Chronobiochemical aspects related to homeostasis changes induced by polyethylene glycol in laboratory animals

Authors:
Zeno Gârban, Eva Fischer-Fodor, Gheorghe Ilia, Gabriela Gârban, Nicoleta Hădărugă, Adina Avacovici, Florin Muselin, Cornel Baltă, Eliza Simiz

Volume 22, Issue 3;
Pages: 212-217; 2016
ISSN: 2069-0053 (print) (former ISSN: 1453-1399), Agroprint;
ISSN (online): 2068-9551

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be considered as a xenobiotic of food, pharmaceutic and cosmetic interest. In food industry PEG is often used as food additive (E 1521) in water based flavoured drinks (including sport, energy, electrolyte drinks), in table-top sweeteners, in food supplements (see Codex Alimentarius). In the pharmaceutical industry PEG is used as a solvent and in cosmetics as emulsifier, humectant, lubricant. In a chronobiochemical study (lasting 48 hrs) the effects of PEG as co-solvent and physiological saline on the biochemical homeostasis of laboratory animals (Wistar strain rats) were pursued comparatively. Two animal series (morning - m and evening - m) were constituted. Each series comprised control (Cm and Ce) and experimental (Em and Ee) animal groups. To Wistar rats of control groups physiological saline and to those of experimental groups PEG solutions were administered intraperitoneally. The concentrations of serum proteins (PRO), albumin (ALB) and the following non-protein nitrogenous metabolites : uric acid (UA), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined. Also, some hematological parameters were pursued : red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cells (WBC). All the analyses were carried out in the morning and evening. In experimental groups to which PEG solutions were given the results showed for PRO constant values in the morning (i.e. in and decreased values in the evening, while for ALB decreased values both in the morning and evening. As to the non-protein nitrogenous metabolites : a morning decrease and evening increase for UA, morning constant and evening decrease for CRE, morning and evening increase for BUN were revealed. Regarding the obtained values for hematological parameters a morning decrease and evening increase of RBC, HGB and WBC were found. At the studied concentrations the results were stastistically non-significant. These experimental data could be predictive in understanding the importance of the controlled quantum of PEG used in foods or pharmaceutical products.