Citric acid

Citric acid is a natural preservative and food tartness enhancer. Citric acid induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and S phase in HaCaT cells. Citric acid cause oxidative damage of the liver by means of the decrease of antioxidative enzyme activities. Citric acid is also an acidulant, emulsifier, sequestrant and buffering agent widely used across many industries^[1][2][3][4]. In Vitro:Citric acid (0-12.5 mM; 24 h) shows antiproliferative activity in a dose dependent manner^[3].
Citric acid (12.5 mM; 72 h) induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and S phase in a dosedependent manner^[3].
Citric acid (12.5 mM; 48 h) increases the expression of FAS, BAX, BID, AIF, EndoG, cytochrome c, PARP, GADD153, GRP78 and caspase-3, -8, -9, and decreases of BCL-2 and BCL-Xl^[3]. In Vivo:Citric acid (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg; i.p.) significantly decreases GSH-Px activity and induces an increase in the MDA (malonyldialdehyde) levels in mouse liver^[1].
Citric acid (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg; i.p.) induces apoptosis by increases caspase-3 activity in a dose-dependent manner in mouse hepatocytes^[1].
Citric acid (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg; i.p.; weekly for 3 weeks) causes renal toxicity in mice^[2].