Nrf2-regulated phase-II detoxification enzymes and phase-III transporters are induced by thyroid hormone in rat liver

Thyroid hormone (T-3)-induced calorigenesis triggers the hepatic production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox-sensitive nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that in vivo T-3 administration upregulates the expression of phase II and III detoxification proteins that is controlled by Nrf2. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 0.1 mg T-3/kg or T-3 vehicle (controls). After treatment, rectal temperature of the animals, liver Nrf2 DNA binding (EMSA), protein levels of epoxide hydrolase 1 (Eh1), NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione-S-transferases Ya (GST Ya) and Yp (GST Yp), and multidrug resistance-associated proteins 2 (MRP-2) and 4 (MRP-4) (Western blot), and MRP-3 (RT-PCR) were determined at different times. T-3 significantly rose the rectal temperature of the animals in the time period studied, concomitantly with increases (P < 0.05) of liver Nrf2 DNA binding at 1 and 2 h after treatment, which was normalized at 4-12 h. Within 1-2 h after T-3 treatment, liver phase II enzymes Eh1, NQO1, GST Ya, and GST Yp were enhanced (P < 0.05) as did phase III transporters MRP-2 and MRP-3, whereas MRP-4 remained unchanged. In conclusion, enhancement of liver Nrf2 DNA binding elicited by in vivo T-3 administration is associated with upregulation of the expression of detoxification and drug transport proteins. These changes, in addition to antioxidant protein induction previously observed, may represent cytoprotective mechanisms underlying T-3 preconditioning against liver injury mediated by ROS and chemical toxicity. (c) 2013 BioFactors 39(5):514-521, 2013