Effect of Vitamin E on Arsenic Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Arsenic is one of the most hazardous metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of vitamin E on a Rat model of arsenic induced hepatotoxicity. In this study 30 Wistar rats (immature and mature) were used and each was randomly divided to 3 subgroups. Subgroup received normal saline and subgroup 2 and 3 both received Arsenic، 3mg/kg، subcutaneously، but subgroup 3 also received vitamin E، 400mg/kg، intraperitoneally for 10 days. Histopathologic examination revealed cell swelling، fatty changes and necrosis in hepatocytes of Arsenic group. In subgroup 3 the severities of lesions were less than group 2. Leukocytosis in both arsenic and arsenic-vitamin E groups was observed، but there was no significant difference between them. Activity of glutathione peroxidase in arsenic group was significantly decreased in compared with control group. However in group 3، the activity of glutathione peroxidase was increased but it was not significant. Vitamin E supplement decreases the hepatotoxic effects of Arsenic.