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Pan T, Qian Y, Li T, Zhang Z, He Y, Wang J, Li L, Hu Y, Lin M. Acetyl l-carnitine protects adipose-derived stem cells against serum-starvation: regulation on the network composed of reactive oxygen species, autophagy, apoptosis and senescence. Cytotechnology 2022; 74:105-121. [PMID: 35185289 PMCID: PMC8816993 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-021-00514-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) play an important role in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. However, local nutritional deficiency often limits therapeutical effect of the transplanted cells. Acetyl l-carnitine (ALC) is a common energy metabolism regulator and free radical scavenger. This study investigated the effect of ALC on ADSCs exposed to severe serum-deprivation and explored the relative machanisms. Treating with 1 mM ALC improved proliferation and alleviated senescence of starved cells, accompanied with reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased protein expression of SOD1 and catalase. In addition, ALC inhibited apoptosis but increased starvation-induced autophagy, which might be related to the regulation of phases of dissociation of Bcl-2-Beclin1 and Bcl-2-Bax complexes. Evidence obtained by replacing ALC with N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) suggested that ROS might be the central inducer of autophagy, apoptosis and senescence. There was a difference between ALC and N-AC in the protection mechanism, that was, compared with N-AC, ALC maintained autophagy well at the same time as anti-oxidation. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) partially offset the protective effect of ALC. However, despite low-level ROS and enhanced autophagy, ALC with high concentration (10 mM) markedly aggravated cell apoptosis and senescence, thus losing cytoprotection and even causing damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyun Pan
- Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 315 South Street, Wuxing Direct, Huzhou City, 313000 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Yao Qian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng Direct, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Tian Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai Direct, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Zikai Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai Direct, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Yucang He
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai Direct, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Jingping Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai Direct, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Liqun Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai Direct, Wenzhou City, China
| | - Yun Hu
- Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 315 South Street, Wuxing Direct, Huzhou City, 313000 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Ming Lin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng Direct, Wenzhou City, China
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Aranca TV, Jones TM, Shaw JD, Staffetti JS, Ashizawa T, Kuo SH, Fogel BL, Wilmot GR, Perlman SL, Onyike CU, Ying SH, Zesiewicz TA. Emerging therapies in Friedreich's ataxia. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2016; 6:49-65. [PMID: 26782317 DOI: 10.2217/nmt.15.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited, progressive neurodegenerative disease that typically affects teenagers and young adults. Therapeutic strategies and disease insight have expanded rapidly over recent years, leading to hope for the FRDA population. There is currently no US FDA-approved treatment for FRDA, but advances in research of its pathogenesis have led to clinical trials of potential treatments. This article reviews emerging therapies and discusses future perspectives, including the need for more precise measures for detecting changes in neurologic symptoms as well as a disease-modifying agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya V Aranca
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Tracy M Jones
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Jessica D Shaw
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Joseph S Staffetti
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Brent L Fogel
- Department of Neurology, Neurogenetics Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, CA, USA
| | | | - Susan L Perlman
- Ataxia and Huntington Disease Center of Excellence, University of California, CA, US
| | - Chiadi U Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine MD, USA
| | - Sarah H Ying
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA.,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA
| | - Theresa A Zesiewicz
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA.,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, FL, USA
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3
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Ferrari F, Gorini A, Villa RF. Functional proteomics of synaptic plasma membrane ATP-ases of rat hippocampus: Effect of l-acetylcarnitine and relationships with Dementia and Depression pathophysiology. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 756:67-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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4
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Villa R, Ferrari F, Gorini A. ATP-ases of synaptic plasma membranes in striatum: Enzymatic systems for synapses functionality by in vivo administration of l-acetylcarnitine in relation to Parkinson’s Disease. Neuroscience 2013; 248:414-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Effect of In Vivo l-Acetylcarnitine Administration on ATP-ases Enzyme Systems of Synaptic Plasma Membranes from Rat Cerebral Cortex. Neurochem Res 2011; 36:1372-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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6
