Neuroprotective effect of MnTMPyP, a superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic in global cerebral ischemia is mediated through reduction of oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation

Peroxynitrite-Scavenging Organosilica Nanomedicines for Light-Controllable NO Release and Precision On-Demand Glaucoma Therapy

Nitric oxide (NO) is a promising approach for treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma. However, its clinical application is limited by its uncontrollable release and the unwanted overproduction of peroxynitrite. Herein, a denitrifying hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle (HMMN) with framework cohybridization is first constructed to encapsulate S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d,l-penicillamine (SNAP) to produce SNAP@HMMN with dual capacities of selective peroxynitrite removal and controllable NO release. Featuring a large corneal permeability, the well-designed SNAP@HMMN can achieve trans-corneal delivery to reach the target trabecular meshwork (TM)/Schlemm's canal (SC) site. Upon light irradiation, the intraocular pressure (IOP) is appropriately lowered in an adjustable and long-lasting manner while the outflow tissues are protected from nitrative damage, which is expected to realize precision on-demand glaucoma therapy with little biosafety concern, promising significant clinical translational potential.

Cu,Zn Dopants Boost Electron Transfer of Carbon Dots for Antioxidation

Enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials for antioxidative therapy is a promising star to treat more than 200 diseases or control their progressions through scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as O₂^•- and H₂ O₂ . However, they can inversely produce stronger ROS (e.g., •OH) under many disease conditions (e.g., low pH for myocardial ischemia). Herein, a biocompatible -Cu-O-Zn- bimetallic covalent doped carbon dots (CuZn-CDs) processing both catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities are reported, mainly because of their abundant electrons and the excellent electron transfer abilities. In addition, Cu dopant helps to balance the positive charge at Zn dopant resulting from low pH, enabling CuZn-CDs to still process CAT ability rather than peroxidase ability. Benefiting from it, CuZn-CDs exhibit sufficient in vitro ROS scavenging ability and cardiomyocyte protective effect against ROS-induced damage. In vivo results further demonstrate that CuZn-CDs can protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition to antioxidative therapy, the rapid renal clearance and low toxicity properties of CuZn-CDs in animal model reveal high biocompatibility which will facilitate clinical use.

Agomelatine prevents macrophage infiltration and brain endothelial cell damage in a stroke mouse model

Background and purpose: Ischemic/reperfusions are regarded as the clinical consensus for stroke treatment, which results in secondary injury of brain tissues. Increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and infiltration of inflammatory cells are responsible for the ischemic/reperfusion injury. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Agomelatine on brain ischemic/reperfusions injury and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: MCAO model was established in mice. The expressions of CD68 and claudin-5 in the cerebral cortex were determined using an immunofluorescence assay. Brain permeability was evaluated using Evans blue staining assay. A two-chamber and two-cell trans-well assay was used to detect the migration ability of macrophages through endothelial cells. The expression levels of claudin-5 and MCP-1 in the endothelial cells were determined using qRT-PCR and ELISA.

Results: CD68 was found to be up-regulated in the cerebral cortex of MCAO mice but was down-regulated by treatment with Agomelatine. The expression level of down-regulated claudin-5 in the cerebral cortex of MCAO mice was significantly suppressed by Agomelatine. Deeper staining of Evans blue was found in the MCAO group, which was however faded significantly in the Agomelatine treated MCAO mice. The migrated macrophages were significantly increased by hypoxia incubation but were greatly suppressed by the introduction of Agomelatine. The down-regulated claudin-5 by hypoxic incubation in endothelial cells was up-regulated by treatment with Agomelatine. Furthermore, the increased expression of MCP-1 in endothelial cells under hypoxic conditions was significantly inhibited by Agomelatine.

Conclusion: Agomelatine prevents macrophage infiltration and brain endothelial cell damage in a stroke mouse model.

