Erythrosine-induced spleen toxicity in Wistar rats: alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers, histology, and haematology

Abstract Erythrosine, a widely used synthetic food dye, has raised concerns regarding its potential systemic toxicity. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of erythrosine on the spleen of Wistar rats. The rats were subjected to three doses of erythrosine based on acceptable daily intake (ADI) (¼ ADI, ½ ADI, and ADI; 0.1 mg per kg body weight). After 28 days, alternation in oxidative stress biomarkers, DNA damage in spleen cells, and histopathological characteristics, along with haematology and lipid profile, were assessed. The haematology revealed a significant reduction in haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, red blood cells, packed cell volume, and platelet count. The lipid profile result showed significantly increased triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipoproteins. The enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) decreased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity initially increased in the lower dosage group and then decreased in the ADI dosage group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, H2O2 content, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity also increased with increasing erythrosine dosage, with a significant increase in ½ ADI and ADI dosage exposed group. Comet assay revealed increased tail length, tail DNA percent, and tail moment. Light microscopy revealed several anomalies, including vacuolated and necrotic splenocytes, red pulp atrophy, and brown granules of hemosiderin pigment. The findings of the present study indicate changes in the spleen, marking the interference of erythrosine with the normal functioning of the spleen, making it toxic towards the rats even at lower than the recommended limit.