Membrane ion transport systems during oxidative stress in rodent brain: protective effect of stobadine and other antioxidants

N-acetyl-L-cysteine mitigates diabetes-induced impairments in sciatic nerve

Diabetic neuropathy is a consequence of long-term hyperglycemia. The emergence of neuronal condition is a result of hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. In the present study, streptozotocin-induced diabetes exhibited notable decrease in the levels of phospholipids, glycolipids, gangliosides, and triglycerides in the sciatic nerve. The alterations in lipids resulted in increase in cholesterol to phospholipid ratio in sciatic nerve of diabetic animals. This ratio is crucial and determines the rheological properties of membranes and resulted in substantial reduction in the activity of membrane-bound enzymes; Ca2 + ATPase and acetylcholinesterase. Histological examination of the cross-section of the sciatic nerve in diabetic mice revealed axonal atrophy and disarrayed myelin sheath. The potential therapeutic impact of N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC), a powerful antioxidant, on a rat model of diabetic neuropathy was evaluated. NAC was administered to rats in drinking water for a period of 8 weeks. The results indicate that administration of NAC restored lipid composition; ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids, the activity of membrane linked enzymes, and improved the structural defects in sciatic nerve. NAC plays protective role against diabetes-induced alterations in lipid composition in sciatic nerve membranes leading to improvement in structure and function of membranes. Overall, the findings suggest NAC as a potential therapeutic strategy in preventing diabetic neuropathy and other diabetic complications.

Musings in the twilight of my career

I present a summary of my research during the last few decades of research which focused on understanding the biochemical basis for maintaining an optimum metabolism to support long-term health. I realized that adequate levels of ∼40 vitamins and minerals needed as cofactors in thousands of metabolic reactions were critical for maintaining a healthy metabolism, and thus for longevity and prevention of chronic disease. Inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals accelerates the risk of aging-associated diseases, leading to insidious damage. The Triage Theory provides a mechanistic rationale for such damage: shortage of a nutrient triggers a built-in rationing mechanism that allocates the scarce nutrient to proteins needed for immediate survival (survival proteins), at the expense of those needed for long-term survival (longevity proteins). Many as-yet-unknown longevity vitamins and proteins likely remain to be discovered. The fiber and nutrient-rich CHORI-bar was developed to fill gaps in inadequate diets; it yielded broadscale metabolic improvements. The health-related damages resulting from vitamin D deficiency and the positive effects of vitamin D supplementation were connected to numerous health-related problems, including the higher level of deficiency in people of color residing at northern latitudes. In general, prevention of degenerative diseases of aging requires expertise in metabolism, nutrition, biochemistry and regulatory functions.

Na+/K+-ATPase, acetylcholinesterase and glutathione S-transferase activities as new markers of postmortem interval in Swiss mice

Determining precisely the postmortem interval (PMI) is a key parameter for forensic researches, given that various physical, biochemical and metabolic changes begin to occur in the body after death. In the present study, the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were evaluated. For this, male adult Swiss mice were killed by isoflurane inhalation anesthesia and divided into four groups according to time of death (0, 6, 24 and 48 h). The brain, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle tissues were removed. Our results revealed that at the time of 6 h, there was a decrease on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and GST activities in the brain and liver tissues, respectively. In addition, at this time point, an increase on renal GST activity was verified. At the time of 24 h, an increase on the cerebral AChE and renal GST activities was observed, while the cerebral Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was decreased. Forty-eight hours after death, cerebral Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and renal GST activities remained decreased and increased, respectively. In addition, no alteration was observed on the GST activity in the skeletal muscle and brain (in PMIs evaluated). The present study revealed that the brain and kidney (at the times of 24 and 48 h) were the tissues that suffered the most changes in almost all the enzymes evaluated. Our results demonstrated that enzyme activity assessments are reliable, easy-to-perform and low-cost determinations, and could be promising postmortem markers.

S-Adenosylmethionine Promotes Oxidative Stress and Decreases Na+, K+-ATPase Activity in Cerebral Cortex Supernatants of Adolescent Rats: Implications for the Pathogenesis of S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase Deficiency

S-Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) concentrations are highly elevated in tissues and biological fluids of patients affected by S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency, who are clinically characterized by cerebral symptoms whose pathogenesis is still unknown. In the present work, we investigated the effects of AdoMet on redox homeostasis and on the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in the cerebral cortex of young rats. AdoMet caused lipid peroxidation (increase of malondialdehyde concentrations) and protein oxidation (increase of carbonyl formation and decrease of sulfhydryl content). AdoMet also reduced the antioxidant defenses (reduced glutathione, GSH) and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity. Furthermore, AdoMet-induced lipid peroxidation was fully prevented by the antioxidants trolox, melatonin, and resveratrol, and the decrease of GSH concentrations was abolished by trolox, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species in these effects. In this context, AdoMet induced reactive oxygen (increase of 2',7'-dichloroflurescein-DCFH oxidation) but not nitrogen (nitrate and nitrite levels) species generation. Finally, the decrease of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity provoked by AdoMet was totally prevented by trolox, implying a possible oxidation of cysteine groups of the enzyme that are critical for its function and highly susceptible to oxidative attack. It is also noted that adenosine and methionine did not alter the parameters evaluated, suggesting selective effects of AdoMet. Our data strongly indicate that disturbance of redox homeostasis caused by a major metabolite (AdoMet) accumulating in S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency may represent a deleterious mechanism of brain damage in this disease. Finally, reduction of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity provoked by AdoMet may lead to impaired neurotransmission, but disturbance of this system should be better clarified in future studies.

Aluminum Trichloride Induces Hypertension and Disturbs the Function of Erythrocyte Membrane in Male Rats

Aluminum (Al) is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. Al accumulates in erythrocyte and causes toxicity on erythrocyte membrane. The dysfunction of erythrocyte membrane is a potential risk to hypertension. The high Al content in plasma was associated with hypertension. To investigate the effect of AlCl3 on blood pressure and the function of erythrocyte membrane, the rats were intragastrically exposed to 0, 64(1/20 LD50), 128(1/10 LD50), and 256(1/5 LD50) mg/kg body weight AlCl3 in double distilled water for 120 days, respectively. Then, we determined the systolic and mean arterial blood pressures of rats, the osmotic fragility, the percentage of membrane proteins, the activities of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-pX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the erythrocyte membrane in this experiment. The results showed that AlCl3 elevated the systolic and mean arterial blood pressure of rats, increased the osmotic fragility, decreased the percentage of membrane protein, inhibited the activities of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, CAT, SOD and GSH-pX, and increased the MDA content of erythrocyte membrane. These results indicate that AlCl3 may induce hypertension by disturbing the function of erythrocyte membrane.