Neuroprotective effect of menaquinone-4 (MK-4) on transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury causes cognitive deficits, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and brain edema. Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone 4, MK-4) as a potent antioxidant can be a good candidate to ameliorate I/R consequences. This study focused on the neuroprotective effects of MK-4 for cerebral I/R insult in rat’s hippocampus. The rat model of cerebral I/R was generated by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 min. Rats were divided into control, I/R, I/R+DMSO (solvent (1% v/v)) and I/R+MK-4 treated (400 mg/kg, i.p.) groups. Twenty-four hours after I/R injury induction, total brain water content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitrate/nitrite concentration and neuronal density were evaluated. In addition to quantify the apoptosis processes, TUNEL staining, as well as expression level of Bax and Bcl2, were assessed. To evaluate astrogliosis and induced neurotoxicity by I/R GFAP and GLT-1 mRNA expression level were quantified. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured. Seven days post I/R, behavioral analysis to quantify cognitive function, as well as Nissl staining for surviving neuronal evaluation, were conducted. The findings indicated that administration of MK-4 following I/R injury improved anxiety-like behavior, short term and spatial learning and memory impairment induced by I/R. Also, MK-4 was able to diminish the increased total brain water content, apoptotic cell density, Bax/ Bcl2 ratio and GFAP mRNA expression following I/R. In addition, the high level of nitrate/nitrite, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α induced by I/R was reduced after MK-4 administration. However, MK-4 promotes the level of SOD activity and GLT-1 mRNA expression in I/R rat model. The findings demonstrated that MK-4 can rescue transient global cerebral I/R consequences via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress features. MK-4 administration ameliorates neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity and neuronal cell death processes and leads to neuroprotection.

Improved HCN channels in pyramidal neurons and their new expression levels in pericytes and astrocytes in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 subfield following transient ischemia

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have been known to participate in the regulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. The present study investigated transient ischemia-induced changes of HCN1 and HCN2 expressions in the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) subfield of the hippocampus in gerbils subjected to 5 min transient global cerebral ischemia (tgCI). Neuronal death was exhibited in pyramidal neurons of the striatum pyramidale in the CA1 subfield 4 days after tgCI. HCN1 and HCN2 immunoreactivities were demonstrated in intact CA1 pyramidal neurons, and were transiently and markedly increased in the CA pyramidal neurons at 6 h after ischemia. Thereafter, they gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner. A total of 4 days after ischemia, HCN1 and HCN2 immunoreactivities were barely detected in the CA1 pyramidal neurons; however, HCN1 and HCN2 were began to be expressed in pericytes and astrocytes at 4 days after ischemia. The results indicated that HCN1 and HCN2 expression levels were apparently changed in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 subfield following tgCI and suggested that ischemia-induced alterations in HCN1 and HCN2 expression levels may be closely associated with the death of CA1 pyramidal neurons following 5 min of tgCI.

The impact of environmental contamination on the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species - Consequences for plants and humans

Environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, nanomaterials, and pesticides, induce the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Plants interact closely with the atmosphere, water, and soil, and consequently RONS intensely affect their biochemistry. For the past 30 years researchers have thoroughly examined the role of RONS in plant organisms and oxidative modifications to cellular components. Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, nitrogen(II) oxide, and hydroxyl radicals have been found to take part in many metabolic pathways. In this review the various aspects of the oxidative stress induced by environmental contamination are described based on an analysis of literature. The review reinforces the contention that RONS play a dual role, that is, both a deleterious and a beneficial one, in plants. Environmental contamination affects human health, also, and so we have additionally described the impact of RONS on the coupled human - environment system.

Effect of ischemic preconditioning on antioxidant status in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after transient forebrain ischemia

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a condition of sublethal transient global ischemia and exhibits neuroprotective effects against subsequent lethal ischemic insult. We, in this study, examined the neuroprotective effects of IPC and its effects on immunoreactive changes of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and SOD2, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after transient forebrain ischemia. Pyramidal neurons of the stratum pyramidale (SP) in the hippocampal CA1 region of animals died 5 days after lethal transient ischemia without IPC (8.6% (ratio of remanent neurons) of the sham-operated group); however, IPC prevented the pyramidal neurons from subsequent lethal ischemic injury (92.3% (ratio of remanent neurons) of the sham-operated group). SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPX immunoreactivities in the sham-operated animals were easily detected in pyramidal neurons in the stratum pyramidale (SP) of the hippocampal CA1 region, while all of these immunoreactivities were rarely detected in the stratum pyramidale at 5 days after lethal transient ischemia without IPC. Meanwhile, their immunoreactivities in the sham-operated animals with IPC were similar to (SOD1, SOD2 and CAT) or higher (GPX) than those in the sham-operated animals without IPC. Furthermore, their immunoreactivities in the stratum pyramidale of the ischemia-operated animals with IPC were steadily maintained after lethal ischemia/reperfusion. Results of western blot analysis for SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPX were similar to immunohistochemical data. In conclusion, IPC maintained or increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the stratum pyramidale of the hippocampal CA1 region after subsequent lethal transient forebrain ischemia and IPC exhibited neuroprotective effects in the hippocampal CA1 region against transient forebrain ischemia.