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Elanchezhian R, Sakthivel M, Geraldine P, Thomas PA. Regulatory effect of acetyl-l-carnitine on expression of lenticular antioxidant and apoptotic genes in selenite-induced cataract. Chem Biol Interact 2010; 184:346-51. [PMID: 20067779 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Differential expression of apoptotic genes has been demonstrated in selenite-induced cataract. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) has been shown to prevent selenite cataractogenesis by maintaining lenticular antioxidant enzyme and redox system components at near normal levels and also by inhibiting lenticular calpain activity. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the possibility that ALCAR also prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis by regulating the expression of antioxidant (catalase) and apoptotic [caspase-3, early growth response protein-1 (EGR-1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX-I)] genes. The experiment was conducted on 9-day-old Wistar rat pups, which were divided into normal, cataract-untreated and cataract-treated groups. Putative changes in gene expression in whole lenses removed from the rats were determined by measuring mRNA transcript levels of the four genes by RT-PCR analysis, using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as an internal control. The expression of lenticular caspase-3 and EGR-1 genes appeared to be upregulated, as inferred by detecting increased mRNA transcript levels, while that of COX-I and catalase genes appeared to be downregulated (lowered mRNA transcript levels) in the lenses of cataract-untreated rats. However, in rats treated with ALCAR, the lenticular mRNA transcript levels were maintained at near normal (control) levels. These results suggest that ALCAR may prevent selenite-induced cataractogenesis by preventing abnormal expression of lenticular genes governing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Elanchezhian
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
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Barhwal K, Hota SK, Prasad D, Singh SB, Ilavazhagan G. Hypoxia-induced deactivation of NGF-mediated ERK1/2 signaling in hippocampal cells: Neuroprotection by acetyl-L-carnitine. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:2705-21. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Feher J, Kovacs B, Kovacs I, Schveoller M, Papale A, Balacco Gabrieli C. Improvement of visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration treated with a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10. Ophthalmologica 2005; 219:154-66. [PMID: 15947501 DOI: 10.1159/000085248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2004] [Accepted: 10/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 (Phototrop) on the visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One hundred and six patients with a clinical diagnosis of early AMD were randomized to the treated or control groups. The primary efficacy variable was the change in the visual field mean defect (VFMD) from baseline to 12 months of treatment, with secondary efficacy parameters: visual acuity (Snellen chart and ETDRS chart), foveal sensitivity as measured by perimetry, and fundus alterations as evaluated according to the criteria of the International Classification and Grading System for AMD. The mean change in all four parameters of visual functions showed significant improvement in the treated group by the end of the study period. In addition, in the treated group only 1 out of 48 cases (2%) while in the placebo group 9 out of 53 (17%) showed clinically significant (>2.0 dB) worsening in VFMD (p = 0.006, odds ratio: 10.93). Decrease in drusen-covered area of treated eyes was also statistically significant as compared to placebo when either the most affected eyes (p = 0.045) or the less affected eyes (p = 0.017) were considered. These findings strongly suggested that an appropriate combination of compounds which affect mitochondrial lipid metabolism, may improve and subsequently stabilize visual functions, and it may also improve fundus alterations in patients affected by early AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Feher
- Ophthalmic Neuroscience Program, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
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9
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Pillich RT, Scarsella G, Risuleo G. Reduction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway by the administration of acetyl-l-carnitine to mouse fibroblasts in culture. Exp Cell Res 2005; 306:1-8. [PMID: 15878327 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2005.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2004] [Revised: 12/22/2004] [Accepted: 01/03/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is shown in literature that stress, such as deprivation of trophic factors and hypoxia, induces apoptosis in cultured cells and in tissues. In light of these results, we explored the possibility of protecting cells from programmed death by improving the metabolism of the mitochondrion. To this end, acetyl-L-carnitine was administered at various concentrations under conditions of serum deprivation. The choice of this drug was based on the accepted notion that acetyl-L-carnitine is able to stabilize mitochondrial membranes and to increase the supply of energy to the organelle. The results presented here indicate that the drug protects cells from apoptotic death: this is demonstrated by a lower positivity to the TUNEL reaction and by a strong reduction of the apoptotic DNA ladder in serum-deprived cells. The involvement of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was assessed by cytochrome C release and immunoreactivity to caspase 3. Moreover, acetyl-L-carnitine stimulates cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Tito Pillich
