Potentiation of 3-hydroxyglutarate neurotoxicity following induction of astrocytic iNOS in neonatal rat hippocampal cultures

The biochemical subtype is a predictor for cognitive function in glutaric aciduria type 1: a national prospective follow-up study

The aim of the study was a systematic evaluation of cognitive development in individuals with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a rare neurometabolic disorder, identified by newborn screening in Germany. This national, prospective, observational, multi-centre study includes 107 individuals with confirmed GA1 identified by newborn screening between 1999 and 2020 in Germany. Clinical status, development, and IQ were assessed using standardized tests. Impact of interventional and non-interventional parameters on cognitive outcome was evaluated. The majority of tested individuals (n = 72) showed stable IQ values with age (n = 56 with IQ test; median test age 11 years) but a significantly lower performance (median [IQR] IQ 87 [78-98]) than in general population, particularly in individuals with a biochemical high excreter phenotype (84 [75-96]) compared to the low excreter group (98 [92-105]; p = 0.0164). For all patients, IQ results were homogenous on subscale levels. Sex, clinical motor phenotype and quality of metabolic treatment had no impact on cognitive functions. Long-term neurologic outcome in GA1 involves both motor and cognitive functions. The biochemical high excreter phenotype is the major risk factor for cognitive impairment while cognitive functions do not appear to be impacted by current therapy and striatal damage. These findings implicate the necessity of new treatment concepts.

Impact of interventional and non-interventional variables on anthropometric long-term development in glutaric aciduria type 1: A national prospective multi-centre study

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is a rare neurometabolic disorder, caused by inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, mostly affecting the brain. Early identification by newborn screening (NBS) significantly improves neurologic outcome. It has remained unclear whether recommended therapy, particular low lysine diet, is safe or negatively affects anthropometric long-term outcome. This national prospective, observational, multi-centre study included 79 patients identified by NBS and investigated effects of interventional and non-interventional parameters on body weight, body length, body mass index (BMI) and head circumference as well as neurological parameters. Adherence to recommended maintenance and emergency treatment (ET) had a positive impact on neurologic outcome and allowed normal anthropometric development until adulthood. In contrast, non-adherence to ET, resulting in increased risk of dystonia, had a negative impact on body weight (mean SDS -1.07; P = .023) and body length (mean SDS -1.34; P = -.016). Consistently, longitudinal analysis showed a negative influence of severe dystonia on weight and length development over time (P < .001). Macrocephaly was more often found in female (mean SDS 0.56) than in male patients (mean SDS -0.20; P = .049), and also in individuals with high excreter phenotype (mean SDS 0.44) compared to low excreter patients (mean SDS -0.68; P = .016). In GA1, recommended long-term treatment is effective and allows for normal anthropometric long-term development up to adolescence, with gender- and excreter type-specific variations. Delayed ET and severe movement disorder result in poor anthropometric outcome.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Diabetes Mellitus: Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption, Pathophysiology, and Cognitive Impairments

There is a surge in diabetes incidence with an estimated 463 million individuals been diagnosed worldwide. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major stroke-related comorbid condition that increases the susceptibility of disabling post-stroke outcomes. Although less common, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most dramatic subtype of stroke that is associated with higher mortality, particularly in DM population. Previous studies have focused mainly on the impact of DM on ischemic stroke. Few studies have focused on impact of DM on ICH and discussed the blood-brain barrier disruption, brain edema, and hematoma formation. However, more recently, investigating the role of oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in preclinical studies involving DM-ICH animal models has gained attention. But, little is known about the correlation between neuroinflammatory processes, glial cells activation, and peripheral immune cell invasion with DM-ICH injury. DM and ICH patients experience impaired abilities in multiple cognitive domains by relatively comparable mechanisms, which could get exacerbated in the setting of comorbidities. In this review, we discuss both the pathology of DM as a comorbid condition for ICH and the potential molecular therapeutic targets for the clinical management of the ICH and its recovery.

Anandamide Reduces the Toxic Synergism Exerted by Quinolinic Acid and Glutaric Acid in Rat Brain Neuronal Cells

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates several physiological processes in the Central Nervous System, including the modulation of neuronal excitability via activation of cannabinoid receptors (CBr). Both glutaric acid (GA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) are endogenous metabolites that, under pathological conditions, recruit common toxic mechanisms. A synergistic effect between them has already been demonstrated, supporting potential implications for glutaric acidemia type I (GA I). Here we investigated the possible involvement of a cannabinoid component in the toxic model exerted by QUIN + GA in rat cortical slices and primary neuronal cell cultures. The effects of the CB1 receptor agonist anandamide (AEA), and the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597, were tested on cell viability in cortical brain slices and primary neuronal cultures exposed to QUIN, GA, or QUIN + GA. As a pre-treatment to the QUIN + GA condition, AEA prevented the loss of cell viability in both preparations. URB597 only protected in a moderate manner the cultured neuronal cells against the QUIN + GA-induced damage. The use of the CB1 receptor reverse agonist AM251 in both biological preparations prevented partially the protective effects exerted by AEA, thus suggesting a partial role of CB1 receptors in this toxic model. AEA also prevented the cell damage and apoptotic death induced by the synergic model in cell cultures. Altogether, these findings demonstrate a modulatory role of the ECS on the synergic toxic actions exerted by QUIN + GA, thus providing key information for the understanding of the pathophysiological events occurring in GA I.

Inhibition of astrocytic activity alleviates sequela in acute stages of intracerebral hemorrhage

Neurological deterioration of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mostly occurs within the first 24 hours. Together with the microglia/macrophages (MMΦ), astrocytes are important cell population responsible for many brain injuries but rarely being highlighted in acute stage of ICH. In present study, we induced rats ICH either by collagenase or autologous blood injection. Experimental groups were classified as vehicle or Ethyl-1-(4-(2,3,3-trichloroacrylamide)phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (Pyr3) treatment group (n = 9, each group). MRI assessments after ICH were used to evaluate the hematoma progression and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. The glia cells accumulations were examined by GFAP and Iba1 immunohistochemistry, respectively. Abundant astrocytes but few MMΦ were observed in hyperacute and acute ICH. Upon suppression of astrocyte activity, ICH rats exhibited decreased size of hematoma expansion, less BBB destruction, reduced astrocyte accumulation in perihematomal regions, postponed course of hemoresolution and gain better outcomes. These finding provide evidence that activated astrocytes are crucial cell populations in hyperacute and acute ICH, and their modulation may offer opportunities for novel therapy and patient management.

Toxic Synergism Between Quinolinic Acid and Glutaric Acid in Neuronal Cells Is Mediated by Oxidative Stress: Insights to a New Toxic Model

It has been shown that synergistic toxic effects of quinolinic acid (QUIN) and glutaric acid (GA), both in isolated nerve endings and in vivo conditions, suggest the contribution of these metabolites to neurodegeneration. However, this synergism still requires a detailed characterization of the mechanisms involved in cell damage during its occurrence. In this study, the effects of subtoxic concentrations of QUIN and/or GA were tested in neuronal cultures, co-cultures (neuronal cells + astrocytes), and mixed cultures (neuronal cells + astrocytes + microglia) from rat cortex and striatum. The exposure of different cortical and striatal cell cultures to QUIN + GA resulted in cell death and stimulated different markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation; changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; and depletion of endogenous antioxidants such as -SH groups and glutathione. The co-incubation of neuronal cultures with QUIN + GA plus the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist MK-801 prevented cell death but not ROS formation, whereas the antioxidant melatonin reduced both parameters. Our results demonstrated that QUIN and GA can create synergistic scenarios, inducing toxic effects on some parameters of cell viability via the stimulation of oxidative damage. Therefore, it is likely that oxidative stress may play a major causative role in the synergistic actions exerted by QUIN + GA in a variety of cell culture conditions involving the interaction of different neural types.

