Influence of SkQ1 on expression of Nrf2 transcription factor gene, ARE-controlled genes of antioxidant enzymes and their activity in rat blood leukocytes

Abstract

This study demonstrated that pretreatment of rats with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (50 nmol/kg during 5 days) significantly increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 transcription factor and Nrf2-induced genes encoding antioxidant enzymes SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx4 in rat peripheral blood leukocytes. The increase in expression of these genes with SkQ1 addition was accompanied by increased activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in leukocytes. These results indicate that antioxidant properties of SkQ1 might be realized via induction of expression of the genes regulating activity of antioxidant system elements.