Effect of Testosterone on Free Radical Generating Enzyme and Lipid Peroxidation

지질과산화 반응과 Free Radical 생성계 효소활성에 미치는 Testosterone의 영향

Sex hormones not only regulate external sexual characteristics but several internal biochemical processes. It is well accepted that life-span of female is longer than that of male. Life-span is closely related with aging process in which free radicals are known to be involved. We investigated the effect of testosterone on free radical generating systems and lipid peroxidation based on the sexual difference. Lipid peroxide levels of male and female mouse were increased proportionately with age, especially in male mouse. Increase in enzyme activity of aldehyde oxidase with age was observed in male mouse, while no siginificant change in enzyme activity was found in female mouse. Enzyme activity of xanthine oxidase also showed similar results. It, however, was not significant statistically. Lipid peroxide level and xanthine oxidase type conversion ratio of male and female mouse liver homogenate incubated at $37^{\circ}C$, increased remarkably in proportion to incubation time, especially in male mouse. Lipid peroxide level and aldehyde oxidase activity were measured in normal male mouse, castrated mouse and testosterone treated-castrated mouse. Castrated mouse group showed decrease in lipid peroxide level and aldehyde oxidase activity compared with normal group. Treatment of castrated mouse with testosterone, however turned the level of lipid peroxide and aldehyde oxidase activity back to normal. From the above results, it might be concluded that testosteron could increase the activities of free radical generating enzymes which would result in the formation of lipid peroxide, consequently leading to aging.