黄连素预处理对6-羟基多巴胺所致PC12细胞损伤的影响

目的:观察黄连素(Berberine,BBR)预处理对6-羟基多巴胺(6-hydroxydopamine,6-OHDA)诱导的PC12细胞的影响,并探讨二型超氧化物歧化酶(Mn-SOD,SOD2)是否介导了BBR的保护作用。方法:将PC12细胞分为5组,分别为正常培养的对照组(Control)、25μM的6-OHDA损伤组、1μM的BBR预处理24 h组(BBR+6-OHDA)、SOD2-siRNA干扰组(SOD2-siRNA+BBR+6-OHDA)和乱序siRNA处理组(SC-siRNA+BBR+6-OHDA),孵育24 h后,采用噻唑蓝法(Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide,MTT)检测细胞活力,试剂盒检测培养基乳酸脱氢酶(Lactic Dehydrogenase,LDH)、细胞内活性氧(Reactive Oxygen Species,ROS)、还原型谷胱甘肽(Glutathione,GSH)和过氧化氢酶(Catalase,CAT)的含量,使用流式细胞仪检测凋亡率,Western blot检测SOD2和凋亡蛋白Cleaved caspase-3的表达。结果:与Control组相比,6-OHDA诱导PC12细胞24 h后,细胞活力显著降低,SOD2表达、GSH和CAT的含量明显减少,培养基上清液LDH活力、细胞凋亡率、Cleaved caspase-3表达和ROS水平显著增加(P<0.05),而BBR预处理可显著恢复6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞活力、SOD2表达、GSH和CAT水平,并降低细胞凋亡率、凋亡蛋白表达和细胞ROS水平(P<0.05),而SOD2-siRNA显著逆转了BBR预处理产生的上述保护作用(P<0.05),SC-siRNA则未对BBR预处理产生的上述作用造成明显影响(P>0.05)。结论:黄连素预处理可减轻6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞损伤,而SOD2分子介导了BBR预处理对暴露于6-OHDA的PC12细胞的保护作用。     

茶多酚保护脑神经防止帕金森病损伤作用及其分子机理

详细介绍了茶多酚保护脑神经防止PD损伤作用及其分子机理.家族遗传虽然是帕金森病(PD)的重要因素,但主要与环境因素有关(大约70%),其中氧化应激在致病机理中发挥着重要作用.茶多酚的抗氧化作用和及饮后可以进入血液甚至穿越血脑屏障为其保护脑神经防止PD提供了重要条件.在细胞水平,选择6-OHDA诱导的PC12和SH-SYSY细胞作为细胞模型.结果表明,茶多酚预处理可明显减少细胞的凋亡率,防止线粒体膜电位下降,降低细胞内活性氧和钙离子累积.茶多酚还可以抑制6-OHDA诱导NO升高和nNOS与iNOS过量表达,降低细胞内蛋白质结合硝基酪氨酸水平.在动物水平,利用6-OHDA建立PD大鼠模型,探讨茶多酚对其保护作用机制.结果发现,茶多酚可以浓度和时间依赖性减轻6-OHDA诱导产生的旋转行为,降低中脑和纹状体中ROS和NO含量、脂质过氧化程度、硝酸盐/亚硝酸盐含量、蛋白质结合硝基酪氨酸浓度,同时降低nNOS和iNOS表达水平.茶多酚预处理可增加黑质致密部存活神经元,减少凋亡细胞.上述实验结果证明,口服茶多酚可以有效保护脑组织免于6-OHDA损伤引起的神经细胞死亡,其保护作用可能是通过ROS和NO的途径减少过氧亚硝基的生成实现的.     

