The modifying effect of selenium and vitamins A, C, and E on the genotoxicity induced by sunset yellow in male mice

"Effect of Sunset Yellow on Testis: Molecular Evaluation, and Protective Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats"

In recent years, Sunset Yellow (SY) has been widely used as a food additive, sparking debates about its potential toxicity. This research aims to investigate SY's effects at both the molecular and histopathological levels, along with the protective benefits of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation in male rat testes. Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7) and given daily oral gavages for six weeks. The groups included: a low dose of Sunset Yellow (2.5 mg/kg/day), a high dose of Sunset Yellow (70 mg/kg/day), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), CoQ10 with the low dose of Sunset Yellow, CoQ10 with the high dose of Sunset Yellow, and deionized water as a control. After anesthesia, the rats' testes were removed for molecular and histological analysis. The findings showed a dose-dependent rise in the expression of oxidative stress genes (Sod, Gpx, and Cata) and a notable decrease in the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (Star) gene (P value < 0.05) with increasing SY doses. Histological results supported these outcomes. Additionally, there was no significant distinction between rats treated with CoQ10 along with low doses of Sunset Yellow (CoQ10+LD) and control rats given low doses of Sunset Yellow (SY-LD). Conclusions: This study illustrates that SY, as an artificial food dye, has harmful effects on the male reproductive system, while the utilization of CoQ10 can alleviate the negative impacts of SY exposure.

Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Medicinal Plants Against Food Additive-Induced Toxicity

For thousands of years, people have used medicinal plants and in many parts of the world, traditional medicines continue to play a significant role in the standard treatment of a wide range of illnesses. With changes in modern eating patterns, there has recently been an increase in the use of processed foods. Furthermore, the use of food additives has increased in tandem with the production of processed foods. The dosage levels used for these additives are determined using empirical analyses. However, some additives have demonstrated long-term toxic effects on the human body in toxicity tests. Plants are one of the main sources of biologically active substances and in recent years, many studies have focused on the health benefits of phytochemicals and plant-derived extracts in the treatment and prevention of food additive toxicity. This review clarified studies on several medicinal plants, such as <i>Physalis peruviana</i> L., <i>Jatropha tanjorensis</i>, <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i>,<i> Ficus carica</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> L. and others. The findings presented here demonstrate these plants' efficiency and success in preventing and lowering the toxicity of food additives through antioxidant activity reducing oxidative stress, and reduction in renal and hepatic toxicity. Therefore, these plant extracts have a preventive and therapeutic effect in reducing toxicity and may be the best option for reducing the toxicity of food additives in the future. Moreover, additional research is required to confirm the biologically active components found in medicinal plants that are effective in reducing this toxicity.

Synthetic Colors in Food: A Warning for Children's Health

This study addressed the harmful effects of artificial colors in pediatric populations, including children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as those without behavioral disorders. There is a consensus that synthetic food colorings have several impacts on consumers, especially pediatrics, due to their influence on sensory appeal, which can encourage preference for certain foods. The results revealed that these color additives are directly linked to a series of health problems, with a greater impact on children, including a predisposition to pathological conditions such as carcinogenic, allergenic, mutagenic, cytotoxic, and clastogenic activities, as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, in addition to behavioral changes in children with and without diagnosed disorders. The harms of synthetic dyes in children with or without comorbidities are worrying and require a careful and proactive approach from parents, caregivers and public authorities.

Sunset Yellow dye effects on gut microbiota, intestinal integrity, and the induction of inflammasomopathy with pyroptotic signaling in male Wistar rats

Although concern persists regarding possible adverse effects of consumption of synthetic azo food dyes, the mechanisms of any such effects remain unclear. We have tested the hypothesis that chronic consumption of the food dye Sunset Yellow (SY) perturbs the composition of the gut microbiota and alters gut integrity. Male rats were administered SY orally for 12 weeks. Analysis of fecal samples before and after dye administration demonstrated SY-induced microbiome dysbiosis. SY treatment reduced the abundance of beneficial taxa such as Treponema 2, Anaerobiospirillum, Helicobacter, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Prevotellaceae UCG-003, while increasing the abundance of the potentially pathogenic microorganisms Prevotella 2 and Oribacterium. Dysbiosis disrupted gut integrity, altering the jejunal adherens junction complex E-cadherin/β-catenin and decreasing Trefoil Factor (TFF)-3. SY administration elevated LPS serum levels, activated the inflammatory inflammasome cascade TLR4/NLRP3/ASC/cleaved-activated caspase-1 to mature IL-1β and IL-18, and activated caspase-11 and gasdermin-N, indicating pyroptosis and increased intestinal permeability. The possibility that consumption of SY by humans could have effects similar to those that we have observed in rats should be examined.

