Metabolism In Cerebral Cortex Research Articles

Severe Spinal Cord Injury in Rats Induces Chronic Changes in the Spinal Cord and Cerebral Cortex Metabolism, Adjusted by Thiamine That Improves Locomotor Performance.

Our study aims at developing knowledge-based strategies minimizing chronic changes in the brain after severe spinal cord injury (SCI). The SCI-induced long-term metabolic alterations and their reactivity to treatments shortly after the injury are characterized in rats. Eight weeks after severe SCI, significant mitochondrial lesions outside the injured area are demonstrated in the spinal cord and cerebral cortex. Among the six tested enzymes essential for the TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) is the most affected one. SCI downregulates this complex by 90% in the spinal cord and 30% in the cerebral cortex. This is associated with the tissue-specific changes in other enzymes of the OGDHC network. Single administrations of a pro-activator (thiamine, or vitamin B1, 1.2 mmol/kg) or a synthetic pro-inhibitor (triethyl glutaryl phosphonate, TEGP, 0.02 mmol/kg) of OGDHC within 15–20 h after SCI are tested as protective strategies. The biochemical and physiological assessments 8 weeks after SCI reveal that thiamine, but not TEGP, alleviates the SCI-induced perturbations in the rat brain metabolism, accompanied by the decreased expression of (acetyl)p53, increased expression of sirtuin 5 and an 18% improvement in the locomotor recovery. Treatment of the non-operated rats with the OGDHC pro-inhibitor TEGP increases the p53 acetylation in the brain, approaching the brain metabolic profiles to those after SCI. Our data testify to an important contribution of the OGDHC regulation to the chronic consequences of SCI and their control by p53 and sirtuin 5.

Interplay between spinal cord and cerebral cortex metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

We recently reported the potential of Hough transform in delineating spinal cord metabolism by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scanning in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The present study aimed to verify the relationship between spinal cord and brain metabolism in 44 prospectively recruited patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis submitted to 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose brain and whole-body PET/CT. Patients were studied to highlight the presence of brain hypo- or hypermetabolism with respect to healthy controls, and multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between spinal cord and brain metabolism. Our results confirmed higher 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in both cervical and dorsal spinal cord in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with respect to controls. This finding was paralleled by the opposite pattern in the brain cortex that showed a generalized reduction in tracer uptake. This hypometabolism was particularly evident in wide regions of the frontal-dorsolateral cortex while it did not involve the midbrain. Bulbar and spinal disease onset was associated with similar degree of metabolic activation in the spinal cord. However, among spinal onset patients, upper limb presentation was associated with a more pronounced metabolic activation of cervical segment. Obtained data suggest a differential neuro-pathological state or temporal sequence in disease progression.

Chronic Exposure to β-Alanine Generates Oxidative Stress and Alters Energy Metabolism in Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum of Wistar Rats.

β-Alanine occurs naturally in the human central nervous system and performs different functions. It can act as either a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator, depletion of taurine levels and competitive antagonist of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The β-amino acid accumulation exerts an important biological function as delay in brain development, oxidative stress and disturbances in energy metabolism, characterized as an inborn error of metabolism classified as β-alaninemia. We evaluated the effects of the chronic administration of β-alanine on some parameters of oxidative stress and enzymes of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex and cerebellum of 21-day-old Wistar rats. The animals received peritoneal injections of β-alanine (300mg/kg of body weight), and the controls received the same volume (10μl/g of body weight) of saline solution (NaCl 0.9%), twice a day at 12-h interval, from the 7th to the 21st postpartum day. We observed that β-amino acid was able to increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the two tissues; however, only in cerebral cortex total content of sulfhydryl was increased. ROS are possibly acting on antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (cerebral cortex and cerebellum) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (cerebellum) inhibiting their activities. We also evaluated the activities of enzymes of the phosphoryl transfer network, where we observed an increase in hexokinase and cytosolic creatine kinase (Cy-CK) activities; however, it decreased glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, in both tissues. Besides, the β-alanine administration increased the activities of complex II, complex IV and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Those results suggest that the chronic administration of β-alanine causes cellular oxidative damage, significantly changing the energy metabolism.

