Young Male Albino Rats Research Articles

Safflower Improves Memory, Learning, and Behavior in Rats Subjected to Sleep Deprivation.

Sleep is a physiological process that provides the body with a window for recovery and restoration. Intriguingly, even short-term sleep deprivation can impair brain memory, emotional capacity, information processing, and attention. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has been shown to attenuate memory loss and improve anxiety and depression. This study aims to study the possible therapeutic effect of safflower on sleep deprivation-dependent effects on memory and behavior. Thirty young male Wistar albino rats were acclimatized, trained, and then assigned to three random groups: control (C), sleep-deprived (SD), and sleep-deprived Safflower-treated (SD+Sf) groups. Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) tests were used to study spatial memory and learningand anxiety-related behavior, respectively, in the study groups. There was a significant deterioration in learning and memory, as tested by the MWM in the SD group, compared to the C group. This included prolonged test duration, reduced average speed, and longer travel distance. Treatment with safflower significantly improved MWM test performance in the SD+Sf group when compared to the SD group. When compared to the C group, rats in the SD group demonstrated altered EPM test parameters suggestive of anxiety-like behavior. These included spending more time in the closed arms, spending less time in the open arms, and having fewer entries in the open arms. Rats in the SD+Sf group showed improved EPM test parameters when compared to the SD group. Safflower significantly ameliorated sleep deprivation induced by memory loss and altered behavior. Safflower supplementation may provide potential memory-enhancing and preserving, anxiolytic, and antidepressant therapeutic roles.

Morin Prevents Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis in Obese Rats by Targeting the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARα).

Obesity has become a widespread issue globally. Morin, a flavonoid with traditional use in managing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental studies. This research aims to explore the anti-obesity potential of morin in rats subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) and investigate whether its effects are mediated through PPARα regulation. Young adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/group): normal, morin (50 mg/kg/BWT, oral), HFD, and HFD + morin (50 mg/kg/BWT, oral). Treatments were administered daily for 17 consecutive weeks. Morin mitigated the elevation in glucose levels and decreased fasting glucose and insulin levels, along with the HOMA-IR index, in HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, morin reduced calorie intake, final body weights, and the masses of subcutaneous, epididymal, peritoneal, and mesenteric fat in these rats. It also attenuated the rise in systolic blood pressure in HFD-fed rats and decreased serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acids, LDL-c, and leptin, while increasing levels of HDL-c and adiponectin in both normal and HFD-fed rats. Moreover, morin restored normal liver structure and reduced fat vacuole accumulation in HFD-fed rats. Notably, it upregulated mRNA levels of PPARα in the livers and white adipose tissue of both normal and HFD-fed rats. These findings suggest the potential use of morin to enhance fatty acid oxidation in white adipose tissue and mitigate obesity, warranting further clinical investigation into its therapeutic applications.

In a rodent model of autism, probiotics decrease gut leakiness in relation to gene expression of GABA receptors: Emphasize how crucial the gut-brain axis.

Rodent models may help investigations on the possible link between autism spectrum disorder and increased permeability of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract since autistic patients frequently manifested GI troubles as comorbidities. Forty young male western Albino rats, weighing approximately 60-70 g and aged 3-4 weeks, were used. In each of the six experimental groups, eight animals were treated as follows. The mice in the control group (I) received phosphate-buffered saline orally. For 3 days, the animals in the propionic acid (PPA)-treated groups (II and III) were given an oral neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight each day). Group II was euthanized after 3 days; however, Group III was left alive to be euthanized alongside the other groups. The animals were kept at 22 ± 1°C and allowed to access water and normal food as needed. Identical dosages of PPA were given to the rats in the three treatment groups (IV, V, and VI), and for 3 weeks, they were given the following treatments: 0.2 g/kg body weight of pure Bifidobacterium infantis, a probiotic mixture of PROTEXIN®, Somerset, UK and pure Lactobacillus bulgaricus, respectively. The six groups underwent measurements of serum zonulin and occludin as variables associated with leaky gut, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and catalase as oxidative stress-related variables, with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor gene expression. This study demonstrated the potential effects of pure or mixed probiotics in lowering zonulin and occludin as markers of increased intestinal permeability, enhancing GABA receptor expression, and reducing oxidative stress as neurotoxic effects of PPA. This study demonstrates that various probiotics protect gut barrier function and could be used to alleviate increased intestinal permeability caused by oxidative stress and impaired GABA signaling as a result of PPA neurotoxicity, addressing the clinical implications of probiotic supplements.

