Glutathione and Hormones: Role of Glutathione and Certain Hormones in Some Physiological and Biochemical Aspects of Male White Rats

This study provides insights into the role of hormonal treatment with testosterone, dexamethasone and corticosterone in relation to oxidative stress and the resulting adaptive modulations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the circulation, hepatic and renal tissues. Accordingly, the main glutathione metabolizing enzymes as well as the blood and tissue lipid profile were assessed. The results suggested that steroid hormones mobilize fatty acids into the liver and kidneys where they are confronted by the glutathione system. As a consequence several intonations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed. The hepatic tissue was more efficient in curbing the levels of lipid peroxides whereas the renal tissue was not as successful and the levels of peroxides were maintained at high levels. The oxidative effects of dexamethasone were generally more prominent than those of testosterone. It is concluded that steroid hormones modulate the activities of important antioxidant enzymes and consequently the availability of glutathione,the major free radical scavenger and the protector against oxidative stress. The possible underlying mechanisms beyond these effects were discussed.