Assessment of D-methionine protecting cisplatin-induced otolith toxicity by vestibular-evoked myogenic potential tests, ATPase activities and oxidative state in guinea pigs

To date, inadequate study has been devoted to the toxic vestibular effects caused by cisplatin. In addition, no electrophysiological examination has been conducted to assess cisplatin-induced otolith toxicity. The purposes of this study are thus two-fold: 1) to determine whether cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and ocular VEMPs are practical electrophysiological methods of testing for cisplatin-induced otolith toxicity and 2) to examine if D-methionine (D-met) pre-injection would protect the otolith organs against cisplatin-induced changes in enzyme activities and/or oxidative status. Guinea pigs were intraperitoneally treated once daily with the following injections for seven consecutive days: sterile 0.9% saline control, cisplatin (5 mg/kg) only, D-met (300 mg/kg) only, or a combination of d-met (300 mg/kg) and cisplatin (5 mg/kg), respectively, with a 30 minute window in between. Each animal underwent the oVEMP and cVEMP tests before and after treatment. The changes in the biochemistry of the otolith organs, including membranous Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and nitric oxide (NO) levels, were also evaluated. In the cisplatin-only treated guinea pigs, the mean amplitudes of the oVEMP tests were significantly (p<0.05) decreased when compared to the other three groups. In guinea pigs receiving both D-met and cisplatin, the amplitudes of their oVEMP tests were significantly larger (p<0.05) than those of the cisplatin-only group, but smaller (p<0.05) than those of the saline control or D-met-only group. However, no significant difference of the amplitudes of cVEMP tests was noted among the four groups. In comparison with the other three groups, the cisplatin-only group had the lowest (ps<0.05) mean Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase, and the highest (ps<0.05) LPO and NO levels. The oVEMP tests were feasible for the evaluation of cisplatin-related otolith dysfunction. D-Met attenuated the reduced ATPase activities and increased oxidative stress induced by cisplatin toxicity in the otolith organs.

Disturbance of energy and redox homeostasis and reduction of Na+,K+-ATPase activity provoked by in vivo intracerebral administration of ethylmalonic acid to young rats

Ethylmalonic acid (EMA) accumulation occurs in various metabolic diseases with neurological manifestation, including short acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD) and ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE). Since pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for brain damage in these disorders are still poorly understood, we investigated the ex vivo effects of acute intrastriatal administration of EMA on important parameters of energy and redox homeostasis in striatum from young rats. We evaluated CO(2) production from glucose, glucose utilization and lactate production, as well as the activities of the citric acid cycle (CAC) enzymes, the electron transfer chain (ETC) complexes II-IV (oxidative phosphorylation, OXPHOS) and synaptic Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. We also tested the effect of EMA on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (marker of lipid oxidation) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. EMA significantly reduced CO(2) production, increased glucose utilization and lactate production, and reduced the activities of citrate synthase and of complexes II and II-III of the ETC, suggesting an impairment of CAC and OXPHOS. EMA injection also reduced Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and GSH concentrations, whereas MDA levels were increased. Furthermore, EMA-induced diminution of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and reduction of GSH levels were prevented, respectively, by the antioxidants melatonin and N-acetylcysteine, indicating that reactive species were involved in these effects. Considering the importance of CAC and ETC for energy production and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase for the maintenance of the cell membrane potential, the present data indicate that EMA compromises mitochondrial homeostasis and neurotransmission in striatum. We presume that these pathomechanisms may be involved to a certain extent in the neurological damage found in patients affected by SCADD and EE.

Changes in secretory pathway Ca(2+)-ATPase 2 following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

This study aimed to investigate changes in secretory pathway Ca²⁺-ATPase 2 expression following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and to define the role of Ca²⁺-ATPases in oxidative stress. A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established using the unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion method. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR assay results showed that compared with the control group, the expression of secretory pathway Ca²⁺-ATPase 2 protein and mRNA in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of male rats did not significantly change during the ischemic period. However, secretory pathway Ca²⁺-ATPase 2 protein and mRNA expression reduced gradually at 1, 3, and 24 hours during the reperfusion period. Our experimental findings indicate that levels of secretory pathway Ca²⁺-ATPase 2 protein and mRNA expression in brain tissue change in response to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Amelioration of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by grape seed extract and fish oil is mediated by lowering oxidative stress and DNA damage

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapeutic drug used in treatment of malignancies. However, its clinical utility is limited by nephrotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) (100 mg/kg/day) or fish oil (FO) (5 ml/kg/day) against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in terms of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage. CP nephrotoxiciy is manifested by increased levels of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, accompanied by their decrease in urine. Na, K and Ca levels were altered in both serum and urine. In addition, cisplatin caused a decrease in renal GSH, SH-group, SOD, GST, and Na-K-ATPase levels. However the levels of MDA, H2O2 and NO were increased. Also, we assessed the renal genotoxic potential of cisplatin as manifested by an increase in the tail length of DNA, tail intensity (DNA %) and tail moment. On the other hand, administration of GSPE or FO pre-cisplatin treatment ameliorated the current changes in most of the above tested parameters, particularly oxidative stress, endogenous antioxidant defense system and DNA damage indicating their curative effect. Thus, it can be concluded that the consumption of GSPE or FO might be useful for preventing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin treatment.

Neuroprotective effect of resveratrol against prenatal stress induced cognitive impairment and possible involvement of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity

Resveratrol, an active ingredient of red wine extracts, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects in several experimental models. Hence in the present study, the protective effects of resveratrol on cognitive deficits induced by prenatal stress were evaluated in offspring, and the possible involvement of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in learning deficits were explored. Pregnant rats were subjected to restraint stress during early or late gestational period. Another set of rats received resveratrol during the entire gestational period along with early or late gestational stress. The study parameters included various behavioral tests like open field test and Morris water maze test. At the end of the behavioral tests (on 40th postnatal day), the offspring were sacrificed, and their brain homogenate was subjected to Na(+), K(+)-ATPase estimation. Early and late gestational stress affected spatial learning and memory and prenatal resveratrol has reversed these cognitive deficits. The Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in the offspring brain homogenate was reduced in the late gestational stress group; however prenatal resveratrol treatment has not affected this activity. These data suggest the neuroprotective efficacy of resveratrol against prenatal stress induced cognitive impairment. Though late gestational stress involves Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in rat brain homogenate, this would not be the primary cause in prenatal stress-induced cognitive dysfunction.

