Acute and Sub-Chronic Intraperitoneal Toxicity Studies of the Elsholtzia ciliata Herbal Extract in Balb/c Mice.

Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil (E. ciliata) has been reported to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. However, its toxicity remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the toxicological aspects of the E. ciliata extract. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to either acute (a single dose administered for 24 h) or sub-chronic (daily dose for 60 days) intraperitoneal injections of the E. ciliata extract. The mice were assessed for blood hematological/biochemical profiles, mitochondrial functions, and histopathological changes. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments of the E. ciliata extract were performed on immobilized primate kidney cells (MARC-145, Vero) and rat liver cells (WBF344) to evaluate cell viability. The control groups received an equivalent volume of olive oil or saline. Our results demonstrated no significant detrimental effects on hematological and biochemical parameters, mitochondrial functions, cellular cytotoxicity, or pathological alterations in vital organs following the intraperitoneal administration of the E. ciliata extract over the 60-day sub-chronic toxicity study. In general, E. ciliata displayed no indications of toxicity, suggesting that the E. ciliata extract is a safe natural product with a well-defined therapeutic and protective index (found to be 90 and 54, respectively) in Balb/c mice.

Neuroprotective Effect of a Novel ATP-Synthase Inhibitor Bedaquiline in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Mitochondrial dysfunction during ischemic stroke ultimately manifests as ATP depletion. Mitochondrial ATP synthase upon loss of mitochondrial membrane potential during ischemia rapidly hydrolyses ATP and thus contributes to ATP depletion. Increasing evidence suggests that inhibition of ATP synthase limits ATP depletion and is protective against ischemic tissue damage. Bedaquiline (BDQ) is an anti-microbial agent, approved for clinical use, that inhibits ATP synthase of Mycobacteria; however recently it has been shown to act on mitochondrial ATP synthase, inhibiting both ATP synthesis and hydrolysis in low micromolar concentrations. In this study, we investigated whether preconditioning with BDQ can alleviate ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury in Wistar rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion and whether it affects mitochondrial functions. We found that BDQ was effective in limiting necrosis and neurological dysfunction during ischemia-reperfusion. BDQ also caused inhibition of ATPase activity, mild uncoupling of respiration, and stimulated mitochondrial respiration both in healthy and ischemic mitochondria. Mitochondrial calcium retention capacity was unaffected by BDQ preconditioning. We concluded that BDQ has neuroprotective properties associated with its action on mitochondrial respiration and ATPase activity.

Effects of itaconic acid on neuronal viability and brain mitochondrial functions.

Recent studies have identified that under stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide mammalian macrophages produce itaconic acid. Yet, it is unknown whether itaconate has any effect on viability of brain cells. Here we used extracellularly added itaconate to investigate its effects on viability of cerebellar granule cells (CGC) in cultures and respiratory functions of these cells and isolated brain mitochondria. We found that 3-5 mM itaconate had no effect on the viability of neurons, but 10 mM itaconate was toxic and induced neuronal apoptosis. Removal of itaconate after 24 h incubation resulted in further decrease in viability and number of neurons. Respiration of intact neurons was not affected by itaconate, but permeabilized cells as well as isolated brain mitochondria demonstrated decreased rates of respiration in the presence of itaconate. Using isolated adult rat brain mitochondria we found that itaconate decreased mitochondrial phosphorylating respiration, mitochondrial calcium retention capacity, production of reactive oxygen species with Complex I and Complex II substrates as well as inhibition of Complex I, Complex IV and ATP synthase. In conclusion, the results suggest that itaconic acid at millimolar concentrations affects mitochondrial functions and viability of neurons.

Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids: Plant Metabolites with Neuroprotective Potential.

Ursolic and oleanolic acids are secondary plant metabolites that are known to be involved in the plant defence system against water loss and pathogens. Nowadays these triterpenoids are also regarded as potential pharmaceutical compounds and there is mounting experimental data that either purified compounds or triterpenoid-enriched plant extracts exert various beneficial effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer, on model systems of both human or animal origin. Some of those effects have been linked to the ability of ursolic and oleanolic acids to modulate intracellular antioxidant systems and also inflammation and cell death-related pathways. Therefore, our aim was to review current studies on the distribution of ursolic and oleanolic acids in plants, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of these triterpenoids and their derivatives, and to discuss their neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo.

Nitric Oxide Donor NOC-18-Induced Changes of Mitochondrial Phosphoproteome in Rat Cardiac Ischemia Model.