Oxidative Stress, Disrupted Energy Metabolism, and Altered Signaling Pathways in Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Knockout Mice: Potential Implications of Quinolinic Acid Toxicity in the Neuropathology of Glutaric Acidemia Type I

We investigated the effects of an acute intrastriatal QUIN administration on cellular redox and bioenergetics homeostasis, as well as on important signaling pathways in the striatum of wild-type (Gcdh ^+/+ , WT) and knockout mice for glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (Gcdh ^-/- ) fed a high lysine (Lys, 4.7 %) chow. QUIN increased lactate release in both Gcdh ^+/+ and Gcdh ^-/- mice and reduced the activities of complex IV and creatine kinase only in the striatum of Gcdh ^-/- mice. QUIN also induced lipid and protein oxidative damage and increased the generation of reactive nitrogen species, as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase 2, and glutathione-S-transferase in WT and Gcdh ^-/- animals. Furthermore, QUIN induced DCFH oxidation (reactive oxygen species production) and reduced GSH concentrations (antioxidant defenses) in Gcdh ^-/- . An early increase of Akt and phospho-Erk 1/2 in the cytosol and Nrf2 in the nucleus was also observed, as well as a decrease of cytosolic Keap1caused by QUIN, indicating activation of the Nrf2 pathway mediated by Akt and phospho-Erk 1/2, possibly as a compensatory protective mechanism against the ongoing QUIN-induced toxicity. Finally, QUIN increased NF-κB and diminished IκBα expression, evidencing a pro-inflammatory response. Our data show a disruption of energy and redox homeostasis associated to inflammation induced by QUIN in the striatum of Gcdh ^-/- mice submitted to a high Lys diet. Therefore, it is presumed that QUIN may possibly contribute to the pathophysiology of striatal degeneration in children with glutaric aciduria type I during inflammatory processes triggered by infections or vaccinations.

Experimental evidence that overexpression of NR2B glutamate receptor subunit is associated with brain vacuolation in adult glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice: A potential role for glutamatergic-induced excitotoxicity in GA I neuropathology

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA I) is biochemically characterized by accumulation of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids in body fluids and tissues, particularly in the brain. Affected patients show progressive cortical leukoencephalopathy and chronic degeneration of the basal ganglia whose pathogenesis is still unclear. In the present work we investigated parameters of bioenergetics and redox homeostasis in various cerebral structures (cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus) and heart of adult wild type (Gcdh(+/+)) and glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient knockout (Gcdh(-/-)) mice fed a baseline chow. Oxidative stress parameters were also measured after acute lysine overload. Finally, mRNA expression of NMDA subunits and GLT1 transporter was determined in cerebral cortex and striatum of these animals fed a baseline or high lysine (4.7%) chow. No significant alterations of bioenergetics or redox status were observed in these mice. In contrast, mRNA expression of the NR2B glutamate receptor subunit and of the GLT1 glutamate transporter was higher in cerebral cortex of Gcdh(-/-) mice. Furthermore, NR2B expression was markedly elevated in striatum of Gcdh(-/-) animals receiving chronic Lys overload. These data indicate higher susceptibility of Gcdh(-/-) mice to excitotoxic damage, implying that this pathomechanism may contribute to the cortical and striatum alterations observed in GA I patients.

A single dose of PPARγ agonist pioglitazone reduces cortical oxidative damage and microglial reaction following lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rats

Neuroprotective actions of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists have been observed in various animal models of the brain injuries. In this study we examined the effects of a single dose of pioglitazone on oxidative and inflammatory parameters as well as on neurodegeneration and the edema formation in the rat parietal cortex following traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced by the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) method. Pioglitazone was administered in a dose of 1mg/kg at 10min after the brain trauma. The animals of the control group were sham-operated and injected by vehicle. The rats were decapitated 24h after LFPI and their parietal cortices were analyzed by biochemical and histological methods. Cortical edema was evaluated in rats sacrificed 48h following TBI. Brain trauma caused statistically significant oxidative damage of lipids and proteins, an increase of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression, reactive astrocytosis, the microglia activation, neurodegeneration, and edema, but it did not influence the superoxide dismutase activity and the expressions of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the rat parietal cortex. Pioglitazone significantly decreased the cortical lipid and protein oxidative damage, increased the GSH-Px activity and reduced microglial reaction. Although a certain degree of the TBI-induced COX-2 overexpression, neurodegeneration and edema decrease was detected in pioglitazone treated rats, it was not significant. In the injured animals, cortical reactive astrocytosis was unchanged by the tested PPARγ agonist. These findings demonstrate that pioglitazone, administered only in a single dose, early following LFPI, reduced cortical oxidative damage, increased antioxidant defense and had limited anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting the need for further studies of this drug in the treatment of TBI.

Multifactorial modulation of susceptibility to l-lysine in an animal model of glutaric aciduria type I

Glutaric aciduria type I is an inherited defect in L-lysine, L-hydroxylysine and L-tryptophan degradation caused by deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH). The majority of untreated patients presents with accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites - glutaric acid (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA) - and striatal injury. Gcdh(-/-) mice display elevated levels of GA and 3-OH-GA but do not spontaneously develop striatal lesions. L-lysine-enriched diets (appr. 235 mg/d) were suggested to induce a neurological phenotype similar to affected patients. In our hands 93% of mice stressed according to the published protocol remained asymptomatic. To understand the underlying mechanism, we modified their genetic background (F1 C57BL6/Jx129/SvCrl) and increased the daily oral L-lysine supply (235-433 mg). We identified three modulating factors, (1) gender, (2) genetic background, and (3) amount of L-lysine. Male mice displayed higher vulnerability and inbreeding for more than two generations as well as elevating L-lysine supply increased the diet-induced mortality rate (up to 89%). Onset of first symptoms leads to strongly reduced intake of food and, thus, L-lysine suggesting a threshold for toxic metabolite production to induce neurological disease. GA and 3-OH-GA tissue concentrations did not correlate with dietary L-lysine supply but differed between symptomatic and asymptomatic mice. Cerebral activities of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, and aconitase were decreased. Symptomatic mice did not develop striatal lesions or intracerebral hemorrhages. We found severe spongiosis in the hippocampus of Gcdh(-/-) mice which was independent of dietary L-lysine supply. In conclusion, the L-lysine-induced pathology in Gcdh(-/-) mice depends on genetic and dietary parameters.

Early growth hormone (GH) treatment promotes relevant motor functional improvement after severe frontal cortex lesion in adult rats

A number of studies, in animals and humans, describe the positive effects of the growth hormone (GH) treatment combined with rehabilitation on brain reparation after brain injury. We examined the effect of GH treatment and rehabilitation in adult rats with severe frontal motor cortex ablation. Thirty-five male rats were trained in the paw-reaching-for-food task and the preferred forelimb was recorded. Under anesthesia, the motor cortex contralateral to the preferred forelimb was aspirated or sham-operated. Animals were then treated with GH (0.15 mg/kg/day, s.c) or vehicle during 5 days, commencing immediately or 6 days post-lesion. Rehabilitation was applied at short- and long-term after GH treatment. Behavioral data were analized by ANOVA following Bonferroni post hoc test. After sacrifice, immunohistochemical detection of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and nestin were undertaken in the brain of all groups. Animal group treated with GH immediately after the lesion, but not any other group, showed a significant improvement of the motor impairment induced by the motor lesion, and their performances in the motor test were no different from sham-operated controls. GFAP immunolabeling and nestin immunoreactivity were observed in the perilesional area in all injured animals; nestin immunoreactivity was higher in GH-treated injured rats (mainly in animals GH-treated 6 days post-lesion). GFAP immunoreactivity was similar among injured rats. Interestingly, nestin re-expression was detected in the contralateral undamaged motor cortex only in GH-treated injured rats, being higher in animals GH-treated immediately after the lesion than in animals GH-treated 6 days post-lesion. Early GH treatment induces significant recovery of the motor impairment produced by frontal cortical ablation. GH effects include increased neurogenesis for reparation (perilesional area) and for increased brain plasticity (contralateral motor area).

