Alpha-tocopherol and quercetin modulate primary hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress indices, and biomarkers of cardio-renal functioning in ethanol-exposed rats

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was the assessment of the ameliorative roles of alpha-tocopherol and quercetin on the toxic mechanisms associated with ethanol (EtoH) exposure in the cardiac and renal systems of rats. Material and Methods: Forty male rats were randomly selected and divided into five groups as follows: 0.2 mL distilled water; EtoH 40% v/v; EtoH + 2.5 mg/kg alpha-tocopherol; EtoH + 50 mg/kg quercetin; and EtoH + a cocktail of alpha-tocopherol and quercetin. Results: Treatment with alpha-tocopherol and quercetin significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated EtoH-induced alterations in hemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters, kidney function markers, and antioxidant defense status of rats with significantly elevated levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase observed in antioxidant-treated rats. Histopathologic lesions induced by EtoH including focal loss of myofiber striation, degeneration, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the cardiac tissues, as well as patchy tubular necrosis, congestion, and ectasia in renal tissues were absent in the antioxidant treated rats. Heightened immunohistochemical expressions of cardiac-specific troponin and angiotensin converting enzymes induced by EtoH were abated by alpha-tocopherol and quercetin treatment. Conclusion: Alpha-tocopherol and quercetin mitigated oxidative stress-mediated ethanol-induced derangements of the cardiovascular and renal systems in rats.