Combined effects of coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E in cadmium induced alterations of antioxidant defense system in the rat heart

Our study investigated the possible protective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Vitamin E (Vit E) alone or in combination against cadmium (Cd) induced alterations of antioxidant defense system in the rat heart. Male Wistar rats were injected with a single dose of CdCl2 (0.4 mg Cd/kg BW i.p.), CoQ10 (20 mg CoQ10/kg BW i.m.) and Vit E (20 IU Vit E/kg BW i.m.), alone or in combination. Acute intoxication of rats with Cd were followed by significantly increased activity of antioxidant defense enzymes (CuZn SOD, GSH-Px, GST and GR), while the activity of Mn SOD was decreased in the heart. The treatment with Cd significantly decreased Vit C and Vit E concentrations. Treatment with CoQ10 and Vit E reversed Cd-induced alterations of antioxidant defense system. The obtained results support the assumption that CoQ10 and Vit E functions cooperatively with endogenous antioxidants and diminished toxic effects of Cd in rat heart.