人参皂甙Rg1对去卵巢帕金森病模型大鼠黑质多巴胺能神经元的保护作用

目的：探讨人参皂甙Rg1对6-羟基多巴（6-OHDA）制备的去卵巢（OVX）帕金森病（PD）模型大鼠黑质（SN）多巴胺能神经元的保护作用及其可能机制。方法：应用6-OHDA制备的OVX PD模型大鼠,侧脑室给予Rg1或雌激素。免疫组织化学染色酪氨酸羟化酶（TH）阳性神经元和Bcl-2蛋白。Perls’铁染色检测SN铁含量。结果：①Rg1或雌激素可抑制阿朴吗啡诱导的PD大鼠旋转行为;②在损毁侧SN,Rg1或雌激素用药组TH阳性神经元数量较6-OHDA组显著增多;③6-OHDA组损毁侧SN内铁含量较健侧明显升高,应用Rg1或雌激素后,SN铁含量较模型组明显减少;④与6-OHDA模型组相比,Rg1及雌激素均可增加损毁侧大鼠SN内Bcl-2蛋白表达。结论：人参皂甙Rg1具有类雌激素样作用,对OVX PD模型大鼠黑质DA能神经元有明显的保护作用,其作用机制可能与降低铁负载和抗凋亡有关。     

蝎毒耐热肽对6羟多巴早期帕金森病大鼠的神经保护作用（英文）

本文旨在研究蝎毒耐热肽(SVHRP)是否可以缓解早期帕金森病(Parkinson’s disease,PD)模型中脑神经元线粒体超微结构异常和氧化应激。将6羟多巴(6-OHDA,20μg/3μL含0.1%抗坏血酸生理盐水)单侧注射到Sprague Dawley(SD)大鼠纹状体制备早期PD模型,PD大鼠腹腔注射SVHRP或相同体积对照溶液(生理盐水)处理1周。在6-OHDA注射2周后,对大鼠进行行为学检测;6-OHDA注射3周后,用免疫组织化学法检测多巴胺能神经元的免疫反应活性,用电子显微镜观察中脑神经元线粒体的超微结构,用试剂盒检测中脑神经元线粒体的单胺氧化酶B活性、超氧化物歧化酶活性和丙二醛含量,并进一步检测血清抑制羟自由基能力和抗氧化能力。结果显示,早期PD大鼠多巴胺能神经元的光密度相对对照组明显降低,中脑神经元线粒体超微结构的损伤显著加重,超氧化物歧化酶活性明显下降,单胺氧化酶B活性和丙二醛含量显著升高,血清抑制羟自由基能力和总的抗氧化能力显著下降。而SVHRP能够明显逆转6-OHDA的上述损伤作用。以上结果提示,SVHRP通过减轻早期PD的异常氧化应激和超微结构的损伤来发挥神经保护作用。     

三氧化二砷通过线粒体途径诱导人白血病HL-60细胞凋亡

目的:研究三氧化二砷(Arsenic trioxide,ATO)对人白血病HL-60细胞凋亡的影响,并以线粒体通路为靶点探讨其可能的机制。方法:采用1μg/m L、5μg/m L及10μg/m LATO处理HL-60细胞24小时后,采用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,通过细胞内MDA与GSH含量检测反映氧化应激水平,采用免疫印迹法检测凋亡相关分子表达,并通过免疫荧光染色检测细胞线粒体膜电位(mitochondrial membrane potential,MMP)水平。结果:5μg/m L及10μg/m L ATO可显著诱导人白血病HL-60细胞凋亡,并显著增加其氧化应激水平,增加促凋亡分子Bax和Caspase-3的表达,而抑制抗凋亡分子Bcl-2的表达,降低HL-60细胞线粒体膜电位的水平。结论:一定剂量的ATO可诱导人白血病HL-60细胞凋亡,而这一作用可能是通过诱导线粒体相关性凋亡信号通路激活实现。     

α-硫辛酸对6-羟多巴胺诱导的PC12细胞凋亡的影响

实验运用PC12细胞系研究6-羟多巴胺的细胞毒性作用以及α-硫辛酸抗6-羟多巴胺毒性的作用及其机制.用MTT法测定显示6-OHDA使细胞存活率降低至56.8%,细胞突起变短、胞质浓缩、核质深染,细胞贴壁能力下降,胞膜损伤.原位末端dUTP标记法(TUNEL)显示阳性标记细胞,表明6-OHDA引起PC12细胞产生坏死和凋亡.流式细胞仪分析表明6-OHDA作用后凋亡细胞比例达20.09%.运用α-硫辛酸预处理后,能明显预防6-OHDA的毒性作用,可使细胞存活率上升,凋亡细胞比例降低至3.09%,α-硫辛酸的作用与提高细胞内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量有关.     

