Effect of Vitamins C and E Alone and in Combination with Each Other on LDL and Fibrinogen in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of disorders, manifested by raised plasma glucose concentration and disturbances of glucose metabolism Diabetes mellitus is a complex of metabolic disorders affecting different systems of body. The main etiology of mortality and high per-centage of morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus is atherosclerosis. The vascular endothelium overlying lesion - prone arterial sites shows increased permeability to plasma proteins, LDL and fibrinogen. High plasma fibrinogen concentration in adults is associated with elevated risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Treatment with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E reduces diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of antioxidants vita-min C and E in lowering the fibrinogen and LDL levels.Methodology: Present study was conducted on 48 albino rats. They were divided into four groups. Diabetes was induced in all rats by giving streptozotocin 65 mg/kg intraperitoneally. First group was control diabetic. Second group was given vitamin C in a dose of 150 mg/kg b.w/day and third group was given vitamin E in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w/day. Fourth group was given vitamin C with vitamin E intraperitoneally in the same doses. Effects of vitamin C and E were observed on serum LDL and plasma fibrinogen level by using commercially available kits.Results: LDL cholesterol was decreased in groups B, C and D as compared to group A. Fibrinogen level was decreased in - group B and D and increased in group C.Conclusion: Vitamin C alone and in combination with vitamin E help in ameliorating atherosclerosis by decreasing LDL and fibrinogen levels. Vitamin E lowers LDL level but not fibrinogen level. There is a synergistic action of vitamin E and C in lowering fibrinogen and LDL level