Levels of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and Na+/K+ ATPase in some tissues of rats exposed to a Nigerian-like diet and cadmium.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of a wholly compounded Nigerian-like diet on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Na+/K+ ATPase and level of lipid peroxidation in oral cadmium toxicity. Nine-week-old Wistar albino rats (100 +/- 2.0 g) were exposed to 100 ppm cadmium in drinking water and the Nigerian-like diet (low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fiber) for 16 wk. The results obtained indicate that cadmium reduced weight gain and increased fecal output of rats, which was further potentiated by the Nigerian-like diet. Cadmium was concentrated in the intestine, liver, and kidney, with the highest level observed in the kidney, followed by the liver. The Nigerian-like diet reduced the concentration of cadmium in these tissues. Cadmium increased lipid peroxidation and inhibited SOD and Na+/K+ ATPase in the tissues. These were also aggravated in rats fed the Nigerian-like diet. Because the Nigerian-like diet increased lipid peroxidation and inhibited SOD and Na+/K+ ATPase in the tissues, it rendered rats more susceptible to cadmium toxicity.