Albu E. 1, Filip C. 2, Zamosteanu N. 2, Dimitriu D.C. 2, Jaba I.M. 1, Gheorghita N. 2, Jerca L. 2, Mungiu O.C. 1
1 Dept. Pharmacology and Algesiology, Univ. Med. Pharm. “Gr. T. Popa” Iasi, Romania
2 Dept. Biochemistry, Univ. Med. Pharm. “Gr. T. Popa” Iasi, Romania
Abstract
Today it is generally accepted that the so called “stress” plays an important role in the process of aging. Th e main mechanism through which stress is involved in the aging process seems to be represented by reactive species generation. On the other hand, hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor in cardiovascular diseases, disturbs the normal endothelium functions and generates thrombosis through a mechanism in which reactive species seem to be also involved. In our work, we have studied the infl uence of stress and hyperhomocysteinemia on antioxidant intraand extracellular systems, in order to establish if there is a cumulative eff ect of these two parameters, in rats. Experimental stress was induced by reversing the normal cycle day/night (18oo – 6oo light) at the animals of experience for a 15 days period. Experimental hyperhomocisteinemia was induced by oral administration of methionine 2g/kg body weight, single dose daily, for a 15 days period. Th e activities of intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured using Randox kit for manual use. Th e plasmatic concentrations of homocysteine were measured using a Roche standardized kit Diazyme. Our data show an increase in SOD activity, simultaneously with the decrease of GPx activity. Th e total antioxidant status and homocysteine levels have no signifi cant changed. In conclusion, subacute stress activates the antioxidant defense systems but doesn’t infl uence the total antioxidant capacity and homocysteine levels, in rats.