Biochemical determination of reduced glutathione concentration in pig liver and kidney in the presence of chlorinated aquatic humic materials

Abstract

Disinfection of surface waters for human consumption and use often results in reaction between the disinfectant (generally chlorine) and organic substrates present at the source. These substrates are majorly in the form of aquatic humic materials. This work was designed to assess reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in pig liver and kidney in the presence of chlorinated aquatic humic materials (CAHMs) using biochemical parameters. GSH concentration in pig liver and kidney was investigated following standard procedures using Ellman’s reagent. Effect of chlorinated local and foreign aquatic humic products on the GSH concentration of the two tissues was studied in line with standard methodologies. GSH concentration was found to be higher in pig liver (0.874 ± 0.003µmol/g) than the kidney (0.545 ± 0.002µmol/g). All the chlorinated aquatic humic samples studied were found to deplete the GSH concentration of the two tissues, with the more toxic and concentrated purified chlorinated foreign aquatic humics having higher depletion. Certain amount of GSH was also found to be left in both tissues after conjugation with the chlorinated aquatic humic samples which perhaps could be used for subsequent conjugation and detoxification of water pollutants by the tissues. In conclusion, the liver contains more GSH than the kidney. The levels of this antioxidant in pig liver and kidney were both reduced by the aquatic humic materials used. This study may therefore reemphasize earlier suggestions that the amino acids needed for cellular synthesis of GSH could be supplemented regularly through dietary sources.