Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine supplementation on mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial enzymes in cerebral cortex of streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats

Diabetic encephalopathy, characterized by cognitive deficits involves hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. Impaired mitochondrial functions might play an important role in accelerated oxidative damage observed in diabetic brain. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunctions in the development of diabetic encephalopathy along with the neuroprotective potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Chronic hyperglycemia accentuated mitochondrial oxidative stress in terms of increased ROS production and lipid peroxidation. Significant decrease in Mn-SOD activity along with protein and non-protein thiols was observed in the mitochondria from diabetic brain. The activities of mitochondrial enzymes; NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase were decreased in the diabetic brain. Increased mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunctions were associated with increased cytochrome c and active caspase-3 levels in cytosol. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial swelling and chromatin condensation in neurons of diabetic animals. NAC administration, on the other hand was found to significantly improve diabetes-induced biochemical and morphological changes, bringing them closer to the controls. The results from the study provide evidence for the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunctions in the development of diabetic encephalopathy and point towards the clinical potential of NAC as an adjuvant therapy to conventional anti-hyperglycemic regimens for the prevention and/or delaying the progression of CNS complications.