Oral administration of tartrazine (E102) accelerates the incidence and the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats

Abstract

Background Despite the considerable advances made in the treatment of cancer, it remains a global threat. Tartrazine (E102) is a synthetic dye widely used in food industries; it has recently been shown to induce oxidative stress (a well known risk factor of cancer) in rat tissues. The present work therefore aimed to assess the impact of a regular consumption of tartrazine on the incidence of breast cancer in rats. Methods Forty (40) Wistar rats aged 55 to 60 days were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 8) including two groups serving as normal controls and receiving distilled water (NOR) or tartrazine (NOR + TARZ). The three remaining groups were exposed to the carcinogen DMBA (50 mg/kg) and treated for 20 weeks with either distilled water (DMBA), tartrazine 50 mg/kg (DMBA + TARZ) or a natural dye (DMBA + COL). The parameters evaluated were the incidence, morphology and some biomarkers (CA 15–3, estradiol and α-fetoprotein) of breast cancer. The oxidative status and histomorphology of the tumors were also assessed. Results A regular intake of tartrazine led to an early incidence of tumors (100% in rats that received TARZ only vs 80% in rats that received DMBA only), with significantly larger tumors (p < 0.001) (mass = 3500 mg/kg and volume = 4 cm3). The invasive breast carcinoma observed on the histological sections of the animals of the DMBA + TARZ group was more developed than those of the DMBA group. The increase in serum α-fetoprotein (p < 0.05) and CA 15–3 (p < 0.01) levels corroborate the changes observed in tumors. The presence of oxidative activity in animals of the DMBA + TARZ group was confirmed by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) as well as the level of GSH and increase in the level of MDA compared to the rats of the DMBA and NOR groups. Conclusion Tartrazine therefore appears to be a promoter of DMBA-induced breast tumorigenesis in rats through its oxidative potential. This work encourages further studies on the mechanisms of action of tartrazine (E102) and its limits of use.

N‐(benzylidene)‐2‐((2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)diazenyl)benzohydrazides (1‐2) (NCHDH and NTHDH) attenuate DMBA‐induced breast cancer via Nrf2/NF‐κB/apoptosis signaling

“…Single cell gel electrophoresis assay was used to assess the DNA fragmentation following DMBA‐induced breast cancer [48]. The breast tissues were removed at the end of the experiment, and the tissues were processed for single gel electrophoresis [49].…”

“…The breast tissues were removed at the end of the experiment, and the tissues were processed for single gel electrophoresis [49]. The DNA damage was visualized by staining the slides with the 1% ethidium bromide and observed under the fluorescent microscope [48, 49].…”

Oral Intragastric DMBA Administration Induces Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Other Tumors in Male Wistar Rats

“… 12 Moreover, the carcinogenic effect of DMBA was promoted by other chemicals, such as tetrazine, in rat breast cancer model. 13 The effect of DMBA extends to biochemical signaling, where treatment of DMBA was found to activate Fyn and Lck Src-family kinases linked to T-cell receptor, which results in activation of phospholipase C and mobilization of intracellular calcium. 14 However, the full potential of DMBA in the rat model of leukemia has not been fully explored.…”

Effects of Tartrazine on Some Sexual Maturation Parameters in Immature Female Wistar Rats

“…Many concerns (such as early puberty, declining fertility and cancers) are emerging about the long-term effects on human health following chronic exposure to these substances [ 16 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Children are more at risk because of intensive use of food additives [ 16 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…used as a dye. It has been shown in previous in vitro studies to be responsible for allergies, tumor diseases, mutagenic and genotoxic effects, and neuro- behavioral disorders (hyperactivity and sleep disturbance in children) [ 22 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Prolonged usage of tartrazine increases the number of gastric mucosa lymphocytes and eosinophils [ 41 ].…”