Sublethal aluminium phosphide poisoning: using combined vitamins C and D supplementation to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines release in lungs and kidneys of Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the effects of Aluminium phosphide on key intracellular antioxidant enzymes, and the modulatory role of combined vitamins C and D supplementation on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour-necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs and kidneys of Aluminium-phosphide-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty-five male rats (150 -210g) were randomised (n = 5) into five groups (A-E): A. Unexposed control; B. AlP-exposed; C. AlP-exposed+vitamin C (100mg); D. AlP-exposed+vitamin D (10 mg); and E. AlP-exposed+vitamins C & D (100 mg+10 mg) groups. Rats were exposed to AlP (2 mg/kg, w/v) daily using oral gavage; groups C, D and E were treated accordingly, 45 minutes afterwards orally for 28 days.  Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in kidneys and lungs were assessed using standard methods. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20; p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: AlP exposure resulted in significant reductions in SOD and GPx activities (p = 0.000), increases in IL-6 and TNF-α levels, lymphocytic infiltration and inflammatory lesions in the lungs and kidneys. Vitamin C reduced TNF-α (p<0.05) levels in the lungs. In contrast, combined administration of vitamins C and D markedly decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and alleviated lymphocytic infiltration and inflammation in both organs compared with control.

Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to sublethal doses of AlP caused lung and kidney damage. However, continuous and sufficient supplementation with combined vitamins C and D down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and attenuated AlP-induced respiratory and renal damage and could potentially serve as an antidote in occupationally exposed subjects.