EFFECT OF 7-DAY INTRODUCTION OF GLUTATHIONE ON ACTIVITIES OF H2S-PRODUCING ENZYMES IN THE LIVER OF RATS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL NEPHROPATHY CONDITIONS

Abstract

Introduction. Kidney diseases are a worldwide health problem. The renal dysfunctions cause the production of reactive oxygen species and can co-exist with different liver disease, or stimulate their development, so scientists are becoming more interested in the study of the influence of antioxidants such as glutathione on metabolic pathways of the body under conditions of different disease. Hydrogen sulfide has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects that are mediated by its ability to downregulate the synthesis of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species-producing enzymes and may play an important role in the mechanism of development of nephropathy.
 The aim of the study – to learn the effect of glutathione introduction within 7 days on the system of H2S production in the liver of rats under conditions of experimental nephropathy.
 Research Methods. The experiment was conducted on albino mature male rats. The animals in experimental group were administered a single intraperitoneal dose of folic acid (250 mg/kg). Glutathione was introduced intragastral (100 mg/kg) within 7 days after intoxication. The activity of H2S-producing enzymes, the concentration and production of H2S were measured in the liver.
 Results and Discussion. Under conditions of experimental nephropathy there was a decrease in the concentration and production of hydrogen sulfide compared with the control group. The introduction of glutathione increased the content of hydrogen sulfide and promoted the growth of the activities of H2S-producing enzymes in the liver of rats.
 Conclusions. It was found that the content and production of hydrogen sulfide in the group of animals with nephropathy were diminished by a decrease in the activities of hepatic H2S-producing enzymes. The introduction of glutathione increased the content of hydrogen sulfide by stimulation the activities of cystathionine-β-synthase and cysteinaminotransferase in the liver of rats. As reasons for this effect, antioxidant properties of glutathione and the possibility of including tripeptide as a source of cysteine in the synthesis of hydrogen sulfide are considered.