1Department of Biochemistry, Animal House, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110095
2Department of Pharmacology, Animal House, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110095
3Veterinary Officer, Animal House, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110095
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: rajarshi.kar@gmail.com
Online published on 5 January, 2016.
Heavy metals are known to generate oxidative stress which is the root cause for all health hazards. However the mechanism by which heavy metals generate oxidative stress is not yet fully understood. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal and its deleterious effect is due to oxidative damage to macromolecules. This study intended to elucidate the mechanism of its toxicity.
Swiss albino mice were administered cadmium for three weeks intraperitoneally. The total antioxidant status and MDA levels were measured. The enzyme activity of Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase was measured spectrophotometrically using kinetic methods. Their mRNA expression was analysed by real time PCR.
There was a significant decrease in total antioxidant levels and increase in lipid peroxidation in mice treated with cadmium in comparison to controls. Cadmium decreased both enzyme activity and gene expression of GST and Catalase.
This study shows that cadmium generates oxidative stress by affecting the transcription of antioxidant genes, GST and Catalase.
Cadmium, GST, Catalase, Gene expression
