Increased cerebral cortical lipid peroxidation and abnormal phospholipids in aged homozygous apoE-deficient C57BL/6J mice

Caffeic acid protects against atherosclerotic lesions and cognitive decline in ApoE-/- mice

Caffeic acid has been indicated to benefit cholesterol balance, but the effect of pure caffeic acid on atherosclerosis in vivo has not been tested. Given that atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease share common features including distracted lipid balance and chronic inflammation, the concurrent effects of caffeic acid on atherosclerotic lesions and cognitive decline were explored here by using the ApoE^-/- mice model. A two months' administration of 20 mg/kg caffeic acid or saline was given once two days intraperitoneally to 5-month-old female ApoE^-/- mice. We found that the caffeic acid treatment reduced the atherosclerotic lesions in the whole aorta and aortic sinus of the resulting 7-month-old ApoE^-/- mice by roughly 50%, compared with the saline control. Meanwhile, the cognitive decline of treated mice were significantly alleviated, as measured by Y-maze and Morris water maze tasks. A reduced accumulation of β-amyloid in the hippocampus was also observed. These effects were associated with elevated serum HDL-c concentration, upregulated ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA levels, as well as decrease local inflammation and reduced levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1. These obtained results suggested the preventive and therapeutic potential of caffeic acid against atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease during aging.

Lipid class composition of membrane and raft fractions from brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease

Perturbation of the homeostasis of brain membrane lipids has been implicated in the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) confers an increased risk, in a dosage-dependent manner, for brain amyloid-β accumulation and the development of sporadic AD. An effect of the APOE genotype on brain lipid homeostasis may underlie the AD risk associated with the ε4 allele. In this research, we examined an effect of APOE ε4 on the lipid class composition of crude membranes and raft-enriched fractions of brains. We applied enzymatic reaction-based methods for the quantification of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, and sphingomyelin. Our results indicate that brain lipid class composition was neither significantly altered in AD subjects nor affected by the presence of the APOE ε4 allele.

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No change was found in the composition of lipid classes of brains with Alzheimer's disease.

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The APOE ε4 allele did not affect lipid class composition of the brain membrane or rafts.

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The enzymatic measurement of phospholipids is applicable to brain tissues.

Lipid peroxidation in neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases have great social and economic impact and cause millions of deaths every year. The potential molecular mechanisms in these pathologies have been widely studied and implicate lipid peroxidation as an important factor in the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Data indicates that pathologic mechanisms specifically involve ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we review the molecular mechanisms related to the lipid peroxidation that involve the development of neurodegeneration, as well as the utility of some biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

The Glia-Neuron Lactate Shuttle and Elevated ROS Promote Lipid Synthesis in Neurons and Lipid Droplet Accumulation in Glia via APOE/D

Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce the formation of lipids in neurons that are transferred to glia, where they form lipid droplets (LDs). We show that glial and neuronal monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs), and apolipoproteins are critical for glial LD formation. MCTs enable glia to secrete and neurons to absorb lactate, which is converted to pyruvate and acetyl-CoA in neurons. Lactate metabolites provide a substrate for synthesis of fatty acids, which are processed and transferred to glia by FATP and apolipoproteins. In the presence of high ROS, inhibiting lactate transfer or lowering FATP or apolipoprotein levels decreases glial LD accumulation in flies and in primary mouse glial-neuronal cultures. We show that human APOE can substitute for a fly glial apolipoprotein and that APOE4, an Alzheimer's disease susceptibility allele, is impaired in lipid transport and promotes neurodegeneration, providing insights into disease mechanisms.

Neuroserpin polymers cause oxidative stress in a neuronal model of the dementia FENIB

