TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECT OF SUDAN III AND SUDAN IV DYES IN PALM OIL ON BODY WEIGHT, GENE EXPRESSION OF INTERLEUKIN-6 AND INTERLEUKIN-1B OF WISTER RATS

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the toxicological consequences of Sudan III and Sudan IV, which are synthetic azo dyes used illegally to colour palm oil and was carried out using Wistar rats. The study focused on the changes in body weight and in gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and 1 beta. The animals were placed into control and treatment groups. Treatment groups were given palm oil adulterated with various concentrations of Sudan III and IV. The body weight was carefully observed throughout the study. Results revealed that Sudan III dye adulteration in palm oil led to a decrease in body weight gain in rats, with higher doses causing weight loss, while Sudan IV dye adulteration resulted in increased body weight, particularly at the highest dose. These findings were consistent with previous research, highlighting the potential toxicological impact of Sudan dyes in palm oil. In the end, gene expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in rat tissues was analyzed. These findings indicated potential adverse effects of Sudan dyes, rats treated to Sudan dyes showed higher expression of IL-1β and IL-6 genes, indicating an inflammatory response. these findings underline the concerns about the usage of Sudan dyes in palm oil. While body weight were unclear, the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes indicates immune system disruption. More research is needed to establish these effects in humans and define acceptable intake limits for palm oil that may be contaminated with Sudan dye.