The protective role of vitamin C and virgin olive oil in Wistar rats fed a Pb contaminated diet
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Date
2011
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Abstract
In this study, an attempt was carried out to detoxify lead poisoning by
antioxidant substances; vitamin C and olive oil. Two separate experimental
protocols were carried out:
The first experimental protocol:
In order to investigate the antioxidant role of vitamin C in the Wistar rat
subjected to a Pb contaminated diet, females received either Pb alone or combined
with vitamin C in drinking water for the first 4 weeks, where half the animals were
sacrificed. In the second period, treatment method has been reversed for the
remaining animals and continued for 2 other weeks (6 weeks in total).
Serum albumin, immunoglobulins (Igs), Ca, Fe, leukocytes, and relative
organ weights were evaluated. During the trial of four weeks, the most important
results showed a significant decrease of albumin and Neutrophils with a significant
increase in Igs of Pb group. However, the group of Pb-Vitamin C resulted in
significant inverse results.
Regarding the levels of Ca and Fe, no significant difference was observed
between the two treatments groups, which decreased significantly compared to
control. The weight of the kidneys and spleen were significantly increased
compared to control.
During the second period, a significant decrease (albumin and lymphocytes)
and a significant increase (Igs, Neutrophils and monocytes) were observed in the
Pb group.
By comparing the two periods, albumin, Igs, Ca and Fe were returned to
normal in the C-Vitamin Pb, accompanied by a decrease (albumin), an increase
(Igs, Ca and Fe) or no change (Neutrophils) in group Pb. The relative organ
weights of kidneys and spleen were higher in both groups by both treatments
compared to control. Results therefore indicate a significant effect of vitamin C
against the toxicity of lead on the concentration of albumin and IGS.
The second experimental protocol:
Vitamin C and olive oil were supplemented separately or together to rats fed
a Pb contaminated diet during a period of four weeks. The following parameters
were estimated; total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides,
calcium, iron, immunoglobulins, leucocytes, red blood cells and haemoglobin. The
histological study of liver and kidney was also carried out.
Regarding the biochemical parameters, the Pb-treated group has a decreased
concentration of HDL-cholesterol and iron, accompanied by a significant increase
in LDL. When vitamin C or olive oil is added, the results were reversed, especially
for LDL and HDL. However, these parameters were almost identical to the control
when rats were given a combination of vitamin C and olive oil.
The most important results have revealed increased levels of white blood
cells and Igs in the Pb-group. But, all groups supplemented with Vit C and olive oil
showed completely opposite results. In the Pb-group there were a decreased
number of red blood cell counts and the heamoglobulin concentration, which have
been returned to normal values by the addition of Vit C and olive oil.
Concerning the histological study, necrosis and swelling to hepatocytes were
observed in the Pb-group. Pb has caused also renal degeneration and necrosis,
mainly at the proximal tubules. However, the presence of Vit C has reduced
necrosis of both organs, but olive oil was more efficient than Vit C.
In conclusion, Pb contaminated food containing a sufficient amount of
vitamin C could reduce the toxicity of metals to some extent if the supplementation
was given at the beginning or at the end of intoxication.
In addition, after the removal of vitamin C during the second treatment, the toxicity
of Pb was evident in some cases.
This study also suggests that virgin olive oil is also useful in protecting rats
from intoxication of lead by strengthening the immune system.
The findings prove the nutritional benefits of virgin olive oil and vitamin C
to preserve the health of animals exposed to chronic Pb intoxication.