Disruption of brain redox homeostasis in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice treated with high dietary lysine supplementation

Deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) activity or glutaric aciduria type I (GA I) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder biochemically characterized by predominant accumulation of glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid in the brain and other tissues. Affected patients usually present acute striatum necrosis during encephalopathic crises triggered by metabolic stress situations, as well as chronic leukodystrophy and delayed myelination. Considering that the mechanisms underlying the brain injury in this disease are not yet fully established, in the present study we investigated important parameters of oxidative stress in the brain (cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus), liver and heart of 30-day-old GCDH deficient knockout (Gcdh(-/-)) and wild type (WT) mice submitted to a normal lysine (Lys) (0.9% Lys), or high Lys diets (2.8% or 4.7% Lys) for 60 h. It was observed that the dietary supplementation of 2.8% and 4.7% Lys elicited noticeable oxidative stress, as verified by an increase of malondialdehyde concentrations (lipid oxidative damage) and 2-7-dihydrodichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation (free radical production), as well as a decrease of reduced glutathione levels and alteration of various antioxidant enzyme activities (antioxidant defenses) in the cerebral cortex and the striatum, but not in the hippocampus, the liver and the heart of Gcdh(-/-) mice, as compared to WT mice receiving the same diets. Furthermore, alterations of oxidative stress parameters in the cerebral cortex and striatum were more accentuated in symptomatic, as compared to asymptomatic Gcdh(-/-) mice exposed to 4.7% Lys overload. Histopathological studies performed in the cerebral cortex and striatum of these animals exposed to high dietary Lys revealed increased expression of oxidative stress markers despite the absence of significant structural damage. The results indicate that a disruption of redox homeostasis in the cerebral cortex and striatum of young Gcdh(-/-) mice exposed to increased Lys diet may possibly represent an important pathomechanism of brain injury in GA I patients under metabolic stress.

Marked reduction of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and creatine kinase activities induced by acute lysine administration in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice

Glutaric acidemia type I (GA I) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder caused by a severe deficiency of the mitochondrial glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity leading to accumulation of predominantly glutaric (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric (3HGA) acids in the brain and other tissues. Affected patients usually present with hypotonia and brain damage and acute encephalopathic episodes whose pathophysiology is not yet fully established. In this study we investigated important parameters of cellular bioenergetics in brain, heart and skeletal muscle from 15-day-old glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice (Gcdh(-/-)) submitted to a single intra-peritoneal injection of saline (Sal) or lysine (Lys - 8 μmol/g) as compared to wild type (WT) mice. We evaluated the activities of the respiratory chain complexes II, II-III and IV, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), creatine kinase (CK) and synaptic Na(+), K(+)-ATPase. No differences of all evaluated parameters were detected in the Gcdh(-/-) relatively to the WT mice injected at baseline (Sal). Furthermore, mild increases of the activities of some respiratory chain complexes (II-III and IV) were observed in heart and skeletal muscle of Gcdh(-/-) and WT mice after Lys administration. However, the most marked effects provoked by Lys administration were marked decreases of the activities of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in brain and CK in brain and skeletal muscle of Gcdh(-/-) mice. In contrast, brain α-KGDH activity was not altered in WT and Gcdh(-/-) injected with Sal or Lys. Our results demonstrate that reduction of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and CK activities may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative changes in GA I.

Induction of oxidative stress in brain of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice by acute lysine administration

In the present work we evaluated a variety of indicators of oxidative stress in distinct brain regions (striatum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus), the liver, and heart of 30-day-old glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient (Gcdh(-/-)) mice. The parameters evaluated included thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), 2-7-dihydrodichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation, sulfhydryl content, and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations. We also measured the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Under basal conditions glutaric (GA) and 3-OH-glutaric (3OHGA) acids were elevated in all tissues of the Gcdh(-/-) mice, but were essentially absent in WT animals. In contrast there were no differences between WT and Gcdh(-/-) mice in any of the indicators or oxidative stress under basal conditions. Following a single intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of lysine (Lys) there was a moderate increase of brain GA concentration in Gcdh(-/-) mice, but no change in WT. Lys injection had no effect on brain 3OHGA in either WT or Gcdh(-/-) mice. The levels of GA and 3OHGA were approximately 40% higher in striatum compared to cerebral cortex in Lys-treated mice. In the striatum, Lys administration provoked a marked increase of lipid peroxidation, DCFH oxidation, SOD and GR activities, as well as significant reductions of GSH levels and GPx activity, with no alteration of sulfhydryl content, CAT and G6PD activities. There was also evidence of increased lipid peroxidation and SOD activity in the cerebral cortex, along with a decrease of GSH levels, but to a lesser extent than in the striatum. In the hippocampus only mild increases of SOD activity and DCFH oxidation were observed. In contrast, Lys injection had no effect on any of the parameters of oxidative stress in the liver or heart of Gcdh(-/-) or WT animals. These results indicate that in Gcdh(-/-) mice cerebral tissue, particularly the striatum, is at greater risk for oxidative stress than peripheral tissues following Lys administration.

Astrogliosis: a target for intervention in intracerebral hemorrhage?

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a debilitating neurological injury, accounting for 10-15 % of all strokes. Despite neurosurgical intervention and supportive care, the 30-day mortality rate remains ~50 %, with ICH survivors frequently displaying neurological impairments and requiring long-term assisted care. Unfortunately, the lack of medical interventions to improve clinical outcomes has led to the notion that ICH is the least treatable form of stroke. Hence, additional studies are warranted to better understand the pathophysiology of ICH. Astrogliosis is an underlying astrocytic response to a wide range of brain injuries and postulated to have both beneficial and detrimental effects. However, the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of astrogliosis remain least characterized following ICH. Herein, we review the functional roles of astrogliosis in brain injuries and raise the prospects of therapeutically targeting astrogliosis after ICH.

The unsolved puzzle of neuropathogenesis in glutaric aciduria type I

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I) is a cerebral organic aciduria caused by deficiency of glutaryl-Co-A dehydrogenase (GCDH). GCDH deficiency leads to accumulation of glutaric acid (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA), two metabolites that are believed to be neurotoxic, in brain and body fluids. The disorder usually becomes clinically manifest during a catabolic state (e.g. intercurrent illness) with an acute encephalopathic crisis that results in striatal necrosis and in a permanent dystonic-dyskinetic movement disorder. The results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have pointed to three main mechanisms involved in the metabolite-mediated neuronal damage: excitotoxicity, impairment of energy metabolism and oxidative stress. There is evidence that during a metabolic crisis GA and its metabolites are produced endogenously in the CNS and accumulate because of limiting transport mechanisms across the blood-brain barrier. Despite extensive experimental work, the relative contribution of the proposed pathogenic mechanisms remains unclear and specific therapeutic approaches have yet to be developed. Here, we review the experimental evidence and try to delineate possible pathogenetic models and approaches for future studies.

Effects of enoxaparin in the rat hippocampus following traumatic brain injury

Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low molecular weight heparin, enoxaparin, on different parameters of the hippocampal damage following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat. TBI of moderate severity was performed over the left parietal cortex using the lateral fluid percussion brain injury model. Animals were s.c. injected with either enoxaparin (1mg/kg) or vehicle 1, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37, and 43 h after the TBI induction. Sham-operated, vehicle-treated animals were used as the control group. Rats were sacrificed 48h after the induction of TBI. Hippocampi were processed for spectrophotometric measurements of the products of oxidative lipid damage, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Moreover, the Western blotting analyses of the oxidized protein levels, expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), pro- and mature-interleukin-1β (pro-, and mature-IL-1β), and active caspase-3 were performed. COX-2 expressions were also explored by using immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein immunochistochemistry was performed with the aim to assess the level of astrocytic activity. Fluoro-Jade B staining was used to identify the level and extent of hippocampal neuronal injury. TBI caused statistically significant increases of the hippocampal TBARS and oxidized protein levels as well as COX-2, pro-IL-1β, and active caspase-3 overexpressions, but it did not significantly affect the SOD and GSH-Px activities, the iNOS, and mature-IL-1β expression levels. TBI also induced hippocampal reactive astrocytosis and neurodegeneration. Enoxaparin significantly decreased the hippocampal TBARS and oxidized protein levels, COX-2 overexpression and reactive gliosis, but it did not influence the SOD and GSH-Px activities, pro-IL-1β and active caspase-3 overexpressions as well as neurodegeneration following TBI. These findings demonstrate that enoxaparin may reduce oxidative damage, inflammation and astrocytosis following TBI in the rat and could be a candidate drug for neuroprotective treatment of this injury.