Background and objective: Nitric oxide (NO) is known to exert cardioprotective effects against heart ischemic damage and may be involved in ischemic pre- and postconditioning. NO-triggered cardioprotective mechanisms are not well understood but may involve regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). In this study, we aimed to identify differentially phosphorylated mitochondrial proteins possibly involved in the NO/protein kinase G (PKG)/mPTP signaling pathway that can increase the resistance of cardiomyocytes to ischemic damage. Materials and methods: Isolated hearts from Wistar rats were perfused with NO donor NOC-18 prior to induction of stop-flow ischemia. To quantify and characterize the phosphoproteins, mitochondrial proteins were resolved and analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Pro-Q Diamond phosphoprotein gel staining, excision, trypsin digestions, and mass spectrometry. Quantitative proteomic analysis coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was also performed. Results: Mitochondrial protein phosphorylation patterns in NOC-18-pretreated ischemic hearts versus ischemic hearts were compared. Pretreatment of hearts with NOC-18 caused changes in mitochondrial phosphoproteome after ischemia which involved modifications of 10 mitochondrial membrane-bound and 10 matrix proteins. Among them, α-subunit of ATP synthase and adenine nucleotide (ADP/ATP) translocase 1, both of which are considered as potential structural components of mPTP, were identified. We also found that treatment of isolated non-ischemic mitochondria with recombinant PKG did not cause the same protein phosphorylation as pretreatment of hearts with NOC-18. Conclusions: Our study suggests that pretreatment of hearts with NOC-18 causes changes in mitochondrial phosphoproteome after ischemia which involves modifications of certain proteins thought to be involved in the regulation of mPTP opening and intracellular redox state. These proteins may be potential targets for pharmacological preconditioning of the heart.

Leachables and cytotoxicity of root canal sealers.

This in vitro study aimed to detect leaching components from an epoxy resin- and a methacrylate-based endodontic sealer and correlate them to cytotoxicity induced by material extracts for up to 36 weeks. We qualitatively determined the substances released by aged AH Plus and RealSeal SE specimens at seven intervals between 0 and 36 weeks. Quantification was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS). We determined the viability of murine macrophage J774 cells after 24 h exposure to material extracts, at each interval, using a fluorescence staining/microscopy method. The leachables detected were 1-adamantylamine and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether from AH Plus and N-(p-tolyl) diethanolamine and caprolactone-2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl ester from RealSeal SE. The largest UPLC/MS chromatogram peak areas of the leachables were detected within 72 h. Induction of cytotoxicity after exposure to AH Plus and RealSeal SE extracts coincided with leachant detected within the first 72 and 24 h, respectively. The clinical impact of the cytotoxicity due to resin-based endodontic sealers is unknown.

Small Aß1-42 oligomer-induced membrane depolarization of neuronal and microglial cells: role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

Although it is well documented that soluble beta amyloid (Aß) oligomers are critical factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by causing synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death, the primary mechanisms by which Aß oligomers trigger neurodegeneration are not entirely understood. We sought to investigate whether toxic small Aß(1-42) oligomers induce changes in plasma membrane potential of cultured neurons and glial cells in rat cerebellar granule cell cultures leading to neuronal death and whether these effects are sensitive to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist MK801. We found that small Aß(1-42) oligomers induced rapid, protracted membrane depolarization of both neurons and microglia, whereas there was no change in membrane potential of astrocytes. MK801 did not modulate Aß-induced neuronal depolarization. In contrast, Aß1(-42) oligomer-induced decrease in plasma membrane potential of microglia was prevented by MK801. Small Aß(1-42) oligomers significantly elevated extracellular glutamate and caused neuronal necrosis, and both were prevented by MK801. Also, small Aß(1-42) oligomers decreased resistance of isolated brain mitochondria to calcium-induced opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore. In conclusion, the results suggest that the primary effect of toxic small Aß oligomers on neurons is rapid, NMDA-R-independent plasma membrane depolarization, which leads to neuronal death. Aß oligomers-induced depolarization of microglial cells is NMDA-R dependent.

Neuroprotective effects of nitric oxide donor NOC-18 against brain ischemia-induced mitochondrial damages: role of PKG and PKC.

In this study we sought to determine whether NO donor NOC-18 can protect brain mitochondria against ischemia-induced dysfunction, particularly opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and cell death. We found that inhibition of respiration with NAD-dependent substrates, but not with succinate, was observed after 30 min ischemia indicating that complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain is the primary site affected by ischemia. There was no loss of mitochondrial cytochrome c during 30-120 min of brain ischemia. Prolonged, 90 min ischemia substantially decreased calcium retention capacity of brain mitochondria suggesting sensitization of mitochondria to Ca(2+)-induced MPTP opening, and this was prevented by NOC-18 infusion prior to ischemia. NOC-18 did not prevent ischemia-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, however, it partially protected against ischemia-induced necrosis. Protective effects of NOC-18 were abolished in the presence of selective inhibitors of protein kinase G (PKG) and protein kinase C (PKC). These results indicate that pre-treatment with NOC-18 protected brain mitochondria against ischemia-induced MPTP opening by decreasing mitochondrial sensitivity to calcium and partly protected brain cells against necrotic death in PKG- and PKC-depending manner.