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Italy; Dipartimento di Genetica e Biologia Molecolare, Università di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro, 5-00185 Roma, Italy
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Pettegrew JW, Levine J, McClure RJ. Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression. Mol Psychiatry 2000; 5:616-32. [PMID: 11126392 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4000805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) contains carnitine and acetyl moieties, both of which have neurobiological properties. Carnitine is important in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the acetyl moiety can be used to maintain acetyl-CoA levels. Other reported neurobiological effects of ALCAR include modulation of: (1) brain energy and phospholipid metabolism; (2) cellular macromolecules, including neurotrophic factors and neurohormones; (3) synaptic morphology; and (4) synaptic transmission of multiple neurotransmitters. Potential molecular mechanisms of ALCAR activity include: (1) acetylation of -NH2 and -OH functional groups in amino acids and N terminal amino acids in peptides and proteins resulting in modification of their structure, dynamics, function and turnover; and (2) acting as a molecular chaperone to larger molecules resulting in a change in the structure, molecular dynamics, and function of the larger molecule. ALCAR is reported in double-blind controlled studies to have beneficial effects in major depressive disorders and Alzheimer's disease (AD), both of which are highly prevalent in the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Pettegrew
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. pettegre+@pitt.edu
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11
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Calabrese V, Bates TE, Stella AM. NO synthase and NO-dependent signal pathways in brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders: the role of oxidant/antioxidant balance. Neurochem Res 2000; 25:1315-41. [PMID: 11059804 DOI: 10.1023/a:1007604414773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide and other reactive nitrogen species appear to play several crucial roles in the brain. These include physiological processes such as neuromodulation, neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, and pathological processes such as neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. There is increasing evidence that glial cells in the central nervous system can produce nitric oxide in vivo in response to stimulation by cytokines and that this production is mediated by the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of the major neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders (Alzheimer's disease, amyothrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis) are unknown, numerous recent studies strongly suggest that reactive nitrogen species play an important role. Furthermore, these species are probably involved in brain damage following ischemia and reperfusion, Down's syndrome and mitochondrial encephalopathies. Recent evidence also indicates the importance of cytoprotective proteins such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) which appear to be critically involved in protection from nitrosative and oxidative stress. In this review, evidence for the involvement of nitrosative stress in the pathogenesis of the major neurodegenerative/ neuroinflammatory diseases and the mechanisms operating in brain as a response to imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant status are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Calabrese
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
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12
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Battino M, Quiles JL, Huertas JR, Mataix JF, Villa RF, Gorini A. Cerebral cortex synaptic heavy mitochondria may represent the oldest synaptic mitochondrial population: biochemical heterogeneity and effects of L-acetylcarnitine. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2000; 32:163-73. [PMID: 11768749 DOI: 10.1023/a:1005559930210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The microheterogeneous nature of intrasynaptic mitochondria has been demonstrated and is widely accepted. However, evidence is still lacking about the role played by the different intrasynaptic mitochondrial subpopulations. The data obtained support the hypothesis that "heavy" mitochondria could represent old mitochondrial populations: in fact, in addition to the well known impairment of typical mitochondrial functions, they possess the highest levels of hydroperoxides and their fatty acids pattern is completely modified. The qualitative and quantitative fatty acid modifications suffered by these organelles deeply altered their protein/lipid ratio, thus modifying their mode of action. The present work also collects a large body of evidence that a subchronic L-acetylcarnitine treatment in 28 days does not structurally affect both nonsynaptic and intrasynaptic mitochondria of normal rat in a "steady-state" metabolic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Battino
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ancona, Italy.