Effect of aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria (Linn) on aging-induced inflammation and its associated left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis in the rat.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the ameliorative potential of the aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria (IT) in aging-induced inflammation and its associated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Young (3-month-old) and aged (24-26-month-old) male Wistar albino rats were grouped into young control, aged control, aged + IT, and young + IT. The animals in the supplementary groups received 200mg/kg BWT of aqueous extract of IT orally once a day for 21days. Aged animals showed prolonged QT interval and increased weight and volume of the heart with a thickening ventricular wall. Infiltration of leukocytes and increased cardiomyocyte diameter and decreased numerical density along with cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased collagen accumulation were also seen in aged myocardium when compared to the young. The expression profile of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NFκB, and iNOS was increased with a concomitant reduction in IL-10 expression in the aged compared to the young. In addition, a marked increase in ROS generation, TGF-β, and α-SMA levels is evident in the aged myocardium. These pathological changes were greatly reversed in aged animals supplemented with IT. Furthermore, the aged + IT group showed repression of pro-inflammatory markers with a subsequent increase in IL-10 expression. Contrarily, no marked changes were observed between young and young + IT groups. Taken together, it is concluded that the aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria suppresses cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy by repressing the inflammation and its associated activation of TGFβ and myofibroblast conversion.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Melatonin and n-Acetylcysteine in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Adult Rats.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to apply histopathological and immunohistochemical methods to compare the protective efficacy of melatonin and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) application in rats with experimental brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced through occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and to evaluate the protective effect of their combined use. Materials and Methods: Forty-one young adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups-control (n = 8), I/R group (n = 8), melatonin (n = 8), NAC (n = 8), and melatonin + NAC (n = 9). Results: All scores differed between the groups, apart from vascular congestion (p < 0.05). At two-way comparisons, all histological scores were significantly higher in the I/R group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No change occurred in the vascular congestion scores with the administration of melatonin, although decreases were determined in all other scores. These decreases were statistically significant for cellular eosinophilic pyknotic degeneration, vacuolization, and edema (p < 0.05). All histopathological scores in the group administered NAC together with melatonin were significantly lower than in the I/R group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The combined use of NAC and melatonin, the neuroprotective efficacy of which on histopathological parameters is shown in this study, now needs to be supported by further research.

Histological Evaluation of the Possible Ameliorative Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitor versus ACE Inhibitor on Podocytes Following Unilateral Nephrectomy in Young Male Albino Rats

Histological Evaluation of the Possible Ameliorative Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitor versus ACE Inhibitor on Podocytes Following Unilateral Nephrectomy in Young Male Albino Rats

Histological Study of the Possible Protective Effect of Spirulina platensis on Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)-induced Pulmonary Alveolar Changes in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Phthalates are known to be major environmental hazards. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a commonly used phthalate ester, is present in a variety of products. Humans can be exposed to DBP from various sources, which can release it into biological fluids and cause various health problems by penetrating different tissues in the body. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DBP on pulmonary alveoli in rats and to assess the mitigating influence of S. platensis. Methods: The study involved 30 young adult male albino rats, which were divided into 3 groups (n = 10 each): control, group II (rats treated with phthalate ester (DBP; 50 mg/kg body weight/day)), and group III (Spirulina-protected animals given phthalate ester (DBP; 50 mg/kg body weight + Spirulina (200 mg/kg body weight/day)). Results: The study revealed that alveolar tissues in the groups treated with DBP showed significant increases in collagen deposition and inflammatory cellular infiltration. Furthermore, the numbers of type-II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages were significantly increased. However, most of these effects were ameliorated by Spirulina platensis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Spirulina may have potentially beneficial effects on pulmonary alveoli by mitigating the toxic effects of DBP.