Experimental evidence that phenylalanine provokes oxidative stress in hippocampus and cerebral cortex of developing rats

High levels of phenylalanine (Phe) are the biochemical hallmark of phenylketonuria (PKU), a neurometabolic disorder clinically characterized by severe mental retardation and other brain abnormalities, including cortical atrophy and microcephaly. Considering that the pathomechanisms leading to brain damage and particularly the marked cognitive impairment in this disease are poorly understood, in the present study we investigated the in vitro effect of Phe, at similar concentrations as to those found in brain of PKU patients, on important parameters of oxidative stress in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of developing rats. We found that Phe induced in vitro lipid peroxidation (increase of TBA-RS values) and protein oxidative damage (sulfhydryl oxidation) in both cerebral structures. Furthermore, these effects were probably mediated by reactive oxygen species, since the lipid oxidative damage was totally prevented by the free radical scavengers alpha-tocopherol and melatonin, but not by L-NAME, a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Accordingly, Phe did not induce nitric oxide synthesis, but significantly decreased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), the major brain antioxidant defense, in hippocampus and cerebral cortex supernatants. Phe also reduced the thiol groups of a commercial GSH solution in a cell-free medium. We also found that the major metabolites of Phe catabolism, phenylpyruvate, phenyllactate and phenylacetate also increased TBA-RS levels in cerebral cortex, but to a lesser degree. The data indicate that Phe elicits oxidative stress in the hippocampus, a structure mainly involved with learning/memory, and also in the cerebral cortex, which is severely damaged in PKU patients. It is therefore presumed that this pathomechanism may be involved at least in part in the severe cognitive deficit and in the characteristic cortical atrophy associated with dysmyelination and leukodystrophy observed in this disorder.

Biochemistry and bioenergetics of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) is a central enzyme in the catabolic pathway of L-tryptophan, L-lysine, and L-hydroxylysine which catalyses the oxidative decarboxylation of glutaryl-CoA to crotonyl-CoA and CO2. Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (GDD) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by the accumulation of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids in tissues and body fluids. Untreated patients commonly present with severe striatal degeneration during encephalopathic crises. Previous studies have highlighted primary excitotoxicity as a trigger of striatal degeneration. The aim of this PhD study was to investigate in detail tissue-specific bioenergetic and biochemical parameters of GDD in vitro, post mortem, and in Gcdh-/- mice. The major bioenergetic finding was uncompetitive inhibition of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex by glutaryl-CoA. It is suggested that a synergism of primary and secondary excitotoxic effects in concert with age-related physiological changes in the developing brain underlie acute and chronic neurodegenerative changes in GDD patients. The major biochemical findings were highly elevated cerebral concentrations of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid despite low permeability of the blood-brain barrier for these dicarboxylic acids. It can be postulated that glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids are synthesized de novo and subsequently trapped in the brain. In this light, neurological disease in GDD is not 'transported' to the brain in analogy with phenylketonuria or hepatic encephalopathy as suggested previously but is more likely to be induced by the intrinsic biochemical properties of the cerebral tissue and the blood-brain barrier.

Evidence for a synergistic action of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids disturbing rat brain energy metabolism

Glutaric acidemia type I is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a severe deficiency of the mitochondrial glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity leading to accumulation of predominantly glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids in the brain tissue of the affected patients. Considering that a toxic role was recently postulated for quinolinic acid in the neuropathology of glutaric acidemia type I, in the present work we investigated whether the combination of quinolinic acid with glutaric or 3-hydroxyglutaric acids or the mixture of glutaric plus 3-hydroxyglutaric acids could alter brain energy metabolism. The parameters evaluated in cerebral cortex from young rats were glucose utilization, lactate formation and (14)CO(2) production from labeled glucose and acetate, as well as the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. We first observed that glutaric (5 mM), 3-hydroxyglutaric (1 mM) and quinolinic acids (0.1 microM) per se did not alter these parameters. Similarly, no change of these parameters occurred when combining glutaric with quinolinic acids or 3-hydroxyglutaric with quinolinic acids. In contrast, co-incubation of glutaric plus 3-hydroxyglutaric acids increased glucose utilization, decreased (14)CO(2) generation from glucose, inhibited pyruvate dehydrogenase activity as well as total and mitochondrial creatine kinase activities. The glutaric plus 3-hydroxyglutaric acids-induced inhibitory effects on creatine kinase were prevented by the antioxidants glutathione and catalase plus superoxide dismutase, indicating the participation of reactive oxygen species. Our data indicate a synergic action of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids disturbing energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats.

Induction of oxidative stress by chronic and acute glutaric acid administration to rats

: 1. Glutaric acidemia type I (GA I) is a neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, which leads to tissue accumulation of predominantly glutaric acid (GA) and also 3-hydroxyglutaric acid to a lesser amount. Affected patients usually present progressive cortical atrophy and acute striatal degeneration attributed to the toxic accumulating metabolites.2. In the present study, we determined a number of oxidative stress parameters, namely chemiluminescence, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), glutathione (GSH) levels, and the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in various tissues from rats chronically exposed to GA or to saline (controls). High GA concentrations, similar to those found in glutaric aciduria type I, were induced in the brain by three daily subcutaneous injections of saline-buffered GA (5 micromol/g body weight) to Wistar rats of 5-22 days of life. The parameters were assessed 12 h after the last GA administration in different brain structures, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, erythrocytes, and plasma. The lipid peroxidation parameters chemiluminescence and/or TBA-RS measurements were found significantly increased in midbrain, liver, and erythrocytes of GA-injected rats. The activity of GPx was significantly reduced in midbrain and markedly increased in liver. TAR measurement was significantly reduced in midbrain and liver. Furthermore, GSH levels were reduced in liver and heart. We also investigated the acute in vivo effect of GA administration on the same oxidative stress parameters in cerebral structures and erythrocytes from 22-day-old rats. We found that TBA-RS values were significantly increased in erythrocytes, TAR levels were markedly decreased in midbrain and cerebellum, and GPx activity mildly reduced in the midbrain.3. These data showing an imbalance between antioxidant defences and oxidative damage, particularly in midbrain, liver, and erythrocytes from GA-injected rats, indicate that oxidative stress might be involved in GA toxicity and that the midbrain, where the striatum is located, is the brain structure more susceptible to GA chronic and acute exposition.

Energy metabolism is compromised in skeletal muscle of rats chronically-treated with glutaric acid

Glutaric acidemia type I (GA I) (GA I, McKusick 23167; OMIM # 231670) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (EC 1.3.99.7). Clinically, the disease is characterized by macrocephaly, hypotonia, dystonia and diskinesia. Since the pathophysiology of this disorder is not yet well established, in the present investigation we determined a number of energy metabolism parameters, namely (14)CO(2) production, the activities of the respiratory chain complexes I-IV and of creatine kinase, in tissues of rats chronically exposed to glutaric acid (GA). High tissue GA concentrations (0.6 mM in the brain, 4 mM in skeletal muscle and 6 mM in plasma) were induced by three daily subcutaneous injections of saline-buffered GA (5 micromol x g(-1) body weight) to Wistar rats from the 5th to the 21st day of life. The parameters were assessed 12 h after the last GA injection in cerebral cortex and middle brain, as well as in skeletal muscle homogenates of GA-treated rats. GA administration significantly inhibited the activities of the respiratory chain complexes I-III and II and induced a significant increase of complex IV activity in skeletal muscle of rats. Furthermore, creatine kinase activity was also inhibited by GA treatment in skeletal muscle. In contrast, these measurements were not altered by GA administration in the brain structures studied. Taken together, it was demonstrated that chronic GA administration induced an impairment of energy metabolism in rat skeletal muscle probably due to a higher tissue concentration of this organic acid that may be possibly associated to the muscle weakness occurring in glutaric acidemic patients.

Intracerebral accumulation of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids secondary to limited flux across the blood-brain barrier constitute a biochemical risk factor for neurodegeneration in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Glutaric acid (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids (3-OH-GA) are key metabolites in glutaryl co-enzyme A dehydrogenase (GCDH) deficiency and are both considered to be potential neurotoxins. As cerebral concentrations of GA and 3-OH-GA have not yet been studied systematically, we investigated the tissue-specific distribution of these organic acids and glutarylcarnitine in brain, liver, skeletal and heart muscle of Gcdh-deficient mice as well as in hepatic Gcdh-/- mice and in C57Bl/6 mice following intraperitoneal loading. Furthermore, we determined the flux of GA and 3-OH-GA across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using porcine brain microvessel endothelial cells. Concentrations of GA, 3-OH-GA and glutarylcarnitine were significantly elevated in all tissues of Gcdh-/- mice. Strikingly, cerebral concentrations of GA and 3-OH-GA were unexpectedly high, reaching similar concentrations as those found in liver. In contrast, cerebral concentrations of these organic acids remained low in hepatic Gcdh-/- mice and after intraperitoneal injection of GA and 3-OH-GA. These results suggest limited flux of GA and 3-OH-GA across the BBB, which was supported in cultured porcine brain capillary endothelial cells. In conclusion, we propose that an intracerebral de novo synthesis and subsequent trapping of GA and 3-OH-GA should be considered as a biochemical risk factor for neurodegeneration in GCDH deficiency.

