Effects of the food additives sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium acetate, and citric acid on hemato-immunological pathological biomarkers in rats: Relation to PPAR-α, PPAR-γ and tnfα signaling pathway

Mechanic evaluation of Wu-Mei-Pill on colitis-associated colorectal cancer: An integrated transcriptomics, metabolomics, and experimental validation study

BACKGROUND

Chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases play a crucial role in the onset of colorectal cancer (CRC). Effectively impeding the progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) can be instrumental in hindering CRC development. Wu-Mei-Pill (WMP), a formulation comprising various herbal extracts, is clinically employed for CAC treatment, yet the underlying mechanism of WMP's efficacy in CAC remains unclear. Our study firstly demonstrated the effects and mechanisms of WMP on transcriptional and metabolic levels based on integrated transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics and relative experimental validations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CAC mouse model was established through a single injection of azoxymethane (AOM) followed by intermittent dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) intervention, with subsequent WMP administration. Initially, the therapeutic impact of WMP on the CAC model was assessed by observing survival rate, body weight change, colon length, tumor number, tumor load, and pathological changes in the colon tissue of CAC mice post-WMP intervention. Subsequently, differential genes and metabolites in the colorectal tissue of CAC mice following WMP intervention were identified through transcriptomics and non-targeted metabolomics. Finally, the influence of WMP on the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) pathway, Wnt pathway, and CC motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3)/ CC motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) axis in CAC mice was verified through western blot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA based on the results of transcriptomics and non-targeted metabolomics.

RESULTS

WMP intervention enhanced survival, alleviated body weight loss, shortened colon length, tumor occurrence, and pathological changes in the colorectal tissue of CAC mice, such as glandular damage, tumourigenesis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Transcriptomic and non-targeted metabolomic results revealed that WMP intervention up-regulated the expression of key regulatory mechanisms of fatty acid oxidation PPAR pathway-related genes (Pparg, Ppara, Cpt1a, and Acadm) and metabolites (L-carnitine and L-palmitoylcarnitine). Additionally, it down-regulated Wnt pathway-related genes (Wnt3, Axin2, Tcf7, Mmp7, Lgr5, Wnt5a, Fzd6, Wnt7b, Lef1, and Fzd10 etc.) and pro-inflammatory related genes (Il1b, Il6, Il17a, Ccl3, and Ccr1 etc.). Experimental validation demonstrated that WMP up-regulated PPAR pathway-related proteins [PPARγ, PPARα, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase medium chain (ACADM)] in the colorectal tissue of CAC mice. It also down-regulated Wnt pathway-related proteins [β-catenin, T-cell factor (TCF), lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (LEF), and matrix metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7)], inhibited the nuclear translocation of the key transcription factor β-catenin in the Wnt pathway, and suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation induced by the Wnt pathway (up-regulated E-cadherin and down-regulated Vimentin). Furthermore, WMP intervention reduced pro-inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-17A] and decreased CCL3/CCR1 axis factors, including CCL3 protein levels and diminished F4/80+CCR1+ positive expressed cells.

CONCLUSION

WMP significantly inhibits CAC tumorigenesis by up-regulating PPARα-mediated fatty acid oxidation, inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway-mediated EMT, and suppressing CCL3/CCR1-mediated inflammatory responses.

Scalable multimodal weak anion exchange chromatographic purification for stable mRNA drug substance

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a modality with immense therapeutic potential. Recent innovations in production process of mRNA call for procedures to isolate pure mRNA drug substance (DS) with high yield, high capacity, scalability, and compatibility with GMP production systems. Novel RNA modalities, such as circular RNA (circRNA), have further driven the need for non-affinity capture possibilities which are already widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry, for example, in monoclonal antibody processing. The principle that multimodal ion exchange/hydrogen bonding chromatography can be used to separate mRNA from in vitro transcription components has recently been demonstrated. Here, we apply and refine this approach to be suitable for scalable purification of multiple mRNA constructs with sufficient yields, purity, and stability, for use in mRNA production process. Binding capacity of the PrimaS-modified monolithic chromatographic column for mRNA enabled up to 7 mg/mL product isolation in a single chromatographic run, with 98% recovery and room temperature stability of the eGFP mRNA demonstrated for up to 28 days. This approach is independent of construct size or the presence of polyadenylic acid tail and is applicable for capture of a wide variety of RNAs, including mRNA, self-amplifying RNA, circRNA, and with optimization also smaller RNAs such as transfer RNA and others.

