Sunset Yellow and Allura Red modulate Bcl2 and COX2 expression levels and confer oxidative stress-mediated renal and hepatic toxicity in male rats

Efficient extraction of textile dyes using reusable acrylic-based smart polymers

Water pollution from industrial or household waste, containing dyes from the textile industry, poses a significant environmental challenge requiring immediate attention. In this study, we have developed a crosslinked-smart-polymer film based on 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate copolymerized with other hydrophilic and hydrophobic commercial monomers, and its efficacy in removing 21 different textile dyes was assessed. The smart polymer effectively interacts with and adsorbs dyes, inducing a noticeable colour change. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis confirmed a removal efficiency exceeding 90 % for anionic dyes, with external diffusion identified as the primary influencing factor on process kinetics, consistent with both pseudo-first-order kinetics and the Crank-Dual model. Isothermal studies revealed distinct adsorption behaviors, with indigo carmine adhering to a Freundlich isotherm while others conformed to the Langmuir model. Permeation and fluorescence analyses corroborated isotherm observations, verifying surface adsorption. Significantly, our proof-of-concept demonstrated the resilience of the smart-film to common fabric softeners and detergents without compromising adsorption capacity. Additionally, the material exhibited reusability (for at least 5 cycles), durability, and good thermal and mechanical properties, with T5 and T10 values of 265 °C and 342 °C, respectively, a Tg of 168 °C, and a water swelling percentage of 54.3 %, thus confirming its stability and suitability for industrial application. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Dyes released during laundry processes should be classified as "hazardous materials" owing to their significant toxicity towards aquatic organisms, with the potential to disrupt ecosystems and harm aquatic biodiversity. This paper discusses the development of a novel acrylic material in film form, engineered to extract toxic anionic dyes. This study directly contributes to mitigating the environmental impact associated with the fashion industry and the domestic use of textiles. It can be implemented on both an industrial and personal scale, thereby encouraging more sustainable practices and promoting collaborative citizen science efforts towards.

Comparison of the effect of Sunset yellow on the stomach and small intestine of developmental period of mice

Sunset Yellow (SY), a synthetic food dye, is widely used in the food industry worldwide. The acceptable daily dosage for SY is 2.5 mg/kg/bw in humans. If SY is consumed in overdosage, it may cause histopathological effects in several organs. Studies in the literature about the effects of SY on growth and development in mammals are contradictory, and there are not enough of them. The investigation aims to determine SY's effects on the stomach and small intestine in different age groups of mice using histological methods. Control and treatment groups were created via mice aged 4, 8, and 10 weeks (n = 6). SY was administered by gavage at a level of 30 mg/kg/bw for 28 days to treatment groups. On the last day of the study, the mice were weighed and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Stomach and small intestine tissues were removed from mice and transferred to 10 % formaldehyde. After passing through alcohol and xylene series and staining with Hematoxylin-Eosin, the tissues were evaluated under light and electron microscopy. The mean body weight (p = 0.01), mean stomach weight (p = 0.03), and mean small intestine weight were increased (p = 0.02) in treatment groups. In these groups, ruptures, fractures, and hemorrhage were detected in the small intestine tissue. In the stomach tissue, necrotic areas and hemorrhage were detected among the epithelial cells. The degenerations were more advanced in the weaning group. SY may be more harmful during weaning and puberty, but additional long-term studies are needed on the subject.

Determination of the effect of sunset yellow on the morphological parameters of male mice during the development period

Sunset Yellow (SY), an azo synthetic food dye, is widely used in the food industry. Although there are different opinions on its effect on people, its use is regulated in the European Union. If the Acceptable Daily Intake of 2.5 mg/kg/bw is exceeded, it may have pathological and biochemical effects on organs. There are not enough studies on the effects of SY on growth and development in mammals. This study was conducted to determine the effect of SY on the morphological parameters of mice at different ages (four, eight, and ten weeks old). The treatment and control groups were created with Swiss Albino mice (n: 6). SY was administered orally for 28 days (30 mg/kg/bw/week). On the last day of the study, the mice were weighed, and tail, temporal region, femur, and crown-rubmp-length values were measured using a digital caliper. A statistical difference in average body weight was observed in the SY groups (p < 0.05). SY administration during childhood caused retardation in growth and development parameters. Therefore, SY may cause weight gain and affect morphological parameters. Additional studies are required to investigate the effects of SY at different doses and durations.

