Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.3

Title: A role for spermine oxidase as a mediator of reactive oxygen species production in HIV-Tat-induced neuronal toxicity.

Authors: Caterina Capone, Manuela Cervelli, Emanuela Angelucci, Marco Colasanti, Alberto Macone, Paolo Mariottini, Tiziana Persichini

Journal, date & volume: Free Radic. Biol. Med., 2013 Oct , 63, 99-107

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23665428

Abstract
Chronic oxidative stress, which occurs in brain tissues of HIV-infected patients, is involved in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated dementia. Oxidative stress can be induced by HIV-1-secreted proteins, either directly or indirectly through the release of cytotoxic factors. In particular, HIV-1 Tat is able to induce neuronal death by interacting with and activating the polyamine-sensitive subtype of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR). Here, we focused on the role of polyamine catabolism in Tat-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. First, Tat was found to induce reactive oxygen species production and to affect cell viability in SH-SY5Y cells, these effects being mediated by spermine oxidase (SMO). Second, Tat was observed to increase SMO activity as well as decreasing the intracellular spermine levels. Third, Tat-induced SMO activation was completely prevented by the NMDAR antagonist MK-801, clearly indicating an involvement of NMDAR stimulation. Finally, pretreatment of cells with N-acetylcysteine, a scavenger of H₂O₂, and with MK-801 was able to completely inhibit reactive oxygen species formation and to restore cell viability. Altogether, these data strongly suggest a role for polyamine catabolism-derived H₂O₂ in neurotoxicity as elicited by Tat-stimulated NMDAR.