Abstract
The aims of the work presented here were to determine the effect of long term treatment with zinc (Zn) on both total metallothionine (MT) and, in particular, oxidized MT (MTox) concentrations in Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat liver. We also evaluated semi-quantitatively the cell death index using TUNEL assay as it is a useful method to localize the nuclear fragmentation occurring in oxidative stress conditions. The results demonstrate there were no statistically different MT concentrations between Zn-treated and untreated rats, whereas the Zn treatment was very effective in reducing the percentage of oxidized MT (MTox). MTox is not able to bind metals, so it does not perform its "scavenger" action against copper (Cu) accumulation in LEC rats. The intensity and quantity of fluorescent staining observed in untreated rat sections decreased compared to the treated ones. These findings suggest that in LEC rats one of zinc's roles is to protect from oxidative stress, however, its mode of action remains partially unknown: a hypothesis is competition for Cu binding sites. A new insight is that Zn induced MT can protect efficiently against DNA damage by free radicals.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