白藜芦醇预处理对人鼠脑缺血再灌损伤的保护作用

目的:探讨白藜芦醇预处理对大鼠脑缺血再灌损伤的保护作用及其分子机制.方法:大鼠随机分成假手术组、缺血溶剂组、白藜芦醇预处理组,四动脉阻塞(4-VO)法建立前脑缺血模型,缺血10min/再灌22h,试剂盒检测大鼠海马组织SOD活力及NO、MDA含量变化,RT-PCR法观察GRP78 mRNA的表达.结果:缺血溶剂组海马组织SOD活性明显低于假手术组,NO、MDA含量高于假手术组;缺血前白藜芦醇预处理能显著反转缺血诱导的SOD活力和NO、MDA水平变化,脑缺血能明显上调GRP78 mRNA水平;白藜芦醇预处理能有效抑制缺血诱导的GRP78表达,与缺血组比有显著性差异.结论:白藜芦醇能通过上调SOD活力,减少NO、MDA的生成来抑制缺血后自由基的生成和积累,继而缓解内质网应激、下调GRP78的表达,减轻缺血性脑组织损伤.     

1-磷酸鞘氨醇改善缺氧诱导的肺上皮细胞损伤

目的:如何减轻缺氧造成的肺损伤是平原人群进入高原环境时面临的难题。本研究旨在探索外源性1-磷酸鞘氨醇(S1P)对低氧暴露诱导肺上皮细胞损伤的改善作用。方法:对肺上皮细胞(BEAS 2B细胞)进行4 h不同浓度的S1P预处理,之后放入低氧培养箱(氧气浓度为1%)模拟24 h和48 h的低氧暴露,检测细胞的增殖活性、早期凋亡以及线粒体相关功能;通过实时荧光定量PCR检测受体基因(S1PR1-3)的表达水平。结果:外源性S1P预处理可在BEAS 2B细胞中显著提高S1PR3的表达水平;对于24 h-48 h的急性低氧暴露,给予1μM浓度的S1P预处理时对细胞具有显著的保护作用,主要表现在线粒体功能改善、细胞增殖活性提升及早期凋亡率下降,包括:线粒体膜电位(MMP)和三磷酸腺苷(ATP)水平显著升高(P<0.0005),线粒体活性氧(ROS)产生显著减少(P<0.0001),从而显著提高了细胞的增殖活性(P<0.005),并降低早期凋亡率。结论:外源性S1P预处理能通过改善低氧诱导的氧化应激损伤保护肺上皮细胞。S1P在预防急性高原病、改善高原反应方面具有潜在应用价值。     

白藜芦醇对氧糖剥夺/再灌注损伤的PC12细胞的保护作用及其作用机制

目的:探讨白藜芦醇对氧糖剥夺/再灌注(OGD/R)损伤的PC12细胞的保护作用及其机制。方法:体外培养PC12细胞,分为对照组,白藜芦醇组,OGD/R组及OGD/R+白藜芦醇组。以改良的噻唑蓝法测定细胞活性,采用Annexin V-FITC/PI双染法检测细胞的凋亡率,用双氢罗丹明(DHR)检测细胞内活性氧簇(ROS)的水平,采用蛋白印迹法(western blot)分析SIRT1的蛋白表达情况。结果:与对照组相比,经过OGD/R损伤后,细胞活力显著降低。而在OGD/R的同时给予10μmol/L的白藜芦醇处理,可以明显提高细胞活力。流式细胞仪检测发现,10μmol/L的白藜芦醇可以显著地减少OGD/R引起的细胞凋亡,抑制细胞内的ROS产生。western blot的结果提示,与对照组比较,白藜芦醇可提高SIRT1的蛋白表达水平。结论:白藜芦醇可以通过抑制ROS的产生和上调SIRT1的表达等机制而发挥其对抗氧糖剥夺/再灌注损伤的神经保护性作用。     