The serpinopathies are human pathologies caused by mutations that promote polymerisation and intracellular deposition of proteins of the serpin superfamily, leading to a poorly understood cell toxicity. The dementia FENIB is caused by polymerisation of the neuronal serpin neuroserpin (NS) within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of neurons. With the aim of understanding the toxicity due to intracellular accumulation of neuroserpin polymers, we have generated transgenic neural progenitor cell (NPC) cultures from mouse foetal cerebral cortex, stably expressing the control protein GFP (green fluorescent protein), or human wild type, G392E or delta NS. We have characterised these cell lines in the proliferative state and after differentiation to neurons. Our results show that G392E NS formed polymers that were mostly retained within the ER, while wild type NS was correctly secreted as a monomeric protein into the culture medium. Delta NS was absent at steady state due to its rapid degradation, but it was easily detected upon proteasomal block. Looking at their intracellular distribution, wild type NS was found in partial co-localisation with ER and Golgi markers, while G392E NS was localised within the ER only. Furthermore, polymers of NS were detected by ELISA and immunofluorescence in neurons expressing the mutant but not the wild type protein. We used control GFP and G392E NPCs differentiated to neurons to investigate which cellular pathways were modulated by intracellular polymers by performing RNA sequencing. We identified 747 genes with a significant upregulation (623) or downregulation (124) in G392E NS-expressing cells, and we focused our attention on several genes involved in the defence against oxidative stress that were up-regulated in cells expressing G392E NS (Aldh1b1, Apoe, Gpx1, Gstm1, Prdx6, Scara3, Sod2). Inhibition of intracellular anti-oxidants by specific pharmacological reagents uncovered the damaging effects of NS polymers. Our results support a role for oxidative stress in the cellular toxicity underlying the neurodegenerative dementia FENIB.

The plasma membrane redox system is impaired by amyloid β-peptide and in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of 3xTgAD mice

Membrane-associated oxidative stress has been implicated in the synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration that occurs in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Enzymes of the plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) provide electrons for energy metabolism and recycling of antioxidants. Here, we show that activities of several PMRS enzymes are selectively decreased in plasma membranes from the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of 3xTgAD mice, an animal model of AD. Our results that indicate the decreased PMRS enzyme activities are associated with decreased levels of coenzyme Q(10) and increased levels of oxidative stress markers. Neurons overexpressing the PMRS enzymes (NQO1 or cytochrome b5 reductase) exhibit increased resistance to amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). If and to what extent Aβ is the cause of the impaired PMRS enzymes in the 3xTgAD mice is unknown. Because these mice also express mutant tau and presenilin-1, it is possible that one or more of the PMRS could be adversely affected by these mutations. Nevertheless, the results of our cell culture studies clearly show that exposure of neurons to Aβ1-42 is sufficient to impair PMRS enzymes. The impairment of the PMRS in an animal model of AD, and the ability of PMRS enzyme activities to protect neurons against Aβ-toxicity, suggest enhancement PMRS function as a novel approach for protecting neurons against oxidative damage in AD and related disorders.

Expression and localization of prostaglandin transporter in Alzheimer disease brains and age-matched controls

Neuroinflammation, a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, involves the contribution of activated microglia, reactive astrocytes, and infiltrating inflammatory cells. Stress and various acute or chronic brain injuries stimulate the generation of free radicals and glutamate, triggering inflammatory pathways that lead to increases in chemokines, cytokines, and prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid mediators of inflammation that are produced from arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase enzymes. They are generally believed to be in all tissues and organs. Their transport through the lipid bilayers of the cell membranes/organelles is facilitated by the prostaglandin transporter (PGT). In this study, middle frontal gyrus brain tissue from patients diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) and that of age-matched control brains were examined to determine the protein expression pattern of PGT and its possible role in modulating neuroinflammation associated with AD. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies showed that PGT protein was expressed in all the brain tissues examined and was localized in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. Interestingly, Western blot analysis revealed that the PGT level was significantly less in AD than in age-matched control brain homogenates. Further work is warranted to address the possibility and implications that prostaglandins might not be cleared at a proper rate in AD brains.

NAD(P)H oxidase-induced oxidative stress in sympathetic ganglia of apolipoprotein E deficient mice

Superoxide anion (O2*-) is increased throughout the arterial wall in atherosclerosis. The oxidative stress contributes to lesion formation and vascular dysfunction. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NAD(P)H oxidase-derived O2*- is increased in nodose sensory ganglia and sympathetic ganglia of apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE-/-) mice, an established animal model of atherosclerosis. O2*- measured ex vivo by L-012-enhanced chemiluminescence was increased by 79+/-17% in whole sympathetic ganglia from apoE-/- mice (n=5) compared with sympathetic ganglia from control mice (n=5) (P<0.05). In contrast, O2*- was not elevated in nodose ganglia from apoE-/- mice. Dihydroethidium staining confirmed the selective increase in O2*- in sympathetic ganglia of apoE-/- mice, and revealed the contribution of both neurons and non-neuronal cells to the O2*- generation. We investigated the enzymatic source of increased O2*- in sympathetic ganglia of apoE-/- mice. The mRNA expression of gp91phox, p22phox, p67phox, and p47phox subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase measured by real time RT-PCR was increased approximately 3-4 fold in sympathetic ganglia of apoE-/- mice (n=5) compared with control ganglia (n=5). NADPH oxidase activity measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence was increased by 68+/-12% in homogenates of sympathetic ganglia from apoE-/- mice (n=7) compared with control ganglia (n=7) (P<0.05). The results identify sympathetic ganglia as a novel site of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis, and suggest that upregulation of NAD(P)H oxidase is the source of increased O2*- generation. We speculate that oxidative stress in sympathetic ganglia may contribute to impaired baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity.

