Protective effect of ¿-tocopherol against cadmium toxicity

Several works in the literature confirm that the deleterious effects resulting from exposure to cadmium (Cd) are considered in all body systems. The active form of vitamin E, ¿-tocophetol, is known for its anti-free radical properties, offering it a capacity to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals (ROS) produced during exposure to this heavy metal. In this experimental work, and following the assay of different enzymes/antioxidant markers, the anatomopathological analysis of rat biopsy specimens as well as the analysis of biochemical parameters at the level of blood plasma, our results showed that Cd induces an imbalance of the balance between ROS and the antioxidant system with an improvement of this imbalance by the addition of vitamin E in both the liver and the brain. Our results also showed an improvement in the survival of cerebellar grain neurons cultured in vitro in a dose and time dependent manner, following treatment with increasing concentrations of ¿-tocopherol during 72h.