In vitro: |
Journal of Biotechnology, 2013, 164(2):340-345. | Solvent-free enzymatic transesterification of ethyl ferulate and monostearin: Optimized by response surface methodology.[Reference: WebLink] | In the CNS, the heme oxygenase (HO) system has been reported to be active and to operate as a fundamental defensive mechanism for neurons exposed to an oxidant challenge. We have recently shown that both curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester, two phenolic natural compounds, potently induce HO-1 expression and activity in rat astrocytes. We have extended our previous findings examining the effects of two other plant-derived phenolic compounds, with analogous chemical structures, in rat astrocytes and neurons.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Ethyl ferulate (Ethyl (E)-ferulate, ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamate) (EFE), the naturally occurring ester of ferulic acid, was able to induce HO-1 protein expression. Maximal expression of HO-1 mRNA and protein and a significant increase in HO activity were detected after 6 h of incubation with 15 microM EFE in astrocytes and 5 microM EFE in neurons. Higher concentrations of EFE (50 microM) caused a substantial cytotoxic effect with no change in HO-1 protein expression and activity. Exposure of astrocytes to resveratrol, a phytoalexin derived from grapes, resulted in an increase of HO-1 mRNA, but it was not able to induce HO-1 protein expression and activity. Interestingly, preincubation (12 h) of neurons with EFE resulted in an enhanced cellular resistance to glucose oxidase-mediated oxidative damage; this cytoprotective effect was considerably attenuated by zinc protoporphyrin IX, an inhibitor of HO activity.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study identifies a novel natural compound that could be used for therapeutic purposes as a potent inducer of HO-1 for the protection of brain cells against oxidative and neurodegenerative conditions. |
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