Changes in glutathione-related enzymes in tumor-bearing mice after cisplatin treatment

D Khynriam1, S B Prasad

  • 1Cell and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India.

Cell Biology and Toxicology
|December 18, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Cisplatin alters glutathione-related enzymes in liver, kidney, and tumor cells, impacting antioxidant defense and potentially contributing to toxicity and anticancer effects.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.
  • Glutathione-related enzymes play a crucial role in cellular defense against oxidative stress.
  • Understanding the impact of cisplatin on these enzymes is vital for managing its toxicity and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of cisplatin on key glutathione-related enzymes in different tissues.
  • To assess the impact of cisplatin on cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms.
  • To explore the correlation between enzyme activity changes and cisplatin-induced toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Tumor-bearing mice were treated with cisplatin.
  • Activities of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase were measured in liver, kidney, and Dalton lymphoma cells.
  • Glutathione levels were also determined in these tissues.

Main Results:

  • Cisplatin treatment significantly altered the activities of glutathione-related enzymes across liver, kidney, and lymphoma cells.
  • Notable decreases in antioxidant enzymes were observed in liver and lymphoma cells, while kidney showed mixed changes.
  • Glutathione levels decreased in kidney and lymphoma cells but remained unchanged in the liver.

Conclusions:

  • Cisplatin significantly modulates glutathione-related enzyme activities and glutathione levels in a tissue-specific manner.
  • These alterations in cellular antioxidant defense may contribute to cisplatin's anticancer activity and its associated toxicities, particularly nephrotoxicity.
  • Further research is needed to establish a direct correlation between specific enzyme changes and clinical outcomes.