Effect of SkQ1 on activity of the glutathione system and NADPH-generating enzymes in an experimental model of hyperglycemia.

We studied the effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant 10-(6'-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) on the antioxidant activity of the glutathione system and NADPH-generating enzymes in liver and blood serum of rats with hyperglycemia induced by protamine sulfate. It was found that intraperitoneal injection of SkQ1 prevented both decrease in reduced glutathione level and increase in activity of glutathione system enzymes-glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase. Activity of NADPH-generating enzymes-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase-was also attenuated by SkQ1. Probably, in this model of hyperglycemia, decreased level of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria led to the decreased burden on the glutathione antioxidant system and NADPH-generating enzymes. Thus, SkQ1 appears to be a promising compound for the treatment and/or prevention of the adverse effects of hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]