The effect of administering a combination of vitamin D3 and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) in sepsis rats induced by Staphylococcus aureus

This study investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of the combination of vitamin D3 and vitamin E in a sepsis rat model. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were categorized into seven groups: normal, negative, and positive controls (doxycycline 9 mg/kg BW), and four treatment groups administered vitamin D3 (36, 72, or 144 IU/kg BW) in conjunction with vitamin E (250 mg/kg BW), with or without doxycycline. Rats were injected with Staphylococcus aureus (1.5 × 10⁸ CFU/mL), followed by a 7-day oral therapy. The combined therapy, particularly at elevated doses (72 and 144 IU/kg BW), significantly reduced leukocyte counts and inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, procalcitonin, and CRP) compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). Liver enzymes and renal function indicators also decreased markedly, indicating a reduction in organ failure. The findings indicate that high-dose vitamin D3 and vitamin E provide significant immunomodulatory and organ-protective benefits in sepsis, reinforcing their potential as adjuvant therapies.