Effect of superoxide anion scavenger on rat hearts with chronic intermittent hypoxia

Only very limited information regarding the protective effects of the superoxide anion scavenger on chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced cardiac apoptosis is available. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the superoxide anion scavenger on cardiac apoptotic and prosurvival pathways in rats with sleep apnea. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, rats with normoxic exposure (Control, 21% O2, 1 mo), rats with chronic intermittent hypoxia exposure (Hypoxia, 3-7% O2vs. 21% O2per 40 s cycle, 8 h per day, 1 mo), and rats with pretreatment of the superoxide anion scavenger and chronic intermittent hypoxia exposure (Hypoxia-O2 (-)-Scavenger, MnTMPyP pentachloride, 1 mg/kg ip per day; 3-7% O2vs. 21% O2per 40 s cycle, 8 h per day, 1 mo) at 5-6 mo of age. After 1 mo, the protein levels and apoptotic cells of excised hearts from three groups were measured by Western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The superoxide anion scavenger decreased hypoxia-induced myocardial architecture abnormalities, left ventricular hypertrophy, and TUNEL-positive apoptosis. The superoxide anion scavenger decreased hypoxia-induced Fas ligand, Fas death receptors, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), activated caspase-8, and activated caspase-3 (Fas-dependent apoptotic pathway) as well as Bad, activated caspase-9 and activated caspase-3 (mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway), endonuclease G (EndoG), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and TUNEL-positive apoptosis. The superoxide anion scavenger increased IGF-1, IGF-1R, p-PI3k, p-Akt, p-Bad, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL (survival pathway). Our findings imply that the superoxide anion scavenger might prevent cardiac Fas-mediated and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and enhance the IGF-1-related survival pathway in chronic intermittent hypoxia. The superoxide anion scavenger may prevent chronic sleep apnea-enhanced cardiac apoptotic pathways and enhances cardiac survival pathways.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol combination to protect spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by aortic cross-clamping in rat model

Purpose

The aim of this experimental study was to determine whether combination of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol can reduce the ischemia/reperfusion injury of spinal cord in a rat model.

Methods

Twenty-seven Spraque Dawley rats, all male, weighing between 220 to 370 (mean 325) gr were used in the study. 27 rats were divided into three groups: sham group, control group and experimental group. Abdominal aortic occlusion between the renal arteries and iliac bifurcations was carried out for 60 min with proximal and distal clip in control and experimental groups. Hindlimb motor functions were evaluated at 24, and 48 h using the Tarlov Scale. Besides, spinal cord samples were taken for determination of superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities as antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase levels as source hydroxyl radical for biochemical studies. Also, histopathological evaluation was made from cord tissue samples.

Results

The experimental group subjects had better neurological functions than control group subjects. In experimental group; superoxide dismutase and catalase levels increased, while malondialdehyde and xantine oxidase levels decreased as compared with control group. Histopathological examination showed that experimental group had less cell degeneration, hemorrhage, edema and inflammation loss than control group.

Conclusions

This study offers that combined use of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol might help protect the spinal cord against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

MnTM-4-PyP modulates endogenous antioxidant responses and protects primary cortical neurons against oxidative stress

AIMS

Oxidative stress is a direct cause of injury in various neural diseases. Manganese porphyrins (MnPs), a large category of superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics, shown universally to have effects in numerous neural disease models in vivo. Given their complex intracellular redox activities, detailed mechanisms underlying the biomedical efficacies are not fully elucidated. This study sought to investigate the regulation of endogenous antioxidant systems by a MnP (MnTM-4-PyP) and its role in the protection against neural oxidative stress.

METHODS

Primary cortical neurons were treated with MnTM-4-PyP prior to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.

RESULTS

MnTM-4-PyP increased cell viability, reduced intracellular level of reactive oxygen species, inhibited mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum function. The protein levels and activities of endogenous SODs were elevated, but not those of catalase. SOD2 transcription was promoted in a transcription factor-specific manner. Additionally, we found FOXO3A and Sirt3 levels also increased. These effects were not observed with MnTM-4-PyP alone.