Abstract WMP77: Combination of Metabolic and Transcriptional Profiling Identifies Pentose Phosphate Pathway Activation by Heat Shock Protein 27 Phosphorylation During Cerebral Ischemia

Objectives: The metabolic pathophysiology of ischemic stroke remains poorly understood. We performed a comparative omics analysis to identify the effects of cerebral ischemia on metabolism of cerebral cortex in the rat model with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods: MCAO was induced with suture occlusion technique. After the desired period of MCAO (30, 60, 120min), the rats were sacrificed. Tissue samples from the ischemic lesion were collected. Sham operated rats were treated in the same way except MCAO. Water-soluble metabolites were extracted and measured by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GC/MS). The obtained data were analyzed using multivariate statistics to explore metabolic pathways involved in ischemia. The associated metabolic enzymes were investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Immunoblot analysis. Results: Metabolic profiling by GC/MS analysis showed clear separation between the ischemia and control group (Figure A, B). The decrease of fructose 6-phosphate and ribulose 5-phosphate suggested enhancement of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) during cerebral ischemia. Transcriptional profiling by microarray hybridization indicated that Toll-like receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were upregulated during cerebral ischemia. In relation to PPP, upregulation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) was observed in the MAPK signaling pathway and was confirmed through RT-PCR. Immunoblotting showed a slight increase in HSP27 protein expression and a marked increase in HSP27 phosphorylation (FigureC). Corresponding upregulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity and an increase in the NADPH/NAD+ ratio were also observed (Figure D, E). Conclusions: G6PD activation via ischemia-induced HSP27 phosphorylation may be part of an endogenous antioxidant neuroprotection mechanism during the earliest stages of ischemia.

Antioxidants reverse the changes in energy metabolism of rat brain after chronic administration of L.-tyrosine

Tyrosinemia type II is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by deficiency of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase and is associated with neurologic and development difficulties in numerous patients. Considering that the mechanisms underlying the neurological dysfunction in hypertyrosinemic patients are poorly known and that high concentrations of tyrosine provoke mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, in the present study we investigated the in vivo influence of antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, NAC; and deferoxamine, DFX) administration on the inhibitory effects on parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum of rats, provoked by chronic administration of L.-tyrosine. Our results showed that chronic administration of L.-tyrosine results in a marked decrease in the activity of citrate synthase in all the analyzed structures and succinate dehydrogenase activities in hippocampus and striatum, and that antioxidants administration can prevent this inhibition in hippocampus and striatum. Moreover, chronic administration of L.-tyrosine inhibited the activity of complex I, II-III and IV in the striatum, which can be prevented by antioxidant treatment. However, the co-administration of NAC plus DFX could not prevent the inhibition of creatine kinase activity in the striatum. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the administration of antioxidants NAC and DFX attenuates the L.-tyrosine effects on enzymes of the Krebs cycle and the mitochondrial respiratory chain, suggesting that impairment of energy metabolism can be involved with oxidative stress. These results also indicate a possible neuroprotective role for NAC and DFX as a potential adjuvant therapy to the patients with Tyrosinemia type II.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Parameters and Energy Metabolism in Cerebral Cortex of Rats Subjected to Sarcosine Administration.

Sarcosine is an N-methyl derivative of the amino acid glycine, and its elevation in tissues and physiological fluids of patients with sarcosinemia could reflect a deficient pool size of activated 1-carbon units. Sarcosinemia is a rare inherited metabolic condition associated with mental retardation. In the present study, we investigated the acute effect of sarcosine and/or creatine plus pyruvate on some parameters of oxidative stress and energy metabolism in cerebral cortex homogenates of 21-day-old Wistar rats. Acute administration of sarcosine induced oxidative stress and diminished the activities of adenylate kinase, GAPDH, complex IV, and mitochondrial and cytosolic creatine kinase. On the other hand, succinate dehydrogenase activity was enhanced in cerebral cortex of rats. Moreover, total sulfhydryl content was significantly diminished, while DCFH oxidation, TBARS content, and activities of SOD and GPx were significantly enhanced by acute administration of sarcosine. Co-administration of creatine plus pyruvate was effective in the prevention of alterations provoked by sarcosine administration on the oxidative stress and the enzymes of phosphoryltransfer network. These results indicate that acute administration of sarcosine may stimulate oxidative stress and alter the energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of rats. In case these effects also occur in humans, they may contribute, along with other mechanisms, to the neurological dysfunction of sarcosinemia, and creatine and pyruvate supplementation could be beneficial to the patients.

