Study of the effect of quercetin on gene expression of certain glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzymes in rat liver

Author: Akaki Petriashvili
Keywords: Quercetin, Gene exspression, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (Gsr), glutathione-S-transferase (Gstp), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction _RT qPCR.
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During normal metabolic functions, such as energy production in the cell and mitochondrial respiration, compounds with high reactivity – free radicals – are formed. Free radicals are normally signaling molecules. In addition, they can enter the body from the environment. These molecules are very unstable due to the presence of unpaired electrons on the outer the shell. They react with bio-molecules in the cell such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, and damage them, which is called oxidative stress. The result is a disruption of the vital structure and function of the cell, which eventually leads to varous pathological conditions. The body has antioxidant systems to protect itself from oxidative stress: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. These systems protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress. Therefore it is interesting to study the interactions of antioxidant systems in the body and the effects of external influences on their functioning. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. In particular, the study of the effects of biologically actve compounds, such as polyphenols / flavonoids, specifically quercetin, on the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (Gsr) and glutathione-S-transferase (Gstp). Object of research: The study object was white laboratory rats. The following methods were used during the study: RNA extraction, quantitative an qualitative analysis of isolated RNA, reverse transcription – obtaining complementary DNA (cDNA) from the RNA matrix, polymerase chain reaction for real-time RT qPCR gene expression research.