Mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase Research Articles

Salicylic Acid-Dependent Plant Stress Signaling via Mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase.

Mitochondria are known for their role in ATP production and generation of reactive oxygen species, but little is known about the mechanism of their early involvement in plant stress signaling. The role of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in salicylic acid (SA) signaling was analyzed using two mutants: disrupted in stress response1 (dsr1), which is a point mutation in SDH1 identified in a loss of SA signaling screen, and a knockdown mutant (sdhaf2) for SDH assembly factor 2 that is required for FAD insertion into SDH1. Both mutants showed strongly decreased SA-inducible stress promoter responses and low SDH maximum capacity compared to wild type, while dsr1 also showed low succinate affinity, low catalytic efficiency, and increased resistance to SDH competitive inhibitors. The SA-induced promoter responses could be partially rescued in sdhaf2, but not in dsr1, by supplementing the plant growth media with succinate. Kinetic characterization showed that low concentrations of either SA or ubiquinone binding site inhibitors increased SDH activity and induced mitochondrial H2O2 production. Both dsr1 and sdhaf2 showed lower rates of SA-dependent H2O2 production in vitro in line with their low SA-dependent stress signaling responses in vivo. This provides quantitative and kinetic evidence that SA acts at or near the ubiquinone binding site of SDH to stimulate activity and contributes to plant stress signaling by increased rates of mitochondrial H2O2 production, leading to part of the SA-dependent transcriptional response in plant cells.

Sulfasalazine induces mitochondrial dysfunction and renal injury

Sulfasalazine is a commonly used drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. There are several cases of renal injury encompass sulfasalazine administration in humans. The mechanism of sulfasalazine adverse effects toward kidneys is obscure. Oxidative stress and its consequences seem to play a role in the sulfasalazine-induced renal injury. The current investigation was designed to investigate the effect of sulfasalazine on kidney mitochondria. Rats received sulfasalazine (400 and 600 mg/kg/day, oral) for 14 consecutive days. Afterward, kidney mitochondria were isolated and assessed. Sulfasalazine-induced renal injury was biochemically evident by the increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and creatinine (Cr). Histopathological presentations of the kidney in sulfasalazine-treated animals revealed by interstitial inflammation, tubular atrophy, and tissue necrosis. Markers of oxidative stress including an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), a defect in tissue antioxidant capacity, and glutathione (GSH) depletion were also detected in the kidney of sulfasalazine-treated groups. Decreased mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial GSH depletion, increase in mitochondrial ROS, LPO, and mitochondrial swelling were also evident in sulfasalazine-treated groups. Current data suggested that oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury might be involved in the mechanism of sulfasalazine-induced renal injury.

Persian Gulf Jellyfish (Cassiopea andromeda) Venom Fractions Induce Selective Injury and Cytochrome C Release in Mitochondria Obtained from Breast Adenocarcinoma Patients

Objective:This study was conducted to investigate whether fractions of jellyfish Cassiope andromeda venom, could selectively induce toxicity on mitochondria isolated from cancer tissue of patients with breast adenocarcinomas.Methods:Firstly, we extracted two fractions, (f1 and f2) from crude jellyfish venom by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. Then different dilutions of these extracted fractions were applied to mitochondria isolated from human breast tumoral- and extra-tumoral tissues. Parameters of mitochondrial toxicity including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, swelling, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase3 and apoptosis were then assayed.Result:Our results demonstrate that fraction 2 of Cassiopea andromeda crude venom significantly (P<0.05) decreased mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity, increased mitochondrial ROS production, induced mitochondrial swelling, MMP collapse and cytochrome c release, activated caspase3 and induced apoptosis only in tumoral mitochondria, and not in mitochondria obtained from extra-tumoral tissue (P<0.05).Conclusion:In conclusion this study suggested that fraction 2 of Cassiopea andromeda crude venom selectively induces ROS mediated cytotoxicity by directly targeting mitochondria isolated from human breast tumor tissue.

The Postulated Hepatotoxic Metabolite of Methimazole Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Energy Metabolism Disturbances in Liver

Background: Although several cases of methimazole-induced liver injury are reported, but there is no clear idea on the mechanism of methimazole hepatotoxicity. N-methyl thiourea (NMT) is a postulated hepatotoxic metabolite for methimazole. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the effect of NMT on hepatocyte mitochondria as a target of xenobiotics-induced cellular injury. Methods: Isolated liver mitochondria from healthy mice were incubated with NMT (10 µM-160 mM) (in vitro). Furthermore, mice received NMT (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, i.p) then, their liver mitochondria were isolated and assessed (in vivo). Several mitochondrial indices including mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial swelling, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial glutathione and ATP content were assessed. Results: NMT caused a decrease in succinate dehydrogenase activity, an increase in mitochondrial ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, and swelling along with the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, the level of glutathione and ATP was lower in NMT-exposed mitochondria. Conclusion: Our data indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction might play a major role in the mechanism of liver injury induced by the methimazole hepatotoxic metabolite.

Biological response of zebrafish embryos after short-term exposure to thifluzamide.

Thifluzamide is a new amide fungicide, and its extensive application may have toxic effects on zebrafish. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated in detail the potential toxic effects of thifluzamide on zebrafish embryos. In the present study, embryos were exposed to 0, 0.19, 1.90, and 2.85 mg/L thifluzamide for 4 days. Obvious pathological changes were found upon a histological exam, and negative changes in mitochondrial structure were observed under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which qualitatively noted the toxic effects of thifluzamide on embryos. Moreover, we quantitatively evaluated the enzyme activities [succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), caspases], the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and the expression levels of the related genes. This study suggests that the negative changes in mitochondrial structure and SDH activity might be responsible for oxidative damage, cell apoptosis and inflammation, which would facilitate the action of these factors in cell death and might play a crucial role during toxic events. In addition to providing the first description of the mechanism of the toxic effects of thifluzamide on embryos, this study also represents a step towards using embryos to assess mitochondrial metabolism and disease.

SDHB deficiency promotes TGFβ-mediated invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer through transcriptional repression complex SNAIL1-SMAD3/4

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is a heterotetrameric complex, among which the catalytic core SDHB loss-of-function mutations lead to mitochondrial enzyme SDH dysfunction and are associated with cancer formation. However, the impact of SDHB loss on colorectal carcinoma and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we found a coherent decreased SDHB expression both in human colorectal cancer (CRC) samples and CRC cell lines. Combined clinical analysis in a cohort of 43 CRC patients demonstrated a correlation between reduced SDHB activity and a more advanced clinical phenotype regarding lymphatic and distant metastasis. Applying genetic interference and cellular function approaches, we found that knocking down SDHB promoted cell migration and invasion through enabling epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and inverse results of SDHB overexpression further confirmed our theory. Mechanical exploration revealed that SDHB knockdown could activate TGFβ signaling pathway, more precisely through up-regulation of a tight-junction transcriptional repression complex SNAIL1-SMAD3/SMAD4, thus contributed to the increase in metastasis. In conclusion by identifying SNAIL1-SMAD3/SMAD4 as essential for the TGFβ-mediated tumorigenic capacity in SDHB-deficient CRC cells, this study revealed a critical mechanical vulnerability for potential future therapeutic target of SDHB-associated CRC.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF TRIDHAM AND 1,2,3,4,6-PENTA-O-GALLOYL-Β-D-GLUCOSE ON ALTERED ENERGY METABOLISM IN MAMMARY CARCINOMA BEARING RATS

ABSTRACT Objective: Emerging evidence indicates that cancer is primarily a metabolic disease involving disturbances in energy production, and hence, reprogramming of cellular energy metabolism is deemed to be one of the principal hallmarks of cancer. Tridham (TD) has been used by traditional practitioners of Siddha medicine against various ailments. Hence, the present study has been designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of TD on altered energy metabolism in mammary carcinoma-bearing rats. Methods: Adult female albino rats of Sprague-Dawley strain weighing 170-190 g were used and 7,12-dimethylbenzeneanthracene (DMBA) was used for induction of mammary carcinoma and rats were divided into seven groups. Group I - control rats, Group II - DMBA-induced rats, Group III - DMBA- and TD-treated rats, Group IV - DMBA- and 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG)-treated rats, Group V - DMBA- and cyclophosphamide-treated rats, Groups VI and VII are TD and PGG control rats. Results: Significant (p<0.05) increase in the glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase and aldolase, was observed in tumor-bearing rats whereas gluconeogenic enzymes, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, were significantly decreased. The activities of the mitochondrial Krebs cycle enzymes, isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase, and respiratory chain enzymes, nicotinamide dinucleotide dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase, were significantly reduced in tumor tissue of the mammary carcinoma-bearing rats. These biochemical disturbances were effectively counteracted by TD and PGG which restore the activities of all these enzymes to the respective control levels. Conclusion: TD and PGG effectively ameliorated the altered glucose metabolism resulting in the regression of breast cancer. Keywords: Breast cancer, Cancer cachexia, Carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, Krebs cycle.