Guidance for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring anti-genotoxicity

Since DNA damage can occur spontaneously or be produced by the environmental genotoxins in living cells, it is important to investigate compounds that can reverse or protect DNA damage. An appropriate methodology is essential for the responsive identification of protection offered against DNA damage. This review includes information on the current state of knowledge on prokaryotic cell-based assays (SOS chromotest, umu test, vitotox assay) and cytogenetic techniques (micronucleus assay, chromosome aberration test and sister chromatid exchange assay) with an emphasis on the possibility to explore genoprotective compounds. Throughout the last decade, studies have extrapolated the scientific methodologies utilized for genotoxicity to assess genoprotective compounds. Therefore, shortcomings of genotoxicity studies are also mirrored in antigenotoxicity studies. While regulatory authorities around the world (OECD, US-EPA and ICH) continue to update diverse genotoxic assay strategies, there are still no clear guidelines/approaches for efficient experimental design to screen genoprotective compounds. As a consequence, non-synergetic and inconsistent implementation of the test method by the researchers to execute such simulations has been adopted, which inevitably results in unreliable findings. The review has made the first attempt to collect various facets of experimentally verified approaches for evaluating genoprotective compounds, as well as to acknowledge potential significance and constraints, and further focus on the assessment of end points which are required to validate such action. Henceforth, the review makes an incredible commitment by permitting readers to equate several components of their test arrangement with the provided simplified information, allowing the selection of convenient technique for the predefined compound from a central repository.

Insight into Green Extraction for Roselle as a Source of Natural Red Pigments: A Review

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a source of anthocyanins as red pigments that is extensively farmed in tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Egypt, Mexico, and West India. The roselle plant contains a variety of nutrients, including anthocyanins, organic acids, pectin, etc. Due to the toxicity and combustibility of the solvents, traditional extraction methods for these compounds are restricted. Obtaining pure extracts is typically a lengthy procedure requiring many processes. Supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) extraction as a green technology is rapidly improving and extending its application domains. The advantages of this method are zero waste production, quicker extraction times, and reduced solvent consumption. The ScCO₂ extraction of natural pigments has great promise in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles, among other uses. The ScCO₂ technique for natural pigments may also be advantageous in a variety of other contexts. Due to their minimal environmental risk, the high-quality red pigments of roselle rich in anthocyanins extracted using ScCO₂ extraction have a high sustainability potential. Therefore, the objective of this review is to increase knowledge related to the natural colorant of roselle as a substitute for chemically manufactured colorants using ScCO₂ as a green method. This article covers ScCO₂ extraction, particularly as it relates to the optimization of pigments that promote health. This article focuses on the high extraction efficiency of ScCO₂ extraction. Natural colorants extracted via ScCO₂ are regarded as safe compounds, especially for human consumption, such as novel functional food additives and textile and pharmaceutical colors.

Red Tomato Products as an Alternative to Reduce Synthetic Dyes in the Food Industry: A Review

Most dyes used in the food industry are synthetic and can be a health hazard. Red tomato may serve as a natural alternative dye to replace synthetic colorants. This study aimed to review the literature on the addition of red tomato products (powder tomato, paste, freeze-dried, tomato peel powder, tomato pomace) to reduce the usage of synthetic dyes in the food industry. Red tomato products have been used as coloring in pasta, bologna, sausages, cookies, crackers, macaroons, hamburgers, breads, muffins, cheeses, and nuggets. The trans-cis isomerization of lycopene by oxidative processes directly affects the color of the pigment. The lycopene contained in tomato has antioxidant activity and could reduce or eliminate other oxidants and/or synthetic preservatives in food. Moreover, tomatoes in foods have high sensory scores, nutritional appeal, and marketing potential. However, its use as a food colorant has been not extensively explored. Therefore, further studies are still required, especially on the stability of carotenoids in tomatoes used in processed foods.

Assessment of toxicity of selenium and cadmium selenium quantum dots: A review

This paper reviews the current understanding of the toxicity of selenium (Se) to terrestrial mammalian and aquatic organisms. Adverse biological effects occur in the case of Se deficiencies, associated with this element having essential biological functions and a narrow window between essentiality and toxicity. Several inorganic species of Se (-2, 0, +4, and +6) and organic species (monomethylated and dimethylated) have been reported in aquatic systems. The toxicity of Se in any given sample depends not only on its speciation and concentration, but also on the concomitant presence of other compounds that may have synergistic or antagonistic effects, affecting the target organism as well, usually spanning 2 or 3 orders of magnitude for inorganic Se species. In aquatic ecosystems, indirect toxic effects, linked to the trophic transfer of excess Se, are usually of much more concern than direct Se toxicity. Studies on the toxicity of selenium nanoparticles indicate the greater toxicity of chemically generated selenium nanoparticles relative to selenium oxyanions for fish and fish embryos while oxyanions of selenium have been found to be more highly toxic to rats as compared to nano-Se. Studies on polymer coated Cd/Se quantum dots suggest significant differences in toxicity of weathered vs. non-weathered QD's as well as a significant role for cadmium with respect to toxicity.

