Peroxisomal and mitochondrial status of two murine oligodendrocytic cell lines (158N, 158JP): potential models for the study of peroxisomal disorders associated with dysmyelination processes

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of 7-Ketocholesterol and 7β-Hydroxycholesterol on the Peroxisomal Status: Prevention of Peroxisomal Damages and Concept of Pexotherapy

7-Ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol are most often derived from the autoxidation of cholesterol. Their quantities are often increased in the body fluids and/or diseased organs of patients with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, and sarcopenia which are frequently associated with a rupture of RedOx homeostasis leading to a high oxidative stress contributing to cell and tissue damages. On murine cells from the central nervous system (158N oligodendrocytes, microglial BV-2 cells, and neuronal N2a cells) as well as on C2C12 murine myoblasts, these two oxysterols can induce a mode of cell death which is associated with qualitative, quantitative, and functional modifications of the peroxisome. These changes can be revealed by fluorescence microscopy (apotome, confocal microscopy), transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and gas chromatography-coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Noteworthy, several natural molecules, including ω3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and α-tocopherol, as well as several Mediterranean oils [argan and olive oils, Milk-thistle (Sylibum marianum) and Pistacia lenticus seed oils], have cytoprotective properties and attenuate 7-ketocholesterol- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced peroxisomal modifications. These observations led to the concept of pexotherapy.

Dietary cholesterol oxidation products: Perspectives linking food processing and storage with health implications

Dietary cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) are heterogeneous compounds formed during the processing and storage of cholesterol-rich foods, such as seafood, meat, eggs, and dairy products. With the increased intake of COPs-rich foods, the concern about health implications of dietary COPs is rising. Dietary COPs may exert deleterious effects on human health to induce several inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Thus, knowledge regarding the effects of processing and storage conditions leading to formation of COPs is needed to reduce the levels of COPs in foods. Efficient methodologies to determine COPs in foods are also essential. More importantly, the biological roles of dietary COPs in human health and effects of phytochemicals on dietary COPs-induced diseases need to be established. This review summarizes the recent information on dietary COPs including their formation in foods during their processing and storage, analytical methods of determination of COPs, metabolic fate, implications for human health, and beneficial interventions by phytochemicals. The formation of COPs is largely dependent on the heating temperature, storage time, and food matrices. Alteration of food processing and storage conditions is one of the potent strategies to restrict hazardous dietary COPs from forming, including maintaining relatively low temperatures, shorter processing or storage time, and the appropriate addition of antioxidants. Once absorbed into the circulation, dietary COPs can contribute to the progression of several inflammatory diseases, where the absorbed dietary COPs may induce inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy in cells in the target organs or tissues. Improved intake of phytochemicals may be an effective strategy to reduce the hazardous effects of dietary COPs.

N-Acetylcysteine Reverses the Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Very Long-Chain Fatty Acids in Murine Oligodendrocyte Model of Adrenoleukodystrophy

The accumulation of saturated very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA, ≥C22:0) due to peroxisomal impairment leads to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Among the neural supporting cells, myelin-producing oligodendrocytes are the most sensitive to the detrimental effect of VLCFA. Here, we characterized the mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death induced by VLFCA, and examined whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, prevents the cytotoxicity. We exposed murine oligodendrocytes (158 N) to hexacosanoic acid (C26:0, 1-100 µM) for 24 h and measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. Low concentrations of C26:0 (≤25 µM) induced a mild effect on cell survival with no alterations in ROS or total glutathione (GSH) concentrations. However, analysis of the mitochondrial status of cells treated with C26:0 (25 µM) revealed depletion in mitochondrial GSH (mtGSH) and a decrease in the inner membrane potential. These results indicate that VLCFA disturbs the mitochondrial membrane potential causing ROS accumulation, oxidative stress, and cell death. We further tested whether NAC (500 µM) can prevent the mitochondria-specific effects of VLCFA in C26:0-treated oligodendrocytes. Our results demonstrate that NAC improves mtGSH levels and mitochondrial function in oligodendrocytes, indicating that it has potential use in the treatment of ALD and related disorders.

Antioxidant Properties and Cytoprotective Effect of Pistacia lentiscus L. Seed Oil against 7β-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Toxicity in C2C12 Myoblasts: Reduction in Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial and Peroxisomal Dysfunctions and Attenuation of Cell Death

Aging is characterized by a progressive increase in oxidative stress, which favors lipid peroxidation and the formation of cholesterol oxide derivatives, including 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC). This oxysterol, which is known to trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, could contribute to the aging process and age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia. Identifying molecules or mixtures of molecules preventing the toxicity of 7β-OHC is therefore an important issue. This study consists of determining the chemical composition of Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus L. seed oil (PLSO) used in the Tunisian diet and evaluating its ability to counteract the cytotoxic effects induced by 7β-OHC in murine C2C12 myoblasts. The effects of 7β-OHC (50 µM; 24 h), associated or not with PLSO, were studied on cell viability, oxidative stress, and on mitochondrial and peroxisomal damages induction. α-Tocopherol (400 µM) was used as the positive control for cytoprotection. Our data show that PLSO is rich in bioactive compounds; it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, and several nutrients with antioxidant properties: phytosterols, α-tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. When associated with PLSO (100 µg/mL), the 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxic effects were strongly attenuated. The cytoprotection was in the range of those observed with α-tocopherol. This cytoprotective effect was characterized by prevention of cell death and organelle dysfunction (restoration of cell adhesion, cell viability, and plasma membrane integrity; prevention of mitochondrial and peroxisomal damage) and attenuation of oxidative stress (reduction in reactive oxygen species overproduction in whole cells and at the mitochondrial level; decrease in lipid and protein oxidation products formation; and normalization of antioxidant enzyme activities: glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). These results provide evidence that PLSO has similar antioxidant properties than α-tocopherol used at high concentration and contains a mixture of molecules capable to attenuate 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxic effects in C2C12 myoblasts. These data reinforce the interest in edible oils associated with the Mediterranean diet, such as PLSO, in the prevention of age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia.

N-acetylcysteine Provides Cytoprotection in Murine Oligodendrocytes through Heme Oxygenase-1 Activity

Oligodendrocytic injury by oxidative stress can lead to demyelination, contributing to neurodegeneration. We investigated the mechanisms by which an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), reduces oxidative stress in murine oligodendrocytes. We used normal 158N and mutant 158JP cells with endogenously high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Oxidative stress was induced in 158N cells using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 500 μM), and both cells were treated with NAC (50 µM to 500 µM). ROS production, total glutathione (GSH) and cell survival were measured 24 h after treatment. In normal cells, H₂O₂ treatment resulted in a ~5.5-fold increase in ROS and ~50% cell death. These deleterious effects of oxidative stress were attenuated by NAC, resulting in improved cell survival. Similarly, NAC treatment resulted in decreased ROS levels in 158JP cells. Characterization of mechanisms underlying cytoprotection in both cell lines revealed an increase in GSH levels by NAC, which was partially blocked by an inhibitor of GSH synthesis. Interestingly, we observed heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective enzyme, play a critical role in cytoprotection. Inhibition of HO-1 activity abolished the cytoprotective effect of NAC with a corresponding decrease in total antioxidant capacity. Our results indicate that NAC promotes oligodendrocyte survival in oxidative stress-related conditions through multiple pathways.

Biotin attenuation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid metabolism alteration and 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced cell death in 158N murine oligodendrocytes

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in neurodegenerative diseases associated with an enhancement of lipid peroxidation products such as 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC). It is, therefore, important to study the ability of 7β-OHC to trigger mitochondrial defects, oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunctions and cell death, which are hallmarks of neurodegeneration, and to identify cytoprotective molecules. The effects of biotin were evaluated on 158N murine oligodendrocytes, which are myelin synthesizing cells, exposed to 7β-OHC (50 µM) with or without biotin (10 and 100 nM) or α-tocopherol (positive control of cytoprotection). The effects of biotin on 7β-OHC activities were determined using different criteria: cell adhesion; plasma membrane integrity; redox status. The impact on mitochondria was characterized by the measurement of transmembrane mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, mitochondrial mass, quantification of cardiolipins and organic acids. Sterols and fatty acids were also quantified. Cell death (apoptosis, autophagy) was characterized by the enumeration of apoptotic cells, caspase-3 activation, identification of autophagic vesicles, and activation of LC3-I into LC3-II. Biotin attenuates 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxicity: loss of cell adhesion was reduced; antioxidant activities were normalized. ROS overproduction, protein and lipid oxidation products were decreased. Biotin partially restores mitochondrial functions: attenuation of the loss of ΔΨm; reduced levels of mitochondrial O₂^•- overproduction; normalization of cardiolipins and organic acid levels. Biotin also normalizes cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis, and prevents apoptosis and autophagy (oxiapoptophagy). Our data support that biotin, which prevents oligodendrocytes damages, could be useful in the treatment of neurodegeneration and demyelination.

Dimethyl fumarate and monomethyl fumarate attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations leading to oxiapoptophagy in 158N murine oligodendrocytes treated with 7β-hydroxycholesterol

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and favor lipid peroxidation, leading to increased levels of 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC) which induces oxiapoptophagy (OXIdative stress, APOPTOsis, autoPHAGY). The cytoprotective effects of dimethylfumarate (DMF), used in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and of monomethylfumarate (MMF), its main metabolite, were evaluated on murine oligodendrocytes 158 N exposed to 7β-OHC (50 μM, 24 h) with or without DMF or MMF (25 μM). The activity of 7β-OHC in the presence or absence DMF or MMF was evaluated on several parameters: cell adhesion; plasma membrane integrity measured with propidium iodide (PI), trypan blue and fluoresceine diacetate (FDA) assays; LDH activity; antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)); generation of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CDs)) and protein oxidation products (carbonylated proteins (CPs)); reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction conducted with DHE and DHR123. The effect on mitochondria was determined with complementary criteria: measurement of succinate dehydrogenase activity, evaluation of mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) and mitochondrial superoxide anions (O₂^●-) production using DiOC₆(3) and MitoSOX, respectively; quantification of mitochondrial mass with Mitotracker Red, and of cardiolipins and organic acids. The effects on mitochondrial and peroxisomal ultrastructure were determined by transmission electron microscopy. Intracellular sterol and fatty acid profiles were determined. Apoptosis and autophagy were characterized by staining with Hoechst 33,342, Giemsa and acridine orange, and with antibodies raised against caspase-3 and LC3. DMF and MMF attenuate 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxicity: cell growth inhibition; decreased cell viability; mitochondrial dysfunction (decrease of succinate dehydrogenase activity, loss of ΔΨm, increase of mitochondrial O₂^●- production, alteration of the tricarboxilic acid (TCA) cycle, and cardiolipins content); oxidative stress induction (ROS overproduction, alteration of GPx, CAT, and SOD activities, increased levels of MDA, CDs, and CPs); changes in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; and cell death induction (caspase-3 cleavage, activation of LC3-I in LC3-II). Ultrastructural alterations of mitochondria and peroxisomes were prevented. These results demonstrate that DMF and MMF prevent major dysfunctions associated with neurodegenerative diseases: oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy.

Induction of peroxisomal changes in oligodendrocytes treated with 7-ketocholesterol: Attenuation by α-tocopherol

The involvement of organelles in cell death is well established especially for endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and mitochondria. However, the role of the peroxisome is not well known, though peroxisomal dysfunction favors a rupture of redox equilibrium. To study the role of peroxisomes in cell death, 158 N murine oligodendrocytes were treated with 7-ketocholesterol (7 KC: 25-50 μM, 24 h). The highest concentration is known to induce oxiapoptophagy (OXIdative stress + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY), whereas the lowest concentration does not induce cell death. In those conditions (with 7 KC: 50 μM) morphological, topographical and functional peroxisome alterations associated with modifications of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria, with mitochondrial dysfunction (loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential, decreased level of cardiolipins) and oxidative stress were observed: presence of peroxisomes with abnormal sizes and shapes similar to those observed in Zellweger fibroblasts, lower cellular level of ABCD3, used as a marker of peroxisomal mass, measured by flow cytometry, lower mRNA and protein levels (measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting) of ABCD1 and ABCD3 (two ATP-dependent peroxisomal transporters), and of ACOX1 and MFP2 enzymes, and lower mRNA level of DHAPAT, involved in peroxisomal β-oxidation and plasmalogen synthesis, respectively, and increased levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA: C24:0, C24:1, C26:0 and C26:1, quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) metabolized by peroxisomal β-oxidation. In the presence of 7 KC (25 μM), slight mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress were found, and no induction of apoptosis was detected; however, modifications of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria and clusters of mitochondria were detected. The peroxisomal alterations observed with 7 KC (25 μM) were similar to those with 7 KC (50 μM). In addition, data obtained by transmission electron microcopy and immunofluorescence microscopy by dual staining with antibodies raised against p62, involved in autophagy, and ABCD3, support that 7 KC (25-50 μM) induces pexophagy. 7 KC (25-50 μM)-induced side effects were attenuated by α-tocopherol but not by α-tocotrienol, whereas the anti-oxidant properties of these molecules determined with the FRAP assay were in the same range. These data provide evidences that 7 KC, at concentrations inducing or not cell death, triggers morphological, topographical and functional peroxisomal alterations associated with minor or major mitochondrial changes.

Cytoprotective Activities of Milk Thistle Seed Oil Used in Traditional Tunisian Medicine on 7-Ketocholesterol and 24S-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Toxicity on 158N Murine Oligodendrocytes

The Asteraceae family is economically very important, because many of these plants are grown mainly for their food value, such as lettuce (Lactuca), chicory (Cichorium), and sunflower (Heliantus aminus). One of the typical properties of this family, which includes milk thistle (Sylibum marianum), is the richness of the oil in various compounds (flavonoids, alkaloids, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids). Currently, and for the coming decades, age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, are a major public health problem. Preventing their appearance or opposing their evolution is a major objective. In this context, the cytoprotective activities of milk thistle seed oil produced in Tunisia were studied on the 158N model using 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) and 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S) as cytotoxic agents. 7KC and 24S were used because they can be increased in the brain and body fluids of patients with major age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In order to evaluate the cytoprotective properties of milk thistle seed oil, complementary techniques of microscopy, flow cytometry, and biochemistry were used. The chemical composition of milk thistle seed oil has also been determined by various chromatography techniques. Milk thistle seed oils from different area of Tunisia are rich in tocopherols and are strongly antioxidant according to various biochemical tests (KRL (Kit Radicaux Libres), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)). The main fatty acids are linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1 n-9). The main polyphenols identified are homovanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and apigenin, with a predominance of vanillic acid. On 158N cells, milk thistle seed oil attenuates the cytotoxicity of 7KC and 24S including: loss of cell adhesion, increased plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial dysfunction, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, induction of apoptosis, and autophagy. The attenuation of the cytotoxicity of 7KC and 24S observed with the milk thistle seed oil is in the order of that observed with α-tocopherol used as a positive control. In the presence of nigella seed oil, considered potentially cytotoxic, no cytoprotective effects were observed. Given the chemical characteristics, antioxidant properties, and cytoprotective activities of milk thistle seed oil, our results highlight the potential benefit of this oil for human health.

Protective effect of 4-Phenylbutyrate against proteolipid protein mutation-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and oligodendroglial cell death

Proteolipid protein (PLP) mutation causes oligodendrocyte degeneration and myelin disorders including Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD). As the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in PMD are poorly known, the development of therapies remains difficult. To elucidate the pathogenic pathways, an immortalized oligodendroglial cell line (158JP) expressing PLP mutation has been generated. Previous investigations revealed that 158JP oligodendrocytes exhibit several abnormalities including aberrant PLP insertion into the plasma membrane, cAMP, plasmalogen and cell cycle deficits. However, further clarifications of abnormal PLP-induced oligodendrocyte degeneration are required in order to identify relevant mechanisms to target for efficient protection against oligodendrocyte death. Because PLP overexpression may lead to its accumulation inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cause ER-stress, we explored whether ER-stress may pivotally determine 158JP cell survival/death. Viability assays, RT-qPCR, western blot and flow cytometry were combined to compare cell survival, ER-stress and apoptotic markers in 158JP and control (158N) oligodendrocytes. We observed a significant decreased viability/survival of 158JP compared to 158N cells. Consistently, ER-stress markers (BiP, caspase-12) increased in 158JP (+30%) compared to the controls. mRNA and protein ratios of apoptotic modulators (Bax/Bcl2) are higher in 158JP oligodendrocytes which are also more vulnerable than 158N cells to tunicamycin-induced ER-stress. Interestingly, 4-Phenylbutyrate (ER-stress inhibitor), which decreased ER-stress and apoptotic markers in 158JP cells, significantly increased their survival. Our results, which show a direct link between the viability and endogenous levels of ER-stress and apoptotic markers in 158JP cells, also suggest that 4-Phenylbutyrate-based strategy may contribute to develop effective strategies against oligodendrocyte dysfunctions/death and myelin disorders.

Cytoprotective and antioxidant properties of organic selenides for the myelin-forming cells, oligodendrocytes

Here a new series of twenty-one organoselenides, of potential protective activity, were synthesized and tested for their intrinsic cytotoxicity, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant capacities in oligodendrocytes. Most of the organoselenides were able to decrease the ROS levels, revealing antioxidant properties. Compounds 5b and 7b showed a high glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activities, which were 1.5 folds more active than ebselen. Remarkably, compound 5a diminished the formation of the oligodendrocytes SubG1 peak in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating its anti-apoptotic properties. Furthermore, based on the SwissADME web interface, we performed an in-silico structure-activity relationship to explore the drug-likeness of these organoselenides, predicting the pharmacokinetic parameters for compounds of interest that could cross the blood-brain barrier. Collectively, we present new organoselenide compounds with cytoprotective and antioxidant properties that can be considered as promising drug candidates for myelin diseases.

Argan Oil-Mediated Attenuation of Organelle Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress and Cell Death Induced by 7-Ketocholesterol in Murine Oligodendrocytes 158N

Argan oil is widely used in Morocco in traditional medicine. Its ability to treat cardiovascular diseases is well-established. However, nothing is known about its effects on neurodegenerative diseases, which are often associated with increased oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation and the formation of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) resulting from cholesterol auto-oxidation. As 7KC induces oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death, it is important to identify compounds able to impair its harmful effects. These compounds may be either natural or synthetic molecules or mixtures of molecules such as oils. In this context: (i) the lipid profiles of dietary argan oils from Berkane and Agadir (Morocco) in fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and polyphenols were determined by different chromatographic techniques; and (ii) their anti-oxidant and cytoprotective effects in 158N murine oligodendrocytes cultured with 7KC (25-50 µM; 24 h) without and with argan oil (0.1% v/v) or α-tocopherol (400 µM, positive control) were evaluated with complementary techniques of cellular and molecular biology. Among the unsaturated fatty acids present in argan oils, oleate (C18:1 n-9) and linoleate (C18:1 n-6) were the most abundant; the highest quantities of saturated fatty acids were palmitate (C16:0) and stearate (C18:0). Several phytosterols were found, mainly schottenol and spinasterol (specific to argan oil), cycloartenol, β-amyrin and citrostadienol. α- and γ-tocopherols were also present. Tyrosol and protocatechic acid were the only polyphenols detected. Argan and extra virgin olive oils have many compounds in common, principally oleate and linoleate, and tocopherols. Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests showed that argan and extra virgin olive oils have anti-oxidant properties. Argan oils were able to attenuate the cytotoxic effects of 7KC on 158N cells: loss of cell adhesion, cell growth inhibition, increased plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial, peroxisomal and lysosomal dysfunction, and the induction of oxiapoptophagy (OXIdation + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY). Altogether, our data obtained in 158N oligodendrocytes provide evidence that argan oil is able to counteract the toxic effects of 7KC on nerve cells, thus suggesting that some of its compounds could prevent or mitigate neurodegenerative diseases to the extent that they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Attenuation of 7-ketocholesterol-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and autophagy by dimethyl fumarate on 158N murine oligodendrocytes

Mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress are involved in several non demyelinating or demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases. Some of them, including multiple sclerosis (MS), are associated with lipid peroxidation processes leading to increased levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC). So, the eventual protective effect of dimethylfumarate (DMF), which is used for the treatment of MS, was evaluated on 7KC-treated oligodendrocytes, which are myelin synthesizing cells. To this end, murine oligodendrocytes 158N were exposed to 7KC (25, 50μM) for 24h without or with DMF (1, 25, 50μM). The biological activities of DMF associated or not with 7KC were evaluated by phase contrast microscopy, crystal violet and MTT tests. The impact on transmembrane mitochondrial potential (ΔYm), O₂^- and H₂O₂ production, apoptosis and autophagy was measured by microscopical and flow cytometric methods by staining with DiOC₆(3), dihydroethidine and dihydrorhodamine 123, Hoechst 33342, and by Western blotting with the use of specific antibodies raised against uncleaved and cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, and LC3-I/II. DMF attenuates the different effects of 7KC, namely: cell growth inhibition and/or loss of cell adhesion, decrease of ΔΨm, O₂^- and H₂O₂ overproduction, PARP and caspase-3 cleavage, nuclear condensation and fragmentation, and activation of LC3-I into LC3-II. The ability of DMF to attenuate 7KC-induced reactive oxygen species overproduction, apoptosis, and autophagy on oligodendrocytes reinforces the interest for this molecule for the treatment of MS or other demyelinating diseases.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions in 7-ketocholesterol-treated 158N oligodendrocytes without or with α-tocopherol: Impacts on the cellular profil of tricarboxylic cycle-associated organic acids, long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, oxysterols, cholesterol and cholesterol precursors

In multiple sclerosis (MS) a process of white matter degradation leading to demyelination is observed. Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, necrosis and/or autophagy result together into a progressive loss of oligodendrocytes. 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), found increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients, triggers a rupture of RedOx homeostasis associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions, aptoptosis and autophagy (oxiapoptophagy) in cultured murine oligodendrocytes (158N). α-tocopherol is able to mild the alterations induced by 7KC partially restoring the cellular homeostasis. In presence of 7KC, the amount of adherent 158N cells was decreased and oxidative stress was enhanced. An increase of caspase-3 and PARP degradation (evidences of apoptosis), and an increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio (criterion of autophagy), were detected. These events were associated with a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) and by a decrease of oxidative phosphorylation revealed by reduced NAD⁺ and ATP. The cellular lactate was higher while pyruvate, citrate, fumarate, succinate (tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates) were significantly reduced in exposed cells, suggesting that an impairment of mitochondrial respiratory functions could lead to an increase of lactate production and to a reduced amount of ATP and acetyl-CoA available for the anabolic pathways. The concentration of sterol precursors lathosterol, lanosterol and desmosterol were significantly reduced together with satured and unsatured long chain fatty acids (C16:0 - C18:0, structural elements of membrane phospholipids). Such reductions were milder with α-tocopherol. It is likely that the cell death induced by 7KC is associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions, including alterations of oxidative phosphorylation, which could result from lipid anabolism dysfunctions, especially on TCA cycle intermediates. A better knowledge of mitochondrial associated dysfunctions triggered by 7KC will contribute to bring new information on the demyelination processes which are linked with oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, especially in MS.

Flow Cytometric Analysis of the Expression Pattern of Peroxisomal Proteins, Abcd1, Abcd2, and Abcd3 in BV-2 Murine Microglial Cells

Microglial cells play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases including peroxisomal leukodystrophies. The BV-2 murine immortalized cells are widely used in the context of neurodegenerative researches. It is therefore important to establish the expression pattern of peroxisomal proteins by flow cytometry in these cells. So, the expression pattern of various peroxisomal transporters (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) contributing to peroxisomal β-oxidation was evaluated on BV-2 cells by flow cytometry and complementary methods (fluorescence microscopy, and RT-qPCR). By flow cytometry a strong expression of peroxisomal proteins (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) was observed. These data were in agreement with those obtained by fluorescence microscopy (presence of numerous fluorescent dots in the cytoplasm characteristic of a peroxisomal staining pattern) and RT-qPCR (high levels of Abcd1, Abcd2, and Abcd3 mRNAs). Thus, the peroxisomal proteins (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) are expressed in BV-2 cells, and can be analyzed by flow cytometry.

Functional Characterization of IPSC-Derived Brain Cells as a Model for X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

X-ALD is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder where mutations in the ABCD1 gene result in clinically diverse phenotypes: the fatal disorder of cerebral childhood ALD (cALD) or a milder disorder of adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). The various models used to study the pathobiology of X-ALD disease lack the appropriate presentation for different phenotypes of cALD vs AMN. This study demonstrates that induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC) derived brain cells astrocytes (Ast), neurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs) express morphological and functional activities of the respective brain cell types. The excessive accumulation of saturated VLCFA, a "hallmark" of X-ALD, was observed in both AMN OLs and cALD OLs with higher levels observed in cALD OLs than AMN OLs. The levels of ELOVL1 (ELOVL Fatty Acid Elongase 1) mRNA parallel the VLCFA load in AMN and cALD OLs. Furthermore, cALD Ast expressed higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines than AMN Ast and control Ast with or without stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. These results document that IPSC-derived Ast and OLs from cALD and AMN fibroblasts mimic the respective biochemical disease phenotypes and thus provide an ideal platform to investigate the mechanism of VLCFA load in cALD OLs and VLCFA-induced inflammatory disease mechanisms of cALD Ast and thus for testing of new therapeutics for AMN and cALD disease of X-ALD.

An expeditious synthesis of spinasterol and schottenol, two phytosterols present in argan oil and in cactus pear seed oil, and evaluation of their biological activities on cells of the central nervous system

Spinasterol and schottenol, two phytosterols present in argan oil and in cactus pear seed oil, were synthesized from commercially available stigmasterol by a four steps reactions. In addition, the effects of these phytosterols on cell growth and mitochondrial activity were evaluated on 158N murine oligodendrocytes, C6 rat glioma cells, and SK-N-BE human neuronal cells with the crystal violet test and the MTT test, respectively. The effects of spinasterol and schottenol were compared with 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) and ferulic acid, which is also present in argan and cactus pear seed oil. Whatever the cells considered, dose dependent cytotoxic effects of 7KC were observed whereas no or slight effects of ferulic acid were found. With spinasterol and schottenol, no or slight effects on cell growth were detected. With spinasterol, reduced mitochondrial activities (30-50%) were found on 158N and C6 cells; no effect was found on SK-N-BE. With schottenol, reduced mitochondrial activity were revealed on 158N (50%) and C6 (10-20%) cells; no effect was found on SK-N-BE. Altogether, these data suggest that spinasterol and schottenol can modulate mitochondrial activity and might therefore influence cell metabolism.

Induction of oxiapoptophagy on 158N murine oligodendrocytes treated by 7-ketocholesterol-, 7β-hydroxycholesterol-, or 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol: Protective effects of α-tocopherol and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 n-3)

In demyelinating or non-demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases, increased levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC) and 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC) can be observed in brain lesions. In 158N murine oligodendrocytes, 7KC triggers a complex mode of cell death defined as oxiapoptophagy, involving simultaneous oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy. In these cells, 7KC as well as 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC induce a decrease of cell proliferation evaluated by phase contrast microscopy, an alteration of mitochondrial activity quantified with the MTT test, an overproduction of reactive oxygen species revealed by staining with dihydroethidium and dihydrorhodamine 123, caspase-3 activation, PARP degradation, reduced expression of Bcl-2, and condensation and/or fragmentation of the nuclei which are typical criteria of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, 7KC, 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC promote conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I) to LC3-II which is a characteristic of autophagy. Consequently, 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC, similarly to 7KC, can be considered as potent inducers of oxiapoptophagy. Furthermore, the different cytotoxic effects associated with 7KC, 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC-induced oxiapoptophagy are attenuated by vitamin E (VitE, α-tocopherol) and DHA which enhances VitE protective effects. In 158N murine oligodendrocytes, our data support the concept that oxiapoptophagy, which can be inhibited by VitE and DHA, could be a particular mode of cell death elicited by cytotoxic oxysterols.

ABCD1 deletion-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is corrected by SAHA: implication for adrenoleukodystrophy

X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), an inherited peroxisomal metabolic neurodegenerative disorder, is caused by mutations/deletions in the ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCD1) gene encoding peroxisomal ABC transporter adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP). Metabolic dysfunction in X-ALD is characterized by the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids ≥ C22:0) in the tissues and plasma of patients. Here, we investigated the mitochondrial status following deletion of ABCD1 in B12 oligodendrocytes and U87 astrocytes. This study provides evidence that silencing of peroxisomal protein ABCD1 produces structural and functional perturbations in mitochondria. Activities of electron transport chain-related enzymes and of citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) were reduced; mitochondrial redox status was dysregulated and the mitochondrial membrane potential was disrupted following ABCD1 silencing. A greater reduction in ATP levels and citrate synthase activities was observed in oligodendrocytes as compared to astrocytes. Furthermore, most of the mitochondrial perturbations induced by ABCD1 silencing were corrected by treating cells with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, an Histone deacetylase inhibitor. These observations indicate a novel relationship between peroxisomes and mitochondria in cellular homeostasis and the importance of intact peroxisomes in relation to mitochondrial integrity and function in the cell types that participate in the pathobiology of X-ALD. These observations suggest suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid as a potential therapy for X-ALD. Schematic description of the effects of loss of peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter D1 (ABCD1) gene on cellular Redox and mitochondrial activities and their correction by suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) treatment. Pathogenomic accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) as a result of loss of ABCD1 leads to dysfunctions of mitochondrial biogenesis and its activities. Treatment with SAHA corrects mitochondrial dysfunctions. These studies describe unique cooperation between mitochondria and peroxisome for cellular activities.

Characterization and application of a disease-cell model for a neurodegenerative lysosomal disease

Disease-cell models that recapitulate specific molecular phenotypes are essential for the investigation of molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) with predominant neurological manifestations. Herein we report the development and characterization of a cell model for a rapid neurodegenerative LSDs, globoid-cell leukodystrophy (GLD), mostly known as Krabbe disease. GLD is caused by the deficiency of β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC), a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyzes two glycosphingolipids, psychosine and galactosylceramide. Unfortunately, the available culture fibroblasts from GLD patients consist of a limited research tool as these cells fail to accumulate psychosine, the central pathogenic glycosphingolipid in this LSD that results in severe demyelination. Firstly, we obtained brain samples from the Twitcher (Twi) mice (GALC(twi/twi)), the natural mouse model with GALC deficiency. We immortalized the primary neuroglial cultured cells with SV40 large T antigen, generating the 145M-Twi and the 145C-Wt cell lines from the Twi and control mice, respectively. Both cell lines expressed specific oligodendrocyte markers including A2B5 and GalC. The 145M-Twi cells showed biochemical and cellular disturbances related to GLD neuropathogenesis including remarkable caspase-3 activation, release of cytochrome C into the cytosol and expansion of the lysosomal compartment. Under treatment with glycosphingolipids, 145M-Twi cells showed increased LC3B levels, a marker of autophagy. Using the LC-MS/MS method that we developed, the 145M-Twi cells showed significantly higher levels of psychosine. The 145M-Twi and 145C-Wt lines allowed the development of a robust throughput LC-MS/MS assay to measure cellular psychosine levels. In this throughput assay, l-cycloserine showed to significantly reduce the 145M-Twi cellular levels of psychosine. The established 145M-Twi cells are powerful research tools to investigate the neurologically relevant pathogenic pathways as well as to develop primary screening assays for the identification of therapeutic agents for GLD and potentially other glycosphingolipid disorders.

Insertion of proteolipid protein into oligodendrocyte mitochondria regulates extracellular pH and adenosine triphosphate

Proteolipid protein (PLP) and DM20, the most abundant myelin proteins, are coded by the human PLP1 and non-human Plp1 PLP gene. Mutations in the PLP1 gene cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) with duplications of the native PLP1 gene accounting for 70% of PLP1 mutations. Humans with PLP1 duplications and mice with extra Plp1 copies have extensive neuronal degeneration. The mechanism that causes neuronal degeneration is unknown. We show that native PLP traffics to mitochondria when the gene is duplicated in mice and in humans. This report is the first demonstration of a specific cellular defect in brains of PMD patients; it validates rodent models as ideal models to study PMD. Insertion of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins requires specific import pathways; we show that specific cysteine motifs, part of the Mia40/Erv1 mitochondrial import pathway, are present in PLP and are required for its insertion into mitochondria. Insertion of native PLP into mitochondria of transfected cells acidifies media, partially due to increased lactate; it also increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the media. The same abnormalities are found in the extracellular space of mouse brains with extra copies of Plp1. These physiological abnormalities are preventable by mutations in PLP cysteine motifs, a hallmark of the Mia40/Erv1 pathway. Increased extracellular ATP and acidosis lead to neuronal degeneration. Our findings may be the mechanism by which microglia are activated and proinflammatory molecules are upregulated in Plp1 transgenic mice (Tatar et al. (2010) ASN Neuro 2:art:e00043). Manipulation of this metabolic pathway may restore normal metabolism and provide therapy for PMD patients.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester induces adrenoleukodystrophy (Abcd2) gene in human X-ALD fibroblasts and inhibits the proinflammatory response in Abcd1/2 silenced mouse primary astrocytes

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene. Accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) that have been attributed to reduced peroxisomal VLCFA β-oxidation activity are the hallmark of the disease. Overexpression of ABCD2 gene, the closest homolog of ABCD1, has been shown to compensate for ABCD1, thus correcting the VLCFA derangement. The accumulation of VLCFA leads to a neuroinflammatory disease process associated with demyelination of the cerebral white matter. The present study underlines the importance of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in inducing the expression of ABCD2 (ALDRP), and normalizing the peroxisomal β-oxidation as well as the levels of saturated and monounsaturated VLCFAs in cultured human skin fibroblasts of X-ALD patients. The expression of ELOVL1, the single elongase catalyzing the synthesis of both saturated VLCFA (C26:0) and mono-unsaturated VLCFA (C26:1), was also reduced by CAPE treatment. Importantly, CAPE upregulated Abcd2 expression and peroxisomal β-oxidation and lowered the VLCFA levels in Abcd1-deficient U87 astrocytes and B12 oligodendrocytes. In addition, using Abcd1/Abcd2-silenced mouse primary astrocytes we examined the effects of CAPE in VLCFA-induced inflammatory response. CAPE treatment decreased the inflammatory response as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, inflammatory cytokine, and activation of NF-κB in Abcd1/Abcd2-silenced mouse primary astrocytes was reduced. The observations indicate that CAPE corrects both the metabolic disease of VLCFA as well as secondary inflammatory disease; therefore, it may be a potential drug candidate to be tested for X-ALD therapy in humans.

The inflammatory response in acyl-CoA oxidase 1 deficiency (pseudoneonatal adrenoleukodystrophy)

Among several peroxisomal neurodegenerative disorders, the pseudoneonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (P-NALD) is characterized by the acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACOX1) deficiency, which leads to the accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) and inflammatory demyelination. However, the components of this inflammatory process in P-NALD remain elusive. In this study, we used transcriptomic profiling and PCR array analyses to explore inflammatory gene expression in patient fibroblasts. Our results show the activation of IL-1 inflammatory pathway accompanied by the increased secretion of two IL-1 target genes, IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines. Human fibroblasts exposed to very-long-chain fatty acids exhibited increased mRNA expression of IL-1α and IL-1β cytokines. Furthermore, expression of IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines in patient fibroblasts was down-regulated by MAPK, p38MAPK, and Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitors. Thus, the absence of acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 activity in P-NALD fibroblasts triggers an inflammatory process, in which the IL-1 pathway seems to be central. The use of specific kinase inhibitors may permit the modulation of the enhanced inflammatory status.

Targeted metabolomic analyses of cellular models of pelizaeus-merzbacher disease reveal plasmalogen and myo-inositol solute carrier dysfunction

Background

Leukodystrophies are devastating diseases characterized by dys- and hypo-myelination. While there are a number of histological and imaging studies of these disorders, there are limited biochemical data available. We undertook targeted lipidomic analyses of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) fibroblasts, PMD lymphocytes, and 158JP oligodendrocytes, a murine model of PMD, to define the lipid changes in these cell models. Further targeted metabolomics analyses were conducted to obtain a preliminary evaluation of the metabolic consequences of lipid changes and gene mutations in these cell models.

Results

In both PMD fibroblasts and lymphocytes, and 158JP oligodendrocytes, ethanolamine plasmalogens were significantly decreased. Labeling studies with 158JP oligodendrocytes further demonstrated a decreased rate of lipid remodeling at sn-2. Targeted metabolomics analyses of these cells revealed dramatic increases in cellular levels of myo-inositol. Further uptake studies demonstrated increased rates of myo-inositol uptake by PMD lymphocytes.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrating PlsEtn decrements, support previous studies indicating leukodystrophy cells possess significant peroxisomal deficits. Our data for the first time also demonstrate that decrements in peroxisomal function coupled with the PLP1 gene defects of PMD, result in changes in the function of membrane myo-inositol solute carriers resulting in dramatic increases in cellular myo-inositol levels.

α-Tocopherol impairs 7-ketocholesterol-induced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis involving GSK-3 activation and Mcl-1 degradation on 158N murine oligodendrocytes

In important and severe neurodegenerative pathologies, 7-ketocholesterol, mainly resulting from cholesterol autoxidation, may contribute to dys- or demyelination processes. On various cell types, 7-ketocholesterol has often been shown to induce a complex mode of cell death by apoptosis associated with phospholipidosis. On 158N murine oligodendrocytes treated with 7-ketocholesterol (20 μg/mL corresponding to 50 μM, 24-48 h), the induction of a mode of cell death by apoptosis characterised by the occurrence of cells with condensed and/or fragmented nuclei, caspase activation (including caspase-3) and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was observed. It was associated with a loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) measured with JC-1, with a dephosphorylation of Akt and GSK3 (especially GSK3β), and with degradation of Mcl-1. With α-tocopherol (400 μM), which was capable of counteracting 7-ketocholesterol-induced apoptosis, Akt and GSK3β dephosphorylation were inhibited as well as Mcl-1 degradation. These data underline that the potential protective effects of α-tocopherol against 7-ketocholesterol-induced apoptosis do not depend on the cell line considered, and that the cascade of events (Akt/GSK3β/Mcl-1) constitutes a link between 7-ketocholesterol-induced cytoplasmic membrane dysfunctions and mitochondrial depolarisation leading to apoptosis.

A role for the peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase B enzyme in the control of PPARα-mediated upregulation of SREBP-2 target genes in the liver

Peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase B (Thb) catalyzes the final step in the peroxisomal β-oxidation of straight-chain acyl-CoAs and is under the transcription control of the nuclear hormone receptor PPARα. PPARα binds to and is activated by the synthetic compound Wy14,643 (Wy). Here, we show that the magnitude of Wy-mediated induction of peroxisomal β-oxidation of radiolabeled (1-(14)C) palmitate was significantly reduced in mice deficient for Thb. In contrast, mitochondrial β-oxidation was unaltered in Thb(-/-) mice. Given that Wy-treatment induced Acox1 and MFP-1/-2 activity at a similar level in both genotypes, we concluded that the thiolase step alone was responsible for the reduced peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids. Electron microscopic analysis and cytochemical localization of catalase indicated that peroxisome proliferation in the liver after Wy-treatment was normal in Thb(-/-) mice. Intriguingly, micro-array analysis revealed that mRNA levels of genes encoding cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes were upregulated by Wy in Wild-Type (WT) mice but not in Thb(-/-) mice, which was confirmed at the protein level for the selected genes. The non-induction of genes encoding cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes by Wy in Thb(-/-) mice appeared to be unrelated to defective SREBP-2 or PPARα signaling. No difference was observed in the plasma lathosterol/cholesterol ratio (a marker for de novo cholesterol biosynthesis) between Wy-treated WT and Thb(-/-) mice, suggesting functional compensation. Overall, we conclude that ThA and SCPx/SCP2 thiolases cannot fully compensate for the absence of ThB. In addition, our data indicate that ThB is involved in the regulation of genes encoding cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes in the liver, suggesting that the peroxisome could be a promising candidate for the correction of cholesterol imbalance in dyslipidemia.