High cholesterol diet induces tau hyperphosphorylation in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

We analysed the effects of high cholesterol (HC) intake and reduced apolipoprotein E (apoE) activity on tau phosphorylation and on the activities of the major tau kinases and phosphatases in brains from wild-type and apoE-knockout (apoEKO) mice. We show that HC diet potently induced intraneuronal accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau in apoEKO mice, as well as upregulation of several tau kinases, without affecting tau phosphatases. Our results suggest an interaction between dietary and genetic factors in the development of tauopathies, which can be relevant in humans, where the apoE4 isoform could have a lack of function as compared to other isoforms.

Lifelong vitamin E intake retards age-associated decline of spatial learning ability in apoE-deficient mice

The potential for lifelong vitamin E supplementation to delay age-associated cognitive decline was tested in apoE-deficient and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Beginning at eight weeks of age, the mice were maintained on a control diet or diets supplemented with dl-α-tocopheryl acetate yielding approximate daily intakes of either 20 or 200 mg/kg body weight. When 6 or 18 months of age, cognitive functioning of the mice was assessed using swim maze and discriminated avoidance testing procedures. For the mice maintained on control diets, the age-related declines in swim maze performance were relatively larger in apoE-deficient mice when compared with wild-type. On the other hand, age-associated declines in learning and working memory for discriminated avoidance were similar in the two genotypes. The 200-mg/kg dose of vitamin E prevented the accelerated decline in spatial learning apparent in 18-month-old apoE-deficient mice, but had no equivalent effect on performance declines attributable to normal aging in the wild-type mice. Vitamin E supplementation failed to prevent age-related impairments in learning and memory for discriminated avoidance observed in both the wild-type and apoE-deficient mice. The current findings are consistent with the hypothesis that apoE deficiency confers an accelerated, though probably selective, loss of brain function with age. This loss of function would appear to involve pathogenic oxidative mechanisms that can be prevented or offset by antioxidant supplementation.

Apolipoprotein E isoforms and apolipoprotein AI protect from amyloid precursor protein carboxy terminal fragment-associated cytotoxicity

Inheritance of the apolipoprotein (APO) E gene epsilon4 or epsilon2 allele alters the risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), while increased alpha-tocopherol (AT) intake appears to lower the risk of AD. As APOE is a major apolipoprotein in the CNS and AT in vivo is transported in lipoproteins, we tested the hypothesis that CNS lipoproteins, as modeled by relevant concentrations of high density lipoprotein (HDL), and AT would interact to suppress neurotoxicity in a cell culture model of amyloid beta (Abeta)- related toxicity. These cells conditionally express C99-derived peptides, proposed to be a key step in AD pathogenesis; this expression is closely associated with subsequent cell death. We found that physiologic concentrations of lipoproteins present in the CNS protected from C99-associated toxicity and provided evidence for two mechanisms of protection. The first was AT-independent, APOE isoform-dependent, and most potent for the APOE2 isoform. The second was a synergistic protection afforded by a combination of APOAI, or less so APOE, and AT. These data provide a novel explanation for the apparent AD-protective effect of inheriting an epsilon2 APOE allele, and suggest that optimizing AT enrichment of CNS lipoproteins or devising APOAI mimetics may augment AT efficacy in treating AD.

