Effect of Vitamin C on Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) Levels in Paraquat-Induced Sprague Dawley Rats

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/mtlaCUH5TegBackground: Paraquat can induce toxicity in the human body because of its ability to affect the redox cycle and form reactive oxygen species (ROS). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) are formed in the body as a result of oxidative stress, namely an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in the body, where free radical levels are higher than antioxidant levels. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to inhibit oxidative stress. This study aims to analyze the effect of vitamin C on MDA levels and NO levels in paraquat-induced Sparaque Dawley rats. Methods: This type of research was an experimental posttest-only control group design, with a sample of 12 male white rats (Rattus norvegicus), Sprague Dawley strain, aged 8-10 weeks, and a body weight of 200-300 g. Mice were divided into 2 treatment groups. Each group consisted of 6 rats. Mice were acclimatized for 7 days, then given paraquat induction intraperitoneally once after 24 hours, followed by treatment according to the group for 6 days. Group P1 was given paraquat and vitamin C 0.075 g/kg/rat/day. On the 8th day, the rats were euthanized, blood was taken from the orbital sinus and the heart, the blood serum was separated, and then the MDA level of the rat blood serum was examined using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS) using a spectrophotometer and assay NO rat blood serum by method Colorimetric using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 for Windows. Results: The results of the analysis showed that the average MDA level of the negative control group (P0) was 2.68 μmol/L; the P1 group was 2.96 μmol/L and the average NO level in the negative control group (P0) was 31.99 μmol/L; the positive control group (P1) was 33.91 μmol/L. Conclusion: In this study, it can be concluded that vitamin C 0.075 g/kgBW/rat/day can reduce MDA and NO levels in paraquat-induced Sparaque Dawley rats.