Indicators of oxidative stress in the organs of the reproductive system of rats under conditions of long-term ethanol exposure

Abstract

Aim: To investigate changes in oxidative stress indicators in rats under conditions of long-term ethanol exposure. Materials and Methods: We studied the effect of prolonged exposure to ethanol on the activity of free radical processes in the gonads of rats of both sexes. Experimental animals were divided into 2 groups: Group I (control group) rats, which were injected with distilled water orally for 28 days; II group – which for 28 days were injected intragastrically with a 30% ethanol solution at the rate of 2ml/100g of body weight once a day. Results: The conducted experimental studies showed that the level of free radicals increases in animals that were injected with ethanol for 28 days, as indicated by an increase in the ROS index by 1.6 times in males and 1.7 times in females. Lipid peroxidation processes are also activated, as evidenced by an increase in the level of initial products of the lipoperoxidation chain – HPL by 54.6%, intermediate products – TBP by 57.9% and final products – SHO – by 80.3% in males and by 68.2%, respectively , 80.9% and 84.6% in females. Along with this, the activity of oxidative modification of proteins in the organs of the reproductive system of the experimental group of animals also increased. In particular, the level of OMР370 in the testes of male rats increased by 89.1%, and OMР430 increased by 56.4% from the level of animals that were not given ethanol. In the ovaries of female rats, the level of OMР370 increased by 112.%, and OMР430 increased by 60.7% from the level of animals without simulating ethanol intoxication. Therefore, we were able to establish significant changes and disturbances in the processes of free radical oxidation in the organs of the reproductive system of animals under the toxic effect of ethanol, which can negatively affect the reproductive function and quality of offspring in animals that were simulated ethanol intoxication. Conclusions: In animals of both sexes, under the conditions of chronic ethanol exposure, there is an increase in free radical oxidation indicators, namely ROS, lipid peroxidation, oxidative modification of proteins, and the growth indicators in females are more significant than in males. This indicates a negative effect of chronic ethanol intoxication on the state of the membrane structures of germ cells, with DNA damage, which can lead to a violation of the function of the genital organs.