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Katariya RA, Sammeta SS, Kale MB, Kotagale NR, Umekar MJ, Taksande BG. Agmatine as a novel intervention for Alzheimer's disease: Pathological insights and cognitive benefits. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102269. [PMID: 38479477 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and a significant societal burden. Despite extensive research and efforts of the multidisciplinary scientific community, to date, there is no cure for this debilitating disease. Moreover, the existing pharmacotherapy for AD only provides symptomatic support and does not modify the course of the illness or halt the disease progression. This is a significant limitation as the underlying pathology of the disease continues to progress leading to the deterioration of cognitive functions over time. In this milieu, there is a growing need for the development of new and more efficacious treatments for AD. Agmatine, a naturally occurring molecule derived from L-arginine, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for AD. Besides this, agmatine has been shown to modulate amyloid beta (Aβ) production, aggregation, and clearance, key processes implicated in AD pathogenesis. It also exerts neuroprotective effects, modulates neurotransmitter systems, enhances synaptic plasticity, and stimulates neurogenesis. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies have provided evidence supporting the cognition-enhancing effects of agmatine in AD. Therefore, this review article explores the promising role of agmatine in AD pathology and cognitive function. However, several limitations and challenges exist, including the need for large-scale clinical trials, optimal dosing, and treatment duration. Future research should focus on mechanistic investigations, biomarker studies, and personalized medicine approaches to fully understand and optimize the therapeutic potential of agmatine. Augmenting the use of agmatine may offer a novel approach to address the unmet medical need in AD and provide cognitive enhancement and disease modification for individuals affected by this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj A Katariya
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Shivkumar S Sammeta
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Mayur B Kale
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Nandkishor R Kotagale
- Government College of Pharmacy, Kathora Naka, VMV Road, Amravati, Maharashtra 444604, India
| | - Milind J Umekar
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Brijesh G Taksande
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
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2
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Chronic agmatine treatment prevents olanzapine-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation in female rats. Brain Res Bull 2022; 191:69-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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3
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Wiśniewska A, Stachowicz A, Kuś K, Ulatowska-Białas M, Totoń-Żurańska J, Kiepura A, Stachyra K, Suski M, Gajda M, Jawień J, Olszanecki R. Inhibition of Atherosclerosis and Liver Steatosis by Agmatine in Western Diet-Fed apoE-Knockout Mice Is Associated with Decrease in Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis and Reduction in Plasma Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910688. [PMID: 34639029 PMCID: PMC8509476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and NAFLD are the leading causes of death worldwide. The hallmark of NAFLD is triglyceride accumulation caused by an imbalance between lipogenesis de novo and fatty acid oxidation. Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of arginine, exerts a protective effect on mitochondria and can modulate fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, we investigate the influence of agmatine on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and the development of hepatic steatosis in apoE−/− mice fed with a Western high-fat diet, with a particular focus on its effects on the DNL pathway in the liver. We have proved that treatment of agmatine inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis and attenuates hepatic steatosis in apoE−/− mice on a Western diet. Such effects are associated with decreased total macrophage content in atherosclerotic plaque as well as a decrease in the TG levels and the TG/HDL ratio in plasma. Agmatine also reduced TG accumulation in the liver and decreased the expression of hepatic genes and proteins involved in lipogenesis de novo such as SREBP-1c, FASN and SCD1. In conclusion, agmatine may present therapeutic potential for the treatment of atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. However, an exact understanding of the mechanisms of the advantageous actions of agmatine requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wiśniewska
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Aneta Stachowicz
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuś
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | | | - Justyna Totoń-Żurańska
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Anna Kiepura
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Kamila Stachyra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Maciej Suski
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Mariusz Gajda
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Jacek Jawień
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Rafał Olszanecki
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-421-1168
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Barua S, Sim AY, Kim JY, Shin I, Lee JE. Maintenance of the Neuroprotective Function of the Amino Group Blocked Fluorescence-Agmatine. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1933-1940. [PMID: 33914233 PMCID: PMC8254702 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03319-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous derivative of arginine, has been found to be effective in treating idiopathic pain, convulsion, stress-mediated behavior, and attenuate the withdrawal symptoms of drugs like morphine. In the early stages of ischemic brain injury in animals, exogenous agmatine treatment was found to be neuroprotective. Agmatine is also considered as a putative neurotransmitter and is still an experimental drug. Chemically, agmatine is called agmatine 1-(4-aminobutyl guanidine). Crystallographic study data show that positively-charged guanidine can bind to the protein containing Gly and Asp residues, and the amino group can interact with the complimentary sites of Glu and Ser. In this study, we blocked the amino end of the agmatine by conjugating it with FITC, but the guanidine end was unchanged. We compared the neuroprotective function of the agmatine and agmatine-FITC by treating them in neurons after excitotoxic stimulation. We found that even the amino end blocked neuronal viability in the excitotoxic condition, by NMDA treatment for 1 h, was increased by agmatine-FITC, which was similar to that of agmatine. We also found that the agmatine-FITC treatment reduced the expression of nitric oxide production in NMDA-treated cells. This study suggests that even if the amino end of agmatine is blocked, it can perform its neuroprotective function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Barua
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 Korea
| | - A Young Sim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 Korea
- BK21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Korea
| | - Jong Youl Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 Korea
| | - Injae Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722 Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722 Korea
- BK21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Korea
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Chitrakar I, Ahmed SF, Torelli AT, French JB. Structure of the E. coli agmatinase, SPEB. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248991. [PMID: 33857156 PMCID: PMC8049259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Agmatine amidinohydrolase, or agmatinase, catalyzes the conversion of agmatine to putrescine and urea. This enzyme is found broadly across kingdoms of life and plays a critical role in polyamine biosynthesis and the regulation of agmatine concentrations. Here we describe the high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the E. coli agmatinase, SPEB. The data showed a relatively high degree of pseudomerohedral twinning, was ultimately indexed in the P31 space group and led to a final model with eighteen chains, corresponding to three full hexamers in the asymmetric unit. There was a solvent content of 38.5% and refined R/Rfree values of 0.166/0.216. The protein has the conserved fold characteristic of the agmatine ureohydrolase family and displayed a high degree of structural similarity among individual protomers. Two distinct peaks of electron density were observed in the active site of most of the eighteen chains of SPEB. As the activity of this protein is known to be dependent upon manganese and the fold is similar to other dinuclear metallohydrolases, these peaks were modeled as manganese ions. The orientation of the conserved active site residues, in particular those amino acids that participate in binding the metal ions and a pair of acidic residues (D153 and E274 in SPEB) that play a role in catalysis, are similar to other agmatinase and arginase enzymes and is consistent with a hydrolytic mechanism that proceeds via a metal-activated hydroxide ion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Chitrakar
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Graduate Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
| | - Syed Fardin Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Torelli
- Department of Chemistry, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Jarrod B. French
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
- Chemistry Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States of America
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Up-regulation of HIF-1α is associated with neuroprotective effects of agmatine against rotenone-induced toxicity in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Amino Acids 2019; 52:171-179. [PMID: 31292720 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, a metabolite generated by arginine decarboxylation, has been reported as neuromodulator and neuroactive substance. Several findings suggest that agmatine displays neuroprotective effects in several models of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). It has been hypothesized that biogenic amines may be involved in neuroprotection by scavenging oxygen radicals, thus preventing the generation of oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, that leads to a reduction of oxygen consumption, followed by activation of prolyl hydroxylase and decrease of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels, has been demonstrated to play a role in PD pathogenesis. Using rotenone-treated differentiated SH-SY5Y cells as the in vitro PD model, we here investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying agmatine neuroprotective effects. Our results showed that the preliminary addition of agmatine induces HIF-1α activation, and prevents the rotenone-induced production of free radical species, and the activation of apoptotic pathways by inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and caspase 3 as well as cytochrome c increase. Notably, these effects are mediated by HIF-1α, as indicated by experiments using a HIF-1α inhibitor. The present findings suggest that the treatment with agmatine is able to counteract the neuronal cell injury evoked by mitochondrial toxins.
