Abstract
The present study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in alleviating chromium (VI)- induced beta-cell damages in rats. Sixty male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15/group). Group I remained untreated; Group II received single dose of potassium dichromate (50 mg/kg b.w., s.c.); Group III received NAC (200 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) before chromium (VI) injection (50 mg/kg b.w., s.c.); Group IV received NAC alone (200 mg/kg b.w., i.p.). Pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation), pancreas antioxidant power, blood glucose level and ultrastructure of beta-cells were evaluated. Results showed that the administration of chromium (VI) resulted in a state of pancreatic injury and extensive oxidative damage in rats as manifested by the increase in lipid peroxidation and the decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase. In serum, there was significant increase in the level of glucose in these animals. Administration of NAC shortly prior to chromium (VI) significantly mitigated most of these changes to control values. Based on ultrastructural observations, the administration of NAC may effectively rescue beta-cells from oxidative damage without affecting their function and structural integrity. It can be concluded that NAC if administrated before chromium (VI) injection improves glycemic state by enhancing insulin secretion and antioxidant competence in pancreatic beta-cells.