Tartrazine exposure results in histological damage, oxidative stress, immune disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis in juvenile crucian carp (Carassius carassius)

Tartrazine (TZ) is an azo dye widely used in foods, cosmetics, beverages, textile, and leather. In recent years, there are reports on detecting azo dyes in the aquatic environment, so the impact of these compounds on aquatic organisms could not be ignored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of TZ exposure on teleosts' embryo development and juvenile's health by using crucian carp (Carassius carassius) as the experimental fish. The results showed that embryos exposed to TZ (0.19, 0.76 and 1.5 mM) exhibited a deformity, delayed egg resorption and decreased fertilization and hatching rate. When the juvenile fish were exposed to TZ at a level higher than those present in water for 30 days caused severe histopathological damages of the gill, intestine, kidney and liver. Antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px) activities in the gill, intestine and liver, exhibited a decreasing trend after TZ exposure, while MDA contents elevated. TZ exposure also resulted in the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il1 and il6), lysozymes (lyz), complement component 3 (c3), and β-defensin 3 (defb3). In addition, TZ exposure also affected the intestinal microbiota structure. In summary, the data in the present study indicated that TZ exposure  reduce the embryo fertilization and hatching rate; cause histopathological damage of tissues, trigger oxidative stress, innate immune disorders and dysbiosis of gut microbiota in juvenile crucian carp. Therefore, it is necessary to be informed about the hazards of TZ exposure and the discharge of the dye into waters should be strictly administrated to prevent environmental pollution.

Impacts of an azo food dye tartrazine uptake on intestinal barrier, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and intestinal microbiome in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Food dyes, or color additives, are often added into foods, cosmetics and beverages during processing to improve the sensory attributes of the final products. However, the toxicity of tartrazine (TZ), one of the most common azo-dyes, is still unclear, and needs to be ascertained by further study. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of TZ consumption on health by using a teleost, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) as the experimental fish. TZ consumption (1.4, 5.5 and 10 mg/kg bwt/day) could cause severe histopathological and cellular alterations in intestine and liver. The height of intestinal villus, thickness of intestinal muscle, and microvilli density were also affected. With the increasing of TZ concentrations, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px), exhibited a decreasing trend, while the contents of MDA elevated. Upregulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il6 and tnfα), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il8, and il10) and other immune related genes (complement component 3 (c3), lysozymes (lyz), β-defensin 3 (defb3)), were observed after TZ uptake. In addition, TZ consumption also affected the community structure of the microbiota in the intestine of crucian carp. The amount of some probiotic bacteria (Roseomonas, Rhodococcus and Bacillus) and the bacteria (Bacteroides and Clostridium), producing short chain fatty acids, were significantly reduced, and some pathogenetic microorganisms (e.g. Bdellovibrio and Shewanella) were significantly increased after TZ uptake. In summary, the data in the present study indicate that TZ consumption, even at a low concentration, may lead to adverse effects on fish health. Therefore, in aquaculture, it is necessary to be informed about the hazardous effects of TZ, and more attentions should be focused on using natural substitutes.

