Recently the growing interest has been focused on the possibility of using natural antioxidants, including polyphenols, in order to protect against the unfavourable outcomes of exposure to cadmium (Cd) [1]. Oxidative stress is recognized as one of the mechanisms of this metal hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to examine whether the consumption of a polyphenol-rich extract from Aronia melanocarpa berries (AE) may prevent Cd-induced disturbances in the concentration of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) and their ratio (GSH/GSSG), as well as the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) in the liver. Wistar rats were administrated a 0.1% aqueous AE as a drinking fluid and/or Cd in a diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for up to 24 months. The concentrations of GSH and GSSG were measured in the liver homogenates by using Glutathione Assay Kit by Cayman Chemical Company, and their ratio was calculated. The activity of GR was assayed using BIOXYTECH® GR-340™kit by Percipio Biosciences. The exposure to Cd increased the concentration of GSSG, decreased the concentration of GSH and the ratio of GSH/GSSG, and influenced the activity of GR in the liver, whereas the administration of AE during this metal intoxication increased the concentration of GSH and the ratio of GSH/GSSG, decreased the concentration of GSSG, and had modifying effect on the activity of GR in this organ. The results allow the conclusion that consumption of Aronia melanocarpa berries may prevent Cd-induced disturbances in the liver homeostasis of glutathione.
[1] Brzóska MM, Rogalska J, Roszczenko A, Galazyn-Sidorczuk M, Tomczyk M. Planta Med 2016;82:621-631
Acknowledgements: This study was financially supported by a grant (No. 136/KNOW/15) from KNOW (Poland)