Effects of vitamin E on serum enzymes and electrolytes in hypercholesterolemia.

It is not known if vitamin E in hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia of longer duration has any beneficial or adverse effects on electrolytes, and liver and kidney function. The objectives of this study are to determine (i) if long duration of mild hypercholesterolemia has any adverse effects on serum electrolytes, glucose and enzymes related to liver and kidney functions; (ii) if vitamin E has any effects on serum electrolytes, glucose and enzymes related to liver and kidney function in hypercholesterolemia. Blood samples were collected from the rabbits before and at various intervals during administration of a high cholesterol diet (0.25%) for 2 and 4 months, and while on a high cholesterol diet with vitamin E following a high cholesterol diet. Measurements of serum total cholesterol (TC), glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin, creatinine, electrolytes [sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), and carbon dioxide (CO2)] were made. High cholesterol diet for 2 months produced hypercholesterolemia which was associated with reductions in serum glucose, unaltered serum electrolytes, ALT, ALP, GGT, albumin and creatinine, and increased levels of AST. Hypercholesterolemia for 4 months had effects similar to hypercholesterolemia for 2 months except it lowered serum ALP. Vitamin E did not affect any of the parameters except serum glucose and Cl, which decreased compared to the values at month 2. Hypercholesterolemia for short and long term does not have adverse effects on liver or kidney function, and serum electrolytes. Vitamin E during hypercholesterolemia does not affect serum electrolytes or liver and kidney function.