CONCLUSION

Induction of various levels of endogenous antioxidant responses by MnTM-4-PyP has indispensable functions in its protection for cortical neurons against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.

Cyclosporine A and MnTMPyP Alleviate α-Synuclein Expression and Aggregation in Cypermethrin-Induced Parkinsonism

Cypermethrin induces the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons leading to Parkinsonism in rats. Despite α-synuclein aggregation is reported to be critical in Parkinson's disease, its role and alliance with the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage leading to cypermethrin-induced Parkinsonism have not yet been deciphered. The present study aimed to examine the effect of cypermethrin on the expression and aggregation of α-synuclein and its subsequent connection with oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the presence or absence of a mitochondrial membrane transition pore opening inhibitor, cyclosporine A and a superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic, manganese (III) tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin pentachloride (MnTMPyP). The expression of α-synuclein, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-modified proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent apoptotic proteins, nitrite content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons were estimated in the substantia nigra and dopamine content in the striatum of control and treated rats employing standard procedures. Cypermethrin augmented the expression of α-synuclein, 3-NT, 4-HNE-modified proteins, caspase-3, mitochondrial Bax and cytosolic cytochrome-c along with nitrite and LPO and reduced the expression of cytosolic Bax, mitochondrial cytochrome-c, dopamine and number of TH-positive neurons. Cyclosporine A or MnTMPyP alleviated the expression and aggregation of α-synuclein along with indicators of the mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. The results demonstrate that cypermethrin induces α-synuclein expression and aggregation while cyclosporine A or MnTMPyP rescues from α-synuclein over-expression and aggregation along with the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage leading to Parkinsonism in rats.

Neuroprotection of antioxidant enzymes against transient global cerebral ischemia in gerbils

Experimentally transient global cerebral ischemia using animal models have been thoroughly studied and numerous reports suggest the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of neuronal death in ischemic lesions. In animal models, during the reperfusion period after ischemia, increased oxygen supply results in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are involved in the process of cell death. ROS, such as superoxide anions, hydroxyl free radicals, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide are produced as a consequence of metabolic reactions and central nervous system activity. These reactive species are directly involved in the oxidative damage of cellular macromolecules such as nucleic acids, lipids and proteins in ischemic tissues, which can lead to cell death. Antioxidant enzymes are believed to be among the major mechanisms by which cells counteract the deleterious effect of ROS after cerebral ischemia. Consequently, antioxidant strategies have been long suggested as a therapy for experimental ischemic stroke; however, clinical trials have not yet been able to promote the translation of this concept into patient treatment regimens. This article focuses on the contribution of oxidative stress or antioxidants to the post-ischemic neuronal death following transient global cerebral ischemia by using a gerbil model.

p53 activation and mitochondria-mediated pathway are involved during hanging death-induced neuronal cell apoptosis in dentate gyrus region of the rat brain

The goal of this study was to understand the molecular event in the brain caused by hanging death (HD). Animals were subjected to either cervical dislocation (CD) or HD. Brain was collected at various times (0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 h) after death. Brain expression of p53 and Bax, cytochrome c concentration, caspases activity and DNA fragmentation were analyzed. Compared to that of CD, HD increased p53 and Bax proteins expressions, cytochrome c concentration, caspases activity and DNA fragmentation during the early period (0-6 h) of HD, whereas CD induced necrosis 3 h post- CD and thereafter. These data support that HD induces neuronal cell apoptosis, in part, through mitochondria-mediated pathways. These data also suggest that neuronal apoptosis could be a potential marker and an aid to forensic science of HD.

Therapeutic potential of targeting hydrogen peroxide metabolism in the treatment of brain ischaemia

For many years after its discovery, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was viewed as a toxic molecule to human tissues; however, in light of recent findings, it is being recognized as an ubiquitous endogenous molecule of life as its biological role has been better elucidated. Indeed, increasing evidence suggests that H₂O₂ may act as a second messenger with a pro-survival role in several physiological processes. In addition, our group has recently demonstrated neuroprotective effects of H₂O₂ on in vitro and in vivo ischaemic models through a catalase (CAT) enzyme-mediated mechanism. Therefore, the present review summarizes experimental data supporting a neuroprotective potential of H₂O₂ in ischaemic stroke that has been principally achieved by means of pharmacological and genetic strategies that modify either the activity or the expression of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and CAT enzymes, which are key regulators of H₂O₂ metabolism. It also critically discusses a translational impact concerning the role played by H₂O₂ in ischaemic stroke. Based on these data, we hope that further research will be done in order to better understand the mechanisms underlying H₂O₂ functions and to promote successful H₂O₂ signalling based therapy in ischaemic stroke.