胶原蛋白肽经由Nrf2信号通路对H_2O_2诱导的肝细胞氧化损伤的保护作用(英文)

目的:氧化应激在肝脏疾病中扮演着重要的角色。胶原蛋白肽是天然的抗氧化剂,其在动物实验中已经被证实有抑制氧化应激的作用。最新研究证实胶原蛋白肽将有可能被应用在肝脏疾病的预防中,但是很少有研究报道其分子作用机制。因此本研究在胶原蛋白肽是对H2O2诱导的正常人的肝细胞系HL7702氧化损伤有保护作用的基础上,并探索其分子作用机制。方法:实验设空白对照组,H2O2模型组,胶原蛋白肽低、中、高剂量组(10,100,200μg/ml)。胶原蛋白肽各组加入相应浓度的药物预处理12 h后,与模型组一起加入300μM H2O2的H2O2共同培养12 h,空白对照组正常培养。细胞毒性是由CCK8和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的释放检测。抗氧化试剂盒检测细胞内活性氧的水平,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量的变化。Western blot检测细胞内Nrf2蛋白的表达水平。结果:胶原蛋白肽对H2O2诱导的正常人的肝细胞系HL7702氧化损伤有保护作用。胶原蛋白肽能够及时清除细胞内的活性氧,增加Nrf2的蛋白表达水平,提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性,减轻脂质过氧化反应,从而保护正常人的肝细胞系HL7702。结论:总之,胶原蛋白肽通过增加Nrf2的蛋白表达水平,提高抗氧化活性,对H2O2诱导损伤的肝细胞发挥保护作用。本研究为胶原蛋白肽的分子作用机制提供了新的证据,将有助于预防氧化应激所致的肝损伤。     

Behavioral and Neurotransmitter Abnormalities in Mice Deficient for Parkin,DJ-1 and Superoxide Dismutase

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of neurons in the substantia nigra that project to the striatum and release dopamine. The cause of PD remains uncertain, however, evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Although most cases of PD are sporadic, 5-10% of cases are caused by inherited mutations. Loss-of-function mutations in Parkin and DJ-1 were the first to be linked to recessively inherited Parkinsonism. Surprisingly, mice bearing similar loss-of-function mutations in Parkin and DJ-1 do not show age-dependent loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons or depletion of dopamine in the striatum. Although the normal cellular functions of Parkin and DJ-1 are not fully understood, we hypothesized that loss-of-function mutations in Parkin and DJ-1 render cells more sensitive to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis, we crossed mice deficient for Parkin and DJ-1 with mice deficient for the mitochondrial antioxidant protein Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) or the cytosolic antioxidant protein Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Aged Parkin ^-/- DJ-1 ^-/- and Mn-superoxide dismutase triple deficient mice have enhanced performance on the rotorod behavior test. Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase triple deficient mice have elevated levels of dopamine in the striatum in the absence of nigral cell loss. Our studies demonstrate that on a Parkin/DJ-1 null background, mice that are also deficient for major antioxidant proteins do not have progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons but have behavioral and striatal dopamine abnormalities.     

DJ-1 up-regulates glutathione synthesis during oxidative stress and inhibits A53T alpha-synuclein toxicity

