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Food Color Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Rats, Rattus norvegicus.
1Department of Zoology, Bareilly College, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Toxicology International
|February 11, 2016
Summary
Consumption of azo food dyes like tartrazine, metanil yellow, and sunset yellow causes liver damage in rats. These food colors significantly alter liver function and antioxidant defenses, indicating potential hepatotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Hepatology
- Food Science
Background:
- Dietary constituents can cause toxicity and hepatic disorders.
- Azo dyes such as tartrazine, metanil yellow, and sunset yellow are common food additives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hepatotoxicity induced by a blend of common azo food dyes.
- To assess the impact of these dyes on liver function and oxidative stress in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Swiss albino rats were administered varying doses of a blend of sunset yellow, metanil yellow, and tartrazine for 30 days.
- Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by analyzing serum biochemical markers (total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase), oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase), and liver tissue morphology.
Main Results:
- Treated rats showed significantly elevated serum total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and hepatic malondialdehyde levels.
- Significantly decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase were observed in the liver tissue of treated animals.
- Histopathological examination revealed liver alterations including hepatocyte necrosis, infiltration, and vacuolation.
Conclusions:
- The consumption of azo food dyes induces significant liver tissue damage.
- The tested doses of food colors are linked to hepatocellular damage and a compromised antioxidant defense system.
