Intestinal mitochondrial apoptotic signaling is activated during oxidative stress

Naira Baregamian1, Jun Song, John Papaconstantinou

  • 1Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Mitochondria contribute to intestinal cell death in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Growth factors like IGF-1 may protect against this oxidative stress, offering potential therapeutic avenues for NEC.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Neonatal Research

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease in premature infants.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in NEC pathogenesis.
  • The role of mitochondria in NEC-related apoptosis is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the impact of oxidative stress on intestinal mitochondrial apoptotic signaling.
  • Determine the role of growth factors in mitigating oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in the intestine.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Swiss-Webster mouse pups, RIE-1 cells, and a mitochondrial DNA-depleted RIE-1 cell line (RIE-1-ρ°).
  • Included human fetal intestinal epithelial cells (FHs74 Int).
  • Applied hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress.

Main Results:

  • Hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis and ROS production in intestinal cells.
  • Mitochondrial silencing in RIE-1-ρ° cells significantly reduced ROS-mediated apoptotic signaling.
  • Growth factors, particularly IGF-1, attenuated the H2O2-induced apoptotic response.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria are a significant source of intestinal apoptotic signaling under oxidative stress.
  • Modulating mitochondrial apoptotic pathways presents a potential strategy to alleviate NEC.
  • Growth factors may offer protective effects against NEC-related intestinal damage.

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