@ARTICLE{Jaafarzadeh_M.M._The_2021, author={Jaafarzadeh, M.M. and Ranji, N. and Aboutaleb, E.}, volume={vol. 24}, number={No 2}, journal={Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences}, pages={191-199}, howpublished={online}, year={2021}, publisher={Polish Academy of Sciences Committee of Veterinary Sciences}, publisher={University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn}, abstract={This study was conducted to consider the effect of cadmium (Cd) on the liver and serum levels of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), and the role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in preserving cells against Cd toxicity. Rats were randomly divided into five groups, including G1 (control), G2 (single dose of Cd), G3 (continuous administration of Cd), G4 (single dose of Cd + continu- ous administration of NAC), and G5 (continuous administration of Cd + continuous administra- tion of NAC). Rats in G2 and G4 groups were exposed with single dose of Cd on the first day of study. Continuous administration of Cd and NAC was used every day for 4 weeks. Levels of Zn and Cu were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Expression of matrix metallo- proteinases-2 ( MMP2) and MMP9 genes was evaluated using RT-PCR. The mean level of Cd in serum and liver tissue of G2 group increased significantly by about 26-27%, whereas in G3 group, it increased significantly by about 50-60%. While NAC treatment significantly raised Zn and Cu values, Cd levels significantly decreased in the serum and tissue samples of rats exposed to single or continuous Cd. Exposure to single and continuous administration of Cd caused a significant increase in MMP2 expression by 10.14-fold (P=0.016) and 27.61-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Single and continuous administration of Cd led to a significant increase in MMP9 expression by 3.63-fold (P=0.046) and 43.12-fold (P<0.001), respectively. NAC treatments decreased the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in rats exposed to single or continuous Cd. Cd exposure was strongly associated with Zn and Cu depletion, and overexpression of MMP2 and MMP9. NAC can protect the liver against Cd toxicity by elevating Zn and Cu contents and down-regulating proteolytic enzymes.}, type={Article}, title={The effect of N-acetylcysteine on the levels of copper, zinc and expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the liver}, URL={http://journals.pan.pl/Content/118742/PDF/4%20_%20Jaafarzadeh.pdf}, doi={10.24425/pjvs.2020.135816}, keywords={cadmium, copper, N-acetylcysteine, MMP2, MMP9, zinc}, }