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Matrine protects oligodendrocytes by inhibiting their apoptosis and enhancing mitochondrial autophagy

Meng-Ru Wang1, Xiao-Jian Zhang2, Hong-Chun Liu3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; The Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.

Brain Research Bulletin
|August 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Matrine (MAT) protects oligodendrocytes (OLGs) by reducing apoptosis and enhancing mitochondrial autophagy, offering a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves oligodendrocyte (OLG) damage and inflammation, exacerbated by mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • Matrine (MAT), a natural alkaloid, shows promise in treating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an MS model, but its mechanisms are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective mechanisms of Matrine (MAT) in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To elucidate how MAT affects oligodendrocyte (OLG) apoptosis, microglial activation, and mitochondrial function.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of EAE model with Matrine (MAT).
  • Assessment of oligodendrocyte (OLG) apoptosis markers (caspase-3, alpha B-crystallin).
  • Measurement of microglial activation and inflammatory factors.
  • Quantification of mitochondrial damage markers (cytochrome c, malondialdehyde) and autophagy proteins (Beclin1, LC3, glutathione peroxidase).

Main Results:

  • MAT treatment suppressed EAE progression and reduced OLG apoptosis and microglial activation.
  • MAT decreased markers of oxidative stress (cytochrome c, malondialdehyde) in the central nervous system.
  • MAT upregulated autophagy-related proteins, enhancing mitochondrial autophagy and improving the oxidation/antioxidation balance.

Conclusions:

  • Matrine (MAT) effectively treats experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by protecting oligodendrocytes (OLGs).
  • MAT's protective effects stem from inhibiting OLG apoptosis and promoting mitochondrial autophagy, thereby mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress.
Keywords:
AutophagyEAEMATMitochondriaOLG

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