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8
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The therapeutic and nutraceutical potential of agmatine, and its enhanced production using Aspergillus oryzae. Amino Acids 2019; 52:181-197. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Watts D, Pfaffenseller B, Wollenhaupt-Aguiar B, Paul Géa L, Cardoso TDA, Kapczinski F. Agmatine as a potential therapeutic intervention in bipolar depression: the preclinical landscape. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:327-339. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1581764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devon Watts
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Bianca Pfaffenseller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Luiza Paul Géa
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Flavio Kapczinski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Kim JY, Kim JY, Kim JH, Jung H, Lee WT, Lee JE. Restorative Mechanism of Neural Progenitor Cells Overexpressing Arginine Decarboxylase Genes Following Ischemic Injury. Exp Neurobiol 2019; 28:85-103. [PMID: 30853827 PMCID: PMC6401554 DOI: 10.5607/en.2019.28.1.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy using neural progenitor cells (NPCs) following ischemic stroke is a promising potential therapeutic strategy, but lacks efficacy for human central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics. In a previous in vitro study, we reported that the overexpression of human arginine decarboxylase (ADC) genes by a retroviral plasmid vector promoted the neuronal differentiation of mouse NPCs. In the present study, we focused on the cellular mechanism underlying cell proliferation and differentiation following ischemic injury, and the therapeutic feasibility of NPCs overexpressing ADC genes (ADC-NPCs) following ischemic stroke. To mimic cerebral ischemia in vitro , we subjected the NPCs to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The overexpressing ADC-NPCs were differentiated by neural lineage, which was related to excessive intracellular calcium-mediated cell cycle arrest and phosphorylation in the ERK1/2, CREB, and STAT1 signaling cascade following ischemic injury. Moreover, the ADC-NPCs were able to resist mitochondrial membrane potential collapse in the increasingly excessive intracellular calcium environment. Subsequently, transplanted ADC-NPCs suppressed infarct volume, and promoted neural differentiation, synapse formation, and motor behavior performance in an in vivo tMCAO rat model. The results suggest that ADC-NPCs are potentially useful for cell replacement therapy following ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jong Youl Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Hosung Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Won Taek Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Xu W, Gao L, Li T, Shao A, Zhang J. Neuroprotective Role of Agmatine in Neurological Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1296-1305. [PMID: 28786346 PMCID: PMC6251039 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170808120633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurological diseases have always been one of the leading cause of mobility and mortality world-widely. However, it is still lacking efficient agents. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine, exerts its diverse biological characteristics and therapeutic potential in varied aspects. Methods: This review would focus on the neuroprotective actions of agmatine and its potential mechanisms in the setting of neurological diseases. Results: Numerous studies had demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of agmatine in varied types of neurological diseases, including acute attack (stroke and trauma brain injury) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alz-heimer’s disease). The potential mechanism of agmatine induced neuroprotection includes anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, brain blood barrier (BBB) protection and brain edema prevention. Conclusions: The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases. However, most of the available studies relate to the agmatine are conducted in experi-mental models, more clinical trials are needed before the agmatine could be extensively clinically used
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liansheng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Ahmed N, Aljuhani N, Al-Hujaili HS, Al-Hujaili MA, Elkablawy MA, Noah MM, Abo-Haded H, El-Agamy DS. Agmatine protects against sodium valproate-induced hepatic injury in mice via modulation of nuclear factor-κB/inducible nitric oxide synthetase pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 32:e22227. [PMID: 30273971 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Valproate is a widely used drug against epilepsy and several other neurological disorders although it has deleterious hepatotoxic side effects. The current study was designed to test if agmatine as nitric oxide modulator has protective effects against valproate-induced hepatic injury. Male Swiss albino mice were treated with sodium valproate (SVP) with or without agmatine for 7 days. Serum and liver samples were collected for analysis. Results have revealed that agmatine exerted hepatoprotective effects against SVP-associated hepatic injury. Agmatine ameliorated SVP-induced elevated serum biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Histopathological examination of the liver showed improvement of hepatic lesions in case of agmatine treatment. Furthermore, agmatine attenuated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidants in liver tissue. Agmatine inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB and ameliorated the immunoexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase. This was accompanied by decrease in the level of inflammatory markers as nitrite/nitrate, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. These data provide new evidence of the hepatoprotective activity of agmatine against SVP-induced hepatotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Hepatology Research team, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Aljuhani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Hepatology Research team, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind S Al-Hujaili
- Hepatology Research team, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar A Al-Hujaili
- Hepatology Research team, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Elkablawy
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Magdy M Noah
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hany Abo-Haded
- Cardiology Unit, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina S El-Agamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Hepatology Research team, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Fernández-Reina A, Urdiales JL, Sánchez-Jiménez F. What We Know and What We Need to Know about Aromatic and Cationic Biogenic Amines in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Foods 2018; 7:E145. [PMID: 30181486 PMCID: PMC6164962 DOI: 10.3390/foods7090145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biogenic amines derived from basic and aromatic amino acids (B/A-BAs), polyamines, histamine, serotonin, and catecholamines are a group of molecules playing essential roles in many relevant physiological processes, including cell proliferation, immune response, nutrition and reproduction. All these physiological effects involve a variety of tissue-specific cellular receptors and signalling pathways, which conforms to a very complex network that is not yet well-characterized. Strong evidence has proved the importance of this group of molecules in the gastrointestinal context, also playing roles in several pathologies. This work is based on the hypothesis that integration of biomedical information helps to reach new translational actions. Thus, the major aim of this work is to combine scientific knowledge on biomolecules, metabolism and physiology of the main B/A-BAs involved in the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract, in order to point out important gaps in information and other facts deserving further research efforts in order to connect molecular information with pathophysiological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fernández-Reina
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
| | - José Luis Urdiales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras & IBIMA, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 29010 Málaga, Spain.
