Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase attenuates neuronal cell death by preventing extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation after transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice

Global status and research trends of cuprotosis research: A bibliometrics study via CiteSpace

Cuproptosis, a novel copper ion-dependent cell death type being regulated in cells, has raised concerns but lacks scientific analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the global status and emerging trends in cuprotosis research using bibliometric methods. Publications related to cuprotosis were systematically retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and then screened according to the inclusion criteria. Next, CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel 2021 were used to measure and visualize annual publications, categories, journals, countries, institutions, authors, co-cited references, and keywords to identify future global status and trends. A total of 2776 publications on cuprotosis were included, and the overall trend in the number of publications exhibited a rapid increase over the years. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the most common category, whereas the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry is the most active. The United States is the country that produces the most articles, and University of Melbourne in Australia is the core institution involved in this field. Furthermore, Chan Pak of Stanford University is the most prolific author. Oxidative stress and antioxidant, the toxicity of copper in vitro, anticancer mechanism, and brain injury in neurological diseases are hot topics. The research frontiers are copper complexes, anticancer activity, DeoxyriboNucleic Acid binding, inflammation, and nanoparticles. This study provides the current status and trends in cuprotosis research. It may help researchers to identify hot topics and get ideas for future research directions in this field, focusing on copper complexes, anticancer activity, DeoxyriboNucleic Acid binding, inflammation, and nanoparticles.

The Role of Copper Homeostasis in Brain Disease

In the human body, copper is an important trace element and is a cofactor for several important enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, neuropeptide activation, connective tissue synthesis, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Copper is also necessary for cellular processes, such as the regulation of intracellular signal transduction, catecholamine balance, myelination of neurons, and efficient synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Copper is naturally present in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement. Only small amounts of copper are typically stored in the body and a large amount of copper is excreted through bile and urine. Given the critical role of copper in a breadth of cellular processes, local concentrations of copper and the cellular distribution of copper transporter proteins in the brain are important to maintain the steady state of the internal environment. The dysfunction of copper metabolism or regulatory pathways results in an imbalance in copper homeostasis in the brain, which can lead to a myriad of acute and chronic pathological effects on neurological function. It suggests a unique mechanism linking copper homeostasis and neuronal activation within the central nervous system. This article explores the relationship between impaired copper homeostasis and neuropathophysiological progress in brain diseases.

Antioxidants in brain tumors: current therapeutic significance and future prospects

Brain cancer is regarded among the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. The distinct tumor microenvironment and inherent characteristics of brain tumor cells virtually render them resistant to the majority of conventional and advanced therapies. Oxidative stress (OS) is a key disruptor of normal brain homeostasis and is involved in carcinogenesis of different forms of brain cancers. Thus, antioxidants may inhibit tumorigenesis by preventing OS induced by various oncogenic factors. Antioxidants are hypothesized to inhibit cancer initiation by endorsing DNA repair and suppressing cancer progression by creating an energy crisis for preneoplastic cells, resulting in antiproliferative effects. These effects are referred to as chemopreventive effects mediated by an antioxidant mechanism. In addition, antioxidants minimize chemotherapy-induced nonspecific organ toxicity and prolong survival. Antioxidants also support the prooxidant chemistry that demonstrate chemotherapeutic potential, particularly at high or pharmacological doses and trigger OS by promoting free radical production, which is essential for activating cell death pathways. A growing body of evidence also revealed the roles of exogenous antioxidants as adjuvants and their ability to reverse chemoresistance. In this review, we explain the influences of different exogenous and endogenous antioxidants on brain cancers with reference to their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic roles. The role of antioxidants on metabolic reprogramming and their influence on downstream signaling events induced by tumor suppressor gene mutations are critically discussed. Finally, the review hypothesized that both pro- and antioxidant roles are involved in the anticancer mechanisms of the antioxidant molecules by killing neoplastic cells and inhibiting tumor recurrence followed by conventional cancer treatments. The requirements of pro- and antioxidant effects of exogenous antioxidants in brain tumor treatment under different conditions are critically discussed along with the reasons behind the conflicting outcomes in different reports. Finally, we also mention the influencing factors that regulate the pharmacology of the exogenous antioxidants in brain cancer treatment. In conclusion, to achieve consistent clinical outcomes with antioxidant treatments in brain cancers, rigorous mechanistic studies are required with respect to the types, forms, and stages of brain tumors. The concomitant treatment regimens also need adequate consideration.

Reactive oxygen species modulate locomotor activity and dopamine extracellular levels induced by amphetamine in rats

The increase of dopamine (DA) in the reward system is related to the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse and hyper locomotion induced by psychostimulants. The increase of DA induced by drugs of abuse ge nerates high amounts of ROS by monoamines metabolization. It has been showed that ROS could modulate psychomotor response and reinforcing effects induced by drugs of abuse as cocaine and methamphetamine (METH). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation of ROS and amphetamine (AMPH). Here, we show that pretreatment of the ROS scavenger 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) attenuates the induction of locomotion and oxidative stress generated in nucleus accumbens (Nac) by acute AMPH administration. Interestingly, TEMPOL also attenuates the increase of DA induced by AMPH in Nac. Finally, TEMPOL reduces DAT phosphorylation when AMPH is co-infused in Nac synaptosomes. Taking together, our results suggest that ROS modulate AMPH effects in rats.

