The hallmarks of myotonic dystrophy type 1 muscle dysfunction

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most prevalent form of muscular dystrophy in adults and yet there are currently no treatment options. Although this disease causes multisystemic symptoms, it is mainly characterised by myopathy or diseased muscles, which includes muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia, severely affecting the lives of patients worldwide. On a molecular level, DM1 is caused by an expansion of CTG repeats in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the DM1 Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene which become pathogenic when transcribed into RNA forming ribonuclear foci comprised of auto complementary CUG hairpin structures that can bind proteins. This leads to the sequestration of the muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of proteins, depleting them, and the abnormal stabilisation of CUGBP Elav-like family member 1 (CELF1), enhancing it. Traditionally, DM1 research has focused on this RNA toxicity and how it alters MBNL and CELF1 functions as key splicing regulators. However, other proteins are affected by the toxic DMPK RNA and there is strong evidence that supports various signalling cascades playing an important role in DM1 pathogenesis. Specifically, the impairment of protein kinase B (AKT) signalling in DM1 increases autophagy, apoptosis, and ubiquitin–proteasome activity, which may also be affected in DM1 by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) downregulation. AKT also regulates CELF1 directly, by affecting its subcellular localisation, and indirectly as it inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), which stabilises the repressive form of CELF1 in DM1. Another kinase that contributes to CELF1 mis-regulation, in this case by hyperphosphorylation, is protein kinase C (PKC). Additionally, it has been demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) is induced in DM1 and is associated with downstream signalling through the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathways, associating inflammation with this disease. Furthermore, MBNL1 and CELF1 play a role in cytoplasmic processes involved in DM1 myopathy, altering proteostasis and sarcomere structure. Finally, there are many other elements that could contribute to the muscular phenotype in DM1 such as alterations to satellite cells, non-coding RNA metabolism, calcium dysregulation, and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. This review aims to organise the currently dispersed knowledge on the different pathways affected in DM1 and discusses the unexplored connections that could potentially help in providing new therapeutic targets in DM1 research.     

Oxidative stress in myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy affecting adults. The genetic basis of DM1 consists of a mutational expansion of a repetitive trinucleotide sequence (CTG). The number of triplets expansion divides patients in four categories related to the molecular changes (E1, E2, E3, E4). The pathogenic mechanisms of multi-systemic involvement of DM1 are still unclear. DM1 has been suspected to be due to premature aging, that is known to be sustained by increased free radicals levels and/or decreased antioxidants activities in neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, the gain-of-function at RNA level hypothesis has gained great attention, but oxidative stress might act in the disease progression. We have investigated 36 DM1 patients belonging to 22 unrelated families, 10 patients with other myotonic disorders (OMD) and 22 age-matched healthy controls from the clinical, biochemical and molecular point of view. Biochemical analysis detected blood levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonilaldehyde (MDA), vitamin E (Vit E), hydroxyl radicals (OH) and total antioxidant system (TAS). Results revealed that DM1 patients showed significantly higher levels of SOD (+40%; MAL (+57%; RAD 2 (+106%; and TAS (+20%; than normal controls. Our data support the hypothesis of a pathogenic role of oxidative stress in DM1 and therefore confirm the detrimental role played by free radicals in this pathology and suggest the opportunity to undertake clinical trials with antioxidants in this disorder.     

Imbalanced oxidant and antioxidant ratio in myotonic dystrophy type 1

Abstract

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy affecting adults and is due to trinucleotide sequence (CTG) in the 3′ UTR region of DMPK gene located at 19q13.3 chromosome. The pathogenic mechanisms of multisystemic involvement of DM1 are still unclear. The increased levels of reactive oxygen species/free radicals and lipid peroxides and decreased antioxidant levels play an important role in the pathogenesis of DM1. Present study includes 20 DM1 patients and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Malonilaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidise (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and TAS levels were measured and its association with clinical phenotype were evaluated. Results revealed significantly higher levels of MDA (p = 0.002), SOD (p = 0.006), and TAS p = 0.004) and lower level of GPX (p = 0.003), GST (P < 0.001) and GSH (P = 0.016) in DM1 patients. A significant negative correlation of MDA level with dyspepsia and CK-MB and GST level with serum SCK, CK-MB, and diabetes were observed. However, a significant positive correlation of SOD level with serum CK-MB, CK-MM, and diabetes and negative correlation with facial weakness were noted. Though, GSH level had significant positive correlation with learning and writing disability, speech, and languages disability yet found negative correlation with duration of disease. The GPX and TAS showed no correlation with any clinical findings. Our data further support the pathogenic role of oxidative stress in DM1 of Indian origin and support the opportunity to undertake clinical trials with antioxidants in this disorder.     

