Protective role of vitamin E on nickel and/or chromium induced oxidative stress in the mouse ovary

Abstract In the present study, we report the in vivo effects of nickel chloride (NiCl 2 ; 8 and 16 mg/kg body weight) and/or potassium dichromate (K 2 Cr 2 O 7 ; 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight) in the ovary of adult mice. The protective role of vitamin E (2 mg/kg body weight) along with their combination was also studied. Nickel and/or chromium to mice enhanced the levels of lipid peroxides in the ovary, which was accompanied by a significant decline in the levels of protein, glutathione, total ascorbic acid and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Supplementation of vitamin E along with NiCl 2  + K 2 Cr 2 O 7 significantly lowered the levels of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant status. Findings of the present study suggest that vitamin E exerts its protective effect against nickel and/or chromium induced toxicity by preventing lipid peroxidation and protecting antioxidant system in the mouse ovary.