Sex-dependent expression of metallothioneins MT1 and MT2 and concentrations of trace elements in rat liver and kidney tissues: effect of gonadectomy

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2019Source: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and BiologyAuthor(s): Marija Ljubojević, Tatjana Orct, Vedran Micek, Dean Karaica, Jasna Jurasović, Davorka Breljak, Ivana Vrhovac Madunić, Dubravka Rašić, Ivana Novak Jovanović, Maja Peraica, Marko Gerić, Goran Gajski, Saša Kralik Oguić, Dunja Rogić, Lucia Nanić, Ivica Rubelj, Ivan SabolićAbstractMetallothioneins (MTs) exhibit binding affinity for several essential and toxic trace elements. Previous studies in rodents indicated sex differences in the hepatic and renal expression of MTs and concentrations of various elements. The mechanism responsible for these differences has not been resolved. Here, in the liver and kidney tissues of sham-operated and gonadectomized male and female rats we determined the expression of MT1 and MT2 (MT1&2) mRNA by RT-PCR, abundance of MT1&2 proteins by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry, concentrations of essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co) and toxic (Cd, Hg, Pb) elements by ICP-MS, and oxidative status parameters (SOD, GPx, MDA, GSH) by biochemical methods. In both organs, the expression of MT1&2 mRNA and MT1&2 proteins was female-dominant, upregulated by castration, and downregulated by ovariectomy. Concentrations of Fe in the liver and Co in the kidneys followed the same pattern. Most other elements (Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg) exhibited female- or male-dominant sex differences, affected by gonadectomy in one or both organs. Pb was sex- and gonade...
Source: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research