A Long-term Estrogen Deficiency in Ovariectomized Mice is Associated with Disturbances in Fatty Acid Oxidation and Oxidative Stress - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes caused by estrogen deficiency in lipid metabolism.

Methods

This study encompassed direct measurements of plasma biochemical analyses, liver lipid contents, and assessments of the mitochondrial β-oxidation capacity as well as an evaluation of the liver redox status in an animal model of estrogen deficiency.

Results

When compared with control mice, the livers of ovariectomized (OVX) mice presented considerable accretions in their lipid contents, which were accompanied by increased levels of lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates andmitochondria from OVX groups and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. In isolated mitochondria, estrogen deficiency inhibited mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids irrespective of their chain length. The liver mitochondrial and peroxisomal H₂O₂ generations in OVX mice were increased. Additionally, the activities of all antioxidant enzymes assessed were decreased.

Conclusion

These data provide one potential explanation for the increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases observed after menopause.