Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of calcium carbide and ethylene glycol in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

BackgroundNaturally ripened fruits play a vital role in human nutrition. Under certain conditions, synthetic chemicals like calcium carbide (CaC2) and ethylene glycol (EG) are being freely used illegally in India and other countries for fruit ripening without serious concern on its toxic effects. This preclinical study evaluated the toxicity on different organs after the exposure of industrial-grade CaC2 and EG to the rats.MethodsAcute toxicity was induced by the oral administration of a single dose of chemicals to the rats, and their morbidity and mortality were monitored. For subacute study, different organs of animals were analyzed biochemically and histologically after the exposure of low doses of chemicals for 30 days.ResultsAt an acute dose of 5 mg/kg body weight of CaC2, 85% of the animals were found dead within 14 days; however, no mortality was observed following EG administration. At subacute doses, RBC and hemoglobin levels were found to be declined (p < 0.01), whereas total WBC and platelet counts, especially lymphocytes, were elevated remarkably (p < 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and urea were also found to be increased (p < 0.01). Histopathological observations support the toxicity in rats at higher doses of CaC2 and EG.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the artificial fruit-ripening agents like CaC2 and EG cause toxic effects on the internal organs of rats. The subsequent inflammatory response might have weakened the immune system. This in turn suggests the requisite for urgent measures to regulate the use of harmful synthetic agents in fruit ripening.

Calcium carbide–induced derangement of hematopoiesis and organ toxicity ameliorated by cyanocobalamin in a mouse model

“…The present findings are consistent with prior study in which expose to CaC 2 resulted in significant decrease in Red Blood Cell, Haemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume count [7]. CaC 2 driven decrease in RBCs and Hb may be due to several factors including impaired erythropoiesis, accelerated RBC lysis and microcytic or normocytic anaemia [1]. Notably, CaC 2 has been shown to obstruct elements and minerals important for erythropoiesis such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B 12 [2].…”

“…Elevated creatinine levels suggest a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate; indicative of kidney function impairment. Similar findings have been noted in rat fed with CaC 2 -ripened mango [1]. Moreover, elevated creatinine levels is associated with reduced glomerular filtration, impaired elimination of waste products with potential kidney swelling, inflammation, and necrotic cell damage [16].…”

“…Notably, CaC 2 has been shown to obstruct elements and minerals important for erythropoiesis such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B 12 [2]. It is noteworthy that decreased haemoglobin content may result from lyses of erythrocytes, erythropenia, haemopoiesis and hindrance of erythropoietin or disruption of haemoglobin production [1]. Previous studies have shown that vitamin B 12 administration was more effective in stimulating erythropoiesis among premature infants [18].…”

“…Author details 1 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.…”

“…CaC 2 yields acetylene gas when dissolved in water. Prior studies have demonstrated that when ingested by human, acetylene produces free radicals that causes cellular and organ damage [1,2]. These CaC 2 -induced free radicals cause cellular damage and accelerate the aging process [3,4].…”