engleski

Increased expression of metallothionein I+II in tissues of aged mice

Metallothioneins (MTs) are evolutionary old, low molecular weight proteins rich in cysteine residues. Owing to a large number of thiolate groups within their primary structure, they can rapidly bind and release metal ions, acting thus as important regulators of numerous metaloenzymes and transcription factors involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Additionally, thiolate groups can be easily oxidised, what provide to MTs the ability to act as one of the most potent endogenous antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Induced by variety of stressful events, MTs therefore represent an importnat protective response to etiologically heterogeneous forms of tissue injuries, promoting at the same time regenerative mechanisms. Since the aging process is accompanied with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species-induced damages, as well as with decreased ability of regulated cell proliferation, the aim of this study was to compare metallothioneins expression in the tissues of young (aged 2 months) and old (aged 2 years) mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed increased expression of MTs in almost all analyzed tissues of old mice in relation to the tissues of young animals. The exceptions were testicular tissue, in which the higher expression was found in young mice, and the skeletal muscle, with no notable differences. Data suggest that aging-induced MTs, given to their well-known anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, can be considered as an endogenous, adaptive and protective response during physiological aging process.

Metallothioneins I/II; aging

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