Alcohol and vitamin c interaction on selected organs weight and antioxidant defence system in male wistar rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: The effects of alcohol and vitamin C consumption on the antioxidant defense system and organ weight in various tissues of rats were investigated in this study. Methodology: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 grams were divided into four groups: control group A (distilled water), Group B (9 mg/kg Vitamin C), Group C (2000mg/kg alcohol), and Group D (9 mg/kg Vitamin C and 2000mg/kg alcohol). After a twenty-one-day oral treatment, organs were taken for analysis. The normal control was used to compare all of the test groups. Results: The combination of alcohol and vitamin C elevated heart, lung, and stomach weight whereas decreased spleen, liver, duodenum, and kidney weight. SOD and GSH activity increased in the heart, kidney, liver, and duodenum of rats administered vitamin C and alcohol, but decreased in the stomach. Only the liver and heart showed an increase in CAT activity, whereas the duodenum, stomach, and kidney showed a decrease. Lipid peroxidation was increased in organs of rats administered vitamin C and alcohol. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that taking vitamin C when drinking alcohol may promote oxidative tissue damage.

Keywords: alcohol, vitamin C, antioxidant-enzymes, organ-weight