Effect of manganese on some bioantioxidants in various organs of protein-deficient rats

R S Srivastava1, R C Murthy, S V Chandra

  • 1Neurotoxicology Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow, India.

Biochemistry International
|May 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Manganese exposure significantly reduced key bioantioxidants like glutathione in rats. Protein-deficient rats showed greater susceptibility to these manganese-induced biochemical changes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Manganese (Mn2+) is an essential trace element, but excessive exposure can lead to toxicity.
  • Bioantioxidants play a crucial role in cellular defense against oxidative stress.
  • Dietary protein levels can influence an organism's susceptibility to toxic insults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of manganese exposure on specific bioantioxidants in the brain, liver, kidney, and testes of growing rats.
  • To determine if dietary protein content (21% vs. 8% casein) modulates the effects of manganese exposure on these bioantioxidants.

Main Methods:

  • Growing rats were administered manganese (Mn2+ 4 mg Mn/kg intraperitoneally) for 30 days.
  • Dietary protein was controlled at either 21% or 8% casein.
  • Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were measured in brain, liver, kidney, and testes.

Main Results:

  • Manganese administration significantly reduced GSH levels in the liver and testes.
  • Significant reductions in GR and G-6-PDH were observed in the brain, liver, and testes following manganese exposure.
  • The observed biochemical alterations were more pronounced in rats fed an 8% casein diet compared to those on a 21% casein diet.

Conclusions:

  • Protein deficiency exacerbates the biochemical changes induced by manganese exposure in various tissues.
  • Manganese toxicity can deplete critical bioantioxidant systems, particularly under conditions of low dietary protein.
  • These findings highlight the importance of adequate protein intake for mitigating manganese-induced oxidative stress.

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