DJ-1 is the third gene that has been linked to Parkinson disease. Mutations in the DJ-1 gene cause early onset PD with autosomal recessive inheritance. To clarify the mechanism of DJ-1 protection, we have overexpressed the gene in cultured dopaminergic cells that were then subjected to chemical stress. In the rat dopaminergic cell line, N27, and in primary dopamine neurons, overexpression of wild type DJ-1 protected cells from death induced by hydrogen peroxide and 6-hydroxydopamine. Overexpressing the L166P mutant DJ-1 had no protective effect. By contrast, knocking down endogenous DJ-1 with antisense DJ-1 rendered cells more susceptible to oxidative damage. We have found that DJ-1 improves survival by increasing cellular glutathione levels through an increase in the rate-limiting enzyme glutamate cysteine ligase. Blocking glutathione synthesis eliminated the beneficial effect of DJ-1. Protection could be restored by adding exogenous glutathione. Wild type DJ-1 reduced cellular reactive oxygen species and reduced the levels of protein oxidation caused by oxidative stress. By a separate mechanism, overexpressing wild type DJ-1 inhibited the protein aggregation and cytotoxicity usually caused by A53T human alpha-synuclein. Under these circumstances, DJ-1 increased the level of heat shock protein 70 but did not change the glutathione level. Our data indicate that DJ-1 protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress through up-regulation of glutathione synthesis and from the toxic consequences of mutant humanalpha-synuclein through increased expression of heat shock protein 70. We conclude that DJ-1 has multiple specific mechanisms for protecting dopamine neurons from cell death.     

Sensitivity to oxidative stress in DJ-1-deficient dopamine neurons: an ES- derived cell model of primary Parkinsonism

The hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the selective loss of dopamine neurons in the ventral midbrain. Although the cause of neurodegeneration in PD is unknown, a Mendelian inheritance pattern is observed in rare cases, indicating a genetic factor. Furthermore, pathological analyses of PD substantia nigra have correlated cellular oxidative stress and altered proteasomal function with PD. Homozygous mutations in DJ-1 were recently described in two families with autosomal recessive Parkinsonism, one of which is a large deletion that is likely to lead to loss of function. Here we show that embryonic stem cells deficient in DJ-1 display increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and proteasomal inhibition. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species in toxin-treated DJ-1-deficient cells initially appears normal, but these cells are unable to cope with the consequent damage that ultimately leads to apoptotic death. Furthermore, we find that dopamine neurons derived from in vitro–differentiated DJ-1-deficient embryonic stem cells display decreased survival and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. These data are consistent with a protective role for DJ-1, and demonstrate the utility of genetically modified embryonic stem cell–derived neurons as cellular models of neuronal disorders.     

DJ-1 Is a Redox-Dependent Molecular Chaperone That Inhibits α-Synuclein Aggregate Formation

Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology is characterized by the degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons (DNs) ultimately leading to a progressive movement disorder in patients. The etiology of DN loss in sporadic PD is unknown, although it is hypothesized that aberrant protein aggregation and cellular oxidative stress may promote DN degeneration. Homozygous mutations in DJ-1 were recently described in two families with autosomal recessive inherited PD (Bonifati et al. 2003). In a companion article (Martinat et al. 2004), we show that mutations in DJ-1 alter the cellular response to oxidative stress and proteasomal inhibition. Here we show that DJ-1 functions as a redox-sensitive molecular chaperone that is activated in an oxidative cytoplasmic environment. We further demonstrate that DJ-1 chaperone activity in vivo extends to α-synuclein, a protein implicated in PD pathogenesis.     

Astaxanthin inhibits alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages in a sirtuin 1-dependent manner

ObjectivesAlcohol induces inflammation and oxidative stress, causing cell damages. We previously demonstrated that astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in macrophages exposed to inflammatory insults. In this study, we investigated whether ASTX can inhibit alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages with the elucidation of mechanisms.MethodsRAW 264.7 macrophages and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with 80 mM ethanol in the presence or absence of 25 μM of ASTX for 72 h. Subsequently, the expression of genes related to inflammation and oxidative stress, cellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, cellular NAD⁺ level and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity were measured. In addition, RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with sirtinol or resveratrol, which are known inhibitors or activators of SIRT1 activity, respectively, to determine the contribution of SIRT1 to the inhibitory effect of ASTX on inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages exposed to ethanol.ResultsEthanol increased mRNA expression of interleukin (Il)-6, Il-1b and tumor necrosis factor α with a concomitant increase in nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB, which was abolished by ASTX. Importantly, ethanol significantly decreased SIRT1 activity and cellular NAD⁺ level, but ASTX markedly attenuated the decreases in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Sirtinol increased the expression of proinflammatory genes in ethanol-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. In contrast, resveratrol decreased proinflammatory gene expression.ConclusionsASTX showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by inhibiting decreases in SIRT1 expression and cellular NAD⁺ level in ethanol-treated macrophages. Therefore, ASTX may be used for the prevention of alcohol-induced cell damages.     