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13
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Sorbi S, Forleo P, Fani C, Piacentini S. Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with L-acetylcarnitine in patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2000; 23:114-8. [PMID: 10803803 DOI: 10.1097/00002826-200003000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the different genetic defects underlying degenerative ataxias, it has been suggested that mitochondrial energy production and antioxidative metabolism dysfunction may be common biochemical alterations related to these diseases. Acetylcarnitine, a cholinomimetic substance, is involved in oxidative metabolism and is a potential source of acetyl groups for the synthesis of acetylcholine in the mammalian brain. To determine whether treatment with L-acetylcarnitine may improve some clinical conditions of patients with ataxia, a double-blind crossover study with L-acetylcarnitine was performed in 24 patients with degenerative cerebellar diseases. Patients were selected from an ongoing prospective follow-up study at the Department of Neurology at the University of Florence, Italy. Each treatment phase with L-acetylcarnitine or placebo lasted 6 months, after which patients were crossed over to the other treatment phase. Ataxia was documented and quantified with use of a clinical score. After the trial, we observed a statistically significant improvement of some symptoms and a slow progression of the disease in both groups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sorbi
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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Gorini A, D'Angelo A, Villa RF. Action of L-acetylcarnitine on different cerebral mitochondrial populations from cerebral cortex. Neurochem Res 1998; 23:1485-91. [PMID: 9821151 DOI: 10.1023/a:1020907400905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The maximum rate (Vmax) of some mitochondrial enzymatic activities related to the energy transduction (citrate synthase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase) and amino acid metabolism (glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase, glutamate-oxaloacetate-transaminase) was evaluated in non-synaptic (free) and intra-synaptic mitochondria from rat brain cerebral cortex. Three types of mitochondria were isolated from rats subjected to i.p. treatment with L-acetylcarnitine at two different doses (30 and 60 mg.kg-1, 28 days, 5 days/week). In control (vehicle-treated) animals, enzyme activities are differently expressed in non-synaptic mitochondria respect to intra-synaptic "light" and "heavy" ones. In fact, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase and glutamate-oxaloacetate-transaminase are lower, while citrate synthase, cytochrome oxidase and glutamate dehydrogenase are higher in intra-synaptic mitochondria than in non-synaptic ones. This confirms that in various types of brain mitochondria a different metabolic machinery exists, due to their location in vivo. Treatment with L-acetylcarnitine decreased citrate synthase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities, while increased cytochrome oxidase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activities only in intra-synaptic mitochondria. Therefore in vivo administration of L-acetylcarnitine mainly affects some specific enzyme activities, suggesting a specific molecular trigger mode of action and only of the intra-synaptic mitochondria, suggesting a specific subcellular trigger site of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gorini
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, University of Pavia, Italy
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Hagen TM, Ingersoll RT, Wehr CM, Lykkesfeldt J, Vinarsky V, Bartholomew JC, Song MH, Ames BN. Acetyl-L-carnitine fed to old rats partially restores mitochondrial function and ambulatory activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:9562-6. [PMID: 9689120 PMCID: PMC21378 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.16.9562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/1998] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial function and ambulatory activity were monitored after feeding old rats acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR). Young (3-5 mo) and old (22-28 mo) rats were given a 1.5% (wt/vol) solution of ALCAR in their drinking water for 1 mo, were sacrificed, and their liver parenchymal cells were isolated. ALCAR supplementation significantly reverses the age-associated decline of mitochondrial membrane potential, as assessed by rhodamine 123 staining. Cardiolipin, which declines significantly with age, is also restored. ALCAR increases cellular oxygen consumption, which declines with age, to the level of young rats. However, the oxidant production per oxygen consumed, as measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin fluorescence levels, is approximately 30% higher than in untreated old rats. Cellular glutathione and ascorbate levels were nearly 30% and 50% lower, respectively, in cells from ALCAR-supplemented old rats than in untreated old rats, further indicating that ALCAR supplementation might increase oxidative stress. Ambulatory activity in young and old rats was quantified as a general measure of metabolic activity. Ambulatory activity, defined as mean total distance traveled, in old rats is almost 3-fold lower than in young animals. ALCAR supplementation increases ambulatory activity significantly in both young and old rats, with the increase being larger in old rats. Thus, ALCAR supplementation to old rats markedly reverses the age-associated decline in many indices of mitochondrial function and general metabolic activity, but may increase oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Hagen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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16
