Overexpression of CuZn-superoxide dismutase reduces hippocampal injury after global ischemia in transgenic mice

Zinc Homeostasis in Platelet-Related Diseases

Zn2+ deficiency in the human population is frequent in underdeveloped countries. Worldwide, approximatively 2 billion people consume Zn2+-deficient diets, accounting for 1-4% of deaths each year, mainly in infants with a compromised immune system. Depending on the severity of Zn2+ deficiency, clinical symptoms are associated with impaired wound healing, alopecia, diarrhea, poor growth, dysfunction of the immune and nervous system with congenital abnormalities and bleeding disorders. Poor nutritional Zn2+ status in patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma or with advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma, was accompanied by cutaneous bleeding and platelet dysfunction. Forcing Zn2+ uptake in the gut using different nutritional supplementation of Zn2+ could ameliorate many of these pathological symptoms in humans. Feeding adult rodents with a low Zn2+ diet caused poor platelet aggregation and increased bleeding tendency, thereby attracting great scientific interest in investigating the role of Zn2+ in hemostasis. Storage protein metallothionein maintains or releases Zn2+ in the cytoplasm, and the dynamic change of this cytoplasmic Zn2+ pool is regulated by the redox status of the cell. An increase of labile Zn2+ pool can be toxic for the cells, and therefore cytoplasmic Zn2+ levels are tightly regulated by several Zn2+ transporters located on the cell surface and also on the intracellular membrane of Zn2+ storage organelles, such as secretory vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. Although Zn2+ is a critical cofactor for more than 2000 transcription factors and 300 enzymes, regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and basic metabolic functions of the cells, the molecular mechanisms of Zn2+ transport and the physiological role of Zn2+ store in megakaryocyte and platelet function remain elusive. In this review, we summarize the contribution of extracellular or intracellular Zn2+ to megakaryocyte and platelet function and discuss the consequences of dysregulated Zn2+ homeostasis in platelet-related diseases by focusing on thrombosis, ischemic stroke and storage pool diseases.

Intra-arterial administration of cell-based biological agents for ischemic stroke therapy

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic stroke is becoming a primary cause of disability and death worldwide. To date, therapeutic options remain limited focusing on mechanical thrombolysis or administration of thrombolytic agents. However, these therapies do not promote neuroprotection and neuro-restoration of the ischemic area of the brain.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights the option of minimal invasive, intra-arterial, administration of biological agents for stroke therapy. The authors provide an update of all available studies, discuss issues that influence outcomes and describe future perspectives which aim to improve clinical outcomes. New therapeutic options based on cellular and molecular interactions following an ischemic brain event, will be highlighted.

EXPERT OPINION

Intra-arterial administration of biological agents during trans-catheter thrombolysis or thrombectomy could limit neuronal cell death and facilitate regeneration or neurogenesis following ischemic brain injury. Despite the initial progress, further meticulous studies are needed in order to establish the clinical use of stem cell-induced neuroprotection and neuroregeneration.

Black Rice (Oryza sativa L., Poaceae) Extract Reduces Hippocampal Neuronal Cell Death Induced by Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia in Mice

Rice is the most commonly consumed grain in the world. Black rice has been suggested to contain various bioactive compounds including anthocyanin antioxidants. There is currently little information about the nutritional benefits of black rice on brain pathology. Here, we investigated the effects of black rice (Oryza sativa L., Poaceae) extract (BRE) on the hippocampal neuronal damage induced by ischemic insult. BRE (300 mg/kg) was orally administered to adult male C57BL/6 mice once a day for 21 days. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) was performed for 23 min on the 8th day of BRE or vehicle administration. Histological analyses conducted on the 22nd day of BRE or vehicle administration revealed that administering BRE profoundly attenuated neuronal cell death, inhibited reactive astrogliosis, and prevented loss of glutathione peroxidase expression in the hippocampus when compared to vehicle treatment. In addition, BRE considerably ameliorated BCCAO-induced memory impairment on the Morris water maze test from the 15th day to the 22nd day of BRE or vehicle administration. These results indicate that chronic administration of BRE is potentially beneficial in cerebral ischemia.

Pretreated Glehnia littoralis Extract Prevents Neuronal Death Following Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia through Increases of Superoxide Dismutase 1 and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Expressions in the Gerbil Hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 Area

BACKGROUND

Glehnia littoralis, as a traditional herbal medicine to heal various health ailments in East Asia, displays various therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects. However, neuroprotective effects of G. littoralis against cerebral ischemic insults have not yet been addressed. Therefore, in this study, we first examined its neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus using a gerbil model of transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI).

METHODS

Gerbils were subjected to TGCI for 5 min. G. littoralis extract (GLE; 100 and 200 mg/kg) was administrated orally once daily for 7 days before ischemic surgery. Neuroprotection was examined by neuronal nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence staining. Gliosis was observed by immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1. For neuroprotective mechanisms, immunohistochemistry for superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was done.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of GLE protected pyramidal neurons in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) area from ischemic insult area (F = 29.770, P < 0.05) and significantly inhibited activations of astrocytes (F = 22.959, P < 0.05) and microglia (F = 44.135, P < 0.05) in the ischemic CA1 area. In addition, pretreatment with GLE significantly increased expressions of SOD1 (F = 28.561, P < 0.05) and BDNF (F = 55.298, P < 0.05) in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the sham- and ischemia-operated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that pretreatment with GLE can protect neurons from ischemic insults, and we suggest that its neuroprotective mechanism may be closely associated with increases of SOD1 and BDNF expressions as well as attenuation of glial activation.

Pre‑treatment with Chrysanthemum indicum Linné extract protects pyramidal neurons from transient cerebral ischemia via increasing antioxidants in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region

Chrysanthemum indicum Linné extract (CIL) is used in herbal medicine in East Asia. In the present study, gerbils were orally pre-treated with CIL, and changes of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and SOD2, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the hippocampal CA1 region following 5 min of transient cerebral ischemia were investigated and the neuroprotective effect of CIL in the ischemic CA1 region was examined. SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPX immunoreactivities were observed in the pyramidal cells of the CA1 region and their immunoreactivities were gradually decreased following ischemia-reperfusion and barely detectable at 5 days post-ischemia. CIL pre-treatment significantly increased immunoreactivities of SOD1, CAT and GPX, but not SOD2, in the CA1 pyramidal cells of the sham-operated animals. In addition, SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPX immunoreactivities in the CA1 pyramidal cells were significantly higher compared with the ischemia-operated animals. Furthermore, it was identified that pre-treatment with CIL protected the CA1 pyramidal cells in the CA1 region using neuronal nuclei immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence staining; the protected CA1 pyramidal cells were 67.5% compared with the sham-operated animals. In conclusion, oral CIL pre-treatment increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes in CA1 pyramidal cells in the gerbil hippocampus and protected the cells from transient cerebral ischemic insult. This finding suggested that CIL is promising for the prevention of ischemia-induced neuronal damage.

