The protective effect of vitamin E and selenium on liver tissue in fructose-induced diabetic rat.

Introduction: Diabetes impairs organs by inducing oxidative stress. Given the importance of the liver in metabolism, the present study examined the antioxidant effect of vitamin E and selenium on liver function in rats with insulin resistance. Material and method: A total of 35 rats weighing approximately 20 ± 180 g were divided into five groups. All groups, except the control group, became resistant to insulin by drinking 140 ml of fructose (10%) per day. The sham control group received 0.20 ml of normal saline; the experimental group S received 0.20 ml of 0.5 mg /kg/b.wt selenium solution injected intraperitoneally, the experimental group E were gavaged with the same dose of vitamin E, and the experimental group E+S received both substances simultaneously. Blood samples of rats were drawn and their serums were examined for biochemical analysis. Their liver was then dissected and after fixation in formalin (3%) and tissue processing, 5-micron sections were prepared and examined by light microscope. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, using ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. P<0.01 was considered statistically significance. Results: The activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase increased in the sham control group compared to the control group, and significantly decreased in the experimental groups, especially in the E + S group, compared to the control group. Histological study showed changes such as hydropic cytoplasm and cell necrosis in the sham control group, unlike in the experimental groups, particularly, the E+S group. Conclusion: The results show that vitamin E and selenium adequately compensate the effects of diabetes type II, and using them simultaneously, leaves better results due to their synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]