Effect of Rosemary Extract on Some Internal Organs of Young Male Albino Rats: A Histological Study

Background: "Rosmarinus officinalis"( rosemary) is a natural herb that is used by humans for the treatment of many conditions. The extract of this plant has been used as an antioxidant to improve memory, stimulate hair growth, treat asthma, treat gastric ulcers, and even, some time ago, prevent and treat cancer. Aim: This work was performed to study the effect of different doses of rosemary extract on some internal organs of young albino rats whose mothers were treated with rosemary extract throughout the lactation period (21 days). Methods: The animals were classified into three groups: the first was regarded as the control, in which mothers received no treatment, while mothers in the second and third groups were treated orally with rosemary aqueous extract (prepared by using leaves of this plant) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. At the end of the study, the young male rats from different groups were sacrificed, and their livers, kidneys, and testes were prepared for histological examination. Results: The physical and histological assessment of the offspring showed that treatment of lactating mothers with a high dose of rosemary extract (1000 mg/kg) affected the health of their young infants as they failed to gain weight and revealed some atrophic and degenerative changes in their liver and kidney, while the germinal epithelium of the testis is restricted to the spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte with a significant reduction in Leydig cells number compared to other groups. Conclusion: The research concluded that a high dose of rosemary extract, rather than a modest dose, can affect the health of young infants whose mothers were treated with this extract during lactation, so this plant has teratogenicity and should be avoided by humans during pregnancy and lactation.

Effect of acute and chronic administration of hot water extract of P. Americana on some metabolic parameters in diabetic rats

The challenge of comorbid diseases and especially their management. Posing greater challenge are phytomedical approach without proper scientific testing and more also paucity of modern equipment for research and funding. The need to authenticate medicinal herbs used in the management of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as one of the common metabolic diseases becomes imperative. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of acute and chronic administration of hot water extract of P. americana on some metabolic parameters in diabetic rats. Thirty young adult healthy male albino rats (wistar strain) weighing between 205-251 g were made diabetic by administration of 80 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The animals were divided into two equal groups of 15 rats each, singly placed in metabolic cages for the acute and chronic treatments studies. The rats were further divided into three groups of 5 animals each and treated with different concentrations of stem-bark hot water extract of Persea americana (HWE-PA) and distilled water while the body weight, food intake, faecal output, water intake and urine output were measured and recorded daily for a period of 5 days for the acute and 28 days for the chronic treatments. Results showed a higher percentage change in body weights, higher food intake and faecal output and lower values in water intake and urine output in both acute and chronic administration of HWE-PA to STZ-induced hyperglycaemic rats compared to the control groups. Both acute and chronic administration of Hot water extract of the stem-bark animals extracts of Persea americana (HWE-PA) presented antidiabetic activity STZ-induced hyperglycaemic rats as evident its ameliorating effect on the body weight, food intake, faecal output, water intake and urine output in STZ-induced hyperglycaemic rats, thus supports its phytomedicine use as an antidiabetic agent.

Effects of Junk Food and Carbonated Soft Drinks on Body Mass Index and Histological Structure of Anterior Pituitary Gland in Young Male Albino Rats

Effects of Junk Food and Carbonated Soft Drinks on Body Mass Index and Histological Structure of Anterior Pituitary Gland in Young Male Albino Rats