Review : Gene Expression after Cerebral Ischemia

Global and focal ischemias induce a variety of gene families, including immediate early genes, cytokines, neurotransmitter receptors, and heat-shock proteins. The Janus-like effects of several of these gene prod ucts promote neuronal survival and degeneration. Therefore, determining the molecular pathways respon sible for the differential regulation of these genes is of paramount importance. The discovery of apoptosis as a mediator of delayed neuronal death has led to the identification of a number of other genes involved in postischemic brain damage. Future neuroprotective therapies for cerebral ischemia may be directed at preventing alterations in gene expression. NEUROSCIENTIST 5:238-253, 1999

Evaluation of Gene Therapy as an Intervention Strategy to Treat Brain Injury from Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with a lack of treatments available to prevent cell death, regenerate damaged cells and pathways, or promote neurogenesis. The extended period of hours to weeks over which tissue damage continues to occur makes this disorder a candidate for gene therapy. This review highlights the development of gene therapy in the area of stroke, with the evolution of viral administration, in experimental stroke models, from pre-injury to clinically relevant timeframes of hours to days post-stroke. The putative therapeutic proteins being examined include anti-apoptotic, pro-survival, anti-inflammatory, and guidance proteins, targeting multiple pathways within the complex pathology, with promising results. The balance of findings from animal models suggests that gene therapy provides a viable translational platform for treatment of ischemic brain injury arising from stroke.

Paradoxical Roles of Antioxidant Enzymes: Basic Mechanisms and Health Implications

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are generated from aerobic metabolism, as a result of accidental electron leakage as well as regulated enzymatic processes. Because ROS/RNS can induce oxidative injury and act in redox signaling, enzymes metabolizing them will inherently promote either health or disease, depending on the physiological context. It is thus misleading to consider conventionally called antioxidant enzymes to be largely, if not exclusively, health protective. Because such a notion is nonetheless common, we herein attempt to rationalize why this simplistic view should be avoided. First we give an updated summary of physiological phenotypes triggered in mouse models of overexpression or knockout of major antioxidant enzymes. Subsequently, we focus on a series of striking cases that demonstrate "paradoxical" outcomes, i.e., increased fitness upon deletion of antioxidant enzymes or disease triggered by their overexpression. We elaborate mechanisms by which these phenotypes are mediated via chemical, biological, and metabolic interactions of the antioxidant enzymes with their substrates, downstream events, and cellular context. Furthermore, we propose that novel treatments of antioxidant enzyme-related human diseases may be enabled by deliberate targeting of dual roles of the pertaining enzymes. We also discuss the potential of "antioxidant" nutrients and phytochemicals, via regulating the expression or function of antioxidant enzymes, in preventing, treating, or aggravating chronic diseases. We conclude that "paradoxical" roles of antioxidant enzymes in physiology, health, and disease derive from sophisticated molecular mechanisms of redox biology and metabolic homeostasis. Simply viewing antioxidant enzymes as always being beneficial is not only conceptually misleading but also clinically hazardous if such notions underpin medical treatment protocols based on modulation of redox pathways.

Radon inhalation protects against transient global cerebral ischemic injury in gerbils

Although brain disorders are not the main indication for radon therapy, our previous study suggested that radon inhalation therapy might mitigate brain disorders. In this study, we assessed whether radon inhalation protects against transient global cerebral ischemic injury in gerbils. Gerbils were treated with inhaled radon at a concentration of 2,000 Bq/m(3) for 24 h. After radon inhalation, transient global cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery. Results showed that transient global cerebral ischemia induced neuronal damage in hippocampal CA1, and the number of damaged neurons was significantly increased compared with control. However, radon treatment inhibited ischemic damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the radon-treated gerbil brain was significantly higher than that in sham-operated gerbils. These findings suggested that radon inhalation activates antioxidative function, especially SOD, thereby inhibiting transient global cerebral ischemic injury in gerbils.

The paradoxical role of thioredoxin on oxidative stress and aging

In spite of intensive study, there is still controversy about the free radical or oxidative stress theory of aging, particularly in mammals. Our laboratory has conducted the first detailed studies on the role of thioredoxin (Trx) in the cytosol (Trx1) and in mitochondria (Trx2) on oxidative stress and aging using unique mouse models either overexpressing or down-regulating Trx1 or Trx2. The results generated from our lab and others indicate that: (1) oxidative stress and subsequent changes in signaling pathways could have different pathophysiological impacts at different stages of life; (2) changes in redox-sensitive signaling controlled by levels of oxidative stress and redox state could play more important roles in pathophysiology than accumulation of oxidative damage; (3) changes in oxidative stress and redox state in different cellular compartments (cytosol, mitochondria, or nucleus) could play different roles in pathophysiology during aging, and their combined effects show more impact on aging than changes in either oxidative stress or redox state alone; and (4) the roles of oxidative stress and redox state could have different pathophysiological consequences in different organs/tissues/cells or pathophysiological conditions. To critically test the role of oxidative stress on aging and investigate changes in redox-sensitive signaling pathways, further study is required.

The two-pore domain potassium channel KCNK5 deteriorates outcome in ischemic neurodegeneration

Potassium channels can fulfill both beneficial and detrimental roles in neuronal damage during ischemic stroke. Earlier studies have characterized a neuroprotective role of the two-pore domain potassium channels KCNK2 (TREK1) and KCNK3 (TASK1). Protective neuronal hyperpolarization and prevention of intracellular Ca(2+) overload and glutamate excitotoxicity were suggested to be the underlying mechanisms. We here identify an unexpected role for the related KCNK5 channel in a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). KCNK5 is strongly upregulated on neurons upon cerebral ischemia, where it is most likely involved in the induction of neuronal apoptosis. Hypoxic conditions elevated neuronal expression levels of KCNK5 in acute brain slices and primary isolated neuronal cell cultures. In agreement, KCNK5 knockout mice had significantly reduced infarct volumes and improved neurologic function 24 h after 60 min of tMCAO and this protective effect was preserved at later stages of infarct development. KCNK5 deficiency resulted in a significantly reduced number of apoptotic neurons, a downregulation of pro-apoptotic and upregulation of anti-apoptotic factors. Results of adoptive transfer experiments of wild-type and Kcnk5 (-/-) immune cells into Rag1 (-/-) mice prior to tMCAO exclude a major role of KCNK5 in poststroke inflammatory reactions. In summary, KCNK5 expression is induced on neurons under ischemic conditions where it most likely exerts pro-apoptotic effects. Hence, pharmacological blockade of KCNK5 might have therapeutic potential in preventing ischemic neurodegeneration.