Modulation of immune functions, inflammatory response, and cytokine production following long-term oral exposure to three food additives; thiabendazole, monosodium glutamate, and brilliant blue in rats

The food additives thiabendazole (TBZ), monosodium glutamate (MSG), and brilliant blue (BB) are commonly used in many daily-consumed food products worldwide. They are widely used in major agricultural and industrial applications. Yet, many of its toxicological aspects are still unclear, especially immune modulation. This research was therefore intended to investigate the effects of male Wistar rats' daily oral exposure for 90 days to TBZ (10 mg/kg b.wt), MSG (20 mg/kg b.wt), or BB (1.2 mg/kg b.wt) on the blood cells, immunity, and inflammatory indicators. The three tested food additives showed varying degrees of hematological alterations. Initially, megaloblastic anemia and thrombocytopenia were evident with the three tested food additives. At the same time, TBZ showed no significant changes in the leukogram element except eosinopenia. MSG induced leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, and eosinophilia. BB evoked neutrophilia and lymphopenia. The immunoglobins M (IgM) and IgG were significantly reduced with the three tested food additives. In contrast, lysozyme and nitric oxide levels were elevated. A reduced considerably lymphocyte proliferation was detected with TBZ and MSG exposure without affecting the phagocytic activity. Various pathologic disturbances in splenic tissues have been detected. An obvious increase in CD4⁺ but a lessening in CD8⁺ immunolabeling was evident in TBZ and MSG groups. The cytokines, including interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1β, 6, 10, and 13, were significantly upregulated in the spleen of rats exposed to TBZ, MSG, and BB. These results concluded that TBZ, MSG, and BB negatively affect hematological parameters, innate and humoral immune functions together with inflammatory responses. TBZ achieved the maximal negative impacts followed by MSG and finally with BB. Given the prevalence of these food additives, TBZ and MSG should be limited to a minimal volume use, or natural food additives should be used instead.

Volumetric properties of disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate aqueous solution from 283.15 to 363.15 K at 101.325 kPa

The purpose of this exploration was to determine the density and volumetric properties of the aqueous solution of Na₂H₂P₂O₇ with the molality varied from 0.08706 to 0.88402 mol·kg^-1 measured at temperature intervals of 5 K from 283.15 to 363.15 K at 101.325 kPa using Anton Paar Digital vibrating-tube densimeter. The thermal expansion coefficient (α), apparent molar volume (V_Φ), expansibility (ϕ_E), and partial molar volume (V_B) of Na₂H₂P₂O₇ (aq) against temperature and molality have been evaluated from density data. On the basis of Pitzer ion-interaction apparent molar volume theory, the Pitzer single-salt parameters (β_M,X^0v, β_M,X^1v, β_M,X^2v and C_M,X^v, MX = Na₂H₂P₂O₇), and their correlation coefficients a_i of the temperature-dependence formula f (i, p, T) = a₁ + a₂ln(T/298.15) + a₃(T - 298.15) + a₄/(620 - T) + a₅/(T - 227) for Na₂H₂P₂O₇ were obtained for the first time. It was revealed that predicted apparent molar volumes agreed well with the experimental values indicating the single salt parameters and the temperature-dependent formula are reliable.

The long-term oral exposure to titanium dioxide impaired immune functions and triggered cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts in rats

BACKGROUND

Titanium dioxide "TiO₂, E171″ is a widely used food additive that exists in various everyday food products all over the world together with vast applications in cosmetics and industry. However, many toxicological aspects particularly following oral exposure still unclear.

METHODS

Hence, this study was planned to examine the effect of oral exposure of male Wistar rats to two doses of TiO₂ (20 or 40 mg/kg b.wt.) through oral gavage once daily for 90 consecutive days on the blood components, immunity, cytotoxic, and genotoxic indicators.

RESULTS

A dose-dependent leukopenia, eosinophilia, neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia were noted. Also, the immunoglobins G (IgG) and IgM were significantly elevated in TiO₂ treated rats. The phagocytic activities, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and immunoglobulin levels were significantly depleted following TiO₂ exposure. A significantly reduced lymphocyte proliferation but elevated LDH activity was prominent in TiO₂ treated rats. Different pathological perturbations were observed in both splenic tissue and bone marrow. A marked increase in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ immunolabeling was evident. A significant increase in the comet variables was recorded in response to the exposure of rats to the increasing level of TiO₂ at both levels.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these results indicated that TiO₂ could induce hematotoxicity, genotoxic, and immunotoxic alterations with exposure for long durations.

Involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon gamma-γ, and interleukins 1β, 6, and 10 in immunosuppression due to long-term exposure to five common food preservatives in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Food preservatives are abundant in many products in the human environment. However, little is known about the impact of many food preservatives on the immune system and the immune related genes. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of five widespread food preservatives, including butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB), boric acid (BA), and calcium propionate (CP), on haemato-immune functions.

METHOD

Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to groups orally administered water (control), BHA (0.09 mg/kg), PS (4.5 mg/kg), SB (0.9 mg/kg), BA (0.16 mg/kg) or CP (0.18 mg/kg) for 90 consecutive days. Leukogram and erythrogram profiles were assessed. Nitric oxide and immunoglobulin levels together with phagocytic and lysozyme activities were estimated. Histologic examinations and histomorphometric analysis of splenic tissues were performed. Variations in the mRNA expression levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were assessed.

RESULTS

Anemic conditions, thrombocytopenia, leucocytopaenia simultaneous with lymphocytopaenia, monocytopenia, and esinopenia have been obvious following long term exposure to the tested food additives. Prominent exhaustion was noted in immunoglobulin and NO levels and in lysozyme and phagocytic activities. IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were obviously upregulated in the groups exposed to food preservatives.

CONCLUSION

These results confirmed that continued exposure to high levels of BHA, PS, SB, BA, and CP has haematotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Furthermore, these adverse effects are mediated by cytokine production.

The ameliorative effect of curcumin extract on the morphological and skeletal abnormalities induced by sunset yellow and tartrazine in the developing chick embryo Gallus domesticus

Previous studies have suggested that food dyes are responsible for causing number of health problems. The study under consideration aims to show the possible morphological and skeletal malformation induced due to in ovo administration of sunset yellow (SY) and tartrazine (Tz) with or without curcumin (Cur) during organogenesis of developing chick embryo at doses 1.575mg/egg, 0.375mg/egg and 3mg/kg eggs for SY, Tz and Cur comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the weight and length of embryos as well as malformations in feather, head, and limbs. Most of the congenital malformations were seen in SY and Tz injected groups such as short beak, excencephaly, kniked tail and pygostyle, curved scapula and retardation in the degree of ossification were the most evident in endoskeleton malformation. In addition, the length of ossified long bones in SY and Tz groups was affected. Co-administration of Cur with SY and Tz ameliorate the reversed effect of SY and Tz on the shape, length, body weight and skeleton of embryos.

Investigation of the In-Vivo Cytotoxicity and the In Silico-Prediction of MDM2-p53 Inhibitor Potential of Euphorbia peplus Methanolic Extract in Rats

This study explored the probable in vivo cardiac and renal toxicities together with in silico approaches for predicting the apoptogenic potential of Euphorbia peplus methanolic extract (EPME) in rats. Cardiac and renal injury biomarkers were estimated with histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations of both kidney and heart. The probable underlying mechanism of E. peplus compounds to potentiate p53 activity is examined using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) docking software and validated experimentally by immunohistochemical localization of p53 protein in the kidney and heart tissues. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of E. peplus revealed the presence of nine different compounds dominated by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Significant elevations of troponin, creatine phosphokinase, creatine kinase-myocardium bound, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were evident in the EPME treated rats. The EPME treated rats showed strong renal and cardiac p53 expression and moderate cardiac TNF-α expression. Further, our in silico results predicted the higher affinity and good inhibition of DEHP, glyceryl linolenate, and lucenin 2 to the MDM2-p53 interface compared to the standard reference 15 a compound. Conclusively, EPME long-term exposure could adversely affect the cardiac and renal tissues probably due to their inflammatory and apoptotic activity. Moreover, the in silico study hypothesizes that EPME inhibits MDM2-mediated degradation of p53 suggesting possible anticancer potentials which confirmed experimental by strong p53 expression in renal and cardiac tissues.