| | - Francisca Sánchez-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras & IBIMA, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 29010 Málaga, Spain.
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14
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Agmatine attenuates rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in rats in a dose dependent manner. Life Sci 2018; 208:79-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Querobino SM, Ribeiro CAJ, Alberto-Silva C. Bradykinin-potentiating PEPTIDE-10C, an argininosuccinate synthetase activator, protects against H 2O 2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Peptides 2018; 103:90-97. [PMID: 29605732 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs - 5a, 7a, 9a, 10c, 11e, and 12b) of Bothrops jararaca (Bj) were described as argininosuccinate synthase (AsS) activators, improving l-arginine availability. Agmatine and polyamines, which are l-arginine metabolism products, have neuroprotective properties. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of low molecular mass fraction from Bj venom (LMMF) and two synthetic BPPs (BPP-10c, <ENWPHPQIPP; BPP-12b, <EWGRPPGPPIPP) in the SH-SY5Y cell line against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced were analyzed by reactive oxygen species (ROS - DCFH) production; lipid peroxidation (TBARS); intracellular GSH; AsS, iNOS, and NF-kB expressions; nitrite levels (Griess); mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM); and antioxidant activity (DPPH). Analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test were calculated for statistical comparisons. Pre-treatment with both BPPs significantly reduced cell death induced by H2O2, but BPP-10c showed higher protective capacity than BPP-12b. LMMF pretreatment was unable to prevent the reduction of cell viability caused by H2O2. The neuroprotective mechanism of BPP-10c against oxidative stress was investigated. BPP-10c reduced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation in relation to cells treated only with H2O2. BBP-10c increased AsS expression and was not neuroprotective in the presence of MDLA, a specific inhibitor of AsS. BPP-10c reduced iNOS expression and nitrate levels but decreased NF-kB expression. Furthermore, BPP-10c protected the mitochondrial membrane against oxidation. Overall, we demonstrated for the first time neuroprotective mechanisms of BPPs against oxidative stress, opening new perspectives to the study and application of these peptides for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samyr Machado Querobino
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Rua Arcturus, n° 03, Bloco Delta, São Bernardo do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - César Augusto João Ribeiro
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Rua Arcturus, n° 03, Bloco Delta, São Bernardo do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Rua Arcturus, n° 03, Bloco Delta, São Bernardo do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Decreased plasma agmatine levels in autistic subjects. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:735-740. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Neis VB, Rosa PB, Olescowicz G, Rodrigues ALS. Therapeutic potential of agmatine for CNS disorders. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:318-331. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Wiśniewska A, Olszanecki R, Totoń-Żurańska J, Kuś K, Stachowicz A, Suski M, Gębska A, Gajda M, Jawień J, Korbut R. Anti-Atherosclerotic Action of Agmatine in ApoE-Knockout Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081706. [PMID: 28777310 PMCID: PMC5578096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which dysfunction of mitochondria play an important role, and disorders of lipid management intensify this process. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine formed by decarboxylation of arginine, exerts a protective effect on mitochondria and modulates fatty acid metabolism. We investigated the effect of exogenous agmatine on the development of atherosclerosis and changes in lipid profile in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Agmatine caused an approximate 40% decrease of atherosclerotic lesions, as estimated by en face and cross-section methods with an influence on macrophage but not on smooth muscle content in the plaques. Agmatine treatment did not changed gelatinase activity within the plaque area. What is more, the action of agmatine was associated with an increase in the number of high density lipoproteins (HDL) in blood. Real-Time PCR analysis showed that agmatine modulates liver mRNA levels of many factors involved in oxidation of fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. Two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry identified 27 differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins upon agmatine treatment in the liver of apoE-/- mice, mostly proteins related to metabolism and apoptosis. In conclusion, prolonged administration of agmatine inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice; however, the exact mechanisms linking observed changes and elevations of HDL plasma require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wiśniewska
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Rafał Olszanecki
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Justyna Totoń-Żurańska
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Kuś
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Aneta Stachowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Maciej Suski
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Gębska
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Gajda
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Jacek Jawień
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Ryszard Korbut
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
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Bağcı B, Utkan T, Yazir Y, Aricioglu F, Öztürk GS, Sarioglu Y. Effects of agmatine on cognitive functions during vascular dementia in biological aging through eNOS and BDNF expression. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2017.1309090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tijen Utkan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Medical Research and Application Unit, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Yusufhan Yazir
- Department of Histology and Embryology and Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research and Application Center, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Feyza Aricioglu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Sevim Öztürk
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Gazi University, Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Sarioglu
- Istinye University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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20
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Yarmohmmadi F, Rahimi N, Faghir-Ghanesefat H, Javadian N, Abdollahi A, Pasalar P, Jazayeri F, Ejtemaeemehr S, Dehpour AR. Protective effects of agmatine on doxorubicin-induced chronic cardiotoxicity in rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 796:39-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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21