Co-administration of creatine plus pyruvate prevents the effects of phenylalanine administration to female rats during pregnancy and lactation on enzymes activity of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the offspring.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most frequent inborn error of metabolism. It is caused by deficiency in the activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to accumulation of phenylalanine and its metabolites. Untreated maternal PKU or hyperphenylalaninemia may result in nonphenylketonuric offspring with low birth weight and neonatal sequelae, especially microcephaly and intellectual disability. The mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of brain injury in maternal PKU syndrome are poorly understood. In the present study, we evaluated the possible preventive effect of the co-administration of creatine plus pyruvate on the effects elicited by phenylalanine administration to female Wistar rats during pregnancy and lactation on some enzymes involved in the phosphoryltransfer network in the brain cortex and hippocampus of the offspring at 21days of age. Phenylalanine administration provoked diminution of body, brain cortex an hippocampus weight and decrease of adenylate kinase, mitochondrial and cytosolic creatine kinase activities. Co-administration of creatine plus pyruvate was effective in the prevention of those alterations provoked by phenylalanine, suggesting that altered energy metabolism may be important in the pathophysiology of maternal PKU. If these alterations also occur in maternal PKU, it is possible that pyruvate and creatine supplementation to the phenylalanine-restricted diet might be beneficial to phenylketonuric mothers.

Glucose administration after traumatic brain injury improves cerebral metabolism and reduces secondary neuronal injury

Clinical studies have indicated an association between acute hyperglycemia and poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), although optimal blood glucose levels needed to maximize outcomes for these patients' remain under investigation. Previous results from experimental animal models suggest that post-TBI hyperglycemia may be harmful, neutral, or beneficial. The current studies determined the effects of single or multiple episodes of acute hyperglycemia on cerebral glucose metabolism and neuronal injury in a rodent model of unilateral controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. In Experiment 1, a single episode of hyperglycemia (50% glucose at 2g/kg, i.p.) initiated immediately after CCI was found to significantly attenuate a TBI-induced depression of glucose metabolism in cerebral cortex (4 of 6 regions) and subcortical regions (2 of 7) as well as to significantly reduce the number of dead/dying neurons in cortex and hippocampus at 24h post-CCI. Experiment 2 examined effects of more prolonged and intermittent hyperglycemia induced by glucose administrations (2g/kg, i.p.) at 0, 1, 3 and 6h post-CCI. The latter study also found significantly improved cerebral metabolism (in 3 of 6 cortical and 3 of 7 subcortical regions) and significant neuroprotection in cortex and hippocampus 1 day after CCI and glucose administration. These results indicate that acute episodes of post-TBI hyperglycemia can be beneficial and are consistent with other recent studies showing benefits of providing exogenous energy substrates during periods of increased cerebral metabolic demand.

Glycine Intracerebroventricular Administration Disrupts Mitochondrial Energy Homeostasis in Cerebral Cortex and Striatum of Young Rats

High tissue levels of glycine (GLY) are the biochemical hallmark of nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), an inherited metabolic disease clinically characterized by severe neurological symptoms and brain abnormalities. Considering that the mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of this disease are not fully established, the present work investigated the in vivo effects of intracerebroventricular administration of GLY on important parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex and striatum from young rats. Our results show that GLY reduced CO₂ production using glucose as substrate and inhibited the activities of citrate synthase and isocitrate dehydrogenase in striatum, whereas no alterations of these parameters were verified in cerebral cortex 30 min after GLY injection. We also observed that GLY diminished the activities of complex IV in cerebral cortex and complex I-III in striatum at 30 min and inhibited complex I-III activity in striatum at 24 h after its injection. Furthermore, GLY reduced the activity of total and mitochondrial creatine kinase in both brain structures 30 min and 24 h after its administration. In contrast, the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was not altered by GLY. Finally, the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and creatine, and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 attenuated or fully prevented the inhibitory effects of GLY on creatine kinase and respiratory complexes in cerebral cortex and striatum. Our data indicate that crucial pathways for energy production and intracellular energy transfer are severely compromised by GLY. It is proposed that bioenergetic impairment induced by GLY in vivo may contribute to the neurological dysfunction found in patients affected by NKH.

