ABSTRACT
The protective mechanisms operating in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to counteract the potential oxidizing effects of excess free iron, was tested in rats fed with excess iron. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes, the levels of GSH and the extent of lipid peroxidation at the site of iron absorption were measured. Based on the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) produced, it could be deduced that the duodenal segment of GI tract is resistant to iron mediated lipid peroxidation. The duodenal function as judged from the activities of marker enzymes, namely, alkaline phosphatase and Lys-Ala-dipeptidyl aminopeptidase was normal. There was depletion of GSH possibly due to the increased activities of Cu, Zn SOD and catalase. However, the activity of Gpx was decreased in the Fe fed group. It was also observed that the ratios of SOD/Gpx and Cat/Gpx had significantly increased in the treated group whereas SOD/Cat remained constant suggesting that antioxidative enzymes play a key role in rendering the intestinal mucosal cells resistant to iron induced oxidative damage in rats.