Pinealectomy increases oxidant damage in kidney and testis caused by hyperthyroidism in rats
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Rasim Mogulkoc1, Abdulkerim Kasim Baltaci, Leyla Aydin
1Department of Physiology, Meram Medical School, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey. mogulkoc@selcuk.edu.tr
Abstract:
Thyroid hormones regulate energy metabolism and act on mitochondria which are an important source of free radicals in the cell. The pineal gland activates antioxidant systems via melatonin secretion and thus has a protective function in body tissues. The present study was conducted to determine the oxidative damage caused by hyperthyroidism in kidney and testis tissues of pinealectomized rats. Experimental animals were allocated to three groups: 1, control group; 2, sham pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group; and 3, pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group. Hyperthyroidism was induced by A 3-week intraperitoneal administration of thyroxin after sham pinealectomy or pinealectomy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in kidney and testis tissues. MDA levels of the kidney and testis tissue in the pinealectomy and hyperthyroidic groups were significantly higher than those in the sham pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group and the control group (p < 0.001). GSH levels of both kidney and testis tissues were significantly higher in the sham-pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). This increase in GSH levels was more evident in the pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The results of our study demonstrate that MDA and GSH levels in kidney and testis tissues increased due to hyperthyroidism and that pinealectomy made the increase in MDA levels more apparent, while decreasing GSH levels.
Insights
Hyperthyroidism increases oxidative damage in kidney and testis tissues. Pinealectomy exacerbates this damage, indicated by higher malondialdehyde (MDA) and lower glutathione (GSH) levels in these organs.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormones are crucial for regulating cellular energy metabolism.
- Mitochondria, key players in energy metabolism, are significant sources of cellular free radicals.
- The pineal gland, through melatonin secretion, modulates antioxidant systems and offers tissue protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hyperthyroidism on oxidative damage in kidney and testis tissues.
- To assess the role of the pineal gland in modulating hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Experimental animals were divided into control, sham pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic, and pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic groups.
- Hyperthyroidism was induced via thyroxine administration over three weeks post-pinealectomy or sham surgery.
- Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were quantified in kidney and testis tissues.
Main Results:
- MDA levels were significantly elevated in kidney and testis tissues of pinealectomized hyperthyroidic rats compared to controls and sham-operated hyperthyroidic rats (p < 0.001).
- GSH levels were significantly higher in sham-operated hyperthyroidic rats compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001).
- Pinealectomy amplified MDA increases and reduced GSH levels in hyperthyroidic rats.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthyroidism induces oxidative damage in kidney and testis tissues, evidenced by increased MDA and altered GSH levels.
- Pinealectomy exacerbates hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress, leading to higher MDA and lower GSH levels.
- These findings highlight the protective role of the pineal gland against thyroid hormone-induced oxidative damage.