Tyrosine impairs enzymes of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of rats

Tyrosine levels are abnormally elevated in tissues and physiological fluids of patients with inborn errors of tyrosine catabolism, especially in tyrosinemia type II, which is caused by deficiency of tyrosine aminotransferase and provokes eyes, skin, and central nervous system disturbances. Considering that the mechanisms of brain damage in these disorders are poorly known, in this study, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of tyrosine on some parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of 14-day-old Wistar rats. We observed that 2 mM tyrosine inhibited in vitro the pyruvate kinase (PK) activity and that this inhibition was prevented by 1 mM reduced glutathione with 30, 60, and 90 min of preincubation. Moreover, administration of tyrosine methyl ester (TME) (0.5 mg/g of body weight) decreased the activity of PK and this reduction was prevented by pre-treatment with creatine (Cr). On the other hand, tyrosine did not alter adenylate kinase (AK) activity in vitro, but administration of TME enhanced AK activity not prevented by Cr pre-treatment. Finally, TME administration decreased the activity of CK from cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions and this diminution was prevented by Cr pre-treatment. The results suggest that tyrosine alters essential sulfhydryl groups necessary for CK and PK functions, possibly through oxidative stress. In case this also occurs in the patients, it is possible that energy metabolism alterations may contribute, along with other mechanisms, to the neurological dysfunction of hypertyrosinemias.

Dual mechanism of brain damage induced in vivo by the major metabolites accumulating in hyperornithinemia–hyperammonemia–homocitrullinuria syndrome

Hyperornithinemia–hyperammonemia–homocitrullinuria (HHH) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a defect in the mitochondrial ornithine transporter, leading to accumulation of ornithine (Orn), homocitrulline (Hcit) and ammonia. Progressive neurological regression whose pathogenesis is not well established is common in this disease. The present work investigated the in vivo effects of intracerebroventricular administration of Orn and Hcit on important parameters of oxidative stress and energy metabolism in cerebral cortex from young rats. Orn and Hcit significantly increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values and carbonyl formation, indicators of lipid and protein oxidative damage, respectively. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine and the combination of the free radical scavengers ascorbic acid plus α-tocopherol attenuated the lipid oxidation and totally prevented the protein oxidative damage provoked by Orn and Hcit, suggesting that reactive species were involved in these effects. Hcit, but not Orn administration, also decreased glutathione concentrations, as well as the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase, indicating that Hcit provokes a reduction of brain antioxidant defenses. As regards to the parameters of energy metabolism, we verified that Orn and Hcit significantly inhibited the citric acid cycle function (inhibition of CO2 synthesis from [1-14C] acetate), the aerobic glycolytic pathway (reduced CO2 production from [U-14C] glucose) and complex I–III activity of the respiratory chain. Hcit also inhibited the activity of aconitase, an enzyme very susceptible to free radical attack. Taken together, our data indicate that mitochondrial homeostasis is disturbed by Orn and especially by Hcit. It is presumed that the impairment of brain bioenergetics and the oxidative damage induced by these metabolites may possibly contribute to the brain deterioration and neurological symptoms affecting patients with HHH syndrome.

In vitro evidence that d-serine disturbs the citric acid cycle through inhibition of citrate synthase activity in rat cerebral cortex

The present work investigated the in vitro effects of d-serine ( d-Ser) on important parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats. The parameters analyzed were CO 2 generation from glucose and acetate, glucose uptake and the activities of the respiratory chain complexes I–IV, of the citric acid cycle enzymes citrate synthase, aconitase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogense, fumarase and malate dehydrogenase and of creatine kinase and Na +,K +-ATPase. Our results show that d-Ser significantly reduced CO 2 production from acetate, but not from glucose, reflecting an impairment of the citric acid cycle function. Furthermore, d-Ser did not affect glucose uptake. We also observed that the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme citrate synthase from mitochondrial preparations and purified citrate synthase was significantly inhibited by d-Ser, whereas the other activities of the citric acid cycle as well as the activities of complexes I–III, II–III, II and IV of the respiratory chain, creatine kinase and Na +,K +-ATPase were not affected by this d-amino acid. We also found that l-serine did not affect citrate synthase activity from mitochondrial preparations and purified enzyme. The data indicate that d-Ser impairs the citric acid cycle activity via citrate synthase inhibition, therefore compromising energy metabolism production in cerebral cortex of young rats. Therefore, it is presumed that this mechanism may be involved at least in part in the neurological damage found in patients affected by disorders in which d-Ser metabolism is impaired, with altered cerebral concentrations of this d-amino acid.