Adenosine A1 Receptor Agonist (R-PIA) before Pilocarpine Modulates Pro- and Anti-Apoptotic Factors in an Animal Model of Epilepsy

We aimed to characterize the mechanisms involved in neuroprotection by R-PIA administered before pilocarpine-induced seizures. Caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities were assayed using fluorimetry, and cathepsin D, HSP-70, and AKT expression levels were assayed using Western Blot of hippocampal samples. R-PIA was injected before pilocarpine (PILO), and four groups were studied at 1 h 30 min and 7 days following initiation of status epilepticus (SE): PILO, R-PIA+PILO, SALINE, and R-PIA+SALINE. At 1 h 30 min, significantly higher activities of caspase-1 and -3 were observed in the PILO group than in the SALINE group. Caspase-1 and -3 activities were higher in the R-PIA+PILO group than in the PILO group. At 7 days following SE, caspase-1 and -3 activities were higher than in the initial post-seizure phase compared to the SALINE group. The pretreatment of rats receiving PILO significantly reduced caspase activities compared to the PILO group. Expression of HSP-70, AKT, and cathepsin D was significantly higher in the PILO group than in the SALINE. In the R-PIA+PILO group, the expression of AKT and HSP-70 was greater than in rats receiving only PILO, while cathepsin D presented decreased expression. Pretreatment with R-PIA in PILO-injected rats strongly inhibited caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities and cathepsin D expression. It also increased expression levels of the neuroprotective proteins HSP-70 and AKT, suggesting an important role in modulating the cellular survival cascade.

Dysregulation of Leukocyte Trafficking in Type 2 Diabetes: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Avenues

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and impaired insulin signaling which in addition to be caused by common metabolic dysregulations, have also been associated to changes in various immune cell number, function and activation phenotype. Obesity plays a central role in the development of T2DM. The inflammation originating from obese adipose tissue develops systemically and contributes to insulin resistance, beta cell dysfunction and hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can also contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation resulting in compromised immune function. In this review, we explore how the trafficking of innate and adaptive immune cells under inflammatory condition is dysregulated in T2DM. We particularly highlight the obesity-related accumulation of leukocytes in the adipose tissue leading to insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction and resulting in hyperglycemia and consequent changes of adhesion and migratory behavior of leukocytes in different vascular beds. Thus, here we discuss how potential therapeutic targeting of leukocyte trafficking could be an efficient way to control inflammation as well as diabetes and its vascular complications.

Melatonin improves vascular cognitive impairment induced by ischemic stroke by remyelination via activation of ERK1/2 signaling and restoration of glutamatergic synapses in the gerbil hippocampus

Vascular dementia affects cognition by damaging axons and myelin. Melatonin is pharmacologically associated with various neurological disorders. In this study, effects of melatonin on cognitive impairment and related mechanisms were investigated in an animal model of ischemic vascular dementia (IVD). Melatonin was intraperitoneally administered to adult gerbils after transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) for 25 days beginning 5 days after tGCI. Cognitive impairment was examined using a passive avoidance test and the Barnes maze test. To investigate mechanisms of restorative effects by melatonin, neuronal damage/death, myelin basic protein (MBP, a marker for myelin), Rip (a marker for oligodendrocyte), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)-1 (a glutamatergic synaptic marker) in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 area (CA1) were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Melatonin treatment significantly improved tGCI-induced cognitive impairment. Death of CA1 pyramidal neurons after tGCI was not affected by melatonin treatment. However, melatonin treatment significantly increased MBP immunoreactivity and numbers of Rip-immunoreactive oligodendrocytes in the ischemic CA1. In addition, melatonin treatment significantly increased ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 immunoreactivities in oligodendrocytes in the ischemic CA1. Furthermore, melatonin treatment significantly increased VGLUT-1 immunoreactive structures in the ischemic CA1. These results indicate that long-term melatonin treatment after tGCI improves cognitive deficit via restoration of myelin, increase of oligodendrocytes which is closely related to the activation of ERK1/2 signaling, and increase of glutamatergic synapses in the ischemic brain area.

Neuroprotective effects of Tongxinluo on focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats associated with the activation of the MEK1/2/ERK1/2/p90RSK signaling pathway

Ischemic stroke brings a huge family and social burden. Although the reperfusion of ischemic cerebral tissue is the most important way to rescue ischemic stroke, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury further results in brain damage and even lead to death. Recent studies demonstrated that Tongxinluo (TXL) helps to protect the brain against focal cerebral I/R injury in rats by reducing neuronal apoptosis, and the MEK1/2/ERK1/2/90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) pathway may be involved in this protective effect. Therefore, our present research was designed to identify the potential mechanisms involved. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 108) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), I/R plus TXL (TXL), and TXL plus U0126, a highly selective inhibitor of MEK 1 and MEK 2 (TXL + U0126). Brain edema was measured by T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pathological destruction of the blood brain barrier (BBB) ultrastructure was assessed by transmission electron microscopy, and proteins involved in the MEK1/2/ERK1/2/p90RSK pathway were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Our results indicated that TXL significantly improved neurological function, reduced brain edema, ameliorated the destruction of the BBB ultrastructure and markedly reduced neuronal injury. However, these benefits were diminished when the MEK1/2/ERK1/2/p90RSK pathway was inhibited by U0126. We also found that TXL upregulated the expression levels of p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-p90RSK and p-bad, which were all significantly reversed by U0126. Collectively, our data demonstrate that TXL provides neuroprotection against cerebral I/R injury and neuronal injury, and that these effects are mediated, in part, by activation of the MEK1/2/ERK1/2/p90RSK pathway.