Proteomic identification of specific oxidized proteins in ApoE-knockout mice: relevance to Alzheimer's disease

We have examined oxidized proteins in the brain regions of wild-type (WT) and ApoE-knockout (KO) animals. Total protein oxidation in the hippocampus of young-KO (6 month) animals was approximately 2-fold greater than that of young-WT (6 month) animals and was similar to that of old-WT (18 month) and old-KO (18 month) animals. In the cortex of the same animals, the levels of total protein oxidation in all four groups were not significantly different. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with immunostaining for protein carbonylation revealed six specific oxidation-sensitive proteins, the oxidation levels of which were increased in young-KO, old-WT, and old-KO mice compared with young-WT mice. These six oxidation-sensitive proteins were identified by mass spectrometry as glial fibrillary acidic protein, creatine kinase BB, disulfide isomerase, chaperonin subunit 5, dihydropyrimidase-related protein 2, and mortalin. These results indicate that the ApoE gene product offers protection against age-associated oxidative damage in the brain. Moreover, two of these proteins, creatine kinase and dihydropyrimidase-related protein 2, have recently been found to be oxidized in the brains of human subjects with Alzheimer's disease [Aksenov et al. J. Neurochem. 74: 2520-2527; 2000; Castegna et al. J. Neurochem. 82: 1524-1532; 2002]. These data suggest that the ApoE-knockout mouse serves as an appropriate model for studying pathogenic oxidative mechanisms influencing risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Apolipoprotein E protects against oxidative stress in mixed neuronal-glial cell cultures by reducing glutamate toxicity

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficiency has been shown to adversely affect outcome after transient cerebral ischemia and head trauma. Since oxidative stress contributes to these injuries, the ability of ApoE to reduce irreversible oxidative damage was studied in primary mixed neuronal-glial cell cultures. Cells (13-16 days in vitro) were exposed to 50 microM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 30 min, and toxicity was determined by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 24 h after exposure. The presence of recombinant human ApoE2 (100, 300, or 1000 nM) in the culture media partially protected against oxidative injury. This protection was not reversed by pre-treatment with receptor associated protein. The NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, also provided partial protection against H2O2 toxicity. The degree of protection was similar to that conferred by ApoE treatment. The protective effects of ApoE and MK-801 were not additive; no ApoE protection was observed in cultures treated with MK-801 prior to H2O2 exposure. ApoE treatment had no effect on H2O2 stimulated glutamate release, but did increase the rate of glutamate uptake via the high affinity glutamate transporter in H2O2 treated cultures. Pre-treatment with ApoE also conferred partial protection against glutamate-induced LDH release. Taken together, these findings suggest that ApoE protects mixed neuronal-glial cell cultures against irreversible oxidative injury from H2O2 by reducing secondary glutamate excitotoxicity.

Neuroplasticity in Alzheimer's disease

Ramon y Cajal proclaimed in 1928 that "once development was ended, the founts of growth and regeneration of the axons and dendrites dried up irrevocably. In the adult centers the nerve paths are something fixed, ended and immutable. Everything must die, nothing may be regenerated. It is for the science of the future to change, if possible, this harsh decree." (Ramon y Cajal, 1928). In large part, despite the extensive knowledge gained since then, the latter directive has not yet been achieved by 'modern' science. Although we know now that Ramon y Cajal's observation on CNS plasticity is largely true (for lower brain and primary cortical structures), there are mechanisms for recovery from CNS injury. These mechanisms, however, may contribute to the vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease. They may also be exploited therapeutically to help alleviate the suffering from neurodegenerative conditions.

Apolipoproteins and aging: emerging mechanisms

One of the goals of modern medicine is to foster successful aging. In order to age successfully, one must accomplish two things: first, survive; and second, survive with good health and a sharp mind. In this discussion of apolipoproteins and aging, the focus will be on apolipoprotein E (apoE), a protein with three common isoforms, which has a large impact on longevity and successful aging. One variant of apoE (E4) is associated with increased risk for heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, some of the potential mechanisms for the observed effects of apoE on aging will be discussed.

Mouse cerebral prostaglandins, but not oxidative damage, change with age and are responsive to indomethacin treatment

Epidemiological and clinical trial data indicate that at least some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Advancing age is the most robust risk factor for AD. If NSAIDs mitigate the initiation of AD by affecting processes of aging, and if the target of NSAIDs are cyclooxygenases (COX), then COX activity would be hypothesized to increase with advancing age in brain regions affected by AD. We tested this hypothesis in mouse cerebrum by measuring two outcomes of increased COX activity, prostaglandin (PG) levels and markers of oxidative damage. Our results showed that frontal cortical PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) levels were significantly increased at 14 months compared to 2 months, but that frontal cortical levels of these PGs at 26 months returned to levels observed at 2 months of age. At all ages, 2-week treatment with indomethacin (14 microg/ml drinking water, or approximately 2.2 mg/kg per day) equally suppressed frontal cortical levels of both PGs. In contrast, basal levels of oxidative damage to cerebral cortex did not increase in mice aged up to 26 months, and indomethacin treatment did not significantly alter basal levels of oxidative damage as assayed by F(2)-isoprostanes or protein carbonyls. These results suggest that indomethacin may influence the initiation of AD by reducing cerebral PG elevation that may occur in middle age, but that it is unlikely to have a direct effect on levels of oxidative damage.

