Abrogation of sodium arsenite driven uterine antioxidant exhaustion and tissue impairment: Role of B and folate

Aim: Rapid emergence of arsenic pollution demands the development of novel adjunct with non-invasive painless oral therapeutic agent to combat against arsenic associated health hazards by replacing conventional painful chelating therapy. In the present study, the modulatory effects of vitamin B-12 and folic acid (folate) in the amelioration of arsenic mediated uterine disorders were examined. Methodology: In this experimental study, Wistar strain adult female rats were fed sodium arsenite (As3+) contaminated water (0.4 ppm) in conjunction with vitamin B-12 (0.04 mu g and 0.07 mu g) plus folate (2.0 and 4.0 mu g) alone and or in combination respectively per 100 g b.wt. per dayfor seven estrous cycles (28 days). Results: Rats those underwent arsenic exposure showed significant impairments in the status of uterine antioxidant profile as evident from enzymatic assay and electrozymogram study of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase with an abnormal increase in conjugated diene and malondialdehyde levels. Mutagenic uterine DNA-breakage and tissue damages were prominent following As3+ consumption by the rats. All impairments were totally or partially attenuated by the co-treatment with these two B vitamins in arsenic exposed rats. Interpretation: The mechanisms might be coupled with the enhancement of antioxidant defense system, partly through the elimination of arsenic with the involvement of S-adenosine methionine pool (SAM) since, vitamin B and folic acid are two major regulators of this pool. [GRAPHICS] .