Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) Supplementation on Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)]-Induced Hepatoxicities in Male Albino Rats

A BSTRACT Background: Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a heavy metal, extensively used in the stainless steel industry. It causes various metabolic oxidative stress and is hepatotoxic. 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin-D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) synthesized in the body is an antioxidant against metabolic oxidative stress. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the possible protective effects of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 supplementation on Cr(VI) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Twenty-four male adult Wister rats were divided into four groups ( n = 6 in each group) as follows: Group-1 (control); group-2 (K 2 Cr 2 O 7, 5.0 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 10 dosages on every alternate day), group-3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3, 12.5 μg/kg/d, orally daily till 20 days) and group-4 (K 2 Cr 2 O 7 +1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ). At the end of the 10 th dosage after overnight fasting, i.e., (on day 21) gravimetry was obtained, blood samples were collected for analysis of hematology, liver function tests, serum oxidative stress markers (MDA and SOD), nitrosative stress markers like nitric oxide (NO), antioxidants (ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and vitamin D 3 ) were estimated. Histopathology of the liver was done after sacrificing the animals. Results: Cr(VI)-treated rats showed a significant alteration of hematological parameters, liver enzymes, and oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters as compared to their respective controls. Simultaneous supplementation of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 with Cr(VI) showed significant beneficial effects on rodent hematology, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defence system against hexavalent chromium-induced hepatotoxicities. Histopathology of the liver showed several hepatic damages in Cr(VI)-induced group. The recorded data showed that liver damages in the 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 supplemented group were partially protected hepatic tissues. Conclusion: This study showed 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 as a hepatoprotective antioxidant against hexavalent chromium-induced hepatotoxicity.