Changes in superoxide dismutase activity and mRNA in vivo after short- term supplementation with trilinolein in rats

Background: Oxidative damage plays a central role in atherogenesis and antioxidation defense mechanisms may prevent atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the effect of short-term supplementation of the natural lipophilic antioxidant trilinolein on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and SOD-mRNA gene expression in vivo in rat vital organs. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 8) were injected intraperitoneally with trilinolein (1 mM/ml/kg/day in 0.5% ethanol) daily for three consecutive days. Two control groups (n = 8) were administered saline or 0.5% ethanol in saline, respectively, for three days. Results: Assay of SOD activity and SOD-mRNA by Northern blotting in rat liver, spleen and brain showed significant increases in SOD activity and increased SOD-mRNA gene expression. Conclusions: The natural lipophilic antioxidant trilinolein potentiates the SOD antioxidation defense mechanism and increases gene expression of SOD-mRNA after short-term supplementation in rats.