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Calabrese EJ, Bhatia TN, Calabrese V, Dhawan G, Giordano J, Hanekamp YN, Kapoor R, Kozumbo WJ, Leak RK. Cytotoxicity models of Huntington’s disease and relevance of hormetic mechanisms: A critical assessment of experimental approaches and strategies. Pharmacol Res 2019; 150:104371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Tatara K, Sato K. Aerobic exercise training and dehydroepiandrosterone administration increase testicular sex steroid hormones and enhance reproductive function in high-sucrose-induced obese rats. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 190:37-43. [PMID: 30923020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the effects of chronic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration and exercise training on testicular sex steroid hormone levels and reproductive function in high-sucrose induced obese rats. After 14 weeks of a high-sucrose diet, Wistar male rats were assigned randomly to the control, exercise training (running at 25 m/min for 1 h, 5 days/week), DHEA administration, and combined exercise training and DHEA administration groups (n = 7 each group). Six weeks of DHEA administration and/or exercise training significantly increased plasma concentrations of DHEA and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and epididymis DHEA concentrations; however, the expression of steroidogenic enzymes, such as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, and 5α-reductase, did not change following any interventions. Procathepsin L expression, which involved sperm maturation, was significantly lower in the DHEA and combination groups, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) expression, which plays a role in protecting sperms from oxidative stress, was significantly increased in the DHEA administration group. Additionally, exercise training and/or DHEA administration-induced increase in procathepsin L expressions were significantly correlated with the epididymis DHEA concentrations. These findings suggest that exercise training and/or DHEA administration-induced increase in epididymis DHEA concentration may improve impairment of reproductive function in high-sucrose obese rats. Additionally, exercise training and/or DHEA administration-induced increase in DHEA concentration may have a role in testicular-specific action, which included protective role from exercise-induced oxidant damage as well as contributed to the enhancement of sperm modification and maturation in obese rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Tatara
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Koji Sato
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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Arbo BD, Ribeiro FS, Ribeiro MF. Astrocyte Neuroprotection and Dehydroepiandrosterone. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:175-203. [PMID: 30029726 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the most abundant steroid hormones in the systemic circulation of humans. Due to their abundance and reduced production during aging, these hormones have been suggested to play a role in many aspects of health and have been used as drugs for a multiple range of therapeutic actions, including hormonal replacement and the improvement of aging-related diseases. In addition, several studies have shown that DHEA and DHEAS are neuroprotective under different experimental conditions, including models of ischemia, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Since astrocytes are responsible for the maintenance of neural tissue homeostasis and the control of neuronal energy supply, changes in astrocytic function have been associated with neuronal damage and the progression of different pathologies. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to discuss the neuroprotective effects of DHEA against different types of brain and spinal cord injuries and how the modulation of astrocytic function by DHEA could represent an interesting therapeutic approach for the treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D Arbo
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Farmacologia e Terapêutica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Felipe S Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria F Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Interação Neuro-Humoral, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Fernández-Ruiz J, Moreno-Martet M, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Palomo-Garo C, Gómez-Cañas M, Valdeolivas S, Guaza C, Romero J, Guzmán M, Mechoulam R, Ramos JA. Prospects for cannabinoid therapies in basal ganglia disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1365-78. [PMID: 21545415 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01365.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are promising medicines to slow down disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), two of the most important disorders affecting the basal ganglia. Two pharmacological profiles have been proposed for cannabinoids being effective in these disorders. On the one hand, cannabinoids like Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol protect nigral or striatal neurons in experimental models of both disorders, in which oxidative injury is a prominent cytotoxic mechanism. This effect could be exerted, at least in part, through mechanisms independent of CB(1) and CB(2) receptors and involving the control of endogenous antioxidant defences. On the other hand, the activation of CB(2) receptors leads to a slower progression of neurodegeneration in both disorders. This effect would be exerted by limiting the toxicity of microglial cells for neurons and, in particular, by reducing the generation of proinflammatory factors. It is important to mention that CB(2) receptors have been identified in the healthy brain, mainly in glial elements and, to a lesser extent, in certain subpopulations of neurons, and that they are dramatically up-regulated in response to damaging stimuli, which supports the idea that the cannabinoid system behaves as an endogenous neuroprotective system. This CB(2) receptor up-regulation has been found in many neurodegenerative disorders including HD and PD, which supports the beneficial effects found for CB(2) receptor agonists in both disorders. In conclusion, the evidence reported so far supports that those cannabinoids having antioxidant properties and/or capability to activate CB(2) receptors may represent promising therapeutic agents in HD and PD, thus deserving a prompt clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Sagredo O, Pazos MR, Satta V, Ramos JA, Pertwee RG, Fernández-Ruiz J. Neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoid-based medicines in experimental models of Huntington's disease. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:1509-18. [PMID: 21674569 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We studied whether combinations of botanical extracts enriched in either Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), which are the main constituents of the cannabis-based medicine Sativex, provide neuroprotection in rat models of Huntington's disease (HD). We used rats intoxicated with 3-nitropropionate (3NP) that were given combinations of Δ(9)-THC- and CBD-enriched botanical extracts. The issue was also studied in malonate-lesioned rats. The administration of Δ(9)-THC- and CBD-enriched botanical extracts combined in a ratio of 1:1 as in Sativex attenuated 3NP-induced GABA deficiency, loss of Nissl-stained neurons, down-regulation of CB(1) receptor and IGF-1 expression, and up-regulation of calpain expression, whereas it completely reversed the reduction in superoxide dismutase-1 expression. Similar responses were generally found with other combinations of Δ(9)-THC- and CBD-enriched botanical extracts, suggesting that these effects are probably related to the antioxidant and CB(1) and CB(2) receptor-independent properties of both phytocannabinoids. In fact, selective antagonists for both receptor types, i.e., SR141716 and AM630, respectively, were unable to prevent the positive effects on calpain expression caused in 3NP-intoxicated rats by the 1:1 combination of Δ(9)-THC and CBD. Finally, this combination also reversed the up-regulation of proinflammatory markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase observed in malonate-lesioned rats. In conclusion, this study provides preclinical evidence in support of a beneficial effect of the cannabis-based medicine Sativex as a neuroprotective agent capable of delaying disease progression in HD, a disorder that is currently poorly managed in the clinic, prompting an urgent need for clinical trials with agents showing positive results in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onintza Sagredo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Sharma AK, Bhattacharya SK, Khanna N, Tripathi AK, Arora T, Mehta AK, Mehta KD, Joshi V. Effect of progesterone on phosphamidon-induced impairment of memory and oxidative stress in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2011; 30:1626-34. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327110396522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone (a neurosteroid) is an important modulator of the nervous system functioning. Organophosphorus pesticides like phosphamidon have been shown to adversely affect memory and induce oxidative stress on both acute and chronic exposure. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of progesterone (PROG) on phosphamidon-induced modulation of cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats. Cognitive function was assessed using step-down latency (SDL) on a passive avoidance apparatus and transfer latency (TL) on an elevated plus maze. Oxidative stress was assessed by examining the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and non-protein thiols (NP-SH) in isolated homogenized whole brain samples. The results showed a significant reduction in SDL and prolongation of TL in the phosphamidon (1.74 mg/kg/d; p.o.) treated group at weeks 6 and 8 as compared to the control group. Two weeks treatment with PROG (15 mg/kg/d; i.p.) antagonized the effect of phosphamidon on SDL as well as TL. Phosphamidon alone produced a significant increase in the brain TBARS levels and decrease in the brain NP-SH levels. Treatment with PROG (15 mg/kg/d; i.p.) attenuated the effect of phosphamidon on oxidative stress. Together, the results showed that progesterone attenuated the cognitive dysfunction and increased oxidative stress induced by phosphamidon in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Swapan K Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Naresh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Ashok K Tripathi
- Department of Biochemistry, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Tarun Arora
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Ashish K Mehta
- Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Kapil D Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
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Huntington’s disease and mitochondrial alterations: emphasis on experimental models. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2010; 42:207-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s10863-010-9289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Túnez I, Tasset I, Pérez-De La Cruz V, Santamaría A. 3-Nitropropionic acid as a tool to study the mechanisms involved in Huntington's disease: past, present and future. Molecules 2010; 15:878-916. [PMID: 20335954 PMCID: PMC6263191 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15020878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inheritable autosomal-dominant disorder whose causal mechanisms remain unknown. Experimental models have begun to uncover these pathways, thus helping to understand the mechanisms implicated and allowing for the characterization of potential targets for new therapeutic strategies. 3-Nitropropionic acid is known to produce in animals behavioural, biochemical and morphologic changes similar to those occurring in HD. For this reason, this phenotypic model is gaining attention as a valuable tool to mimick this disorder and further developing new therapies. In this review, we will focus on the past and present research of this molecule, to finally bring a perspective on what will be next in this promising field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Túnez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Av. Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
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Reversal of propoxur-induced impairment of memory and oxidative stress by 4'-chlorodiazepam in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2009; 381:1-10. [PMID: 20012268 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-009-0475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Carbamate pesticides like propoxur have been shown to adversely affect memory and induce oxidative stress on both acute and chronic exposure. The present study was designed to explore the modulation of the effects of propoxur over cognitive function by progesterone (PROG) and 4'-chlorodiazepam (4CD). Cognitive function was assessed using step-down latency (SDL) on a passive avoidance apparatus, transfer latency (TL) on a plus maze and spatial navigation test on Morris water maze. Oxidative stress was assessed by examining brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity. A significant reduction in SDL and prolongation of TL and spatial navigation test was found for the propoxur (10 mg/kg/d; p.o.) treated group at weeks 6 and 7 as compared with control. One-week treatment with 4CD (0.5 mg/kg/d; i.p.) antagonized the effect of propoxur on SDL, spatial navigation test as well as TL; whereas, PROG failed to modulate this effect at a dose of 15 mg/kg/d, i.p. Propoxur produced a statistically significant increase in the brain MDA levels and decrease in the brain GSH levels and CAT activity. Treatment with 4CD at the above dose attenuated the effect of propoxur on oxidative stress whereas PROG (15 mg/kg/d; i.p.) failed to influence the same. The results of the present study thus show that 4-CD has the potential to attenuate cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by toxicants like propoxur in the brain.
