ABSTRACT
Background: Erythrosine B (ErB), known as Red No. 3, is a synthetic cherry-pink food colorant widely used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. It is considered potentially dangerous; and its use is restricted in most countries although its negative impact on the human body has not yet been proven. Aim: This study aimed to assess the chronic toxic effects of ErB on reproductive organs (ovaries) of adult albino rats using body and reproductive relative organ weight parameters; combined with biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical methods. Materials and methods: Thirty-two adult female albino rats were divided as follows: female control groups (16 rats= “8 negative control & 8 positive control group”); female ErB-treated group (8 rats), administrated ErB dissolved in distilled water at a dose of ErB 136 mg/kg once daily for 6 months, and ErB recovery group (8 female rats) that maintained a life for 1 month after stopping of ErB. Results: The present study revealed that ErB has chronic toxic effects on female reproductive organs (ovaries), illustrating the physical reduction in body weight and relative ovarian weight. Disturbed hormonal levels (a significant increase in follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, while a significant reduction in progesterone and estradiol) and oxidative stress markers ( highly significant reduction of glutathione and increase of malondialdehyde) in ovarian tissue homogenate were confirmed histopathological by alternating the normal structure of ovarian tissue and immunohistochemically ( positive reaction of caspase 3) in ovaries of the ErB-treated female group. These changes were improved in the recovery group. Conclusion: Oral exposure of adult albino rats to ErB at a dose of 136 mg/kg daily for the period of the study (7months) resulted in toxic hazards to the female reproductive organs (ovaries). These changes were partially improved after stopping ErB for 1 month.
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