INVESTIGATION OF THE TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECT OF SUDAN III AND IV DYES ON BODY WEIGHT AND SERUM BICARBONATE CONCENTRATION IN WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of Sudan III and IV dyes as food adulterants poses significant health risks, yet their metabolic and physiological impacts remain understudied. This study investigates the effects of Sudan III and IV on body weight dynamics and serum bicarbonate concentration in a controlled experimental model. Eight groups (n = 3 per group) were evaluated, including gender segregated controls (Control I and II) and treatment groups exposed to Sudan III or IV. Body weight measurements (initial, final, and net change) and serum bicarbonate levels (mmol/L) were analyzed to assess gender-specific and dye-dependent variations. Key findings revealed pronounced gender disparities in body weight responses. Male control groups (Control I and II) exhibited significant weight gain (54.93 ± 12.50 g and 28.01 ± 5.94 g, respectively), whereas female counterparts showed minimal increases (15.56 ± 8.11 g and 8.46 ± 10.27 g). Sudan IV exposed males (Group VII) displayed moderate weight gain (44.42 ± 5.89 g), surpassing Sudan III males (25.82 ± 14.69 g), while females in both dye groups showed negligible changes (~9–13 g). Serum bicarbonate levels were markedly reduced in dye-treated groups, with Sudan IV males (27.24 ± 0.86 mmol/L) and females (26.62 ± 1.04 mmol/L) exhibiting the lowest concentrations, indicative of metabolic acidosis. Control I males maintained the highest bicarbonate levels (52.27 ± 1.33 mmol/L), while Sudan III males demonstrated partial retention (46.00 ± 2.97 mmol/L), suggesting a less severe dysregulation compared to Sudan IV. These results underscore the dose- and gender-dependent toxicity of Sudan dyes, with Sudan IV exhibiting greater metabolic disruption than Sudan III. The significant reduction in serum bicarbonate, coupled with attenuated weight gain, highlights systemic metabolic impairment linked to dye exposure. This study emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory action against Sudan dye adulteration and provides foundational insights into their pathophysiological consequences.