Antioxidant effect of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E in Cadmium induced alterations of antioxidant defense system in the rat heart.

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is an ubiquitous, nonessential element that has recentl y raised concerns due to its accumulation in the environment. The toxicity of Cd as an industrial pollutant a food contaminant and as one of the major components in cigarette smoke has been well established. A number of nutrient s have been shown to interact with Cd and alter its cellular effects. Several protective agents, including conzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E (Vit E) play an important role in detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Our study investigated the possible protective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) and vitamin E (Vit E) alone or in cornbrnation against cadmium (Cd) induced alterations of antioxidant defense system in the rat heart. Male Wistar rats were injected with a single dose of CdCl2 (0.4 mg Cd/kg i.p.), CoQ10 (20 mg CoQ 1 0/kg i. m.) and Vit E (20 lU Vit E/kg, i. m.), a lone or in combination. Acute intoxication of rats with Cd were followed by significantly increased activity of antioxidant defense enzymes (CuZn SOD, GSH-Px, GST and GR), while the activity of Mn SOD was decreased in the heart. The treatment with Cd significantly decreased Vit C and Vit E concentrations . Treatment with CoQ10+Vit E reversed Cd-induced alterations in Vit C and Vit E concentrations. Our study suggests that the prooxidative effect of Cd is respon si ble for alterations in prooxidant-ant ioxidant balance in the heart. The obtained results support the assumption that CoQ10 and Vit E functions cooperatively with endogenous antioxidants and diminished some toxic effects of Cd in rat hearts .