Toluene downregulates filaggrin expression via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription–dependent pathways

Toluene downregulates filaggrin expression via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription–dependent pathways

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits cell proliferation and improves viability by regulating S phase and mitochondrial permeability in primary rat Leydig cells.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely used as a nutritional supplement and exhibits putative anti-aging properties. However, the molecular basis of the actions of DHEA, particularly on the biological characteristics of target cells, remain unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on cell viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle and mitochondrial function in primary rat Leydig cells. Adult Leydig cells were purified by Percoll gradient centrifugation, and cell proliferation was detected using a Click-iT® EdU Assay kit and cell cycle assessment performed using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using JC-1 staining assay. The results of the current study demonstrate that DHEA decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it improved cell viability in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that DHEA treatment increased the S phase cell population and decreased the G2/M cell population. Cyclin A and CDK2 mRNA levels were decreased in primary rat Leydig cells following DHEA treatment. DHEA treatment decreased the transmembrane electrical gradient in primary Leydig cells, whereas treatment significantly increased succinate dehydrogenase activity. These results indicated that DHEA inhibits primary rat Leydig cell proliferation by decreasing cyclin mRNA level, whereas it improves cells viability by modulating the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane and succinate dehydrogenase activity. These findings may demonstrate an important molecular mechanism by which DHEA activity is mediated.

Is there a relationship between solubility and resorbability of different calcium phosphate phases in vitro?

BackgroundDoes chemistry govern biology or it is the other way around - that is a broad connotation of the question that this study attempted to answer. MethodComparison was made between the solubility and osteoclastic resorbability of four fundamentally different monophasic calcium phosphate (CP) powders with monodisperse particle size distributions: alkaline hydroxyapatite (HAP), acidic monetite (DCP), β-calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), and amorphous CP (ACP). Results With the exception of CPP, the difference in solubility between different CP phases became neither mitigated nor reversed, but augmented in the resorptive osteoclastic milieu. Thus, DCP, a phase with the highest solubility, was also resorbed more intensely than any other CP phase, whereas HAP, a phase with the lowest solubility, was resorbed least. CPP becomes retained inside the cells for the longest period of time, indicating hindered digestion of only this particular type of CP. Osteoclastogenesis was mildly hindered in the presence of HAP, ACP and DCP, but not in the presence of CPP. The most viable CP powder with respect to the mitochondrial succinic dehydrogenase activity was the one present in natural biological bone tissues: HAP. ConclusionChemistry in this case does have a direct effect on biology. Biology neither overrides nor reverses the chemical propensities of inorganics with which it interacts, but rather augments and takes a direct advantage of them. SignificanceThese findings set the fundamental basis for designing the chemical makeup of CP and other biosoluble components of tissue engineering constructs for their most optimal resorption and tissue regeneration response.

Delayed Onset and Reduced Cognitive Deficits through Pre-Conditioning with 3-Nitropropionic Acid is Dependent on Sex and CAG Repeat Length in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease.

Impairments in energy metabolism are implicated in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. Reduced levels of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), the main element of complex II, are observed post mortem in the brains of HD patients, and energy metabolism defects have been identified in both presymptomatic and symptomatic HD patients. Chemical preconditioning with 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), an irreversible inhibitor of SDH, has been shown to increase tolerance against experimental hypoxia in both heart and brain. Here we studied the effect of chronic preconditioning in the R6/2 mouse model of HD using mice carrying CAG repeat lengths of either 250 or 400 repeats. Both are transgenic fragment models, with 250CAG mice having a more rapid disease progression than 400CAG mice. Low doses of 3-NP (24 mg/kg) were administered via the drinking water and the effect on phenotype progression and cognition function assessed. After 3-NP treatment there were significant improvements in all aspects of the behavioural phenotype, apart from body weight, with timing and magnitude of improvements dependent on both CAG repeat length and sex. Specifically, a delay in the deterioration of general health (as shown by delayed onset of glycosuria and increased survival) was seen in both male and female 400CAG mice and in female 250CAG mice and was consistent with improved appearance of 3-NP treated R6/2 mice. Male 250CAG mice showed improvements but these were short term, and 3-NP treatment eventually had deleterious effects on their survival rate. When cognitive performance of 250CAG mice was assessed using a two-choice discrimination touchscreen task, we found that female mice showed significant improvements. Together, our results support the idea that energy metabolism contributes to the pathogenesis of HD, and suggest that improving energy deficits might be a therapeutically useful target.

