Protective Effect of Combined Long Time Administration of Selenium and Vitamin C on Liver and Kidney Toxicity of Cadmium in Rats

Increased industrial activities leads to prolonged human exposure to industrial pollutant such as cadmium (Cd). ‍Chronic exposure to Cd in Mammals and also human being, can cause damages to various organs and particularly kidneys and liver. The goal of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effects of combined selenium (Se) and ascorbic acid supplement in rat cadmium toxicity.

Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups: one control, one sham, and two clusters of 4 intervention groups which were fed with 1 or 5 mg Cd /kg water, for 28 days. The ascorbic acid supplement was added to the drinking water of four groups (10 mg/l). Four groups received intraperitoneal Se (1 mg/kg) at day 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25. Finally, Cd concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in liver and kidney sections. Furthermore, pathological changes were investigated in these sections.

The results showed weight gain in Cd groups which received ascorbic acid and Se, in contrast to weight loss in parallel groups without vitamin C and Se. The stronger necrosis and inflammation have been observed in group received 5 mg/kg Cd compared to group with 1 mg/kg Cd (p <0.05). In addition, the cadmium level was higher in untreated groups without any supplements, significantly (p <0.05).

The drinking water with ascorbic acid has prophylactic effects across cadmium, and combination of Se and ascorbic acid have more prophylactic effects in both kidney and liver of rat to decrease the Cd toxicity.