Cadmium-induced oxidative damage and antioxidant defense mechanisms in Glycine max L.

Objective: To analyze the effect of Cadmium (Cd) on the metabolism of reduced glutathione (GSH) in roots and leaves of Glycine max L. Methods: A capillary electrophoresis methodology was optimized to determinate simultaneously GSH and reduced and oxidized GSH in a precise and accurate way. The functional role of the genes involved in GSH cellular metabolism (γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase), GSH synthetase and glutathione reductase (GR) was evaluated. Finally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes as GR and superoxide dismutases were determinate. Results: The studies of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and GSH synthetase gene expression showed an increase and GR showed a decrease in Cd-treated plants. GR and superoxide dismutases activities increased at 24 h and 6 h respectively in roots under Cd exposure. GSH content was higher and showed a significant increase in roots and leaves at 6 h and 24 h of treatment. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed a better understanding in signaling pathway by alterations in antioxidant mechanisms by Cd in soybean seedlings