Oxygen glucose deprivation causes mitochondrial dysfunction in cultivated rat hippocampal slices: protective effects of CsA, its immunosuppressive congener [D-Ser](8)CsA, the novel non-immunosuppressive cyclosporin derivative Cs9, and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK 801.

We have introduced a sensitive method for studying oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced mitochondrial alterations in homogenates of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (slices) by high-resolution respirometry. Using this approach, we tested the neuroprotective potential of the novel non-immunosuppressive cyclosporin (CsA) derivative Cs9 in comparison with CsA, the immunosuppressive CsA analog [D-Ser](8)CsA, and MK 801, a N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. OGD/reperfusion reduced the glutamate/malate dependent (and protein-related) state 3 respiration to 30% of its value under control conditions. All of the above drugs reversed this effect, with an increase to >88% of the value for control slices not exposed to OGD. We conclude that Cs9, [D-Ser](8)CsA, and MK 801, despite their different modes of action, protect mitochondria from OGD-induced damage.

Estradiol-induced protection against ischemia-induced heart mitochondrial damage and caspase activation is mediated by protein kinase G.

We have previously reported that estradiol can protect heart mitochondria from the ischemia-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore-related release of cytochrome c and subsequent apoptosis. In this study we investigated whether the effect of 17-beta-estradiol on ischemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis is mediated by activation of signaling protein kinases in a Langendorff-perfused rat heart model of stop-flow ischemia. We found that pre-perfusion of non-ischemic hearts with 100nM estradiol increased the resistance of subsequently isolated mitochondria to the calcium-induced opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and this was mediated by protein kinase G. Loading of the hearts with estradiol prevented ischemia-induced loss of cytochrome c from mitochondria and respiratory inhibition and these effects were reversed in the presence of the inhibitor of Akt kinase, NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME, guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ and protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823. Estradiol prevented ischemia-induced activation of caspases and this was also reversed by KT5823. These findings suggest that estradiol may protect the heart against ischemia-induced injury activating the signaling cascade which involves Akt kinase, NO synthase, guanylyl cyclase and protein kinase G, and results in blockage of mitochondrial permeability transition pore-induced release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, respiratory inhibition and activation of caspases.

The regulation of OXPHOS by extramitochondrial calcium.

Despite extensive research, the regulation of mitochondrial function is still not understood completely. Ample evidence shows that cytosolic Ca2+ has a strategic task in co-ordinating the cellular work load and the regeneration of ATP by mitochondria. Currently, the paradigmatic view is that Cacyt2+ taken up by the Ca2+ uniporter activates the matrix enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. However, we have recently found that Ca2+ regulates the glutamate-dependent state 3 respiration by the supply of glutamate to mitochondria via aralar, a mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier. Since this activation is not affected by ruthenium red, glutamate transport into mitochondria is controlled exclusively by extramitochondrial Ca2+. Therefore, this discovery shows that besides intramitochondrial also extramitochondrial Ca2+ regulates oxidative phosphorylation. This new mechanism acts as a mitochondrial "gas pedal", supplying the OXPHOS with substrate on demand. These results are in line with recent findings of Satrustegui and Palmieri showing that aralar as part of the malate-aspartate shuttle is involved in the Ca2+-dependent transport of reducing hydrogen equivalents (from NADH) into mitochondria. This review summarises results and evidence as well as hypothetical interpretations of data supporting the view that at the surface of mitochondria different regulatory Ca2+-binding sites exist and can contribute to cellular energy homeostasis. Moreover, on the basis of our own data, we propose that these surface Ca2+-binding sites may act as targets for neurotoxic proteins such as mutated huntingtin and others. The binding of these proteins to Ca2+-binding sites can impair the regulation by Ca2+, causing energetic depression and neurodegeneration.

Extramitochondrial Ca2+ in the nanomolar range regulates glutamate-dependent oxidative phosphorylation on demand.

We present unexpected and novel results revealing that glutamate-dependent oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) of brain mitochondria is exclusively and efficiently activated by extramitochondrial Ca(2+) in physiological concentration ranges (S(0.5) = 360 nM Ca(2+)). This regulation was not affected by RR, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter. Active respiration is regulated by glutamate supply to mitochondria via aralar, a mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier with regulatory Ca(2+)-binding sites in the mitochondrial intermembrane space providing full access to cytosolic Ca(2+). At micromolar concentrations, Ca(2+) can also enter the intramitochondrial matrix and activate specific dehydrogenases. However, the latter mechanism is less efficient than extramitochondrial Ca(2+) regulation of respiration/OXPHOS via aralar. These results imply a new mode of glutamate-dependent OXPHOS regulation as a demand-driven regulation of mitochondrial function. This regulation involves the mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier aralar which controls mitochondrial substrate supply according to the level of extramitochondrial Ca(2+).