Naringenin ameliorates Alzheimer's disease (AD)-type neurodegeneration with cognitive impairment (AD-TNDCI) caused by the intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin in rat model

Oxidative stress is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-type neurodegeneration with cognitive impairment (AD-TNDCI) as well as age related cognitive deficit. The present study was designed to investigate the pre-treatment effects of naringenin (NAR), a polyphenolic compound on cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and hippocampal neuron injury in a rat model of AD-TNDCI. The rats were pre-treated with NAR at a selective dose (50mg/kg, orally) for 2 weeks followed by intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) (3mg/kg; 5μl per site) injection bilaterally. Behavioral alterations were monitored after 2 weeks from the lesion using passive avoidance test and Morris water maze paradigm. Three weeks after the lesion, the rats were sacrificed for measuring non-enzymatic [4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), malonaldehyde (MDA), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), protein carbonyl (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH)] content and enzymatic [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase] activity in the hippocampus, and expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) positive neuron, and histopathology of hippocampal neurons. The non-enzymatic level and enzymatic activity was significantly increased and decreased, respectively, with striking impairments in spatial learning and memory, loss of ChAT positive neuron and severe damage to hippocampal neurons in the rat induced by ICV-STZ. These abnormalities were significantly improved by NAR pre-treatment. The study suggests that NAR can protect against cognitive deficits, neuronal injury and oxidative stress induced by ICV-STZ, and may be used as a potential agent in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD-TNDCI.

Effect of vitamin D3 in reducing metabolic and oxidative stress in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a growing health problem worldwide and is associated with severe liver complications. The aim of the present study is to analyse the status of metabolic and free-radical-scavenging enzymes and second messengers in the liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, and to determine the hepatoprotective role of vitamin D(3). All studies were performed using the liver of adult male Wistar rats. Gene expression studies were carried out using real-time PCR with specific probes. Second messenger levels were determined using (3)H-labelled Biotrak assay kits, and glucose uptake assay with D-[(14)C]glucose. The present results show that there was a decrease in hepatic glucose uptake, malate dehydrogenase activity, glycogen content, inositol triphosphate (IP(3)) and cyclic GMP levels, and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, phospholipase C, cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein, vitamin D receptor (VDR) and insulin receptor (INSR) gene expression in the diabetic rats when compared with the controls (all P < 0·05), while cyclic AMP levels and GLUT2 expression were increased (P < 0·05). Treatment of the diabetic rats with vitamin D(3) and insulin reversed the altered parameters to near control values. In conclusion, the data suggest a novel role of vitamin D(3) in restoring impaired liver metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic rats by regulating glucose uptake, storage and metabolism. We demonstrated that the restoring effect of vitamin D(3) is mediated through VDR modulation, thereby improving signal transduction and controlling free radicals in the liver of diabetic rats. These data suggest a potential role for vitamin D(3) in the treatment of diabetes-associated hepatic complications.

Effect of oxidative stress induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation on the activities of Na+, K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in the cortex and hippocampus of rat

Several studies revealed the importance of paradoxical sleep as a homeostatic mechanism by which the brain can control oxidative stress. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of 72 h of paradoxical sleep deprivation on the oxidative stress markers and its insults on the activities of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in the cortex and hippocampus of albino rat. Animals were subjected to paradoxical sleep deprivation for 72 h. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and catalase activity, levels of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide were assayed together with the activities of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in the cortex and hippocampus. The present study revealed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation accompanied by a significant decrease in reduced glutathione in the cortex and hippocampus. Na(+), K(+)-ATPase decreased significantly in both areas. However, acetylcholinesterase showed a significant increase in the investigated brain regions. The present data showed that 72 h of paradoxical sleep deprivation induced oxidative stress in the cortex and hippocampus. It could be suggested that the inhibition of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and the increased acetylcholinesterase activity may underlie memory impairment, increased brain excitability, and anxiety induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation.

Neurotoxicological effects of low-dose methylmercury and mercuric chloride in developing offspring mice

Mercury is a well-known toxic metal and potently induces severe neurotoxicological effects, especially in infants and children. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of neurotoxic effects of mercurial compounds on the different stages of developing mice. Low-doses (the probability of human exposure in mercury-contaminated areas) of methylmercury (MeHg) (M, 0.02mg/kg/day) and mercury chloride (HgCl(2)) (H, 0.5mg/kg/day) were administered to mice of the following groups: (1) treatment with distilled water for 7 consecutive weeks after weaning (control-vehicle (CV)); exposure to mercurial compounds at different stages; (2) for 7 consecutive weeks after weaning (control-MeHg (CM) and control-HgCl(2) (CH)); (3) only during perinatal and weaning stages (MeHg-vehicle (MV) and HgCl-vehicle (HV)); and (4) in all experimental stages (MeHg-MeHg (MM) and HgCl(2)-HgCl(2) (HH)). Results revealed the neurobehavioral defects (increased locomotor activities, motor equilibrium impairment, and auditory dysfunction) that correlated with increasing Hg accumulation in CM and CH groups. However, it revealed a decrease and an increase in locomotor activities in MV and HV groups, respectively; these became more severe in MM and HH groups than in MV and HV groups. Motor equilibrium performance in MV and HV groups remained normal, while that in MM and HH groups was decreased. The most severe auditory defects (altered auditory brainstem response, ABR test) found in MM and HH groups than those in the respective CM and CH, MV and HV, including absolute wave III delays and interwave I-III latencies, which suggested that the irreversible auditory dysfunction caused by mercurial compounds. Furthermore, the alteration of lipid peroxidation (LPO), Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities, and nitric oxide (NO(x)) in the brain tissues contributed to the observed neurobehavioral dysfunction and hearing impairment. These findings provide evidence that fetuses were much more susceptible to the effects of mercurial compounds with regard to inducing severely neurotoxicological injuries as that found in human beings. The signaling of ROS/Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase/NO(x) plays a crucial role in the underlying mechanism for mercurial compound-induced toxic effects in offspring.

Alterations induced by ischemic preconditioning on secretory pathways Ca2+-ATPase (SPCA) gene expression and oxidative damage after global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) represents the phenomenon of CNC adaptation, which results in increased tolerance of CNS to lethal ischemia. Brain ischemia/reperfusion (IRI) initiates a catastrophic cascade in which many subcellular organelles play an important role. The Golgi apparatus, which is a part of secretory pathways (SP), represents the Ca(2+) store and regulates secretion of proteins for growth/reorganization of neuronal circuit by secretory Ca(2+)ATPases (SPCA1). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of IRI and preconditioning on SPCA1 gene expression and oxidative damage after 4-vessel occlusion for 15 min and after being exposed to different reperfusion periods. Rats were preconditioned by 5 min of sub-lethal ischemia and 2 days later, 15 min of lethal ischemia was induced. Our experiments conclusively showed IRI-induced depression of SPCA activity and lipo- and protein oxidation in rat hippocampal membranes. IRI also activates the induction of SPCA1 gene expression in later reperfusion periods. IPC partially suppresses lipo- and protein oxidation in hippocampal membranes and leads to partiall rovery of the ischemic-induced depression of SPCA activity. In addition, IPC initiates earlier cellular response to the injury by the significant elevation of mRNA expression to 142% comparing to 1 h of corresponding reperfusion and to 11% comparing to 24 h of corresponding reperfusion, respectively. Similar patterns were observed on the translational level by Western blot analysis. Our results indicate the specific SPCA1 expression pattern in ischemic hippocampus. It also shows that the SPCA expression and the post-translational changes induced by ischemia are modulated by the IPC. This might serve to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the structural integrity and function of the SP after ischemic challenge. It also suggests that there is a correlation of SPCA function with the role of SP in the response to pre-ischemic challenge.

Functional genomic analysis of amniotic fluid cell-free mRNA suggests that oxidative stress is significant in Down syndrome fetuses

To characterize the differences between second trimester Down syndrome (DS) and euploid fetuses, we used Affymetrix microarrays to compare gene expression in uncultured amniotic fluid supernatant samples. Functional pathway analysis highlighted the importance of oxidative stress, ion transport, and G protein signaling in the DS fetuses. Further evidence supporting these results was derived by correlating the observed gene expression patterns to those of small molecule drugs via the Connectivity Map. Our results suggest that there are secondary adverse consequences of DS evident in the second trimester, leading to testable hypotheses about possible antenatal therapy for DS.

Hyperglycemia-induced alterations in synaptosomal membrane fluidity and activity of membrane bound enzymes: beneficial effect of N-acetylcysteine supplementation

Diabetic encephalopathy is characterized by impaired cognitive functions that appear to underlie neuronal damage triggered by glucose driven oxidative stress. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in diabetic brain may initiate structural and functional changes in synaptosomal membranes. The objective of the present study was to examine the neuroprotective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in hyperglycemia-induced alterations in lipid composition and activity of membrane bound enzymes (Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase) in the rodent model of type 1 diabetes. Male Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were rendered diabetic by a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). The diabetic animals were administered NAC (1.4-1.5 g/kg body weight) for eight weeks and lipid composition along with membrane fluidity were determined. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in cerebral cortex of diabetic rats. NAC administration on the other hand lowered the hyperglycemia-induced lipid peroxidation to near control levels. The increased lipid peroxidation following chronic hyperglycemia was accompanied by a significant increase in the total lipids which can be attributed to increase in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and glycolipids. On the contrary phospholipid and ganglioside levels were decreased. Hyperglycemia-induced increase in cholesterol to phospholipid ratio reflected decrease in membrane fluidity. Fluorescence polarization (p) with DPH also confirmed decrease in synaptosomal membrane fluidity that influenced the activity of membrane bound enzymes. An inverse correlation was found between fluorescence polarization with the activities of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (r(2)=0.416, P<0.05) and Ca(2+) ATPase (r(2)=0.604, P<0.05). NAC was found to significantly improve lipid composition, restore membrane fluidity and activity of membrane bound enzymes. Our results clearly suggest perturbations in lipid composition and membrane fluidity as a major factor in the development of diabetic encephalopathy. Furthermore, NAC administration ameliorated the effect of hyperglycemia on oxidative stress and alterations in lipid composition thereby restoring membrane fluidity and activity of membrane bound enzymes.

Protective effect of antioxidants against sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) oxidation by Fenton reaction, however without prevention of Ca-pump activity

The Ca(2+)-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA) of rabbit skeletal muscle was oxidized by Fe2+/H2O2/ascorbic acid (AA), a system which generates HO(.) radicals according to the Fenton reaction: (Fe2(+)+H2O2-->HO(.)+OH(-)+Fe(3+)) under conditions similar to the pathological state of inflammation. Under these conditions, when hydroxyl-radicals and/or ferryl-radicals are generated, a 50% decrease of the SERCA activity was observed, a significant decrease of SH groups and an increase of protein carbonyl groups and lipid peroxidation were identified. Two new bands, time dependent in density, appeared in the SERCA protein electrophoresis after incubation with the Fenton system (at approximately 50 and 75kDa), probably due to structural changes as supported also by trypsin digestion. Immunoblotting of DNPH derivatized protein bound carbonyls detected a time dependent increase after incubation of SERCA with the Fenton system. Trolox and the pyridoindole stobadine (50microM) protected SR against oxidation induced via the Fenton system by preventing SH group oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Pycnogenol((R)) and EGb761 (40microg/ml) protected SERCA in addition against protein bound carbonyl formation. In spite of the antioxidant effects, trolox and stobadine were not able to prevent a decrease in the SERCA Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. Pycnogenol and EGb761 even enhanced the decrease of the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity induced by the Fenton system, probably by secondary oxidative reactions.

Protection from noise-induced temporary threshold shift by D-methionine is associated with preservation of ATPase activities

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to test whether noise-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) could be attenuated by D-methionine and its possible relation to the biochemical changes of cochlear lateral walls such as ATPase activities and oxidative stress in guinea pigs.

DESIGN

Thirty-two normal-hearing male guinea pigs were randomly divided into saline-treated and D-methionine-treated (300 mg/kg) experimental groups. One hour after treatment, they were exposed to a continuous broadband white noise at 105 +/- 2 dB sound pressure level for 10 min, causing TTS. Each group was then divided into four subgroups based on the number of survival days after noise exposure (0, 1, 2, and 7 days). Each subgroup had four animals and eight ears included. By means of click-evoked auditory brain stem responses (ABR), auditory thresholds of guinea pigs were measured before noise exposure, immediately after noise exposure, and before killing. After animals were killed, cochlear lateral walls were immediately harvested and assayed for enzyme-specific activities of Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide.

RESULTS

A 15.31 +/- 3.80 dB threshold shift was found immediately after noise exposure in saline-pretreated guinea pigs. In contrast, ABR threshold shift was significantly attenuated to 4.06 +/- 2.35 dB in D-methionine-treated animals. Furthermore, D-methionine enhanced the restoration of ABR threshold to baseline level by 1 day. In addition, noise significantly decreased Na+, K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase activities and increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels of the cochlear lateral walls. D-methionine significantly protected against all of these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Noise not only induced TTS but also inhibited ATPase activities as well as increased oxidative stress in guinea-pig cochlear lateral walls; all of these changes could be attenuated by d-methionine through its antioxidative property. These results suggest the potential usefulness of d-methionine in protecting from noise-induced ototoxicity.

