Resveratrol affects the expression of glutamate cysteine ligase in the kidneys of aged rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect that a dietary intake of resveratrol (RSV) had on the expression of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) in the kidneys of aged rats. Young, middle-aged and aged rats were each randomly divided into two groups. The control groups were fed a controlled diet and the experimental groups received a controlled diet supplemented with RSV. GCL activity levels in the kidneys were determined. Protein content and relative gene expression levels of the two subunits of GCL were evaluated by western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. GCL activity levels significantly increased in the kidneys of aged rats fed the RSV-supplemented diet. In addition, RSV markedly increased the protein content and relative mRNA expression levels of the GCL subunits in the kidneys of aged rats. These observations have important implications for the development of therapeutic agents for the kidneys that may enable the elderly population to combat oxidative stress.