Limb remote ischemic postconditioning protects integrity of the blood-brain barrier after stroke

Integrity of the blood-brain barrier structure is essential for maintaining the internal environment of the brain. Development of cerebral infarction and brain edema is strongly associated with blood-brain barrier leakage. Therefore, studies have suggested that protecting the blood-brain barrier may be an effective method for treating acute stroke. To examine this possibility, stroke model rats were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. Remote ischemic postconditioning was immediately induced by three cycles of 10-minute ischemia/10-minute reperfusion of bilateral hind limbs at the beginning of middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion. Neurological function of rat models was evaluated using Zea Longa’s method. Permeability of the blood-brain barrier was assessed by Evans blue leakage. Infarct volume and brain edema were evaluated using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and claudin-5 mRNA was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and claudin-5 protein was measured by western blot assay. The number of matrix metalloproteinase-9- and claudin-5-positive cells was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that remote ischemic postconditioning alleviated disruption of the blood-brain barrier, reduced infarct volume and edema, decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNA and protein and the number of positive cells, increased expression of claudin-5 mRNA and protein and the number of positive cells, and remarkably improved neurological function. These findings confirm that by suppressing expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and claudin-5 induced by acute ischemia/reperfusion, remote ischemic postconditioning reduces blood-brain barrier injury, mitigates ischemic injury, and exerts protective effects on the brain.

Delta Opioid Receptor and Peptide: A Dynamic Therapy for Stroke and Other Neurological Disorders

Research of the opioid system and its composite receptors and ligands has revealed its promise as a potential therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's Disease. In particular, delta opioid receptors (DORs) have been elucidated as a therapeutically distinguished subset of opioid receptors and a compelling target for novel intervention techniques. Research is progressively shedding light on the underlying mechanism of DORs and has revealed two mechanisms of DOR neuroprotection; DORs function to maintain ionic homeostasis and also to trigger endogenous neuroprotective pathways. Delta opioid agonists such as (D-Ala2, D-Leu5) enkephalin (DADLE) have been shown to promote neuronal survival and decrease apoptosis, resulting in a substantial amount of research for its application as a neurological therapeutic. Most notably, DADLE has demonstrated significant potential to reduce cell death following ischemic events. Current research is working to reveal the complex mechanisms of DADLE's neuroprotective properties. Ultimately, our knowledge of the DOR receptors and agonists has made the opioid system a promising target for therapeutic intervention in many neurological disorders.

Protective effect of Naoxintong against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Naoxintong (NXT), a renowned traditional Chinese medicine in China, has been used for the treatment of acute and chronic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases in clinic for more than 20 years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of NXT against ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Focal cerebral I/R injury in adult male CD-1 mice was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 1h followed by reperfusion for 23h. Mice were randomly divided into five groups: Sham group; tMCAO group; Vehicle group; NXT-treated groups at doses of 0.36g/kg and 0.54g/kg. The effects of NXT on murine neurological function were estimated by neurological defect scores, infarct volume and brain water content at 24h after tMCAO. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of LOX-1, pERK1/2 and NF-κB at 24h after tMCAO. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of LOX-1 and NF-κB at 24h after tMCAO.

RESULTS

Compared with Vehicle group, 0.54g/kg group of NXT significantly ameliorated neurological outcome, infarction volume and brain water content, decreased the expression of LOX-1, pERK1/2 and NF-κB (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

NXT protected the mice brain against I/R injury, and this protection maybe associated with the down-regulation of LOX-1, pERK1/2 and NF-κB expression.

Enriched Environment Enhances Poststroke Neurological Function Recovery on Rat: Involvement of p-ERK1/2

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence shows that exposure to an enriched environment (EE) after cerebral ischemia or reperfusion injury is neuroprotective in animal models, including that EE enhances functional recovery after ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. To clarify this critical issue, the current study investigated the effects of EE on the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) after cerebral ischemia or reperfusion injury of rat.

METHODS

Adult rats were subjected to ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion. Ladder walking task and limb-use asymmetry task were used to test the recovery of rat behavior on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and days 3, 7, 14, respectively. On the eighth day after MCAO, infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Expressions of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and total ERK1/2 were examined by western blot, and electron microscopy was used to evaluate the astrocytes morphology surround in the perivascular 14 days after MCAO.

RESULTS

EE improves the recovery of coordination and integration of motor movements on rats after cerebral ischemia or reperfusion injury. EE downregulates the level of p-ERK1/2 in the rat cortex after cerebral ischemia or reperfusion injury. Furthermore, EE reduces astrocytic swelling and injury.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that EE could promote rehabilitation after ischemia via regulation of p-ERK1/2 expression, which may provide a therapeutic approach for cerebral ischemia or reperfusion injury. The suppression of postischemic astrocytic swelling in the brain of the ischemic rats through the intervention of EE would be one of the underlying mechanisms in the protective effect of cerebral ischemia.

Beneficial Effect of Astragaloside on Alzheimer's Disease Condition Using Cultured Primary Cortical Cells Under β-amyloid Exposure

β-amyloid (Aβ)-mediated neuronal apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate whether astragalosides (AST) could inhibit Aβ-induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Amyloid β-protein fragment 25-35 (Aβ_25-35) was administered to cerebral lateral ventricle of rats to make the AD models in vivo. AST was able to attenuate both cortical cell degeneration and memory deficits in the AD rats. AST also inhibited Aβ_25-35-induced cytotoxicity (e.g., decreased cell viability); apoptosis (e.g., increased caspase-3 expression, increased DNA fragmentation, and Tau hyperphosphorylation); synaptotoxicity (e.g., increased loss of both a dendritic marker, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and synaptic proteins, synaptophysins); and mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., increased mitochondrial membrane potential) in cultured primary rat cortical cells. The beneficial effect of AST in reducing Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in cortical cells were blocked by inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent protein kinase B (PKB, as known as AKT) activation with LY294002. In addition, inhibition of extracellular protein kinase (ERK) with U0126 shared with the AST the same beneficial effects in reducing Aβ-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that the cortical PI3K/AKT and MAPK (or ERK) pathways as appealing therapeutic targets in treating AD, and AST may have a positive impact on AD treatment via modulation of both PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways.

