Changes of oxidative stress in various tissues by long-term administration of vitamin E in hypercholesterolemic rats.

BACKGROUND

Free radical-mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The lipid peroxides and antioxidant status of various tissues were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats and the effect of vitamin E supplementation on defense systems.

RESULTS

Cholesterol-feeding caused a significant increase in the lipid peroxide concentrations of plasma, erythrocytes, liver and brain. In addition, a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GSH-ST) activities were found in erythrocytes and liver but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity remained unchanged in these tissues in comparison to the control group. Vitamin E supplementation to hypercholesterolemic rats induced a significantly decrease in lipid peroxide concentrations and a significant increase in the GSH content, GSH-Px and GSH-ST activities in erythrocytes and liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term administration of vitamin E may play an important role in suppressing oxidative stress, and thus, may be useful for the prevention and/or early treatment of hypercholesterolemia.