Sesame oil attenuates acute iron-induced lipid peroxidation-associated hepatic damage in mice

Acute iron intoxication from the accidental ingestion of iron-containing preparations is one important cause of death in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of sesame oil on acute iron-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hepatic injury in mice. Acute iron intoxication was induced by giving ferric nitrilotriacetate to mice. Hepatic function was assessed using blood biochemistry. Free radicals were determined using a high-performance chemiluminescence analyzer. Ferric nitrilotriacetate increased serum ferrous (Fe) and LPO levels, and induced acute hepatic injury. Sesame oil (a) dose-dependently decreased acute iron-induced LPO and hepatic injury, (b) reduced acute iron-associated hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion generation, and (c) inhibited the activity of xanthine oxidase in acute iron intoxication. Thus, sesame oil might ameliorate LPO and acute hepatic injury by inhibiting xanthine oxidase-initiated superoxide anion generation, thereby reducing hydroxyl radical production, at least partially, in acutely iron-intoxicated mice.