Trace Element Concentrations in Human Tissues of Death Cases Associated With Secondary Infection and MOF After Severe Trauma

Proper trace element level is crucial for the organs in maintaining normal physiological functions. Multiple organ failure (MOF) might be added to critically ill patients due to a lack of trace elements. Alterations of trace element levels in brain, heart, liver, and kidney after severe trauma, however, have been little studied so far. In this study, tissue samples of the frontal cortex of the brain, interventricular septum of the heart, right lobe of the liver, and upper pole of the kidney were obtained from forensic autopsies, of which 120 cases died during the 5th to 15th day of hospitalization, whereas the trauma death group and 43 cases immediately died due to severe craniocerebral trauma as the control group. Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se concentrations in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney in the trauma group decreased dramatically (p<0.05) compared to the control group. The incidence of secondary infection and multiple organ failure (MOF) in the trauma death group were 78.33 and 29.17%, respectively. The concentrations of all elements exhibited a significant correlation with secondary infection and MOF (p<0.01). Our data suggest that low concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se in pivotal organs may contribute to the incidence of secondary infection and MOF after severe trauma, which to some extent results in death.

Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury by Increased 64Cu Uptake on 64CuCl2 PET/CT

Copper is a nutritional trace element required for cell proliferation and wound repair.

METHODS

To explore increased copper uptake as a biomarker for noninvasive assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), experimental TBI in C57BL/6 mice was induced by controlled cortical impact, and (64)Cu uptake in the injured cortex was assessed with (64)CuCl2 PET/CT.

RESULTS

At 24 h after intravenous injection of the tracer, uptake was significantly higher in the injured cortex of TBI mice (1.15 ± 0.53 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue [%ID/g]) than in the uninjured cortex of mice without TBI (0.53 ± 0.07 %ID/g, P = 0.027) or the cortex of mice that received an intracortical injection of zymosan A (0.62 ± 0.22 %ID/g, P = 0.025). Furthermore, uptake in the traumatized cortex of untreated TBI mice (1.15 ± 0.53 %ID/g) did not significantly differ from that in minocycline-treated TBI mice (0.93 ± 0.30 %ID/g, P = 0.33).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the data suggest that increased (64)Cu uptake in traumatized brain tissues holds potential as a new biomarker for noninvasive assessment of TBI with (64)CuCl2 PET/CT.

Cytochrome P450 2J2, a new key enzyme in cyclophosphamide bioactivation and a potential biomarker for hematological malignancies

The role of cytochrome P450 2J2 (CYP2J2) in cyclophosphamide (Cy) bioactivation was investigated in patients, cells and microsomes. Gene expression analysis showed that CYP2J2 mRNA expression was significantly (P<0.01) higher in 20 patients with hematological malignancies compared with healthy controls. CYP2J2 expression showed significant upregulation (P<0.05) during Cy treatment before stem cell transplantation. Cy bioactivation was significantly correlated to CYP2J2 expression. Studies in HL-60 cells expressing CYP2J2 showed reduced cell viability when incubated with Cy (half maximal inhibitory concentration=3.6 mM). Inhibition of CYP2J2 using telmisartan reduced Cy bioactivation by 50% and improved cell survival. Cy incubated with recombinant CYP2J2 microsomes has resulted in apparent Km and Vmax values of 3.7-6.6 mM and 2.9-10.3 pmol/(min·pmol) CYP, respectively. This is the first study demonstrating that CYP2J2 is equally important to CYP2B6 in Cy metabolism. The heart, intestine and urinary bladder express high levels of CYP2J2; local Cy bioactivation may explain Cy-treatment-related toxicities in these organs.

Ferulic acid attenuates the down-regulation of MEK/ERK/p90RSK signaling pathway in focal cerebral ischemic injury

Ferulic acid provides neuroprotective effects against a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemia. Mitogen-activated protein kinases can regulate extensive intracellular processes including cell differentiation, growth, and death. This study further investigated whether ferulic acid modulates a protective mechanism through the activation of Raf-MEK-ERK and its downstream targets, including 90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) and Bad during cerebral ischemic injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ferulic acid (100mg/kg) or vehicle after the onset of MCAO and brain tissues were collected 24h after MCAO. These results indicated that ferulic acid decreases the volume of the infarct area and the number of cells positive in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Although MCAO injury induces a decrease in the phosphorylation of Raf-1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2, ferulic acid treatment prevents the injury-induced decrease in these phosphorylation levels. Ferulic acid also attenuates the injury-induced decrease in p90RSK and Bad phosphorylation levels. These findings suggest that ferulic acid prevents MCAO-induced neuronal cell death and that the MEK-ERK-p90RSK-Bad signaling pathway is involved in these neuroprotective effects.

Overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase protects against brain injury induced by chronic hypoxia

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is an isoform of SOD normally found both intra- and extra-cellularly and accounting for most SOD activity in blood vessels. Here we explored the role of EC-SOD in protecting against brain damage induced by chronic hypoxia. EC-SOD Transgenic mice, were exposed to hypoxia (FiO2.1%) for 10 days (H-KI) and compared to transgenic animals housed in room air (RA-KI), wild type animals exposed to hypoxia (H-WT or wild type mice housed in room air (RA-WT). Overall brain metabolism evaluated by positron emission tomography (PET) showed that H-WT mice had significantly higher uptake of 18FDG in the brain particularly the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. H-KI mice had comparable uptake to the RA-KI and RA-WT groups. To investigate the functional state of the hippocampus, electrophysiological techniques in ex vivo hippocampal slices were performed and showed that H-KI had normal synaptic plasticity, whereas H-WT were severely affected. Markers of oxidative stress, GFAP, IBA1, MIF, and pAMPK showed similar values in the H-KI and RA-WT groups, but were significantly increased in the H-WT group. Caspase-3 assay and histopathological studies showed significant apoptosis/cell damage in the H-WT group, but no significant difference in the H-KI group compared to the RA groups. The data suggest that EC-SOD has potential prophylactic and therapeutic roles in diseases with compromised brain oxygenation.