Probiotic Ameliorating Effects of Altered GABA/Glutamate Signaling in a Rodent Model of Autism.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of pathological conditions, mainly of genetic origin, characterized by stereotyped behavior, such as marked impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, social skills, and cognition. Excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalances have been recorded as an etiological mechanism of ASD. Furthermore, GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in adult life, is known to be much lower in both patients and rodent models of ASD. We propose correcting GABA signaling as a therapeutic strategy for ASD. In this study, 40 young male western Albino rats, 3–4 weeks in age, weighing about 60–70 g, were used. The animals were randomly assigned into six experimental groups, each including eight rats. Group I served as the control group and was orally administered phosphate-buffered saline. Groups II and III served as rodent models of ASD and were orally administered a neurotoxic dose of propionic acid (PPA). The rats in the three therapeutic groups (IV, V, and IV) received the same doses of PPA, followed by 0.2 g/kg body weight of pure Bifidobacterium infantis, a probiotic mixture of ProtexinR, and pure Lactobacillus bulgaricus, respectively, for 3 weeks. Selected variables related to oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, and gut bacteria were measured in the six groups. Both pure and mixed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were effective in ameliorating glutamate excitotoxicity as an autistic feature developed in the PPA-induced rodent model. Their therapeutic effects mostly involved the correction of oxidative stress, restoration of depleted GABA, and up-regulation of GABA receptor gene expression. Pure Bifidobacterium was the most effective, followed by the mixture of probiotics and finally lactobacillus. In conclusion, Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli can be used independently or in combination as psychobiotics to ameliorate oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity as two confirmed etiological mechanisms through the gut–brain axis.

Effects Study of Some Common Food Additives on Histological and Functional Thyroid Gland in Young Male Albino Rats

The current study was conducted in the animal house / Department of biology / Al- University of Qadisiyah from November to February This is for the purpose of studying the effect of some food additives on the histological structure and function of the thyroid gland, as well as some oxidative indicators. The current study included 32 young male albino rats randomly distributed into four equal groups The control dosed 1 ml of normal drinking water during the 30-day trial period, the first treatment group (T1) Tetrazine was dosed at a concentration of 25 mg/kg body weight for the duration of the 30-day trial period, The second treatment group (T2) received a chocolate brown dye at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight for the duration of the 30-day trial, The third treatment group (T3) dosed the preservative sodium benzoate at a concentration of 50 mg/kg body weight for the duration of the 30-day trial. The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in the concentration of Thyroxine T4, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH), enzyme concentration level Superoxide dismutases )SOD(, and Significant increase in the level of concentration of malondidehyde (MDA) In the first group ) T1( and the second group (T2) Compared with the control group. The results also showed a significant increase in (MDA) A significant decrease in the level of (SOD) in a group (T3) Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in the concentration of T4 &amp; TSH in a group (T3) compared to the control group. The histological study also showed that pathological histological changes occurred in (T1) (T2) )T3) Represented by changing the diameter of the thyroid gland's follicles and colloids Where there are many small irregular thyroid follicles, as well as bubbles in the colloidal substance And the occurrence of hyperplasia and an increase in the thickness of the lining layer of the vesicles. We conclude from the current study that eating food additives causes some negative on the histological structure and function of the thyroid gland. Keywords: Thyroid gland ,Tartrazine, Chocolate Brown HT E155, Benzoat sodium.

Protective Effects of Bee Pollen on Multiple Propionic Acid-Induced Biochemical Autistic Features in a Rat Model.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that clinically presented as impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and weakened communication. The use of bee pollen as a supplement rich in amino acids amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and countless bioactive substances may lead to the relief of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and impaired neurochemistry as etiological mechanisms autism. Thirty young male Western albino rats were randomly divided as: Group I-control; Group II, in which autism was induced by the oral administration of 250 mg propionic acid/kg body weight/day for three days followed by orally administered saline until the end of experiment and Group III, the bee pollen-treated group, in which the rats were treated with 250 mg/kg body weight of bee pollen for four weeks before autism was induced as described for Group II. Markers related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neurochemistry were measured in the brain tissue. Our results indicated that while glutathione serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), GABA/Glutamate ratio, and vitamin C were significantly reduced in propionic acid-treated group (p < 0.05), glutamate, IFN-γ, IL-1A, IL-6, caspase-3, and lipid peroxide levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Bee pollen supplementation demonstrates protective potency presented as amelioration of most of the measured variables with significance range between (p < 0.05)–(p < 0.001).