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10
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Albert Christophersen O, Haug A. More about hypervirulent avian influenza: Is the world now better prepared? MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/08910600701343286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Haug
- Norwegian University of Life Science (UMB), Arboretveien, Ås, Norway
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11
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Naylor JC, Hulette CM, Steffens DC, Shampine LJ, Ervin JF, Payne VM, Massing MW, Kilts JD, Strauss JL, Calhoun PS, Calnaido RP, Blazer DG, Lieberman JA, Madison RD, Marx CE. Cerebrospinal fluid dehydroepiandrosterone levels are correlated with brain dehydroepiandrosterone levels, elevated in Alzheimer's disease, and related to neuropathological disease stage. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:3173-8. [PMID: 18477662 PMCID: PMC2515081 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is currently unknown whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurosteroid levels are related to brain neurosteroid levels in humans. CSF and brain dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels are elevated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it is unclear whether CSF DHEA levels are correlated with brain DHEA levels within the same subject cohort. We therefore determined DHEA and pregnenolone levels in AD patients (n = 25) and cognitively intact control subjects (n = 16) in both CSF and temporal cortex. DESIGN DHEA and pregnenolone levels were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry preceded by HPLC. Frozen CSF and temporal cortex specimens were provided by the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Duke University Medical Center. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test statistic and Spearman correlational analyses. RESULTS CSF DHEA levels are positively correlated with temporal cortex DHEA levels (r = 0.59, P < 0.0001) and neuropathological disease stage (Braak and Braak) (r = 0.42, P = 0.007). CSF pregnenolone levels are also positively correlated with temporal cortex pregnenolone levels (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001) and tend to be correlated with neuropathological disease stage (Braak) (r = 0.30, P = 0.06). CSF DHEA levels are elevated (P = 0.032), and pregnenolone levels tend to be elevated (P = 0.10) in patients with AD, compared with cognitively intact control subjects. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that CSF DHEA and pregnenolone levels are correlated with temporal cortex brain levels of these neurosteroids and that CSF DHEA is elevated in AD and related to neuropathological disease stage. Neurosteroids may thus be relevant to the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Naylor
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, MHSL 116A, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA
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Sahaya K, Mahajan P, Mediratta PK, Ahmed RS, Sharma KK. Reversal of lindane-induced impairment of step-down passive avoidance and oxidative stress by neurosteroids in rats. Toxicology 2007; 239:116-26. [PMID: 17703867 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2007.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2007] [Revised: 06/09/2007] [Accepted: 06/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids (NS) are recognized as important modulators of functioning of the nervous system. Lindane, an organochlorine pesticide has been shown to adversely affect memory and induce oxidative stress on both acute and chronic exposure. The present study was designed to explore the modulation of effects of lindane over cognitive function by progesterone (PROG), pregnenolone sulfate (PREG-S) and 4'-chlorodiazepam (4CD). Cognitive function was assessed using step-down latency (SDL) on a passive avoidance apparatus and transfer latency (TL) on a plus maze. Oxidative stress was assessed by examining brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-protein thiol (NP-SH) levels. A significant reduction in SDL was found for the lindane treated group at weeks 6 and 7 as compared to control (p<0.001). One-week treatment by PREG-S or 4CD antagonized the effect of lindane on SDL. PROG failed to modulate the effect of lindane on SDL. Lindane caused a significant prolongation of TL as compared to control (p<0.001) from second week onwards. One-week administration of PROG, PREG-S or 4CD was unable to reverse this prolongation of TL. Lindane produced a statistically significant increase in the brain MDA levels (p<0.001) and significant decrease in the brain NP-SH levels (p<0.001). Treatment with PREG-S and 4CD attenuated the effect of lindane on MDA (p<0.001) and NP-SH levels. PROG failed to influence oxidative stress induced by lindane. Results of the present study thus show that some NS have potential in reversing cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by toxicants like lindane in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinshuk Sahaya