Intermittent hypoxia preconditioning-induced epileptic tolerance by upregulation of monocarboxylate transporter 4 expression in rat hippocampal astrocytes

Noxious stimuli applied at doses close to but below the threshold of cell injury induce adaptive responses that provide a defense against additional stress. Epileptic preconditioning protects neurons against status epilepticus and ischemia; however, it is not known if the converse is true. During hypoxia/ischemia (H/I), lactate released from astrocytes is taken up by neurons and is stored for energy, a process mediated by monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) in astroglia. The present study investigated whether H/I preconditioning can provide protection to neurons against epilepsy through upregulation of MCT4 expression in astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. An oxygen/glucose deprivation protocol was used in primary astrocyte cultures, while rats were subjected to an intermittent hypoxia preconditioning (IHP) paradigm followed by lithium-pilocarpine-induced epilepsy as well as lactate transportation inhibitor injection, with a subsequent evaluation of protein expression as well as behavior. H/I induced an upregulation of MCT4 expression, while an IHP time course of 5 days provided the greatest protection against epileptic seizures, which was most apparent by 3 days after IHP. However, lactate transport function disturbances can block the protective effect induced by IHP. These findings provide a potential basis for the clinical treatment of epilepsy.

Experimental study of the effect of a new antioxidant agent on learning and memory

This work presents the results of studying the effect of a new antioxidant compound enoxyphol on learning and memory in rats.

Neuroprotective effects of prior exposure to enriched environment on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: the possible molecular mechanism

Increasing evidence shows that exposure to an enriched environment (EE) after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is neuroprotective in animal models. Recent studies have demonstrated that animals housed in an enriched environment condition after an experimental stroke obtained a better functional outcome than those housed in a standard condition. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of neuroprotective effects of enriched environment exposure prior to injury. The current study examined the neuroprotective effects of prior enriched environment exposure after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, weighing 55-65g at the beginning of the experiment, were randomly assigned to a pre-ischemic enriched environment (PIEE) or pre-ischemic standard condition (PISC) group for 1 month. They were weighed on days1, 7, 18, and 28, and their locomotor activity was tracked during the period between 9:00am and 3:00pm daily. After 1 month, ischemia was induced by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 90min, followed by reperfusion. After approximately 24h of the operation, functional outcomes were assessed using the beam-walking test and a neurological evaluation scale in all rats. We measured the expression of extracellular signal regulated protein kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) by western blotting and gene expression levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthasen (iNOS) by Real-Time PCR in the cortical area affected by ischemia. Finally, we measured the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, which is a biomarker of oxidative stress. The results showed that rats in the PIEE group had lighter weight than those in the PISC group. The functional outcomes of rats in the PIEE group were better than those in the PISC group, and substances associated with inflammation, such as MDA, nNOS, iNOS, and phospho-ERK1/2, were lower in the PIEE group compared with the PISC group. These results indicate that enriched environment may provide neuroprotection via ischemic preconditioning and enhance resilience to cerebral ischemia.

Neuroprotective effect of sulforaphane in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons, which leads to disabling motor disturbances. Sulforaphane (SFN), found in cruciferous vegetables, is a potent indirect antioxidant and recent advances have shown its neuroprotective activity in various experimental models of neurodegeneration. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of SFN on behavioral changes and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). For this purpose, mice were treated with SFN (5mg/kg twice a week) for four weeks after the unilateral intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA. The increase in 6-OHDA-induced rotations and deficits in motor coordination were ameliorated significantly by SFN treatment. In addition, SFN protected 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis via blocking DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. These results were further supported by immunohistochemical findings in the substantia nigra that showed that SFN protected neurons from neurotoxic effects of 6-OHDA. The neuroprotective effect of SFN may be attributed to its ability to enhance glutathione levels and its dependent enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase) and to modulate neuronal survival pathways, such as ERK1/2, in the brain of mice. These results suggest that SFN may potentially be effective in slowing down the progression of idiopathic PD by the modulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic machinery.

Comparative proteome analysis reveals differential regulation of glycolytic and antioxidant enzymes in cortex and hippocampus exposed to short-term hypobaric hypoxia

Hypoxia is one of the major stressors at high altitude. Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia induces several adverse consequences to the structural and functional integrity of brain. In an attempt to understand the proteome modulation, we used 2-DE coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF for cortex and hippocampus exposed to short-term temporal (0, 3, 6, 12 and 24h) hypobaric hypoxia. This enabled us in the identification of 88 and 73 hypoxia responsive proteins in cortex and hippocampus respectively. We further compared the proteomes of both the regions and identified 37 common proteins along with 49 and 32 specific proteins for cortex and hippocampus respectively. We observed significant up-regulation of glycolytic enzymes like Gapdh, Pgam1, Eno1 and malate-aspartate shuttle enzymes Mdh1 and Got1in cortex as compared to hippocampus deciphering efficient use of energy producing substrates. This was coupled with concomitant increase in expression of antioxidant enzymes like Sod1, Sod2 and Pebp1 in cortex to neutralize the hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Our comparative proteomics studies demonstrate that efficient use of energy generating pathways in conjugation with abundance of antioxidant enzymes makes cortex less vulnerable to hypoxia than hippocampus.

