INTRODUCTION:
skeletal muscles are dynamic tissue that can change their phenotypic characteristics providing a better functional adaptation to different stimuli. L-thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and has been used as an experimental model for stimulation of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle. Coenzyme Q10 CoQ10 is a fat-soluble provitamin endogenously synthesized and found naturally in foods such red meat, fish, cereals, broccoli and spinach. It has antioxidant properties and potential in the treatment of degenerative and neuromuscular diseases.
OBJECTIVE:
to evaluate the protective effect of CoQ10 in the soleus muscle of rats against the oxidative damage caused by L-thyroxine.
METHODS:
the rats were divided in four groups of six animals each: Group 1 control; Group 2 coenzyme Q10; Group 3 L-thyroxine, and Group 4 coenzyme Q10 and L-thyroxine. After euthanasia, blood was collected and serum activity of the enzymes creatine kinase CK and aspartate aminotransferase AST was analyzed. In the soleus muscle homogenates the factors related to oxidative stress were assessed.
RESULTS:
CoQ10 protected the soleus muscle against the damage caused by L-thyroxine and favored the maintenance of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, the concentration of decreased and oxidized glutathione, and prevented lipid peroxidation.
CONCLUSION:
the results indicate that CoQ10 protects rat soleus muscle from oxidative damage caused by L-thyroxine.
free radicals; antioxidants; supplementary feeding