Differential response of the antioxidant system in wild and cultivated genotypes of chickpea

Two chickpea cultivars PBG-1 and PDG-3 along with a wild species Cicer judaicum were investigated to compare the activities of their antioxidant enzymes in mature seeds and roots, as well as shoots and cotyledons of seedlings germinated under dark and continuous illumination of 40 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Seedling biomass of C. judaicum was lower as compared to cultivars of PBG-1 and PDG-3 both under dark and light conditions. Light reduced the biomass of seedlings. Activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were higher in shoots and roots of C. judaicum compared to the cultivars PBG-1 and PDG-3. In mature seeds, the activities of GR and APX were higher in the cultivated genotypes whereas catalase (CAT) and peroxidase were higher in C. judaicum. Under illumination, a general upregulation of CAT in both shoots and cotyledons and of GR in shoots was observed in all the three genotypes. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased in C. judaicum and APX in PBG-1 and PDG-3. The differences in antioxidant enzyme system between wild and cultivated genotypes possibly contribute to better tolerance of wild Cicer species against abiotic and biotic stresses.     

Does quantitative EMG differ myotonic dystrophy type 2 and type 1?

Genetic testing is considered the only reliable diagnostic approach in myotonic dystrophy. However it has recently been reported that a considerable number of patients with genetically proven types of the disease have unusual phenotypic presentation. The aim of our study was to evaluate motor unit reorganization reflected by various electrophysiological abnormalities in myotonic dystrophies and to compare findings between type 1 (DM 1) and type 2 myotonic dystrophy (DM2). Quantitative electromyography (EMG) recordings in 63 patients (33 with DM1 and 30 with DM2) from the biceps brachii (BB), rectus femoris (RF), first dorsal interosseus (FDI), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were analyzed. Mean amplitude and size index (SI) of motor unit potentials recorded in TA and RF muscles, mean potential duration in TA, and mean SI and the number of outliers with amplitude above the normal range in BB were significantly increased in DM2 as compared to DM1. Myotonic discharges were recorded more frequently in DM1 than in DM2. EMG findings significantly differ between DM1 and DM2. The presence of high amplitude potentials in lower limb muscles in DM2 patients, atypical for myogenic muscle lesions, could be explained by muscle fiber hypertrophy observed in muscle biopsies.     

不同剂量白藜芦醇对糖尿病性白内障大鼠晶状体抗氧化酶活力的影响

目的:探究不同剂量白藜芦醇对糖尿病性白内障大鼠晶状体抗氧化酶活力的影响。方法:75只5周龄健康SPF级雄性SD大鼠按照随机数字表法分为正常对照组、模型组,白藜芦醇低剂量组,白藜芦醇中剂量组和白藜芦醇高剂量组,每组各15只。五组大鼠均给予常规适应性喂养,模型组和白藜芦醇低、中、高剂量组大鼠采用链脲佐菌素(STZ)以60 mg/kg的给药剂量制作糖尿病大鼠模型,成模后白藜芦醇低剂量组按20 mg/kg、白藜芦醇中剂量组按50 mg/kg、白藜芦醇高剂量组按100 mg/kg的给药剂量每日给予白藜芦醇灌胃。观察12周后5组大鼠晶状体的混浊程度,检测血糖、体重后处死大鼠,检测晶状体内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)以及过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性改变。结果:随着白藜芦醇剂量的升高,白藜芦醇低、中、高剂量组大鼠的血糖逐渐降低而体重逐渐升高,且组间比较均具有统计学差异(P0.05)。三组不同剂量白藜芦醇干预组大鼠晶状体的浑浊程度均低于模型组,且白藜芦醇高剂量组大鼠晶状体的浑浊程度最低,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。白藜芦醇低、中、高剂量组大鼠SOD、GSH-PX和CAT酶活力与模型组大鼠相比均明显升高,而与正常对照组相比均明显降低(均P0.05)。随着白藜芦醇剂量的升高,白藜芦醇低、中、高剂量组大鼠SOD、GSH-PX和CAT酶活力逐渐升高,且组间比较均具有统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:高剂量白藜芦醇可更为明显地降低血糖浓度,提高晶状体SOD、GSH-Px及CAT酶活力,改善糖尿病性白内障晶状体的浑浊程度。     