Influence of the long-term exposure to tartrazine and chlorophyll on the fibrogenic signalling pathway in liver and kidney of rats: the expression patterns of collagen 1-α, TGFβ-1, fibronectin, and caspase-3 genes

Colouring agents are highly present in diverse products in the human environment. We aimed to elucidate the fibrogenic cascade triggered by the food dyes tartrazine and chlorophyll. Rats were orally given distilled water, tenfold of the acceptable daily intake of tartrazine, or chlorophyll for 90 consecutive days. Tartrazine-treated rats displayed a significant rise (p < 0.05) in the mRNA levels and immunohistochemical localization of the renal and hepatic fibrotic markers collagen 1-α, TGFβ-1, and fibronectin and the apoptotic marker caspase-3. Moreover, a significant increment (p < 0.05) in the levels of AST, ALP, creatinine, and urea was evident in both experimental groups but more significant differences were noticed in the tartrazine group. Furthermore, we found a marked increment in the MDA level and significant declines (p < 0.05) in the levels of the SOD, CAT, and GSH enzymes in the kidney and liver from tartrazine-treated rats. The histological investigation reinforced the aforementioned data, revealing hepatocytes with fibrous connective tissue proliferation, apoptotic hepatocytes and periportal fibrosis with tubular necrosis, and shrunken glomeruli and interstitial fibrous tissue proliferation. We concluded that, even at the exposure to high concentrations for long durations, chlorophyll exhibited a lower propensity to induce fibrosis, apoptosis, and histopathological perturbations than tartrazine.

Embryotoxic and Teratogenic Effects of Tartrazine in Rats

Tartrazine (TAZ) is one of the most commonly used artificial dyes for foods and drugs. We determined the effect of TAZ on fetal development by examining morphological, visceral, and skeletal malformations in rat fetuses following daily oral administration of TAZ to pregnant Wistar rats at the 6th-15th day of gestation. TAZ at 0.45 and 4.5 mg/kg induced 6.0 and 7.1% fetal resorptions, as well as 10.0 and 10.5% fetal mortality, respectively. Fetal body weight and length were significantly lower in the groups treated with TAZ at 0.45 (3.97 ± 0.21 g and 27.3 ± 0.54 mm, respectively) and 4.5 mg/kg (3.48 ± 0.15 g and 23.22 ± 1.02 mm, respectively) than in the control group (4.0 ± 0.15 g and 30.01 ± 0.42 mm, respectively). TAZ at 0.45 and 4.5 mg/kg induced hepatic damage (20 and 33.3%, respectively), dark brown pigmentation due to hemosiderin in the splenic parenchyma (16.7 and 21.7%, respectively), as well as destructed and necrotic renal tubules (16.7 and 26.7%, respectively) in the fetuses. Moreover, TAZ at 0.45 and 4.5 mg/kg caused one or more missing coccygeal vertebrae (20 and 40%, respectively), missing sternebrae (6 and 10%, respectively), missing hind limbs (24 and 4%, respectively), and irregular ribs (16 and 20, respectively) in the fetuses. We concluded that TAZ has embryotoxic and teratogenic potentials in rats.

Assessment of hepato-renal damage and genotoxicity induced by long-term exposure to five permitted food additives in rats

The present study assessed the long-term daily administration of benzoic acid (BA), potassium sorbate (PS), chlorophyll (CPL), tartrazine (TAZ), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) on hepato-renal changes and DNA damage in rats. Animals were orally administered with the 10 times of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) from each tested substance daily for 60 consecutive days. Blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected to evaluate hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and genotoxic alterations. The extent of liver and kidney damage was evaluated by comet assay and histopathologically. Significant reduction of leukocyte numbers and lymphocytes % in CPL- and TAZ-treated rats. However, significant increases in platelet count in all treated groups after 60 days were detected. The levels of serum transaminases enzymes (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatinine were significantly increased in all treatments except with BHA group, but no substantial differences were found in urea after 60 days. Aside from BHA, results of DNA damage revealed significant increases in tailed nuclei, tail moment, DNA% in the tail, and tail length in liver and kidney at different degrees. Moreover, the histopathological figures of liver and kidneys affirmed destructive and degenerative changes. The study indicates that most of the tested food additives may provoke genotoxicity and hepato-nephropathy, which could be serious for human health. Therefore, it is necessary to be informed about the hazardous effects of food additives and more attention should be focused towards using natural substitutes.