Bakuchiol attenuates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by maintaining mitochondrial function: the role of silent information regulator 1.

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI) is associated with poor prognoses in the settings of both cardiac surgery and ischemic heart disease and causes mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell death. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a member of the histone deacetylase family, exerts anti-IRI effects. Bakuchiol (BAK), an analog of resveratrol and a monoterpene phenol isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (Leguminosae), protects tissues from injury. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of BAK treatment in the setting of myocardial IRI and to elucidate the potential mechanism of those effects. Prior to induction of IR, isolated rat hearts or cardiomyocytes were exposed to BAK in either the absence or presence of the SIRT1 inhibitors Sirtinol and SIRT1 siRNA. BAK exerted cardioprotective effects, as evidenced by the improvements noted in cardiac function following ischemia, attenuated myocardial apoptosis, and changes in several biochemical parameters (including increases in the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, decreases in the level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and decreases in the cleaved Caspase 3 level). However, Sirtinol and SIRT1 siRNA each blocked BAK-induced cardioprotection by inhibiting SIRT1 signaling. Additionally, BAK significantly increased the activities of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase and decreased the production of malondialdehyde. These findings suggested that BAK significantly attenuated IR-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage. However, Sirtinol and SIRT1 siRNA abolished BAK-dependent mitochondrial function. In summary, our results demonstrate that BAK treatment attenuates IRI by attenuating IR-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage via the activation of SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling.

In Vivo Detection of Succinate by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Hallmark of SDHx Mutations in Paraganglioma.

Germline mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are found in patients with paragangliomas, pheochromocytomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and renal cancers. SDH inactivation leads to a massive accumulation of succinate, acting as an oncometabolite and which levels, assessed on surgically resected tissue are a highly specific biomarker of SDHx-mutated tumors. The aim of this study was to address the feasibility of detecting succinate in vivo by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A pulsed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) sequence was developed, optimized, and applied to image nude mice grafted with Sdhb(-/-) or wild-type chromaffin cells. The method was then applied to patients with paraganglioma carrying (n = 5) or not (n = 4) an SDHx gene mutation. Following surgery, succinate was measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and SDH protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in resected tumors. A succinate peak was observed at 2.44 ppm by (1)H-MRS in all Sdhb(-/-)-derived tumors in mice and in all paragangliomas of patients carrying an SDHx gene mutation, but neither in wild-type mouse tumors nor in patients exempt of SDHx mutation. In one patient, (1)H-MRS results led to the identification of an unsuspected SDHA gene mutation. In another case, it helped define the pathogenicity of a variant of unknown significance in the SDHB gene. Detection of succinate by (1)H-MRS is a highly specific and sensitive hallmark of SDHx mutations. This noninvasive approach is a simple and robust method allowing in vivo detection of the major biomarker of SDHx-mutated tumors.

Effect of uric acid on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in hepatocytes.

Here, we investigated the effect of uric acid (UA) on hepatocyte mitochondria. Hepatocytes cultured in vitro were treated with varying concentrations of UA. The change in apoptotic activity was detected by flow cytometry. The DNA damage index 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) and mitochondrial function indices succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by enzyme assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was confirmed by a dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay. We observed an increase in apoptotic activity, ROS accumulation, and 8-OHdG activity in hepatocytes treated with UA for extended periods, indicating DNA damage; specifically, we observed a significant increase in these activities 48, 72, and 96 h after UA addition, compared to those observed at 24 h (P < 0.05). Cells treated with 30 mg/dL UA for 96 h showed a peak in apoptotic activity. We also observed a significant decrease in ATP, SDH, and CCO activities with the increase in uric acid concentration over time. Cells treated with 30 mg/dL UA for 96 h showed the highest ATP levels, while SDH and CCO activities at 48, 72, and 96 h post-UA treatment were significantly lower than those at 24 h (P < 0.01). Moreover, cells treated with 30 mg/dL UA showed a 0.02 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.01 mmol/ mg/min decrease in SDH and CCO levels after 72 h. Therefore, we concluded that high concentrations of UA may induce oxidative stress in hepatocyte mitochondria, increasing ROS production and ultimately resulting in mitochondrial damage.

Bacopa monnieri Prophylaxis Abrogates 3-nitropropionic Acid Induced Brain Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Among Prepubertal Mice: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidences

Background: 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), a toxin of fungal origin irreversibly inhibits mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) causing selective degeneration of striatal neurons. There have been studies on the effects of 3-NPA and modulation using various phytochemicals and other molecules on striatum, but there is a lacunae of information regarding the response of other brain regions viz., cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. Hence the current study is centered on the effect of 3-NPA exposure on the mitochondria of these brain regions. Methods: There were 4 groups: Group IControl; Group II- Bacopa monnieri alone (BM); Group III-3-NPA (ip 75mg/kg bw/ 2days) and sacrificed 24 hrs after the last injection; Group IV-pretreated with 3-NPA for 10 days and later injected with 3-NPA.Various biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions were carried out. Results: We observed an increase in Oxidative stress (OS) markers in mitochondria of all regions studied in 3-NPA group, where as there was no appreciable damage in prophylaxis group. There was a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols and non-protein thiols in 3- NPA group which was not observed in prophylaxis group. The alterations in antioxidant enzymes observed in 3-NPA group were normalized in prophylaxis group. Further the alterations in mitochondrial functional enzymes, mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain enzymes, Thioredoxin reductase, Na+K+ ATP ase, mitochondrial swelling and mitochondrial reductase activity (MTT) were normalized to various degrees in the BM pretreated group. Conclusion: The study validates the potency of BM extract to mitigate oxidative stress related alterations and mitochondrial dysfunctions induced by 3-NPA. Keywords: Bacopa monnieri, mitochondrial oxidative stress, 3-NPA, oxidative dysfunctions, prepubertal mice, prophylaxis.

NADP+-IDH Mutations Promote Hypersuccinylation that Impairs Mitochondria Respiration and Induces Apoptosis Resistance

Elucidating the tumorigenic mechanism of R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2HG) is critical for determining how NADP(+)-IDH mutations cause cancer. Here we report that R-2HG induces cancerous metabolism and apoptosis resistance through promoting hypersuccinylation. By competitive inhibition of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), R-2HG preferentially induced succinyl-CoA accumulation and hypersuccinylation in the mitochondria. IDH1 mutation-bearing glioma samples and cells were hypersuccinylated in the mitochondria. IDH1 mutation or SDH inactivation resulted in hypersuccinylation, causing respiration inhibition and inducing cancerous metabolism and mitochondrial depolarization. These mitochondrial dysfunctions induced BCL-2 accumulation at the mitochondrial membrane, leading to apoptosis resistance of hypersuccinylated cells. Relief of hypersuccinylation by overexpressing the desuccinylase SIRT5 or supplementing glycine rescued mitochondrial dysfunctions, reversed BCL-2 accumulation, and slowed the oncogenic growth of hypersuccinylated IDH1(R132C)-harboring HT1080 cells. Thus, R-2HG-induced hypersuccinylation contributes to the tumorigenicity of NADP(+)-IDH mutations, suggesting the potential of hypersuccinylation inhibition as an intervention for hypersuccinylation-related tumors.

Konsentrasi Aman Kurkumin dan PGV-0 terhadap Sel Vero Berdasarkan Hasil Uji Sitotoksik

Curcumin (1,7-bis(3-methoxyphenyl 4'hidroksi) -1.6 heptadien, 3,5-dione) is the yellow pigment of Curcuma longa. Curcumin has various biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoa l and antivirus. Various benefits of curcumin can not be separated from the weakness which is not stable to pH and light. Pentagamavunon-0 (PGV-0) were made by changing the β diketone group on cluster analog of curcumin into monoketon while eliminating active methylene group so it is more stable to pH and light. PGV-0 also has potential as a stronger antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent than other curcumin analogues. The objective of this research was to determine the safe concentrations of curcumin and PGV-0 on vero cells due to the increased use of the two compounds through the cytotoxic test. This research includes experimental research. Cytotoxic test performed with microculture tetrazolium technique ( MTT ) method. Use of MTT to evaluate the cytotoxic is based on changes of tetrazolium salt into formazan crystals by mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase with the help of cellular NADH. The results showed that the safe concentrations of curcumin and PGV-0 on vero cells respectively are 6.25 and 1.5625 ppm. Based on the cytotoxic test the secure concentration of curcumin was higher than PGV-0.

Neuroprotective efficacy of naringin on 3-nitropropionic acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through the modulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway in PC12 cells.

quinone oxidoreductase-1 and Heme oxygenase-1 expressions through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together, the above findings suggest that naringin augments cellular antioxidant defense capacity and reduces the 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells through the PI-3K/Akt-dependent Nrf2 activation in PC12 cells.

Role of Rho Kinase Inhibition in the Protective Effect of Fasudil and Simvastatin Against 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Striatal Neurodegeneration and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rats.

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced neurotoxicity is an experimental model which mimics the pathology and motor abnormalities seen in Huntington's disease (HD) in human. The present investigation was directed to estimate the role of rho kinase (ROCK) inhibition in the possible protective effect of fasudil and simvastatin in 3-NP-induced striatal neurodegeneration in rats. Animals were injected s.c. with 3-NP (20mg/kg/day) for 1week with or without administration of fasudil (10mg/kg/day, p.o.) or simvastatin (20mg/kg/day, p.o.). At the end of experiment, motor and behavioral abnormalities were evaluated. Animals were then sacrificed for measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential as well as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and caspase-3 activities in striatum. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level and protein expressions of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), ROCK, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and iNOS), Bax, and Bcl-2 were estimated. Finally, histological changes as demonstrated by striatum injury score, glial activation, and percentage of altered mitochondria were assessed. Both fasudil and simvastatin effectively inhibited 3-NP-induced behavioral, biochemical, and histological changes through inhibition of ROCK activity. However, fasudil provided more amelioration in histological changes, mitochondrial membrane potential and SDH activity in addition to p-Akt and PGC-1α protein expressions. The present study highlights a significant role of ROCK/p-Akt/eNOS pathway in the protective effects of fasudil and simvastatin on neurotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by 3-NP in rats. Thus, specific inhibition of ROCK may be considered a promising new approach in the management of HD.

Spodoptera littoralis detoxifies neurotoxic 3-nitropropanoic acid by conjugation with amino acids

Spodoptera littoralis is a phytophagous generalist. Its host range includes more than 40 plant species, some of which produce 3-nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA), an irreversible inhibitor of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase. Growth in larvae fed an artificial diet with a sublethal admixture of 3-NPA (4.2 μmol per g) was slowed significantly, but larvae experienced no increase in mortality. In contrast, larvae injected with 25.2 μmol/g (bodyweight) 3-NPA experienced acute toxicity and death. To study the detoxification mechanism of 3-NPA in S. littoralis, the insect frass was analyzed by HPLC-MS. Comparative analysis of 3-NPA-treated and -untreated control samples using HR-MS2 revealed a group of differential signals that were identified as amino acid amides of 3-NPA with glycine, alanine, serine, and threonine. When sublethal amounts of stable isotope-labeled 3-NPA were injected into a larva's hemolymph, 3-NPA amino acid conjugates were identified as putative detoxification products. Bioassays with synthetic standards confirmed that the toxicity of the amides was negligible in comparison to the toxicity of free 3-NPA, demonstrating that amino acid conjugation in S. littoralis represents an efficient way to detoxify 3-NPA. Furthermore, biosynthetic studies using crude fractions of the gut tissue indicated that conjugation of 3-NPA with amino acids occurs in epithelial cells of the insect's gut. Taken together, these results suggest that the detoxification of 3-NPA in S. littoralis proceeds via conjugation to specific amino acids within the epithelial cells followed by export of the nontoxic amino acid conjugates to the hemolymph via as yet uncharacterized mechanisms, most likely involving the Malpighian tubules.