Green tea and vitamin C ameliorate some neuro-functional and biochemical signs of arsenic toxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nervous system damage is one of the consequences of oral exposure to waterborne inorganic arsenic. In this work, the role of oxidative status in the neurotoxicity of arsenic and the possible role of two foodborne antioxidants in ameliorating arsenic-related oxidative stress were investigated. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were given 10 mg/kg b.w. of trivalent inorganic arsenic (in the form of NaAsO2), 5 day/week for 6 weeks by gavage, combined with vitamin C solution (1 g/l) or green tea infusion (2.5 g in 500 ml boiled water) as antioxidants given in the drinking fluid. RESULTS: Body weight gain was reduced by arsenic from the second week and the antioxidants had no effect on that. Cortical evoked potentials had increased latency, tail nerve conduction velocity was reduced, and this latter effect was counteracted by the antioxidants. The effect of green tea was stronger than that of vitamin C, and green tea also diminished lipid peroxidation induced by As. There was fair correlation between brain As levels, electrophysiological changes, and lipid peroxidation, suggesting a causal relationship. DISCUSSION: Natural antioxidants might be useful in the protection of the central nervous system against the toxicity of oral As.

Preconceptional and prenatal predictors of folic acid intake in Hungarian pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine demographic, obstetric and pregnancy care related factors of folic acid intake during preconceptional and prenatal period of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire-based retrospective study was delivered at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pregnancy Care Centre. The frequency of folic acid intake was measured before and during pregnancy in 349 pregnant women. RESULTS: Factors influencing preconceptional folic acid consumption were planning of pregnancy, previous infertility therapy, multivitamin intake before pregnancy, and folic acid intake during pregnancy. Probability of taking folic acid during pregnancy increased with age, and decreased with gestational age. Earlier detection of pregnancy corresponded to a higher chance of folic acid intake. Prenatal folic acid intake significantly related to the earlier intake of folic acid, and prenatal multivitamin medication. CONCLUSION: It is important to target women who are less likely to take periconceptional folic acid as well as to increase awareness of women of childbearing age in general through an intensive campaign and improved education.