RESUMO
AIM: To investigate the effect of vitamin E on oxidative stress status in the small intestine of diabetic rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (C), non-treated diabetic (NTD) and vitamin E-treated diabetic (V(E)TD) groups. The increases in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in these three groups was compared after 6 wk. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in catalase activity between NTD and control rats. Compared to NTD rats, the treatment with vitamin E significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, and also increased catalase activity and SOD. CONCLUSION: The results revealed the occurrence of oxidative stress in the small intestine of diabetic rats. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, attenuates lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, and increases antioxidant defense mechanism.
