Oxidative stress in rat liver during acute cadmium and ethanol intoxication.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of binge drinking on the prooxidant/antioxidant system in rat liver in acute cadmium (Cd) intoxication. Male Wistar rats were used in the experiments. They were divided into the following groups: 1. control, 2. ethanol-treated group, in five subsequent doses of 2 g kg-1, administered by an orogastric tube, 3. Cd-treated group in a single dose of 2.5 mg kg-1, administered intraperitoneally, 4. group that received Cd 12 h after the last dose of ethanol. Blood and liver samples for determination of oxidative stress parameters, were collected 24 h after treatment. When administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced increase in the serum and liver malondialdehyde levels than either of the substances alone (p<0.01). Liver manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity was increased in both the ethanol- and Cd-treated groups (p<0.01), while liver copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) activity was elevated in the Cd group only. However, when administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced decrease in liver MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD activity 24 h after treatment (p<0.01). Based on our study, it can be concluded that ethanol may act synergistically with Cd in inducing lipid peroxidation and reduction in liver SOD activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]