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Cunha AS, Matheus FC, Moretti M, Sampaio TB, Poli A, Santos DB, Colle D, Cunha MP, Blum-Silva CH, Sandjo LP, Reginatto FH, Rodrigues ALS, Farina M, Prediger RD. Agmatine attenuates reserpine-induced oral dyskinesia in mice: Role of oxidative stress, nitric oxide and glutamate NMDA receptors. Behav Brain Res 2016; 312:64-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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El-Sherbeeny NA, Nader MA, Attia GM, Ateyya H. Agmatine protects rat liver from nicotine-induced hepatic damage via antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016; 389:1341-1351. [PMID: 27638633 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking with its various forms is a global problem with proved hazardous effects to human health. The present work was planned to study the defending role of agmatine (AGM) on hepatic oxidative stress and damage induced by nicotine in rats. Thirty-two rats divided into four groups were employed: control group, nicotine-only group, AGM group, and AGM-nicotine group. Measurements of serum hepatic biochemical markers, lipid profile, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were done. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) activity, and nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels were estimated in the liver homogenates. Immunohistochemistry for Bax and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and histopathology of the liver were also included. Data of the study demonstrated that nicotine administration exhibited marked liver deterioration, an increase in liver enzymes, changes in lipid profile, and an elevation in MDA with a decline in levels of SOD, GSH, and NOx (nitrate/nitrite). Also, levels of proapoptotic Bax and profibrotic TGF-β1 showed marked elevation in the liver. AGM treatment to rats in nicotine-only group ameliorated all the previous changes. These findings indicate that AGM could successfully overcome the nicotine-evoked hepatic oxidative stress and tissue injury, apoptosis, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagla A El-Sherbeeny
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, El-Madinah El-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Manar A Nader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, El-Madinah El-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Ghalia M Attia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, El-Madinah El-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Hayam Ateyya
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, El-Madinah El-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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23
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Ferents IV, Brodyak IV, Lyuta MY, Burda VA, Sybirna NO. Suppressive effect of agmatine on genetically programmed death of leukocytes in a diabetes model. CYTOL GENET+ 2016. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452716040034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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El-Kashef DH, El-Kenawi AE, Rahim MA, Suddek GM, Salem HA. Agmatine improves renal function in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2016; 94:278-86. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2015-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the possible protective effects of agmatine, a known nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. For this purpose, we quantitatively evaluated gentamicin-induced renal structural and functional alterations using histopathological and biochemical approaches. Furthermore, the effect of agmatine on gentamicin-induced hypersensitivity of urinary bladder rings to acetylcholine (ACh) was evaluated. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely control, gentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p.), and gentamicin plus agmatine (40 mg/kg, orally). At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed and then blood and urine samples and kidneys were taken. Administration of agmatine significantly decreased kidney/body mass ratio, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), renal malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), NO, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) while it significantly increased creatinine clearance and renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity when compared with the gentamicin-treated group. Additionally, agmatine ameliorated tissue morphology as evidenced by histological evaluation and reduced the responses of isolated bladder rings to ACh. Our study indicates that agmatine administration with gentamicin attenuates oxidative-stress associated renal injury by reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation, restoring NO level and inhibiting inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia H. El-Kashef
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Asmaa E. El-Kenawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mona Abdel Rahim
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ghada M. Suddek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Hatem A. Salem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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25
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Uspenska KR, Gergalova GL, Lykhmus OY, Skok MV. The effect of amixin and agmatine on cytochrome C release from isolated mitochondria. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2016; 88:5-10. [PMID: 29227073 DOI: 10.15407/ubj88.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) control permeability transition pore formation
and cytochrome c release in the presence of apoptogenic factors. This study demonstrates that pharmacological
agents amixin and agmatine affect mitochondrial nAChR functioning: they slightly suppress
cytochrome c release from mouse brain and liver mitochondria stimulated with apoptogenic dose of Са2+ and
prevent the effect of α7 nAChR agonist PNU282987. We conclude that mitochondria may be one of therapeutic
targets of amixin and agmatine.
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26
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Agmatine Protects Against 6-OHDA-Induced Apoptosis, and ERK and Akt/GSK Disruption in SH-SY5Y Cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2015; 36:829-838. [PMID: 26346882 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a metabolite of dopamine is known to induce dopaminergic cell toxicity which makes that a suitable agent inducing an experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Agmatine has been shown to protect against some cellular and animal PD models. This study was aimed to assess whether agmatine prevents 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cell death and if yes, then how it affects Akt/glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signals. The cells were treated with different drugs, and their viability was examined via MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and morphological observation. Western blot studies were done to assess cleaved caspase-3, Akt/GSK-3β, and ERK proteins. 6-OHDA-induced cell death and caspase-3 cleavage, while agmatine prevented those changes. 6-OHDA also decreased the amount of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt)/Akt while increased GSK-3β activity which was prevented by agmatine. Additionally, this toxin increased pERK/ERK ratio which was averted again by agmatine. The PI3/Akt inhibitor, LY294002, impeded the changes induced by agmatine, while ERK inhibitor (PD98059) did not disturb the effects of agmatine, and by itself, it preserved the cells against 6-OHDA toxicity. This study revealed that agmatine is protective in 6-OHDA model of PD and affects Akt/GSK-3β and ERK pathways.
