Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)-induced oxidative stress plays a role on vertebral antioxidant system: Ameliorative role of vitamin C and E in male Wistar rats

PCB are still prevalent in the environment despite the fact that they have been banned in many countries for several decades, have wide range of adverse effects in various organ systems including bone. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of PCB on vertebral bone and the ameliorative role of vitamin C or E in the adult male Wistar rats. Group-I rats received vehicle (corn oil) intraperitoneally (i.p), group-II received Aroclor [1254] 2 mg/kg bwt/day (i.p), group-III received Aroclor [1254] (i.p) and simultaneously vitamin C 100 mg/kg bwt/day (orally), group-IV received Aroclor [1254] (i.p) and simultaneously vitamin E 50 mg/kg bwt/day (orally). After 30 days, rats were euthanized and vertebrae were dissected. The osteoblast functional markers (ALP and Collagen), osteoclast functional marker (TRAP), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx and GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed in the vertebral bone of control and experimental animals. A significant decrease the ALP, collagen enzyme activity and increase the TRAP activity were observed in PCBs (Aroclor 1254) treated rats. SOD and GPx were increased in the PCB treated rats. Vitamin C or E given along with PCB, prevented the effects of PCB on ALP and TRAP. GST activity was effective in simultaneous administration of vitamin C treated group. LPO was altered in PCB treatment and animals remaining were not altered. PCB induces oxidative stress and stimulates osteoclast activity but suppresses osteoblast function and it perturbs the antioxidant system. Vitamin C or vitamin E was able to prevent the effects of PCB.