白内障晶体中某些微量元素、与谷胱甘肽相关酶类活性的动态观察及其相互关系

本文动态观察了用平阳霉素诱发的大鼠白内障晶体中与谷胱甘肽代谢相关酶类活性和微量元素水平的变化,并与正常晶体进行比较,同时就酶活性与微量元素水平的相关性进行了检验。结果表明：（１）注射平阳霉素早期酶活性增高,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ）、谷胱甘肽还原酶（ＧＳＳＧ－Ｒ）及超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）等活性的升高达显著水平,后期酶活性均下降,尤以ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ、ＧＳＳＧ－Ｒ和谷胱甘肽硫转移酶（ＧＳＨ－Ｓ）等的活性降低明显;（２）ＧＳＨ－Ｐｘ和ＳＯＤ酶活性分别与Ｚｎ具有相关性（Ｐ＜０．０５）,这两种酶也分别与Ｓｅ具有高度相关性（Ｐ＜０．０１）,此两种元素在该类型白内障形成中可能有一定意义。     

Alterations in Protective Enzymes Against Peroxidation in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System of Control and Dysmyelinating Mutant Mice

The activities of peroxide-detoxifying enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase were measured in the nervous system of neurological dysmyelinating mutants: quaking (Qk), shiverer (Shi), and trembler (Tr) mice. Cu/Zn-SOD activity was higher in the cerebellum of Qk and Shi mice (by 53% and 106%, respectively) in comparison with controls, but it was the same in the cerebellum of Tr mice and their corresponding controls. In contrast, there was no difference in the level of Cu/Zn-SOD activity in the cerebrum of Qk, Shi, and Tr mice and their respective controls. Mn-SOD activity was the same among all the mutants compared to control animals in both cerebrum and cerebellum. In Shi cerebellum, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were slightly decreased (a 21.6% and a 13.2% diminution, respectively), whereas catalase activity in cerebrum and cerebellum was the same among mutants and control mice. In the sciatic nerve from Tr mice, all the enzymatic activities were enhanced: sixfold increase for total SOD, and 2.4-fold, 3.5-fold, and 1.8-fold increase for glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase, respectively.     

Species-related variations in antioxidant components of gastric and duodenal mucosa

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant profiles of the gastric and duodenal mucosa of rat, rabbit, cat and pig were investigated and found to exhibit significant variations. Rat gastric and duodenal mucosa exhibited the highest levels of basal glutathione of the various tissues examined. The highest activity of glutathione reductase was found in the gastric and duodenal mucosa of rat as compared with that in these tissues from the other species. The gastric mucosa of cat and pig showed similar activities of glutathione peroxidase, which was significantly lower than those in rat or rabbit gastric mucosa. The activity of this antioxidant enzyme was similar in rat, rabbit and pig duodenal mucosa and lower than that in cat duodenal mucosa. Strong correlations were found between activities of the functionally coupled antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in gastric but not in duodenal mucosa. The activity of superoxide dismutase showed negligible regional or species-related variations in activity.     

Weak antioxidant defenses make the heart a target for damage in copper-deficient rats

Copper deficiency causes more salient pathologic changes in the heart than in the liver of rats. Although oxidative stress has been implicated in copper deficiency-induced pathogenesis, little is known about the selective toxicity to the heart. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the severity of copper deficiency-induced oxidative damage and the capacity of antioxidant defense in heart and liver to investigate a possible mechanism for the selective cardiotoxicity. Weanling rats were fed a purified diet deficient in copper (0.4 μg/g diet) or one containing adequate copper (6.0 μg/g diet) for 4 weeks. Copper deficiency induced a 2-fold increase in lipid peroxidation in the heart (thiobarbituric assay) but did not alter peroxidation in the liver. The antioxidant enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were, respectively, 3-, 50- and 1.5-fold lower in the heart than in the liver, although these enzymatic activities were depressed in both organs by copper deficiency. In addition, the activity of glutathione reductase was 4 times lower in the heart than in the liver. The data suggest that a weak antioxidant defense system in the heart is responsible for the relatively high degree of oxidative damage in copper-deficient hearts.     

