Biological effects of a tested commercial fragrance formulation in rats: oxidative and molecular alterations and the protective role of vitamin E

Abstract

Fragrance products are widely used in daily life. Nevertheless, the biological effects associated with specific fragrance formulations remain insufficiently characterized due to the complexity of their chemical composition. This study aimed to provide an integrated multi-organ evaluation of the effects of inhaling a tested commercial fragrance formulation on oxidative stress, physiological parameters, neurotoxicity-related biomarkers, and gene expression in rats, and to assess the potential protective role of vitamin E. Twenty-five male albino rats were randomly assigned into five groups: control, olive oil, vitamin E, tested fragrance-exposed, and vitamin E plus tested fragrance-exposed. Animals were exposed for 30 consecutive days. Serum and tissue analyses included cardiac and renal markers (troponin, creatinine), arterial blood gases (ABG), blood pressure, heart rate, neurotoxicity-related markers (GFAP and UCH-L1), oxidative stress biomarkers (TAC, MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT), and gene expression of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, Ckmt2, and Klf4. Exposure to the tested fragrance formulation induced significant physiological and biochemical alterations, including increased serum creatinine (0.99 ± 0.13 mg/dL), troponin (3.41 ± 1.21 ng/mL), blood pressure (130.4 ± 4.4 mmHg), heart rate (375.8 ± 8.0 bpm), and MDA levels, alongside reduced antioxidant defenses (TAC, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px). These alterations were accompanied by molecular changes reflected by upregulation of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and Ckmt2, and downregulation of Klf4 expression. Vitamin E supplementation attenuated several of these alterations but did not fully restore normal levels. Under the present experimental conditions, repeated inhalation exposure to the tested fragrance formulation induced systemic oxidative stress and multi-organ physiological and molecular alterations in rats. Vitamin E provided partial protection, suggesting a limited but relevant antioxidant role against the biological effects associated with this tested fragrance mixture.