PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VITAMIN C ON LEACHATE INDUCED GENOTOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE LIVER AND OVARY OF RAT

Abstract

IntroductionThis study investigated the protective effect of vitamin C on leachate induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in the liver and ovary of rats exposed to Ajakanga landfill leachate. Methods Sixty female rats(150-200g) were equally divided into ten groups(A-I). Group A animals(control) were given distilled water, groups B – E animals were given 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% leachate respectively via drinking water for twenty-eight days. Animals in group F were given distilled water plus 100mg/kg vitamin C while groups G – I animals were given 100mg/kg vitamin C plus 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% leachate respectively. Activities of alanine amino transferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and Gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT) were determined in the serum of rats using enzyme kits. Oxidative stress markers were determined in the liver and ovary of the rats by spectrophotometry. Genotoxicity study was carried out using micronucleus assay.Results There was increase in the activities of ALT, AST and GGT in serum of rats exposed to leachate compared with control but ALT and AST activity decreased in rats treated with vitamin C. There was increase in malondialdehyde concentration (index of lipid peroxidation) in the liver (102.3-302.7mol/mg protein) and ovary (1.1-2.1mol/mg protein) of rats exposed to leachate compared with control (72.6mol/mg protein;0.7mol/mg protein) but there was a significant decrease in animals treated with vitamin C. There was decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione and super oxide dismutase in the ovary of rats in groups B-E, but vitamin C treatment increased the levels of these antioxidants. A significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes(MPCE) was observed in bone marrow of rats exposed to leachate (74.7-113 MPCE/1000PCE) but there was a decrease in MPCEs in rats treated with vitamin C (66.8-78.8 MPCE/1000PCE).Conclusion Vitamin C has a protective effect on leachate induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in the liver and ovary of the rats.