Inhibition of creatine kinase activity by lysine in rat cerebral cortex

Accumulation of lysine (Lys) in tissues and biochemical fluids is the biochemical hallmark of patients affected by familial hyperlysinemia (FH) and also by other inherited neurometabolic disorders. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effect of Lys on various parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of 30-day-old Wistar rats. We verified that total (tCK) and cytosolic creatine kinase activities were significantly inhibited by Lys, in contrast to the mitochondrial isoform which was not affected by this amino acid. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Lys on tCK activity was totally prevented by reduced glutathione, suggesting a possible role of reactive species oxidizing critical thiol groups of the enzyme. In contrast, Lys did not affect (14)CO(2) production from [U-(14)C] glucose (aerobic glycolytic pathway) and [1-(14)C] acetic acid (citric acid cycle activity) neither the various activities of the electron transfer chain and synaptic Na(+)K(+)-ATPase at concentrations as high as 5.0 mM. Considering the importance of creatine kinase (CK) activity for brain energy metabolism homeostasis and especially ATP transfer and buffering, our results suggest that inhibition of this enzyme by Lys may contribute to the neurological signs presented by symptomatic patients affected by FH and other neurodegenerative disorders in which Lys accumulates.

Creatine administration prevents Na +,K +-ATPase inhibition induced by intracerebroventricular administration of isovaleric acid in cerebral cortex of young rats

Isovaleric acidemia (IVAcidemia) is an inborn error of metabolism due to deficiency of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity, leading to predominant accumulation of isovaleric acid (IVA). Patients affected by IVAcidemia suffer from acute episodes of encephalopathy, whose underlying mechanisms are poorly known. In the present study we investigated whether an intracerebroventricular injection of IVA could compromise energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats. IVA administration significantly inhibited 14CO 2 production from acetate (22%) and citrate synthase activity (20%) in cerebral cortex homogenates prepared 24 h after injection. However, no alterations of these parameters were observed 2 h after injection. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, electron transfer chain complexes or creatine kinase in rats sacrificed 2 or 24 h after IVA administration. Moreover, IVA injection significantly inhibited Na +,K +-ATPase activity (25%) in cerebral cortex of rats 2 or 24 h after IVA administration, while pre-treatment of rats with creatine completely prevented the inhibitory effects of IVA on Na +,K +-ATPase. In conclusion, in vivo administration of IVA inhibits the citric acid cycle probably through the enzyme citrate synthase, as well as Na +,K +-ATPase, a crucial enzyme responsible for maintaining the basal potential membrane necessary for a normal neurotransmission. It is presumed that inhibition of these activities may be involved in the pathophysiology of the neurological dysfunction of isovaleric academic patients. The present findings are of particular interest because treatment with creatine supplementation may represent a potential novel adjuvant therapeutic strategy in IVAcidemia.

Evidence that 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid inhibits key enzymes of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats

3-Hydroxyisobutyric aciduria is an inherited metabolic disease caused by 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Tissue accumulation and high urinary excretion of 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid is the biochemical hallmark of this disorder. Clinical phenotype is heterogeneous and generally includes dysmorphic features, delayed motor development, profound mental impairment, and acute encephalopathy. Lactic acidemia is also found in the affected patients, indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the in vitro effect of 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid (0.1, 0.5 and 1mM) on essential enzymes of energy metabolism, namely the activities of the respiratory chain complexes I–V, total, cytosolic and mitochondrial creatine kinase and Na+, K+-ATPase in cerebral cortex homogenates of 30-day-old rats. We also measured the rate of oxygen consumption in brain mitochondrial preparations in the presence of 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid. 3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid significantly reduced complex I–III (20%), without affecting the other activities of the electron transport chain. Furthermore, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid did not change state III, state IV and the respiratory control ratio in the presence of glutamate/malate or succinate, suggesting that its effect on cellular respiration was weak. On the other hand, the activities of total and mitochondrial creatine kinase, but not cytosolic creatine kinase, were inhibited (30%) by 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid. We also observed that 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid-induced inhibition of mitochondrial creatine kinase activity was fully prevented by pre-incubation of the homogenates with reduced glutathione, α-tocopherol or the combination of superoxide dismutase plus catalase, suggesting that this inhibition was mediated by oxidation of essential thiol groups of the enzyme probably by superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and/or peroxyl radicals. It was also demonstrated that Na+, K+-ATPase activity from synaptic plasma membranes was markedly suppressed (37%) by 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid and that this effect was prevented by α-tocopherol co-incubation implying that peroxyl radicals were probably involved in this action. Considering the importance of the affected enzyme activities for brain metabolism homeostasis and neurotransmision, it is suggested that increased tissue levels of 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid may contribute to the neurodegeneration of patients affected by 3-hydroxyisobutyric aciduria and possibly explain previous reports describing elevated production and excretion of lactate.

Inhibition of Brain Energy Metabolism by the Branched-chain Amino Acids Accumulating in Maple Syrup Urine Disease

In the present work we investigated the in vitro effect of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) accumulating in maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) on some parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of rats. 14CO2 production from [1-14C]acetate, [1-5-14C]citrate and [U-14C]glucose, as well as glucose uptake by the brain were evaluated by incubating cortical prisms from 30-day-old rats in the absence (controls) or presence of leucine (Leu), valine (Val) or isoleucine (Ile). All amino acids significantly reduced 14CO2 production by around 20-55%, in contrast to glucose utilization, which was significantly increased by up to 90%. Furthermore, Leu significantly inhibited the activity of the respiratory chain complex IV, whereas Val and Ile markedly inhibited complexes II-III, III and IV by up to 40%. We also observed that trolox (alpha-tocopherol) and creatine totally prevented the inhibitory effects provoked by the BCAA on the respiratory chain complex activities, suggesting that free radicals were involved in these effects. The results indicate that the major metabolites accumulating in MSUD disturb brain aerobic metabolism by compromising the citric acid cycle and the electron flow through the respiratory chain. We presume that these findings may be of relevance to the understanding of the pathophysiology of the neurological dysfunction of MSUD patients.

Changes in Glucose Metabolism in Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum Correlate With Tremor and Rigidity Control by Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: A Positron Emission Tomography Study

Objective. Employing [(18) F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to assess the correlation between the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRGlc) in advanced Parkinson's disease patients (N=8). Materials and Methods. On the basis of patients' diary records, we performed FDG-PET during the off-period of motor activity with on- or off-stimulation by STN-DBS on separate days and analyzed the correlation between changes in motor symptoms and alterations in the rCMRGlc. Result. When FDG-PET was performed, the motor score on the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) was 64% lower with on-stimulation than with off-stimulation (p<0.001, Wilcoxon single-rank test). STN-DBS increased the rCMRGlc in the posterior part of the right middle frontal gyrus, which corresponded to the premotor area, and the right anterior lobe of the cerebellum (p<0.005, paired t-test). No region exhibited a decrease in rCMRGlc. Among the items of the UPDRS motor score, the changes in resting tremor and rigidity of the left extremities showed a significant correlation with the changes in rCMRGlc observed in the right premotor area (p<0.02 and p<0.05, respectively, Spearman's rank correlation). Conclusions. STN-DBS either activates the premotor area or normalizes the deactivation of the premotor area. These FDG-PET findings obtained are consistent with the idea that STN-DBS modifies the activities of neural circuits involved in motor control.

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

Glutaric acidemia type I is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a severe deficiency of the mitochondrial glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity leading to accumulation of predominantly glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids in the brain tissue of the affected patients. Considering that a toxic role was recently postulated for quinolinic acid in the neuropathology of glutaric acidemia type I, in the present work we investigated whether the combination of quinolinic acid with glutaric or 3-hydroxyglutaric acids or the mixture of glutaric plus 3-hydroxyglutaric acids could alter brain energy metabolism. The parameters evaluated in cerebral cortex from young rats were glucose utilization, lactate formation and 14CO2 production from labeled glucose and acetate, as well as the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. We first observed that glutaric (5mM), 3-hydroxyglutaric (1mM) and quinolinic acids (0.1μM) per se did not alter these parameters. Similarly, no change of these parameters occurred when combining glutaric with quinolinic acids or 3-hydroxyglutaric with quinolinic acids. In contrast, co-incubation of glutaric plus 3-hydroxyglutaric acids increased glucose utilization, decreased 14CO2 generation from glucose, inhibited pyruvate dehydrogenase activity as well as total and mitochondrial creatine kinase activities. The glutaric plus 3-hydroxyglutaric acids-induced inhibitory effects on creatine kinase were prevented by the antioxidants glutathione and catalase plus superoxide dismutase, indicating the participation of reactive oxygen species. Our data indicate a synergic action of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids disturbing energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats.

Inhibition of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats by the medium-chain fatty acids accumulating in MCAD deficiency

Patients affected by medium-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, a frequent inborn error of metabolism, suffer from acute episodes of encephalopathy. However, the mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of this disease are poorly known. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effect of the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), at concentrations varying from 0.01 to 3 mM, accumulating in MCAD deficiency on some parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats. 14CO 2 production from [U 14] glucose, [1- 14C] acetate and [1,5- 14C] citrate was evaluated by incubating cerebral cortex homogenates from 30-day-old rats in the absence (controls) or presence of octanoic acid, decanoic acid or cis-4-decenoic acid. OA and DA significantly reduced 14CO 2 production from acetate by around 30–40%, and from glucose by around 70%. DA significantly reduced 14CO 2 production from citrate by around 40%, while OA did not affect this parameter. cDA inhibited 14CO 2 production from all tested substrates by around 30–40%. The activities of the respiratory chain complexes and of creatine kinase were also tested in the presence of DA and cDA. Both metabolites significantly inhibited cytochrome c oxidase activity (by 30%) and complex II–III activity (DA, 25%; cDA, 80%). Furthermore, only cDA inhibited complex II activity (by 30%), while complex I–III and citrate synthase were not affected by these MCFA. On the other hand, only cDA reduced the activity of creatine kinase in total homogenates, as well as in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions from cerebral cortex (by 50%). The data suggest that the major metabolites which accumulate in MCAD deficiency, with particular emphasis to cDA, compromise brain energy metabolism. We presume that these findings may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of the neurological dysfunction of MCAD deficient patients.

Inhibition of energy metabolism by 2‐methylacetoacetate and 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxybutyrate in cerebral cortex of developing rats

Mitochondrial beta-ketothiolase and 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (MHBD) deficiencies are inherited neurometabolic disorders affecting isoleucine catabolism. Biochemically, beta-ketothiolase deficiency is characterized by intermittent ketoacidosis and urinary excretion of 2-methyl-acetoacetate (MAA), 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (MHB) and tiglylglycine (TG), whereas in MHBD deficiency only MHB and tiglylglycine accumulate. Lactic acid accumulation and excretion are also observed in these patients, being more pronounced in MHBD-deficient individuals, particularly during acute episodes of decompensation. Patients affected by MHBD deficiency usually manifest severe mental retardation and convulsions, whereas beta-ketothiolase-deficient patients present encephalopathic crises characterized by metabolic acidosis, vomiting and coma. Considering that the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the neurological alterations of these disorders are unknown and that lactic acidosis suggests an impairment of energy production, the objective of the present work was to investigate the in vitro effect of MAA and MHB, at concentrations varying from 0.01 to 1.0 mmol/L, on several parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex from young rats. We observed that MAA markedly inhibited CO2 production from glucose, acetate and citrate at concentrations as low as 0.01 mmol/L. In addition, the activities of the respiratory chain complex II and succinate dehydrogenase were mildly inhibited by MAA. MHB, at 0.01 mmol/L and higher concentrations, strongly inhibited CO2 production from all tested substrates, as well as the respiratory chain complex IV activity. The other activities of the respiratory chain were not affected by these metabolites. The data indicate a marked blockage in the Krebs cycle and a mild inhibition of the respiratory chain caused by MAA and MHB. Furthermore, MHB inhibited total and mitochondrial creatine kinase activities, which was prevented by the use of the nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME and glutathione (GSH). These data indicate that the effect of MHB on creatine kinase was probably mediated by oxidation or other modification of essential thiol groups of the enzyme by nitric oxide and other by-products derived from this organic acid. In contrast, MAA did not affect creatine kinase activity. Taken together, these observations indicate that aerobic energy metabolism is inhibited by MAA and to a greater extent by MHB, a fact that may be related to lactic acidaemia occurring in patients affected by MHBD and beta-ketothiolase deficiencies. If the in vitro effects detected in the present study also occur in vivo, it is tempting to speculate that they may contribute, at least in part, to the neurological dysfunction found in these disorders.