Effect Of Metallothionein Research Articles

Inhibition of hydroxyl-radical-generated DNA degradation by metallothionein

The effect of metallothionein (MT) on hydroxyl-radical-induced DNA damage was investigated in an in-vitro study. The degradation of DNA as demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis was inhibited by MT in a concentration-dependent manner. The degradation of DNA was almost completely inhibited by a concentration of 13 μM MT, whereas a concentration of 10 mM glutathione was needed to achieve the same protective effect.

Specific reduction of toxic side effects of adriamycin by induction of metallothionein in mice.

The effect of preinduction of metallothionein (MT) by bismuth (Bi) compounds on the toxic side effects and antitumor activity of adriamycin (ADR) was investigated in mice. Preinduction of MT by oral administration of bismuth subnitrate (BSN) significantly decreased the lethal toxicity, cardiotoxicity and bone marrow toxicity observed with a single subcutaneous injection of ADR. A significant increase in the concentration of cardiac MT was observed in mice treated with BSN. The MT level in the heart was significantly correlated with the protective effect of BSN against the cardiotoxicity of ADR. In tumor‐bearing mice, pretreatment with BSN did not affect the antitumor activity of ADR, although its cardiotoxicity was significantly depressed. The ability of BSN to reduce specifically the toxicity of ADR may be ascribed to the fact that Bi induces MT in the target tissue of ADR toxicity but not in a tumor. The protective effect of MT against the toxicity of ADR, which is believed to act as an anticancer agent by generating active oxygen, can be assumed to be due to its ability to scavenge free radicals or inhibit their formation.

Evidence for the protective effect of metallothioneins against inorganic mercury injuries to fish.

Evidence for the protective effect of metallothioneins against inorganic mercury injuries to fish.

Effect of metallothionein on hepatic disposition of metals.

Effect of metallothionein on hepatic disposition of metals.