Protective effect of antioxidant vitamins on red blood cell lipoperoxidation induced by SO2 inhalation

The aim of this research was to determine whether administration of antioxidant vitamins can reduce oxidant damage in erythrocytes induced by sulfur dioxide (SO2) inhalation. Meth- and sulfhemoglobin ratios, malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels, osmotic fragility ratios and hematological parameters of a total of 28 rats were compared. SO2 was given at 10 ppm, 1 hour daily, for 45 days in a specially designed chamber. DL-alpha-Tocopherol acetate (40 mg/kg) and Na-ascorbate (200 mg/kg) treatments, initiated 3 days before SO2 exposures, were applied intraperitoneally 3 times a week for 45 days. Meth- and sulfhemoglobin ratios, MDA levels and osmotic fragility ratios were significantly higher in the SO2-treated group (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in MDA levels and osmotic fragility ratios were observed in the antioxidant-treated group (p < 0.05). SO2 inhalation resulted in higher MDA levels and osmotic fragility ratios, which can be reduced by vitamin E + C combination.