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Mitigating effects of some antidotes on fluoride and arsenic induced free radical toxicity in mice ovary
Devendra D Jhala1, N J Chinoy, M V Rao
1Reproductive Endocrinology and Genotoxicology Unit, Department of Zoology, University School of Science, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India. zooldeptgu@satyam.net.in
Abstract:
The effects of oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF) and/or arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) (5 mg and 0.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 30 days were investigated on free radical induced toxicity in the mouse ovary. The reversibility of the induced effects after withdrawal of NaF+As(2)O(3) treatment and by administration of antioxidant vitamins (C, E) and calcium alone as well as in combination were also studied. The combined treatment of NaF and As(2)O(3) impaired significantly (p<0.001) the production of free radical scavengers such as glutathione and ascorbic acid as well as antioxidant enzymes, namely, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat), thereby increasing ovarian lipid peroxides (LPO) which might have rendered the ovary susceptible to injury. The withdrawal of the combined (NaF and As(2)O(3) for 30 days) treatment caused partial recovery in the ovary, which was more pronounced (p<0.001) by treatment with vitamin C, calcium, or vitamin E alone and in combination. Hence the induced toxicity was transient and reversible.
Insights
Oral sodium fluoride and arsenic trioxide cause ovarian toxicity by reducing free radical scavengers. This toxicity is reversible with antioxidant vitamins C, E, and calcium.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Ovarian toxicity can result from exposure to environmental toxins like sodium fluoride (NaF) and arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)).
- These toxins may induce oxidative stress by disrupting the balance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses in the ovary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of combined NaF and As(2)O(3) administration on oxidative stress markers in the mouse ovary.
- To evaluate the reversibility of NaF and As(2)O(3)-induced ovarian toxicity through treatment with antioxidant vitamins (C, E) and calcium.
Main Methods:
- Mice were orally administered NaF and As(2)O(3) for 30 days.
- Ovarian levels of lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) were measured.
- Reversibility was assessed after treatment withdrawal and administration of vitamins C, E, and calcium.
Main Results:
- Combined NaF and As(2)O(3) treatment significantly increased ovarian LPO and decreased glutathione, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant enzyme activities.
- Withdrawal of the combined treatment led to partial ovarian recovery.
- Treatment with vitamin C, calcium, or vitamin E, alone or in combination, significantly enhanced the recovery process.
Conclusions:
- Combined NaF and As(2)O(3) induce transient ovarian toxicity through oxidative stress.
- Ovarian toxicity induced by these agents is reversible with antioxidant interventions.
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