Lack of genotoxicity in vivo for food color additive Tartrazine

Safety of tartrazine in the food industry and potential protective factors

Tartrazine belongs to the colors raising significant concerns regarding consumer safety at low doses relevant for real-life human exposure. Scientific literature continues to grow after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluation in 2009 and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 2016. Therefore, this review aims to collect recent knowledge on the toxicity issues of tartrazine, namely its genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive, developmental, and neurotoxicity, alterations of blood biochemical parameters, and hematotoxicity. The second part of the review covers the potential protective factors against the toxic effects of tartrazine based on the hypothesis of mitigation of oxidative stress induced by the color. The reviewed protective factors are crocin, royal jelly, fish oil, honey, acetylsalicylic acid, black caraway, blackthorn, turmeric, vitamin E, and riboflavin. This review concludes that tartrazine seems safe under the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) and the evidence on the potential protective factors is insufficient to reach any conclusion regarding their use.

Comparison of in vitro Toxicities of 8-Prenylnaringenin, Tartrazine and 17β-Estradiol, Representatives of Natural and Synthetic Estrogens, in Rat and Human Hepatoma Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

Phytoestrogens have been praised for their beneficial health effects, whereas synthetic xenoestrogens have been connected to ailments.

AIMS

To ascertain whether the toxicities of natural and synthetic estrogens differ, we examined the potent phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), the common synthetic xenoestrogen tartrazine, and the physiological estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2).

METHODS

These three compounds were tested for cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and genotoxicity in human HepG2 and rat H4IIE hepatoma cells.

RESULTS

All three estrogens elicited cytotoxicity at high concentrations in both cell lines. They also inhibited cell proliferation, with E2 being the most effective. They all tended to increase micronuclei formation.

CONCLUSION

Natural estrogens were no less toxic than a synthetic one.

Dietary exposure to food azo-colours in a sample of pre-school children from Southern Brazil

The dietary exposure of six food azo-colours was assessed in a sample of pre-schoolers from Guaratuba-Paraná, Brazil. Consumption data of 323 children aged 2 to 5 years was collected through 3-day food records. Dietary exposure, is expressed by milligrams of food colour by kilogram of body weight per day, as compared to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Three exposure scenarios were developed to account for uncertainties around consumption estimates. Intakes of Amaranth (INS 123) described in means, 50th and 95th percentiles exceeded ADI levels in the two most conservative scenarios, with the highest percentiles exceeding about four times the ADI. High intakes of Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110) were also observed, of up to 85% of the ADI in the worst-case scenario. Findings suggest high exposure levels to azo-dyes in the survey population, with children likely exceeding the ADI for Amaranth (INS 123) and concerns for Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110). Major food contributors were beverages (juice powders and soft drinks), dairy and sweets. Further studies on dietary exposure assessment are needed at the national level. The authors highlight the need of controlling the use of such additives through national policies that are aligned with the consumption patterns observed in the country.

Risk assessment of azo dyes as food additives: Revision and discussion of data gaps toward their improvement

The food industry uses dyes mainly to overcome color loss during the processing and storage of products, with the azo dyes currently being the most employed. Studies on the safety of using these dyes in foods started in the 1950s and have indicated the potential for concern. This review discusses the risk assessment of food intake containing artificial azo dyes. There are case reports and, subsequently, double-blind placebo-controlled trials in some individuals who may experience adverse effects from the intake of azo dyes, but it is unclear whether these adverse effects are restricted to specific populations or more generalized. In view of this, different toxicological endpoints are evaluated to verify toxic effects in in vitro and in vivo models and to establish the no observed adverse effect level. Exposure estimation studies have shown that human exposure to azo dyes via oral intake is mainly below the acceptable daily intake established by advisory bodies. However, most countries do not have studies that estimate the oral intake of azo dyes. In this case, local food diversity and racial-ethnic specificities are not considered when stating the exposure estimate is below the acceptable daily intake for the human population and thus may not represent actual intake. Concerning the scenario established above, this review discusses the most critical gaps to be overcome to contribute to the direction of future studies and the development of more effective public policies concerning the safety of the intake of artificial azo dyes.

Cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of the food additive tartrazine on eukaryotic cells

BACKGROUND

Among the food additives used in the food industry, food dyes are considered the most toxic. For instance, tartrazine (TRZ) is a food colorant commercially available with conflicting data regarding its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of TRZ using different eukaryotic cells (in vitro).

METHODS

This study employed 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), brine shrimp lethality, Allium cepa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae tests. Different concentrations of TRZ and different exposure times were used in this study.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that TRZ induced a concentration-dependent toxic effect on the test systems. It also exerted cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and human gastric cells. In addition, TRZ showed mutagenic effects on the A. cepa test system. However, its toxicogenic effects may not relate to the oxidizing activity, which was confirmed by the S. cerevisiae test model.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, TRZ exerted toxicogenic effects on the test systems. Therefore, it may be harmful to health, especially its prolonged use may trigger carcinogenesis.

