Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that homocysteine induces excitotoxic effects in cells expressing glutamate receptors of the NMDA class. These receptors were found not only in neurons but also in immune-competent cells, neutrophils, red blood cells, cardiomyocytes, and osteoblasts. Activation of these cells by homocysteine results in an increase in cytoplasmic calcium ions, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and activation of MAP kinase. An overload of immune-competent cells activates both necrotic and apoptotic cell death, whereas the neuropeptide carnosine (an antioxidant and immune modulator) protects cells against both processes. In a model of prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia in rats, we have found that carnosine protects animals against homocysteine toxicity with no change of the blood homocysteine levels. The efficiency of carnosine has also been demonstrated in clinical trials of chronic brain ischemia and Parkinson’s disease.
Keywords: Homocysteine, homocysteic acid, NMDA receptors, neurons, immune competent cells, carnosine.
Current Aging Science
Title:Why Is Homocysteine Toxic for the Nervous and Immune Systems?
Volume: 6 Issue: 1
Author(s): Alexander Boldyrev, Ekaterina Bryushkova, Anna Mashkina and Elizaveta Vladychenskaya
Affiliation:
Keywords: Homocysteine, homocysteic acid, NMDA receptors, neurons, immune competent cells, carnosine.
Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that homocysteine induces excitotoxic effects in cells expressing glutamate receptors of the NMDA class. These receptors were found not only in neurons but also in immune-competent cells, neutrophils, red blood cells, cardiomyocytes, and osteoblasts. Activation of these cells by homocysteine results in an increase in cytoplasmic calcium ions, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and activation of MAP kinase. An overload of immune-competent cells activates both necrotic and apoptotic cell death, whereas the neuropeptide carnosine (an antioxidant and immune modulator) protects cells against both processes. In a model of prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia in rats, we have found that carnosine protects animals against homocysteine toxicity with no change of the blood homocysteine levels. The efficiency of carnosine has also been demonstrated in clinical trials of chronic brain ischemia and Parkinson’s disease.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Boldyrev Alexander, Bryushkova Ekaterina, Mashkina Anna and Vladychenskaya Elizaveta, Why Is Homocysteine Toxic for the Nervous and Immune Systems?, Current Aging Science 2013; 6 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18746098112059990007
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18746098112059990007 |
Print ISSN 1874-6098 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1874-6128 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Psychoemotional Background of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Possible Drug Therapy
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Advances in the Use of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Applications in Bone Repair
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Neuroprotective Activities of Orientin: A Review
Current Traditional Medicine Phylogenetic Aspects of Nucleobindin-2/Nesfatin-1
Current Pharmaceutical Design Targeted Delivery for Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Gene Therapy Vectors: Gene Next Therapeutic Goals
Current Gene Therapy Context-dependent Action of Transforming Growth Factor β Family Members on Normal and Cancer Stem Cells
Current Pharmaceutical Design Histamine H4 Receptor: A Novel Target for Inflammation Therapy
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Effects of CX3CR1 and Fractalkine Chemokines in Amyloid Beta Clearance and p-Tau Accumulation in Alzheimer,s Disease (AD) Rodent Models: Is Fractalkine a Systemic Biomarker for AD?
Current Alzheimer Research Pathophysiology of Neurodegeneration in Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Current Molecular Medicine PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Chronic Pain
Current Pharmaceutical Design Cerebrolysin, a Mixture of Neurotrophic Factors Induces Marked Neuroprotection in Spinal Cord Injury Following Intoxication of Engineered Nanoparticles from Metals
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Instructions from the Vascular System - Directing Neural Stem Cell Fate in Health and Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry Peripheral Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Oleanolic Acid in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Therapeutic Potential of Nitrate Esters of Commonly Used Drugs
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Modification of Collagen for Biomedical Applications: A Review of Physical and Chemical Methods
Current Organic Chemistry Is there a Rational Approach for Increasing Drug Specificity? Considerations on CNS Target Choice and Validation
Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery (Discontinued) Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Management of Acute and Chronic Open Wounds: The Importance of Moist Environment in Optimal Wound Healing
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology The Role of Spiritual Health Experience with Intensity and Duration of Labor Pain While Childbearing and Postpartum
Current Women`s Health Reviews Recent Progress Toward Hydrogen Medicine: Potential of Molecular Hydrogen for Preventive and Therapeutic Applications
Current Pharmaceutical Design