PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VITAMIN E ON ACETAMINOPHEN–INDUCED HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN FEMALE RABBITS

Abstract

The protective effect of vitamin E against acetaminophen (paracetamol) induced
hyperlipidemia in female rabbits was tested. Twenty female rabbits were randomly
divided into four groups (five animals in each group). The first group was dosed
with acetaminophen at 200 mg/kg (BW). The second group was dosed with 50
mg/kg. BW of vitamin E and the third group was treated with 200 mg/kg (BW) of
acetaminophen and 50 mg/kg (BW) of vitamin E, while the last was administered
with distilled water and considered as a control group. These animals were orally
dosed using a micropipette for 14 days.
The results showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum
cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density
lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations and atherosclerosis index except high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) which decreased significantly in the treated group with
acetaminophen compared with the control group. On the other hand, these abovementioned
parameters decreased significantly (P<0.05) except HDL concentration in
the group treated with vitamin E compared with the control group. Concerning the
animals treated with acetaminophen and vitamin E, the results also showed that
these above mentioned parameters decreased significantly (P<0.05) except HDL
concentration compared with the group treated with acetaminophen and no
significant (P0.05) difference in the above mentioned parameters compared with
the control group.
In conclusion, the antioxidant vitamin E may reduce the oxidative modification of
LDL by acetaminophen and may be used as a therapeutic agent in preventing the
development and progression of atherosclerosis.