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27
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Kim JY, Lee YW, Kim JH, Lee WT, Park KA, Lee JE. Agmatine Attenuates Brain Edema and Apoptotic Cell Death after Traumatic Brain Injury. J Korean Med Sci 2015; 30:943-52. [PMID: 26130959 PMCID: PMC4479950 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.7.943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with poor neurological outcome, including necrosis and brain edema. In this study, we investigated whether agmatine treatment reduces edema and apoptotic cell death after TBI. TBI was produced by cold injury to the cerebral primary motor cortex of rats. Agmatine was administered 30 min after injury and once daily until the end of the experiment. Animals were sacrificed for analysis at 1, 2, or 7 days after the injury. Various neurological analyses were performed to investigate disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurological dysfunction after TBI. To examine the extent of brain edema after TBI, the expression of aquaporins (AQPs), phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were investigated. Our findings demonstrated that agmatine treatment significantly reduces brain edema after TBI by suppressing the expression of AQP1, 4, and 9. In addition, agmatine treatment significantly reduced apoptotic cell death by suppressing the phosphorylation of MAPKs and by increasing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB after TBI. These results suggest that agmatine treatment may have therapeutic potential for brain edema and neural cell death in various central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Taek Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Ah Park
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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28
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Bonaiuto E, Grancara S, Martinis P, Stringaro A, Colone M, Agostinelli E, Macone A, Stevanato R, Vianello F, Toninello A, Di Paolo ML. A novel enzyme with spermine oxidase properties in bovine liver mitochondria: identification and kinetic characterization. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 81:88-99. [PMID: 25591967 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The uptake of spermine into mammalian mitochondria indicated the need to identify its catabolic pathway in these organelles. Bovine liver mitochondria were therefore purified and their capacity for natural polyamine uptake was verified. A kinetic approach was then used to determine the presence of an MDL 72527-sensitive enzyme with spermine oxidase activity in the matrix of bovine liver mitochondria. Western blot analysis of mitochondrial fractions and immunogold electron microscopy observations of purified mitochondria unequivocally confirmed the presence of a protein recognized by anti-spermine oxidase antibodies in the mitochondrial matrix. Preliminary kinetic characterization showed that spermine is the preferred substrate of this enzyme; lower activity was detected with spermidine and acetylated polyamines. Catalytic efficiency comparable to that of spermine was also found for 1-aminododecane. The considerable effect of ionic strength on the Vmax/KM ratio suggested the presence of more than one negatively charged zone inside the active site cavity of this mitochondrial enzyme, which is probably involved in the docking of positively charged substrates. These findings indicate that the bovine liver mitochondrial matrix contains an enzyme belonging to the spermine oxidase class. Because H2O2 is generated by spermine oxidase activity, the possible involvement of the latter as an important signaling transducer under both physiological and pathological conditions should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Bonaiuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Grancara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Pamela Martinis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- Department of Technology and Health, Italian Institute of Health, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Marisa Colone
- Department of Technology and Health, Italian Institute of Health, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli," Sapienza University of Rome and Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology, Italian Research Council, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli," Sapienza University of Rome and Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology, Italian Research Council, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Stevanato
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Università Ca' Foscari, Dorsoduro 2137, 30123 Venezia, Italy
| | - Fabio Vianello
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Polo Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; Regional Centre for Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 17 Listopadu 1192/12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Toninello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Maria Luisa Di Paolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario "Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi," Viale delle medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy.
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Zádori ZS, Tóth VE, Fehér Á, Philipp K, Németh J, Gyires K. Evidence for the gastric cytoprotective effect of centrally injected agmatine. Brain Res Bull 2014; 108:51-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Hong S, Son MR, Yun K, Lee WT, Park KA, Lee JE. Retroviral expression of human arginine decarboxylase reduces oxidative stress injury in mouse cortical astrocytes. BMC Neurosci 2014; 15:99. [PMID: 25156824 PMCID: PMC4150973 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-15-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In physiologic and pathologic conditions of the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes are a double-edged sword. They not only support neuronal homeostasis but also contribute to increases in neuronal demise. A large body of experimental evidence has shown that impaired astrocytes play crucial roles in the pathologic process of cerebral ischemia; therefore, astrocytes may represent a breakthrough target for neuroprotective therapeutic strategies. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine catalyzed from L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase (ADC), is a neuromodulator and it protects neurons/glia against various injuries. Results In this investigation, agmatine-producing mouse cortical astrocytes were developed through transduction of the human ADC gene. Cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and restored to a normoxic glucose-supplied condition. Intracellular levels of agmatine were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was evaluated by Hoechest/propidium iodide nuclear staining and lactate dehydrogenase assay. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase s (MMPs) were assessed by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western immunoblots, and immunofluorescence. We confirmed that ADC gene-expressed astrocytes produce a great amount of agmatine. These cells were highly resistant to not only OGD but also restoration, which mimicked ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo. The neuroprotective effects of ADC seemed to be related to its ability to attenuate expression of iNOS and MMPs. Conclusion Our findings imply that astrocytes can be reinforced against oxidative stress by endogenous agmatine production through ADC gene transduction. The results of this study provide new insights that may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to reduce cerebral ischemic injuries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2202-15-99) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jong Eun Lee
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, and Brain Research Institute, Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Agmatine abolishes restraint stress-induced depressive-like behavior and hippocampal antioxidant imbalance in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:143-50. [PMID: 24370459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine has been recently emerged as a novel candidate to assist the conventional pharmacotherapy of depression. The acute restraint stress (ARS) is an unavoidable stress situation that may cause depressive-like behavior in rodents. In this study, we investigated the potential antidepressant-like effect of agmatine (10mg/kg, administered acutely by oral route) in the forced swimming test (FST) in non-stressed mice, as well as its ability to abolish the depressive-like behavior and hippocampal antioxidant imbalance induced by ARS. Agmatine reduced the immobility time in the mouse FST (1-100mg/kg) in non-stressed mice. ARS caused an increase in the immobility time in the FST, indicative of a depressive-like behavior, as well as hippocampal lipid peroxidation, and an increase in the activity of hippocampal superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, reduced catalase (CAT) activity and increased SOD/CAT ratio, an index of pro-oxidative conditions. Agmatine was effective to abolish the depressive-like behavior induced by ARS and to prevent the ARS-induced lipid peroxidation and changes in SOD, GR and CAT activities and in SOD/CAT activity ratio. Hippocampal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were not altered by any experimental condition. In conclusion, the present study shows that agmatine was able to abrogate the ARS-induced depressive-like behavior and the associated redox hippocampal imbalance observed in stressed restraint mice, suggesting that its antidepressant-like effect may be dependent on its ability to maintain the pro-/anti-oxidative homeostasis in the hippocampus.
