ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY IN MICROSOMES, LIPID PEROXIDATION OF MICE HEPATOCYTES UNDER THE SODIUM FLUORIDE

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Toxicology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Fluorine is an essential trace element for animal and human health, but its concentration must be carefully regulated.
• Excessive or prolonged exposure to fluorine, specifically sodium fluoride, can disrupt normal physiological processes.
• The liver's microsomal fraction plays a critical role in detoxification and metabolism, making it susceptible to toxic insults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of chronic sodium fluoride administration on lipid peroxidation and the functional state of liver microsomes in Wistar rats.
• To assess the impact of different doses of sodium fluoride on oxidative stress markers and key liver enzymes over a 60-day period.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were administered daily doses of sodium fluoride (1/10, 1/100, 1/1000 DL50) for 60 days, with a control group receiving water.
• Chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and reaction with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) were used to measure oxidative stress markers like diene conjugates and TBA reactants.
• Activity of enzymes such as NAD(P)H-cytochrome c reductase and levels of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b5 in isolated liver microsomal fractions were determined.

Main Results:

• Sodium fluoride administration, particularly at higher doses (1/10 and 1/100 DL50), induced free radical processes, indicated by increased chemiluminescence and TBA reactants.
• A tendency for increased diene conjugates and Schiff bases was observed throughout the experiment across different doses.
• Enzyme activity (NAD(P)H-cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5) in the liver microsomal fraction initially increased but showed a gradual decline by day 60, suggesting impaired function.

Conclusions:

• Chronic exposure to sodium fluoride can lead to the formation of toxic products and induce oxidative stress in the liver.
• The activity of key enzymes in the hepatocyte microsomal membrane is negatively affected by long-term sodium fluoride administration.
• These findings underscore the importance of monitoring fluoride levels to prevent potential liver damage and metabolic dysfunction.