Glutaric acid administration impairs energy metabolism in midbrain and skeletal muscle of young rats

A genetic mice model of glutaric acidemia type I (GAI) has recently been developed, however affected animals do not develop the striatal damage characteristic of patients with this disorder. Therefore, the initial aim of the present work was to induce high glutaric acid (GA) concentrations in rat brain similar to those found in GAI patients through subcutaneous injection of GA. High brain GA concentrations (up to 0.60 micromol/g congruent with 0.60mM) were achieved by a single subcutaneous injection of saline-buffered GA (5 micromol/g body weight) to Wistar rats of 7-22 days of life. GA brain levels were about 10-fold lower than in plasma and 5-fold lower than in skeletal and cardiac muscles, indicating that the permeability of the blood brain barrier to GA is low. We also aimed to use this model to investigate neurochemical parameters in the animals. Thus, we evaluated the effect of this model on energy metabolism parameters in midbrain, in which the striatum is localized, as well as in peripheral tissues (skeletal and cardiac muscles) of 22-day-old rats. Control rats were treated with saline in the same volumes. We verified that CO2 production from glucose was not altered in midbrain of rats treated with GA, indicating a normal functioning of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Creatine kinase activity was also not changed in midbrain, skeletal and cardiac muscles. In contrast, complex I-III activity of the respiratory chain was inhibited in midbrain (25%), while complexes I-III (25%) and II-III (15%) activities were reduced in skeletal muscle, with no alterations found in cardiac muscle. These data indicate that GA administration moderately impairs cellular energy metabolism in midbrain and skeletal muscle of young rats.

Glutaric acid moderately compromises energy metabolism in rat brain

Glutaric acidemia type I is an inherited metabolic disorder biochemically characterized by tissue accumulation of predominantly glutaric acid (GA). Affected patients present frontotemporal hypotrophy, as well as caudate and putamen injury following acute encephalopathic crises. Considering that the underlying mechanisms of basal ganglia damage in this disorder are poorly known, in the present study we tested the effects of glutaric acid (0.2-5mM) on critical enzyme activities of energy metabolism, namely the respiratory chain complexes I-IV, succinate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in midbrain of developing rats. Glutaric acid significantly inhibited creatine kinase activity (up to 26%) even at the lowest dose used in the assays (0.2mM). We also observed that CK inhibition was prevented by pre-incubation of the homogenates with reduced glutathione, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of GA was possibly mediated by oxidation of essential thiol groups of the enzyme. In addition, the activities of the respiratory chain complex I-III and of succinate dehydrogenase were also significantly inhibited by 20 and 30%, respectively, at the highest glutaric acid concentration tested (5mM). In contrast, complexes II-III and IV activities of the electron transport chain were not affected by the acid. The effect of glutaric acid on the rate of oxygen consumption in intact mitochondria from the rat cerebrum was also investigated. Glutaric acid (1mM) significantly lowered the respiratory control ratio (state III/state IV) up to 40% in the presence of the respiratory substrates glutamate/malate or succinate. Moreover, state IV respiration linked to NAD and FAD substrates was significantly increased in GA-treated mitochondria while state III was significantly diminished. The results indicate that the major metabolite accumulating in glutaric acidemia type I moderately compromises brain energy metabolism in vitro.

Bioenergetics in glutaryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: a role for glutaryl-coenzyme A

Inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase results in an accumulation of glutaryl-CoA, glutaric, and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids. If untreated, most patients suffer an acute encephalopathic crisis and, subsequently, acute striatal damage being precipitated by febrile infectious diseases during a vulnerable period of brain development (age 3 and 36 months). It has been suggested before that some of these organic acids may induce excitotoxic cell damage, however, the relevance of bioenergetic impairment is not yet understood. The major aim of our study was to investigate respiratory chain, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation in this disease using purified single enzymes and tissue homogenates from Gcdh-deficient and wild-type mice. In purified enzymes, glutaryl-CoA but not glutaric or 3-hydroxyglutaric induced an uncompetitive inhibition of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activity. Notably, reduced activity of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity has recently been demonstrated in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases. In contrast to alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, no direct inhibition of glutaryl-CoA, glutaric acid, and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid was found in other enzymes tested. In Gcdh-deficient mice, respiratory chain and tricarboxylic acid activities remained widely unaffected, virtually excluding regulatory changes in these enzymes. However, hepatic activity of very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase was decreased and concentrations of long-chain acylcarnitines increased in the bile of these mice, which suggested disturbed oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that bioenergetic impairment may play an important role in the pathomechanisms underlying neurodegenerative changes in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.

Promotion of oxidative stress by 3-hydroxyglutaric acid in rat striatum

The pathophysiology of the striatum degeneration characteristic of patients affected by the inherited neurometabolic disorder glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (GDD), also known as glutaric aciduria type I, is still in debate. We have previously reported that 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OH-GA) considered the main neurotoxin in this disorder, induces oxidative stress in rat cerebral cotex. In the present work, we extended these studies by investigating the in vitro effect of 3-OH-GA, at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 mmol/L on the brain antioxidant defences by measuring total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and on the production of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde in striatum homogenates from young rats. We observed that TRAP, TAR and GSH levels were markedly reduced (by up to 50%) when striatum homogenates were treated with 3-OH-GA. In contrast, H(2)O(2) (up to 44%), NO (up to 95%) and malondialdehyde levels (up to 28%) were significantly increased by 3-OH-GA. These data indicate that total nonenzymatic antioxidant defences (TRAP) and the tissue capacity to handle an increase of reactive species (TAR) were reduced by 3-OH-GA in the striatum. Furthermore, the results also reflect an increase of lipid peroxidation, probably secondary to 3-OH-GA-induced free radical production. Thus, it may be presumed that oxidative stress is involved in the neuropathology in GDD.

3-Hydroxyglutaric acid moderately impairs energy metabolism in brain of young rats

3-Hydroxyglutaric acid (3HGA) accumulates in the inherited neurometabolic disorder known as glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The disease is clinically characterized by severe neurological symptoms, frontotemporal atrophy and striatum degeneration. Because of the pathophysiology of the brain damage in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is not completed clear, we investigated the in vitro effect of 3HGA (0.01-5.0mM) on critical enzyme activities of energy metabolism, including the respiratory chain complexes I-V, creatine kinase isoforms and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in cerebral cortex and striatum from 30-day-old rats. Complex II activity was also studied in rat C6-glioma cells exposed to 3HGA. The effect of 3HGA was further investigated on the rate of oxygen consumption in mitochondria from rat cerebrum. We observed that 1.0mM 3HGA significantly inhibited complex II in cerebral cortex and C6 cells but not the other activities of the respiratory chain complexes. Creatine kinase isoforms and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase were also not affected by the acid. Furthermore, no inhibition of complex II activity occurred when mitochondrial preparations from cerebral cortex or striatum homogenates were used. In addition, 3HGA significantly lowered the respiratory control ratio in the presence of glutamate/malate and succinate under stressful conditions or when mitochondria were permeabilized with digitonin. Since 3HGA stimulated oxygen consumption in state IV and compromised ATP formation, it can be presumed that this organic acid might act as an endogenous uncoupler of mitochondria respiration. Finally, we observed that 3HGA changed C6 cell morphology from a round flat to a spindle-differentiated shape, but did not alter cell viability neither induced apoptosis. The data provide evidence that 3HGA provokes a moderate impairment of brain energy metabolism and do not support the view that 3HGA-induced energy failure would solely explain the characteristic brain degeneration observed in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency patients.