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Famularo G, Moretti S, Marcellini S, Trinchieri V, Tzantzoglou S, Santini G, Longo A, De Simone C. Acetyl-carnitine deficiency in AIDS patients with neurotoxicity on treatment with antiretroviral nucleoside analogues. AIDS 1997; 11:185-90. [PMID: 9030365 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-199702000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A severe dose limiting axonal peripheral neuropathy may develop in subjects on treatment with the nucleoside analogues didanosine (ddl), zalcitabine (ddC), and stavudine (d4T). The impairment of mitrochondrial DNA synthesis is crucial to the pathogenesis of this disorder although other mechanisms have not been ruled out. The depletion of acetyl-carnitine, which regulates the metabolism and function of peripheral nerves could contribute to the neurotoxicity of these compounds. DESIGN Non-randomized, cross-sectional study of selected patients. METHODS We measured the serum levels of acetyl- and total carnitine in 12 subjects with axonal peripheral neuropathy developed on treatment with different regimens of neurotoxic nucleoside analogues (ddl, ddC, d4T). Subjects who did not develop peripheral neuropathy while staying on treatment with ddl (n = 10) or zidovudine (n = 11) served as the control groups. HIV-negative subjects with axonal on demyelinating autoimmune neuropathies (n = 10) and healthy individuals (n = 13) were additional control groups. RESULTS Subjects experiencing axonal peripheral neuropathy on treatment with ddl, ddC and d4T had significantly reduced levels of acetyl-carnitine in comparison to the control groups. No difference was observed in the levels of total carnitine between study subjects and the control groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that subjects who developed peripheral neuropathy while staying on treatment with ddl, ddC and d4T had acetyl-carnitine deficiency. The normal levels of total carnitine in the study group appear to indicate the specificity of the defect and rule out coexisting relevant nutritional problems. The critical role of acetyl-carnitine for the metabolism and function of the peripheral nerves supports the view that the acetyl-carnitine deficiency found in these subjects may contribute to the neurotoxicity of ddl, ddC and d4T, even though the interference with mitochondrial DNA synthesis is regarded as the main cause of their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Famularo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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17
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Chapter 6 Contribution of Mitochondrial Alterations to Brain Aging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s1566-3124(08)60056-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Nicoletti V, Tendi E, Lalicata C, Reale S, Villa R, Ragusa N, Giuffrida-Stella A. Age-related chances of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase and F0F1-ATP synthase subunit contents in rat cerebral cortex. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1996; 22 Suppl 1:509-13. [DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(96)86991-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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De Angelis C, Scarfò C, Falcinelli M, Perna E, Ramacci MT, Angelucci L. Age- and trauma-dependent modifications of neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle structure in the rat. Effects of long-term treatment with Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Mech Ageing Dev 1995; 85:37-53. [PMID: 8789254 DOI: 10.1016/0047-6374(95)01651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The influence of ageing and crushing of the sciatic nerve on the morphology of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and on the muscle fiber composition were studied in the rat soleus muscle using histochemical techniques associated with image analysis. The influence of a 6-month treatment with Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR, 150 mg/kg/day) on the age- and crushing-dependent changes of the NMJ and on age-related modifications of the muscle fiber composition was assessed as well. In control old and injured young rats a loss of complexity of the NMJ was observed. Treatment with ALCAR resulted in an increased endplate complexity both in old rats and in young rats injured by crushing, in comparison with respective controls. The structure of the rat soleus muscle changes with increasing age. Modification mainly consists in a type II fiber atrophy, and in the alteration of the peculiar mosaic organization of the soleus muscle fibers. In ALCAR-treated old rats, the morphology of the soleus muscle fibers was similar to that observed in adult animals. These findings suggest that treatment with ALCAR has a beneficial effect on NMJ and on muscle fiber structure in ageing or after nerve crushing. The possible mechanism of action of this 'trophic' effect of ALCAR-treatment is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C De Angelis
