Effects of vitamin E on neutrophil phagocytosis during experimental obstructive jaundice

Depression of non-specific immunity is one of the systemic complications of biliary obstruction. Vitamin E, which decreases during prolonged obstructive jaundice, may be beneficial to diseased function of neutrophils. In this study we want to investigate changes in neutrophil phagocytosis and the effect that vitamin E supplementation has on this function

Rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: the control group and 4 other groups that underwent double ligation and division of the common bile duct. Two of these 4 groups (Group 3 and 5) received vitamin E during the experiment. Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin serum levels, white blood cell count and neutrophil phagocytosis index were determined for group 2 and 3 at the end of the 15 days and for group 1, 4 and 5 at the end of the 21 days.

There was a significant increase in white blood cell counts and biochemical parameters in group 2, 3, 4, and 5 (P < 0.05). Neutrophil phagocytosis index significantly increased 15 days after bile duct ligation (P < 0.001) (Group 2) and significantly decreased 21 days after bile duct ligation (P < 0.001) (Group 4). Neutrophil phagocytosis index in vitamin E pretreated groups were significantly decreased at the end of the 15 days (P < 0.001) (Group 3) and increased at the end of the 21 days (P < 0.001) (Group 5).

Finally, If vitamin E is administered for further days and weeks of prolonged jaundiced, neutrophil phagocytosis index improves.