Neuroprotection by manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mimics: antioxidant effect and oxidative stress regulation in acute experimental stroke

AIMS

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), one of the most crucial antioxidant enzymes in the central nervous system, is thought to be one of the major mechanisms by which cells counteract the injuries of reactive oxygen species after cerebral ischemia. In this study, we used a novel synthesized compound (MnTm4PyP) with highly effective superoxide dismutase activity to study the therapeutic potential of MnSOD and the possible underlying mechanisms in cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

Primary cultured cortical neurons were used to examine the protective effect of the compounds. Mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion were used as ischemic stroke animal model. Animals were pretreated with MnTm4PyP intravenously 30 min before surgery. At 24 h after surgery, neurological behavior and histological function were observed. Infarcted cortex tissues and cultured neurons were collected for investigation of the oxidative stress signaling pathways.

RESULTS

In vitro studies revealed that MnSOD mimic MnTm4PyP pretreatment significantly increased viability of neurons after injury by H(2) O(2) . Intracellular superoxide radical levels were eliminated. In vivo experiments demonstrated MnTm4PyP pretreatment reduced infarct volume and improved neurological function. The MnSOD mimic alleviated oxidative stress and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

MnSOD is an effective therapeutic target in ischemic stroke prevention because of its antioxidant effects and oxidative stress regulation.

Protective effect of 20-HETE inhibition in a model of oxygen-glucose deprivation in hippocampal slice cultures

Recent studies have indicated that inhibitors of the synthesis of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) may have direct neuroprotective actions since they reduce infarct volume after ischemia reperfusion in the brain without altering blood flow. To explore this possibility, the present study used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation to examine whether 20-HETE is released by organotypic hippocampal slices after OGD and whether it contributes to neuronal death through the generation of ROS and activation of caspase-3. The production of 20-HETE increased twofold after OGD and reoxygenation. Blockade of the synthesis of 20-HETE with N-hydroxy-N'-(4-butyl-2-methylphenol)formamidine (HET0016) or its actions with a 20-HETE antagonist, 20-hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid, reduced cell death, as measured by the release of lactate dehydrogenase and propidium iodide uptake. Administration of a 20-HETE mimetic, 20-hydroxyeicosa-5(Z),14(Z)-dienoic acid (5,14-20-HEDE), had the opposite effect and increased injury after OGD. The death of neurons after OGD was associated with an increase in the production of ROS and activation of caspase-3. These effects were attenuated by HET0016 and potentiated after the administration of 5,14-20-HEDE. These findings indicate that the production of 20-HETE by hippocampal slices is increased after OGD and that inhibitors of the synthesis or actions of 20-HETE protect neurons from ischemic cell death. The protective effect of 20-HETE inhibitors is associated with a decrease in superoxide production and activation of caspase-3.

The protective role of catalase against cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo

The present study aims to assess the protective role of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) with relation to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) degradation in oxygen plus water on electrophysiological and fluorescence changes induced by in vitro ischemia and on brain damage produced by transient in vivo ischemia. Neuroprotective effects of CAT were determined by means of electrophysiological recordings and confocal fluorescence microscopy in the hippocampal slice preparation. Ischemia was simulated in vitro by oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). In vivo ischemia was produced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). A protection of the rat CA1 field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) loss caused by a prolonged OGD (40 min) was observed after exogenous CAT (500 U/mL) bath-applied before a combined exposure to OGD and H(2)O(2) (3 mM). Of note, neither H(2)O(2) nor exogenous CAT alone had a protective action when OGD lasted for 40 min. The CAT-induced neuroprotection was confirmed in a transgenic mouse model over-expressing human CAT [Tg(CAT)]. In the presence of H(2)O(2), the hippocampus of Tg(CAT) showed an increased resistance against OGD compared to that of wild-type (WT) animals. Moreover, CAT treatment reduced for about 50 min fEPSP depression evoked by repeated applications of H(2)O(2) in normoxia. A lower sensitivity to H(2)O(2)-induced depression of fEPSPs was also indicated by the rightward shift of concentration-response curve in Tg(CAT) compared to WT mice. Noteworthy, Tg(CAT) mice had a reduced infarct size after MCAo. Our data suggest new strategies to reduce neuronal damage produced by transient brain ischemia through the manipulation of CAT enzyme.