Differential gene expression in the brain of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens, after six days or six months of aestivation in air

The African lungfish, Protopterus annectens, can undergo aestivation during drought. Aestivation has three phases: induction, maintenance and arousal. The objective of this study was to examine the differential gene expression in the brain of P. annectens during the induction (6 days) and maintenance (6 months) phases of aestivation as compared with the freshwater control using suppression subtractive hybridization. During the induction phase of aestivation, the mRNA expression of prolactin (prl) and growth hormone were up-regulated in the brain of P. annectens, which indicate for the first time the possible induction role of these two hormones in aestivation. Also, the up-regulation of mRNA expression of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein γ polypeptide and the down-regulation of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein, suggest that there could be a reduction in biological and neuronal activities in the brain. The mRNA expression of cold inducible RNA-binding protein and glucose regulated protein 58 were also up-regulated in the brain, probably to enhance their cytoprotective effects. Furthermore, the down-regulation of prothymosin α expression suggests that there could be a suppression of transcription and cell proliferation in preparation for the maintenance phase. In general, the induction phase appeared to be characterized by reduction in glycolytic capacity and metabolic activity, suppression of protein synthesis and degradation, and an increase in defense against ammonia toxicity. In contrast, there was a down-regulation in the mRNA expression of prl in the brain of P. annectens during the maintenance phase of aestivation. In addition, there could be an increase in oxidative defense capacity, and up-regulation of transcription, translation, and glycolytic capacities in preparation for arousal. Overall, our results signify the importance of reconstruction of protein structures and regulation of energy expenditure during the induction phase, and the needs to suppress protein degradation and conserve metabolic fuel stores during the maintenance phase of aestivation.

NADPH Oxidase as a Therapeutic Target for Neuroprotection against Ischaemic Stroke: Future Perspectives

Oxidative stress caused by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to contribute to stroke injury, particularly during reperfusion, and antioxidants targeting this process have resulted in improved outcomes experimentally. Unfortunately these improvements have not been successfully translated to the clinical setting. Targeting the source of oxidative stress may provide a superior therapeutic approach. The NADPH oxidases are a family of enzymes dedicated solely to ROS production and pre-clinical animal studies targeting NADPH oxidases have shown promising results. However there are multiple factors that need to be considered for future drug development: There are several homologues of the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase. All have differing physiological roles and may contribute differentially to oxidative damage after stroke. Additionally, the role of ROS in brain repair is largely unexplored, which should be taken into consideration when developing drugs that inhibit specific NADPH oxidases after injury. This article focuses on the current knowledge regarding NADPH oxidase after stroke including in vivo genetic and inhibitor studies. The caution required when interpreting reports of positive outcomes after NADPH oxidase inhibition is also discussed, as effects on long term recovery are yet to be investigated and are likely to affect successful clinical translation.

Thioredoxin, oxidative stress, cancer and aging

The Free Radical or Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging is one of the most popular theories in aging research and has been extensively studied over the past several decades. However, recent evidence using transgenic/knockout mice that overexpress or down-regulate antioxidant enzymes challenge the veracity of this theory since the animals show no increase or decrease in lifespan. These results seriously call into question the role of oxidative damage/stress in the aging process in mammals. Therefore, the theory requires significant modifications if we are to understand the relationship between aging and the regulation of oxidative stress. Our laboratory has been examining the impacts of thioredoxins (Trxs), in the cytosol and mitochondria, on aging and age-related diseases. Our data from mice that are either up-regulating or down-regulating Trx in different cellular compartments, that is, the cytosol or mitochondria, could shed some light on the role of oxidative stress and its pathophysiological effects. The results generated from our lab and others may indicate that: 1) changes in oxidative stress and the redox state in the cytosol, mitochondria or nucleus might play different roles in the aging process; 2) the role of oxidative stress and redox state could have different pathophysiological consequences in different tissues/cells, for example, mitotic vs. post-mitotic; 3) oxidative stress could have different pathophysiological impacts in young and old animals; and 4) the pathophysiological roles of oxidative stress and redox state could be controlled through changes in redox-sensitive signaling, which could have more diverse effects on pathophysiology than the accumulation of oxidative damage to various molecules. To critically test the role of oxidative stress on aging and age-related diseases, further study is required using animal models that regulate oxidative stress levels differently in each cellular compartment, each tissue/organ, and/or at different stages of life (young, middle and old) to change redox sensitive signaling pathways.

Reactive oxygen species regulated mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in PC12 cells exposed to chlorpyrifos

Reactive oxidative species (ROS) generated by environmental toxicants including pesticides could be one of the factors underlying the neuronal cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we found that chlorpyrifos (CPF) induced apoptosis in dopaminergic neuronal components of PC12 cells as demonstrated by the activation of caspases and nuclear condensation. Furthermore, CPF also reduced the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive immunoreactivity in substantia nigra of the rat. In addition, CPF induced inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity. Importantly, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment effectively blocked apoptosis via the caspase-9 and caspase-3 pathways while NAC attenuated the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity as well as the oxidative metabolism of dopamine (DA). These results demonstrated that CPF-induced apoptosis was involved in mitochondrial dysfunction through the production of ROS. In the response of cellular antioxidant systems to CPF, we found that CPF treatment increased HO-1 expression while the expression of CuZnSOD and MnSOD was reduced. In addition, we found that CPF treatment activated MAPK pathways, including ERK 1/2, the JNK, and the p38 MAP kinase in a time-dependent manner. NAC treatment abolished MAPK phosphorylation caused by CPF, indicating that ROS are upstream signals of MAPK. Interestingly, MAPK inhibitors abolished cytotoxicity and reduced ROS generation by CPF treatment. Our results demonstrate that CPF induced neuronal cell death in part through MAPK activation via ROS generation, suggesting its potential to generate oxidative stress via mitochondrial damage and its involvement in oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disease.

Platelet glycoprotein Ibα is an important mediator of ischemic stroke in mice

BACKGROUND

Platelets play an important role in ischemic stroke. GPIbα is a major platelet receptor that is critical for platelet adhesion to exposed subendothelial matrix components at sites of vascular damage.

METHODS

In this study, we used transgenic mice in which the extracellular part of GPIbα is replaced by human interleukin 4-receptor (GPIbα/IL4Rα). We observed normal brain vasculature in these mice. We compared infarct size in GPIbα/IL4Rα and wild-type (WT) mice 23 hours after 1-hour transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). In addition, the functional outcome was evaluated using a modified Bederson score.

RESULTS

We found a significantly smaller infarct size in GPIbα/IL4Rα mice compared to WT mice (38.0 ± 6.5 mm3 vs. 74.2 ± 8.6 mm3, p < 0.001). The decrease in infarct size was functionally relevant as indicated by a significantly better functional Bederson score in GPIbα/IL4Rα mice compared to WT animals (1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data illustrate and further confirm the important role of platelet GPIbα in ischemic stroke, suggesting that targeted inhibition of this receptor may open new avenues in stroke treatment.

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (Ask1) targeted small interfering RNA on ischemic neuronal cell death

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (Ask1) is one of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) for cell differentiation and apoptosis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether RNA interference against Ask1 (Ask1-siRNA) down-regulates the expression of Ask1 and prevents apoptotic neuronal cell death after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in mice. Mice were subjected to intraluminal suture occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1h, followed by reperfusion. The Ask1-siRNA or a control-siRNA was introduced using osmotic pump intracerebroventricularly at 3days before I/R. The expression and mRNA of Ask1 were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR after I/R with time. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay were also investigated to evaluate the effect of Ask1 on cerebral infarction by Ask1-siRNA treatment. The expression of Ask1 was increased significantly at 8h after I/R. The level of mRNA and protein of Ask1 down-regulated after treatment of Ask1-siRNA and subsequently cerebral infarction volume was reduced. Our results suggest the increased Ask1 expression induce apoptotic cell death after I/R. And we also demonstrated that Ask1-siRNA attenuates upregulation of Ask1, which was followed by the reduction of infarction in ischemic brain after I/R. Ask1-siRNA could represent a molecular target for prevention of ischemic stroke.

