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Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis prevented by Trolox
V J Forrest1, Y H Kang, D E McClain
1Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, MD.
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Oxidative stress triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis) in mouse thymocytes. Trolox, a vitamin E analog, effectively prevents this H2O2-induced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is implicated in cellular damage and death.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a critical cellular process.
- Trolox is a water-soluble analog of vitamin E with antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of apoptosis by oxidative stress in mouse thymocytes.
- To determine the effect of Trolox on H2O2-induced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation.
Main Methods:
- Mouse thymocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress.
- Morphological changes were assessed via electron microscopy.
- DNA fragmentation was quantified using fluorometry and agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Trolox was used for pre- or posttreatment to evaluate its protective effects.
Main Results:
- H2O2 exposure induced morphological and DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis in thymocytes.
- DNA fragmentation increased with H2O2 concentration and incubation time.
- Trolox treatment significantly reduced H2O2-induced DNA fragmentation.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress demonstrably induces apoptosis in thymocytes.
- Trolox acts as a potent inhibitor of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, likely by preventing membrane damage.