Hypothyroidism modulates renal antioxidant gene expression during postnatal development and maturation in rat

In the present study effects of 6-n-propyl thiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism on renal antioxidant defence system during postnatal development (from birth to 7, 15 and 30 days old) and on adult rats were reported. Hypothyroidism in rats was induced by feeding the lactating mothers (from the day of parturition till weaning, 25 days old) or directly to the pups with 0.05% PTU in drinking water. The activities of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were increased in 30 days old hypothyroid rats with respect to their respective controls, on the other hand, levels of translated products and activities of Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) were decreased in hypothyroid rats of all age groups as compared to their respective control rats. SOD1 activity remained unchanged in persistent (PTU-treatment from birth to 90 days old) hypothyroid rats as compared to euthyroid. However, a decreased activity of SOD1 was recorded in transient (PTU-treatment from birth to 30 days then withdrawal till 90 days old) hypothyroid rats with respect to control rats. The mRNA level, protein expression and activity of SOD2 and CAT were significantly decreased in persistent hypothyroid rats as compared to euthyroid rats. The activity of GPx was significantly increased in both persistent and transient hypothyroid rats with respect to euthyroid rats. The present study indicates modulation of antioxidant defence status of rat kidney during postnatal development and maturation by hypothyroidism.

► Hypothyroidism modulates renal antioxidant gene expression in rat.
► Hypothyroidism-mediated renal dysfunctions restored in transient state.
► Most of the antioxidant enzymes activities are reduced under hypothyroid state.
► Hypothyroidism-induced oxidative stress is attenuated following withdrawal of PTU.
► Hypothyroidism reduces renal ASA and GSH content.