CADMIUM CHRONIC INTOXICATION: INDUCTION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND GENE EXPRESSION IN THE RAT HEART

FERRAMOLA, M.; ANZULOVICH A.C.; GIMÉNEZ MS

Puerto Madryn

Congreso; 46th. Annual meeting SAIB; 2010

SAIB

Cadmium-induced oxidative damage has been widely demonstratedby the increase of lipid peroxidation, and impairment of theenzymes required to prevent oxidative stress. Objective: The aim ofthis study was to assess the effect of Cd intoxication on non-proteicthiol grups contents, protein oxidation, and Nrf2 andMetallothionein (MT) expression in heart. Experimental model:Male Wistar rats were separated into four groups: 1(Controls, tapwater), 2, 3 and 4(tap water with 15 ppm Cd ion, during 15, 30 and60 days, respectively). Afterwards, animals were decapitated, underlight ether anesthesia. Samples were kept at –20 ºC, until processed.Methods: Transcription factor Nrf2 and MT IIA expression levelswere measured by RT-PCR. Total and reduced Glutathione,Catalase activity and protein carbonyls were assessedspectrofotometrically. Cd2+ levels in heart were measured usingatomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Cd2+ levels were elevatedin heart, in groups 2, 3 and 4 (p<0,001), but no changes were foundin MT IIA expression levels. Total GSH and rGSH levels decreasedand protein carbonyls increased in group 2 (p<0.05), Catalaseactivity augmented only in groups 3 and 4 (p<0.001). Nrf2expression increased in groups 2 and 3 (p<0,05). Conclusion: Cd2+intoxication entails oxidative stress and affects antioxidant enzymesactivity and Nrf2 expression, in a time-of-exposure dependence.