Oxidative stress in ischemic brain damage: mechanisms of cell death and potential molecular targets for neuroprotection

Significant amounts of oxygen free radicals (oxidants) are generated during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, and oxidative stress plays an important role in brain damage after stroke. In addition to oxidizing macromolecules, leading to cell injury, oxidants are also involved in cell death/survival signal pathways and cause mitochondrial dysfunction. Experimental data from laboratory animals that either overexpress (transgenic) or are deficient in (knock-out) antioxidant proteins, mainly superoxide dismutase, have provided strong evidence of the role of oxidative stress in ischemic brain damage. In addition to mitochondria, recent reports demonstrate that NADPH oxidase (NOX), an important pro-oxidant enzyme, is also involved in the generation of oxidants in the brain after stroke. Inhibition of NOX is neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia. We propose that superoxide dismutase and NOX activity in the brain is a major determinant for ischemic damage/repair and that these major anti- and pro-oxidant enzymes are potential endogenous molecular targets for stroke therapy.

Deficiency of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) increases blood-brain-barrier damage and edema formation after ischemic stroke in mice

Background

Stroke-induced brain edema formation is a frequent cause of secondary infarct growth and deterioration of neurological function. The molecular mechanisms underlying edema formation after stroke are largely unknown. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is an important regulator of actin dynamics and stabilizes endothelial barriers through interaction with cell-cell contacts and focal adhesion sites. Hypoxia has been shown to foster vascular leakage by downregulation of VASP in vitro but the significance of VASP for regulating vascular permeability in the hypoxic brain in vivo awaits clarification.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in Vasp^−/− mice and wild-type (WT) littermates by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Evan's Blue tracer was applied to visualize the extent of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) damage. Brain edema formation and infarct volumes were calculated from 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)-stained brain slices. Both mouse groups were carefully controlled for anatomical and physiological parameters relevant for edema formation and stroke outcome. BBB damage (p<0.05) and edema volumes (1.7 mm³±0.5 mm³ versus 0.8 mm³±0.4 mm³; p<0.0001) were significantly enhanced in Vasp^−/− mice compared to controls on day 1 after tMCAO. This was accompanied by a significant increase in infarct size (56.1 mm³±17.3 mm³ versus 39.3 mm³±10.7 mm³, respectively; p<0.01) and a non significant trend (p>0.05) towards worse neurological outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study identifies VASP as critical regulator of BBB maintenance during acute ischemic stroke. Therapeutic modulation of VASP or VASP-dependent signalling pathways could become a novel strategy to combat excessive edema formation in ischemic brain damage.

Tissue-type plasminogen activator is a neuroprotectant in the mouse hippocampus

The best-known function of the serine protease tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is as a thrombolytic enzyme. However, it is also found in structures of the brain that are highly vulnerable to hypoxia-induced cell death, where its association with neuronal survival is poorly understood. Here, we have demonstrated that hippocampal areas of the mouse brain lacking tPA activity are more vulnerable to neuronal death following an ischemic insult. We found that sublethal hypoxia, which elicits tolerance to subsequent lethal hypoxic/ischemic injury in a natural process known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC), induced a rapid release of neuronal tPA. Treatment of hippocampal neurons with tPA induced tolerance against a lethal hypoxic insult applied either immediately following insult (early IPC) or 24 hours later (delayed IPC). tPA-induced early IPC was independent of the proteolytic activity of tPA and required the engagement of a member of the LDL receptor family. In contrast, tPA-induced delayed IPC required the proteolytic activity of tPA and was mediated by plasmin, the NMDA receptor, and PKB phosphorylation. We also found that IPC in vivo increased tPA activity in the cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) layer and Akt phosphorylation in the hippocampus, as well as ischemic tolerance in wild-type but not tPA- or plasminogen-deficient mice. These data show that tPA can act as an endogenous neuroprotectant in the murine hippocampus.

Interleukin-18 does not influence infarct volume or functional outcome in the early stage after transient focal brain ischemia in mice

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine of the interleukin-1 family which is upregulated after cerebral ischemia. The functional role of IL-18 in cerebral ischemia is unknown. In the present study, we compared infarct size in IL-18 knock-out and wild-type mice 24 hours and 48 hours after 1-hour transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Moreover, the functional outcome was evaluated in a modified Bederson score, foot fault test and grip test. There were no significant differences in infarct size or functional outcome tests between wild-type and IL-18 knock-out mice. These data indicate that the early inflammatory response to cerebral ischemia does not involve IL-18, in contrast to other interleukin-1 family members such as interleukin-1.

Mitochondrial and apoptotic neuronal death signaling pathways in cerebral ischemia

Mitochondria play important roles as the powerhouse of the cell. After cerebral ischemia, mitochondria overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have been thoroughly studied with the use of superoxide dismutase transgenic or knockout animals. ROS directly damage lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in the cell. Moreover, ROS activate various molecular signaling pathways. Apoptosis-related signals return to mitochondria, then mitochondria induce cell death through the release of pro-apoptotic proteins such as cytochrome c or apoptosis-inducing factor. Although the mechanisms of cell death after cerebral ischemia remain unclear, mitochondria obviously play a role by activating signaling pathways through ROS production and by regulating mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as determinants of ischemic neuronal death and survival

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Their primary physiological function is to generate adenosine triphosphate through oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain. Reactive oxygen species generated from mitochondria have been implicated in acute brain injuries such as stroke and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrially-formed oxidants are mediators of molecular signaling, which is implicated in the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway that involves pro- and antiapoptotic protein binding, the release of cytochrome c, and transcription-independent p53 signaling, leading to neuronal death. Oxidative stress and the redox state of ischemic neurons are also implicated in the signaling pathway that involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and downstream signaling, which lead to neuronal survival. Genetically modified mice or rats that over-express or are deficient in superoxide dismutase have provided strong evidence in support of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as determinants of neuronal death/survival after stroke and neurodegeneration.

Strong dietary restrictions protect Drosophila against anoxia/reoxygenation injuries

Background

Reoxygenation of ischemic tissues is a major factor that determines the severity of cardiovascular diseases. This paper describes the consequences of anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) stresses on Drosophila, a useful, anoxia tolerant, model organism.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Newly emerged adult male flies were exposed to anoxic conditions (<1% O₂) for 1 to 6 hours, reoxygenated and their survival was monitored.

