Determination of tartrazine induced in vitro toxic effects on human blood tissue and protective properties of gallic acid and carnosic acid

Tartrazine (TRZ), a synthetic dyestuff, is frequently used as a colorant in foodstuffs and causes toxic effects in living things. Gallic acid (GA) and Carnosic acid (CA) are antioxidant substances with protective effects. In this thesis study, TRZ 25mM, GA 30μM and CA 30μM doses were applied to erythrocyte and leukocyte cells in vitro. Among the antioxidant defense system enzymes of blood cells, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) level which is the end product of lipid peroxidation, Glutathione (GSH) level and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity were determined by spectrophotometric method in comparison with the control group. In addition to these, DNA fragmentation, osmotic fragility and cell viability determinations were also done. It was observed that antioxidant enzyme activities, AChE activity, GSH level and percentage of cell viability statistically decreased in the TRZ group. However, it was determined that there was an increase in MDA level, DNA fragmentation and osmotic fragility values. In addition, protective effects against TRZ were observed in the groups treated with TRZ together with GA, CA and GA+CA. As a result, it has been determined that TRZ has a toxic effect on human blood cells, while GA and CA have protective effects, although not completely.