Effects of Vitamin D₃ and Ecdysterone on Free-Radical Lipid Peroxidation

A. I. Kuzmenko,^1,2 R. P. Morozova,¹ I. A. Nikolenko,¹ G. V. Korniets,¹ and Yu. D. Kholodova¹

¹Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, ul. Leontovicha 9, Kiev, 252030 Ukraine; fax: (380-44) 229-63-65; E-mail: akuzm@olinet.isf.kiev.ua

²To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Submitted May 29, 1996; revision submitted December 9, 1996.

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Free-radical-induced lipid peroxidation was studied in vivo by measuring chemiluminescence of tissues from vitamin D-deficient animals before and after peroral administration of low-molecular-weight biological steroids vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and ecdysterone. The kinetics of lipid chemiluminescence in model systems in vitro were determined in blood serum and microsomal and mitochondrial fractions of the liver. Vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) and ecdysterone displayed antiradical properties; the latter was more potent in this respect. Oxidation of lipids by hydroxyl groups contained in ecdysterone can account for its antiradical effect. Ecdysterone and D₃ may cause antiradical effects through the same mechanisms.

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KEY WORDS: lipid peroxidation, vitamin D₃, chemiluminescence, steroid hormones, antioxidants, free radicals.

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