Tartrazine induced oxidative damage in mice liver and kidney

Abstract

Tartrazine is an azo dye which is widely used as colorant in foods, drugs and cosmetics.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tartrazine on biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers on Swiss mice. Tartrazine was administered in drinking water at doses of 0%, 0.005% and 0.05% for 90 days. Both doses of tartrazine declined the body weight gain. In contrary, high dose increased glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL, LDL/HDL and CT/HDL, transaminases, total protein (TP), total and direct bilirubin, , urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels. However, high dose of tartrazine decreased HDL, chloride, phosphorus and magnesium levels, whereas, tartrazine decreased calcium levels only in female. Both doses of tartrazine declined total antioxidant capacity. Protein carbonyls were in-creased in liver and kidney whith high dose. Liver and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased in male at low and high doses. However, liver SOD was reduced only in female at high dose. Oral administration of tartrazine affects liver and kidney functions as well as induces oxidative stress in mice. So, tartrazine consumption might be harmful to human health. It is necessary that people should be carefully consumed foods containing tartrazine.