Vitamins deficiency in developing chick during chromium intoxication and protection thereof

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chromium intoxication is a growing environmental concern impacting animal health.
• Vitamins B and E, along with glutathione, are crucial for cellular function and antioxidant defense.
• Understanding vitamin dynamics during heavy metal exposure is vital for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chromium intoxication on vitamin levels (B1, B2, B6, E) in various tissues and serum of developing chicks.
• To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin (B and E) and glutathione therapies in recovering these vitamin deficiencies.
• To assess the recovery patterns of vitamins in chicks after chromium exposure with and without therapeutic intervention.

Main Methods:

• Newly hatched chicks were exposed to potassium dichromate (10mg/kg/day) from day 2 to 8.
• Tissue and serum samples were collected on day 9 (post-intoxication) and day 16.
• Therapeutic groups received vitamins (B and E) and glutathione from day 9 to 16, alongside control and untreated groups.

Main Results:

• Chromium intoxication significantly decreased vitamin B (B1, B2, B6) and vitamin E levels across liver, kidney, muscles, and serum.
• Serum exhibited the most pronounced vitamin depletion following chromium exposure.
• While untreated chicks showed a slow, partial vitamin increase, therapeutic intervention with vitamins and glutathione led to rapid and significant recovery, often reaching control levels.

Conclusions:

• Chromium intoxication induces substantial vitamin deficiencies in developing chicks.
• Vitamins B and E, along with glutathione, are effective in mitigating chromium-induced vitamin depletion.
• Therapeutic interventions show promise for restoring nutritional balance disrupted by heavy metal toxicity.