Towards the mechanisms involved in the antioxidant action of MnIII [meso-tetrakis(4-N-methyl pyridinium) porphyrin] in mitochondria

Aerobic organisms are afforded with an antioxidant enzymatic apparatus that more recently has been recognized to include cytochrome c, as it is able to prevent hydrogen peroxide generation by returning electrons from the superoxide ion back to the respiratory chain. The present study investigated the glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytochrome c-like antioxidant activities of para Mn(III)TMPyP in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM) and mitoplasts. In RLM, Mn(III)TMPyP decreased the lipid-peroxide content associated with glutathione (GSH) depletion consistent with the use of GSH as a reducing agent for high valence states of Mn(III)TMPyP. SOD and cytochrome c antioxidant activities were also investigated. Mn(II)TMPyP was able to reduce ferric cytochrome c, indicating the potential to remove a superoxide ion by returning electrons back to the respiratory chain. In antimicyn A-poisoned mitoplasts, Mn(III)TMPyP efficiently decreased the EPR signal of DMPO-OH adduct concomitant with GSH depletion. The present results are consistent with SOD and GPx activities for Mn(III)TMPyP and do not exclude cytochrome c-like activity. However, considering that para Mn(III)TMPyP more efficiently reduces, rather than oxidizes, superoxide ion; electron transfer from the Mn(II)TMPyP to the respiratory chain might not significantly contribute to the superoxide ion removal, since most of Mn(II)TMPyP is expected to be produced at the expense of NADPH/GSH oxidation. The present results suggest GPx-like activity to be the principal antioxidant mechanism of Mn(III)TMPyP, whose efficiency is dependent on the NADPH/GSH content in cells.

Increases of antioxidants are related to more delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region of the young gerbil induced by transient cerebral ischemia

In age-related studies, young animals are resistant to ischemic damage. In present study, we investigated the neuronal death of pyramidal neurons and compared changes in the immunoreactivities and levels of antioxidants, Cu/Zn-SOD (SOD1), Mn-SOD (SOD2), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), in the hippocampal CA1 region between adult and young gerbils after 5 min of transient cerebral ischemia. In the adult ischemia-group, only a few (12%) of CA1 pyramidal neurons survived 4 days after ischemia-reperfusion (I-R); however, in the 4 days after I-R the young group, most of CA1 pyramidal neurons survived. Seven days after I-R, many (about 39%) of CA1 pyramidal neurons survived, thereafter, the neuronal death in the CA1 pyramidal neurons was not significantly changed. The immunoreactivities of all the antioxidants were well detected in CA1 pyramidal neurons in the adult sham-groups; in the young sham-groups, they were distinctively low compared to those in the adult sham-group. Four days after I-R in the adult group, all the immunoreactivities in the pyramidal neurons were dramatically deceased. However, at this time after I-R in the young groups, they were dramatically increased in the pyramidal neurons. From 7 days after I-R, all the immunoreactivities in the pyramidal neurons in the young ischemia-groups were distinctively decreased. In addition, the levels of all the antioxidants in the CA1 region of the young sham-groups were lower than those in the adult sham-group. Four days after I-R in the adult groups, the levels of all the antioxidants were dramatically deceased; however, at this time in the young ischemia-groups, they were distinctively increased in the CA1 region. Seven days after I-R, all the antioxidants levels in the CA1 region were distinctively decreased. In brief, we conclude that the increased antioxidants levels were related to a less and much delayed neuronal death in the CA1 pyramidal neurons in the young group following I-R injury.

Loss of manganese superoxide dismutase leads to abnormal growth and signal transduction in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in the mitochondria plays an important role in cellular defense against oxidative damage. Homozygous MnSOD knockout (Sod2(-/-)) mice are neonatal lethal, indicating the essential role of MnSOD in early development. To investigate the potential cellular abnormalities underlying the aborted development of Sod2(-/-) mice, we examined the growth of isolated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Sod2(-/-) mice. We found that the proliferation of Sod2(-/-) MEFs was significantly decreased compared with wild-type MEFs despite the absence of morphological differences. The Sod2(-/-) MEFs produced less cellular ATP, had lower O(2) consumption, generated more superoxide, and expressed less Prdx3 protein. Furthermore, the loss of MnSOD dramatically altered several markers involved in cell proliferation and growth, including decreased growth stimulatory function of mTOR signaling and enhanced growth inhibitory function of GSK-3β signaling. Interestingly, the G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated intracellular Ca(2+) signal transduction was also severely suppressed in Sod2(-/-) MEFs. Finally, the ratio of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I, an index of autophagic activity, was increased in Sod2(-/-) MEFs, consistent with a reduction in mTOR signal transduction. These data demonstrate that MnSOD deficiency results in alterations in several key signaling pathways, which may contribute to the lethal phenotype of Sod2(-/-) mice.

