Wild antelope skeletal muscle antioxidant enzyme activities do not correlate with muscle fibre type or oxidative metabolism

A novel description of the Vastus lateralis morphology of the Temminck's ground pangolin (Manis temminckii)

“…The pangolin's SOD, CAT and ORAC activity seemed lower than the endurance athlete. Antioxidants are vital in countering the harmful effects of oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species that are produced during metabolic processes, and this field is becoming increasingly important in understanding the role of environmental and behavioral stressors in wild and captive animals (Costantini et al, 2017; Hohl et al, 2020). Given that this pangolin was being trafficked by poachers, it was likely under considerable stress, and the lower levels of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant capacity (compared to the human) may indicate that these enzymes did not have the time to upregulate in response to the stress or that the pangolin was able to tolerate the oxidative stress experienced (Costantini et al, 2017).…”

“…Markers of antioxidant capacity (SOD, catalase and ORAC) were determined as described by Hohl et al (2020). Briefly, SOD activity, expressed as U/g protein, where U was determined using xanthine oxidase to produce oxygen radicals, was measured at an absorbance of 550 nm.…”

“…Enzyme activities that serve as markers of the various pathways were determined fluorometrically at 25°C, with an excitation and emission wavelength of 340 and 460 nm, respectively (Hohl et al, 2020; Kohn, Burroughs, et al, 2011). Citrate synthase (CS) and 3‐hydroxyacyl acetyl Co enzyme A dehydrogenase (3HAD) act as marker enzymes of the Kreb's cycle and β‐oxidation, respectively, and therefore indicators of oxidative metabolism.…”

“…The low LDH, PFK, CK and glycogen phosphorylase activities compared to other wild animals, supports the potential need for endurance over rapid energy production in the movements and lifestyle of the pangolin. Hohl et al (2020) investigated the antioxidant enzyme activities in six wild antelope species and found that these species have higher SOD activity compared to laboratory rats, while the rats had a higher CAT activity compared to the wild antelope. Although in the current study the antioxidant activity was expressed in different units, this equates to a much lower SOD activity in the pangolin compared with the antelope, while the SOD and CAT activities was similar to the rat.…”

“…Enzyme markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase, can be used as indicators of the glycolytic or oxidative capacity of the muscle (Kohn, Burroughs, et al, 2011). Similarly, enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) provide an indication of the antioxidant capacity of the muscle (Hohl et al, 2020).…”