Effect of high-dose fluoride on antioxidant enzyme activities of amniotic fluid in rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of high-dose fluoride on antioxidant enzyme activities of amniotic fluid and fluoride of serum in rats. Methods: The experimental study was conducted from January 8, 2008, to December 14, 2010, at the Suleyman Demirel University Experimental Animals Laboratory and the Medical Biochemistry Department Research Laboratory, Isparta, Turkey. Impregnated Wistar albino rats were divided into two equal groups. Group I had controls, while Group II rats were exposed to high-dose fluoride. Group I was given drinking water mixed with 0.1 mg/kg/b.w./day of natrium fluoride, while group II was given drinking water mixed with 10 mg/kg/b.w./day of natrium fluoride for 18 days. At the end of 18 days, amniotic fluid and blood samples were collected from control and experimental groups of pregnancy. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances as antioxidant enzymes in amniotic fluid and levels of fluoride in serum samples were investigated. Results: There were 14 rats, with 7(50%) in each group. Foetal weight in group II significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities in amniotic fluid were significantly higher in group II than group I (p<0.05) although thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in amniotic fluid and serum fluoride levels were significantly lower in group II than group I (p<0.05). Conclusion: Fluoride that created oxidative stress inhibited lipid peroxidation and apparently increased the antioxidant defence system.