SULFUR MUSTARD CAUSES OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DEPLETION OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN ORGANS OF WISTAR RATS

Introduction:

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare with cytotoxic effect and tight link to oxidative stress. The compound has strong cytostatic effect and it was used in tumors therapy for the reasons. Depletion of antioxidants is considered as a cause of detrimental consequence and belongs to the impor­tant steps leading to cell death. The oxidative injury appearing after SM exposure is not well understood. Nevertheless identification of the pathological pro­cesses would be a good opportunity to establish an efficient therapy.

Aim:

In the described experiment, we are focusing our effort on estimation of reactive oxygen species homeostasis and apoptotic processes in an animal model. Understanding of the processes will allow understand adverse effects during appli­cation of an alkylating compound with cytostatic effect.

Results and conclusion:

Wistar rats were exposed to 0-160 mg/kg of SM. We assayed antioxidant activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione, metallothionein, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, caspase-3 and glucose in the livers, kidneys, and muscles of the animals. Significant oxidative stress, depletion of low molecular mass antioxidants, increase in the caspase activity and some other processes related to SM action were determined. Considering the here proved biological effects of SM, oxidative stress and depletion low molecular mass antioxidants were plausibly proven. The other processes such as apoptosis follow the oxi­dative stress caused injury.

Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence is gratefully acknowledged for A long-term organization development plan 1011.