Protective role of vitamin E against valproic acid-induced cytogenotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in mice

Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic medication and has teratogenic effects in both animals and humans. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E (Vit-E) on VPA induced cytogenotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in male albino mice (Mus musculus). Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated by bone marrow chromosomal aberration assay and mitotic index respectively, while hepatic dysfunctions were evaluated by light and electron microscopy.

80 mice were used, they were divided into eight groups, group one (G1) served as negative control group and the other seven groups were administered VPA and Vit-E as follows: G2 received VPA (100 mg/kg) and G3–G5 received Vit-E at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively for 21 days. While the treated groups (G6–G8) were administrated with Vit-E in concomitant with VPA for 21 days. The positive control animals administered VPA alone showed toxic histological and genetical manifestations (at P < 0.05). All the histological alterations in liver were greatly abated using Vit-E with significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations and elevation in mitotic index (P < 0.05). On the basis of the present results, Vit-E at dose 100 mg/kg appeared more potent in exerting the ameliorative effect.