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[Superoxide dismutase activity and methemoglobin content of human and animal erythrocytes]
Insights
Superoxide dismutase activity and MetHb content are higher in newborn babies compared to adults. Enzyme activity and MetHb levels show an inverse relationship across different species and seasons.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Erythrocytes contain superoxide dismutase (SOD) and MetHb.
- SOD is crucial for managing oxidative stress.
- MetHb levels can indicate oxidative balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between superoxide dismutase activity and MetHb content in erythrocytes.
- To compare these parameters in newborns versus adults.
- To examine species-specific and seasonal variations.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes.
- Quantification of MetHb content in erythrocytes.
- Comparative analysis across different age groups, species, and seasons.
Main Results:
- Newborns exhibit higher erythrocyte SOD activity and MetHb content than adults.
- Low SOD activity correlates with high MetHb in guinea pigs, mice, and fish (autumn).
- High SOD activity correlates with low MetHb in rats and fish (spring).
- Seasonal variations in SOD activity were observed in guinea pigs and fish.
Conclusions:
- A significant inverse correlation exists between erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity and MetHb content.
- Age, species, and season influence these physiological parameters.
- These findings highlight the role of SOD in regulating oxidative status in erythrocytes.
Abstract:
In healthy newborn babies, superoxide dismutase activity and MetHb content of the erythrocytes are higher than those in adult subjects. It was also demonstrated that low activity of superoxide dismutase in guinea pigs, albino mice and teleost fish Coregonus autumnalis (in autumn period) is paralleled by a higher level of MetHb. On the contrary, high enzymic activity in albino rats and C. autumnalis (spring period) accounts of a lower level of MetHb. Seasonal changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase were found in guinea pigs and fish.