- Department of Morphometry and Histology, Institute for Research on Senescence, Rome, Italy
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Bertoni-Freddari C, Fattoretti P, Casoli T, Spagna C, Casell U. Dynamic morphology of the synaptic junctional areas during aging: the effect of chronic acetyl-L-carnitine administration. Brain Res 1994; 656:359-66. [PMID: 7820597 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)91480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The ultrastructural features of hippocampal synaptic contact zones have been investigated by means of computer-assisted morphometry in rats of 6, 12 and 22 months of age and in age-matched animals chronically treated with ALCAR at a daily dose of 50 mg/100 g body weight from the age of 1 month up to the day of sacrifice. The number of synapses/microns 3 (Nv), the average size of the junctional areas (S) and the total area of the synaptic contact zones/microns 3 (Sv) were measured in tissue samples stained by means of the ethanol phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA) preferential technique for synaptic membranes. In control animals Nv was constant between 6 and 12 months of age, but significantly decreased in 22-month-old rats; S did not show significant differences due to age; Sv was unchanged between 6 and 12 months, but it decreased significantly in the old animals. In ALCAR treated rats Nv increased and S decreased significantly vs. Age-matched controls. Sv showed a lifespan constancy among the groups of age analysed. In ALCAR treated rats the number of contact areas smaller than 0.08 micron 2 increased by 18, 9 and 10% at 6, 12 and 22 months of age, respectively. ALCAR administration resulted in a lifespan modulation of synaptic structural dynamics. A proper metabolism at nerve terminals is accounted to play a crucial role in synaptic remodelling potential: on the basis of current research data, it is suggested that ALCAR may improve neuronal bioenergetic mechanisms.
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21
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Carta A, Calvani M, Bravi D, Bhuachalla SN. Acetyl-L-carnitine and Alzheimer's disease: pharmacological considerations beyond the cholinergic sphere. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1993; 695:324-6. [PMID: 8239306 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1993.tb23077.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Since ALCAR and L-carnitine are "shuttles" of long chain fatty acids between the cytosol and the mitochondria to undergo beta-oxidation, they play an essential role in energy production and in clearing toxic accumulations of fatty acids in the mitochondria. ALCAR has been considered of potential use in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT) because of its ability to serve as a precursor for acetylcholine. However, pharmacological studies with ALCAR in animals have demonstrated its facility to maximize energy production and promote cellular membrane stability, particularly its ability to restore membranal changes that are age-related. Since recent investigations have implicated abnormal energy processing leading to cell death, and severity-dependent membrane disruption in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, we speculate that the beneficial effects associated with ALCAR administration in Alzheimer patients are due not only to its cholinergic properties, but also to its ability to support physiological cellular functioning at the mitochondrial level. This hypothetical mechanism of action is discussed with respect to compelling supportive animal studies and recent observations of significant decrease of carnitine acetyltransferase (the catalyst of L-carnitine acylation to acetyl-L-carnitine) in autopsied Alzheimer brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carta
- Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Department of Scientific Affairs, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
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22
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Arduini A, Gorbunov N, Arrigoni-Martelli E, Dottori S, Molajoni F, Russo F, Federici G. Effects of L-carnitine and its acetate and propionate esters on the molecular dynamics of human erythrocyte membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1993; 1146:229-35. [PMID: 8383998 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(93)90360-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