Catalytic Oxidation of Tartrazine in Aqueous Solution Using a Pillared Clay with Aluminum and Iron

In this work, pillared bentonite with Al−Fe (Al−Fe−PILC) was synthesized and used as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in the oxidation of tartrazine azo-dye in an aqueous solution. The modification of bentonite with the Al-Fe mixed system in a concentrated medium, with ultrasound assisted intercalation was carried out, and the obtained catalyst was characterized by XRF, XRD, and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The oxidation of tartrazine with Al−Fe−PILC, using different amounts of H2O2, expressed as a multiple (1, 3, 6, and 9) of a stoichiometry amount required to completely oxidize the dye was evaluated. The reaction of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of the dye with 400 mg of Al−Fe−PILC and 6 times the stoichiometric amount of H2O2 at 25 °C, reached 98.2±1.8% of decolorization, 51.9±1.9% of TOC removal and 71.5±1.8% of TN removal. Results of this study show that the oxidation of tartrazine increased with the amount of H2O2 up to a certain limit. This oxidation process can be considered as an alternative for treating wastewater containing azo-dye because the reaction takes place under mild experimental conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA  License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). 

Early-onset colorectal cancer: initial clues and current views

Over the past several decades, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC; in patients <50 years old) has increased at an alarming rate. Although robust and scientifically rigorous epidemiological studies have sifted out environmental elements linked to EOCRC, our knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of this disease is far from complete. Here, we highlight potential risk factors and putative mechanisms that drive EOCRC and suggest likely areas for fruitful research. In addition, we identify inconsistencies in the evidence implicating a strong effect of increased adiposity and suggest that certain behaviours (such as diet and stress) might place nonobese and otherwise healthy people at risk of this disease. Key risk factors are reviewed, including the global westernization of diets (usually involving a high intake of red and processed meats, high-fructose corn syrup and unhealthy cooking methods), stress, antibiotics, synthetic food dyes, monosodium glutamate, titanium dioxide, and physical inactivity and/or sedentary behaviour. The gut microbiota is probably at the crossroads of these risk factors and EOCRC. The time course of the disease and the fact that relevant exposures probably occur in childhood raise important methodological issues that are also discussed.

In vitro genotoxicity assessment of monopotassium glutamate and magnesium diglutamate

Food additives are approved chemicals used for various purposes in foods; to provide nutritional safety, increase flavor, extend shelf life, reduce nutrient losses etc. In this study, the in vitro genotoxic effects of flavor enhancers, Monopotassium glutamate (MPG) and Magnesium diglutamate (MDG) were investigated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes by using chromosome aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt), and comet assays. Four concentrations of MPG (125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL) and MDG (93.75, 187.5, 375, and 750 μg/mL) were used. Both food additives significantly reduced mitotic index and increased the frequency of CAs at high concentrations. MPG and MDG (except 93.75 μg/mL) significantly increased SCEs/Cell in concentration-dependent manner. In the CBMN-Cyt test, both MPG and MDG increased the formation of micronucleus, nuclear buds, and nucleoplasmic bridges compared to control in a concentration-dependent manner. However, these increases were statistically significant at higher concentrations. MPG (at 500 and 1000 μg/mL) and MDG (except 93.75 μg/mL) significantly increased DNA damages observed by comet assay. It is concluded from these results that MPG and MDG have clastogenic, mutagenic, aneugenic, and cytotoxic effects, particularly at high concentrations in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Genotoxicity and repair capability of Mus musculus DNA following the oral exposure to Tramadol

Tramadol is an analgesic and psychoactive drug that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior. The aim of present study was to analyze the genotoxicity and repair capability of DNA after Tramadol exposure in albino mice (Mus musculus). For this purpose, forty mice were divided equally into four groups as; a control group (without drug) and three treatment groups that were treated with three doses of Tramadol as minimum dose group, Intermediate dose group and maximum dose group, corresponding to 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg of body weight respectively. The dose was given orally for 15 days. After 15 days peripheral blood was drawn from half mice of each group and subjected to comet assay. While the remaining half mice were given a recovery period of 15 days and same procedure was used for blood collection and comet assay. Significant difference in various comet parameters was observed among control and exposed groups. Maximum damage was observed at highest concentration 75 mg/kg of Tramadol and minimum damage was observed at dose 25 mg/kg of Tramadol, while results of repaired mice group showed that repair capability of Tramadol was minor and recovery of Tramadol required a lot of time. It can be concluded that Tramadol cause genotoxicity that is dose dependent and has low repair capability.

Tartrazine Removal from Aqueous Solution by HDTMA-Br-Modified Colombian Bentonite

The effect of pH, ionic strength (NaCl added), agitation speed, adsorbent mass, and contact time on the removal of tartrazine from an aqueous solution, using an organobentonite, has been studied. A complete factorial design 3² with two replicates was used to evaluate the influence of the dye concentration (30, 40, and 50 mg/L) and amount of adsorbent (25, 35, and 45 mg) on decolorization of the solution. Experimental data were evaluated with Design Expert® software using a response surface methodology (RSM) in order to obtain the interaction between the processed variables and the response. pH values between 2 and 9, stirring speed above 200 rpm, and contact time of 60 min did not have a significant effect on decolorization. The optimum conditions for maximum removal of tartrazine from an aqueous solution of 30 mg/L were follows: pH = 6.0, NaCl concentration = 0.1 M, stirring speed = 230 rpm, temperature = 20°C, contact time = 60 min, and the organobentonite amount = 38.04 mg. The equilibrium isotherm at 20°C was analyzed by means of the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 40.79 ± 0.71 mg/g. This adsorption process was applied in a sample of industrial wastewater containing tartrazine and sunset yellow, having obtained a decolorization rate higher than 98% for both dyes. These results suggest that organobentonite is an effective adsorbent for the removal of anionic dyes from an aqueous solution.