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Sagredo O, Ramos JA, Decio A, Mechoulam R, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabidiol reduced the striatal atrophy caused 3-nitropropionic acid in vivo by mechanisms independent of the activation of cannabinoid, vanilloid TRPV1 and adenosine A2A receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 26:843-51. [PMID: 17672854 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05717.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The neuroprotective potential of cannabinoids has been examined in rats with striatal lesions caused by 3-nitropropionic acic (3NP), an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex II. We used the CB1 agonist arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA), the CB2 agonist HU-308, and cannabidiol (CBD), an antioxidant phytocannabinoid with negligible affinity for cannabinoid receptors. The administration of 3NP reduced GABA contents and also mRNA levels for several markers of striatal GABAergic projection neurons, including proenkephalin (PENK), substance P (SP) and neuronal-specific enolase (NSE). We also found reductions in mRNA levels for superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and -2 (SOD-2), which indicated that 3NP reduced the endogenous antioxidant defences. The administration of CBD, but not ACEA or HU-308, completely reversed 3NP-induced reductions in GABA contents and mRNA levels for SP, NSE and SOD-2, and partially attenuated those found in SOD-1 and PENK. This indicates that CBD is neuroprotective but acted preferentially on striatal neurons that project to the substantia nigra. The effects of CBD were not reversed by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716. The same happened with the TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine, in concordance with the observation that capsaicin, a TRPV1 receptor agonist, failed to reproduce the CBD effects. The effects of CBD were also independent of adenosine signalling as they were not attenuated by the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist MSX-3. In summary, this study demonstrates that CBD provides neuroprotection against 3NP-induced striatal damage, which may be relevant for Huntington's disease, a disorder characterized by the preferential loss of striatal projection neurons. This capability seems to be based exclusively on the antioxidant properties of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onintza Sagredo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III, Universidad Complutense, 28040-Madrid, Spain
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Túnez I, Feijóo M, Collado JA, Medina FJ, Peña J, Muñoz MDC, Jimena I, Franco F, Rueda I, Muntané J, Montilla P. Effect of testosterone on oxidative stress and cell damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in striatum of ovariectomized rats. Life Sci 2007; 80:1221-7. [PMID: 17266993 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Revised: 10/02/2006] [Accepted: 12/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper evaluates the effects of testosterone (0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) for 8 days) on oxidative stress and cell damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 4 days) in ovariectomized rats. Gonadectomy triggered oxidative damage and cell loss, evaluated by the detection of caspase-3, whereas 3-nitropropionic acid increased the levels of oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and prompted cell damage characterized by enhanced levels of lactate dehydrogenase. These changes were blocked by testosterone administration. Our results support the following conclusions: i) ovariectomy triggers oxidative and cell damage via caspase-3 in the striatum; ii) 3-nitropropionic acid exacerbates oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and leads to cell damage characterized by increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase; iii) testosterone administration decreases oxidative stress and cell damage. Additionally, these data support the hypothesis that testosterone might play an important role in the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Túnez
- Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cordoba, Avda. Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.
