INFLUENCE OF HEAVY METALS ON ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM AND BIOCHEMICAL INDEXES IN RATS

Abstract

The study was undertaken to examine the effect of heavy metals on antioxidant system and biochemical indexes in the organism of rats. The influence of heavy metals on indexes The influence of heavy metals on the indicators of the antioxidant system (activity of the antioxidant system enzymes – glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) and the processes of lipid peroxidation (content of hydroperoxides and products of thiobarbituric acid) was determined. It is established, that the antioxidant system functions more intensively in blood and liver of rats under the action of heavy metals. The study of enzyme activity showed the activation of the latter under conditions of heavy metal intoxication in 1.5–2.0 times (depending on heavy metal) compared with the control. We found that blood levels of total and direct bilirubin, creatinine, and urea increased in intoxicated rats from all experimental groups compared with intact animals. However, a decrease in the content of albumin, total protein, cholesterol, and triglycerides was also found in all experimental groups, in comparison with intact rats. Under the action of heavy metals, the activity of total α-amylase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose concentration increases in blood of rats. According to the results of studies in intoxicated animals compared with the intact group, there was a change in the cation-anion pool, in particular, a tendency to decrease the content of sodium and inorganic phosphorus and increase chlorides, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.