Toxicity assessment of high fructose corn syrup-55: a repeated dose oral toxicity study in uterus and ovaries of female rats

High-fructose corn syrup-55 (HFCS-55) is a common sweetener in the food industry. Recently, we have investigated and published the effects of uncontrolled long-term oral ingestion of 55-HFCS compared to sucrose on primary ovarian insufficiency in female rats. This study aimed to compare the effects of short-term controlled HFCS-55 administration with sucrose and its possible effects on the uterine and ovarian tissue of female rats compared to the long-term model.

According to OECD guideline (No. 407), 15 female rats were divided into three groups. The control group received distilled water; the second group received sucrose 75%; the third group received HFCS-55; 1ml/100 g body weight, for 28 days by gavage. The pattern of energy intake, weight, behavioral changes, and indicators of biochemical and histopathology were evaluated on day 29.

There were no reports of death, or changes in energy intake, weight, and behavior. Out of lipid profile and biochemical factors, serum levels of uric acid and HDL in the HFCS-55 and sucrose groups were significantly reduced compared to the control. In the HFCS-55 group, cell apoptosis was recorded in the uterine tissue (similar to the 90-day study), and ovarian tissue congestion was reported like in the 90-day study.

Results of our study compared to the 90-day study, indicate the vulnerability of the uterine and ovarian tissues caused by fructose. The possible damage risk of HFCS-55 on the uterus and ovary of women needs further epidemiological studies.