Redox status in workers occupationally exposed to long-term low levels of ionizing radiation: A pilot study

Objectives: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide (O₂^??), play an important role in the biological effects of ionizing radiation. The human body has developed different antioxidant systems to defend against excessive levels of ROS. The aim of the present study is to investigate the redox status changes in the blood of radiologic technologists and compare these changes to control individuals.

Methods: We enrolled 60 medical workers: 20 occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (all radiologic technologists), divided in three subgroups: conventional radiography (CR), computerized tomography (CT), and interventional radiography (IR) and 40 age- and gender-matched unexposed controls. Levels of O₂^?? and malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood were measured as an index of redox status, as were the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Redox status was also assessed by measuring levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH, GSSG, respectively).

Results: Levels of O₂^?? and MDA, and SOD activity in the blood of IR and CT-exposed subjects were significantly higher than both the CR-exposed subjects and control individuals. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of catalase, GSH and ratio of GSH/GSSG between exposed workers and control individuals.

Discussion: This study suggests that healthcare workers in CT and IR occupationally exposed to radiation have an elevated circulating redox status as compared to unexposed individuals.     

Identification of a novel protein, DMAP, which interacts with the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase and shows strong homology to D1 snRNP

The most common adult form of muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, is due to a triplet repeat (CTG) expansion in the 3 untranslated region of the myotonic dystrophy gene. Although this gene is known to encode a protein kinase, the mechanism by which a defect in this gene results in a disease state is not understood. To gain insight into this mechanism, the yeast two hybrid system was utilized to identify proteins which interact with myotonic dystrophy protein kinase. Eight positive clones were identified that interact specifically with the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase. One clone, which encodes a novel protein interacting with myotonic dystrophy protein kinase bothin vivo in yeast andin vitro, was characterized further. The gene encoding this protein may represent a member of a small gene family, and the protein (95 amino acids) exhibits a high degree of homology to an snRNP protein, D1. This novel protein may be a member of the signal transduction pathway which is responsible for the manifestation of this disease.     

动物抗氧化系统中主要抗氧化酶基因的研究进展

抗氧化系统是机体清除体内多余的活性氧、保护自身免受氧化损伤的重要体系,其中超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶等起主要作用。本文将对动物抗氧化系统中,超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶基因的种类、分布、结构及表达进行综述。     

Effect of MPTP and l-Deprenyl on Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Mouse Brain

Abstract: Excessive free radical formation or antioxidant enzyme deficiency can result in oxidative stress, a mechanism proposed in the toxicity of MPTP and in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is unclear if altered antioxidant enzyme activity is sufficient to increase lipid peroxidation in PD. We therefore investigated if MPTP can alter the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and the level of lipid peroxidation. l -Deprenyl, prior to MPTP administration, is used to inhibit MPP⁺ formation and its subsequent effect on antioxidant enzymes. MPTP induced a threefold increase in SOD activity in the striatum of C57BL/6 mice. No parallel increase in GSH-PX or CAT activities was observed, while striatal lipid peroxidation decreased. At the level of the substantia nigra (SN), even though increases in CAT activity and reduction in SOD and GSH-PX activities were detected, lipid peroxidation was not altered. Interestingly, l -deprenyl induced similar changes in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation levels, as did MPTP. Taken together, these results suggest that an alteration in SOD activity, without compensatory increases in CAT or GSH-PX activities, is not sufficient to induce lipid peroxidation.     

A polysaccharide–peptide complex from abalone mushroom (Pleurotus abalonus) fruiting bodies increases activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and reduces lipid peroxidation in senescence-accelerated mice

The antioxidant effects of a polysaccharide–peptide complex (F22) from mushroom (Pleurotus abalonus)-fruiting bodies were studied. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver, kidney, and brain of senescence-accelerated mice showed a marked increase after treatment with the polysaccharide–peptide complex. Concurrently, the gene expression levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx, as determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction, were up-regulated in the liver, kidney, and brain, whereas the MDA content in these organs declined. The maximal lifespan of the mice was prolonged.     

Parameters related to oxygen free radicals in erythrocytes,plasma and epidermis of the hairless rat

The following parameters related to oxygen free radicals (OFR) were determined in erythrocytes and the epidermis of hairless rats: catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). GSH, GSSG and TBARS were also analyzed in plasma. In erythrocytes, the Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were significant (p < 0.001) between glutathione and other parameters as follows: GSH correlated negatively with GSSG (r = -0.665) and TBARS (r = -0.669); GSSG correlated positively with SOD (r = 0.709) and TBARS (r = 0.752). Plasma GSSG correlated negatively with erythrocytic thermostable GST activity (r = -0.608; p=0.001) and with erythrocytic total GST activity (r = -0.677; p < 0.001). In epidermis (p < 0.001 in all cases), GSH content correlated with GSSG (r = 0.682) and with GPx (r = 0.663); GSSG correlated with GPx (r = 0.731) and with GR (r = 0.794). By multiple linear regression analysis some predictor variables (R(2)) were found: in erythrocytes, thermostable GST was predicted by total GST activity and GSSG, GSSG content was predicted by GSH and by the GSH/GSSG ratio and GPx activity was predicted by GST, CAT and SOD activities; in epidermis, GSSG was predicted by GR and SOD activities and GR was predicted by GSSG, TBARS and GPx. It is concluded that the hairless rat is a good model for studying OFR-related parameters simultaneously in blood and skin, and that it may provide valuable information about other animals under oxidative stress.     

Oral exposure to Microcystis increases activity-augmented antioxidant enzymes in the liver of loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) and has no effect on lipid peroxidation

Recently, eutrophication has induced severe cyanobacterial blooms in the Naktong River, the second largest river of Korea. In the present study, lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were evaluated in the liver of loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) that were orally exposed to a low dose of Microcystis through dietary supplementation with bloom scum. Loach received 75 mg of dry cells/kg body weight mass (equal to 10 microg microcystin-RR/kg body mass), for 28 days under controlled conditions. Antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation were measured after termination of exposure. The activities of antioxidant enzyme were significantly increased in the livers of toxin-exposed loach after 28 days of exposure, as compared to control fish. However, lipid peroxidation remained stable in both groups. These results suggest that antioxidant enzymes were able to eliminate oxidative stress induced by low concentrations of microcystins and to prevent increased lipid peroxidation in the liver of loach.     

Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione Peroxidase Activities in Copper/Zinc-Superoxide Dismutase Transgenic Mice

Copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) transgenic mice overexpress the gene for human CuZn-SOD. To assess the effects of the overexpression of CuZn-SOD on the brain scavenging systems, we have measured the activities of manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in various regions of the mouse brain. In nontransgenic mice, cytosolic CuZn-SOD activity was highest in the caudate-putamen complex; this was followed by the brainstem and the hippocampus. The lowest activity was observed in the cerebellum. In transgenic mice, there were significant increases of cytosolic CuZn-SOD activity in all of these regions, with ratios varying from a twofold increase in the brainstem to 3.42-fold in the cerebellum in comparison with nontransgenic mice. Particulate Mn-SOD was similarly distributed in all brain regions, and its levels also were significantly increased in superoxide dismutase (SOD)-transgenic mice. In the brains of nontransgenic mice, cytosolic catalase activity was similar in all brain regions except the cortex, which showed less than 50% of the activity observed in the other regions. In transgenic mice, cytosolic catalase activity was significantly increased, with the cortex showing the greatest changes (133%) in comparison with nontransgenic mice. The smallest increases were observed in the hippocampus (34%). In contrast to what was observed for SOD and catalase, there were no significant changes in cytosolic GSH-Px activity in any of the brain regions examined. The present results indicate that, in addition to displaying marked increases in the levels of brain CuZn-SOD activity, SOD-transgenic mice also exhibit increases in other enzymes that scavenge oxygen-based radicals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)