Iron induced genotoxicity: attenuation by vitamin C and its optimization

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
• Oxidative stress can damage cellular macromolecules like DNA.
• Iron sulfate is known to induce oxidative damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal Vitamin C dosage for mitigating chromosome aberrations and DNA damage.
• To evaluate the protective effects of Vitamin C against acute iron sulfate toxicity in Wistar rats.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were administered acute iron sulfate (200 mg Fe/kg).
• Rats were pretreated with varying doses of Vitamin C (100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg).
• Chromosome aberrations and DNA damage levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• Iron sulfate administration significantly increased chromosome aberrations and DNA damage.
• Vitamin C pretreatment at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced these damages (p<0.001).
• Vitamin C at 100 mg/kg did not provide significant protection.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin C at 500 mg/kg demonstrates a protective effect against iron sulfate-induced DNA damage and chromosome aberrations.
• The protective mechanism may involve Vitamin C's free radical scavenging or reactive oxygen species (ROS) reducing properties.