Protective Role of N-Acetylcysteine Against Hair Dye-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats: Biochemical Assessment and Trace Detection of p-Phenylenediamine Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Background:Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a primary ingredient in many commercial hair dye products, has been implicated in acute systemic toxicity upon ingestion or dermal exposure. This study investigated the toxic effects of PPD in an acute rat model and evaluated the potential protective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The study also quantified PPD concentrations in four commonly used hair dyes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Methods:Ninety-nine adult male albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental groups received a single oral dose of one of four PPD-containing hair dyes (Stone hair dye, Tancho, Bigen powder, Bigen cream), each was further subdivided into three treatment subgroups, with saline, NAC co-treatment administered either 1 hour or 24 hours post-exposure. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine PPD concentrations in the tested products. Hepatic and renal function markers were analyzed biochemically, and histopathological evaluations of liver, kidney, and larynx tissues were performed.Results:The GC-MS analysis confirmed variable PPD concentrations, with Stone and Tancho dyes showing the highest levels. Rats exposed to higher PPD concentrations exhibited significant elevations in serum liver and kidney biomarkers, along with histopathological evidence of hepatic, renal, and laryngeal damage. NAC administration significantly attenuated these toxic effects, with the 1-hour treatment providing greater protection than the 24-hour protocol.Conclusion:Acute exposure to PPD-containing hair dyes induces dose-dependent multisystem toxicity in rats, particularly affecting hepatic and renal tissues. Early administration of NAC offers partial biochemical and histological protection, supporting its potential therapeutic application. GC-MS–based PPD detection also supports its utility as a trace-level biomarker in forensic and toxicological investigations.