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Ascorbic acid spares alpha-tocopherol and decreases lipid peroxidation in neuronal cells
Xia Li1, Junjun Huang, James M May
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 715 Preston Research Building II, 2220 Pierce Ave., Nashville, TN 37232-6303, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|May 24, 2003
Summary
Neuronal cells actively transport and retain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which protects them from oxidative stress, potentially by preserving alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). This study provides direct evidence for ascorbate
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is recognized as a crucial antioxidant in the central nervous system.
- Direct evidence demonstrating ascorbate's protective role against oxidative stress in neuronal cells is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake and retention of ascorbic acid by neuronal cells.
- To determine if intracellular ascorbic acid protects neuronal cells from oxidative damage.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying ascorbate-mediated neuroprotection, including its interaction with alpha-tocopherol.
Main Methods:
- Utilized differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in culture.
- Investigated ascorbic acid uptake via the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter Type 2.
- Assessed the effect of intracellular ascorbate on alpha-tocopherol levels and lipid peroxidation under ferricyanide-induced oxidative stress.
Main Results:
- SH-SY5Y cells efficiently transported and retained ascorbic acid, outperforming dehydroascorbic acid uptake.
- Intracellular ascorbic acid spared alpha-tocopherol in cells pre-loaded or under oxidative stress.
- The sparing of alpha-tocopherol correlated with reduced lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal cells possess an active mechanism for concentrating ascorbic acid.
- Intracellular ascorbic acid provides significant protection to neuronal cells against oxidative stress.
- This neuroprotection may occur directly or indirectly through the preservation of alpha-tocopherol, highlighting a potential synergistic antioxidant effect.