EPR and fluorescence probes were used in this study to define the effects of L-carnitine and its short-chain esters, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine, on the natural fluidity gradient and molecular packing of phospholipid headgroups of erythrocyte membrane in intact cells. Purified erythrocyte suspensions, labeled with different stearic acid derivatives containing a stable doxyl radical ring at the C-5, C-7, C-12 and C-16, were incubated with 0.5-5 mM L-carnitine and its esters for 60 min at 37 degrees C and washed twice with an isosmotic buffer. A decrease in the order parameter, calculated from the EPR spectra of the 5-doxylstearic acid derivative, was observed at all the concentrations of propionyl-L-carnitine and the extent of the decrease was dose and temperature dependent. An increase of the chain length between the doxyl ring and the carboxylic group of the spin label, resulted in a much lower efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in decreasing the order parameter. Acetyl-L-carnitine also showed a significant effect of decreasing the molecular order but only at the lower temperatures of red cells labeled with 5-doxyl and treated with the highest concentration of the drug. L-Carnitine did not modify the molecular dynamics at all the temperatures and concentrations used in this study. L-Carnitine and its short-chain derivatives did not alter significantly membrane fluidity of deeper regions of the erythrocyte membrane, measured by means of the excimer/monomer fluorescence intensity ratio of pyrene incorporated into the membrane of intact erythrocytes. However, these compounds were all capable of loosening the molecular packing of the polar head of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids evaluated by the membrane binding fluorescence properties of merocyanine-540. The binding of the fluorescent probe decreased in the order propionyl-L-carnitine > acetyl-L-carnitine > L-carnitine. Our findings suggest that this category of compounds affect the molecular dynamics of a membrane bilayer region close to the glycerol backbone of phospholipids, which might be relevant for the expression of membrane functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arduini
- Istituto di Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
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Calvani M, Carta A, Caruso G, Benedetti N, Iannuccelli M. Action of acetyl-L-carnitine in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1992; 663:483-6. [PMID: 1482095 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1992.tb38710.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Calvani
- Neurological Research Department, Sigma-Tau S.p.A. Rome, Italy
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24
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Abstract
Defects in cholinergic neurotransmission do not, by themselves, constitute the sole pathophysiologic concomitants of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent findings point out that abnormalities in membrane phospholipid turnover and in brain energy metabolism may also characterize AD. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an endogenous substance that, acting as an energy carrier at the mitochondrial level, controls the availability of acetyl-L-CoA. ALC has a variety of pharmacologic properties that exhibit restorative or even protective actions against aging processes and neurodegeneration. A review of a series of controlled clinical studies suggests that ALC may also slow the natural course of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carta
- Department of Neurological Research, Sigma-Tau, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
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25
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Villa RF, Gorini A. Action of L-acetylcarnitine on different cerebral mitochondrial populations from hippocampus and striatum during aging. Neurochem Res 1991; 16:1125-32. [PMID: 1665544 DOI: 10.1007/bf00966590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The maximum rates (Vmax) of some mitochondrial enzyme activities related to energy transduction (citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome oxidase) and amino acid metabolism (glutamate dehydrogenase) were evaluated in non-synaptic (free) and synaptic mitochondria from rat hippocampus and striatum. Three types of mitochondria were isolated from control rats aged 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months and treated ones with L-acetylcarnitine (100 mg.kg-1, i.p., 60 min). Enzyme activities of non-synaptic and synaptic mitochondria are different in hippocampus and striatum, confirming that a different metabolic machinery exists in various types of brain mitochondria. During aging, enzyme activities behave quite similarly in both areas. In vivo administration of L-acetylcarnitine decreased the enzyme activities related to Krebs' cycle mainly of synaptic mitochondria, suggesting a specific subcellular trigger site of action. The drug increased cytochrome oxidase activity of synaptic and non-synaptic mitochondria, indicating the specificity of molecular interaction with this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Villa
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, University of Pavia, Italy
