Embryotoxic Effects of Sunset Yellow FCF in Congenital Neural Tube Defect Formation in Early-Stage Chick Embryos: A Histopathological Study.

Aim: Sunset Yellow FCF E110 (SY) is a commonly used food coloring in packaged foods. The folding and fusion phases of the neuroectoderm during embryonic development, which form the neural tube, are susceptible to environmental factors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the embryotoxic effects of SY exposure on neural tube development in an experimental model of chicken embryos.

Material And Methods: Sixty fertilized special pathogen-free (SPF) Leghorn genus chick embryos were used. Three experimental groups were determined, comprising the control group (0.1 ml saline), daily intake dose (2.5 mg/kg SY), and high dose (5 mg/kg SY) groups (n=20). SPF status was determined on day 0 when eggs were placed in the incubator. Eggs were injected at the 30th hour of incubation, and incubated for the following 72 hours.

Results: Upon light microscope examination, in the control group the surface ectoderm was intact, the neural tube was closed, and the neuroepithelium, basement membrane surrounding the neuroepithelium, notochord, and somites were all normal. In the daily intake dose SY group, four examples of neural tube defects (NTDs) were observed. Six instances of NTDs were observed in the high-dose SY group. The high-dose group had a statistically significant increase in the number of embryos with NTDs compared to other groups (p=0.0004).

Conclusion: These results suggest that SY consumption can cause irregular neural tube development. SY should not be ingested in high doses for extended periods of time, should be regulated even when used as an additive, and should be avoided during pregnancy. Further studies are needed in a wider range of dose groups to observe the embryotoxic effects of SY on neuronal development.