Effects of high dose of long-term ethanol exposure on oxidative damage of spleen in experimental rat model

Abstract

Background: Alcoholic beverages have been used in human societies at least since the beginning of recorded history. Research has demonstrated sufficiently to our understanding of the relation of drinking to specific disorders, and has shown that the relation between alcohol consumption and health outcomes is complex and multidimensional. Methods: In this study we had demonstrated the role of oxidative stress in long-term ethanol induced spleen damage in 16-18 week-old male albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 200- 220 g. Results: Ethanol exposure (1.6 g ethanol/ kg body wt/ day for 12 weeks) caused significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase; while significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and glutathione s-transferase activity in spleen homogenate. Conclusion: Our study revealed that higher doses of ethanol (1.6 g/ kg body weight/ day) for a long period caused significant oxidative stress in the spleen. Intermediates of oxygen reduction may be associated with the development of ethanol induced organ damage.