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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol Replacement in Rats and Mice: A Visual Demonstration
Published on: June 7, 2012
17β-Estradiol and vitamin E modulates oxidative stress-induced kidney toxicity in diabetic ovariectomized rat
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. ulas.mustafa@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and 17β-estradiol (E(2)) supplementation on malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), vitamin A, beta carotene, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), zinc-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD), and copper/zinc-dependent catalase (CAT) values in the kidney of ovariectomized (OVX) diabetic rats. Forty-two female rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups as follows: group I, control; group II, OVX; group III, OVX+E(2); group IV, OVX+E(2)+alpha-tocopherol; group V, OVX+diabetic; group VI, OVX+diabetic+E(2); and group VII, OVX+diabetic+E(2)+alpha-tocopherol. E(2) (40 μg kg(-1)/day) and alpha-tocopherol (100 μg kg(-1)/day) were given. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in all groups except group I. After 4 weeks, antioxidant and MDA levels in the kidney for all groups were analyzed. GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, GSH levels, vitamin A, and beta carotene levels were decreased in OVX group compared to those in the control group but MDA level was elevated via ovariectomy. However, E(2) and E(2)+alpha-tocopherol supplementations in OVX group was associated with an increase in the GSH-Px, GSH, CAT and Zn-SOD values, vitamin A, and beta carotene levels but a decrease in MDA levels in kidney. The MDA levels in the kidney of diabetic OVX rats were found higher than those in the control and OVX groups. However, GSH, GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, vitamin A, and beta carotene levels in kidney were lower in OVX diabetic rats. On the other hand, E(2) and E(2)+alpha-tocopherol supplementations to OVX diabetic rats have caused an increase in GSH-Px, CAT and SOD, GSH, vitamin A, and beta carotene levels but a decrease in MDA levels. In conclusion, the E(2) and E(2)+alpha-tocopherol supplementations to diabetic OVX and OVX rats may strengthen the antioxidant defense system by reducing lipid peroxidation, and therefore they may play a role in preventing renal disorders.
Insights
Supplementation with vitamin E and 17β-estradiol (E(2)) improved kidney antioxidant status in ovariectomized (OVX) diabetic rats. These compounds reduced lipid peroxidation and may help prevent kidney disorders in OVX and diabetic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Ovariectomy (OVX) and diabetes can negatively impact kidney antioxidant defense systems.
- Lipid peroxidation, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA), increases in OVX and diabetic states.
- Key antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) may be compromised.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and 17β-estradiol (E(2)) supplementation on kidney antioxidant markers in ovariectomized (OVX) diabetic rats.
- To assess the impact of these supplements on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels.
- To evaluate changes in vitamin A, beta carotene, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT in the kidneys of these rats.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two female rats were divided into seven groups: control, OVX, OVX+E(2), OVX+E(2)+alpha-tocopherol, OVX+diabetic, OVX+diabetic+E(2), and OVX+diabetic+E(2)+alpha-tocopherol.
- Supplementation involved E(2) (40 μg/kg/day) and alpha-tocopherol (100 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks post-ovariectomy.
- Kidney tissues were analyzed for MDA, GSH, vitamin A, beta carotene, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT levels.
Main Results:
- Ovariectomy alone decreased antioxidant levels (GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, GSH, vitamin A, beta carotene) and increased MDA in the kidney.
- Supplementation with E(2) and/or alpha-tocopherol in OVX rats increased antioxidant markers and decreased MDA.
- In diabetic OVX rats, MDA levels were elevated, while antioxidant markers were reduced; E(2) and alpha-tocopherol supplementation reversed these detrimental effects.
Conclusions:
- 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and alpha-tocopherol supplementation can enhance the antioxidant defense system in the kidneys of ovariectomized (OVX) and diabetic rats.
- These supplements effectively reduce lipid peroxidation, as indicated by decreased MDA levels.
- The findings suggest a potential role for E(2) and vitamin E in preventing renal disorders associated with OVX and diabetes.