Modeling competitive biosorption for methylene blue removal on rape straw powders using response surface methodology in a ternary dye aqueous solution

The improvement of biosorption efficiency for selective dye removal in a multi-dye aqueous system has become an increasingly significant research topic. However, the competitive effects of coexisting dyes and the target dye in such systems remain uncertain due to complex interactions between adsorbent and coexisting dyes. Therefore, in this research, response surface methodology (RSM) model was effectively employed to investigate the competitive effects of allura red (AR) and malachite green (MG) on methylene blue (MB) removal in a ternary dye aqueous system using three different parts of rape straw powders. In the current design of RSM, the initial concentrations of AR and MG dyes ranging from 0 mg·L-1 to 500 mg·L-1 were considered as influencing factors, while the removal rates of MB on adsorbents at an initial concentration of 500 mg·L-1 were established as response values. The RSM models exhibited high correlation coefficients with adjusted R2 values of 0.9908 (pith core), 0.9870 (seedpods), and 0.9902 (shells), respectively, indicating a close fitted between predicted and actual values. The proposed models indicated that the perturbation effects of initial AR and MG concentrations were observed on the removal rates of MB by three types of rape straw powders in a ternary dye aqueous system, resulting in a decrease in MB removal rates, particularly at higher initial AR concentration due to stronger competitive effects compared to initial MG concentration. The structures of rape straw powders, including pith core, seedpods and shell, were analyzed using scanning eletron microscoe (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), N2 physisorption isotherm, frourier transform infared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential classes and fluorescence spectrum before and after adsorption of MB in various dye aqueous systems. The characteristics of rape straw powders suggested that similar adsorption mechanisms, such as electrostatic attraction, pore diffusion, and group complex formation for MB, AR, and MG, respectively, occurred on the surfaces of adsorbents during their respective adsorption processes. This leads to significant competitive effects on the removal rates of MB in a ternary dye aqueous system, which are particularly influenced by initial AR concentrations as confirmed through fluorescence spectrum analysis.

Comparing the effect of intravenous versus intracranial grafting of mesenchymal stem cells against parkinsonism in a rat model: Behavioral, biochemical, pathological and immunohistochemical studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Currently applied therapeutic protocols are limited to improve the motor functions of patients. Therefore, seeking alternative regimes with better therapeutic impact is crucial. This study aims to validate the therapeutic impact of mesenchymal stem cell injection using two delivery methods, intracranial administration and intravenous administration, on rotenone (ROT)-induced PD model in rats. Our work included behavioral, biochemical, histological, and molecular investigations. Open field test (OFT) and rotarod tests were applied. Important oxidative stress, antioxidant and proinflammatory markers were monitored. Substantia Nigra and Striatum tissues were examined histologically and the molecular expression of DOPA decarboxylase, Tyrosine hydroxylase, and α-synuclein in neurons in these tissues were investigated. Our results showed that MSC grafting improved motor and memory impairments and oxidative stress status that were observed after ROT administration. Additionally, BM-MSCs application restored SOD and CAT activities and the levels of DA, L-Dopa, IL6, IL1β, and TNFα. Moreover, MSC grafting overwhelmed the pathological changes induced by ROT and normalized the expression of Tyrosine hydroxylase, DOPA decarboxylase, and α-synuclein towards the control values in the Nigral and Striatal tissues of male rats. Conclusively, both administration routes improved motor function, protection of the nigrostriatal system, and improved striatal dopamine release. The observed beneficial effect of applying MSCs suggests potential benefits in clinical applications. No significant differences in the outcomes of the treatment would favor a certain way of MSC application over the other. However, the intravenous delivery method seems to be safer and more feasible compared to the intrastriatal method.

