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.