Work

Gender-Dependent Effect of Progesterone on the Expression of Metallothionein Genes in Rat Inguinal Adipose Tissue

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-weight metal-binding proteins potentially involved in the detoxification of heavy metals, protection against oxidative stress, and other biological processes. This study examined progesterone’s influence on Mt gene expression in rat adipose tissue. Wistar rats (females and males) received 100 mg of progesterone per rat. MT mRNA and protein levels were quantified by real-time PCR and Western blotting methods. Using radioimmunoassay, the serum progesterone level was measured. In this study, progesterone administration to female rats led to a 2.5-fold increase in serum progesterone concentration and significant increases in MT-1, MT-2A mRNA, and protein levels in inguinal WAT (WATi), compared to untreated female rats. RU 486 (progesterone receptor antagonist) abolished progesterone’s influence on Mt-1 and Mt-2A gene expression in female WATi. Progesterone administration did not alter the level of Mt-3 gene expression in WATi or Mt-1 and Mt-2A in retroperitoneal WAT or brown adipose tissue in female rats.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms26094066

Authors: Sylwia Szrok-Jurga, Jacek Turyn, Julian Swierczynski, Wiktoria Stelmanska, Malgorzata Presler, Ewa Stelmanska

Institution: Gdańsk Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Trace Elements in Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499