Effects of Vitamin E on Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can induce oxidative stress and cause significant damage to various biological systems, including the hematological system. Vitamin E is a group of eight compounds related in molecular structure that includes four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The tocopherols function as fat-soluble antioxidants which may help protect cell membranes from reactive oxygen species. This study investigates the protective effect of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, against cadmium-induced hematological toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally to the rats at a dose of 30mg/kg body weight while the Vitamin E was given intramuscularly at a dose of 1ml/kg body weight. Hematological parameters, including Complete blood count (CBC), Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alaline aminotransferase (ALT), and Total protein (TP) were measured at the end of the experimental period. The results showed significant alterations in the hematological parameters of cadmium-treated rats, with reduced CBC count, AST, ALT, ALP, and TP alongside increased markers of oxidative stress. However, co-administration of vitamin E markedly mitigated these effects, restoring hematological parameters closer to normal levels. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E likely reduced oxidative damage, enhancing erythropoiesis and protecting blood cells from cadmium-induced toxicity. In conclusion, vitamin E demonstrates significant protective potential against cadmium-induced hematological toxicity in male Wistar rats. This study highlights the therapeutic value of vitamin E in combating heavy metal toxicity and suggests its potential role as a supplementary treatment in individuals exposed to cadmium.
Keywords: Vitamin E; Cadmium: Blood parameters; Rats