Glutaric acid stimulates glutamate binding and astrocytic uptake and inhibits vesicular glutamate uptake in forebrain from young rats

Glutaric acidemia type I (GA I) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder caused by glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, which leads to accumulation in body fluids and in brain of predominantly glutaric acid (GA), and to a lesser extent of 3-hydroxyglutaric and glutaconic acids. Neurological presentation is common in patients with GA I. Although the mechanisms underlying brain damage in this disorder are not yet well established, there is growing evidence that excitotoxicity may play a central role in the neuropathogenesis of this disease. In the present study, preparations of synaptosomes, synaptic plasma membranes and synaptic vesicles, as well as cultured astrocytes from rat forebrain were exposed to various concentrations of GA for the determination of the basal and potassium-induced release of [(3)H]glutamate by synaptosomes, Na(+)-independent glutamate binding to synaptic membranes and vesicular glutamate uptake and Na(+)-dependent glutamate uptake into astrocytes, respectively. GA (1-100 nM) significantly stimulated [(3)H]glutamate binding to brain plasma membranes (40-70%) in the absence of extracellular Na(+) concentrations, reflecting glutamate binding to receptors. Furthermore, this stimulatory effect was totally abolished by the metabotropic glutamate ligands DHPG, DCG-IV and l-AP4, attenuated by the ionotropic non-NMDA glutamate receptor agonist AMPA and had no interference of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. Moreover, [(3)H]glutamate uptake into synaptic vesicles was inhibited by approximately 50% by 10 and 100 nM GA and Na(+)-dependent [(3)H]glutamate uptake by astrocytes was significantly increased (up to 50%) in a dose-dependent manner (maximal stimulation at 100 microM GA). In contrast, synaptosomal glutamate release was not affected by the acid at concentrations as high as 1 mM. These results indicate that the inhibition of glutamate uptake into synaptic vesicles by low concentrations GA may result in elevated concentrations of the excitatory neurotransmitter in the cytosol and the stimulatory effect of this organic acid on glutamate binding may potentially cause excitotoxicity to neural cells. Finally, taken together these results and previous findings showing that GA markedly decreases synaptosomal glutamate uptake, it is possible that the stimulatory effect of GA on astrocyte glutamate uptake might indicate that astrocytes may protect neurons from excitotoxic damage caused by GA by increasing glutamate uptake and therefore reducing the concentration of this excitatory neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft.

Evidence that 3-hydroxyglutaric acid interacts with NMDA receptors in synaptic plasma membranes from cerebral cortex of young rats

Neurological symptoms are common in patients with glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I). Although the pathophysiology of this disorder is not yet fully established, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-HGA), which accumulates in affected patients, has recently been demonstrated to be excitotoxic to embryonic chick and neonatal rat neurons probably via NMDA glutamate receptors. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects of 3-HGA on the [(3)H]glutamate and [(3)H]MK-801 (dizocilpine) binding to rat synaptic plasma membranes from cerebral cortex of young rats in order to elucidate the interactions of 3-HGA with glutamate receptors and its possible contribution to the in vitro excitotoxic properties of 3-HGA. 3-HGA (10-100 microM) significantly decreased Na(+)-dependent (up to 62%) and Na(+)-independent (up to 30%) [(3)H]glutamate binding to synaptic membranes, reflecting a possible competition between glutamate and 3-HGA for the glutamate transporter and receptor sites, respectively. Since a decrease in Na(+)-independent glutamate binding might represent an interaction of 3-HGA with glutamate receptors, we next investigated whether 3-HGA interacts with NMDA receptors by adding NMDA alone or combined with 3-HGA and measuring Na(+)-independent [(3)H]glutamate binding to synaptic membranes (binding to receptors). We verified that 3-HGA and NMDA, at 10 and 100 microM concentrations, decreased glutamate binding by up to 20 and 45%, respectively, and that the simultaneous addition of both substances did not provoke an additive effect, implying that they bind to NMDA receptors at the same site. Furthermore, the binding of the NMDA-channel blocker [(3)H ]MK-801 was significantly increased (approximately 32-40%) by 10 and 100 microM 3-HGA, implying that 3-HGA was able to open the NMDA channel allowing MK-801 binding, which is a characteristic of NMDA agonists. On the other hand, glutamate had a much higher stimulatory effect on this binding (180% increase), reflecting its strong NMDA agonist property. Furthermore, the simultaneous addition of 3-HGA and glutamate provoked an additive stimulatory effect on [(3)H]MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor. These data indicate that, relatively to glutamate, 3-HGA is a weak agonist of NMDA receptors. Finally, we demonstrated that 3-HGA provoked a significant increase of extracellular calcium uptake by cerebral cortex slices, strengthening therefore, the view that 3-HGA activates NMDA receptors. The present study therefore, demonstrates at the molecular level that 3-HGA modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission and may explain previous findings relating the neurotoxic actions of this organic acid with excitotoxicity.

Pathomechanisms of neurodegeneration in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is an inherited organic aciduria with predominantly neurological presentation. Biochemically, it is characterized by an accumulation and enhanced urinary excretion of two key organic acids, glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. If untreated, acute striatal degeneration is often precipitated by febrile illnesses during a vulnerable period of brain development in infancy or early childhood, resulting in a dystonic dyskinetic movement disorder. The mechanism underlying these acute encephalopathic crises has been partially elucidated using in vitro and in vivo models. 3-Hydroxyglutaric and glutaric acids share structural similarities with the main excitatory amino acid glutamate and are considered to play an important role in the pathophysiology of this disease. 3-Hydroxyglutaric acid induces excitotoxic cell damage specifically via activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Furthermore, glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids indirectly modulate glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, resulting in an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. It also has been suggested that secondary amplification loops potentiate the neurotoxic properties of these organic acids. Probable mechanisms for this effect include cytokine-stimulated nitric oxide production, a decrease in energy metabolism, and reduction of cellular creatine phosphate levels. Finally, maturation-dependent changes in the expression of neuronal glutamate receptors may affect the vulnerability to 3-hydroxyglutaric and glutaric acid toxicity.

3-hydroxyglutaric acid enhances glutamate uptake into astrocytes from cerebral cortex of young rats

A predominantly neurological presentation is common in patients with glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I). 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA), which accumulates in affected patients, has recently been demonstrated to play a central role in the neuropathogenesis of this disease. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects of 3-OHGA at concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 microM on various parameters of the glutamatergic system, such as the basal and potassium-induced release of [3H]glutamate by synaptosomes, as well as on Na+-dependent [3H]glutamate uptake by synaptosomes and astrocytes and Na+-independent [3H]glutamate uptake by synaptic vesicles from cerebral cortex of 30-day-old Wistar rats. First, we observed that exposure of cultured astrocytes to 3-OHGA for 20 h did not reduce their viability. Furthermore, 3-OHGA significantly increased Na+-dependent [3H]glutamate uptake by astrocytes by up to 80% in a dose-dependent manner at doses as low as 30 microM. This effect was not dependent on the presence of the metabolite during the uptake assay, since it occurred even when 3-OHGA was withdrawn from the medium after cultured cells had been exposed to the acid for approximately 1 h. All other parameters investigated were not influenced by this organic acid, indicating a selective action of 3-OHGA on astrocyte transporters. Although the exact mechanisms involved in 3-OHGA-stimulatory effect on astrocyte glutamate uptake are unknown, the present findings contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of GA-I, suggesting that astrocytes may protect neurons against excitotoxic damage caused by 3-OHGA by increasing glutamate uptake and therefore reducing the concentration of this excitatory neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft.

The role of oxidative damage in the neuropathology of organic acidurias: insights from animal studies

Organic acidurias represent a group of inherited disorders resulting from deficient activity of specific enzymes of the catabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates or lipids, leading to tissue accumulation of one or more carboxylic (organic) acids. Patients affected by organic acidurias predominantly present neurological symptoms and structural brain abnormalities, of which the aetiopathogenesis is poorly understood. However, in recent years increasing evidence has emerged suggesting that oxidative stress is possibly involved in the pathology of some organic acidurias and other inborn errors of metabolism. This review addresses some of the recent developments obtained mainly from animal studies indicating oxidative damage as an important determinant of the neuropathophysiology of some organic acidurias. Recent data showing that various organic acids are capable of inducing free radical generation and decreasing brain antioxidant defences is presented. The discussion focuses on the relatively low antioxidant defences of the brain and the vulnerability of this tissue to reactive species. This offers new perspectives for potential therapeutic strategies for these disorders, which may include the early use of appropriate antioxidants as a novel adjuvant therapy, besides the usual treatment based on removing toxic compounds and using special diets and pharmacological agents, such as cofactors and L-carnitine.

On the neurotoxicity of glutaric, 3-hydroxyglutaric, andtrans-glutaconic acids in glutaric acidemia type 1

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is an autosomal recessively inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Accumulating metabolites, 3-hydroxyglutaric (3-OH-GA), glutaric (GA), and trans-glutaconic (TG) acids, have been proposed to be involved in the development of the striatal degeneration seen in children with GA1 via an excitotoxic mechanism. We have studied the extent to which 3-OH-GA, GA, and TG are neurotoxic and whether neurotoxicity is caused by an excitotoxic mechanism in which 3-OH-GA, GA, or TG overactivates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In cultured mouse neocortical neurons, all three compounds were weakly neurotoxic, possibly through activation of NMDA receptors. However, further studies in the rat cortical wedge preparation and with NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes could not confirm an interaction of the compounds with NMDA receptors. It is concluded that the metabolites 3-OH-GA, GA, and TG are only weak neurotoxins and that the neurodegenerative cascade destroying the striatum in patients with GA1 involves mainly mechanisms other than excitoxicity.

Vascular dysfunction as an additional pathomechanism in glutaric aciduria type I

The metabolic hallmark of glutaric aciduria type I (GA I) is the deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) with subsequent accumulation of glutaric acid, 3-hydroxglutaric acid (3-OH-GA) and glutaconic acid. Current concepts regarding pathomechanisms of GA I focus on investigations of excitotoxic effects of 3-OH-GA. To identify pathogenetically relevant genes, microarray analyses were performed using brain material from GCDH-deficient (GCDH (-/-)) and control mice. These microarray data confirmed recent pathogenic models, but also revealed alterations in genes that had previously not been correlated to the disease, e.g. genes concerning vascular biology. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed direct effects of 3-OH-GA on vascular permeability and endothelial integrity. Clinical observations underscore the involvement of vascular dysfunction. In MRI scans of GA I patients, subdural effusions as well as dilated transarachnoid vascular plexuses were detected independently of encephalopathic crises. In fact, some of these findings are already detectable shortly after birth. MRI scans of a GA I patient performed during an acute encephalopathic crisis detected a dilated intrastriatal vasculature with perivascular hyperintensity, indicating local extravasation. In conclusion, we hypothesize that 3-OH-GA affects prenatal development of vessels, thus leading to an increased vulnerability of endothelial structures and subsequent vascular dysfunction. These observations display an additional pathomechanism in GA I and might explain frontotemporal hypoplasia and chronic subdural effusions in this disease. Elucidation of the pathomechanisms of vascular dysfunction may give further insights into the pathogenesis of GA I.

Excitotoxicity and bioenergetics in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is an inherited organic acid disorder with predominantly neurological presentation. The biochemical hallmark of this disease is an accumulation and enhanced urinary excretion of two key organic acids, glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. If untreated, acute striatal damage is often precipitated by febrile illnesses during a vulnerable period of brain development in infancy or early childhood, resulting in a dystonic dyskinetic movement disorder. 3-hydroxyglutaric and glutaric acids are structurally similar to glutamate, the main excitatory amino acid of the human brain, and are considered to play an important role in the pathophysiology of this disease. 3-hydroxyglutaric acid induces excitotoxic cell damage specifically via activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. It has also been suggested that secondary amplification loops potentiate the neurotoxic properties of these organic acids. Probable mechanisms for this effect include cytokine-stimulated NO production, a decrease in energy metabolism, and reduction of cellular creatine phosphate levels. Finally, maturation-dependent changes in the expression of neuronal glutamate receptors may affect the vulnerability of the immature brain to excitotoxic cell damage in this disease.

Induction of oxidative stress by L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid in rat brain

L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid (LGA) is the biochemical hallmark of L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-OHGA), an inherited neurometabolic disorder characterized by progressive neurodegeneration with cerebellar and pyramidal signs, mental deterioration, epilepsy, and subcortical leukoencephalopathy. Because the underlying mechanisms of the neuropathology of this disorder are virtually unknown, in this study we tested the in vitro effect of LGA on various parameters of oxidative stress, namely, chemiluminescence, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), protein carbonyl formation (PCF), total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of 30-day-old rats. LGA significantly increased chemiluminescence, TBA-RS, and PCF measurements and markedly decreased TAR values in cerebellum, in contrast to TRAP and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, which were not altered by the acid. Similar but less pronounced effects were provoked by LGA in cerebral cortex. Moreover, the LGA-induced increase of TBA-RS was significantly attenuated by melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) and by the combinations of ascorbic acid plus Trolox (soluble alpha-tocopherol) and of superoxide dismutase plus catalase but not by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), creatine, or superoxide dismutase or catalase alone in either cerebral structure. The data indicate that LGA provokes oxidation of lipids and proteins and reduces the brain capacity to modulate efficiently the damage associated with an enhanced production of free radicals, possibly by inducing generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which are trapped by the scavengers used. Thus, in case these findings can be extrapolated to human L-OHGA, it may be presumed that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of the brain damage observed in this disorder.

Type I glutaric aciduria, part 2: a model of acute striatal necrosis

Type I glutaric aciduria (GA1) is an inborn error of organic acid metabolism that is associated with acute neurological crises, typically precipitated by an infectious illness. The neurological crisis coincides with swelling, metabolic depression, and necrosis of basal ganglia gray matter, especially the putamina and can be visualized as focal, stroke-like, signal hyperintensity on MRI. Here we focus on the stroke-like nature of striatal necrosis and its similarity to brain injury that occurs in infants after hypoxia-ischemia or systemic intoxication with 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA). These conditions share several features including abrupt onset, preferential effect in the striatum and age-specific susceptibility. The pathophysiology of the conditions is reviewed and a model proposed herein. We encourage investigators to test this model in an appropriate experimental system.

3-Hydroxyglutaric acid induces oxidative stress and decreases the antioxidant defenses in cerebral cortex of young rats

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (GDD) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder biochemically characterized by tissue accumulation of glutaric, 3-hydroxyglutaric (3-OHGA) and glutaconic acids and clinically by severe neurological symptoms and cerebral atrophy whose pathophysiology is poorly known. In the present study we investigated the effect of 3-OHGA, considered the main neurotoxin in GDD, on the lipoperoxidation parameters chemiluminescence and thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBA-RS), and on the amount of nitric oxide metabolites in cerebral cortex of young rats. Total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), which reflects the tissue antioxidant defenses, was also examined. We observed that 3-OHGA significantly increased chemiluminescence, TBA-RS and nitric oxide metabolites, in contrast to TRAP, which was decreased by the metabolite. The data indicate a stimulation of lipid peroxidation and free radical production, and a reduction of the tissue antioxidant defenses caused by the metabolite. In case these findings also occur in the human condition, it may be presumed that oxidative stress is involved in the brain damage observed in GDD.

Ca(2+) and Na(+) dependence of 3-hydroxyglutarate-induced excitotoxicity in primary neuronal cultures from chick embryo telencephalons

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (also known as glutaric aciduria type I) is an autosomal, recessively inherited neurometabolic disorder with a distinct neuropathology characterized by acute encephalopathy during a vulnerable period of brain development. Neuronal damage in this disease was demonstrated to involve N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotoxicity of the endogenously accumulating metabolite 3-hydroxyglutarate (3-OH-GA). However, it remained unclear whether NMDA receptors are directly or indirectly activated and whether 3-OH-GA disturbs the intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis. Here we report that 3-OH-GA activated recombinant NMDA receptors (e.g. NR1/NR2A) but not recombinant alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors (e.g. GluR-A/GluR-B) in HEK293 cells. Fluorescence microscopy using fura-2 as Ca(2+) indicator revealed that 3-OH-GA increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in the presence of extracellular Ca(2+) in cultured chick neurons. Similar to glutamate-induced cell damage, 3-OH-GA neurotoxicity was modulated by extracellular Na(+). The large cation N-methyl-D-glucamine, which does not permeate NMDA receptor channels, enhanced 3-OH-GA-induced Ca(2+) increase and cell damage. In contrast, 3-OH-GA-induced neurotoxicity was reduced after replacement of Na(+) by Li(+), which permeates NMDA channels but does not affect the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in the plasma membrane. Spectrophotometric analysis of respiratory chain complexes I-V in submitochondrial particles from bovine heart revealed only a weak inhibition of 3-OH-GA on complex V at the highest concentration tested (10 mM). In conclusion, the present study revealed that NMDA receptor activation and subsequent disturbance of Ca(2+) homeostasis contribute to 3-OH-GA-induced cell damage.

