SKIN LIGHTENING CREAM EXPOSURE ON SERUM ANTIOXIDANTS STATUS AND SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

Bolawa O. Eniola, Aroloye A. Olaoluwapo, Balogun H. Damilola, Sogbanmu O. Temitope and Ebuehi, O. A. Taiwo

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Skin lightening creams have been used mostly by women in developing countries for over a decade. The preference to having a fair skin is wide. These creams have been shown to contain hydroquinone. Objectives: This study is to investigate the effects of skin lightening creams on antioxidant enzymes, heavy metal levels and histology of the skin and liver in rats. Methodology: Skin lightening creams were purchased and applied to rats’ skins for six weeks. Heavy metal levels were assessed in the serum, together with protein levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological tests were also carried out in rats skin, liver and ovaries. Results: Application of skin lightening creams to rat skin led to a deposition of high concentrations of mercury and arsenic (above the Maximum Permissible Levels by the WHO), high levels of serum protein and increase in the concentrations of antioxidant activities. Histological examination of the skin and liver showed lesions in group 7 of the rats. Conclusion: The usage of skin lightening creams over a long period of time could have adverse health effects.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Skin lightening creams, Antioxidants, Histology, Serum protein.