Effects of Vitamin C on Paraoxonase1 Arylesterase Activity in Rats Exposed to Arsenic

Background: Arsenic as an environmental toxicant is able to induced oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate of vitamin C supplementation on the paraoxonase1 (PON1) arylesterase activity (responsible for hydrolysing lipid-peroxides) in rat exposed to arsenic. Methods: The study was conducted in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran in 20015. Thirty-two adult male rats weighing 200-350 g were randomly divided into 4 groups: group I (Normal healthy rat), group II [treated with sodium arsenite (100 ppm in drinking water)], group III [treated with vitamin C supplementation (200 mg/kg via gavage)] group IV (treated with sodium arsenite and vitamin c 100 ppm and 200 mg/kg respectively). Results: Vitamin C supplementation increased paraoxonase1 (PON1) arylesterase activity (P<0.05) but had no significant effect on serum levels of HDL, triglyceride and cholesterol. Conclusion: PON1 arylesterase activity is independent of changes in HDL and lipid profile, and vitamin C with different mechanisms such as radical scavenging activity and reduction of oxidative stress leads to increased activity of paraoxonase.