Effect of the Joint Supplementation of Vitamin E and Selenium on Chronic Silver Induced Liver Injury in Male ( Wistar ) Albino Rats

The aim of this investigation was to determine the protective effect of vitamin E and selenium on chronic exposure to silver (Ag) induced liver injury in rats. Thirty male albino (Wistar) rats were divided into five groups of six each: the first group used as control group; group II given silver as silver nitrate (AgNO3)(20mg/l) in their drinking water;group III given vitamin E (400mg/kg) of diet and AgNO3; group IV given both AgNO3and selenium (1mg/l); group V given AgNO3, vitamin E and selenium. All groups were treated for three months. In Ag-intoxicated rats, an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and cholesterol level, a decrease in total protein and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were noticed. Moreover, the results also revealed that Ag ions affected antioxidant defense system by decreasing hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increasing vitamin E concentration in liver, in addition, histological study showed some hepatic tissue alterations. Treatment with vitamin E and/or selenium exhibited a defensive role on the toxic effects of silver on the parameters mentioned previously. In conclusion, selenium and vitamin E act as powerful antioxidants which may protect body against silver induced harmful effects.