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Published on: November 30, 2018
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.
Abstract:
The effect of manganese exposure (Mn2+ 4 mg Mn/kg intraperitoneally) on certain bioantioxidants in brain, liver, kidney and testes in growing rats maintained on 21% and 8% casein diet were investigated. Manganese administration for 30 days caused significant reduction in the level of GSH (reduced glutathione) in liver and testes and GR (glutathione reductase) and G-6-PDH (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) in brain, liver and testes. The magnitude of alteration was greater in 8% casein diet fed animals compared to rats maintained on 21% casein diet. These results indicate that protein deficient animals are more susceptible to the manganese induced biochemical changes in various tissues. The mechanism of such changes is discussed.
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.