Increase in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity by activated astrocytes involves stimulation of protein kinase C

Activation of astrocytes is a common feature of neurological disorders, but the importance of this phenomenon for neuronal outcome is not fully understood. Treatment of mixed hippocampal cultures of neurones and astrocytes from day 2-4 in vitro (DIV 2-4) with 1 micro m cytosine arabinofuranoside (AraC) caused an activation of astrocytes as detected by a stellate morphology and a 10-fold increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) level compared with vehicle-treated cultures. After DIV 12, we determined 43% and 97% damaged neurones 18 h after the exposure to glutamate (1 mm, 1 h) in cultures treated with vehicle and AraC, respectively. Dose-response curves were different with a higher sensitivity to glutamate in cultures treated with AraC (EC50 = 0.01 mm) than with vehicle (EC50 = 0.12 mm). The susceptibility of neurones to 1 mm glutamate did not correlate with the percentage of astrocytes and was insensitive to an inhibition of glutamate uptake. In cultures treated with vehicle and AraC, glutamate-induced neurotoxicity was mediated through stimulation of the NR1-NR2B subtype of NMDA receptors, because it was blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the NR1-NR2B selective receptor antagonist ifenprodil. Protein levels of the NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor were similar in cultures treated with vehicle or AraC. AraC-induced changes in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity were mimicked by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), whereas neuronal susceptibility to glutamate was reduced in cultures depleted of PKC and treated with AraC suggesting that the increase in glutamate toxicity by activated astrocytes involves activation of PKC.

NMDA receptor activation and respiratory chain complex V inhibition contribute to neurodegeneration in d-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria

The inherited neurometabolic disease d-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria is complicated by progressive neurodegeneration of vulnerable brain regions during infancy and early childhood, frequently presenting with hypotonia, epilepsy and psychomotor retardation. Here, we report that the pathogenetic role of the endogenously accumulating metabolite d-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2), which is structurally similar to the excitatory amino acid glutamate, is mediated by at least three mechanisms. (i) D-2-induced excitotoxic cell damage in primary neuronal cultures from chick and rat involved N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Indeed, D-2 activated recombinant NMDA receptors (NR1/NR2A, NR1/NR2B) but not recombinant alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole (AMPA) receptors in HEK293 cells. (ii) Fluorescence microscopy using fura-2 as a calcium indicator and the oxidant-sensitive dye dihydrorhodamine-123 revealed that D-2 disturbed intracellular calcium homeostasis and elicited the generation of reactive oxygen species. (iii) D-2 reduced complex V (ATP synthase) activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, reflecting an impaired energy metabolism due to inhibition of ATP synthesis but without affecting the electron-transferring complexes I-IV. Thus, D-2 stimulates neurodegeneration by mechanisms well-known for glutamate, NMDA or mitochondrial toxins. In conclusion, excitotoxicity contributes to the neuropathology of d-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, highlighting new neuroprotective strategies.

Chronic treatment with glutaric acid induces partial tolerance to excitotoxicity in neuronal cultures from chick embryo telencephalons

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (GDD) is characterized biochemically by an accumulation of glutaric (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric (3-OH-GA) acids and clinically by the development of acute striatal degeneration. 3-OH-GA was recently shown to induce neuronal damage via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The pathogenetic role of GA, however, remains unclear. We demonstrate that GA exerts a dual action in cultured chick embryo neurons. Short-term incubation with millimolar concentrations of GA induces a weak neuronal damage, adding to 3-OH-GA neurotoxicity. In contrast, chronic treatment with subtoxic, micromolar concentrations of GA results in partial tolerance to 3-OH-GA- and NMDA-induced cell damage. A downregulation of NMDA receptors, in particular of the NR2B subunit, is critically involved in this GA-induced effect, resulting in a reduced Ca(2+) increase and generation of reactive oxygen species after acute exposure to NMDA or 3-OH-GA. Furthermore, GA decreases Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, which is prevented by glutathione, suggesting a modulation of NMDA receptor function via resting membrane potential and Na(+)-dependent glutamate transport. In contrast, GA does not inhibit mitochondrial respiratory chain and beta-oxidation of fatty acids, virtually excluding an activation of NMDA receptors secondary to ATP depletion. These results strongly suggest that GA modulates the NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity of 3-OH-GA, providing an explanatory basis for the non-linear relationship between organic acid concentrations and disease progression in GDD patients. Furthermore, GA-induced downregulation of NMDA receptors might be involved in the delayed cerebral maturation of GDD patients, resulting in frontotemporal atrophy and a reduced opercularization, which are common neuroradiological findings in GDD patients.

Outcome of the first 3-years of a DNA-based neonatal screening program for glutaric acidemia type 1 in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, Canada

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is overrepresented in the aboriginal population of Island Lake, Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario who speak the Ojibway-Cree (Oji-Cree) dialect. The carrier frequency in these communities has been predicted to be as high as 1 in 10 individuals. Prior to beginning newborn screening for GA1 in May 1998, 18 of 20 affected patients diagnosed at this center have been from these high-risk communities. Most have followed an acute encephalopathic course with permanent neurologic sequelae and high mortality. They excrete small amounts of glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid and have significant residual enzyme activity. A single homozygous mutation in glutaryl-CoA-dehydrogenase (GCDH IVS-1 + 5g right arrow t) has been identified in this population. DNA-based newborn screening targeted to our high-risk communities was begun in order to provide presymptomatic detection and treatment of affected patients. Of the first 1176 newborns screened, 4 affected infants were identified and treated with a low-protein diet, carnitine, and riboflavin. All 4 infants have required numerous hospitalizations for treatment of intercurrent illnesses. Eventually, 3 infants presented with acute dystonic encephalopathy and seizures along with permanent neurological sequelae. One of these infants died unexpectedly at home at 18 months of age. The fourth, now 9 months old, has had a gastrostomy tube placed to facilitate fluid replacement in addition to a standard treatment protocol and is doing well. The reasons for our initial disappointing outcomes in the first 3 of 4 affected babies are likely multiple. Based on our early experience and that of other centers screening newborns for GA1, current therapeutic strategies may be insufficient in preventing the occurrence of neurologic sequelae in some children. An incomplete understanding of the neurotoxic mechanisms underlying this devastating disorder hampers effective management.

Intrastriatal administration of 3-hydroxyglutaric acid induces convulsions and striatal lesions in rats

Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is an inherited neurometabolic disease complicated by precipitation of acute encephalopathic crises during a vulnerable period of brain development. These crises result in bilateral striatal damage and subsequently a dystonic dyskinetic movement disorder. In previous in vitro studies neuronal damage in this disease has been linked to an excitotoxic mechanism mediated in particular by one of the accumulating metabolites, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. However, nothing is known about the in vivo effects of this organic acid. In the present study, we used a stereotaxic intrastriatal injection technique to investigate the behavioral and neurotoxic effects of 3-hydroxyglutaric acid exposure in rats. Here, we report that 3-hydroxyglutaric acid induced an increase in convulsion frequency and duration as determined by open field measurement. Nissl-stained coronal sections from treated rats revealed a pale lesion in the striatum following 3-hydroxyglutaric acid exposure. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade by MK-801 and stimulation of GABA(A) receptors by muscimol prevented the induction of convulsions and striatal damage by 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, whereas blockade of non-NMDA receptors by 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) was not protective. We conclude that 3-hydroxyglutaric acid induces convulsions and striatal damage via initiation of an imbalance in the excitatory glutamatergic and the inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission, resulting in an enhanced excitatory input in striatal neurons. These results support the hypothesis of NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxic cell damage in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and represent the basis for the development of new neuroprotective treatment strategies.