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Radioprotective effect of vitamins C and E
S M el-Nahas1, F E Mattar, A A Mohamed
1Cell Biology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Mutation Research
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Vitamin C showed radioprotective effects in rats, while vitamin E did not and interfered with olive oil
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Radiation biology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are studied for their potential protective effects against cellular damage.
- Radiation exposure can cause significant chromosomal damage and affect cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radioprotective potential of vitamin C and vitamin E in albino rats.
- To assess the effects of these vitamins on chromosomal aberrations and mitotic activity post-irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Albino rats were administered vitamin C and vitamin E (dissolved in olive oil) at 100 and 300 mg/kg/day for six months.
- Animals were subjected to whole-body irradiation.
- Chromosomal aberrations and mitotic activity were analyzed in irradiated and non-irradiated groups.
Main Results:
- Both vitamin C and vitamin E were found to be non-mutagenic.
- Vitamin C demonstrated a significant radioprotective effect.
- Vitamin E exhibited no radioprotective properties and notably diminished the protective effect of olive oil.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin C may serve as a radioprotective agent.
- Vitamin E does not offer radioprotection and can antagonize the radioprotective effects of olive oil.
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