Protective Effect of Omega 3 and Vitamin D in Preventing Lung-tissue Damage of Newborn Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke during Intrauterine Period

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of cigarette smoke exposure on lung and the protective role of Omega 3 and Vitamin D against these toxic effects biochemically and histologically. 28 pregnant Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group was control group; the second group was exposed to smoke of 10 cigarette by puff device 2 hours/day after pregnancy; the third group was exposed to cigarette smoke together with Omega 3 (0.5 mg/kg/day) and the fourth group was exposed to cigarette smoke together with vitamin D (42 microgram/kg/day). Finally, lung tissue sections of the newborn rats were stained with Hemotoxilen cosine and Masson tricromite. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fluorescent Oxidation Products (FOU) levels were measured. Fetal weights and the number of fetuses were significantly lower in the group received only cigarette smoke (both p<0.001). Histopathologically, pulmonary volume, number of developed alveols and parenchyma elasticity decreased significantly, meanwhile interstitial tissue increased, elastin and collagen did not develop adequately. Histopathologic changes significantly decreased in the group given Omega 3 and Vitamin D. Statistically, MDA and FOU levels were found to be higher in the group exposed to cigarette smoke compared to the control group, and MDA and FOU levels were lower in the group given Omega 3 along with cigarette smoke (p<0.001). Cigarette smoke caused histologically significant damage to fetal lung tissue, oxidative stress and increased MDA and FOU levels. This damage was significantly reduced with Omega 3 and Vitamine D supplementation. Omega 3 is an important antioxidant vitamin D has no significant antioxidant effect.