurable residue levels in mouse tissues.
• EQ administration significantly impacts liver weight and elevates both hepatic and mitochondrial glutathione levels.
• The HPLC-fluorometric method provides a reliable means for quantifying EQ residues in biological tissues.