Potential Protective Role of Curcumin on the Toxic Effect of Food Azo Dye Tartrazine on the Brain of Young Albino Rats

The use of coloring agents in food industry has dramatically increased. Children are the main consumers of colored food products and beverages and are more vulnerable to the effects of synthetic colorants. Curcumin, an active constituent of turmeric plant, has been the subject of extensive studies assessing its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective potentials of curcumin against neurotoxicity induced by the synthetic food colorant; tartrazine. Thirty-six young male albino rats were divided into six groups; negative control (Group I), distilled water (Group II), corn oil (Group III), curcumin (Group IV), tartrazine (Group V) and tartrazine+curcumin (Group VI). At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical staining for GFAP. Our results showed that tartrazine induced a significant decrease in GSH, serotonin and GABA levels and a significant increase in MDA levels in the brain as compared to control groups. Tartrazine induced apoptosis, vacuolations, congestion and cellular infiltration in the brain tissue. An immunohistochemistry study showed astrogliosis with increased expression of GFAP. Curcumin ameliorated all these effects. In conclusion, tartrazine is neurotoxic. Increased brain oxidative stress and cellular damage are contributing factors. Curcumin can prevent tartrazine-induced neurotoxicity.

Potential Protective Effect of Spirulina Platensis on Sodium Arsenite Induced Cardiotoxicity in Male Rats

ABSTRACT Background: Sodium arsenite is a dangerous bio-accumulative poison affecting a large number of people as well as animals throughout the world. It is used clinically in the treatment of certain medical conditions, but due to its harmful damage to different tissues and mainly the cardiotoxicity, its medical application is limited. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of spirulina on cardiotoxicity induced by sodium arsenite biochemically and histologically. Methods: 30 young adult male albino rats were randomly equally divided into three groups 10 animals each. Group I (control), Group II Arsenic intoxicated (10 mg/kg/day/ 4 weeks), Group III spirulina protected animals (concomitant sodium arsenite 10 mg/kg/day/ 4 weeks and spirulina 200 mg/kg/day/ 4 weeks). Results: It was evident from the study that arsenic exposure exerted a significant increase in cardiac enzyme levels, serum creatine kinase MB (CKMB) and troponin. Concomitant treatment with spirulina is considerably recovered their serum levels. Histological alterations associated with arsenite treated animals are significantly decreased after using spirulina. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that use of spirulina could alleviate the toxic effects on the heart following exposure to arsenic toxicity.

Methotrexate Effects on the Lumbar Vertebrae of Young Male Albino Rat and Possible Protective Effect of Folic acid: Light Microscopic , Electron Microscopic and Morphometric Study

Background: With appearance of intensive chemotherapy regimens, methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist that is commonly used for the treatment of malignancies and rheumatic disorders. Aim of the Work: To reflect the effects of methotrexate on growing lumbar vertebrae of young male albino rat and potential protective effects of folic acid. Materials and Methods: 30 young male Albino rats were equally divided into three groups. Control group (I), methotrexate treated group (II) was subcutaneously injected once daily at 0.75 mg/kg for two separate 5-days courses and methotrexate plus folic acid group (III) was given methotrexate as group II plus folic acid at a dose of 1mg/kg. The lumbar vertebrae were extracted and processed for the light and electron microscopic examination. Morphometric measurements were also done.Results: Normal histological structures were determined in the control group whereas methotrexate treated group revealed cellular disorganization with degeneration. The proliferative zone showed decrease in chondrocyte number with failure of the secondary ossification center to appear and the centrum showed abundant fat cells and few bone marrow cells. Both reserve and proliferating cells revealed rarified vacuolated cytoplasm. The morphometric studies revealed a significant decrease in both proliferative cell count and midzonal thickness of growth plate. On the other hand, rats received folic acid with methotrexate revealed more or less apparent normal architecture.Conclusion: Folic acid proved to have remarkable protective effect against harmful effects of methotrexate. So, its supplementary should be started with methotrexate.Keywords: Methotrexate, folic acid, lumbar vertebra, centrum, epiphyseal plate, Albino rat.

