Vitamins C and E Modulate Pesticide-Induced Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress in the brain caused by a widely-used pesticide is modulated by the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E, according to a new study. The effects of oxidative stress can be attributed to reactive oxygen species, also known as free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to cells by reactions with lipids, proteins and DNA.

Male rats were exposed to diazinon, a widely-used pesticide in agriculture. Some of the rats were also supplemented with vitamin C and vitamin E. A third group of rats received no diazinon or vitamins to serve as the control group. The rats were evaluated for malondialdehyde levels in the brain, a marker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and activity of the free-radical scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase.

The results showed that diazinon significantly increased the levels of serum malondialdehyde in the brains of the rats. The rats that received vitamin C and vitamin E plus diazinon showed reduced lipid peroxidation in the brain. The activity of superoxide dismutase was also significantly enhanced in the rats that received vitamin C and vitamin E. There was no significant difference in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity between the control group and the diazinon-treated group.

The study authors concluded, “Oxidative stress contributes to diazinon-induced brain toxicity. Our results suggested that vitamins E plus C combination may have a protective effect on diazinon-induced brain toxicity.”

Reference:

Yilmaz N, Yilmaz M, Altuntas I. Diazinon-induced brain toxicity and protection by vitamins E plus C. Toxicol Ind Health. 2011 May 4. Published Online Ahead of Print.