51
|
Cutuli D, De Bartolo P, Caporali P, Laricchiuta D, Foti F, Ronci M, Rossi C, Neri C, Spalletta G, Caltagirone C, Farioli-Vecchioli S, Petrosini L. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation enhances hippocampal functionality in aged mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:220. [PMID: 25202271 PMCID: PMC4142709 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As major components of neuronal membranes, omega-3 polyunsaturated acids (n-3 PUFA) exhibit a wide range of regulatory functions, modulating from synaptic plasticity to neuroinflammation, from oxidative stress to neuroprotection. Recent human and animal studies indicated the n-3 PUFA neuroprotective properties in aging, with a clear negative correlation between n-3 PUFA levels and hippocampal deficits. The present multidimensional study was aimed at associating cognition, hippocampal neurogenesis, volume, neurodegeneration and metabolic correlates to verify n-3 PUFA neuroprotective effects in aging. To this aim 19 month-old mice were given n-3 PUFA mixture, or olive oil or no dietary supplement for 8 weeks during which hippocampal-dependent mnesic functions were tested. At the end of behavioral testing morphological and metabolic correlates were analyzed. n-3 PUFA supplemented aged mice exhibited better object recognition memory, spatial and localizatory memory, and aversive response retention, without modifications in anxiety levels in comparison to controls. These improved hippocampal cognitive functions occurred in the context of an enhanced cellular plasticity and a reduced neurodegeneration. In fact, n-3 PUFA supplementation increased hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic arborization of newborn neurons, volume, neuronal density and microglial cell number, while it decreased apoptosis, astrocytosis and lipofuscin accumulation in the hippocampus. The increased levels of some metabolic correlates (blood Acetyl-L-Carnitine and brain n-3 PUFA concentrations) found in n-3 PUFA supplemented mice also pointed toward an effective neuroprotection. On the basis of the present results n-3 PUFA supplementation appears to be a useful tool in health promotion and cognitive decline prevention during aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Cutuli
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome Rome, Italy ; Lab of Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Bartolo
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome Rome, Italy ; Lab of Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Caporali
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome Rome, Italy ; Lab of Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Laricchiuta
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome Rome, Italy ; Lab of Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Foti
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome Rome, Italy ; Lab of Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ronci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti, Pescara, Italy ; Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment, Mawson Institute, University of South Australia Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Claudia Rossi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Cristina Neri
- Lab of Proteomic and metabonomic, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy ; Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata of Rome Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Lab of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy ; Department of Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Farioli-Vecchioli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome Rome, Italy ; Lab of Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Stempler S, Yizhak K, Ruppin E. Integrating transcriptomics with metabolic modeling predicts biomarkers and drug targets for Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105383. [PMID: 25127241 PMCID: PMC4134302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence links numerous abnormalities in cerebral metabolism with the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), beginning in its early stages. Here, we integrate transcriptomic data from AD patients with a genome-scale computational human metabolic model to characterize the altered metabolism in AD, and employ state-of-the-art metabolic modelling methods to predict metabolic biomarkers and drug targets in AD. The metabolic descriptions derived are first tested and validated on a large scale versus existing AD proteomics and metabolomics data. Our analysis shows a significant decrease in the activity of several key metabolic pathways, including the carnitine shuttle, folate metabolism and mitochondrial transport. We predict several metabolic biomarkers of AD progression in the blood and the CSF, including succinate and prostaglandin D2. Vitamin D and steroid metabolism pathways are enriched with predicted drug targets that could mitigate the metabolic alterations observed. Taken together, this study provides the first network wide view of the metabolic alterations associated with AD progression. Most importantly, it offers a cohort of new metabolic leads for the diagnosis of AD and its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Stempler
- The Sackler School of Medicine – Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Yizhak
- The Blavatnik School of Computer Science – Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- The Sackler School of Medicine – Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Blavatnik School of Computer Science – Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Johri AM, Heyland DK, Hétu MF, Crawford B, Spence JD. Carnitine therapy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease: evidence and controversies. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2014; 24:808-814. [PMID: 24837277 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As the incidence of metabolic syndrome increases, there is also a growing interest in finding safe and inexpensive treatments to help lower associated risk factors. L-carntine, a natural dietary supplement with the potential to ameliorate atherosclerosis, has been the subject of recent investigation and controversy. A majority of studies have shown benefit of L-C supplementation in the metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular risk factors. However, recent work has suggested that dietary L-C may accelerate atherosclerosis via gut microbiota metabolites, complicating the role of L-C supplementation in health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Johri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - D K Heyland
- Department of Medicine, Division of Community Health and Epidemiology, and Clinical Evaluation Research Unit at Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - M-F Hétu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - B Crawford