Cytochrome P450 2J2 is protective against global cerebral ischemia in transgenic mice

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, EETs, have multiple cardiovascular effects, including reduction of blood pressure, protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and attenuation of endothelial apoptosis. This study investigated the hypothesis that transgenic mice with endothelial overexpression of CYP2J2 (Tie2-CYP2J2-Tr) would be protected against global cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) and action mechanisms of EETs on cerebral ischemia in cultures of astrocytes exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Tie2-CYP2J2-Tr mice had significantly increased CYP2J2 expression, increased 14,15-EET production, increases regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and microvascular density, decreased ROS production, decreased brain infarct size and apoptosis after ischemia compared to wild type mice, these were associated with increased activation of the PI3K/AKT and apoptosis-related protein in ischemic brain. Addition of exogenous EETs or CYP2J2 transfection attenuated OGD-induced apoptosis in astrocytes via activation of PI3K/AKT and anti-apoptosis pathways. However, these effects were reduced by pretreatments with inhibitor of the PI3K (LY294002) and 14,15-EET (14,15-EEZE), respectively. These results indicate that CYP2J2 overexpression exerts marked neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury by a mechanism linked to increased level of circulating EETs and increases CBF and reduction of apoptosis.

Phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 may not always represent its kinase activity in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia with or without ischemic preconditioning

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 protein requires a dual phosphorylation at conserved threonine and tyrosine residues to be fully activated under normal physiological conditions. Thus, ERK1/2 kinase activity is often defined by the quantity of phosphorylated kinase. However, this may not accurately represent its true activity under certain pathological conditions. We investigated whether ERK1/2 kinase activity is proportional to its phosphorylation state in a rat focal ischemia model with and without rapid ischemic preconditioning. We showed that phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein levels were increased 2.6±0.07-fold, and ERK1/2 kinase activity was increased 10.6±1.9-fold in animals receiving ischemic preconditioning alone without test ischemia compared with sham group (P<0.05, n=6/group), suggesting that phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein levels represent its kinase activity under these conditions. However, preconditioning plus test ischemia robustly blocked ERK1/2 kinase activity, whereas it increased phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein levels beyond those receiving test ischemia alone, suggesting that phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein levels were not representative of actual kinase activity in this pathological condition. In conclusion, protein phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 do not always correspond to kinase activity, thus, measuring the true kinase activity is essential.

Ischemic tolerance in the brain: endogenous adaptive machinery against ischemic stress

Although more than 100 drugs have been examined clinically, tissue plasminogen activator remains the only drug approved for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Since the discovery of ischemic tolerance, it has been widely recognized that the brain possesses an endogenous protective machinery to protect against ischemic stress. Recent studies have clarified that both the upregulation of neuroprotective signaling and the downregulation of inflammatory or apoptotic pathways are involved equally in the acquisition of ischemic tolerance. The triggering stimuli for ischemic stresses are divided into hypoxic, oxidant/inflammatory, and glutamate stress. Glutamate stress, particularly the synaptic stimulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, leads to activation of the cAMP response element-binding protein, which could subsequently induce gene expression of several neuroprotective molecules. Gene reprogramming and metabolic downregulation are intimately involved in ischemic tolerance as well as in hibernation and hypothermia. Micro-RNAs may be a key player for tuning the level of gene expression in ischemic tolerance. Future research should be performed to investigate the most effective combination for brain protection, enhancement of cell survival signaling, and inhibition of the inflammatory or apoptotic pathways.

17β-Estradiol-mediated increase in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase expression in the brain: a mechanism to protect neurons from ischemia

A number of studies have demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E(2)) protects the brain from ischemia and yet the mechanism by which this hormone brings about its protective effect is unclear. Interestingly, like E(2), overexpression of the oxidative stress response protein Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which plays a critical role in regulating reactive oxygen species, also protects the brain from ischemia. Because we previously showed that E(2) treatment of cultured mammary cells increases SOD1 expression, we hypothesized that E(2) might increase SOD1 expression in the brain and that this E(2)-mediated increase in SOD1 expression might help to protect the brain from ischemia. We now show that SOD1 is expressed in cortical neurons, that SOD1 expression is increased by exposure of brain slice cultures to E(2), and that the E(2)-mediated increase in SOD1 expression is further augmented by exposure of brain slice cultures to increased superoxide levels or oxygen and glucose deprivation. Importantly, when cortical neurons are exposed to increased superoxide levels and markers of protein and DNA damage, nitrotyrosine and 8-oxoguanine, respectively, are measured, both protein and DNA damage are reduced. In fact, E(2) reduces nitrotyrosine and 8-oxoguanine levels in brain slice cultures regardless of whether they have or have not been exposed to increased superoxide levels. Likewise, when brain slice cultures are treated with E(2) and deprived of oxygen and glucose, 8-oxoguanine levels are reduced. Taken together, these studies provide a critical link between E(2) treatment, SOD1 expression, and neuroprotection and help to define a mechanism through which E(2)-mediated neuroprotection may be conferred.

Lutein enhances survival and reduces neuronal damage in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Protective agents that could diminish the injuries induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) are crucial to alleviate the detrimental outcome of stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective roles of lutein in cerebral I/R injury.

METHODS

Two-hour cerebral ischemia was induced by unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in mice. Either lutein (0.2 mg/kg) or vehicle was given to mice intraperitoneally 1h after MCAo and 1h after reperfusion. Neurological deficits were evaluated at 22 h after reperfusion while survival rate was assessed daily until 7 days after reperfusion. Brains were cut into 2mm-thick coronal slices and stained with 2% 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride to determine the infarct size after MCAo. Paraffin-embedded brain sections were prepared for TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry. Protein lysate was collected for Western blotting experiments.

