Acetone may induce oxidative stress leading to disturbance of the biochemical and physiological functions of red blood cells (RBCs) thereby affecting membrane integrity.
Vitamin E (vit E) is believed to function as an
antioxidant in vivo protecting membranes from lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of possible protective effects of vit E treatment against
acetone-induced oxidative stress in rat RBCs. Thirty healthy male Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-230 g and averaging 12 weeks old were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: Control (A),
acetone-treated (B) and
acetone + vit E-treated groups (C), each containing ten animals. Group A received only
drinking water.
Acetone, 5% (v/v), was given with
drinking water to B and C groups. In addition, C group received vit E dose of 200 mg/kg/day i.m. The experiment continued for 10 days. At the end of the 10th day, the blood samples were obtained for biochemical and morphological investigation.
Acetone treatment resulted in RBC membrane destruction and
hemolysis, increased
thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (
TBARS) levels in plasma and RBC, and decreased RBC vit E levels. Vit E treatment decreased elevated
TBARS levels in plasma and RBC and also increased reduced RBC vit E levels, and prevented RBC membrane destruction and
hemolysis. In conclusion, vit E treatment appears to be beneficial in preventing
acetone-induced oxidative RBC damage, and therefore, it can improve RBC rheology.