Effect of hypermethioninemia on some parameters of oxidative stress and on Na(+),K (+)-ATPase activity in hippocampus of rats

In the present study we investigated the effect of chronic administration of methionine, a metabolite accumulated in many inherited pathological conditions such as methionine adenosyltransferase deficiency and homocystinuria, on some parameters of oxidative stress, namely thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase activity and total thiol content, as well as on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in rat hippocampus. For chronic treatment, rats received subcutaneous injections of methionine (1.34-2.68 mumol/g of body weight), twice a day, from the 6th to the 28th day of age and controls received saline. Animals were killed 12 h after the last injection. Results showed that chronic hypermethioninemia significantly increased TBARS, decreased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity but did not alter catalase and total thiol content. Since chronic hypermethioninemia altered TBARS and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity at 12 h after methionine administration, we also investigated the effect of acute administration of this amino acid on the same parameters studied after chronic methionine administration. For acute treatment,29-day-old rats received one single injection of methionine (2.68 mumol/g of body weight) or saline and were killed 1, 3 or 12 h later. Results showed that rats subjected to acute hypermethioninemia presented a reduction of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and an increase in TBARS when the animals were killed at 3 and 12 h, but not at 1 h, after methionine administration. These data indicate that hypermethioninemia increases lipid peroxidation which may, at least partially, explain the effect of methionine on the reduction in Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. If confirmed in human beings, our findings could suggest that the induction of oxidative stress and the inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity caused by methionine might contribute to the neurophysiopathology observed in patients with severe hypermethioninemia.

Redox control of calcium channels: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities

Calcium plays an integral role in cellular function. It is a well-recognized second messenger necessary for signaling cellular responses, but in excessive amounts can be deleterious to function, causing cell death. The main route by which calcium enters the cytoplasm is either from the extracellular compartment or internal addistores via calcium channels. There is good evidence that calcium channels can respond to pharmacological compounds that reduce or oxidize thiol groups on the channel protein. In addition, reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide that can mediate oxidative pathology also mediate changes in channel function via alterations of thiol groups. This review looks at the structure and function of calcium channels, the evidence that changes in cellular redox state mediate changes in channel function, and the role of redox modification of channels in disease processes. Understanding how redox modification of the channel protein alters channel structure and function is providing leads for the design of therapeutic interventions that target oxidative stress responses.

Assessment of Antioxidant Effect of 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid and Vitamin A in Brains of Rats with Induced Hyperoxia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, a salicylate derived from Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and vitamin A (vit A) on Na(+), K(+) ATPase enzyme and GSH levels in brain of rats exposed to hyperoxia (Hyp) as oxidant protocol. Rats were treated as follow: group I (control), group II (Hyp), group III (Hyp, ASA), group IV (vit A), group V (Hyp, vit A), group VI (Hyp, vit A, ASA). Vit A was given 5 days before and during Hyp, aspirin at the end of Hyp. Na(+),K(+) ATPase and total ATPase activity was significantly increased in group V. Levels of GSH showed a significant increase in group III, besides, levels of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as salicylate in plasma were significantly increased in group II. These results elucidate differences in the biochemical response of animal towards intake of various types of antioxidant substances, with increased GSH and salicylate in hyperoxia.

Changes in lipid composition in hippocampus early and late after status epilepticus induced by kainic acid in wistar rats

Oxidative damage to biological membranes has been reported as a cause of alterations in many different diseases. We had previously reported lipid peroxidation in the kainic acid model of temporal epilepsy. In this study we evaluated earlier and later modifications in the lipid composition after status epileticus induced by kainic acid. Lipid composition was determined by thin-layer chromatography, in the cortex and hippocampus 12-14 h, 7-8, 75-80, or 140-150 days after the end of status epileticus. In the hippocampus there was a significant change in the lipid protein ratio after status epileticus and this was accompanied by an alteration in lipid composition in all tested times. These results suggested that lipid peroxidation induced by kainic acid could be accompanied by chronic changes in the lipid composition that could be related to the development of seizures.

Impact of Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 on ischemia/reperfusion - induced oxidative stress products formation in rat forebrain

Dysbalance in reactive oxygen/nitrogen species is involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761) pre-treatment was used to observe potential antioxidant/neuroprotective effect after global ischemia/reperfusion. Egb 761 significantly decreased the level of lipoperoxidation (LPO) in rat forebrain total membrane fraction (homogenate) induced by in vitro oxidative stress (Fe(2+)+H(2)O(2)). In animals subjected to four-vessel global ischemia for 15 min and 2-24 h reperfusion the EGb pretreatment slightly decreased LPO in forebrain homogenate. However, as detected in EGb treated group, the LPO-induced lysine conjugates are attenuated in comparison to non-treated IRI animals. EGb significantly improved parameters which indicate forebrain protein oxidative damage after IRI. The intensity of tryptophane fluorescence was increased by the 18.2% comparing to non-treated IRI group and bityrosine fluorescence was significantly decreased in ischemic (21%) and 24 h reperfused (15.9%) group in comparison non-treated IRI group. In addition, the level of total free SH- groups in pre-treated animals was significantly higher comparing to non-treated animals. Our results indicate that extract of EGb 761 has potent antioxidant activity and could play a role to attenuate the IRI-induced oxidative protein modification and lipoperoxidation in the neuroprotective process.

Green tea impedes dyslipidemia, lipid peroxidation, protein glycation and ameliorates Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the heart of streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Diabetes-induced hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and protein glycation impair cellular calcium and sodium homeostasis associated with abnormal membrane-bound enzyme activities resulting in cardiac dysfunction in diabetes. To explore the cardioprotective mechanism of green tea in diabetes, we measured the changes in the levels of calcium, sodium, potassium and the activities of Na+/K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase in green tea treated diabetic rat hearts. The effect of green tea on triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and protein glycation in diabetic heart were also measured to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg i.p.). Six weeks after the induction of diabetes, some of the diabetic rats were treated orally with green tea extract (GTE) (300 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. GTE produced reduction in blood glucose and lowered the levels of lipid peroxides, triglycerides and extent of protein glycation in the heart of diabetic rats. GTE blunted the rise in cardiac [Ca2+] and [Na+] whereas increased the activities of Ca2+ -ATPase and Na+/K+ -ATPase in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the data provide support to the therapeutic effect of GTE and suggest that a possible mechanism of action may be associated with the attenuation of the rise in [Ca2+] and [Na+] by ameliorating Ca2+ -ATPase and Na+/K+ -ATPase activities.

Lipid peroxidation associated cardiolipin loss and membrane depolarization in rat brain mitochondria

Oxidative stress induced by Fe2+ (50 microM) and ascorbate (2 mM) in isolated rat brain mitochondria incubated in vitro leads to an enhanced lipid peroxidation, cardiolipin loss and an increased formation of protein carbonyls. These changes are associated with a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (depolarization) and an impaired activity of electron transport chain (ETC) as measured by MTT reduction assay. Butylated hydroxytoluene (0.2 mM), an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, can prevent significantly the loss of cardiolipin, the increased protein carbonyl formation and the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential induced by Fe2+ and ascorbate, implying that the changes are secondary to membrane lipid peroxidation. However, iron-ascorbate induced impairment of mitochondrial ETC activity is apparently independent of lipid peroxidation process. The structural and functional derangement of mitochondria induced by oxidative stress as reported here may have implications in neuronal damage associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders.

Estimate of antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in plasma of healthy subjects

Serum contains various antioxidant molecules that may provide important protection against free radical attack. The aim of this work was to assess the total antioxidant capacity of plasma and a marker of lipid per oxidation [(thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)] in plasma of healthy smoking and non-smoking young and elderly subjects. In addition, we investigated plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid. In in vitro experiments, the effects of exogenous compounds (ascorbic acid, uric acid, Trolox) on total ferric-reducing activity of plasma (FRAP) were also tested. We demonstrated that total antioxidant capacity of plasma obtained from healthy non-smoking young subjects was significantly higher than plasma antioxidant capacity of smoking elderly subjects. The concentration of TBARS in young non-smoking volunteers was lower than that in young smokers. The concentration of TBARS in elderly non-smoking volunteers was lower than in elderly smokers. Plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and ascorbic acid were significantly lower in elderly smoker than in elderly non-smokers of the same age. No difference in the plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and ascorbic acid were found in 22-year-old smoking and non-smoking subjects. In vitro addition of ascorbic acid, uric acid, or Trolox to plasma samples significantly increased their total antioxidant capacity. Decrease of FRAP values and increase of TBARS concentrations is a significant physiologic condition of the aging process. Supplementation of antioxidants could be useful for the enhancement of antioxidant screen in plasma.

Membrane-associated cytotoxicity induced by realgar in promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells

Realgar has been shown to have a therapeutic effect against acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by inducing apoptosis. However, there is little data about the effects of it on plasma membrane. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of realgar to HL-60 cells including its inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis and bringing about membrane toxicity was investigated. It was suggested that realgar could significantly suppress the proliferation of HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the IC50 value was 5.67 microM. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that treatment with realgar resulted in increased percentages of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, membrane lipid peroxidation level, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and membrane surface topography alterations were investigated to assess the membrane toxicity induced by realgar. Treatment with realgar at different concentrations accelerated membrane lipid peroxidation, potentiated LDH leakage, which was consistent with enhanced disorganization of membrane surface observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). These results suggested that such membrane toxicity induced by realgar might play an important role in the process of apoptotic induction and could be considered as one of mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of realgar.

Membrane Associated Functions of Neurokinin B (NKB) on Aβ (25–35) Induced Toxicity in Aging Rat Brain Synaptosomes

The effect of different concentrations (0.1-5 microM) of neurokinin B (NKB) and Abeta (25-35) on acetylcholine esterase (AChE), Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and membrane fluidity (DPH anisotropy) were investigated in rat brain synaptosomes of 3, 9, 18 and 30 months old. An age dependent decrease was observed for all the three parameters studied. An in vitro incubation of isolated brain synaptosomes with Abeta (25-35) showed toxic effects on all the parameters studied and the peptide had concentration and age dependent effects, while NKB showed stimulating effect on the parameters and the combined NKB+Abeta (25-35) incubations showed a partial reversal effect as compared to the Abeta (25-35) alone. Thus, the results suggest a membrane mediated function for NKB and its role in neuromodulation, neuroprotection and antioxidant property against Abeta (25-35) induced toxicity in aging brain functions.

Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity is reduced in hippocampus of rats submitted to an experimental model of depression: effect of chronic lithium treatment and possible involvement in learning deficits

This study was undertaken to verify the effects of chronic stress and lithium treatments on the hippocampal Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity of rats, as well as to investigate the effects of stress interruption and post-stress lithium treatment on this enzyme activity and on spatial memory. Two experiments were carried out; in the first experiment, adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and submitted to a chronic variate stress paradigm, and subdivided into treated or not with LiCl. After 40 days of treatment, rats were killed, and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was determined. In the second experiment, rats were stressed during 40 days, and their performance was evaluated in the Water Maze task. The stressed group was then subdivided into four groups, with continued or interrupted stress treatment and treated or not with lithium for 30 additional days. After a second evaluation of performance in the Water Maze, rats were killed and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was also measured. Results showed an impairment in Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and in Water Maze performance of chronically stressed rats, which were prevented by lithium treatment and reversed by lithium treatment and by stress interruption. These results suggest that the modulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity may be one of the mechanisms of action of lithium in the treatment of mood disorders.

Effect of noise stress on free radical scavenging enzymes in brain

The levels of free radical scavenging enzymes in six discrete brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, midbrain, pons medulla, hippocampus and hypothalamus), after exposure to three different durations of noise stress (broadband white noise, 100dB, 4h/day, in acute: 1 day, sub acute: 15 days and chronic stress: 30 days) was studied in Wister strain male albino rats. Acute noise stress significantly increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD: EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione peroxidase (GPx: EC 1.11.1.9), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreases the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), GSH/GSSG ratio and protein thiols. The free radical scavenging enzymes levels, in sub acute and chronic noise stress also showed marked deviation in certain regions from the controls within the study duration. The results indicate that adaptation to noise stress does not occur immediately in all the brain regions. The noise induced alterations in free radicals may be assumed to serve as a linkage between the environmental noise and the manifestation of multifactorial diseases attributed to noise exposure. Moreover the quantification of the health effects of noise by the alterations in free radicals seems inappropriate in chronic noise stress.

Changes of Endogenous Antioxidant Enzymes during Ischemic Tolerance Acquisition

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in brain ischemic tolerance induced by ischemic preconditioning. Forebrain cerebral ischemia was induced in rat by four vessel occlusion. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD and CAT were measured in the hippocampus, striatum and cortex after 5 min of ischemia used as a preconditioning and subsequent reperfusion, by spectrophotometric methods. In all ischemia-reperfusion groups (5 h, 1 and 2 days of reperfusion), CuZn-SOD activities were found to be increased if compared to the sham operated controls. The increase was significant (P < 0.05) in all reperfusion groups, particularly after 5 h of reperfusion (3 times) in all studied brain regions; the largest increase was detected in the more vulnerable hippocampus and striatum. Very similar changes were found in Mn-SOD activity. The activity of CAT was increased too, but reached the peak of postischemic activity 24 h after ischemia. Our attempt to understand the mechanisms of increased SOD and CAT activities by application of protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide showed that this increase was caused by de novo synthesis of enzymes during first hours after ischemia. Our findings indicate that both major endogenous antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT are synthesized as soon as 5 h after ischemia. In spite of significant upregulation of these enzymes a large number of neurons in selectively vulnerable CA1 region of hippocampus undergoes to neurodegeneration within 7 days after ischemia.

Effect of testosterone and steroids homologues on indolamines and lipid peroxidation in rat brain

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 4-pregnen-17-hydroxy-3-one (A) and two steroids homologues: 3beta-acetoxy-5,16-pregnadien-20-one (B) and 3beta-acetoxy-16alpha-17alpha-epoxy-4-pregnen-20-one (C). Male Wistar rats were treated with o-cresol combined (A, B or C) steroids. Lipid peroxidation status as result of measurement reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) as well as serotonin (5-HT) and its precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) were measured. The prostate glands were weighed, the 5alpha-reductase activity was determined. The animals treated with A, B, and C steroids showed a slight increase in both 5alpha-reductase activity and prostate size. 5-HT and 5-HTP levels did not change significantly, and TBARS showed an increase in the group treated with B steroid and a decrease in the A steroid group with significant differences in both groups (p<0.05) versus control group. Results suggest that A steroid reduces TBARS in rat brain, perhaps as a result of the interaction between the testosterone unsaturated carbons and OH(-) groups with free radicals.

Effect of toluene and cresols on Na+,K+-ATPase, and serotonin in rat brain

The objective of the present trial was to evaluate the effect of toluene and o-cresol, m-cresol, and p-cresol on serotonin (5-HT), its precursor 5-hydroxytryptophane (5-HTP), Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, total ATPase, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in rat brain. Evaluation of lipid peroxidation was realized by means of TBARS, determination of biogenic amines and enzymes assay was carried out in brain homogenate samples using HPLC and spectrophotometry, respectively. Five groups of male Wistar rats (200 g) were treated as follow: control, toluene, o-cresol, m-cresol, and p-cresol groups, which were administered 35 mg/kgi.p. of each compound, the control group was given only glycerine as vehicle. 5-HT and 5-HTP levels increased significantly (p < 0.001) in toluene and o-cresol groups. Lipid peroxidation increased significantly (p < 0.002) in all groups. A significant increase (p < 0.001) of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was noted in the toluene and o-cresol groups, while this enzyme was reduced in the p-cresol group compared to the control group. Total ATPase showed significant differences in the p-cresol group, compared to the control group. Based in our results, it can be concluded that toluene and all cresols groups may increase lipid peroxidation and consequently induce changes in membrane fluidity.

Lazaroid U-74389G attenuates edema in rat brain subjected to post-ischemic reperfusion injury

The aim of the present study was to determine the potential therapeutic value of 21-aminosteroid U-74389G, on blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and edema in association with the changes in synaptosomal Na(+)/K(+) and Mg(2+)/Ca(2+)-ATPase activities in rat brain subjected to post-ischemic reperfusion injury. Brain ischemia was achieved by means of four-vessel occlusion model for 25 min and animals were sacrificed after 12 h reperfusion. An increase of cerebral tissue water content, blood-brain disruption and the changes of synaptosomal Na(+)/K(+) and Mg(2+)/Ca(2+)-ATPases activities were evaluated. U-74389G was given intraperitoneally at two times as 5 mg/kg at 10 min prior to ischemia and at the beginning of reperfusion. Edema was determined by means of wet-dried weight method, and BBB of extravasation of Evan's blue dye. Extravasation of Evan's blue dye into brain following ischemia and reperfusion was 2.4-fold of control value and brought close to control levels by the effect of U-74389G (p<0.001). Post-ischemic reperfusion injury caused an increase of 3.7% in tissue water content of whole brain and administration of U-74389G lowered the cerebral edema (p<0.001). The loses in the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)/Ca(2+)-ATPase activities occurred as 42.1% (p<0.01) and 65.7% (p<0.001) of control value, respectively. While Mg(2+)/Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was enhanced compared to vehicle-treated group of animals (p<0.01), Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity was fully recovered when compared to control by U-74389G (p>0.05). U-74389G also significantly attenuated neuronal necrosis (p<0.001) which was determined in the hippocampal CA1 subfield. Blood-brain barrier protection, attenuation of brain edema and neuronal necrosis concomitant with the stabilizing of membrane-bound enzymes brought about by the effect of U-74389G suggest that 21-aminosteroids are worthy of consideration in the acute treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Regulation of mesangial cell Na+/Ca2+ exchanger isoforms

An isoform of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (SDNCX1.10) was cloned from mesangial cells of Sprague-Dawley rat. Regulation of this isoform was compared to two other clones that were derived from the Dahl/Rapp salt sensitive (SNCX) and salt resistant rat (RNCX). All isoforms differ at the alternative splice site and at amino acid 218 for SNCX. PKC activates RNCX but not SNCX while SDNCX1.10 was also activated by PKC. Regulation of exchanger activities by intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), pH, and kinases was assessed using Na-dependent (45)Ca(2+) uptake assays in OK-PTH cells expressing the vector, RNCX, SNCX, or SDNCX1.10. [Ca(2+)](i) was elevated from 50 to 125 nM (n = 4) with thapsigargin (40 nM) and reduced from 50 to 29 nM (n = 4) and 18 nM (n = 4) with 10 or 20 microM BAPTA, respectively. RNCX was active at all three [Ca(2+)](i) while SNCX and SDNCX1.10 were only active at lower [Ca(2+)](i). Varying extracellular pH (pH(e), without nigericin) or pH(e) and intracellular pH (pH(i), with 10 microM nigericin) from pH 7.4 to 6.2, 6.8, or 8.0 showed that SNCX activity was attenuated at both low and high pHs. SDNCX1.10 activity was attenuated only at pH 6.2 and 6.8 (with or without nigericin) while RNCX activity was attenuated at pH 6.2 (with or without nigericin) and pH 6.8 (with nigericin). Finally, only SDNCX1.10 activity was stimulated by 250 microM CPT-cAMP or 250 microM DB-cGMP treatment. Thus the differential regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) by these exchangers is dependent upon the pattern of cellular Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger isoform expression.

Dopamine oxidation products inhibit Na+, K+-ATPase activity in crude synaptosomal-mitochondrial fraction from rat brain

The diverse damaging effects of dopamine (DA) oxidation products on brain subcellular components including mitochondrial electron transport chain have been implicated in dopaminergic neuronal death in Parkinson's disease. It has been shown in this study that DA (50-200 microM) causes dose-dependent inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase activity of rat brain crude synaptosomal-mitochondrial fraction during in vitro incubation up to 2 h. The enzyme inactivation is prevented by catalase and the metal-chelator (diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid) but not by superoxide dismutase or hydroxyl-radical scavengers like mannitol and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). Further, reduced glutathione and cysteine, markedly prevent DA-mediated inactivation of Na+, K+-ATPase. Under similar conditions of incubation, DA (200 microM) leads to the formation of quinoprotein adducts (protein-cysteinyl catechol) with synaptosomal-mitochondrial proteins and the phenomenon is also prevented by glutathione (5 mM) or cysteine (5 mM). The available data imply that the inactivation of Na+, K+-ATPase in this system involves both H2O2 and metal ions. The reactive quinones by forming adducts with protein thiols also probably contribute to the process, since reduced glutathione and cysteine which scavenge quinones from the system protect Na+, K+-ATPase from DA-mediated damage. The inactivation of neuronal Na+, K+-ATPase by DA may give rise to various toxic sequelae with potential implications for dopaminergic cell death in Parkinson's disease.

Age-related oxidative inactivation of Na+, K+-ATPase in rat brain crude synaptosomes

The study was undertaken to examine the status of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in aged rat brain and to verify if any alteration of this enzyme in aged brain could be related to an oxidative damage. The crude synaptosomes from rat brain were exposed in vitro to an oxidative stress in the form of a combination of Fe(2+) (100 microM) and ascorbate (2 mM) for up to 2 h when increased lipid peroxidation (nearly four-fold), extensive protein carbonyl formation and a marked decrease of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity (approximately 88%) were observed. All these changes were prevented by the presence of a chain-breaking anti-oxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (0.2 mM), in the incubation mixture. When the same crude synaptosomal membranes from the young (4-6 months) and aged (18-22 months) rat brains were analysed, a significant reduction of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity (nearly 48%) along with significantly elevated levels of lipid peroxidation products and protein carbonyls could be detected in the aged animals in comparison to young ones. The latter data in combination with the results of in vitro experiments imply that the age-related decline of rat brain Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity is presumably the consequence of an enhanced oxidative damage in aging brain

Antioxidant effects of selenium in rat brain and the stimulating role of nitric oxide

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant effect of selenium on Na+, K(+)-ATPase in rat brain in the presence of nitric oxide.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (70 g) were treated as follows: group 1 received 1 microg of i.p. sodium nitroprus-side per kg (SNP), group 2 received 5 microg sodium selenite during 20 days, group 3 received sodium selenite 5 microg + SNP 1 microg and the control group received vehicle 50 microl (0.9% NaCl), same period and route. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and their brain dissected into cortex, hemispheres, cerebellum and brain stem in order to determine lipid peroxidation (TBARS), Na+, K+ ATPase and total ATPase in each section. Blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and prostate weight were also assessed.

RESULTS

A significant increase of Hb in blood and of proteins in cortex and hemisphere was detected, but TBARS values fell due to the effect of sodium selenite in all examined regions, except for cerebellum. ATPase activity declined in all groups and regions with and without NTP. We conclude that diet supplementary selenium to inhibit NO generation can be a useful treatment in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Effect of microcystin on ion regulation and antioxidant system in gills of the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulatus (Decapoda, Grapsidae)

The objective of this work was to evaluate mechanisms of microcystin toxicity on crustacean species. Adult male crabs of Chasmagnathus granulatus (13.97+/-0.35 g) acclimated to low salinity (2 per thousand ) were injected with saline (control) or Microcystis aeruginosa aqueous extract (39.2 microg/l) at 24 h intervals for 48 h. After the exposure period, the anterior and posterior gills were dissected, measuring Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. Total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) and lipid peroxides (LPO) content were also determined. Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in anterior gills was significantly lower in crabs injected with toxin than in control crabs, while no significant difference in the enzyme activity was detected in posterior gills. Both sodium and chloride concentration in the hemolymph were not affected by toxin exposure. Significant changes in GST activity were detected in posterior gills, with higher values being observed in the toxin-injected crabs. Crabs exposed to microcystin also showed a significant increase in the TOSC value against peroxyl radicals, for both anterior and posterior gills. Lipid peroxides level did not change in both gill types after exposure to the toxin. The increased levels of TOSC suggest the occurrence of a crab response against oxidative stress induced by toxin injection, which prevents lipid peroxidation.

In vivo treatment with stobadine prevents lipid peroxidation, protein glycation and calcium overload but does not ameliorate Ca2+ -ATPase activity in heart and liver of streptozotocin-diabetic rats: comparison with vitamin E

Hyperglycemia leads to excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and protein glycation that may impair cellular calcium homeostasis and results in calcium sequestration and dysfunction in diabetic tissues. Stobadine (ST) is a pyridoindole antioxidant has been postulated as a new cardio- and neuroprotectant. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the treatment with ST inhibits calcium accumulation, reduces lipid peroxidation and protein glycation and can change Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity in diabetic animals. The effects of vitamin E treatment were also evaluated and compared with the effects of combined treatment with ST. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg i.p.). Some of diabetic rats and their age-matched controls were treated orally with a low dose of ST (24.7 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (400-500 IU/kg/day) or ST plus vitamin E for 10 weeks. ST and vitamin E separately produced, in a similar degree, reduction in diabetes-induced hyperglycemia. Each antioxidant alone significantly lowered the levels of plasma lipid peroxidation, cardiac and hepatic protein glycation in diabetic rats but vitamin E treatment was found to be more effective than ST treatment alone. Diabetes-induced increase in plasma triacylglycerol levels was not significantly altered by vitamin E treatment but markedly reduced by ST alone. The treatment with each antioxidant completely prevented calcium accumulation in diabetic heart and liver. Microsomal Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity significantly decreased in both tissues of untreated diabetic rats. ST alone significantly increased microsomal Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity in the heart of normal rats. However, neither treatment with ST nor vitamin E alone, nor their combination did change cardiac Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity in diabetic heart. In normal rats, neither antioxidant had a significant effect on hepatic Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity. Hepatic Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity of diabetic rats was not changed by single treatment with ST, while vitamin E alone completely prevented diabetes-induced inhibition in microsomal Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity in liver. Combined treatment with ST and vitamin E provided more benefits in the reduction of hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation in diabetic animals. This study describes potential mechanisms on cellular effects of ST in the presence of diabetes-induced hyperglycemia that may delay or inhibit the development of diabetic complications. The use of ST together with vitamin E can better control hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.