The role of Ascorbic acid as a Protective agent against Sodium Meta-arsenite food toxicity in Rats.

Arsenic is one of the commonly occurring natural toxic elements in the soil and is a proven carcinogen. The major burnt of arsenic toxicity is reported in the liver. Ascorbic acid through its antioxidant property protects the toxic effects of arsenic. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid administration on arsenic food toxicity. Male albino rats were subdivided into four groups: the first was a control group, the second freely supplemented with ascorbic acid (1 mg/100 g body weight), the third received sodium meta arsenite in diet as 150 mg/kg diet daily, the fourth received sodium meta-arsenite in diet as 150 mg/kg diet daily and freely supplemented with ascorbic acid (1 mg/100 g body weight). Blood samples were taken after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment. Significant arsenic-induced elevations in plasma ALT, AST and LDH activities were observed. However plasma SOD activity was decreased. Total arsenic, malondialdehyde, bilirubin, uric acid, urea, creatinine and triglycerides were increased significantly after arsenic toxicity. Treatment of arsenic-exposed animals with ascorbic acid showed marked improvement of the biochemical findings. These results strongly indicate the protective effect of ascorbic acid against toxic effects of arsenic on liver tissue.