Fariha Qureshi, Mohammad Tahir.
Protective effects of vitamins C&E against sodium arsenate induced effects on maternal weight in albino mice.
Biomedica Jan ;29(4):207-11.

Background: Exposure to arsenic through drinking water, food and occupational sources are common throughout the world. Women are more susceptible than men to the adverse effects of arsenic, as it interacts with estrogen hormones. This study was designed to evaluate the role of vitamin C&E in mitigating the toxic effects of sodium arsenate on maternal weight gain. Materials and Methods: Thirty two Albino mice of BALB/c strain (twenty four females & eight males), 10 weeks old, weighing 30 - 35 gm were used; animals were divided into four groups having six female mice in each. Group A1 served as control and was given a single I/P dose of weight related distilled water on 8th day of gestation. Groups A2, A3, & A4 animals received sodium arsenate (35 mg/kg/day) respectively on 8th gestational day and vitamin C & E were given by I/P injection, (9 mg/kg/day and 15 mg/kg/day) respectively, from 8th day for rest of pregnancy period. The body weight of dams was recorded every day after the confirmation of pregnancy, till the time of sacrifice. The actual weight of dams was calculated as the difference between dam's total weight and that of total fetal weight. Results: There was normal weight gain in dams of group A1, whereas in group A2 the maternal weight gain was reduced and the difference was statistically significant as compared to groups A1, A3 and A4. It was therefore, concluded from the current results that vitamin C & E are useful in protecting sodium arsenate induced reduction of weight gain.

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