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- Title
Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of calcium carbide and ethylene glycol in Wistar albino rats.
- Authors
Bini, Markose; Rajesh, Bhargavan; Babu, Thekkekara Devassy
- Abstract
Background: Naturally ripened fruits play a vital role in human nutrition. Under certain conditions, synthetic chemicals like calcium carbide (CaC2) and ethylene glycol (EG) are being freely used illegally in India and other countries for fruit ripening without serious concern on its toxic effects. This preclinical study evaluated the toxicity on different organs after the exposure of industrial-grade CaC2 and EG to the rats. Methods: Acute toxicity was induced by the oral administration of a single dose of chemicals to the rats, and their morbidity and mortality were monitored. For subacute study, different organs of animals were analyzed biochemically and histologically after the exposure of low doses of chemicals for 30 days. Results: At an acute dose of 5 mg/kg body weight of CaC2, 85% of the animals were found dead within 14 days; however, no mortality was observed following EG administration. At subacute doses, RBC and hemoglobin levels were found to be declined (p < 0.01), whereas total WBC and platelet counts, especially lymphocytes, were elevated remarkably (p < 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and urea were also found to be increased (p < 0.01). Histopathological observations support the toxicity in rats at higher doses of CaC2 and EG. Conclusions: The study revealed that the artificial fruit-ripening agents like CaC2 and EG cause toxic effects on the internal organs of rats. The subsequent inflammatory response might have weakened the immune system. This in turn suggests the requisite for urgent measures to regulate the use of harmful synthetic agents in fruit ripening.
- Subjects
MORTALITY risk factors; ERYTHROCYTES; ANIMAL experimentation; BIOCHEMISTRY; DISEASES; DRUG design; CLINICAL drug trials; DRUG toxicity; HEMOGLOBINS; HISTOLOGICAL techniques; INFLAMMATORY mediators; PHENOMENOLOGY; ORAL drug administration; RATS; RISK assessment; SERUM albumin; UREA; CALCIUM compounds; ETHYLENE glycols; LEUKOCYTE count; PLATELET count
- Publication
Journal of Basic & Clinical Physiology & Pharmacology, 2020, Vol 31, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0792-6855
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0126