Impact of Varying Doses and Durations of Acrylamide on Body Weight Gain, Hematological and Biochemical Markers: In Vivo Experimental Study

Background: This study investigated the dose-and time-dependent toxic effects of chronic acrylamide exposure, a common food contaminant, using an in vivo model to guide the dietary safety.Materials and methods: Forty Wistar rats were administered acrylamide at doses of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µg/kg/day via their diet for periods of 6 or 12 weeks.We monitored clinical signs, body weight, and analyzed hematological and biochemical markers to assess systemic toxicity.Results: Progressive neurological impairment, anemia, and systemic toxicity were observed at doses ≥10 µg/kg after 12 weeks, while no adverse effects occurred at ≤5 µg/kg at 6 weeks.Significant growth suppression was noted at 20 µg/kg (6 weeks) and at ≥10 µg/kg (12 weeks).Hematological analysis confirmed dose-dependent anemia, inflammation, and late-stage thrombocytopenia.Biochemical markers indicated significant renal dysfunction (elevated creatinine and urea) and hepatocellular injury [increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)], while glucose levels remained stable. Conclusion:The study identifies 2.5 µg/kg/day as a dose without significant adverse effects under the tested conditions, while doses ≥10 µg/ kg/day induced multisystem toxicity.The findings demonstrate acrylamide's cumulative, multisystem toxicity and provide critical data for refining human dietary safety assessments.