Adverse Effects of Two Kinds of Food Additives Mixtures (Fast green + Glycine, Fast green+ Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrate + Glycine) on Some

ABSTRACT Background: Food additives are substances used in food industry in order to improve the food's taste and appearance. Objective: To investigate the adverse effects of mixing some food additives on the biochemical parameters in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on twenty-four young male albino rats. Animals were divided into four groups (6 each). Group I: Control group , Group II: administered with fast green and glycine. Group III: administered with fast green and sodium nitrate and Group IV: administered with sodium nitrate and glycine. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical parameters. Results: body weight, total protein, albumin and testosterone hormone decreased in all treated groups. Glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased in group received (fast green with glycine). Rats treated with sodium nitrate plus glycine showed a significant increase in glucose level. The liver enzymes and the kidney function tests increased in all treated groups. Rats treated with fast green plus glycine showed significant decrease in the TG and TC while HDL showed significant increase. Rats treated with sodium nitrate plus glycine showed a significant increase in the TG and TC while HDL showed significant decrease. T3 and T4 decreased in rats treated with the mixture of sodium nitrate and glycine while increased in rats treated with the mixture of fast green and glycine. Conclusion: The use of these compounds must be limited as its use leads to real vehement disturbance in biochemical parameter.

Effect of vitamin B17 on experimentally induced colon cancer in adult male albino rat.

Colon cancer is considered to be the third most common cancer worldwide. At diagnosis of colon cancer, 3.7-11% developed bone metastasis. Diet based strategies are important for prevention and treatment of colon cancer. This study investigated the effect of vitamin B17 on a DMH induced rat model of colon cancer. Eighty young adult male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I (control group), group II (vitamin B17), group III (colon cancer), group IV (protected) and group V (treated). Distal colon sections were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic examination. Lumbar vertebrae specimens were prepared for light microscopic study. Morphometric and statistical analysis were done. In comparison with the control, both colon cancer and treated groups showed invasion of the colonic tissue by pleomorphic branching colonic glands of variable shapes and sizes lined with dysplastic elongated hyperchromatic nuclei with frequent mitotic figures or stratified multi-layered crowded nuclei with an extremely significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of goblet cell number when compared to the control together with major pathological bone changes were observed in colon cancer and the treated groups. While the protected group showed impressive improvement of all previously mentioned diameters.

The effect of septal lesion on sexual behavior, sperm count and testicular activity in Young male albino rats

The effect of septal lesion on sexual behavior, sperm count and testicular activity in Young male albino rats - IJCAP- Print ISSN No: - 2394-2118 Online ISSN No:- 2394-2126 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/2394-2126.2018.0015, Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology-Indian J Clin Anat Physiol

Toxic Effects of Food azo dye Tartrazine on the Brain of Young Male Albino Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress

Background: Tartrazine is a synthetic colorant that is extensively used in food and pharmaceutical products all around the world. Children usually consume large amount of colored food products. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the possible toxic effects of tartrazine on the brain of young albino rats. Material and methods: Eighteen young male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups; Group I (negative control group), Group II (positive control group): each rat received 1 ml distilled water once daily and Group III (tartrazine group): each rat received 320 mg/kg tartrazine dissolved in 1 ml distilled water once daily by oral gavage. After 4 weeks of daily administration, rats of all groups were sacrificed, and the brains were harvested and prepared for evaluation of oxidative stress markers; glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as histopathological examination by light microscope. Results: The results of the study revealed significant decrease in GPx activity and significant increase in MDA level in tartrazine group as compared to control groups. This was associated with significant histopathological changes in the brain including neuronal apoptosis, cellular infiltration, vacuolations and congested vasculature. Conclusion: Tartrazine toxicity induced severe brain damage in young male albino rats in the form of affection of the general architecture of the brain associated with increased oxidative stress. Recommendations: It is recommended that consumption of foods containing food colorant tartrazine should be restricted especially for children.