The Role of Vitamin C as a Protective Agent Against UVA Radiation Affecting Blood Counts and Liver Tissues in Experimental Rats

Abstract

This study aimed to use vitamin C as a protective agent to minimize the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVA) damage rats’ liver, lower oxidative damage and preserve cellular structure. 42 rats were divided into three groups; the control (GP-I) was neither subjected to UVA nor any treatment, GP II was divided into three subgroups were exposed to UVA (GP II-A) received low dose (88.52 J/cm2), (GP II-B) received moderate dose (177.00 J/cm2), and (GP II-C) received high dose (322.05 J/cm2); (duration 24hr. /days). The third group was pre-treated with vitamin C 150 mg/kg for 8 weeks, followed by exposed to same doses of UVA as group II :(GP III-A), (GP III-B), and (GP III-C) The blood analysis was done using SysmecXP-300 for complete blood counts and Erba Chem7 for alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Also, the biochemical analysis of the Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) levels were done on homogenate liver tissue. The liver tissue was prepared for examining under the light microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed the exposure to the UVA induced a decrease in red blood cell counts (RBCs) and hemoglobin, an increase in liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers, degeneration in the liver tissue and destructive hepatocyte architecture. Supplementation of vitamin C mitigated these effects; it played a protective role on blood and liver tissues, reducing the harmful effect of UVA on blood parameters and recovering the degeneration of liver tissue.