Abstract:
Objective
Calcium carbide-derived acetylene is widely used as an artificial fruit ripening agent
despite its potential health risks. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subchronic exposure to crude acetylene on cardiometabolic parameters using a rodent
model.
Methods
Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: control (no
exposure) and three test groups exposed to 58,000 ppm crude acetylene for 10, 30,
or 60 minutes daily over 42 days. Body weight, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose
tolerance, hepatic triglyceride levels, adipose tissue mass, liver enzyme activity, and
oxidative stress markers were assessed. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue
was also conducted.
Results
Acetylene exposure did not significantly alter body weight but led to dose-dependent
increases in central adiposity, hepatic triglycerides, and markers of oxidative stress.
Higher doses were also associated with impaired glycemic control, elevated liver
enzyme levels, and increased free heme concentration in plasma, suggesting oxidative damage and hemolysis. Histological analysis revealed central vein congestion
and hepatic structural alterations in exposed groups.
Conclusion
Sub-chronic inhalation of crude acetylene induced metabolic dysfunction characterized by impaired glucose regulation, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress, despite
no changes in overall body weight. These findings highlight the potential health risks
associated with acetylene exposure and underscore the need for regulatory measures to limit its use in fruit ripening.
