Antiatherogenic effects of Vitamin E against lead acetate induced hyperlipidemia

The importance of Lead environmental pollutant has long been recognized, to human and animal health. In Iraq Lead pollution was documented in Bagdad and in Sulaimani city.To explore the protective role of vitamin E against lead acetate side effects on lipids profile as a pro- athergenic agent in adult male rabbits.This study was conducted on 30 male adult rabbits divided equally in to 3 groups. 1st group considered as control and 2nd orally administered 2.5 mg/Kg B.W. lead acetate, and the 3rd orally administered 2.5 mg/Kg B.W lead acetate +100 IU / Kg B.W. vitamin E for 90 days. At the end of experiment blood samples were collected for measurement of total cholesterol and triacylglycerides, HDL-cholesterol analysis. Hearts were isolated for aortic sectioning. Results revealed that Lead acetate caused a significant( p<0.05) increase in total- cholesterol; LDL& VLDL ?cholesterol; total triacylglycerol ; and CRI , and decrease in HDL- cholesterol and AAI. Otherwise Vitamin E was efficient in restoration these variables to semi normal values with an exception ,significant elevation of HDL( p<0.05) . Histopathological analysis of aortic sections showed marked replacement of myfibers with macrophages lipid loaded cells in lead acetate group, these deleterious changes in the myocardium which were improved in hearts of vitamin E received group. In conclusion Vitamin E was efficient in reducing the side effects of Lead on lipids profile and preventing atherosclerosis development.