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Villa RF, Turpeenoja L, Magrì G, Gorini A, Ragusa N, Giuffrida-Stella AM. Effect of hypoxia on mitochondrial protein composition of cerebral cortex during aging. Neurochem Res 1991; 16:821-6. [PMID: 1944772 DOI: 10.1007/bf00965692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The effect of hypoxia on the protein composition of mitochondria from cerebral cortex of rats at 4, 12, and 24 months of age was investigated. The proteins were separated by electrophoresis on SDS polyacrylamide gels and the percent content was evaluated by measuring the optical density of the stained gels. The results demonstrate that hypoxic treatment causes a decrease in the amount of some proteins as follows: the 90 and the 16 kDa Mw proteins at 4 months; the 82 and the 79 kDa Mw proteins at 24 months; the 52-49, 35 and 20 kDa at all ages investigated; the 44 kDa protein at 4 and 12 months and the 28 kDa protein at 4 and 24 months of age. Our results show that hypoxic conditions affect mitochondrial protein composition to a greater extent than aging alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Villa
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, University of Pavia, Italy
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27
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Botré C, Botré F, Pranzoni C. A Potentiometric approach to the study of the antagonism between acetazolamide andI-carnitine congeners on carbonic anhydrase activity. ELECTROANAL 1991. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.1140030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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28
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Bodis-Wollner I, Chung E, Ghilardi MF, Glover A, Onofrj M, Pasik P, Samson Y. Acetyl-levo-carnitine protects against MPTP-induced parkinsonism in primates. JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION. PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA SECTION 1991; 3:63-72. [PMID: 2064731 DOI: 10.1007/bf02251137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Acetyl-levo-carnitine (ALC) protects against 1-methyl, 4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced toxicity in the nonhuman primate. ALC pretreated monkeys do not show signs of parkinsonism or electroretinographic changes typical of dopaminergic deficiency when given MPTP. In addition, pilot neurochemical and morphological data confirm a partial protection effect. While MAO-B inhibitors, like L-Deprenyl, are thought to protect dopaminergic neurons from MPTP-induced cell death by preventing the conversion of MPTP to its toxic metabolite MPP+, ALC is not known to have MAO-B affinity. Converging evidence suggests that ALC may affect directly mitochondrial respiration, which is known to be the target of MPP+ and affected in human neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. The results of this study point to new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of these nosologic entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bodis-Wollner
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, C.U.N.Y., New York
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29
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Gupta KP, van Golen KL, Randerath E, Randerath K. Age-dependent covalent DNA alterations (I-compounds) in rat liver mitochondrial DNA. Mutat Res 1990; 237:17-27. [PMID: 2320036 DOI: 10.1016/0921-8734(90)90028-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rat liver mitochondrial (mt) DNA was investigated for the presence of I-compounds, a recently discovered type of DNA modifications which is detected and measured via 32P-postlabeling. These DNA modifications were previously shown to accumulate in an age-dependent manner in total cellular DNA of various tissues of untreated rodents. In the present work, mt DNA of 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats was found by 32P-postlabeling also to contain I-compounds that increase with age. Most of the I-compounds were identical for mt and nuclear (nu) DNA. A cluster of 2 non-polar I-spots (termed M-compounds) was mitochondria-specific and increased about 8-fold from 1 to 9 months, attaining a RAL value of 44 X 10(-9) or 1 modification in 2.3 X 10(7) DNA nucleotides at 9 months. Quantitative differences between chromatographically identical spots were seen mainly for a low-polarity fraction of I-compounds, which exhibited 2 times higher overall levels in mt DNA versus nu DNA over the age range studied. Total I-compound levels increased during this time 6.9- and 5.1-fold in nuclei and mitochondria, respectively. The M-compound level was close to 10% of total mt DNA I-compound levels. M-compounds may conceivably be derived from potentially DNA-reactive electron carriers of the mt electron-transport chain, while I-compounds common to both mt and nu DNA presumably originate in extramitochondrial sources. The similarity of mitochondrial and nuclear I-compound profiles and amounts implies possible regulatory mechanisms in I-compound formation and repair. Mt DNA maps showed additional 32P-labeled material which may have been associated with DNA damage caused by oxygen free radicals known to be generated by the mt electron-transport chain. Age-dependent increases of mt DNA modifications are potentially related to mt mutations and may be linked to age-related degenerative changes in mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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