Expression of hepatic and ovarian antioxidant enzymes during estrous cycle in rats

The regulation of antioxidant enzymes has received increased attention in terms of protection from many diseases. Despite reports that administered estradiol derivatives can change antioxidant enzyme levels, comprehensive information is not available regarding the effects of the human menstrual cycle or the rat estrous cycle on the expression of the antioxidant enzyme system. The present study was performed to determine the expression levels of cytosolic antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase-1, catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1, glutathione reductase, peroxiredoxin (Prx)-1, Prx-2, thioredoxin-1, gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit, alpha-class glutathione S-transferase (GST), pi-class GST, and mu-class GST, in the liver and ovaries of female rats during diestrus and proestrus. Our results indicate that hepatic expression of Prx-1 and Prx-2, and ovarian expression of alpha-class GST were increased significantly during the proestrus phase compared with the diestrus phase. These results suggest that the hepatic Prx family and ovarian alpha-class GST are sensitive to changes during the estrous cycle. Further studies are needed to determine the physiological significance of the regulation of the Prx family and alpha-class GST during the estrous cycle.

► Comprehensive effect of the estrous cycle on the antioxidant system is not reported. ► We studied the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and ovaries. ► Hepatic Prx family and ovarian alpha-class GST was increased during proestrus phase. ► These enzymes are sensitive to changes during the rat estrous cycle.