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Published on: May 18, 2021
Lovastatin attenuates glyoxal-induced toxicity on rat liver mitochondria
A Hosseinzadeh1, S Mehrzadi1, M Rezaei2
1Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Alpha-dicarbonyls such as glyoxal (GO) trigger mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in the development of different diabetic complications. The present study investigated the effects of lovastatin against GO-induced toxicity on rat liver mitochondria. The rat liver mitochondria (0.5 mg protein/mL) were treated with various concentrations of lovastatin (1, 5, 10 µM) at 37°C for 30 min and then exposed to GO (3 mM) at 37°C for 30 min. Oxidative stress markers including MDA, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) and protein carbonylation (PC) level were measured. Mitochondrial complex II activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed for evaluating mitochondrial function. Glyoxal significantly increased the level of ROS, PC and MDA. This effect was associated with the reduction of MMP, complex II activity and GSH content. Pre-treatment with lovastatin potentially reversed GO-induced mitochondrial toxicity. These results suggest that lovastatin have a protective effect against GO-induced toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.
Insights
Lovastatin protects against glyoxal-induced mitochondrial damage. This study shows lovastatin can reverse oxidative stress and dysfunction in rat liver mitochondria caused by glyoxal, a key factor in diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha-dicarbonyls, like glyoxal (GO), are implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetic complications.
- Understanding protective mechanisms against GO-induced toxicity is crucial for managing diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of lovastatin against glyoxal-induced toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.
- To evaluate lovastatin's impact on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function markers.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat liver mitochondria were pre-treated with lovastatin (1, 5, 10 µM) and then exposed to glyoxal (3 mM).
- Assessed oxidative stress markers: reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and protein carbonylation (PC).
- Evaluated mitochondrial function: mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial complex II activity.
Main Results:
- Glyoxal significantly increased ROS, MDA, and PC levels, while decreasing GSH content, MMP, and complex II activity.
- Lovastatin pre-treatment demonstrated a potential reversal of these glyoxal-induced detrimental effects.
- Lovastatin mitigated oxidative stress and restored mitochondrial function in the experimental model.
Conclusions:
- Lovastatin exhibits a protective effect against glyoxal-induced mitochondrial toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.
- These findings suggest lovastatin may be beneficial in counteracting mitochondrial damage associated with diabetic complications.

