Ameliorative effect of Vitamin C on lead induced hepatotoxicty in rats

Abstract

Various biochemical actions such as antioxidant and reducing activities have been ascribed to ascorbic  acid (Vitamin C). This study was designed to investigate the deleterious effects of lead on the liver by  determining serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine Transaminase  (ALT), total protein, albumin and ameliorative property of vitamin C in male Albino Wistar rats. The rats (110-130g) were grouped into 4 groups consisting of 8 rats per group. Group 1 served as control, given  only rat chow and distilled water. Group 2 was given 100 mg/kg body weight of lead; group 3 was given  100 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C,  while group 4 was given both 100 mg/kg body weight of lead and 100 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C for 21 days. These rats were also given rat chow and distilled water ad libitum. The biochemical analytes were  measured spectrophotometrically. Administration of lead induced significant increase (P<0.05) in the activities of ALP, AST, and ALT. Serum concentrations of total protein and albumin were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Treatment with vitamin C at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight reduced the adverse effects on the liver enzymes and increased protein concentration. Histological examination of the liver revealed  pathophysiological changes in lead treated rats while treatment with vitamin C improved liver histology. The overall results showed that vitamin C ameliorated lead-induced toxicity in the liver.