RESULTS

Higher survival rate, better neurological scores, smaller infarct area and smaller infarct volume were noted in the lutein-treated group. Immunohistochemistry data showed a decrease of immunoreactivity of nitrotyrosine, poly(ADP-ribose) and NFκB in the lutein-treated brains. Western blotting data showed decreased levels of Cox-2, pERK, and pIκB, but increased levels of Bcl-2, heat shock protein 70 and pAkt in the lutein-treated brains.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-treatment of lutein protected the brain from I/R injury, probably by its anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. These suggest that lutein could diminish the deleterious outcomes of cerebral I/R and may be used as a potential treatment for stroke patients.

Lanthanum chloride suppresses oxysterol-induced ECV-304 cell apoptosis via inhibition of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration elevation, oxidative stress, and activation of ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways

Experimental studies have demonstrated that oral administration of lanthanum chloride (LaCl(3)) inhibits the development of atherosclerosis, but the related mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Oxysterols are toxic to the vascular endothelial cells which are important in preventing the formation and progression of atheromatous plaque. In this study, we examined the effect of LaCl(3) on oxysterol cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (Triol)-induced apoptosis and the related mechanisms in ECV-304 cells, a presumptive endothelial cell line. Incubation with Triol resulted in apoptosis of ECV-304 cells, as determined by Hoechst 33342 staining, fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled annexin V/propidium iodide double staining, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Triol activated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and inhibition of Triol-activated ERK and NF-κB signaling by specific inhibitors attenuated apoptosis induction by Triol in ECV-304 cells. Pretreatment with LaCl(3) (1 μM) for 12 h before exposure to Triol decreased Triol-mediated apoptosis as well as activation of ERK and NF-κB. In addition, Triol induced oxidative stress in ECV-304 cells, manifested by the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and malondialdehyde level, and the reduction of the content of total protein thiols and the activity of antioxidant glutathione peroxidases; LaCl(3) pretreatment significantly reversed these effects. Finally, LaCl(3) pretreatment significantly inhibited the increases of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration induced by Triol. Our study suggests that Triol induced ECV-304 cell apoptosis, and LaCl(3) could suppress this effect probably by inhibiting intracellular Ca(2+) concentration elevation, oxidative stress, as well as activation of ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Ischemic postconditioning may not influence early brain injury induced by focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Background

Experimental studies have shown that ischemic postconditioning can reduce neuronal injury in the setting of cerebral ischemia, but the mechanisms are not yet clearly elucidated. This study was conducted to determine whether ischemic postconditioning can alter expression of heat shock protein 70 and reduce acute phase neuronal injury in rats subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

Methods

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 min in twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g). Rats were randomized into control group and an ischemic postconditioning group (10 rats per group). The animals of control group had no intervention either before or after MCA occlusion. Ischemic postconditioning was elicited by 3 cycles of 30 s reperfusion interspersed by 10 s ischemia immediately after onset of reperfusion. The infarct ratios, brain edema ratios and motor behavior deficits were analyzed 24 hrs after ischemic insult. Caspase-3 reactive cells and cells showing heat shock protein 70 activity were counted in the caudoputamen and frontoparietal cortex.

Results

Ischemic postconditiong did not reduce infarct size and brain edema ratios compared to control group. Neurologic scores were not significantly different between groups. The number of caspase-3 reactive cells in the ischemic postconditioning group was not significantly different than the value of the control group in the caudoputamen and frontoparietal cortex. The number of cells showing heat shock protein 70 activity was not significantly different than the control group, as well.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ischemic postconditioning may not influence the early brain damage induced by focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Mesenchymal stem cells inhibition of chronic ethanol-induced oxidative damage via upregulation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation in PC12 cells and neurons

It is well known that chronic ethanol consumption damages CNS through oxidative stress which results in many dysfunctions. Recently, it has been demonstrated that as a promising strategy to treat several neurological diseases, transplanted bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can secrete lots of protective factors that in turn promote function recovery. In the present study, we assessed the potential effects of MSCs conditioned medium (MSC-CM) against chronic ethanol-associated damage on PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons. We found that pretreatment with MSC-CM notably improved cell survival, prevented chronic ethanol-associated apoptosis and abolished the robust deterioration in oxidative status. In addition, we also discovered that chronic ethanol exposure induced an inactivation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and a lasting activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in both PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons which were able to be reversed by MSC-CM. The PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) was able to reduce the antioxidative and cytoprotective effects conferred by MSC-CM, in part, and the ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) was able to elicit significant protection from chronic ethanol cytotoxicity but not rescue the deterioration in oxidative status induced by chronic ethanol. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence that MSCs might have potent antioxidant action to shield the apoptotic impairment from chronic ethanol exposure in PC12 cells and neurons, which is involved in upregulation of PI3K/Akt and modulation of ERK1/2 activation, at least partially.

ERK and cell death: ERK1/2 in neuronal death

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a versatile protein kinase that regulates many cellular functions. Growing evidence suggests that ERK1/2 plays a crucial role in promoting cell death in a variety of neuronal systems, including neurodegenerative diseases. It is believed that the magnitude and the duration of ERK1/2 activity determine its cellular function. In this review, we summarize recent evidence for a role of ERK1/2 in neuronal death. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms involved in ERK1/2 mediating neuronal death.

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.

