Restorative Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Hepatic Lipid Peroxidation and Lipid Profile Changes Induced by Sublethal γ-Radiation in BALB/c Mice

In order to find a prophylactic supplementation for individuals who are at risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, we attempted to evaluate the effect of Vitamin E (Vit-E), a biological free radical scavenger, on restoration of hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and lipid profile (LP) changes induced by sublethal g- radiation in BALB/c mice. The concentrations of cholesterol and phospholipid were determined in control and irradiated mice. Also, changes in lipid peroxidation and lipid profile were assessed by measuring the level of malonyldialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, and conjugated dienes. Our results showed that sublethal g-radiation caused significant changes in hepatic lipid peroxidation and lipid profile. However, Vit-E supplementation was able to restore the changes of lipid peroxidation and lipid profile in irradiated mice. We have concluded that the mice that received Vit-E supplementation were able to tolerate biomembrane damage provoked by 1.09 Gy for 3 days g-radiation. This supports the hypothesis that Vit-E may afford an efficient protection against ionizing radiation. However additional studies using higher doses of g-irradiation should be performed.