Gamma-glutamyl transferase: a sensitive marker in experimental hexachlorobenzene intoxication

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a persistent environmental pollutant known to induce porphyria.
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) is an enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism and cellular detoxification.
• Understanding biomarkers for HCB toxicity is crucial for risk assessment and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) as a biological parameter for experimental HCB intoxication.
• To investigate the changes in gamma-GT activity in rat liver, serum, and intestinal mucosa following HCB exposure.

Main Methods:

• Rats were administered daily doses of HCB (3.5 mmol/kg body weight) via gavage for 60 or 90 days.
• Gamma-GT activity was measured in liver homogenate, serum, and jejunal mucosa.
• Enzymatic activity was assessed during HCB treatment and after a 60-day cessation period.

Main Results:

• Liver gamma-GT activity increased significantly, exceeding control values by over 60-fold after 60 days of HCB exposure.
• Serum gamma-GT levels showed a moderate increase (5-6 fold), while jejunal mucosa gamma-GT elevated 2-fold after 90 days.
• Cessation of HCB administration led to the normalization of gamma-GT activity in the liver and intestine within 60 days.

Conclusions:

• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) is a sensitive and valuable biomarker for detecting experimental HCB intoxication.
• The differential response of gamma-GT in various tissues provides insights into HCB's toxic effects.
• Gamma-GT normalization post-exposure suggests its utility in monitoring recovery from HCB toxicity.