Preventive effect of vitamin E on iron-induced oxidative damage in rabbit

Although iron (Fe), plays an important role in different oxidative steps during the metabolism of the human body, it can cause free radical damage. Iron ions seem to play a major role in initiation and promotion reactions of intracellular lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate if vitamin E has a protective effect on oxidative changes in erythrocytes induced by Fe treatment. Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1400 +/- 50 g were used in the study. The animals were divided into three groups. The first group (n:10) was given 500 mg/kg iron-dextran through intraperitoneal (ip) injection. The second group was given 500 mg/kg iron-dextran+100 mg/kg vitamin E(ip). The third group constituted the control group and received a saline solution injection. The activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes; Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutatione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were determined. Erythrocyte SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were decreased and MDA level was increased in iron-dextran treated animals compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The activities of the three antioxidant enzymes were increased and MDA level was decreased in iron-dextran and vitamin E treated group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that lipid peroxidation occurs after iron overload in the blood. In the light of our findings, vitamin E administration can prevent the toxic oxidative effects induced by iron-dependent free radical damage in erythrocytes.