Investigation of the Effects of Sun-Dried Apricot with Different Sulfur Levels on Oxidative Stress Markers
Abstract
Objective: Apricots are mostly consumed in dried form worldwide. Studies are reporting some allergic effects of dried apricot because of its content of sulfur, which is used in the drying process. Therefore sulphur content has been limited by many countries. This study was conducted to determine the effects of sun-dried apricots with different sulfur contents on nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) that are among the markers of oxidative stress.
Methods: A total of 84 Wistar albino rats were divided into groups as control, sun-dried apricot, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm sulfured groups. At the end of the 12th week, rats were sacrificed under general anesthesia. NO, MDA and GSH levels were studied at the end of the experiment from the ovarian and testicular tissues of the rats.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found among the groups in terms of NO, MDA and GSH in the ovarian and testicular tissues removed from the rats
Conclusion: We claim that sulfur amount of dried apricots is not affect on reproductive system. This study is guiding further studies that will be conducted against the restrictions in sulfur used in the drying process of dried apricots, which is economically very important for dried fruits sector.
Keywords
References
- Asma BM. Malatya: World’s capital of apricot culture. Chronica Horticulturae. 2007; 47: 20–4.
- Bayram MA, Kan T, Birhanlı O. Characterization of Promising Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Genetic Resources in Malatya. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 2007; 54: 205–12.
- Chan YH, Lau KK, Yiu KH, Li SW, Chan HT, Fong DY, Tam S, Lau CP, Tse HF. Reduction of C-reactive protein with isoflavone supplement reverses endothelial dysfunction in patients with ischaemic stroke. European Heart Journal. 2008; 29: 2800–7.
- Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards. Codex Standard for Dried Apricots. Codex Stan. (serial online) 1981; 130: 1-5. Available from: URL: http:/www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/codex-texts/all-standards/en/.
- Cortas NK, Wakid NW. Determination of inorganic nitrate in serum and urine by a kinetic cadmium reduction method. Clinical Chemistry. 1990; 36: 1440-3.
- Davis EG, McBean DMG, Roonele ML, Gipps PG. Mechanisms of sulphur dioxide loss from dried fruits in flexible films. International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 1973; 8: 391-405. Ishiwata H, Nishijima M, Fukasawa Y, Ito Y, Yamada T. Evaluation of the inorganic food additive (nitrite, nitrate and sulfur dioxide) content of foods and estimation of daily intake based on the results of official inspection in Japan in Fiscal Year 1994. J. Food Hygiene and Safety Science.1998; 39: 78-88.
- Jayaraman KS, Das Gupta DK. Dehydration of fruits and vegetables-Recent developments in principles and techniques. Drying Technology: An International Journal. 1992; 10: 1-50.
- Knorst MM, Kienast K, Quernheim JM, Ferlinz R. Effect of Sulfur Dioxide on Cytokine Production of Human Alveolar Macrophages in Vitro. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal. 1996; 51(2): 150-156.
- Koksal N, Hasanoglu HC, Gokirmak M, Yildirim Z, Gultek A. Apricot Sulfurization: An Occupation That Induces an Asthma-Like Syndrome in Agricultural Environments. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2003; 43: 447–53.
- Koksal N, Yıldırım Z, Gokırmak M, Hasanoğlu HC, Mehmet N, Avcı H. The role of nitric oxide and cytokines in asthma-like syndrome induced by sulfur dioxide exposure in agricultural environment. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2003a; 336: 115–22.