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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Ascorbic acid combats arsenic-induced oxidative stress in mice liver
Pathikrit Banerjee1, Soumya Sundar Bhattacharyya, Nandini Bhattacharjee
1Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, West Bengal, India.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|August 22, 2008
Summary
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) combats liver damage and oxidative stress caused by arsenic trioxide in mice. This study shows vitamin C restores normal liver function and reduces toxicity without causing harm.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Arsenic trioxide is known to induce oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.
- Biochemical markers indicate liver damage, including elevated liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential hepatoprotective effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) against arsenic trioxide-induced toxicity in mice.
- To evaluate the impact of vitamin C on oxidative stress markers and cytogenetical endpoints.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered arsenic trioxide, with or without simultaneous vitamin C supplementation.
- Biochemical assays were performed to measure liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status (GSH, SOD, CAT, GRD).
- Electron microscopy and cytogenetical analyses (chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, mitotic index, sperm head anomaly) were conducted.
Main Results:
- Arsenic trioxide significantly increased markers of oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.
- Vitamin C administration restored antioxidant enzyme levels (GSH, SOD, CAT, GRD) and liver enzymes (AcP, AlkP) towards normal.
- Electron microscopy and cytogenetical analyses supported the biochemical findings, showing reduced damage with vitamin C treatment.
- Vitamin C alone did not exhibit any toxic effects.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against arsenic toxicity.
- Vitamin C mitigates arsenic-induced oxidative stress and related cellular damage.
- Vitamin C is a potential therapeutic agent for arsenic poisoning.
