Tocotrienol rich fraction prevents fenitrothion induced pancreatic damage by restoring antioxidant status

Pak J Biol Sci. 2012 Jun 1;15(11):517-23. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2012.517.523.

Abstract

Fenitrothion (FNT) is extensively used as pesticide and may induce oxidative stress in various organs. Tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E found in palm oil, reduces oxidative impairments in pathological conditions. This study aims to investigate the effects of palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on fenitrothion-induced oxidative damage in rat pancreas. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group, FNT group, TRF group and FNT+TRF group. Regimens FNT (20 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) and TRF (200 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) were force-fed for 28 consecutive days with control group only receiving corn oil. Chronic administration of fenitrothion significantly (p < 0.05) induced oxidative damage in pancreas of rats with elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl level. Depletion of glutathione and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities in pancreas homogenate additionally suggested induction of oxidative stress. Despite these changes in pancreas of intoxicated rats, no significant (p < 0.05) changes in blood glucose and pancreas histology were observed. Co-administration of FNT with TRF alleviated these oxidative changes and significantly (p < 0.05) restored antioxidant status. Enzymatic activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) were normalized. In conclusion, tocotrienol rich fraction of palm oil prevents fenitrothion-induced pancreatic oxidative damage in rats.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Catalase / metabolism
  • Fenitrothion / toxicity*
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Male
  • Malondialdehyde / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Pancreas / drug effects*
  • Protein Carbonylation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Tocotrienols / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Blood Glucose
  • Tocotrienols
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Catalase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Glutathione
  • Fenitrothion