Age-related characteristics of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system of ostriches (Struthio camelus domesticus)

Abstract

We studied the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the status of antioxidant system in blood of 6-60 months ostriches. We proved that specific functioning of the antioxidant system and the accumulation of lipid peroxidation intermediates characterized each period of ostrich life cycle. Thus, the period of puberty was accompanied by intensification of lipid peroxidation in ostrich blood serum and this was confirmed by a significant increase in the amount of TBA-reactive substances. This could be the consequence of the insufficient activity of enzymes of the antioxidant system (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase). The egglaying peak was characterized by the increased body metabolism, which caused the activation of free-radical oxidation. The concentration of lipid hydroperoxides and diene conjugates increased and the TBA-reactive substances did not change significantly. Antioxidant protection of the blood during this period was mainly caused by the significant concentration of ceruloplasmin and reduced glutathione due to the increased activity of glutathione reductase. We supposed that the period of puberty and intensive period of egg laying in ostriches should be referred as the periods of stress of metabolic processes with increased intensity of lipid oxidation, associated with the certain changes in ostrich physiological and functional state.