2004 OCT 13 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Researchers have investigated cardiotoxicity in rats induced by methidathion and the ameliorating effect of vitamins E and C.

According to published research from Turkey, "We have examined the effect of subchronic methidathion (MD) administration on heart damage, and have evaluated possible ameliorating effects of a combination of vitamins E and C against MD toxicity."

T. Yavuz and colleagues of Suleyman Demirel University described their study, "The experimental groups were: control group, rats treated with 5 mg/kg MD and rats treated with 5 mg/kg body weight MD plus vitamin E and vitamin C (MD + Vit). The groups were given MD by gavage 5 days a week for four weeks at a dose level of 5 mg/kg/day (MD and MD + Vit) by using corn oil as the vehicle."

"Vitamin E and vitamin C were injected at doses of 50 mg/kg i.m. and 20 mg/kg i.p., respectively, after the treatment with MD in the MD + Vit group," the investigators explained. "The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in the heart tissue, and the levels of cardiac troponin I (TnI) in serum. An autoanalyser was used to determine the serum activities of cholinesterase (ChE). Histopathological examination was carried out in the heart tissue."

"MDA significantly increased in the MD group as compared to controls (P<0.01)," they reported. "When MD was given concurrently with vitamins E and C, the increase in MDA was significantly less (P<0.01). ChE activity significantly decreased in the MD group as compared to controls (P<0.01). When MD was given concurrently with vitamins E and C, the decrease in ChE activity was significantly higher (P<0.05)."

The researchers continued, "The serum TnI levels significantly increased in the MD group as compared to controls (P<0.01). When MD was given concurrently with vitamins E and C, the increase in the serum TnI was significantly less (P<0.01). MD caused the diffuse loss of striation and myocytolysis of the cardiomyocytes, whereas the combination of vitamins E and C caused a significant decrease in these effects of MD."

"...subchronic MD administration caused heart damage and, in addition, treatment with a combination of vitamins E and C after the administration of MD reduced heart damage caused by MD," they concluded.

Yavuz and colleagues published their findings in Human & Experimental Toxicology (Cardiotoxicity in rats induced by methidathion and ameliorating effect of vitamins E and C. Hum Exp Toxicol, 2004;23(7):323-329).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting T. Yavuz, Suleyman Demirel University, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sevket Demirel Heart Center, Isparta, Turkey. turhan.kvc@doctor.com

The publisher of the journal Human & Experimental Toxicology can be contacted at: Arnold, Hodder Headline PLC, 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH, England.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Cardiology and Vitamin Therapy. This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.

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