Protective effect of -tocopherol against hematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by nickel sulfate in male albino rats.

Among the chemical hazards, heavy metal like nickel (Ni) is considered to be a serious one. It induces severe liver and kidney damage by altering several marker enzymes and ascorbate-cholesterol metabolism. The objective of the study was to investigate the possible protective role of α-tocopherol on NiSO4 (Ni II) exposed alteration of hematological parameters, markers of liver and kidney functions, hepatic and renal antioxidant defense system in male albino rats. We have studied the effects of α-tocopherol supplementation on nickel sulfate induced alteration of body weight, hematology, liver and kidney toxicity markers (SGOT, SGPT, total protein, urea, creatinine) and hepatic and renal antioxidant defense system of male albino rats. Nickel toxicity results in decreased body weight gain and relative liver and kidney weight. Nickel treatment also resulted in alteration of hematological parameters along with increased liver and kidney toxicity markers. Nickel sulfate administration significantly increased the level of lipid peroxides and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic and renal tissue. Simultaneous treatment with á-tocopherol exhibited a possible protective role on the toxic effect of nickel on body and organ weights, hematological parameters, SGPT activity and improved tissue antioxidant defense system. α-tocopherol, may partially prevent nickel induced alteration of hematological and biochemical parameters as well as have amelioratic effects on nickel induced alteration of antioxidant status of liver and kidney.