Cadmium exposition during gestation (20G) and lactancy (PND15) alters antioxidant defense. Study of effect of soy protein as a protein source.

BIAGGIO VS; ALTAMIRANO KN; PIGUILLEM SN; PEREZ CHACA MV; DELLA VEDOVA MC; GIMENEZ, MS

Congreso; SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE INVESTIGACIÓN CLINICA Y BIOQUIMICA; 2016

Introduction: Exposure to toxic metals during pregnancy is one factor that alters the fetal environment and consequently increases the risk of metabolic disorders in adulthood. Cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the placenta inducing low birth weight and oxidative stress. However, little is known about the effect of soy protein during pregnancy and lactation. Our objective was to evaluate the possible protective role of soy protein consumption versus Cd mechanisms by which exerts its toxicity.Methods: we worked with 4 lots of female Wistar rats; 2 lots received casein and two lots soy, as a protein source. 1 lot in each group received tap water and the other 15ppm of Cd in drinking water during pregnancy (20G) and 15 days after birth (PND15). We determined Cd concentration and TBARS, nitrites, carbonyls, proteins and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. Brain tissue total RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was performed using the following primers: MT I; MT II; MT III; Nrf-2; NOX-2, SOD and GPx-1. Sections of brain tissue were performed to histology study. Results: at 20G and PND15 Cd concentration increased in both intoxicated groups (p <0.001). Carbonyls, proteins and TAC values, did not show significant difference in all groups studied. In Soy-Cd group MDA and nitrites levels and the expression of Nrf-2; SOD, MT I and MT III increased (p <0.05, p <0.001, p <0.05, p <0.05, p <0.01 and p <0.001). While expression of mRNA NOX-2 and MT II decreased (p <0.01 and p <0.001). Morphological studies reveal the brain cortex area with little differentiation. Conclusion: it is known, that the presence of cadmium in the tissues induces stress oxidativo. Maternal exposure to Cd in the drinking water during gestation and 15 days after birth with soy as protein source in the diet, results into significant changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in brain.