Protective effects of quercetin and vitamin C against nicotine-induced toxicity in the blood of Wistar rats

Abstract

Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. The aim of our study was to investigate the prooxidative effects of nicotine and protective (additive or synergistic) effects of quercetin and vitamin C in the blood of experimental animals, to determine whether the combination of these antioxidants might be beneficial for clinical purposes. Wistar albino rats were receiving intraperitoneal nicotine injection (0.75 mg kg -1 per day) or saline (control group) or nicotine plus quercetin (40 mg kg -1 per day) and vitamin C (100 mg kg -1 per day) for three consecutive days. On day 4, we determined their blood lipid profile, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, and antioxidative system parameters. Compared to untreated control, nicotine significantly increased total cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase) and oxidative stress parameters (superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxide) and decreased HDL-cholesterol, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase/catalase activity. Quercetin + vitamin C reversed these values significantly compared to the nicotine alone group. Our results confirm that nicotine has significant prooxidative effects that may disrupt the redox balance and show that the quercetin + vitamin C combination supports antioxidant defence mechanisms with strong haematoprotective activity against nicotine-induced toxicity. In practical terms, this means that a diet rich in vitamin C and quercetin could prevent nicotine-induced toxicity and could also be useful in the supportive care of people exposed to nicotine.

Evaluation of the protective effects of icariin on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity in male mouse –a pilot study

“…In our study, administration of nicotine caused decreased activities of SOD and GPx enzymes, while MDA levels in the testes increased, leading to testicular OS. These results are in agreement with previous studies [23,24]. However, co-treatment with ICA significantly inhibited depletion of SOD enzyme activity (as a result of nicotine exposure) and elevated MDA level in the testes.…”

“…Each mouse was administered once a day for 35 consecutive days. The dosage of nicotine corresponded to the daily nicotine intake in people who smoke 10-20 cigarette sticks per day [8,23]. The mice were weighed weekly to adjust the gavage or injection volume.…”

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Tendrils and Leaves Extracts from a Variety of Vitis vinifera L.

“…Moreover, EGCG has been shown to chelate transition metals that increase ROS levels by the Fenton reaction and to indirectly upregulate the expression of phase II antioxidant enzymes [50]. Numerous other compounds present in the TE and LE extracts, such as the caffeic acid derivatives, quercetin, and its esters, have also been shown to have a protective effect against nicotine induced cytotoxicity [9,10,[51][52][53]. .…”

Effects of Multivitamin, Multimineral and Phytonutrient Supplementation on Nutrient Status and Biomarkers of Heart Health Risk in a Russian Population: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study

“…Quercetin was reported to reduce Hcy by increasing remethylation and transsulfuration of homocysteine in rats [ 50 ]. Moreover, the combination of quercetin and Vit C seems to protect against oxidative stress by enhancing regeneration of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase, which might reduce deleterious effects of ROS [ 51 ]. This would suggest that the combination might stimulate synergistic response greater than individual antioxidant.…”