Dopamine-derived quinones affect the structure of the redox sensor DJ-1 through modifications at Cys-106 and Cys-53

The physiological role of DJ-1, a protein involved in familial Parkinson disease is still controversial. One of the hypotheses proposed indicates a sensor role for oxidative stress, through oxidation of a conserved cysteine residue (Cys-106). The association of DJ-1 mutations with Parkinson disease suggests a loss of function, specific to dopaminergic neurons. Under oxidative conditions, highly reactive dopamine quinones (DAQs) can be produced, which can modify cysteine residues. In cellular models, DJ-1 was found covalently modified by dopamine. We analyzed the structural modifications induced on human DJ-1 by DAQs in vitro. We described the structural perturbations induced by DAQ adduct formation on each of the three cysteine residues of DJ-1 using specific mutants. Cys-53 is the most reactive residue and forms a covalent dimer also in SH-SY5Y DJ-1-transfected cells, but modification of Cys-106 induces the most severe structural perturbations; Cys-46 is not reactive. The relevance of these covalent modifications to the several functions ascribed to DJ-1 is discussed in the context of the cell response to a dopamine-derived oxidative insult.     

Protection of Pancreatic β-Cells from Various Stress Conditions Is Mediated by DJ-1

Pancreatic β-cells are vulnerable to multiple stresses, leading to dysfunction and apoptotic death. Deterioration in β-cells function and mass is associated with type 2 diabetes. Comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis from pancreatic MIN6 cells that were maintained at varying glucose concentrations was carried out. An induced expression of a protein spot, detected in MIN6 cells experiencing high glucose concentration, was identified by mass spectrometry as the oxidized form of DJ-1. DJ-1 (park7) is a multifunctional protein implicated in familial Parkinsonism and neuroprotection in response to oxidative damage. The DJ-1 protein and its oxidized form were also induced following exposure to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in MIN6 and βTC-6 cells and also in mouse pancreatic islets. Suppression of DJ-1 levels by small interfering RNA led to an accelerated cell death, whereas an increase in DJ-1 levels by adenovirus-based infection attenuated cell death induced by H₂O₂ and thapsigargin in β-cell lines and mouse pancreatic islets. Furthermore, DJ-1 improved regulated insulin secretion under basal as well as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions in a dose-dependent manner. We identified TFII-I (Gtf2i) as DJ-1 partner in the cytosol, whereas the binding of TFII-I to DJ-1 prevented TFII-I translocation to the nucleus. The outcome was attenuation of the stress response. Our results suggest that DJ-1 together with TFII-I operate in concert to cope with various insults and to sustain pancreatic β-cell function.     

MicroRNA-452 promotes tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B

Rare genetic mutations in the DJ-1 and Parkin genes cause recessive Parkinsonism, however, the relationship between these two genes is not fully elucidated. Current emerging evidence suggests that these genes are involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, and that a deficiency in either of these two genes is associated with damages in mitochondrial function and morphology. In this study, we demonstrated that knockdown of DJ-1 expression or the overexpression of the DJ-1 L166P mutation results in a damaged phenotype in mitochondria and a hypersensitivity to H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis. These phenotypes result from increased levels of endogenous oxidative stress. However, overexpression of wild-type Parkin rescued the phenotypes observed in the mitochondria of DJ-1 knockdown and DJ-1 L166P mutant cells. We also determined that there were differences between the two cell models. Furthermore, both H₂O₂ treatment and the DJ-1 L166P mutation weakened the interaction between DJ-1 and Parkin. Taken together, these findings suggested that DJ-1 and Parkin were linked through oxidative stress, and that overexpression of Parkin protects DJ-1 protein-deficient and DJ-1 L166P mutant-expressing cells via inhibition of oxidative stress.