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15
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Marx CE, Trost WT, Shampine LJ, Stevens RD, Hulette CM, Steffens DC, Ervin JF, Butterfield MI, Blazer DG, Massing MW, Lieberman JA. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone is reduced in prefrontal cortex in Alzheimer's disease. Biol Psychiatry 2006; 60:1287-94. [PMID: 16997284 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2006] [Revised: 05/22/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are currently available investigating neurosteroids (NS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The NS allopregnanolone may be decreased in serum and plasma in patients with AD, but it is unclear if allopregnanolone is also reduced in brain. Because a number of NS exhibit neuroprotective effects and impact cognitive performance in rodent models, these molecules may be relevant to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. We therefore investigated prefrontal cortex (PFC) NS levels in AD. METHODS Neurosteroid levels (allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) were determined in postmortem PFC in 14 male subjects with AD and 15 cognitively intact male control subjects by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry preceded by high-performance liquid chromatography purification. RESULTS Subjects with AD exhibit significant reductions in allopregnanolone compared with cognitively intact control subjects (median levels = 2.50 ng/g vs. 5.59 ng/g, respectively; p = .02). Allopregnanolone levels are inversely correlated with neuropathological disease stage (Braak), r = -.49, p = .007. Median DHEA levels are elevated in subjects with AD (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Subjects with AD demonstrate significant reductions in PFC allopregnanolone levels, a finding that may be relevant to neuropathological disease stage severity. Neurosteroids may have utility as candidate biomarkers in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Marx
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
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Túnez I, Collado JA, Medina FJ, Peña J, Del C Muñoz M, Jimena I, Franco F, Rueda I, Feijóo M, Muntané J, Montilla P. 17 β-Estradiol may affect vulnerability of striatum in a 3-nitropropionic acid-induced experimental model of Huntington's disease in ovariectomized rats. Neurochem Int 2006; 48:367-73. [PMID: 16420966 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2005.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Accepted: 11/18/2005] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of present study was to clarify the role of female sex hormones in the development and course of neurodegenerative disease in an experimental model of Huntington's disease induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)/day for 4 days) in ovariectomized rat. Gonadectomy prompted oxidative stress and cell death evaluated by the detection of caspase-3, whereas 3-nitropropionic acid enhanced the oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and it triggered cell damage characterized by increases of LDH levels. These changes were prevented by administration of 17 beta-estradiol. Our findings suggested that: (i) ovariectomy induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the brain; (ii) 3-nitropropionic acid exacerbated oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and shifting cell to cell death; and (iii) 17 beta-estradiol administration decreased oxidative stress and cell death induced by ovariectomy and 3-nitropropionic acid. These results revealed that sex ovarian hormones play a important role in onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as neuroprotective effects of 17 beta-estradiol against the changes induced ovariectomy and ovariectomy plus 3-nitropropionic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Túnez
- Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cordoba, Spain.
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Túnez I, Drucker-Colín R, Jimena I, Medina FJ, Muñoz MDC, Peña J, Montilla P. Transcranial magnetic stimulation attenuates cell loss and oxidative damage in the striatum induced in the 3-nitropropionic model of Huntington's disease. J Neurochem 2006; 97:619-30. [PMID: 16524377 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03724.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An investigation was conducted on the effect of transcranial magnetic field stimulation (TMS) on the free radical production and neuronal cell loss produced by 3-nitropropionic acid in rats. The effects of 3-nitropropionic acid were evaluated by examining the following changes in: the quantity of hydroperoxides and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonyl groups, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities; total nitrite and cell death [morphological changes, quantification of neuronal loss and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels]. Our results reveal that 3-nitropropionic acid induces oxidative and nitrosative stress in the striatum, prompts cell loss and also shows that TMS prevents the harmful effects induced by the acid. In conclusion, the results show the ability of TMS to modify neuronal response to 3-nitropropionic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Túnez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, y, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
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Bushell WC. From Molecular Biology to Anti-aging Cognitive-Behavioral Practices: The Pioneering Research of Walter Pierpaoli on the Pineal and Bone Marrow Foreshadows the Contemporary Revolution in Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2005.tb06124.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pérez-De La Cruz V, González-Cortés C, Pedraza-Chaverrí J, Maldonado PD, Andrés-Martínez L, Santamaría A. Protective effect of S-allylcysteine on 3-nitropropionic acid-induced lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction in rat brain synaptosomes. Brain Res Bull 2005; 68:379-83. [PMID: 16377446 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2005] [Revised: 09/23/2005] [Accepted: 09/26/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
3-Nitropropionic acid is a neurotoxin that irreversibly inhibits succinate dehydrogenase, a relevant enzyme constituting the complex II of the respiratory chain during mitochondrial electron transport. 3-Nitropropionic acid is known to produce oxidative/nitrosative stress and evokes an experimental model of Huntington's disease. In this work we evaluated the effects of the antioxidant compound and major organosulfur garlic derivative, S-allylcysteine, on lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in synaptosomal fractions from rat brain. 3-Nitropropionic acid, at concentrations ranging 0.75-2.5 mM, produced enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation, while increasing concentrations of S-allylcysteine (0.1-2 mM) decreased the peroxidative action of 3-nitropropionic acid (1 mM) in synaptosomal fractions in a concentration-dependent manner. S-Allylcysteine (0.75 mM) also prevented the 3-nitropropionic acid (1mM)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings suggest that the protective actions that S-allylcysteine exert on the in vitro neurotoxicity induced by 3-nitropropionic acid are mediated by its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Pérez-De La Cruz
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez S.S.A., México 14269, D.F., Mexico
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