Effect Of Vitamin C On Arsenic-Induced Pathology In Mice
- Author:
Khongorzul A
1
;
Erdenekhuu B
1
;
Selenge E
1
;
Bayarmaa E
1
;
Bayarmaa B
1
Author Information
1. School of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Mongolia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Arsenic;
drinking water;
vitamin C;
AST;
ALT
- From:
Journal of Oriental Medicine
2012;3(2):26-26
- CountryMongolia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Since ancient times, arsenic (As) compounds have been used to
cure certain ailments. However, it is a metalloid poison, with
cancerous effects. The main cause of poisoning from arsenic is
usage of arsenic containing drinking water. According to WHO
reports the permitted maximum level of arsenic in drinking water
is 0.01 ppm. According to the study conducted in 57 sums (unit
of the province) of 17 provinces of Mongolia, arsenic levels in
drinking water in some provinces especially Dornogobi,
Dundgobi and Gobisumber located in the southern part of
Mongolia were higher than the allowed level. Therefore, there is
a great risk of arsenic related diseases among Mongolian
population.
The aim of this study is to induce arsenic related pathology in
albino mice and examine the effect of vitamin C on it. Six to eight
week old 20 female Beijing breed mice weighing 20-25 g were
used. Experiments were carried out in vivarium (20±2℃) of
“Monos” medical university. Mice were fed with normal food for
28 days. Animals were divided into 4 groups: group A or control
group without arsenic treatment, group B received arsenic at
1mg/kg per day, group C received arsenic at 30 mg/kg per day,
and group D received arsenic 30 mg/kg per day and vitamin C at
dose of 20 mg/kg. The arsenic and vitamin C were administered
orally. After the treatment blood samples were taken and
analyzed for levels of АST, АLT, total protein, and glucose.
Hystopathological analysis of mice heart, liver, kidneys and
lungs were also performed.
Weight losses in animals of all arsenic treated groups were
observed. Arsenic increased levels of АLT and decreased levels
of АST, glucose and total protein in a dose dependent manner.
Hystopthological analysis revealed chronic inflammation,
dystrophy, and necrosis in the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs in
mice administered arsenic. There were lesser change and injury
detected in mice treated with vitamin C.