Superoxide dismutase mimics: chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential

Oxidative stress has become widely viewed as an underlying condition in a number of diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion disorders, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes. Thus, natural and synthetic antioxidants have been actively sought. Superoxide dismutase is a first line of defense against oxidative stress under physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, the development of therapeutics aimed at mimicking superoxide dismutase was a natural maneuver. Metalloporphyrins, as well as Mn cyclic polyamines, Mn salen derivatives and nitroxides were all originally developed as SOD mimics. The same thermodynamic and electrostatic properties that make them potent SOD mimics may allow them to reduce other reactive species such as peroxynitrite, peroxynitrite-derived CO(3)(*-), peroxyl radical, and less efficiently H(2)O(2). By doing so SOD mimics can decrease both primary and secondary oxidative events, the latter arising from the inhibition of cellular transcriptional activity. To better judge the therapeutic potential and the advantage of one over the other type of compound, comparative studies of different classes of drugs in the same cellular and/or animal models are needed. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical properties and some in vivo effects observed with various classes of compounds with a special emphasis on porphyrin-based compounds.

The mechanisms of brain ischemic insult and potential protective interventions

The mechanisms of brain ischemic insult include glutamate excitoxicity, calcium toxicity, free radicals, nitric oxide, inflammatory reactions, as well as dysfunctions of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrion. These injury cascades are interconnected in complex ways, thus it is hard to compare their pathogenic importances in ischemia models. And the research in cellular and molecular pathways has spurred the studies in potential neuroprotections mainly in pharmacological fields, such as anti-excitotoxic treatment, calcium-channel antagonism, approaches for inhibition of oxidation, inflammation and apoptosis, etc. Besides, other protective interventions including thrombolysis, arteriogenesis, regeneration therapy, and ischemia preconditioning or postconditioning, are also under investigations. Despite the present difficulties, we are quite optimistic towards future clinical applications of neuroprotective agents, by optimizing experimental approaches and clinical trials.

Orally available Mn porphyrins with superoxide dismutase and catalase activities

Superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics, such as salen Mn complexes and certain metalloporphyrins, catalytically neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many serious diseases. Both classes of mimetic are protective in animal models of oxidative stress. However, only AEOL11207 and EUK-418, two uncharged Mn porphyrins, have been shown to be orally bioavailable. In this study, EUK-418 and several new analogs (the EUK-400 series) were synthesized and shown to exhibit superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities in vitro. Some also protected PC12 cells against staurosporine-induced cell death. All EUK-400 compounds were stable in simulated gastric fluid, and most were substantially more lipophilic than the salen Mn complexes EUK-189 and EUK-207, which lack oral activity. Pharmacokinetics studies demonstrate the presence of all EUK-400 series compounds in the plasma of rats after oral administration. These EUK-400 series compounds are potential oral therapeutic agents for cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.

Adopted cognitive tests for gerbils: validation by studying ageing and ischemia

Transient occlusion of common carotid arteries in gerbils is a simple and widely used model for assessing histological and functional consequences of transient forebrain ischemia and neuroprotective action of pharmaceuticals. In the present study we aimed to introduce additional behavioural tests as novel object recognition and food-motivated hole-board learning in order to measure attention and learning capacity in gerbils. For validating these cognitive tests the effects of ageing (4, 9 and 18 months) and those of transient forebrain ischemia induced by bilateral carotid occlusion at 9 months of age were investigated. Neuronal cell death was estimated in the hippocampus using TUNEL and caspase-3 double fluorescence labelling and confocal microscopy. Ageing within the selected range although influenced ambulatory activity, did not considerably change attention and memory functions of gerbils. As a result of transient ischemia a selective neuronal damage in CA1 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus has been observed and tested 4 days after the insult. Ischemic gerbils became hyperactive, but showed decreased attention and impaired spatial memory functions as compared to sham-operated controls. According to our results the novel object recognition paradigm and the hole-board spatial learning test could reliably be added to the battery of conventional behavioural tests applied previously in this species. The novel tests can be performed within a wide interval of adult age and provide useful additional methods for assessing ischemia-induced cognitive impairment in gerbils.