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - J D Spence
- Robarts Research Institute and University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Bigford GE, Del Rossi G. Supplemental substances derived from foods as adjunctive therapeutic agents for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. Adv Nutr 2014; 5:394-403. [PMID: 25022989 PMCID: PMC4085188 DOI: 10.3945/an.113.005264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders and diseases (NDDs) that are either chronically acquired or triggered by a singular detrimental event are a rapidly growing cause of disability and/or death. In recent times, there have been major advancements in our understanding of various neurodegenerative disease states that have revealed common pathologic features or mechanisms. The many mechanistic parallels discovered between various neurodegenerative diseases suggest that a single therapeutic approach may be used to treat multiple disease conditions. Of late, natural compounds and supplemental substances have become an increasingly attractive option to treat NDDs because there is growing evidence that these nutritional constituents have potential adjunctive therapeutic effects (be it protective or restorative) on various neurodegenerative diseases. Here we review relevant experimental and clinical data on supplemental substances (i.e., curcuminoids, rosmarinic acid, resveratrol, acetyl-L-carnitine, and ω-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids) that have demonstrated encouraging therapeutic effects on chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration resulting from acute adverse events, such as traumatic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory E Bigford
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL; and
| | - Gianluca Del Rossi
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Malaguarnera G, Pennisi M, Gagliano C, Vacante M, Malaguarnera M, Salomone S, Drago F, Bertino G, Caraci F, Nunnari G, Malaguarnera M. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation During HCV Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-α 2b Plus Ribavirin: Effect on Work Performance; A Randomized Clinical Trial. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e11608. [PMID: 24910702 PMCID: PMC4030263 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.11608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health status of employees with chronic hepatitis C has major implications for organizations and labour market. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine administration on work productivity, daily activity, and fatigue in subjects with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b and Ribavirin. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial, 30 subjects (Group A) with chronic hepatitis, received Pegylated-Interferon-α2b (1.5 mg/kg per week) plus Ribavirin and placebo, while 32 subjects (Group B) received the same dosage of Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin plus 2g Acetyl-L-Carnitine twice per day, for 12 months. Work productivity loss, impairment in daily activities, presenteeism, absenteeism, have been assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. We also evaluated severity of fatigue, mental fatigue and physical fatigue. RESULTS Significant difference were observed in physical fatigue, mental fatigue and severity of fatigue, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and viremia after 12 months treatment. In Group B we observed a significant decrease of presenteeism and daily activity impairment after 6 months, 12 months and at follow up. A significant increase of work productivity was observed after 12 months and at follow up. CONCLUSIONS Office workers with chronic hepatitis C, treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin, had work performance loss. In subjects treated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplementation we observed increased daily activity and reduced presenteeism and fatigue. Acetyl-L-Carnitinegroup had a smaller reduction of productivity comparing to placebo group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vacante
- The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Corresponding Author: Michele Malaguarnera, The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. Tel: +39-957262008, Fax: +39-957262011, E-mail:
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
56
|
Laiakis EC, Mak TD, Anizan S, Amundson SA, Barker CA, Wolden SL, Brenner DJ, Fornace AJ. Development of a metabolomic radiation signature in urine from patients undergoing total body irradiation. Radiat Res 2014; 181:350-61. [PMID: 24673254 PMCID: PMC4071158 DOI: 10.1667/rr13567.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the threat of radiological terrorism and other radiological incidents has led to the need for development of fast, accurate and noninvasive methods for detection of radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to extend radiation metabolomic biomarker discovery to humans, as previous studies have focused on mice. Urine was collected from patients undergoing total body irradiation at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at 4-6 h postirradiation (a single dose of 1.25 Gy) and 24 h (three fractions of 1.25 Gy each). Global metabolomic profiling was obtained through analysis with ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Prior to further analyses, each sample was normalized to its respective creatinine level. Statistical analysis was conducted by the nonparametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Fisher's exact test and markers were validated against pure standards. Seven markers showed distinct differences between pre- and post-exposure samples. Of those, trimethyl-l-lysine and the carnitine conjugates acetylcarnitine, decanoylcarnitine and octanoylcarnitine play an important role in the transportation of fatty acids across mitochondria for subsequent fatty acid β-oxidation. The remaining metabolites, hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid are the final products of the purine catabolism pathway, and high levels of excretion have been associated with increased oxidative stress and radiation induced DNA damage. Further analysis revealed sex differences in the patterns of excretion of the markers, demonstrating that generation of a sex-specific metabolomic signature will be informative and can provide a quick and reliable assessment of individuals in a radiological scenario. This is the first radiation metabolomics study in human urine laying the foundation for the use of metabolomics in biodosimetry and providing confidence in biomarker identification based on the overlap between animal models and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evagelia C. Laiakis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC
| | - Tytus D. Mak
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC
| | - Sebastien Anizan
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC
| | - Sally A. Amundson
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Christopher A. Barker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Suzanne L. Wolden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David J. Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Albert J. Fornace
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Karalija A, Novikova LN, Kingham PJ, Wiberg M, Novikov LN. The effects of N-acetyl-cysteine and acetyl-L-carnitine on neural survival, neuroinflammation and regeneration following spinal cord injury. Neuroscience 2014; 269:143-51. [PMID: 24680856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury induces a long-standing inflammatory response in the spinal cord tissue, leading to a progressive apoptotic death of spinal cord neurons and glial cells. We have recently demonstrated that immediate treatment with the antioxidants N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) attenuates neuroinflammation, induces axonal sprouting, and reduces the death of motoneurons in the vicinity of the trauma zone 4weeks after initial trauma. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of long-term antioxidant treatment on the survival of descending rubrospinal neurons after spinal cord injury in rats. It also examines the short- and long-term effects of treatment on apoptosis, inflammation, and regeneration in the spinal cord trauma zone. Spinal cord hemisection performed at the level C3 induced a significant loss of rubrospinal neurons 8 weeks after injury. At 2 weeks, an increase in the expression of the apoptosis-associated markers BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) and caspase 3, as well as the microglial cell markers OX42 and ectodermal dysplasia 1 (ED1), was seen in the trauma zone. After 8 weeks, an increase in immunostaining for OX42 and the serotonin marker 5HT was detected in the same area. Antioxidant therapy reduced the loss of rubrospinal neurons by approximately 50%. Treatment also decreased the expression of BAX, caspase 3, OX42 and ED1 after 2 weeks. After 8 weeks, treatment decreased immunoreactivity for OX42, whereas it was increased for 5HT. In conclusion, this study provides further insight in the effects of treatment with NAC and ALC on descending pathways, as well as short- and long-term effects on the spinal cord trauma zone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Karalija
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - L N Novikova
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - P J Kingham
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Wiberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - L N Novikov
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW New insight in mitochondrial physiology has highlighted the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction in the metabolic and neuroendocrine changes observed in patients presenting with chronic critical illness. This review highlights specifically the importance of carnitine status in this particular patient population and its impact on beta-oxidation and mitochondrial function. RECENT FINDINGS The main function of carnitine is long chain fatty acid esterification and transport through the mitochondrial membrane. Carnitine depletion should be suspected in critically ill patients with risk factors such as prolonged continuous renal replacement therapy or chronic parenteral nutrition, and evidence of beta-oxidation impairments such as inappropriate hypertriglyceridemia or hyperlactatemia. When fatty acid oxidation is impaired, acyl-CoAs accumulate and deplete the CoA intramitochondrial pool, hence causing a generalized mitochondrial dysfunction and multiorgan failure, with clinical consequences such as muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia or sudden death. In such situations, carnitine plasma levels should be measured along with a complete assessment of plasma amino acid, plasma acylcarnitines and urinary organic acid analysis. Supplementation should be initiated if below normal levels (20 μmol/l) of carnitine are observed. In the absence of current guidelines, we recommend an initial supplementation of 0.5-1 g/day. SUMMARY Metabolic modifications associated with chronic critical illness are just being explored. Carnitine deficiency in critically ill patients is one aspect of these profound and complex changes associated with prolonged stay in ICU. It is readily measurable in the plasma and can easily be substituted if needed, although guidelines are currently missing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Bonafé
- aCenter for Molecular Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital bAdult Intensive Care & Burns, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland cDivision of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
59
|
Onofrj M, Ciccocioppo F, Varanese S, di Muzio A, Calvani M, Chiechio S, Osio M, Thomas A. Acetyl-L-carnitine: from a biological curiosity to a drug for the peripheral nervous system and beyond. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:925-36. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2013.814930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
60
|
The NO/ONOO-cycle as the central cause of heart failure. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:22274-330. [PMID: 24232452 PMCID: PMC3856065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141122274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The NO/ONOO-cycle is a primarily local, biochemical vicious cycle mechanism, centered on elevated peroxynitrite and oxidative stress, but also involving 10 additional elements: NF-κB, inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide, mitochondrial dysfunction (lowered energy charge, ATP), NMDA activity, intracellular Ca(2+), TRP receptors and tetrahydrobiopterin depletion. All 12 of these elements have causal roles in heart failure (HF) and each is linked through a total of 87 studies to specific correlates of HF. Two apparent causal factors of HF, RhoA and endothelin-1, each act as tissue-limited cycle elements. Nineteen stressors that initiate cases of HF, each act to raise multiple cycle elements, potentially initiating the cycle in this way. Different types of HF, left vs. right ventricular HF, with or without arrhythmia, etc., may differ from one another in the regions of the myocardium most impacted by the cycle. None of the elements of the cycle or the mechanisms linking them are original, but they collectively produce the robust nature of the NO/ONOO-cycle which creates a major challenge for treatment of HF or other proposed NO/ONOO-cycle diseases. Elevated peroxynitrite/NO ratio and consequent oxidative stress are essential to both HF and the NO/ONOO-cycle.
