Vitamin C as an antioxidant: evaluation of its role on pulmonary contusion experimental model

Background/aim: To analyze the protective activity of vitamin C on the lungs by assessing biochemical and histopathological analysis after performing an experimental isolated lung contusion model. Materials and methods: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley male rats were used. The rats were randomly separated into 4 groups. Vitamin C (200 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min after trauma. Blood samples were obtained for myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Blood gas analysis and bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. The lung tissue was also extracted for histopathological examination. Results: The lung contusion enhanced MDA, SOD, CAT, and MPO and diminished GSH-Px. Vitamin C administration after the pulmonary contusion was found to diminish the level of MDA and the activities of SOD, CAT, and MPO and to enhance the level of GSH-Px (P < 0.05). Contusion-induced disrupted gas analysis and leukocyte infiltration were both resolved by the vitamin C. Conclusion: The present results indicate that vitamin C administration attenuated the oxidative damage and morphological changes induced by pulmonary contusion in an experimental rat study.