Apolipoprotein E modulates Alzheimer's Abeta(1-42)-induced oxidative damage to synaptosomes in an allele-specific manner

Several functional differences have been reported among the three human e2, e3, and e4 alleles of apolipoprotein E (apoE). One functional difference lies in the antioxidant potential of these alleles; e4 has the poorest potential. Interestingly, e4 also correlates with increased oxidative damage in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, which may explain why the inheritance of the e4 allele is a risk factor for the onset of AD. Beta-amyloid (Abeta) is also intimately involved in AD and promotes oxidative damage in vitro; therefore, we have examined the role of the different apoE alleles in modulating Abeta(1-42)-induced oxidation to synaptosomes. Measurement of specific markers of oxidation in synaptosomes isolated from mice that express one of the human apoE alleles indicates that Abeta-induced increases of these markers can be modulated by apoE in an allele-dependent manner (e2>e3>e4). Increases in reactive oxygen species formation and protein and lipid oxidation were always greatest in e4 synaptosomes as compared to e2 and e3 synaptosomes. Our data support the role of apoE as a modulator of Abeta toxicity and, consistent with the antioxidant potentials of the three alleles, suggest that the e4 allele may not be as effective in this role as the e2 or e3 alleles of apoE. These results are discussed with reference to mechanistic implications for neurodegeneration in the AD brain.

Interactions between apolipoprotein E gene and dietary alpha-tocopherol influence cerebral oxidative damage in aged mice

Cerebral oxidative damage is a feature of aging and is increased in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. We pursued the gene-environment interaction of lack of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and modulation of dietary alpha-tocopherol on cerebral oxidative damage in aged male and female mice by quantifying the major isomers of cerebral isoprostanes, derived from arachidonic acid (AA) oxidation, and neuroprostanes, derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oxidation. Mice fed alpha-tocopherol-deficient, normal, or -supplemented diet had undetectable, 4486 +/- 215, or 6406 +/- 254 ng of alpha-tocopherol per gram of brain tissue (p < 0.0001), respectively. Two factors, male gender and lack of apoE, combined to increase cerebral AA oxidation by 28%, whereas three factors, male gender, lack of apoE, and deficiency in alpha-tocopherol, combined to increase cerebral DHA oxidation by 81%. alpha-Tocopherol supplementation decreased cerebral isoprostanes but not neuroprostanes and enhanced DHA, but not AA, endoperoxide reduction in vivo and in vitro. These results demonstrated that the interaction of gender, inherited susceptibilities, and dietary alpha-tocopherol contributed differently to oxidative damage to cerebral AA and DHA in aged mice.

Apolipoprotein E protects against neuropathology induced by a high-fat diet and maintains the integrity of the blood-brain barrier during aging

SUMMARY

The present study provides evidence that chronic intake of a high-fat diet induces a dramatic extravasation of immunoglobulins, indicating alterations in blood-brain barrier (BBB) functioning, in the brains of apolipoprotein E (apoE)-knockout mice, but not of C57Bl/6 control mice. Using sodium fluorescein as a marker for the permeability of the BBB, we found additional support for age-related disturbances of BBB function in apoE-knockout mice. Behavioral analysis of apoE-knockout mice compared with C57Bl/6 mice indicated that they were also less efficient in acquiring the spatial Morris water maze task. Furthermore, apoE-knockout mice are known to develop severe atherosclerosis, which is exacerbated with a high-fat diet. We therefore compared the apoE-knockout mice with the apoE3-Leiden transgenic mice, which are known to develop atherosclerosis. However, apoE3-Leiden mice that were kept on a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet and that developed atherosclerosis to an extent similar to the apoE-knockout mice, showed no signs of BBB disturbances. These results indicate for the first time that apoE plays an essential role in the maintenance of the integrity of the BBB during aging and that it protects the brain from neuropathology induced by a high-fat diet. We therefore hypothesize that the role of apoE in the maintenance of the integrity of the BBB may be the mechanism by which apoE affects the progression of neurodegeneration, as seen in Alzheimer's disease.