Emerging Roles of Gut Serotonin in Regulation of Immune Response, Microbiota Composition and Intestinal Inflammation

Although the exact etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is unknown, studies have shown that dysregulated immune responses, genetic factors, gut microbiota, and environmental factors contribute to their pathogenesis. Intriguingly, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) seems to be a molecule with increasingly strong implications in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation, affecting host physiology, including autophagy and immune responses, as well as microbial composition and function. 5-HT may also play a role in mediating how environmental effects impact outcomes in IBD. In this review, we aim to explore the production and important functions of 5-HT, including its impact on the gut. In addition, we highlight the bidirectional impacts of 5-HT on the immune system, the gut microbiota, and the process of autophagy and how these effects contribute to the manifestation of intestinal inflammation. We also explore recent findings connecting 5-HT signalling and the influence of environmental factors, particularly diet, in the pathogenesis of IBD. Ultimately, we explore the pleiotropic effects of this ancient molecule on biology and health in the context of intestinal inflammation.

The synthetic food dye, Red 40, causes DNA damage, causes colonic inflammation, and impacts the microbiome in mice

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among young people has been on the rise for the past four decades and its underlying causes are only just starting to be uncovered. Recent studies suggest that consuming ultra-processed foods and pro-inflammatory diets may be contributing factors. The increase in the use of synthetic food colors in such foods over the past 40 years, including the common synthetic food dye Allura Red AC (Red 40), coincides with the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). As these ultra-processed foods are particularly appealing to children, there is a growing concern about the impact of synthetic food dyes on the development of CRC. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of Red 40 on DNA damage, the microbiome, and colonic inflammation. Despite a lack of prior research, high levels of human exposure to pro-inflammatory foods containing Red 40 highlight the urgency of exploring this issue. Our results show that Red 40 damages DNA both in vitro and in vivo and that consumption of Red 40 in the presence of a high-fat diet for 10 months leads to dysbiosis and low-grade colonic inflammation in mice. This evidence supports the hypothesis that Red 40 is a dangerous compound that dysregulates key players involved in the development of EOCRC.

Post-Weaning Exposure to Sunset Yellow FCF Induces Changes in Testicular Tight and Gap Junctions in Rats: Protective Effects of Coenzyme Q10

Studies on adverse health consequences of azo dyes are limited and conflicting. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been shown to have benefits associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics on several body systems. This work investigates the possible toxic effects of the widely used food additive sunset yellow and the probable protective effects of CoQ10 on testicular tight and gap junctions in rats by assessing molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological changes. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male weanling rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). The rats received their treatments via daily oral gavages for 6 weeks. The treatments included as follows: low dose of sunset yellow (SY-LD) (2.5 mg/kg/day), high dose of sunset yellow (SY-HD) (70 mg/kg/day), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), CoQ10 with low dose of sunset yellow (CoQ10 + LD), CoQ10 with high dose of sunset yellow (CoQ10 + HD), and distilled water as the control treatment. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized, and the testes were removed for molecular (real-time quantitative PCR), immunohistochemical, and histopathological (H & E staining) assessments. Claudin 11 and occludin gene expression significantly decreased in HD and CoQ10 + HD groups compared with the controls. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the control and CoQ10 groups was significantly higher than in the HD group. The immunohistochemical and histopathological data were largely in line with these findings. The results showed that exposure to a high dose of sunset yellow led to disturbances in cell-to-cell interactions and testicular function. Simultaneous treatment with CoQ10 had some beneficial effects but did not completely improve these undesirable effects.

Analysis of Melatonin-Modulating Effects Against Tartrazine-Induced Neurotoxicity in Male Rats: Biochemical, Pathological and Immunohistochemical Markers

Tartrazine (E-102) is one of the most widely used artificial food azo-colors that can be metabolized to highly sensitizing aromatic amines such as sulphanilic acid. These metabolites are oxidized to N-hydroxy derivatives that cause neurotoxicity. Melatonin is a neurohormone. That possesses a free-radical scavenging effect. The present work was mainly designed to evaluate the possible ameliorative role of melatonin against tartrazine induced neurotoxicity in cerebral cortex and cerebellum of male rats. Adult male rats were administered orally with tartrazine (7.5 mg/kg) with or without melatonin (10 mg/kg) daily for four weeks. The data revealed that tartrazine induced redox disruptions as measured by significant (p < 0.05) increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and inhibition of (GSH) concentration and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) antioxidant enzyme activities. Besides, brain acetyl cholin (Ach) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were elevated while, dopamine (DA) was depleted in trtrazine -treated rats. Moreover, tartrazine caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the brain interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). At the tissue level, tartrazine caused severe histopathological changes in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex of rats. The immunohistochemical results elucidated strong positive expression for Caspase-3 and GFAP and weak immune reaction for BcL2 and synaptophysin in tatrazine- treated rats. The administration of melatonin to tartrazine -administered rats remarkably alleviated all the aforementioned tartrzine-induced effects. It could be concluded that, melatonin has a potent ameliorative effect against tartrazine induced neurotoxicity via the attenuation of oxidative/antioxidative responses.

Chronic exposure to synthetic food colorant Allura Red AC promotes susceptibility to experimental colitis via intestinal serotonin in mice

Chemicals in food are widely used leading to significant human exposure. Allura Red AC (AR) is a highly common synthetic colorant; however, little is known about its impact on colitis. Here, we show chronic exposure of AR at a dose found in commonly consumed dietary products exacerbates experimental models of colitis in mice. While intermittent exposure is more akin to a typical human exposure, intermittent exposure to AR in mice for 12 weeks, does not influence susceptibility to colitis. However, exposure to AR during early life primes mice to heightened susceptibility to colitis. In addition, chronic exposure to AR induces mild colitis, which is associated with elevated colonic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) levels and impairment of the epithelial barrier function via myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Importantly, chronic exposure to AR does not influence colitis susceptibility in mice lacking tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), the rate limiting enzyme for 5-HT biosynthesis. Cecal transfer of the perturbed gut microbiota by AR exposure worsens colitis severity in the recipient germ-free (GF) mice. Furthermore, chronic AR exposure elevates colonic 5-HT levels in naïve GF mice. Though it remains unknown whether AR has similar effects in humans, our study reveals that chronic long-term exposure to a common synthetic colorant promotes experimental colitis via colonic 5-HT in gut microbiota-dependent and -independent pathway in mice.

Peripheral Serotonin: Cultivating Companionship with Gut Microbiota in Intestinal Homeostasis

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is an evolutionarily ancient and phylogenetically conserved monoamine that regulates multifaceted physiological functions in mammals. 5-HT was, at one time, most extensively studied as a neurotransmitter within the central nervous system but is now known to regulate non-neuronal functions including immune responses in an autocrine-paracrine-endocrine manner. Compelling evidence from intervention studies using germ-free mice or antibiotic-associated microbiota perturbation suggests that novel interactions between 5-HT and the gut microbiota are essential in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Importantly, recent studies reveal that bidirectional host-microbial interactions mediated by the host serotonergic system can promote distinct changes within the gut microbiota. These changes may potentially lead to a state known as 'dysbiosis' which has been strongly associated with various gut pathologies including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this review, we update the current understanding of host-microbiota interaction by focusing on the impact of peripheral 5-HT signaling within this dynamic. We also briefly highlight key environmental risk factors for IBD, such as Western diet, and draw attention to the interaction of synthetic food colorants with 5-HT signaling that may facilitate future research.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Sunset Yellow FCF for cats and dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents (Sensient Colours Europe GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Sunset Yellow FCF for cats, dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents when used as an additive that adds or restores colour in feedingstuffs. Sunset Yellow FCF is considered safe for the target species at the following concentrations in complete feed: 165 mg/kg for cats, 198 mg/kg for dogs, 733 mg/kg for ornamental fish, 24 mg/kg for grain-eating ornamental birds and 750 mg/kg for small rodents. In the absence of adequate information, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude neither on the eyes and skin irritation potential of Sunset yellow FCF, nor on its skin sensitisation potential. Exposure by inhalation is considered to be unlikely. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive.

Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence

Concern that synthetic food dyes may impact behavior in children prompted a review by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). OEHHA conducted a systematic review of the epidemiologic research on synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral outcomes in children with or without identified behavioral disorders (particularly attention and activity). We also conducted a search of the animal toxicology literature to identify studies of neurobehavioral effects in laboratory animals exposed to synthetic food dyes. Finally, we conducted a hazard characterization of the potential neurobehavioral impacts of food dye consumption. We identified 27 clinical trials of children exposed to synthetic food dyes in this review, of which 25 were challenge studies. All studies used a cross-over design and most were double blinded and the cross-over design was randomized. Sixteen (64%) out of 25 challenge studies identified some evidence of a positive association, and in 13 (52%) the association was statistically significant. These studies support a relationship between food dye exposure and adverse behavioral outcomes in children. Animal toxicology literature provides additional support for effects on behavior. Together, the human clinical trials and animal toxicology literature support an association between synthetic food dyes and behavioral impacts in children. The current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptable daily intakes are based on older studies that were not designed to assess the types of behavioral effects observed in children. For four dyes where adequate dose-response data from animal and human studies were available, comparisons of the effective doses in studies that measured behavioral or brain effects following exposure to synthetic food dyes indicate that the basis of the ADIs may not be adequate to protect neurobehavior in susceptible children. There is a need to re-evaluate exposure in children and for additional research to provide a more complete database for establishing ADIs protective of neurobehavioral effects.

Pretreatment with Allura Red or Tartrazine Increase Resistance of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus to some Preservatives

Coloring agents such as allura red and tartrazine are frequently used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Also, many types of preservatives are added to food and pharmaceutical products to prevent their spoilage. This study examined the effect of pretreatment with nutrient broth containing allura red (AR) or tartrazine (TA) on survival of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in media containing preservatives (eg ascorbic acid, citric acid, or sodium chloride). Pretreatment of E. coli for 4 days with AR or TA before exposure for 3 days to nutrient broth containing NaCl (20%) significantly increased its resistance to sodium chloride (20%). Pretreatment of E. coli for 4 days with AR, TA, or nutrient broth alone before exposure for 3 days to nutrient broth containing ascorbic acid (1%) or to nutrient broth containing citric acid (0.5%) killed all cells. For S. aureus, pretreatment with AR or TA before exposure for 3 days to nutrient broth containing citric acid (0.3%) significantly increased its resistance to citric acid (0.3%). Pretreatment of S. aureus for 4 days with AR, TA, or nutrient broth alone before exposure for 3 days to nutrient broth containing citric acid (0.3%) reduced number of cells by 4.37, 2.54, and 6.97 logs, respectively. Pretreatment of S. aureus for 4 days with AR, TA, or nutrient broth alone before exposure for 3 days to nutrient broth containing ascorbic acid (0.5%) reduced number of viable cells by 3, 3.6, and 3.07 logs, respectively. Pretreatment of S. aureus for 4 days with AR, TA, or nutrient broth alone before exposure for 3 days to nutrient broth containing NaCl (20%) increased number of cells by 0.74, 0.7 and 1.1logs, respectively. These results have implications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Toxicological analysis of synthetic dye orange red on expression of NFκB-mediated inflammatory markers in Wistar rats

Orange red is a food and cosmetic coloring agent made by the amalgamation of two azo dyes carmoisine and sunset yellow.The current study demonstrates the effect of different concentrations of orange red on antioxidant status, inflammatory biomarkers (TNFα, IFNγ, IL1β, IL6, COX-2, iNOS, and NFκB/p65), biochemical enzymes, and liver histology. In totality, 25 male Wistar rats were procured and arbitrarily alienated into 5 different groups each with 5 animals. Group I was taken as the control. Groups II-V were designated as treatment groups. Groups II and III were administered with (5 and 25 mg/kg b.wt.) and groups IV and V with (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) of orange red via oral gavage for 30 days. It was observed that both low and high concentrations of orange red (25, 150, and 300 mg/kg) remarkably augmented the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IFNγ, IL1β, and IL6) and the protein and gene expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NFκB/p65. A significant decrease in glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxidase dismutase, and catalase activity was observed with increasing concentration of orange red. Furthermore, an increase in the level of several vital biochemical parameters and damage severity to hepatic tissue was also found dose dependent.

Testing in vitro tools for the prediction of cholestatic liver injury induced by non-pharmaceutical chemicals

Bile acid accumulation and subsequent liver damage is a frequent adverse effect induced by drugs. Considerable efforts have therefore been focused on the introduction and characterization of tools that allow reliable prediction of this type of drug-induced liver injury. Among those are the cholestatic index and transcriptomic profiling, which are typically assessed in in vitro settings. The present study was set up to test the applicability of both tools to non-pharmaceutical compounds with cholestatic potential, including the industrial compound bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, the cosmetic ingredients triclosan and octynoic acid, the herbicides paraquat and quizalofop-para-ethyl, and the food additives sunset yellow and tartrazine, in a human hepatoma cell culture model of cholestatic liver injury. The cholestatic index method showed cholestatic liability of sunset yellow, tartrazine and triclosan. Of those, tartrazine induced transcriptional changes reminiscent of the transcriptional profile of cholestatic drugs. Furthermore, a number of genes were found to be uniquely modulated by tartrazine, in accordance with the cholestatic drugs atazanavir, cyclosporin A and nefazodone, which may have potential as novel transcriptomic biomarkers of chemical-induced cholestatic liver injury. In conclusion, unambiguous identification of the non-pharmaceutical compounds tested in this study as inducers of cholestasis could not be achieved.

Nephroprotective effect of Emblica officinalis fruit extract against malachite green toxicity in piscine model: Ultrastructure and oxidative stress study

Malachite green (MG) is a multi-application dye with raised concern as aquatic toxicant. Cyprinus carpio fingerlings were exposed to MG and simultaneously fed with Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit extract to mitigate the MG induced nephrotoxicity. MG exposure developed depressed activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-s-transferase, and reduced glutathione, while levels of malondialdehyde got significantly (p < .05) elevated after 60 days MG exposure. H&E staining revealed increased intracellular space, vacuolation, fluid-filled spaces, damaged brush border lining of proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), focal necrosis, nuclear transformations and shrunken glomerulus. Further, Transmission electron microscope study detailed structural cytotoxicity with the appearance of the heterochromatic nucleus, electron-dense lysosomal bodies, damaged brush border lining of PCT, and necrosis; glomerulus exhibited erythrocyte infiltration and fused pedicels of podocyte. While, EO extract supplemented diet culminated in the restoration of the renal cytoarchitecture and significantly (p < .05) enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes.

The Embryotoxic Effects of in Ovo Administered Sunset Yellow FCF in Chick Embryos

Sunset yellow (SY) at prescribed concentrations has been approved by regulatory authorities in several countries as an additive dye in the food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, there are some reports that it may cause several health problems. The aim of this study is to evaluate embryotoxic effects of SY on liver and kidney in chick embryos. Babcock white Leghorn eggs were randomly divided into four groups. Non-treated eggs served as control group. The eggs in groups SY₂₀₀, SY₁₀₀₀, and SY₂₀₀₀ were treated with a single injection of 200, 1000, and 2000 ng SY into the air sac just before incubation. The developmental stages of embryos were determined on the 10th, 13th, 16th, and 21st days of incubation. Samples of the liver and kidney were taken and routine histological procedures were performed. The highest relative embryo weight was seen in all SY treated groups on the 16th day of incubation. Necrosis of some hepatocytes and cytoplasmic degenerations were observed in all SY groups in the liver. There were degenerated or destructed renal cortex structures and necrosis in the kidney. The cell’s nuclear areas and diameters of renal cortex structures were different in all SY groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It was concluded that in ovo administered SY has many unfavorable effects on liver and kidney in chick embryos. The results obtained in this study suggest that it may be advisable to re-assess safety levels of SY in many industries.

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.

Toxicity Assessment of 4 Azo Dyes in Zebrafish Embryos

Azo dyes are used widely as color additives in food, drugs, and cosmetics; hence, there is an increasing concern about their safety and possible health hazards. In the present study, we chose 4 azo dyes tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, amaranth, and Allura red and evaluated their developmental toxicity on zebrafish embryos. At concentration levels of 5 to 50 mM, we found that azo dyes can induce hatching difficulty and developmental abnormalities such as cardiac edema, decreased heart rate, yolk sac edema, and spinal defects including spinal curvature and tail distortion. Exposure to 100 mM of each azo dye was completely embryolethal. The median lethal concentration (LC50), median effective concentration (EC50), and teratogenic index (TI) were calculated for each azo dye at 72 hours postfertilization. For tartrazine, the LC50 was 47.10 mM and EC50 value was at 42.66 mM with TI ratio of 1.10. For Sunset Yellow, the LC50 was 38.93 mM and EC50 value was at 29.81 mM with TI ratio of 1.31. For amaranth, the LC50 was 39.86 mM and EC50 value was at 31.94 mM with TI ratio of 1.25. For Allura red, the LC50 was 47.42 mM and EC50 value was 40.05 mM with TI ratio of 1.18. This study reports the developmental toxicity of azo dyes in zebrafish embryos at concentrations higher than the expected human exposures from consuming food and drugs containing azo dyes.

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.