Association between hepatic autophagic activity and serum autophagy regulator levels in ovariectomized female rats

Abstract

　We investigated the association between hepatic autophagic activity and the serum levels of autophagy regulators in ovariectomized female rats. We evaluated the effects of ovariectomy on oxidative stress in female rats.

　Female rats were divided into sham-operated (n=3-6 in Group. 1-4) and ovariectomized (n=3-5 in Group. 1-4) groups. Both the groups underwent surgery. Changes in hepatic an autophagic activity marker (LC3), serum autophagy regulators (blood glucose, insulin, progesterone, and cholesterol), and an oxidative stress marker (d-ROMs) were examined at specific time points (Group. 1-4: 1, 3, 7, and 14 days) post-surgery.

　In the ovariectomized group, an increase in insulin and cholesterol levels was observed in addition to a decrease in the progesterone level. Therefore, changes in the levels of these autophagy regulators caused a decrease in hepatic autophagic activity. However, changes in the autophagy regulator levels and hepatic autophagic activity did not necessarily correlate. Furthermore, oxidative stress decreased in the ovariectomized group 14 days post-surgery (Group. 4), suggesting that decreased hepatic autophagy may decrease oxidative stress post-ovariectomy.