Nitric oxide protects the heart from ischemia-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage via protein kinase G mediated blockage of permeability transition and cytochrome c release.

BACKGROUND: Heart ischemia can rapidly induce apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondrial permeability transition-induced cytochrome c release. We tested whether nitric oxide (NO) can block this damage in isolated rat heart, and, if so, by what mechanisms. METHODS: Hearts were perfused with 50 microM DETA/NO (NO donor), then subjected to 30 min stop-flow ischemia or ischemia/reperfusion. Isolated heart mitochondria were used to measure the rate of mitochondrial oxygen consumption and membrane potential using oxygen and tetraphenylphosphonium-selective electrodes. Mitochondrial and cytosolic cytochrome c levels were measured spectrophotometrically and by ELISA. The calcium retention capacity of isolated mitochondria was measured using the fluorescent dye Calcium Green-5N. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by measuring the activity of caspase-3 in cytosolic extracts and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in perfusate, respectively. RESULTS: 30 min ischemia caused release of mitochondrial cytochrome c to the cytoplasm, inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and stimulation of mitochondrial proton permeability. 3 min perfusion with 50 microM DETA/NO of hearts prior to ischemia decreased this mitochondrial damage. The DETA/NO-induced blockage of mitochondrial cytochrome c release was reversed by a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor KT5823, or soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or protein kinase C inhibitors (Ro 32-0432 and Ro 31-8220). Ischemia also stimulated caspase-3-like activity, and this was substantially reduced by pre-perfusion with DETA/NO. Reperfusion after 30 min of ischemia caused no further caspase activation, but was accompanied by necrosis, which was completely prevented by DETA/NO, and this protection was blocked by the PKG inhibitor. Incubation of isolated heart mitochondria with activated PKG blocked calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition and cytochrome c release. Perfusion of non-ischemic heart with DETA/NO also made the subsequently isolated mitochondria resistant to calcium-induced permeabilisation, and this protection was blocked by the PKG inhibitor. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that NO rapidly protects the ischemic heart from apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction via PKG-mediated blockage of mitochondrial permeability transition and cytochrome c release.

Mitochondria and energetic depression in cell pathophysiology.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of almost all diseases. Acquired or inherited mutations of the mitochondrial genome DNA may give rise to mitochondrial diseases. Another class of disorders, in which mitochondrial impairments are initiated by extramitochondrial factors, includes neurodegenerative diseases and syndromes resulting from typical pathological processes, such as hypoxia/ischemia, inflammation, intoxications, and carcinogenesis. Both classes of diseases lead to cellular energetic depression (CED), which is characterized by decreased cytosolic phosphorylation potential that suppresses the cell's ability to do work and control the intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and its redox state. If progressing, CED leads to cell death, whose type is linked to the functional status of the mitochondria. In the case of limited deterioration, when some amounts of ATP can still be generated due to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondria launch the apoptotic cell death program by release of cytochrome c. Following pronounced CED, cytoplasmic ATP levels fall below the thresholds required for processing the ATP-dependent apoptotic cascade and the cell dies from necrosis. Both types of death can be grouped together as a mitochondrial cell death (MCD). However, there exist multiple adaptive reactions aimed at protecting cells against CED. In this context, a metabolic shift characterized by suppression of OXPHOS combined with activation of aerobic glycolysis as the main pathway for ATP synthesis (Warburg effect) is of central importance. Whereas this type of adaptation is sufficiently effective to avoid CED and to control the cellular redox state, thereby ensuring the cell survival, it also favors the avoidance of apoptotic cell death. This scenario may underlie uncontrolled cellular proliferation and growth, eventually resulting in carcinogenesis.

Estradiol prevents release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and inhibits ischemia-induced apoptosis in perfused heart.

The study investigated whether estradiol can prevent release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and induction of apoptosis after 30 and 60 min stop-flow heart ischemia in Langendorff-perfused female rat hearts. Pre-perfusion of hearts with 100 nM 17beta-estradiol prevented the loss of cytochrome c from mitochondria, its accumulation in cytosol, and inhibition of respiration during ischemia. Estradiol strongly reduced activation of caspase-3-like activity and decreased DNA strand breaks in the nuclei of cardiomyocytes (measured by TUNEL staining). The results show that 17beta-estradiol prevents the ischemia-induced release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, subsequent inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and inhibits caspase activation and apoptosis. Therefore, inhibition of the intrinsic, mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which estrogens protect the heart against ischemic damage.