An Assessment of the Effects of Azodicarbonamide-containing Diet on Neurobehaviour, Brain Antioxidant Status and Membrane Lipid Peroxidation Status in Rats

Background: Azodicarbonamide is a dough-enhancer used in the process of bread-making in countries like Nigeria. While there have been suggestions that it is a sensitizer of the respiratory system, there is a dearth of information on its effects on the central nervous system. Aim: This study assessed the effects of azodicarbonamide on the central nervous system (ADA) in rats. Objective: The effects of ADA-containing diet on neurobehaviour, brain antioxidant status, and neuromorphology of selected brain regions in rats were examined. Methods: Forty adult rats were randomly-assigned into four groups of ten rats each, and were given standard diet or diet containing ADA at 1, 2 and 4% respectively. Rats were fed a standard diet or ADA-containing diet for a period of 28 days. Weekly body weight assessment and daily estimation of food intake were done. Behavioural tests {in the Open field, Y-maze, radial-arm maze, and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM)} were conducted on day 29. Twenty-four hours after the last behavioural test, animals were euthanised, whole brains were dissected, weighed, and either homogenised for assessment of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status; or sectioned and processed for general histology. Results: Consumption of ADA-containing diet was associated with a significant decrease in weight gain/food intake, and significant suppression of horizontal locomotion and rearing behaviours; however, grooming activity increased significantly. Also, there was a significant reduction of open-arm time in the EPM and a significant increase in Y-maze alternation (at the lowest concentration of ADA). ADA-containing diet was not associated with significant changes in brain oxidative status or neuromorphology. Conclusion: The study showed that while ADA-containing diet may alter neurobehaviour in rats; this was not associated with evidence of brain oxidative stress or neuro-histomorphological alterations.