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase is neuroprotective after ischemia-reperfusion

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is well known as a major source for superoxide radical generation in leukocytes. Superoxide radicals play a significant role in brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Recent data have also shown expression of NOX in the brain. However, the manner by which NOX is involved in pathologic processes after cerebral ischemia remains unknown. Therefore, we subjected mice deficient in the NOX subunit, gp91(phox) (gp91(phox)-/-), those treated with the NOX inhibitor, apocynin, and wild-type (WT) mice to 75 mins of focal ischemia followed by reperfusion. At 24 h of reperfusion, the gp91(phox)-/- and apocynin-treated mice showed 50% less brain infarction and 70% less cleaved spectrin compared with WT mice. The levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine increased significantly after I/R, indicating oxidative brain injury. NADPH oxidase inhibition reduced biomarker generation. Furthermore, NOX was involved in postischemic inflammation in the brains, as less intercellular adhesion molecule-1 upregulation and less neutrophil infiltration were found in the NOX-inhibited mice after I/R. Moreover, gp91(phox) expression increased after ischemia, and was further aggravated by genetic copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) ablation, but ameliorated in SOD1-overexpressing mice. This study suggests that NOX plays a role in oxidative stress and inflammation, thus contributing to ischemic brain injury.

Ischemic postconditioning as a novel avenue to protect against brain injury after stroke

Ischemic postconditioning initially referred to a stuttering reperfusion performed immediately after reperfusion, for preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury in both myocardial and cerebral infarction. It has evolved into a concept that can be induced by a broad range of stimuli or triggers, and may even be performed as late as 6 h after focal ischemia and 2 days after transient global ischemia. The concept is thought to be derived from ischemic preconditioning or partial/gradual reperfusion, but in fact the first experiment for postconditioning was carried out much earlier than that of preconditioning or partial/gradual reperfusion, in the research on myocardial ischemia. This review first examines the protective effects and parameters of postconditioning in various cerebral ischemic models. Thereafter, it provides insights into the protective mechanisms of postconditioning associated with reperfusion injury and the Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C (PKC), and ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel cell signaling pathways. Finally, some open issues and future challenges regarding clinical translation of postconditioning are discussed.

Differential regulation of CuZnSOD expression in rat brain by acute and/or chronic stress

Neuroendocrine stress (NES) causes increase of glucocorticoids and alters physiological levels of reactive oxygen species production in cells, which might involve modifications in the antioxidant defense system. We investigated the hypothesis that acute, chronic, or combined stress alters copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) expression pattern at both, mRNA and subcellular protein level in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats and that there may be a relationship between stress-induced corticosterone and CuZnSOD expression. The most effective stress model which led to the most pronounced changes in CuZnSOD expression patterns was also investigated. Our results demonstrated that acute stress immobilization up-regulates mRNA expression of hippocampal CuZnSOD, while cytosolic protein expression of this enzyme was increased in both brain structures. Chronic stress isolation had no effect on either mRNA and protein expression level and caused a lack of significant up-regulation to a novel acute stressors. The presence of this protein in nuclear fractions of both brain structures was also confirmed. The elevated cytosolic CuZnSOD protein levels following acute immobilization might reflect on the defense system against oxidative stress. Chronic isolation compromises CuZnSOD protein expression, which may lead to the inefficient defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The stress-triggered CuZnSOD protein expression was not correlated by the corresponding mRNA. The results suggest that different stress models exert a different degree of influence on mRNA and protein level of CuZnSOD in both brain structures as well as serum corticosterone.

VEGF Stimulates the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway and apoptosis in cerebral endothelial cells after ischemic conditions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral endothelial cells that line microvessels play an important role in maintaining blood flow homeostasis within the brain-forming part of the blood-brain barrier. These cells are injured by hypoxia-induced reperfusion, leading to blood-brain barrier breakdown and exacerbation of ischemic injury. We investigated the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in primary endothelial cells.

METHODS

Primary mouse endothelial cells were isolated and subjected to OGD. Western analysis of VEGF and ERK 1/2 protein levels was performed. Cells were transfected with VEGF small interference RNA. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and DNA fragmentation assay were used on mouse endothelial cells that overexpress copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1).

RESULTS

VEGF protein expression was induced and its receptor, Flk-1, was stimulated by OGD. Phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 protein levels was upregulated. Inhibition of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) expression by U0126 reduced endothelial cell death by OGD. Transfection of small interfering RNA for VEGF also inhibited an increase in pERK, suggesting that VEGF acts via ERK. The TUNEL and DNA fragmentation assays showed a significant decrease in TUNEL-positivity in the SOD1-overexpressing endothelial cells compared with wild-type cells after OGD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that OGD induces VEGF signaling via its receptor, Flk-1, and activates ERK via oxidative-stress-dependent mechanisms. Our study shows that in cerebral endothelial cells the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway plays a significant role in cell injury after OGD.

Glial damage after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats

We investigated the immunohistochemical changes of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunoreactivity as a marker of DNA damage and single-strand DNA (ssDNA) immunoreactivity as a marker of apoptosis in the striatum from 1 up to 15 days after 90 min of focal cerebral ischemia caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. In the present study, marked loss of MAP2 immunostaining was observed in the ipsilateral striatum 3 days after focal cerebral ischemia. A significant increase in the number of ssDNA-immunoreactive apoptotic neurons was observed in the ipsilateral striatum 1 and 3 days after focal cerebral ischemia. In contrast, a significant increase in densities of 8-OHdG-immunopositive cells was observed in the ipsilateral striatum from 3 up to 15 days after focal cerebral ischemia. Our double-labeled immunochemical study showed that 8-OHdG immunoreactivity was observed in both isolectin B(4)-positive microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunopositive astrocytes in the ipsilateral striatum 7 days after focal cerebral ischemia. These results suggest that focal cerebral ischemia can cause a marked increase in the number of microglia and astrocytes with oxidative DNA damage in the ipsilateral striatum. Furthermore, our results show that most microglia and astrocytes in the ipsilateral striatum after focal cerebral ischemia may not die by apoptosis. Thus, our findings provide novel evidence that focal cerebral ischemia can cause oxidative DNA damage in most microglia and astrocytes.