Toxicological evaluation of volatile organic compounds emitted from scented candles
In silico Admet profiling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lung injury in rats
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22079554 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mervat S Mohamed (0000-0002-0542-422X, Cairo University, corresponding author), Awatif M E Omran (0000-0001-7803-3273, University of Tabuk), Amnah Obidan (0009-0003-9249-3649, University of Tabuk), Seham O Alsulami (University of Tabuk), Nuha B Aljohani (King Abdul Aziz University Hospital), Eman Alshehri (0000-0003-2541-0236, King Saud University), Eman H Alshehri, Hajer Alfarteesh (King Khalid University), Norah Bakheet Aljohani (King Abdul Aziz University Hospital), Ayat G Ali (Shebin Teaching Hospital) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1678549-1678549 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-18 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1678549 |
| PMID | 41048308 |
| OpenAlex | W4414306123 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 43 |
Scented candles are widely used in the Middle East, particularly in the Arab Gulf region, to enhance indoor environments. However, limited ventilation in enclosed air-conditioned spaces can cause emissions to accumulate, posing health risks. Although the chemical composition of candle emissions has been examined, their in vivo toxicological effects under realistic exposure conditions remain unclear. This study evaluated the toxicity of scented candle emissions in male Wistar rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into nine groups ( n = 6/group): controls exposed to fresh air, unscented candle emissions, or scented candle emissions for 1, 3, or 6 h daily, 5 days per week for 8 weeks under indoor-like conditions. GC–MS analysis identified 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in unscented and 60 in scented candles. In silico ADMET profiling predicted toxicity for several compounds. Biochemical assays showed elevated serum TNF- α and IL-6, increased MDA, and reduced CAT and T-SOD activities in lung tissue, indicating systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry confirmed upregulation of inflammatory markers (TNF- α , COX-2). Histopathology revealed inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis, and necrobiotic changes, particularly in scented candle-exposed groups. Chronic scented candle exposure in poorly ventilated spaces causes inflammation, oxidative stress, and lung injury
Candle · Histopathology · In silico · Inflammation · Lung · Oxidative phosphorylation · Toxicity · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure
| Highly cited | No |
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