Combined high dose vitamin C and E increases oxidative stress and visceral fat mass in rats treated by depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate

Objective This study was aimed to investigate the effect of combined vitamin C and E on serum leptin, visceral fat mass, and visceral fat oxidative stress in rats treated by depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Method Twenty-five female Wistar rats, were divided into the following groups (n = 5 rats each): control (untreated) group (C); depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) group; DMPA group received vitamin C (at dose 0.2 mg/g; 0.4 mg/g; 0.8 mg/g) and vitamin E (0.04 IU/g). The treatment with combined vitamin C and E was performed for four weeks. Analysis of leptin serum level was done by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technically. Visceral fat mass was measured by Ohauss scales. Analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) level in visceral fat was done by spectrophotometer. Results The level of serum leptin and visceral fat mass was not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). The lowest and highest dose of combined vitamin C and E in DMPA group significantly increased the visceral fat mass compared with control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion DMPA treatment induces oxidative stress in visceral fat. Combined high dose vitamin C and E increases oxidative stress and visceral fat mass in rats treated by depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate.