Effects of vitamin A and vitamin E on attenuation of amphotericin B-induced side effects on kidney and liver of male Wistar rats.

Despite the fact that amphotericin B (AmB) is currently considered as the first choice for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, it is associated with some side effects. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of vitamins A and E against amphotericin B-induced adverse effects in the kidney and liver of rat. Thirty male Wistar rats aged 7-8 weeks and weighing around 200 g were randomly divided into five groups, each one containing six rats. The first to fifth groups received olive oil as the control groups, AmB, AmB + vitamin A, AmB + vitamin E, and AmB + vitamins A + E, respectively. Rats received vitamins by gavage (vitamin A, 1000 IU/kg and vitamin E, 100 IU/kg) and amphotericin B by injections (5.5 mg/kg body weight). The treatment was constantly continued for 5 days and days 7 and 21. At the end of the study, serum level of TAC, TOS, MDA, liver enzyme activity (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH), renal factors (urea, uric acid, and creatinine), lipid profile as well as histopathological changes of the liver and kidney were investigated. AmB significantly increased serum level of creatinine, urea, uric acid, ALP, TOS, MDA, and kidney and renal tissue damage (p < 0.05). Supplementation AmB with vitamins A and E alone or combination improved oxidative stress status, liver and renal tissue structure, and functional parameters and serum lipid profile. This study highlighted the effects of vitamin A and vitamin E on attenuation of amphotericin B-induced side effects on the kidney and liver of male Wistar rats. Combination of the two vitamins is more effective than either alone improving the oxidative stress status, serum lipid profile, or liver and renal tissue structure and functional parameters.

Effects of vitamin A and vitamin E on attenuation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles-induced toxicity in the liver of male Wistar rats.

The increasing application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NTiO2) in life and the toxicity potential of these nanoparticles have raised concerns about their detrimental effects on human health. This study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E and vitamin A against hepatotoxicity induced by NTiO2 in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of six rats each. Intoxicated group received 300 mg/kg NTiO2 for two weeks by gavage. Groups treated with vitamin E (100 IU/kg), vitamin A (100 IU/kg) and mixture of these vitamins were orally administered for 3 weeks (started 7 days before NTiO2 administration). In order to investigate the redox changes, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and lipid peroxidation were determined in liver tissue as well as activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. In addition, inflammatory responses were assessed by measuring the expression of NF-κB (mRNA) and TNF-α (mRNA and protein). Histopathological analysis and measurement of liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, and LDH in serum) were also done to determine hepatic injury. In liver, NTiO2 caused hepatic injury, redox perturbation, and reduction of antioxidant enzymes and elevation of inflammatory mediators, significantly. However, treatment with vitamins was able to significantly ameliorate these alterations. This study highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamins A and E against toxicity of NTiO2 and poses the use of these vitamins to mitigate the toxic effects of this nanoparticles in NTiO2-contained products.

Effect of vitamin A and vitamin C on attenuation of ivermectin-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats.

An in vivo study was performed to assay the effects of ivermectin on adult male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats aged 6 to 8 weeks and weighing 150-250 g were divided into five groups of five animals each for the purpose of this study. The groups received ivermectin; a mixture of ivermectin and vitamin A; a mixture of ivermectin and vitamin C; and a mixture of ivermectin, vitamin A, and vitamin C, respectively. One group served as the control group and was treated with double-distilled water. The treatment was carried out once a week for 3 weeks. The results of the study revealed that the animals were less affected as detected by slight changes in the body weight, stress oxidative parameters, serum levels of liver enzymes, kidney function indexes, cell blood counts, and sperm analysis upon exposure to ivermectin. Nevertheless, the use of vitamins A and C might have a promising effect against oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. Although, the administration of free ivermectin has fewer reactions on mammals, use of the drug supplemented with antioxidants such as vitamins A and C moderates its effects.

Toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles on adult male Wistar rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) on adult male Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats divided into five groups of six animals each were used for this study. For ten days, Groups one to four continuously received 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg nZnO, respectively. Group five served as the control group. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed and histopathological study of the liver and renal tissue, sperm analysis, serum oxidative stress parameters and some liver enzymes were done. The results of this study showed that nZnO at concentration more than 50 mg/kg lead to significant changes in liver enzymes, oxidative stress, liver and renal tissue and sperm quality and quantity. In conclusion, the toxicity of nZnO is more significant when the concentration is increased; however, the use of low doses requires further investigation.