Protection of heme proteins by vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene against oxidative damage in rat heart, kidney, lung and spleen.

Effects of the combination of vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene on oxidative damage to rat heart, kidney, lung, and spleen were studied by measurement of the production of oxidized heme proteins (OHP) during spontaneous and prooxidant-induced oxidation. Male SD rats were fed with a vitamin E and selenium deficient diet or a diet supplemented with vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene. Homogenates of heart, kidney, lung, and spleen were incubated at 37 degrees C with and without the presence of bromotrichloromethane (CBrCl3). The diet supplemented with antioxidants showed a strong protective effect against oxidative damage to heme proteins during the early stages of both spontaneous and CBrCl3-induced oxidation in contrast to the antioxidant deficient diet. Synergism of multiple antioxygenic nutrients against oxidative damage to various animal tissues is discussed.