Collapse
|
61
|
Acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid improve mitochondrial abnormalities and serum levels of liver enzymes in a mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutr Res 2013; 33:932-41. [PMID: 24176233 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial abnormalities are suggested to be associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver. Liver mitochondrial content and function have been shown to improve in oral feeding of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) to rodents. Carnitine is involved in the transport of acyl-coenzyme A across the mitochondrial membrane to be used in mitochondrial β-oxidation. We hypothesized that oral administration ALC with the antioxidant lipoic acid (ALC + LA) would benefit nonalcoholic fatty liver. To test our hypothesis, we fed Balb/C mice a standard diet (SF) or SF with ALC + LA or high-fat diet (HF) or HF with ALC + LA for 6 months. Acetyl-L-carnitine and LA were dissolved at 0.2:0.1% (wt/vol) in drinking water, and mice were allowed free access to food and water. Along with physical parameters, insulin resistance (blood glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance), liver function (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST]), liver histology (hematoxylin and eosin), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), and mitochondrial abnormalities (carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 and electron microscopy) were done. Compared with SF, HF had higher body, liver, liver-to-body weight ratio, white adipose tissue, ALT, AST, liver fat, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Coadministration of ALC + LA to HF animals significantly improved the mitochondrial marker carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 and the size of the mitochondria in liver. Alanine transaminase and AST levels were decreased. In a nonalcoholic fatty liver mice model, ALC + LA combination improved liver mitochondrial content, size, serum ALT, and AST without significant changes in oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and liver fat accumulation.
Collapse
|
62
|
Hatamkhani S, Khalili H, Karimzadeh I, Abdollahi A, Jafari S, Khazaeipour Z. Carnitine deficiency and its possible risk factors in TB patients: first report. Immunotherapy 2013; 5:945-53. [PMID: 23998730 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess carnitine serum levels and possible risk factors of its deficiency in patients with TB. PATIENTS & METHODS All newly diagnosed TB patients admitted to an infectious diseases ward were recruited. Demographic, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of the patients were collected. Total carnitine serum concentrations were measured. To investigate factors that can predict carnitine deficiency, logistic regression analysis with odds ratio and 95% CI was performed. RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation of carnitine serum levels of patients was 43.77 ± 32.92 µmol/l. Carnitine deficiency was detected in 47.7% of the study population. According to the final model of multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased serum triglyceride levels and hypoalbuminemia were identified as predictive factors of carnitine deficiency in TB patients aged over 35 years old. CONCLUSION Nearly half of Iranian patients with TB were carnitine-deficient. Increased serum triglyceride levels and hypoalbuminemia were identified as independent risk factors of carnitine deficiency in patients aged over 35 years. Considering malnutrition as a major risk factor of TB and the safety of carnitine supplementation, use of carnitine as an adjunctive modality instead of other standard interventions may show beneficial effects in patients with TB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Hatamkhani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Enghelab Avenue, 1417614411, PO Box 14155/6451, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
63
|
Neurotoxicity of acrylamide in exposed workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:3843-54. [PMID: 23985770 PMCID: PMC3799507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10093843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR) is a water-soluble chemical used in different industrial and laboratory processes. ACR monomer is neurotoxic in humans and laboratory animals. Subchronic exposure to this chemical causes neuropathies, hands and feet numbness, gait abnormalities, muscle weakness, ataxia, skin and in some cases, cerebellar alterations. ACR neurotoxicity involves mostly the peripheral but also the central nervous system, because of damage to the nerve terminal through membrane fusion mechanisms and tubulovescicular alterations. Nevertheless, the exact action mechanism is not completely elucidated. In this paper we have reviewed the current literature on its neurotoxicity connected to work-related ACR exposure. We have analyzed not only the different pathogenetic hypotheses focusing on possible neuropathological targets, but also the critical behavior of ACR poisoning. In addition we have evaluated the ACR-exposed workers case studies. Despite all the amount of work which have being carried out on this topic more studies are necessary to fully understand the pathogenetic mechanisms, in order to propose suitable therapies.
