Influence of Vitamin E on the Haemodynamic Effects of Intragastric Chromium Intake and Lipid Peroxidation in Experimental Rats

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the possibility of using vitamin E for the correction of free radical oxidation disorders and haemodynamic effects of potassium bichromate. Methods: Experiments were performed in 90 male Wistar rats; the study included 9 experimental groups. Vitamin E and sunflower oil (control) were injected daily intragastrically through an atraumatic tube into the stomach. At the end of the experimental period (30 days and 60 days), the main parameters of systemic hemodynamics and values of lipid peroxidation were measured. Differences between groups were analyzed using Student’s t-test. Results: The analysis of basic parameters of systemic haemodynamics showed that PO administration of potassium bichromate promoted an increase in mean arterial pressure due to the increase in normalized peripheral vascular resistance (systemic vascular resistance, SVR). At the same time there was a decrease in the stroke volume index. The haemodynamic effects of chromium were more pronounced with prolonged administration. Parameters of systemic hemodynamics in combined administration of potassium bichromate and sunflower oil changed similarly to the effects of combined administration of the metal and vitamin E, but changes were less pronounced. A decrease in SVR and the restoration of the stroke volume index were observed. The isolated administration of the metal for thirty days resulted in an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) accompanied by a stimulation of catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. During prolonged (2 months) isolated administration of potassium bichromate, a more pronounced increase in LPO was observed along with the depletion of the antioxidant system. The prevention of chromium intoxication using vitamin E during the first month of administration reduced lipoperoxidation phenomena accompanying increased antioxidant defense activity. These dynamics persisted after two months of the combination of vitamin E and potassium bichromate. Conclusions: The intragastric administration of potassium bichromate for 30 and 60 days resulted in arterial hypertension in a rat model. The administration of toxic doses of potassium bichromate to laboratory animals may lead to the activation of lipid peroxidation. The administration of vitamin E may attenuate the haemodynamic effects of chromium intoxication and the activation of lipid peroxidation.