Changes in the levels of MDA and GSH in mice serum, liver and spleen after aluminum administration

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) is widely distributed in the environment and enters the human body by air, water, food and drugs. It is claimed that Al toxicity increases the rate of lipid peroxidation and hence the formation of free radicals in some investigations. As an index of lipid peroxidation, serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increase, whereas there is a decrease in the anti- oxidant glutathione (GSH). It has been observed that the increase in the levels of MDA recovers with the administration of vitamin E. twenty four adult mice were divided into three groups; Al administered, Al+vitamin E and controls. 300 mg/kg body weight of Al sulfate were given to Al and Al+vitamin E groups for three months orally. 20 mg/kg body weight of vitamin E was additionally given to Al+vitamin E group subcutaneously once a week during this period of time. Liver and spleen tissue as well as serum samples were obtained. MDA and GSH levels of the samples were analyzed. We found statistically significant increase in MDA levels of both serum and tissue samples while there was a decrease in the GSH levels. We also observed a recovery on these changes caused by chronic Al administration with vitamin E addition. Chronic high dose of Al sulfate can lead to tissue oxidative injury, and Vitamin E is capable of preventing the deleterious effects of Al+3 ions.