Collapse
|
64
|
Wang CH, Wang SS, Ko WJ, Chen YS, Chang CY, Chang RW, Chang KC. Acetyl-l-carnitine and oxfenicine on cardiac pumping mechanics in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69977. [PMID: 23922880 PMCID: PMC3724909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the treatment of patients with diabetes, one objective is an improvement of cardiac metabolism to alleviate the left ventricular (LV) function. For this study, we compared the effects of acetyl-l-carnitine (one of the carnitine derivatives) and of oxfenicine (a carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 inhibitor) on cardiac pumping mechanics in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats, with a particular focus on the pressure-flow-volume relationship. METHODS Diabetes was induced by a single tail vein injection of 55 mg kg(-1) streptozotocin. The diabetic animals were treated on a daily basis with either acetyl-L-carnitine (1 g L(-1) in drinking water) or oxfenicine (150 mg kg(-1) by oral gavage) for 8 wk. They were also compared with untreated age-matched diabetic controls. LV pressure and ascending aortic flow signals were recorded to calculate the maximal systolic elastance (E max) and the theoretical maximum flow (Q max). Physically, E max reflects the contractility of the myocardium as an intact heart, whereas Q max has an inverse relationship with the LV internal resistance. RESULTS When comparing the diabetic rats with their age-matched controls, the cardiodynamic condition was characterized by a decline in E max associated with the unaltered Q max. Acetyl-l-carnitine (but not oxfenicine) had reduced cardiac levels of malondialdehyde in these insulin-deficient animals. However, treating with acetyl-l-carnitine or oxfenicine resulted in an increase in E max, which suggests that these 2 drugs may protect the contractile status from deteriorating in the diabetic heart. By contrast, Q max showed a significant fall after administration of oxfenicine, but not with acetyl-L-carnitine. The decrease in Q max corresponded to an increase in total vascular resistance when treated with oxfenicine. CONCLUSIONS Acetyl-l-carnitine, but not oxfencine, optimizes the integrative nature of cardiac pumping mechanics by preventing the diabetes-induced deterioration in myocardial intrinsic contractility associated with unaltered LV internal resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsien Wang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shoei-Shen Wang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Je Ko
- Department of Surgery and Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Sharng Chen
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Wen Chang
- Department of Surgery and Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chu Chang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Contributions of microdialysis to new alternative therapeutics for hepatic encephalopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:16184-206. [PMID: 23921686 PMCID: PMC3759906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140816184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of cirrhosis, of largely reversible impairment of brain function occurring in patients with acute or chronic liver failure or when the liver is bypassed by portosystemic shunts. The mechanisms causing this brain dysfunction are still largely unclear. The need to avoid complications caused by late diagnosis has attracted interest to understand the mechanisms underlying neuronal damage in order to find markers that will allow timely diagnosis and to propose new therapeutic alternatives to improve the care of patients. One of the experimental approaches to study HE is microdialysis; this technique allows evaluation of different chemical substances in several organs through the recollection of samples in specific places by semi-permeable membranes. In this review we will discuss the contributions of microdialysis in the understanding of the physiological alterations in human hepatic encephalopathy and experimental models and the studies to find novel alternative therapies for this disease.
Collapse
|
66
|
Lu Q, Zhang Y, Elisseeff JH. Carnitine and acetylcarnitine modulate mesenchymal differentiation of adult stem cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2013; 9:1352-62. [DOI: 10.1002/term.1747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaozhi Lu
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Yuanfan Zhang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Jennifer H. Elisseeff
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Mullin GE. The heart speaks II: embracing integrative medicine for heart health. Nutr Clin Pract 2012; 27:568-71. [PMID: 22820900 DOI: 10.1177/0884533612452612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard E Mullin
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Vecchio M, Malaguarnera G, Giordano M, Malaguarnera M, Li Volti G, Galvano F, Drago F, Basile F, Malaguarnera M. A musician's dystonia. Lancet 2012; 379:2116. [PMID: 22656885 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(12)60315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vecchio
- Centre of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vittorio Emanuele Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|