An evidence-based review of the genotoxic and reproductive effects of sulfur mustard

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent which is cytotoxic in nature, and at the molecular level, SM acts as DNA alkylating agent leading to genotoxic and reproductive effects. Mostly, the exposed areas of the body are the main targets for SM; however, it also adversely affects various tissues of the body and ultimately exhibits long-term complications including genotoxic and reproductive effects, even in the next generations. The effect of SM on reproductive system is the reason behind male infertility. The chronic genotoxic and reproductive complications of SM have been observed in the next generation, such as reproductive hormones disturbances, testicular atrophy, deficiency of sperm cells, retarded growth of sperm and male infertility. SM exerts toxic effects through various mechanisms causing reproductive dysfunction. The key mechanisms include DNA alkylation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) depletion. However, the exact molecular mechanism of such long-term effects of SM is still unclear. In general, DNA damage, cell death and defects in the cell membrane are frequently observed in SM-exposed individuals. SM can activate various cellular and molecular mechanisms related to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory responses throughout the reproductive system, which can cause decreased spermatogenesis and impaired sperm quality via damage to tissue function and structure. Moreover, the toxic effects of SM on the reproductive system as well as the occurrence of male infertility among exposed war troopers in the late exposure phase is still uncertain. The chronic effects of SM exposure in parents can cause congenital defects in their children. In this review, we aimed to investigate chronic genotoxic and reproductive effects of SM and their molecular mechanisms in the next generations.

Grafting of edible colorants onto O-carboxymethyl chitosan: preparation, characterization and anti-reduction property evaluation

The anti-reduction properties of two edible colorants are improved by grafting them onto O-carboxymethyl chitosan.

DNA damage in human germ cell exposed to the some food additives in vitro

The use of food additives has increased enormously in modern food technology but they have adverse effects in human healthy. The aim of this study was to investigate the DNA damage of some food additives such as citric acid (CA), benzoic acid (BA), brilliant blue (BB) and sunset yellow (SY) which were investigated in human male germ cells using comet assay. The sperm cells were incubated with different concentrations of these food additives (50, 100, 200 and 500 μg/mL) for 1 h at 32 °C. The results showed for CA, BA, BB and SY a dose dependent increase in tail DNA%, tail length and tail moment in human sperm when compared to control group. When control values were compared in the studied parameters in the treatment concentrations, SY was found to exhibit the highest level of DNA damage followed by BB > BA > CA. However, none of the food additives affected the tail DNA%, tail length and tail moment at 50 and 100 μg/mL. At 200 μg/mL of SY, the tail DNA% and tail length of sperm were 95.80 ± 0.28 and 42.56 ± 4.66, for BB the values were 95.06 ± 2.30 and 39.56 ± 3.78, whereas for BA the values were 89.05 ± 2.78 and 31.50 ± 0.71, for CA the values were 88.59 ± 6.45 and 13.59 ± 2.74, respectively. However, only the highest concentration of the used food additives significantly affected the studied parameters of sperm DNA. The present results indicate that SY and BB are more harmful than BA and CA to human sperm in vitro.

Adding Molecules to Food, Pros and Cons: A Review on Synthetic and Natural Food Additives

The pressing issue to feed the increasing world population has created a demand to enhance food production, which has to be cheaper, but at the same time must meet high quality standards. Taste, appearance, texture, and microbiological safety are required to be preserved within a foodstuff for the longest period of time. Although considerable improvements have been achieved in terms of food additives, some are still enveloped in controversy. The lack of uniformity in worldwide laws regarding additives, along with conflicting results of many studies help foster this controversy. In this report, the most important preservatives, nutritional additives, coloring, flavoring, texturizing, and miscellaneous agents are analyzed in terms of safety and toxicity. Natural additives and extracts, which are gaining interest due to changes in consumer habits are also evaluated in terms of their benefits to health and combined effects. Technologies, like edible coatings and films, which have helped overcome some drawbacks of additives, but still pose some disadvantages, are briefly addressed. Future trends like nanoencapsulation and the development of "smart" additives and packages, specific vaccines for intolerance to additives, use of fungi to produce additives, and DNA recombinant technologies are summarized.

Citotoxicity of food dyes sunset yellow (E-110), bordeaux red (E-123), and tatrazine yellow (E-102) on Allium cepa L. root meristematic cells

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the food dyes sunset yellow, bordeaux red, and tartrazine yellow on the cellular cycle of Allium cepa L. Each dye was evaluated at the doses of 0.4 and 4.0 mL, at the exposure times of 24 and 48 hours in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. Slides were prepared and cells were analyzed during the whole cell cycle for cellular aberrations totaling 5,000 total cells for each dose evaluated. The mitotic index was calculated, and statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-squared test (p < 0.05). The results showed that the three dyes used under the evaluated doses and exposure times were cytotoxic to the cells of the system-test used. Further cytotoxicity studies should be conducted for additional results and a proper evaluation of the effect of these three dyes on a cellular level.