Effect of ageing and oxidative stress on the glutathione concentration in different kidney regions

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated in ageing and the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. Glutathione (GSH) is the major intracellular thiol in the kidney and an indicator of this organ's redox status. The aim of this study was to investigate how the GSH concentration is affected by age and oxidative stress in different kidney regions. Kidneys were dissected from Male Wistar rats of 5, 12, 36 and 60 weeks-old. Slices of superficial cortex, outer or inner medulla were incubated for 30 min ± 0.2 mM H₂O₂ prior to homogenisation and centrifugation. GSH concentrations were measured colormetrically using a kit. Data are presented in nmol/mg protein, are means ± SE of n = 5 and statistical comparisons were carried out using ANOVA with an appropriate post-test. In all regions and all conditions the GSH concentration showed a similar pattern with 12 weeks-old > 36 weeks-old > 60 weeks-old and 5 weeks-old. The greatest concentration was measured in the 12 weeks-old with the superficial cortex (1509.16 ± 27.34) significantly greater than outer (851.67 ± 47.39, p