Apolipoprotein E deficiency effects on learning in mice are dependent upon the background strain

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) deficient mice were bred onto the C57BL/6 and FVB/N strain backgrounds. The cognitive behavior of food-restricted apoE-deficient and wildtype male mice from these strains was assessed in an olfactory cued 8-arm radial maze. At 6 weeks of age, all four types of mice improved in maze performance over the course of 5 days. However, at 6 months of age, only the apoE-deficient mice on the C57BL/6 background failed to improve their maze performance over the 5 day course, as gauged by the number of incorrect choices made before retrieving both food rewards. Thus, an age-dependent and strain-specific effect of apoE deficiency on cognitive behavior was observed in these mice. The background strain affected activity levels in the maze, as well as in an open field assay. Plasma corticosterone levels were assessed in control, fasted, and post-restraint stress states. Fasting and restraint stress led to increases in plasma corticosterone levels. Although there were strain specific effects on fasting corticosterone levels, and the effect of apoE deficiency on post-stress corticosterone levels, there was no association between fasted corticosterone levels and impaired cognitive behavior in the 8-arm radial maze assay.

Impact of apoE deficiency on oxidative insults and antioxidant levels in the brain

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a lipid transport molecule, which has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Recently we have demonstrated that the oxidative insults in hippocampus from AD patients were dependent on the apoE genotype. Interestingly, apoE protein concentration in hippocampus follows a genotype-dependent gradient with the lowest level occurring in varepsilon4 allele carrier. We raised the possibility that, in the hippocampus, the apoE level affects the oxidant/antioxidant balance. Here, we have examined in the apoE-deficient mouse the oxidant/antioxidant status in hippocampus and in frontal cortex from APOE-KO and wild-type mice at 3 and 13 months. We provided evidence that, in the hippocampus, the absence of apoE has a clear impact on the oxidant/antioxidant status. Endogenous level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was found to be markedly elevated whereas level of alpha-tocopherol was decreased in APOE-deficient mice at 3 and 13 months. Superoxide dismutase activities were also lower in APOE-deficient mice at 13 months. Taken together, these data indicate that the steady state level of apoE may influence, to a certain extent, the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in hippocampus.

Astrocyte lipoproteins, effects of apoE on neuronal function, and role of apoE in amyloid-beta deposition in vivo

The genetic association between the E4 isoform of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has prompted interest in the neurobiology of apoE and the possible relationship between lipoprotein metabolism in the brain and neurodegenerative disease. ApoE, a product of astrocytes, is abundant in brain and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) where it is found in lipoproteins the size of large plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Cultured astrocytes also secrete apoE/HDL, although the lipid and apoprotein composition of these nascent particles differs from that found in CSF, suggesting possible functional differences. In vitro studies have demonstrated isoform-specific effects of apoE on neurite outgrowth, neuronal plasticity, neurotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, oxidative injury, binding to cytoskeletal proteins, and interactions with amyloid-beta (Abeta), a primary component of senile plaques in AD. A number of these proposed functions have also been assessed in apoE -/- mice and transgenic mice expressing human apoE3 or apoE4. Importantly, analysis of transgenic mice overexpressing a mutant form of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP(V717F)) in the presence of mouse apoE, no apoE, or human apoE3 or E4 has demonstrated a critical and isoform-specific role for apoE in neuritic plaque formation, a pathologic hallmark of AD. Together, these data have provided important clues as to possible mechanism(s) by which apoE genotype modifies AD risk.

A mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of apolipoprotein E: isoform-specific modification by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal

Inheritance of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) epsilon4 allele increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease and may also influence the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The influence of apoE genotype on disease susceptibility must ultimately be explained by the fact that apoE proteins differ in only two amino acids: apoE2 has two cysteine residues, apoE3 has one cysteine residue, and apoE4 has none. We previously reported increased protein modification by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), which covalently binds to proteins on cysteine residues, in human ALS lumbar spinal cord. We now report increased levels of HNE-modified apoE in lumbar spinal cord samples from mice expressing an ALS-linked mutation in Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase relative to controls. Studies of interactions of pure apoE proteins with HNE showed that the isoforms differ in the amount of HNE they can bind, with the order E2 > E3 > E4. This correlated with the differential ability of apoE isoforms to protect against apoptosis induced by HNE in cultures of mouse spinal cord motor neurons and by the amyloid beta-peptide in cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. These data suggest that apoE plays a major role in detoxifying HNE, and the differential neuroprotective effect of its isoforms may help explain the relationship between apoE genotype and the susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases.