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Protective effect of gamma-oryzanol against manganese-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster
Neicí Cáceres Silva1, Márcia Rósula Poetini1, Matheus Chimelo Bianchini2
1Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Campus Itaqui, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBioq), Rua Joaquim de Sá Britto, s/n - Bairro Promorar, Itaqui, RS, CEP 97650-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that, in excess, seems to be involved in the development of different neurodegenerative conditions. Gamma-oryzanol (Ory) was previously reported to possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Thus, we conducted this study to test the hypothesis that Ory can also protect flies in an Mn intoxication model. Adult wild-type flies were fed over 10 days with Mn (5 mM) and/or Ory (25 μM). Flies treated with Mn had a decrease in locomotor activity and a higher mortality rate compared to those in controls. Mn-treated flies also had a significant increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, in Mn accumulation and in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, flies treated with Mn exhibited a significant decrease in dopamine levels and in tyrosine hydroxylase activity, as well as in mitochondrial and cellular viability. Particularly important, Ory protected against mortality and avoided locomotor and biochemical changes associated with Mn exposure. However, Ory did not prevent the accumulation of Mn. The present results support the notion that Ory effectively attenuates detrimental changes associated with Mn exposure in Drosophila melanogaster, reinforcing its neuroprotective action/potential.
Insights
Gamma-oryzanol (Ory) protects against manganese (Mn) neurotoxicity in fruit flies. Ory supplementation reduced Mn-induced mortality, impaired locomotion, and harmful biochemical changes, highlighting its neuroprotective potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) is essential but toxic in excess, potentially causing neurodegeneration.
- Gamma-oryzanol (Ory) exhibits known antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Ory can protect against Mn-induced neurotoxicity in a Drosophila melanogaster model.
- To evaluate Ory's effects on Mn-related behavioral and biochemical changes.
Main Methods:
- Adult wild-type flies were exposed to Mn (5 mM) and/or Ory (25 μM) for 10 days.
- Locomotor activity, mortality, Mn accumulation, acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress markers, dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and cellular viability were assessed.
Main Results:
- Mn exposure decreased locomotor activity, increased mortality, and elevated AChE activity, Mn accumulation, and oxidative stress.
- Mn also reduced dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and mitochondrial/cellular viability.
- Ory treatment mitigated Mn-induced mortality and behavioral/biochemical deficits but did not prevent Mn accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Gamma-oryzanol effectively attenuates detrimental effects of manganese exposure in Drosophila.
- Ory demonstrates significant neuroprotective potential against manganese toxicity.
- Further research into Ory's mechanisms against metal-induced neurodegeneration is warranted.