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Idrus NM, McGough NNH, Riley EP, Thomas JD. Administration of memantine during withdrawal mitigates overactivity and spatial learning impairments associated with neonatal alcohol exposure in rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:529-37. [PMID: 24428701 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure can disrupt central nervous system development, manifesting as behavioral deficits that include motor, emotional, and cognitive dysfunction. Both clinical and animal studies have reported binge drinking during development to be highly correlated with an increased risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We hypothesized that binge drinking may be especially damaging because it is associated with episodes of alcohol withdrawal. Specifically, we have been investigating the possibility that NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity occurs during alcohol withdrawal and contributes to developmental alcohol-related neuropathology. Consistent with this hypothesis, administration of the NMDA receptor antagonists MK-801 or eliprodil during withdrawal attenuates behavioral alterations associated with early alcohol exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of memantine, a clinically used NMDA receptor antagonist, on minimizing ethanol-induced overactivity and spatial learning deficits. METHODS Sprague-Dawley pups were exposed to 6.0 g/kg ethanol via intubation on postnatal day (PD) 6, a period of brain development that models late gestation in humans. Controls were intubated with a calorically matched maltose solution. During withdrawal, 24 and 36 hours after ethanol exposure, subjects were injected with a total of either 0, 20, or 30 mg/kg memantine. The subjects' locomotor levels were recorded in open field activity monitors on PDs 18 to 21 and on a serial spatial discrimination reversal learning task on PDs 40 to 43. RESULTS Alcohol exposure induced overactivity and impaired performance in spatial learning. Memantine administration significantly attenuated the ethanol-associated behavioral alterations in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, memantine may be neuroprotective when administered during ethanol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS These data have important implications for the treatment of EtOH's neurotoxic effects and provide further support that ethanol withdrawal significantly contributes to FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirelia M Idrus
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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McCaughan JA, McKnight AJ, Maxwell AP. Genetics of new-onset diabetes after transplantation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2013; 25:1037-49. [PMID: 24309190 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2013040383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
New-onset diabetes after transplantation is a common complication that reduces recipient survival. Research in renal transplant recipients has suggested that pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, as opposed to insulin resistance, may be the key pathologic process. In this study, clinical and genetic factors associated with new-onset diabetes after transplantation were identified in a white population. A joint analysis approach, with an initial genome-wide association study in a subset of cases followed by de novo genotyping in the complete case cohort, was implemented to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the development of new-onset diabetes after transplantation. Clinical variables associated with the development of diabetes after renal transplantation included older recipient age, female sex, and percentage weight gain within 12 months of transplantation. The genome-wide association study identified 26 SNPs associated with new-onset diabetes after transplantation; this association was validated for eight SNPs (rs10484821, rs7533125, rs2861484, rs11580170, rs2020902, rs1836882, rs198372, and rs4394754) by de novo genotyping. These associations remained significant after multivariate adjustment for clinical variables. Seven of these SNPs are associated with genes implicated in β-cell apoptosis. These results corroborate recent clinical evidence implicating β-cell dysfunction in the pathophysiology of new-onset diabetes after transplantation and support the pursuit of therapeutic strategies to protect β cells in the post-transplant period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A McCaughan
- Nephrology Research Group, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Regional Nephrology Unit, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Amy Jayne McKnight
- Nephrology Research Group, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland; and
| | - Alexander P Maxwell
- Nephrology Research Group, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Regional Nephrology Unit, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Grancara S, Martinis P, Manente S, García-Argáez AN, Tempera G, Bragadin M, Dalla Via L, Agostinelli E, Toninello A. Bidirectional fluxes of spermine across the mitochondrial membrane. Amino Acids 2013; 46:671-9. [PMID: 24043461 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The polyamine spermine is transported into the mitochondrial matrix by an electrophoretic mechanism having as driving force the negative electrical membrane potential (ΔΨ). The presence of phosphate increases spermine uptake by reducing ΔpH and enhancing ΔΨ. The transport system is a specific uniporter constituted by a protein channel exhibiting two asymmetric energy barriers with the spermine binding site located in the energy well between the two barriers. Although spermine transport is electrophoretic in origin, its accumulation does not follow the Nernst equation for the presence of an efflux pathway. Spermine efflux may be induced by different agents, such as FCCP, antimycin A and mersalyl, able to completely or partially reduce the ΔΨ value and, consequently, suppress or weaken the force necessary to maintain spermine in the matrix. However this efflux may also take place in normal conditions when the electrophoretic accumulation of the polycationic polyamine induces a sufficient drop in ΔΨ able to trigger the efflux pathway. The release of the polyamine is most probably electroneutral in origin and can take place in exchange with protons or in symport with phosphate anion. The activity of both the uptake and efflux pathways induces a continuous cycling of spermine across the mitochondrial membrane, the rate of which may be prominent in imposing the concentrations of spermine in the inner and outer compartment. Thus, this event has a significant role on mitochondrial permeability transition modulation and consequently on the triggering of intrinsic apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Grancara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Viale U. Bassi 58 B, 35131, Padua, Italy
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Piletz JE, Aricioglu F, Cheng JT, Fairbanks CA, Gilad VH, Haenisch B, Halaris A, Hong S, Lee JE, Li J, Liu P, Molderings GJ, Rodrigues ALS, Satriano J, Seong GJ, Wilcox G, Wu N, Gilad GM. Agmatine: clinical applications after 100 years in translation. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:880-93. [PMID: 23769988 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy. Only recently has the demonstration of agmatine biosynthesis in mammals revived research, indicating its exceptional modulatory action at multiple molecular targets, including neurotransmitter systems, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and polyamine metabolism, thus providing bases for broad therapeutic applications. This timely review, a concerted effort by 16 independent research groups, draws attention to the substantial preclinical and initial clinical evidence, and highlights challenges and opportunities, for the use of agmatine in treating a spectrum of complex diseases with unmet therapeutic needs, including diabetes mellitus, neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases, opioid addiction, mood disorders, cognitive disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Piletz
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
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Effects of prolonged agmatine treatment in aged male Sprague-Dawley rats. Neuroscience 2013; 234:116-24. [PMID: 23318245 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that altered arginine metabolism contributes to cognitive decline during ageing. Agmatine, decarboxylated arginine, has a variety of pharmacological effects, including the modulation of behavioural function. A recent study demonstrated the beneficial effects of short-term agmatine treatment in aged rats. The present study investigated how intraperitoneal administration of agmatine (40mg/kg, once daily) over 4-6weeks affected behavioural function and neurochemistry in aged Sprague-Dawley rats. Aged rats treated with saline displayed significantly reduced exploratory activity in the open field, impaired spatial learning and memory in the water maze and object recognition memory relative to young rats. Prolonged agmatine treatment improved animals' performance in the reversal test of the water maze and object recognition memory test, and significantly suppressed age-related elevation in nitric oxide synthase activity in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. However, this prolonged supplementation was unable to improve exploratory activity and spatial reference learning and memory in aged rats. These findings further demonstrate that exogenous agmatine selectively improves behavioural function in aged rats.
