Amelioration of Cadmium-induced Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats by Vitamin C, Zinc and N-Acetylcysteine

Abstract

The present study was performed to determine the protective effects of Vitamin C, Zinc and N-Acetylcysteine individually or in combinations with Cd, to monitor amelioration capability against Cd-induced oxidative damage in Wistar rats. Nine groups of rats were studied as experimental group. The present experiment was conducted for 45 days. Liver and kidneys were excised for biochemical determinations through assaying of antioxidant enzymes and lipid oxidation products to assess the impact of Cd-toxicity and its amelioration by co-administration of Vitamin C, Zinc and NAC along with Cd. Basal Metabolic rates, Tissue Respiration rates of liver and kidney were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during Cd toxicity. Serum biochemical parameters were also found to be significantly altered to cope up with Cd toxicity. All the antioxidant enzymes and products were significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) or elevated in rat liver and kidney tissues during Cd-induced toxicity. Whereas with co-administration of Vitamin C, Zinc and NAC, into rats clearly demonstrates the amelioration of oxidative damage induced by Cd-toxicity. From the results obtained in the present study all the agents tested had protective effects against Cd-induced oxidative damage.