Multiple protective activities of neuroglobin in cultured neuronal cells exposed to hypoxia re-oxygenation injury

Oxidative stress is associated with the pathology of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disease. We have cloned a human neuroglobin (Nb) construct and over-expressed this protein in cultured human neuronal cells to assess whether Nb ameliorates the cellular response to experimental hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Parental cells transfected with a blank (pDEST40) vector responded to H/R injury with a significant decrease in cellular ATP at 5 and 24 h after insult. This was coupled with increases in the cytosolic Ca(2+), and the transition metals iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) within the cell body, as monitored simultaneously using X-ray fluorescence microprobe imaging. Parental cell viability decreased over the same time period with a approximately 4 to 5-fold increase in cell death (maximum approximately 25%) matched by an increase in caspase 3/7 activation (peaking at a 15-fold increase after 24 h) and condensation of beta-actin along axonal processes. Over-expression of Nb inhibited ATP loss and except for significant decreases in the sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K) and Ca(2+) contents, maintained cellular ion homeostasis after H/R insult. This resulted in increased cell viability, significantly diminished caspase activation and maintenance of the beta-actin cytoskeletal structure and receptor-mediated endocytosis. These data indicate that bolstering the cellular content of Nb inhibits neuronal cell dysfunction promoted by H/R insult through multiple protective actions including: (i) maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; (ii) inhibition of Ca(2+) influx; (iii) a reduction in cellular uptake of Fe, Cu and Zn at the expense of S, Cl and K; and (iv) an enhancement of cell viability through inhibiting necrosis and apoptosis.

Resveratrol exerts its neuroprotective effect by modulating mitochondrial dysfunctions and associated cell death during cerebral ischemia

Free radicals are known to cause secondary neuronal damage in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We investigated here the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant present in grape seed, against cerebral I/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions in hippocampus. Transient rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of brain ischemia was used to induce brain infarction. Resveratrol (10(-7) g/kg) was given twice intravenously: 15 min pre-occlusion and at the time of reperfusion (2 h post-occlusion). Resveratrol significantly restored ATP content and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory complexes in resveratrol treated group which were severely altered in MCAO group. Western blot analysis showed a marked decrease in cytochrome c release as a result of resveratrol treatment. Electrophoretic migration of hippocampal genomic DNA showed a marked decrease in DNA fragmentation after resveratrol treatment. Notably, expression of Hsp70 and metallothionein (MT) was significantly higher in MCAO group but their expression was more significant in resveratrol treated group. The status of mitochondrial glutathione (GSH), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PD) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was restored by resveratrol treatment with a significant decrease in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl and intracellular H(2)O(2) content. Resveratrol significantly improved neurological deficits assessed by different scoring methods. Also, the brain infarct volume and brain edema were significantly reduced. Histological analysis of CA1 hippocampal region revealed that resveratrol treatment diminished intercellular and pericellular edema and glial cell infiltration. The findings of this study highlight the ability of resveratrol in anatomical and functional preservation of ischemic neurovascular units and its relevance in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Benzamide protects delayed neuronal death and behavioural impairment in a mouse model of global cerebral ischemia

The present study is aimed at evaluating the functional and neuroprotective effect of benzamide, a poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor on delayed neuronal death (DND) in hippocampus CA1 region and memory impairment following global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in a mouse model. GCI was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCAo) for 20 min followed by reperfusion for 9 days. Postischemic continuous treatment with benzamide (160 mg/kg b w i.p. for 9 days) significantly reversed the GCI-induced anterograde memory impairment in passive avoidance step through and elevated plus maze tasks. The observed memory impairment in vehicle treated ischemia group was found to be well correlated with DND and downregulation of cholinergic muscarinic receptor-1 expression, which was possibly mediated by inflammation and apoptosis, as revealed from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and number of TUNEL positive neurons in hippocampus CA1 region. It is clear from the present experiment that benzamide treatment significantly decreases the iNOS expression and number of apoptotic neurons and thereby improves the neuronal survival and memory during GCI. Our present findings provide compelling evidence that multiple doses of benzamide treatment is a promising therapeutic approach for cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, which deserves further clinical evaluation.