Zinc and low-dose of cadmium protect sertoli cells against toxic-dose of cadmium: the role of metallothionein

The impact of cadmium [Cd] on male infertility may be related to the interaction with metal-binding proteins known as metallothioneins [Mts]. Trace elements like zinc [Zn] have protective effects on testicular damage induced by Cd. We determined the effect of Zn and low-dose Cd pre-treatment on the expression of Mt1 and Mt2 genes on testicular Sertoli cells. The cultured TM4 mouse sertoli cells were treated with 50 micro M ZnSO4 [Zn pre-treated group; ZnPG], 2 micro M CdCl2 [Cd pre-treated group; CdPG], or distilled water [DW pre-treated group; DWPG]. After 18 hour, all of these groups were exposed to 100 micro M CdCl2 for different periods of time [1, 2, 3, and 6 hours]. There was also a control group for all three groups, which was treated only with distilled water [without Cd or Zn pre-treatment]. Cellular viability, Zn and Cd concentrations and gene expression were assessed by MTT, atomic absorption spectrometry and real time PCR methods, respectively. The expression of Mt1 and Mt2 genes in ZnPG, CdPG, and DWPG was greater than the control group [p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively]. Cd concentrations in CdPG and DWPG were greater than the control group [p=0.00]. Expression of both genes in ZnPG and CdPG increased after 3 hours of treatment and Cd concentration decreased simultaneously, which was more obvious in ZnPG. Zn and short term low-dose Cd pre-treatment might reduce the adverse effects of Cd by increasing expression of Mts genes in Sertoli cells. The protective effect of Zn was stronger than Cd

Evaluation of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidants in cataract patients

The pathogenesis of cataract has been found to be influenced by a number of factors including oxidative stress. Human body contains natural antioxidants, including the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which help it withstand stress. Some environmental and nutritional factors can affect antioxidant systems. This study was undertaken to assess the status of total antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] in the Iranian population whose lifestyle is both nutritionally and environmentally different from other populations on which such studies have been conducted. Forty-five patients with senile cataract and 35 controls were selected and matched. The levels of the above-mentioned enzymes and chemicals were measured in erythrocytes and plasma and compared by Student's t-test [p<0.05 for significance]. The level of GPx erythrocyte activity in patients and controls was found to be 51.24 +/- 13.46 micro /gHb and 40.87 +/- 7.04 micro /gHb respectively [p<0.0001]. SOD levels were 1239.83 +/- 275.96 micro /gHb in patients and 1126 +/- 201.72 micro /gHb in controls [p=0.045]. Total antioxidant status of the patients and controls were 1.39 +/- 0.27 mMol/L and 1.64 +/- 0.36 mMol/L respectively [p<0.001]. Even though the relationships of these factors to cataractogenesis is still unknown, we believe that a better knowledge about their role could strengthen our understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and perhaps the treatment of cataract. Still, it is safe to assume that educating people on consumption of a diet richer in antioxidants [like vegetables] is beneficial in preventing diseases like cataract

Plasma dehydroascorbic acid levels in Iranian subjects with diabetes mellitus

Several reports concerning high plasma dehydroascorbic acid [DHAsA] levels in diabetics have been published and from these reports, suggestions that monitoring of DHAsA levels in those persons with a predisposition to diabetes mellitus would be of value. However, conflicting reports have also appeared which do not confirm high levels of DHAsA in diabetic subjects when compared to controls. Because of these conflicting results, this investigation using Iranian diabetic subjects was undertaken to ascertain whether or not periodic monitoring of DHAsA levels would be of value as an indicator of prediabetic conditions. Our results do not confirm high levels of DHAsA in diabetics but because of the many theories concerning the mechanism of action and the metabolism of DHAsA, previous findings cannot be disregarded