High-Dose Aspirin Reverses Tartrazine-Induced Cell Growth Dysregulation Independent of p53 Signaling and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Rat Brain

Tartrazine, an azo dye used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with the effects on cell cycle, is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the toxicity of tartrazine in rat brain with high-dose aspirin. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into (C) control, (T) tartrazine (700 mg/kg body weight [BW] at weeks 1 and 2), (A) aspirin (150 mg/kg [BW] at weeks 1, 2, and 3), and (TA) aspirin + tartrazine (150 mg/kg [BW] aspirin at weeks 1, 2, and 3 and 700 mg/kg [BW] tartrazine at weeks 1 and 2) groups. The expression of p53, B cell lymphoma-2 extra-large (Bcl-xL), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), p27, and Ki67 was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. A histopathological analysis of brain tissue and oxidative stress level was assessed based on reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AA), and malondialdehyde levels. We found that Bcl-xL, Ki67, CDK2, and p27 were upregulated and p53 was downregulated in the tartrazine-treated group as compared to the control group. Aspirin administration reversed these changes except P53 expression. Tartrazine had no effect on lipid peroxidation but altered AA and GSH levels with no reversal by aspirin treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed that aspirin prevented tartrazine-induced damage including increased perivascular space and hemorrhage. These results indicate that aspirin protects the brain from tartrazine-induced toxicity independent of p53 signaling and antioxidant mechanisms.

Is tartrazine really safe? In silico and ex vivo toxicological studies in human leukocytes: a question of dose

The use of food colorings has a long-recorded history. Tartrazine (TRZ) is a dye that confers a lemon-yellow color to food and is widely used in the manufacture of numerous food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, few studies have addressed the toxicology of TRZ in human cells or tissues. Considering the frequent consumption of the TRZ dye in food products and the lack of toxicological data, the present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the TRZ dye in human leukocyte cultures and perform theoretical studies to predict its toxicity in silico. Leukocyte cultures were treated with TRZ at concentrations of 5, 17.5, 35, 70, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 μg mL-1. All groups were assayed in triplicates. The mutagenicity was evaluated using the micronucleus test, the nuclear division index, and the nuclear division cytotoxicity index, and the chromosomal instability was quantitatively evaluated by band cytogenetics. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the alkaline comet test. Viability was assessed using the Trypan Blue method. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with a p value <0.05 reflecting statistical significance. No mutagenicity or cytotoxicity was found for the dye at the concentrations evaluated. However, DNA damage was induced by TRZ at a concentration of 70 μg mL-1. These results were confirmed by the predictive data from the in silico evaluations. Further studies are required to confirm our data, considering the frequency of the use of TRZ in the diet of the population, including that of children, as well as the exposure to TRZ through drugs, cosmetics, and other non-food products.

All aspect of toxic effect of brilliant blue and sunset yellow in Allium cepa roots

Substances added to food are considerable for survival and are the oldest technologies used in preservation, sweetening and coloring. This work was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of the food additives sunset yellow (SY) and brilliant blue (BB) on Allium cepa root meristematic cells. Control and treatment groups were created from germinated roots. Group 1 (control group) did not receive chemicals. Group 2 (SY or BB-treatment group), received increasing doses of SY (25, 50, 100 and 500 ppm) and BB (100, 200, 400 and 500 ppm) with time periods of 24, 48 and 72 h. After different treatment periods, the roots were obtained from all groups and EC₅₀ concentrations, cell death, chromosome aberrations, mitotic index were observed by a light microscopy. Changing antioxidant capacity of roots was determined by FRAP and TEAC assay. Also, DNA damage was measured by comet assay and RAPD-PCR technique. Approximately 50 and 200 ppm were accepted as EC₅₀ value for SY and BB, respectively. Chromosome aberration values were obtained with increasing concentrations and longer treatment times such as chromosome bridge, C-mitosis, micronucleus, chromosome mis-segregation in both groups. Increasing exposure doses of SY and BB caused decreasing mitotic index values at 72 h. FRAP and TEAC assay showed that antioxidant capacity of roots was decreased by increasing concentrations of SY and BB. The tail DNA% and tail length significantly increased for all exposure times when compared to the control group. 50 and 200 ppm of SY and BB caused a genotoxic effect on genetic material at 72 h according to RAPD-PCR. Increasing the doses of SY and BB resulted in increased toxicity to all studied parameters of A. cepa. In conclusion, the SY and BB tested in this study have cytotoxic and mutagenic potential. Furthermore, SY is more harmful than BB for use in the A. cepa root meristematic cells.