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Short-term zinc deficiency affects nuclear factor-kappab nuclear binding activity in rat testes
P I Oteiza1, M S Clegg, C L Keen
1Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. orteiza@qb.ffyb.uba.ar
The Journal of Nutrition
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Zinc deficiency in young male rats early impacts testicular oxidative stress, indicated by reduced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding activity. This suggests NF-kappaB is a sensitive marker for early zinc deficiency-induced testicular pathology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc deficiency is known to affect the oxidant defense system in rat testes.
- Previous studies indicated increased lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation in testes due to zinc deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early involvement of oxidative stress in zinc deficiency-induced testicular pathology.
- To assess the impact of short-term zinc deficiency on testicular antioxidant enzymes and transcription factors.
Main Methods:
- Weanling male rats were fed control or zinc-deficient diets for 7 days.
- Testicular zinc levels, alkaline phosphatase activity, oxidation markers, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, glutathione levels, and nuclear binding activity of transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 were measured.
Main Results:
- Zinc-deficient rats showed lower testicular zinc and alkaline phosphatase activity.
- Activities of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were elevated in the zinc-deficient group.
- Total glutathione concentrations were reduced in zinc-deficient and pair-fed restricted groups.
- Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding activity was significantly lower in zinc-deficient rats compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Short-term zinc deficiency induces early oxidative stress in rat testes.
- Reduced NF-kappaB nuclear binding activity appears to be an early indicator of zinc deficiency-induced oxidative stress in testicular tissue.