Authors: Inam F , Shahid M

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fluoride salts generate free oxygen radicals which cause toxicity and effects on body organs. Toxicity due to fluoride is shown as decrease in body weight and organ weight. The present experimental study is designed to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride on body weight and weight of liver of mice and evaluate the protection provided by vitamin E.
Methods: A total of 48 male adult albino mice were divided in to four groups. Group A was given olive oil 6.67 ml/kg/day orally for 30 days. Group B was given sodium fluoride (NaF) 10 mg/kg/day dissolved in distilled water + olive oil 6.67 ml/kg/day both orally for 30 days. Group C was given sodium fluoride 10 mg/kg/day dissolved in distilled water and vitamin E 15 mg/kg/day dissolved in olive oil both orally for 30 days. Group D was given vitamin E 15 mg/kg/day dissolved in olive oil orally for 30 days. Weight of animals was recorded at the start and end of experiment. Animals were sacrificed and their livers were dissected out and weighed.
Results: Animals which received sodium fluoride showed decreased body weight and liver weight as compared to animal group A which received only olive oil (P< 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). Coadministration of vitamin E and sodium fluoride to animals of group C showed statistically significant prevention of decrease in body weight and liver weight as compared to the group which received sodium fluoride, P< 0.001.
Conclusion: Fluoride induced toxicity manifested as decrease in body weight and liver weight was effectively prevented by co-administration of Vitamin E treatment.

Keywords: Sodium Fluoride, Body weight, Liver weight, Vitamin E.