Nitrate and nitrite in drinking water affect antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes of rats

Abstract

D rinking water is derived from two basic sources: surface waters, such as rivers and reservoirs, and groundwater. All water contains natural contaminants, particularly inorganic compounds that arise from the geological strata through which water flows and, to a varying extent, anthropogenic pollution by both microorganisms and chemicals. The quality of drinking water and possible associated health risks vary throughout the world were some regions show high levels of arsenic and fluoride, or contamination by pathogens [1]. There is a number of possible sources of man-made contaminants, some of which are more important than others. Agriculture is another source of chemical contamination. In this case, the most important contaminant is nitrate, which can cause methemoglobinaemia, or blue-baby syndrome, in bottle-fed infants under 3 months of age [2].Comarca Lagunera Region of Mexico is famed as the largest milk-producing area. The Laguna faces a serious problem of over-exploitation and contamination of its water sources. Located in a semidesert, it produces cotton, alfalfa, walnut, cattle and goats. Such economic activities, along with the large production of milk and beer, consume the aquifer reserves in the region. As a result, the remaining water supplies are contaminated with arsenic, nitrates and other contaminants [3], an important factor for health problems in hundreds of people in the local communities.

Особливості Антиоксидантного Захисту В Організмі Білих Щурів На Тлі Вживання Питної Води З Понаднормативною Концентрацією Нітратів

“…This enzyme is present in the peroxisome of aerobic cells and is very efficient in promoting the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen [13]. An increase in the activity of CAT and SOD is usually observed in cases of environmental pollutants since SOD-CAT system represents the first line of defense against oxidative stress [14,15]. According to Krishnamoorthy and Sangeetha [16], sodium nitrite (300 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased the lipoperoxidation and the activities of liver marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, acid phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.…”