Antioxidative and haematoprotective activity of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant, which exerts adverse effects mainly by inducing oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) and vitamin E (VE), naturally occurring antioxidants, improve health condition by inactivating free radicals and enhancing antioxidative defence. The aim of our study was to investigate the protective role of CoQ₁₀ and/or VE pretreatment against Cd-induced haematotoxicity. Wistar albino rats were intramuscularly injected with CoQ₁₀ (20 mg/kg b.w.) and/or VE (20 IU/kg b.w.) or with saline (control group). After 24 h, Cd was injected intraperitoneally (0.4 mg/kg b.w.) and 1 day after, animals were sacrificed. Acute Cd intoxication caused significant changes in haematological and biochemical parameters and altered the glutathione cycle, leading to the formation of lipid peroxidation, while the concentrations and activities of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) were decreased. CoQ₁₀ and/or VE significantly maintained these values to near-normal levels, afforded additional protection by reducing lipid peroxidation and improved the levels of antioxidants in the blood. Plasma CoQ₁₀ and VE levels negatively correlated with oxidative damage parameters while positively correlated with antioxidative defence parameters. Regarding their effects, CoQ₁₀ and VE were in synergistic interaction. The present study suggested that CoQ₁₀ and VE combination may be beneficial in protecting from Cd-induced haematotoxicity and may be used as a preventive against acute Cd intoxication of exposed people.