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37
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Neuroprotective effects of agmatine in mice infused with a single intranasal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Behav Brain Res 2012; 235:263-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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38
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Bliven KA, Fisher DJ, Maurelli AT. Characterization of the activity and expression of arginine decarboxylase in human and animal Chlamydia pathogens. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2012; 337:140-6. [PMID: 23043454 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae encodes a functional arginine decarboxylase (ArgDC), AaxB, that activates upon self-cleavage and converts l-arginine to agmatine. In contrast, most Chlamydia trachomatis serovars carry a missense or nonsense mutation in aaxB abrogating activity. The G115R missense mutation was not predicted to impact AaxB functionality, making it unclear whether AaxB variations in other Chlamydia species also result in enzyme inactivation. To address the impact of gene polymorphism on functionality, we investigated the activity and production of the Chlamydia AaxB variants. Because ArgDC plays a critical role in the Escherichia coli acid stress response, we studied the ability of these Chlamydia variants to complement an E. coli ArgDC mutant in an acid shock assay. Active AaxB was detected in four additional species: Chlamydia caviae, Chlamydia pecorum, Chlamydia psittaci, and Chlamydia muridarum. Of the C. trachomatis serovars, only E appears to encode active enzyme. To determine when functional enzyme is present during the chlamydial developmental cycle, we utilized an anti-AaxB antibody to detect both uncleaved and cleaved enzyme throughout infection. Uncleaved enzyme production peaked around 20 h postinfection, with optimal cleavage around 44 h. While the role ArgDC plays in Chlamydia survival or virulence is unclear, our data suggest a niche-specific function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Bliven
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Rushaidhi M, Collie N, Zhang H, Liu P. Agmatine selectively improves behavioural function in aged male Sprague–Dawley rats. Neuroscience 2012; 218:206-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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40
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Molderings GJ, Haenisch B. Agmatine (decarboxylated l-arginine): Physiological role and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 133:351-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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41
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The interaction of melatonin and agmatine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold in mice. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:200-6. [PMID: 21840768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, the major hormone produced by the pineal gland, has a number of functions in mammals, for example, its function as an anticonvulsant. Agmatine, a biogenic amine formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase, also has anticonvulsant effects. This study investigated the effect of the interaction of melatonin and agmatine on seizure susceptibility in the mouse model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizures. Further, the researchers investigated the involvement of melatonin receptors in this interaction using luzindole, a ML(1/2) receptor antagonist and prazosin, a ML(3) receptor antagonist. Melatonin, at 40 and 80 mg/kg, and agmatine, at 10 and 20mg/kg, exerted anticonvulsant effects. Luzindole, at 1.25 and 2.5mg/kg, or prazosin, at 0.5mg/kg, did not change the seizure threshold as compared with that of vehicle-treated mice. The anticonvulsant effect of melatonin (40 and 80 mg/kg) was prevented by luzindole (2.5mg/kg) (P<0.001) but not prazosin (0.5mg/kg), indicating the possible involvement of ML(1/2) receptors in the anticonvulsant effect of melatonin. Agmatine (5mg/kg) significantly increased the anticonvulsant effect of both the noneffective dose (20mg/kg) (P<0.05) and the effective dose (80 mg/kg) (P<0.001) of melatonin. Luzindole (2.5mg/kg), but not prazosin (0.5mg/kg), decreased the anticonvulsant effect of agmatine (20mg/kg) (P<0.05). Luzindole (2.5mg/kg), but not prazosin (0.5mg/kg), also decreased the seizure threshold when agmatine (5mg/kg) was administered before melatonin (20mg/kg); the decrease was significant compared with that of the group that received only agmatine and melatonin (P<0.001). In conclusion, melatonin and agmatine exhibit an additive effect in decreasing pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold in mice, probably through ML(1/2) receptors.
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Liu P, Jing Y, Collie ND, Campbell SA, Zhang H. Pre-aggregated Aβ25–35 alters arginine metabolism in the rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Neuroscience 2011; 193:269-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2011] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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43
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Effects of exogenous agmatine in human leukemia HMC-1 and HL-60 cells on proliferation, polyamine metabolism and cell cycle. Leuk Res 2011; 35:1248-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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44
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Protective effects of agmatine in rotenone-induced damage of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis in a model of Parkinson’s disease. Amino Acids 2011; 42:775-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0994-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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45
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Mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by Ca2+ and monoamines: different behaviour of liver and brain mitochondria in undergoing permeability transition. Amino Acids 2011; 42:751-9. [PMID: 21805134 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is correlated with the opening of a nonspecific pore, the so-called transition pore, that triggers bidirectional traffic of inorganic solutes and metabolites across the mitochondrial membrane. This phenomenon is caused by supraphysiological Ca(2+) concentrations and by other compounds leading to oxidative stress, while cyclosporin A, ADP, bongkrekic acid, antioxidant agents and naturally occurring polyamines strongly inhibit it. The effects of polyamines, including the diamine agmatine, have been widely studied in several types of mitochondria. The effects of monoamines on MPT have to date, been less well-studied, even if they are involved in a variety of neurological and neuroendocrine processes. This study shows that in rat liver mitochondria (RLM), monoamines such as tyramine, serotonin and dopamine amplify the swelling induced by calcium, and increase the oxidation of thiol groups and the production of hydrogen peroxide, effects that are counteracted by the above-mentioned inhibitors. In rat brain mitochondria (RBM), the monoamines do not amplify calcium-induced swelling, even if they demonstrate increases in the extent of oxidation of thiol groups and hydrogen peroxide production. In these mitochondria, the antioxidants are not at all or scarcely effective in suppressing mitochondrial swelling. In conclusion, we hypothesize that different mechanisms induce the MPT in the two different types of mitochondria evaluated. Calcium and monoamines induce oxidative stress in RLM, which in turn appears to induce and amplify MPT. This process is not apparent in RBM, where MPT seems resistant to oxidative stress.