Results

A/R stresses induced a transient increase in mortality which peaked at the time of reoxygenation. Then flies recovered low mortality rates similar to those of control flies. A/R induced mortality was strongly dependent on dietary conditions during the 48 h that preceded anoxia. Well fed flies were anoxia sensitive. Strong dietary restrictions and starvation conditions protected flies against A/R injuries. The tolerance to anoxia was associated to large decreases in glycogen, protein, and ATP contents. During anoxia, anoxia tolerant flies produced more lactate, less phosphate and they maintained more stable ATP levels than anoxia sensitive flies. Moderate dietary restrictions, which increased the longevity of normoxic flies, did not promote resistance to A/R stresses. Diet dependent A/R injuries were still observed in sima loss of function mutants and they were insensitive to dietary rapamycin or resveratrol. AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribosefuranoside), an activator AMP kinase decreased A/R injuries. Mutants in the insulin signalling pathway were more anoxia tolerant in a fed state.

Conclusion/Significance

Long A/R stresses induce a transient increase in mortality in Drosophila. This mortality is highly dependent on dietary conditions prior to the stress. Strong dietary restrictions and starvation conditions protect flies against A/R injuries, probably by inducing a major remodelling of energy metabolism. The results also indicate that mechanistically different responses develop in response to dietary restrictions of different strengths. AMP kinase and the insulin signalling pathway are possible mediators of diet dependent anoxic tolerance in Drosophila.

Gene inactivation of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 attenuates apoptosis and mitochondrial damage following transient focal cerebral ischemia

We investigated mechanisms underlying the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1)-mediated neuronal damage in transient focal ischemia. Physiological parameters, body and tympanic temperatures, and regional cerebral blood flow during 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion were similar in wild-type NHE1 (NHE1+/+) and NHE1 heterozygous (NHE1+/-) mice. NHE1+/+ mice developed infarct volume of 57.3 +/- 8.8 mm(3) at 24 h reperfusion (Rp), which progressed to 86.1 +/- 10.0 mm(3) at 72 h Rp. This delayed cell death was preceded by release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cyt. C), nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), activation of caspase-3, and TUNEL-positive staining and chromatin condensation in the ipsilateral hemispheres of NHE1+/+ brains. In contrast, NHE1+/- mice had a significantly smaller infarct volume and improved neurological function. A similar neuroprotection was obtained with NHE1 inhibitor HOE 642. The number of apoptotic cells, release of AIF and Cyt. C or levels of active caspase-3 was significantly reduced in NHE1+/- brains. These data imply that NHE1 activity may contribute to ischemic apoptosis. Ischemic brains did not exhibit changes of NHE1 protein expression. In contrast, up-regulation of NHE1 expression was found in NHE1+/+ neurons after in vitro ischemia. These data suggest that NHE1 activation following cerebral ischemia contributes to mitochondrial damage and ischemic apoptosis.

Prostacyclin receptor deletion aggravates hippocampal neuronal loss after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in mouse

Transient global cerebral ischemia causes delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region. It also induces an increase in cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which generates several metabolites of arachidonic acid, known as prostanoids, including prostacyclin (PGI(2)). To determine the role of the PGI(2) receptor (IP) in post-ischemic delayed cell death, wild-type and IP knockout (IP(-/-)) C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to 12-min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion or sham surgery, followed by 7 days of reperfusion. In the sham-operated mice, no statistical difference in CA1 hippocampal neuronal density was observed between the wild-type (2836+/-18/mm(2)) and IP(-/-) (2793+/-43/mm(2)) mice. Interestingly, in animals subjected to ischemia, surviving neuronal density in wild-type mice decreased to 50.5+/-7.9% and that of IP(-/-) mice decreased to 23.0+/-4.5% of their respective sham-operated controls (P<0.05). The results establish a role for the IP receptor in protecting pyramidal hippocampal neurons after this global ischemic model and suggest that IP receptor agonists could be developed to prevent delayed pyramidal neuronal cell death.

Mitochondrial translocation of p53 underlies the selective death of hippocampal CA1 neurons after global cerebral ischaemia

p53, a tumour suppressor, is involved in DNA repair and cell death processes and mediates apoptosis in response to death stimuli by transcriptional activation of pro-apoptotic genes and by transcription-independent mechanisms. In the latter process, p53 induces permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane by forming an inhibitory complex with a protective Bcl-2 family protein, resulting in cytochrome c release in several cell line systems. However, it is unclear how the mitochondrial p53 pathway mediates neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischaemia. We examined interaction between the mitochondrial p53 pathway and vulnerable hippocampal CA1 neurons using a tGCI (transient global cerebral ischaemia) rat model. We showed mitochondrial translocation of p53 and its binding to Bcl-X(L). Mitochondrial p53 translocation, interaction between p53 and Bcl-X(L), and cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent CA1 neuronal death were prevented by pifithrin-alpha, a p53-specific inhibitor. These results suggest that the mitochondrial p53 pathway plays a role in delayed CA1 neuronal death after tGCI.

SOD1 overexpression alters ROS production and reduces neurotoxic inflammatory signaling in microglial cells

Activation of the oxidative burst is one of the earliest biochemical events in microglial activation, but it is not understood yet how free radicals participate in inflammatory signaling. To determine the role that specific reactive oxygen species play in microglial activation, the levels of SOD1 were manipulated in N9 murine microglia. Stable overexpression of SOD1 caused significant decreases in superoxide and nitric oxide production, with concurrent increases in hydrogen peroxide following LPS. However, LPS-induced activation of NFkappaB, and release of TNFalpha and IL-6 were significantly attenuated in SOD1 overexpressing cells, as was the ability of microglia to induce toxicity in cultured neurons. Conversely, acute inhibition of SOD1 with disulfiram was associated with increased nitric oxide and cytokine release, and increased neurotoxicity. Together, these data suggest that superoxide radicals in microglia play important roles in directing redox-sensitive inflammatory signaling and initiating neurotoxic inflammation.

Mitochondrial translocation of p53 mediates release of cytochrome c and hippocampal CA1 neuronal death after transient global cerebral ischemia in rats

Although p53 is a key modulator of cellular stress responses, the mechanism of p53-mediated apoptosis is ambiguous. p53 can mediate apoptosis in response to death stimuli by transcriptional activation of proapoptotic genes and transcriptional-independent mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that the p53 protein can directly induce permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane by forming a inhibitory complex with a protective Bcl-2 family protein, resulting in cytochrome c release. However, how the mitochondrial p53 pathway mediates neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia remains unclear. We examined the interaction between the mitochondrial p53 pathway and vulnerable hippocampal CA1 neurons in rats using a transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) model. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining revealed mitochondrial p53 translocation after tGCI in the hippocampal CA1 neurons. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that translocated p53 bound to Bcl-X(L) in the mitochondrial fraction. To examine the effect of a specific p53 inhibitor on the mitochondrial p53 pathway and apoptotic cell death after tGCI, we intravenously administered pifithrin-alpha (PFT). Mitochondrial p53 translocation and interaction between p53 and Bcl-X(L) were prevented by treatment with PFT. Moreover, cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent apoptotic CA1 neuronal death were decreased with PFT treatment. These results suggest that the mitochondrial p53 pathway is one of the novel mechanisms mediating delayed death of vulnerable hippocampal CA1 neurons after tGCI.

Overexpression of SOD1 in Transgenic Rats Attenuates Nuclear Translocation of Endonuclease G and Apoptosis after Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal motor neurons are selectively vulnerable after spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent studies suggest they undergo apoptosis after caspase activation through a mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway, and that oxidative stress after SCI is likely to play a role. However, other signaling pathways of apoptosis that involve mitochondria have not been thoroughly studied after SCI. Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (EndoG) are mitochondrial apoptogenic proteins that are capable of inducing neuronal apoptosis when translocated from mitochondria to nuclei through a caspase-independent pathway. In this study, we examined translocation of these proteins and apoptotic cell death of motor neurons. The role of oxidative stress was also studied using transgenic (Tg) rats that overexpress the intrinsic antioxidant copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Western blots and an activity assay demonstrated that a greater amount of SOD1 and higher activity of SOD presented in mitochondria of Tg rats compared with wild-type (Wt) rats. Immunohistochemistry and Western blots showed translocation of EndoG and AIF from mitochondria to nuclei in motor neurons 1 day after SCI in both groups of rats. However, there was significantly less translocation of EndoG in the Tg rats compared with the Wt rats. Less apoptotic cell death was detected in the Tg rats than in the Wt rats 3 days after SCI. These results suggest that translocation of EndoG and AIF from mitochondria to nuclei may initiate a caspase-independent pathway of apoptosis. An increased level of SOD1 in mitochondria conceivably reduces oxidative stress, thereby attenuating EndoG translocation, and resulting in reduction of caspase-independent apoptosis.

Gene therapy in the nervous system with superoxide dismutase

Neuronal death following necrotic insults involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the effects of antioxidant gene therapy on ROS accumulation after exposure to either sodium cyanide, kainic acid or oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Specifically, we generated herpes simplex virus-1 amplicon vector expressing the gene for the antioxidant enzyme CuZnSOD. Overexpression of this gene in primary hippocampal cultures resulted in increased enzymatic activity of the corresponding protein. CuZnSOD significantly protected hippocampal neurons against sodium cyanide insult and the subsequent lipid peroxidation. However, it did not protect against OGD- or kainic-acid-induced toxicity. Moreover, CuZnSOD significantly worsened the toxicity, hydrogen peroxide accumulation and lipid peroxidation induced by kainic acid. As a possible explanation for this surprising worsening, CuZnSOD overexpression increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the presence of sodium cyanide but had no effect on catalase or glutathione peroxidase activity in the presence of kainic acid. Thus, cells were unlikely to be able to detoxify the excess hydrogen peroxide produced as a result of the CuZnSOD overexpression. These studies can be viewed as a cautionary note concerning gene therapy intervention against necrotic insults.

CuZn-SOD deficiency, rather than overexpression, is associated with enhanced recovery and attenuated activation of NF-kappaB after brain trauma in mice

Superoxide-dismutases (SOD) catalyze O2- conversion to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and with other antioxidant enzymes and low molecular weight antioxidants (LMWA) constitute endogenous defense mechanisms. We first assessed the effects of SOD1 levels on outcome after closed head injury (CHI) and later, based on these results, the effects of SOD1 deficiency on cellular redox homeostasis. Superoxide-dismutase 1-deficient (SOD1-/-) and -overexpressing (transgenic (Tg)) mice and matched wild-type (WT) controls were subjected to CHI and outcome (neurobehavioral and memory functions) was assessed during 14 days. Brain edema, LMWA, and SOD2 activity were measured along with histopathological analysis. Transactivation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) was evaluated by electromobility shift assay. Mortality, motor, and cognitive outcome of Tg and WT mice were comparable. Mortality and edema were similar in SOD1-/- and WT mice, yet, unexpectedly, SOD1-/- displayed better neurobehavioral recovery (P<0.05) at 14 days after CHI. Basal LMWA were higher in the cortex and liver of SOD1-/- mice (P<0.05) and similar to WT in the cerebellum. Five minutes after CHI, cortical LMWA decreased only in SOD1-/- mice. One week after CHI, SOD2 activity decreased fourfold in WT cortex (P<0.001), but was preserved in the SOD1-/-. Constitutive NF-kappaB transactivation was comparably low in SOD1-/- and WT; however, CHI induced a robust NF-kappaB activation that was absent in SOD1-/- cortices (P<0.005 versus WT). At the same time, immunohistochemical analysis of brain sections revealed that astrogliosis and neurodegeneration were of lesser severity in SOD1-/- mice. We suggest that SOD1 deficiency impairs H2O2-mediated activation of NF-kappaB, decreasing death-promoting signals, and leading to better outcome.

Oxidative stress and neuronal death/survival signaling in cerebral ischemia

It has been demonstrated by numerous studies that apoptotic cell death pathways are implicated in ischemic cerebral injury in ischemia models in vivo. Experimental ischemia and reperfusion models, such as transient focal/global ischemia in rodents, have been thoroughly studied and the numerous reports suggest the involvement of cell survival/death signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of apoptotic cell death in ischemic lesions. In these models, reoxygenation during reperfusion provides oxygen as a substrate for numerous enzymatic oxidation reactions and for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to produce adenosine triphosphate. Oxygen radicals, the products of these biochemical and physiological reactions, are known to damage cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and to initiate cell signaling pathways after cerebral ischemia. Genetic manipulation of intrinsic antioxidants and factors in the signaling pathways has provided substantial understanding of the mechanisms involved in cell death/survival signaling pathways and the role of oxygen radicals in ischemic cerebral injury. Future studies of these pathways could provide novel therapeutic strategies in clinical stroke.

Superoxide dismutase 1 protects retinal cells from oxidative damage

Bolstering the endogenous oxidative damage defense system is a good strategy for development of treatments to combat neurodegenerative diseases in which oxidative damage plays a role. A first step in such treatment development is to determine the role of various components of the defense system in cells that degenerate. In this study, we sought to determine the role of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in two models of oxidative damage-induced retinal degeneration. In one model, paraquat is injected into the vitreous cavity and then enters retinal cells and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause progressive retinal damage. Assessment of retinal function with serial electroretinograms (ERGs) showed that sod1 -/- mice were much more sensitive than sod1 +/+ mice to the damaging effects of paraquat, while sod1 +/- mice showed intermediate sensitivity. Compared to sod1 +/+ mice, sod1 -/- mice showed greater paraquat-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis. In the second model, mice were exposed to hyperoxia for several weeks, and sod1 -/- mice showed significantly greater reductions in ERG amplitudes than sod1 +/+ mice. In both of these models, transgenic mice carrying a sod1 transgene driven by a beta-actin promoter showed less oxidative stress-induced reduction in ERG amplitudes. These data demonstrate that SOD1 protects retinal cells against paraquat- and hyperoxia-induced oxidative damage and suggest that overexpression of SOD1 should be considered as one component of ocular gene therapy to prevent oxidative damage-induced retinal degeneration.

Hyperglycemia increases superoxide production in the CA1 pyramidal neurons after global cerebral ischemia

Transient global cerebral ischemia results in selective neuronal death in the vulnerable hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in a delayed manner. Hyperglycemia accelerates and exacerbates neuronal damage in this region. The object of this study was to determine whether hyperglycemia-enhanced damage is associated with increased production of superoxide anion after ischemia. The results showed that hyperglycemic ischemia caused a significant increase of superoxide production in the hippocampal CA1 neurons compared to normoglycemic animals after 18 h of recirculation, suggesting that enhanced superoxide anion production may mediate the hyperglycemia-accelerated and -enhanced neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 area after ischemia and reperfusion.

The effect of preconditioning on the Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase expression and enzyme activity in rat brain at the early period after severe hypobaric hypoxia

Severe hypoxia results in functional and structural injury of the brain. A preconditioning with repetitive episodes of mild hypoxia considerably ameliorates neuronal resistance to subsequent severe hypoxia. Activation of endogenous antioxidants including Cu, Zn-depending superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) (EC.1.15.1.1) is one of the main cell defense mechanisms against oxidative stress induced by hypoxia. Alterations of expression and enzyme activity of Cu, Zn-SOD 3 and 24h after severe hypobaric hypoxia in forebrain structures of preconditioned and non-preconditioned rats were investigated. We found that hypoxia without preconditioning suppressed the Cu, Zn-SOD enzyme activity at 3h time-point but preconditioning essentially modified the reaction to severe hypoxia by increasing the expression and activity of Cu, Zn-SOD during early stages of reoxygenation crucial for apoptosis initiation.

Sulforaphane reduces infarct volume following focal cerebral ischemia in rodents

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability in the United States. As several biochemical mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to stroke pathophysiology, treatments acting on multiple targets may be desirable. Sulforaphane (SUL), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate present in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to induce the expression of multiple NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) responsive genes. In the present study, we demonstrate that systemically administered SUL can enter the brain as determined by increased mRNA and protein levels of the Nrf2-responsive gene heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Delayed administration (15 min) of a single dose of SUL significantly decreased cerebral infarct volume following focal ischemia, suggesting a potential therapeutic value for this compound.

SOD1 overexpression and female sex exhibit region-specific neuroprotection after global cerebral ischemia due to cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is often associated with poor neurologic outcome since therapeutic options are limited. We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD+/-) is neuroprotective in a new murine model of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Second, we investigated if female and male mice sustain similar injury and if sex-specific outcomes are altered by SOD overexpression. Neuronal injury was quantified 3 days after 8 mins of KCl-induced cardiac arrest by calculating the percentage of ischemic neurons for caudoputamen and hippocampal CA1 region. In rostral caudoputamen, less neuronal cell loss was found for SOD+/- mice (31%+/-22%) when compared with wild-type (WT) mice (47%+/-31%, P<0.05). Superoxide dismutase overexpression did not reduce injury in the caudal caudoputamen. No sex-linked protection was evident in either genotype in the caudoputamen. Female WT mice had less CA1 injury than male WT mice (26%+/-31% versus 54%+/-30%, P<0.05), whereas no sex difference was found in SOD+/- mice (female: 42%+/-29%; male: 37%+/-37%). Comparison of hippocampal injury between genotypes revealed no differences for either males or females. In conclusion, SOD1 overexpression and female sex were associated with significant neuroprotection in this murine cardiac arrest model. However, no additive neuroprotection was observed, and these beneficial effects were restricted to specific brain regions.

Hydrogen peroxide is an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in animals and humans

The endothelium plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by synthesizing and releasing several vasodilating substances, including vasodilator prostaglandins, nitric oxide (NO), and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Since the first report for the existence of EDHF, several substances/mechanisms have been proposed for the nature of EDHF, including epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (metabolites of arachidonic P450 epoxygenase pathway), K ions, and electrical communications through myoendothelial gap junctions. We have recently demonstrated that endothelium-derived hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is an EDHF in mouse and human mesenteric arteries and in porcine coronary microvessels. For the synthesis of H(2)O(2) as an EDHF, endothelial Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase plays an important role in mesenteric arteries of mice and humans. We also have demonstrated that EDHF-mediated responses are attenuated by several arteriosclerotic risk factors, including diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia and their combination in particular. Recent studies have indicated that endothelium-derived H(2)O(2) plays an important protective role in coronary autoregulation and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo. Indeed, our H(2)O(2)/EDHF theory demonstrates that endothelium-derived H(2)O(2), another reactive oxygen species in addition to NO, plays an important role as a redox signaling molecule to cause vasodilatation as well as cardioprotection. In this review, we summarize our knowledge on H(2)O(2)/EDHF regarding its identification, mechanisms of synthesis, and clinical implications.

An increase in superoxide dismutase ameliorates oxygen-induced retinopathy in transgenic mice

PURPOSE

Oxygen therapy is a well-recognized risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity. We examined whether an increase in the naturally occurring enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), which controls oxygen, can reduce the severity of oxygen-induced retinopathy in a mouse model.

METHODS

Seven transgenic mice overexpressing CuZnSOD and six wild-type mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 to 12. Seven transgenic mice and five mice of the wild type were kept in room air and served as controls. Fluorescein-conjugated dextran angiography of retinal vasculature was performed and flat-mounted preparations were evaluated by scoring blood vessel growth, blood vessel tuft formation, extraretinal neovascularization, degree of central constriction, and tortuosity of vessels. In addition, quantification of the number of blood vessel tufts was performed in a masked fashion with haematoxylin and eosin staining of paraffin-embedded eye sections.

RESULTS

The mean retinal score+/-SD obtained by the wild-type mice was 9.4+/-2.0, whereas the transgenic mice overexpressing CuZnSOD obtained a value of 2.4+/-1.6 (P=0). The two control groups (wild type and transgenic) that were kept in room air, each obtained a score of 0. Significantly fewer extraretinal vascular tufts were seen in the transgenic mice (0.26+/-0.34) than in the wild-type mice (4.27+/-1.6) after both groups were exposed to oxygen (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that high SOD activity protects neonatal mice against oxygen-induced retinopathy, and support the assumption that oxygen radicals are a major causative factor in oxygen-induced retinopathy.

Overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase decreases ischemia-like astrocyte injury

Overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in transgenic mice protects from transient focal cerebral ischemia in adult animals, but increases oxidative injury in perinatal mice. The effect of SOD1 overexpression on astrocytes subjected to ischemia-like insults has not yet been determined. Overexpression of human SOD1 in astrocytes resulted in a 3-fold increase in SOD1 activity without coupled up-regulation of catalase or glutathione peroxidase activities. Cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) or glucose deprivation to mimic ischemic injury were protected by SOD1 overexpression. OGD injury was reduced 47.6+/-9.3%, assessed by release of lactate dehydrogenase. OGD also caused a significant increase in catalase activity which was moderated by SOD1 overexpression. The level of glutathione in astrocytes overexpressing SOD1 was maintained at higher levels following 5 h OGD compared to control cultures under the same conditions. Reduction of glutathione prior to OGD significantly increased cell death of SOD1-overexpressing astrocytes as well as controls, but SOD1 still provided significant protection, suggesting that both GSH-dependent scavenging and GSH-independent scavenging are relevant to SOD1 protection in astrocytes.

Changes of Endogenous Antioxidant Enzymes during Ischemic Tolerance Acquisition

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in brain ischemic tolerance induced by ischemic preconditioning. Forebrain cerebral ischemia was induced in rat by four vessel occlusion. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD and CAT were measured in the hippocampus, striatum and cortex after 5 min of ischemia used as a preconditioning and subsequent reperfusion, by spectrophotometric methods. In all ischemia-reperfusion groups (5 h, 1 and 2 days of reperfusion), CuZn-SOD activities were found to be increased if compared to the sham operated controls. The increase was significant (P < 0.05) in all reperfusion groups, particularly after 5 h of reperfusion (3 times) in all studied brain regions; the largest increase was detected in the more vulnerable hippocampus and striatum. Very similar changes were found in Mn-SOD activity. The activity of CAT was increased too, but reached the peak of postischemic activity 24 h after ischemia. Our attempt to understand the mechanisms of increased SOD and CAT activities by application of protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide showed that this increase was caused by de novo synthesis of enzymes during first hours after ischemia. Our findings indicate that both major endogenous antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT are synthesized as soon as 5 h after ischemia. In spite of significant upregulation of these enzymes a large number of neurons in selectively vulnerable CA1 region of hippocampus undergoes to neurodegeneration within 7 days after ischemia.

Impact of oxidative stress on neuronal survival

1. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative state are slowly gaining acceptance in having a physiological relevance rather than just being the culprits in pathophysiological processes. The control of the redox environment of the cell provides for additional regulation in relation to signal transduction pathways. Conversely, aberrant regulation of oxidative state manifesting as oxidative stress can predispose a cell to adverse outcome. 2. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/akt pathway is one such pathway that is partially regulated via oxidative state and, in an oxidative stress paradigm such as ischaemic-reperfusion injury, may be inactivated, which can lead to exacerbation of cell death. 3. Activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB has been associated with oxidative stress. The role of NF-kappaB in neuronal cell death is widely debated, with major studies highlighting both a pro- and anti-apoptotic role for NF-kappaB, with the outcome being region, stimulus, dose and duration specific. 4. Oxidative state plays a key role in the regulation and control of numerous signal transduction pathways in the cell. Elucidating the mechanisms behind oxidative stress-mediated neuronal cell death is important in identifying potential putative targets for the treatment of diseases such as stroke.

Na(+)-dependent chloride transporter (NKCC1)-null mice exhibit less gray and white matter damage after focal cerebral ischemia

We previously demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) is neuroprotective in in vivo and in vitro ischemic models. In this study, we investigated whether genetic ablation of NKCC1 provides neuroprotection after ischemia. Focal ischemia was induced by 2 hours occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCAO) followed by 10 or 24 hours reperfusion. Two hours MCAO and ten or twenty-four hours reperfusion caused infarction (approximately 85 mm3) in NKCC1 wild-type (NKCC1(+/+)) mice. Infarction volume in NKCC1(-/-) mice was reduced by approximately 30% to 46%. Heterozygous mutant (NKCC1(+/-)) mice showed approximately 28% reduction in infarction (P>0.05). Two hours MCAO and twenty-four hours reperfusion led to a significant increase in brain edema in NKCC1(+/+) mice. In contrast, NKCC1(+/-) and NKCC1(-/-) mice exhibited approximately 50% less edema (P<0.05). Moreover, white matter damage was assessed by immunostaining of amyloid precursor protein (APP). An increase in APP was detected in NKCC1(+/+) mice after 2 hours MCAO and 10 hours reperfusion. However, NKCC1(-/-) mice exhibited significantly less APP accumulation (P<0.05). Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) induced approximately 67% cell death and a fourfold increase in Na+ accumulation in cultured NKCC1(+/+) cortical neurons. OGD-mediated cell death and Na+ influx were significantly reduced in NKCC1(-/-) neurons (P<0.05). In addition, inhibition of NKCC1 by bumetanide resulted in similar protection in NKCC1(+/+) neurons and astrocytes (P<0.05). These results imply that stimulation of NKCC1 activity is important in ischemic neuronal damage.

[Activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase in a global ischemic brain lesion model without arterial hypotension]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the behavior of the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD/Cu/Zn) in tissue homogenates of rat brains with ischemic lesions produced following the model of global cerebral ischemia without arterial hypotension.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty rats were randomly assigned to five groups of six animals each. Bilateral carotid occlusion was temporarily produced in 24 rats (4 groups) during periods of 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. All the animals were then submitted to reperfusion for 30 minutes and after that, they were sacrificed. A control group of 6 rats was not exposed to arterial occlusion. Cerebral homogenates of the rats' brain were obtained and submitted to spectrophotometer analysis.

RESULT

The control group showed the lowest mean values in SOD/Cu/Zn activity (40.60+/-11.42 U/mg of protein), while the highest mean values (60.34+/- 13.52 U/mg of protein) corresponded to the rats submitted to ischemia for 60 minutes, what indicates a statistically significant difference (p = 0.016) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SOD/Cu/Zn activity in rats increases during the production of ischemic cerebral lesions. The analysis of SOD/Cu/Zn activity showed an important tendency to rise from the 30 minutes period of ischemic lesion and reached statistically significant values at 60 minutes from the beginning of the ischemic injury. The experimental model of global brain ischemia without arterial hypotension used in this study constitutes a reliable method for researching cerebral ischemia.

Neuroprotective effects of melatonin against anoxia/aglycemia stress, as assessed by synaptic potentials and superoxide production in rat hippocampal slices

Melatonin, which plays an important role in circadian rhythm regulation, is highly potent endogenous free radical scavenger and antioxidant. To clarify the neuroprotective effects of melatonin as a free radical scavenger, we recorded changes in synaptic potentials and monitored the generation of superoxide (O)(2)(-) (using hydroethidine) in the CA1 pyramidal layers of rat hippocampal slices exposed to anoxia/aglycemia ('ischemic') stress. Synaptic responses evoked by stimulation of Schaffer collateral/commissural afferents were suppressed by ischemic stress. When the duration of the stress was 8 min, the suppression was reversible, irrespective of the presence or absence of melatonin treatment, while the amount of O(2)(-) generated was reduced by the presence of melatonin. When stress duration was 12 min, the suppression of synaptic responses lasted more than 90 min, but melatonin significantly improved the recovery. The amount of O(2)(-) generated in the 'recirculation' phase after a 12 min ischemic stress was less in the ischemic alone group than in the melatonin-treated group. This probably reflects that the number of viable cells with the ability to generate O(2)(-) had been reduced by the more severe ischemic stress. Other radical scavengers (ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol) had similar effects. These results show that melatonin has the potential to protect the functions of neurons against an ischemic insult by reducing O(2)(-) generation.