Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes Activities and Lipid Peroxidase Level in Tissues of Stress-induced Rats
Nwogueze Bartholomew Chukwuebuka1* , Daubry Tarela Melish Elias2, Asogwa Eucharia Ijego3, Ohwin Ejiro Peggy2, Agbonifo-Chiiokwu Ejime2, Oghenerukevwe Omeru2, Toloyai Pere-Ebi Yabrade4Eke Chidinma Nwanneamaka5 and Ebuwa Emmanuel Ikemefune2

1Department of Human Physiology, Biochemical Toxicology Laboratory, Evangel University, Akaeze Ebonyi State

2Department of Human Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State

3Department of Physiotherapy,Biotechnology Research Laboratory,Evangel University, Akaeze Ebonyi State

4Department of Medical Biochemistry,  Delta State University, Abraka,Delta State

5Department of Human Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

Corresponding Author E-mail: bukasono123@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: Estimating the changes in the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers are vital in identifying stress related disease in living organism. This study examined changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidase level in female Wistar rats exposed to stressors of different nature were examined. Methods: 88 apparently healthy rats within the ages of 8-12weeks and weighing between 120-180g were utilized for the study. Rats were acclimatized for 2weeks and fed with rat chaw and water ad libitum. Animals were stressed at the rate of 1hr, 3hr or 5hr per day for 1, 2 or 3weeks respectively. After the experimental protocol of stress induction, the rats werekilled via cervical dislocation and some vital organs were carefully harvested for tissue homogenates in assessing SOD, CAT and MDA antioxidants. Data collected were analyzed using Mean±SEM, ANOVA was used to compare means and LSD was used for post hoc. Results:  SOD activity of the different tissues examined were significantly (p<0.05) altered irrespective of the stressor applied especially in the restraint or intruder stressors. CAT activity were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all stressors irrespective of the rate of exposure. The study also revealed that lipid peroxidase levels were significantly (p<0.05) increased in all tissues irrespective of the rate of exposure and type of stressor applied. Conclusions: The findings validate the ability of the stressors to increase production of free radicals, thus, changes in antioxidant enzymes activities and lipid peroxidase level implies compromised cellular activity in tissues of stress-induced rats.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Catalase; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative stress; Superoxide dismutase; Wistar rats

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