The influence of vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium supplementation on the heart and lens of streptozotocin diabetic rats

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium on the heart, lens tissues and serum parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The female Swiss albino rats were randomly divided into four groups; control group, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium (Se) treated control groups, diabetic groups, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Se treated diabetic group. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg). Vitamin C (250 mg/kg), vitamin E (250 mg/kg), and Se (0.2 mg/kg) were given by gavage technique to rats of one diabetic and one control group for 30 days. The biochemical investigations were blood, heart, and lens tissues. Results: The untreated diabetic rats showed increased serum cholesterol and lipid levels, heart and lens lipid peroxidation, and nonenzymatic glycosylation levels, but heart and lens glutathione levels decreased. Administration of vitamin C, vitamin E, and Se to diabetic rats for 30 days significantly reversed the above parameters. Conclusion: The result of the present study indicates that vitamin C, vitamin E, and Se showed an antihyperlipidemic effect and prevented lens and heart damage caused by STZ-induced diabetes.