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46
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Winter TN, Elmquist WF, Fairbanks CA. OCT2 and MATE1 provide bidirectional agmatine transport. Mol Pharm 2010; 8:133-42. [PMID: 21128598 DOI: 10.1021/mp100180a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine is a biogenic amine (l-arginine metabolite) of potential relevance to several central nervous system (CNS) conditions. The identities of transporters underlying agmatine and polyamine disposition in mammalian systems are not well-defined. The SLC-family organic cation transporters (OCT) OCT1 and OCT2 and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter-1 (MATE1) are transport systems that may be of importance for the cellular disposition of agmatine and putrescine. We investigated the transport of [(3)H]agmatine and [(3)H]putrescine in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells stably transfected with hOCT1, hOCT2, and hMATE1. Agmatine transport by hOCT1 and hOCT2 was concentration-dependent, whereas only hOCT2 demonstrated pH-dependent transport. hOCT2 exhibited a greater affinity for agmatine (K(m) = 1.84 ± 0.38 mM) than did hOCT1 (K(m) = 18.73 ± 4.86 mM). Putrescine accumulation was pH- and concentration-dependent in hOCT2-HEK cells (K(m) = 11.29 ± 4.26 mM) but not hOCT1-HEK cells. Agmatine accumulation, in contrast to putrescine, was significantly enhanced by hMATE1 overexpression, and was saturable (K(m) = 240 ± 31 μM; V(max) = 192 ± 10 pmol/min/mg of protein). Intracellular agmatine was also trans-stimulated (effluxed) from hMATE1-HEK cells in the presence of an inward proton-gradient. The hMATE1-mediated transport of agmatine was inhibited by polyamines, the prototypical substrates MPP+ and paraquat, as well as guanidine and arcaine, but not l-arginine. These results suggest that agmatine disposition may be influenced by hOCT2 and hMATE1, two transporters critical in the renal elimination of xenobiotic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tate N Winter
- Departments of Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Condello S, Currò M, Ferlazzo N, Caccamo D, Satriano J, Ientile R. Agmatine effects on mitochondrial membrane potential and NF-κB activation protect against rotenone-induced cell damage in human neuronal-like SH-SY5Y cells. J Neurochem 2010; 116:67-75. [PMID: 21044082 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.07085.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous arginine metabolite, has been proposed as a novel neuromodulator that plays protective roles in the CNS in several models of cellular damage. However, the mechanisms involved in these protective effects in neurodegenerative diseases are poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of agmatine on cell injury induced by rotenone, commonly used in establishing in vivo and in vitro models of Parkinson's disease, in human-derived dopaminergic neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). We report that agmatine dose-dependently suppressed rotenone-induced cellular injury through a reduction of oxidative stress. Similar effects were obtained by spermine, suggesting a scavenging effect for these compounds. However, unlike spermine, agmatine also prevented rotenone-induced nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation and mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation. Furthermore, rotenone-induced increase in apoptotic markers, such as caspase 3 activity, Bax expression and cytochrome c release, was significantly attenuated with agmatine treatment. These findings demonstrate mitochondrial preservation with agmatine in a rotenone model of apoptotic cell death, and that the neuroprotective action of agmatine appears because of suppressing apoptotic signalling mechanisms. Thus, agmatine may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease by protecting dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Condello
- Department of Biochemical, Physiological and Nutritional Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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48
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Moon SU, Kwon KH, Kim JH, Bokara KK, Park KA, Lee WT, Lee JE. Recombinant hexahistidine arginine decarboxylase (hisADC) induced endogenous agmatine synthesis during stress. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 345:53-60. [PMID: 20730478 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The arginine decarboxylase (ADC) is a significant functional enzyme, synthesizes agmatine through arginine metabolism, and agmatine was reported to posses protective properties in various tissues. This study first optimized the conditions for efficient hexahistidine tagged human ADC (hisADC) gene delivery into mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) using retroviral vector (pLXSN). Later, the functionality of the delivered hisADC gene in synthesizing agmatine during H(2)O(2) injury in NIH3T3 was also elucidated. Amplification of hisADC gene was performed using hisADC specific primers under specified conditions. The hisADC PCR product (1.4 kb) was ligated with pLXSN considering the restriction enzyme sites. The complete hisADC pLXSN clone was transfected into PT67 cell line following CalPhos Mammalian transfection method. RT-PCR and western blot results showed the specific and strong detection of hisADC genes in hisADC PT67 transfected cells compared with normal control and pLXSN transfected PT67 cells. The retrovirus containing hisADC gene (vhisADC) was infected into NIH3T3 (vhisADC NIH) using polybrene reagent. Immunocytochemical results showed hisADC expression in the cytoplasm of vhisADC NIH. HPLC analysis revealed high agmatine concentration in the vhisADC NIH, and the induced agmatine synthesized from the retroviral gene delivery prevented vhisADC NIH from H(2)O(2) injury which is evident by the decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05) leakage into the medium and less number of propidium iodide positive cells during injury compared to control group. The obtained results provide compelling evidence that higher level of hisADC transgene expression completely triggered the endogenous agmatine synthesis during H(2)O(2) injury thus protecting NIH3T3 cells against cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ung Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-dong Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
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Bergin D, Liu P. Agmatine protects against β-amyloid25-35-induced memory impairments in the rat. Neuroscience 2010; 169:794-811. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Battaglia V, Grancara S, Satriano J, Saccoccio S, Agostinelli E, Toninello A. Agmatine prevents the Ca(2+)-dependent induction of permeability transition in rat brain mitochondria. Amino Acids 2009; 38:431-7. [PMID: 20012118 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0402-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The arginine metabolite agmatine is able to protect brain mitochondria against the drop in energy capacity by the Ca(2+)-dependent induction of permeability transition (MPT) in rat brain mitochondria. At normal levels, the amine maintains the respiratory control index and ADP/O ratio and prevents mitochondrial colloid-osmotic swelling and any electrical potential (DeltaPsi) drop. MPT is due to oxidative stress induced by the interaction of Ca(2+) with the mitochondrial membrane, leading to the production of hydrogen peroxide and, subsequently, other reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals. This production of ROS induces oxidation of sulfhydryl groups, in particular those of two critical cysteines, most probably located on adenine nucleotide translocase, and also oxidation of pyridine nucleotides, resulting in transition pore opening. The protective effect of agmatine is attributable to a scavenging effect on the most toxic ROS, i.e., the hydroxyl radical, thus preventing oxidative stress and consequent bioenergetic collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Battaglia
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35121, Padua, Italy
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