Exp Neurobiol.  2014 Mar;23(1):93-103. 10.5607/en.2014.23.1.93.

Glutathione Protects Brain Endothelial Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress by Increasing Nrf2 Expression

• Song J
• Kang SM
• Lee WT
• Park KA
• Lee KM
• Lee JE

• KMID: 2009029
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2014.23.1.93

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH) protects cells against oxidative stress by playing an antioxidant role. Protecting brain endothelial cells under oxidative stress is key to treating cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. In present study, we investigated the protective effect of GSH on brain endothelial cells against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We showed that GSH attenuates H2O2-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidized form of deoxiguanosine. GSH also prevents H2O2-induced reduction of tight junction proteins. Finally, GSH increases the level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activates Nrf2-mediated signaling pathways. Thus, GSH is a promising target to protect brain endothelial cells in conditions of brain injury and disease.

Keyword

glutathione (GSH); murine brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3 cells); apoptosis; hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); Reactive oxygen species (ROS); nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)

MeSH Terms

Alzheimer Disease
Apoptosis
Brain Injuries
Brain*
Endothelial Cells*
Glutathione*
Huntington Disease
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen*
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Nitric Oxide
Oxidative Stress*
Reactive Oxygen Species
Tight Junction Proteins
Glutathione
Hydrogen
Hydrogen Peroxide
Nitric Oxide
Reactive Oxygen Species
Tight Junction Proteins