Protection of Arsenic - Induced Thyroid Oxidative Stress by Melatonin

Author(s): Dimple M. Damore* and Mandava V. Rao

Abstract: Arsenic-induced tissue damage is a major concern to the human population. An impaired antioxidant defense mechanism followed by oxidative stress is the major cause of arsenic-induced toxicity, which can lead to deleterious effects in the tissues. The present study was carried out to investigate the preventive role of melatonin, against arsenic-induced thyroid damage in mice. Administration of arsenic (in the form of arsenic trioxide, As2O3, at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight, po) for 30 days significantly decreased the intracellular antioxidant power, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, as well as the level of total protein. In addition, arsenic intoxication enhanced lipid peroxidation and degeneration of the thyroid tissues. Concomitant administration of melatonin (at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight, ip) with arsenic significantly restored all these parameters. In summary, the results suggest that the preventive role of melatonin against arsenic induced thyroid toxicity may be due to its intrinsic antioxidant property.

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