Protein Expression Profile in Serum of Male Rats Chronically Exposed to Low-level 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the chronic effect of low levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD) exposure on the protein expression profile in the serum of rats and to get the further understanding of the molecular mechanism of TCDD toxicity.Methods Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three TCDD exposed groups treated with TCDD at the doses of 875,350 and 140 ng /kg by gavage,once a week,for 29 consecutive weeks respectively and one control group treated with single corn oil.The proteins in the serum were separated and analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry,the histopathological examination of livers was performed at the same time.Results TCDD induced significant fatty degeneration and necrosis in the livers.Several interesting volume-altered protein spots were identified.Among these proteins,Bal-647 was down-regulated,apolipoprotein E was up-regulated by TCDD and fetuin-like protein was only expressed in the group of 875 ng/kg.Conclusion The differentially expressed proteins may contribute to a better understanding of the toxicity induced by TCDD and may be used as the biomarkers of effect for TCDD exposure.