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Fluvoxamine alters the activity of energy metabolism enzymes in the brain

Abstract

Objective:

Several studies support the hypothesis that metabolism impairment is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and that some antidepressants act by modulating brain energy metabolism. Thus, we evaluated the activity of Krebs cycle enzymes, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and creatine kinase in the brain of rats subjected to prolonged administration of fluvoxamine.

Methods:

Wistar rats received daily administration of fluvoxamine in saline (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Twelve hours after the last administration, rats were killed by decapitation and the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were rapidly isolated.

Results:

The activities of citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV were decreased after prolonged administration of fluvoxamine in rats. However, the activities of complex II, succinate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase were increased.

Conclusions:

Alterations in activity of energy metabolism enzymes were observed in most brain areas analyzed. Thus, we suggest that the decrease in citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV can be related to adverse effects of pharmacotherapy, but long-term molecular adaptations cannot be ruled out. In addition, we demonstrated that these changes varied according to brain structure or biochemical analysis and were not dose-dependent.

Brain; creatine kinase; fluvoxamine; Krebs cycle; mitochondrial respiratory chain


Introduction

Major depression is the most common psychiatric disorder.11. Kessler RC, Walters EE. Epidemiology of DSM-III-R major depression and minor depression among adolescents and young adults in the National Comorbidity Survey. Depress Anxiety. 1998;7:3-14. Mood disorders appear to afflict at least 12% of women and 8% of men. The World Health Organization estimates that major depression is the fourth leading cause of loss or life worldwide.22. Kiss JP. Theory of active antidepressants: a nonsynaptic approach to the treatment of depression. Neurochem Int. 2008;52:34-9. Moreover, unipolar depression is characterized by symptoms that must last a minimum of 2 weeks and interfere considerably with work and family relationships.33. Zhang X, Beaulieu JM, Sotnikova TD, Gainetdinov RR, Caron MG. Triptophan hydroxylase-2 controls brain serotonin synthesis. Science. 2004;305:217.

Pharmacotherapy of depression is costly and widely prescribed by physicians, even though less than half of the patients treated attain complete remission after therapy with a single antidepressant. Others exhibit partial, refractory, or intolerant responses to pharmacological treatment.44. Pacher P, Kohegyi E, Kecskemeti V, Furst S. Current trends in the development of new antidepressants. Curr Med Chem. 2001;8:89-100. Current studies of the pharmacotherapy of major depressive disorder mainly emphasize the monoamine hypothesis.55. Skolnick P. Beyond monoamine-based therapies: clues to new approaches. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63:19-23. This theory suggests that major depression results from an imbalance in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and current treatments are thus based on normalizing the levels of these neurotransmitters.66. Charney DS. Monoamine dysfunction and the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59:11-4.

Fluvoxamine is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is widely used for the treatment of depression and various anxiety disorders.77. Mundo E, Rouillon F, Figuera ML, Stigler M. Fluvoxamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: similar efficacy but superior tolerability in comparison with clomipramine. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2001;16:461-8. With its characteristic binding to the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, fluvoxamine has less effect on noradrenaline and dopamine receptors, resulting in a different side effect profile as compared with older tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.88. Potter WZ, Rudorfer MV, Manji H. The pharmacologic treatment of depression. N Engl J Med. 1991;325:633-42.

Several studies also support the hypothesis that metabolism impairment is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and that some antidepressants act by modulating brain energy metabolism.99. Tretter L, Mayer-Takacs D, Adam-Vizi V. The effect of bovine serum albumin on the membrane potential and reactive oxygen species generation in succinate-supported isolated brain mitochondria. Neurochem Int. 2007;50:139-47. A large number of drugs that have been withdrawn from the market or whose development was discontinued due to hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or cardiotoxicity have been reported to disturb mitochondrial functions.1010. Dykens JA, Will Y. The significance of mitochondrial toxicity testing in drug development. Drug Discov Today. 2007;12:777-85. Mitochondria are intracellular organelles which play a crucial role in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.1111. Calabrese V, Scapagnini G, Giuffrida Stella AM, Bates TE, Clark JB. Mitochondrial involvement in brain function and dysfunction: relevance to aging, neurodegenerative disorders and longevity. Neurochem Res. 2001;26:739-64. The Krebs cycle occurs within the mitochondrial matrix and contributes to production of large amounts of ATP via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, which supplies more than 95% of the total energy requirement in the cells.1212. Kelly DP, Gordon JI, Alpers R, Strauss AW. The tissue-specific expression and developmental Regulation of two nuclear genes encoding rat mitochondrial proteins. Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase. J Biol Chem. 1989;264:18921-5. Creatine kinase is an enzyme that also contributes to rates ATP metabolism in tissues with high energy demand.1313. Bessman SP, Carpenter CL. The creatine-creatine phosphate energy shuttle. Annu Rev Biochem. 1985;54:831-62.

Based on the hypothesis that some antidepressants may modulate energy metabolism and that the effects of fluvoxamine on energy metabolism are still not clearly understood, the present study evaluated the activities of Krebs cycle enzymes, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and creatine kinase in the brain of rats subjected to prolonged administration of fluvoxamine.

Methods

Animals

Adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) obtained from the Central Animal House of Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC) were caged in groups of two with free access to food and water and kept on a 12-h light-dark cycle (lights on 7:00 a.m.) at a temperature of 22±1 °C. All experimental procedures were carried out in accordance with the Brazilian Society for Neuroscience and Behavior recommendations for animal care, with the approval of the local Ethics Committee.

Prolonged administration of fluvoxamine

Animals received daily administration of fluvoxamine dissolved in saline solution (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), 1 mL/kg per body weight, for 14 days (n=7). Control rats received an equivalent volume of saline, 1 mL/kg (intraperitoneal), for the same period (n=7). Twelve hours after the last injection,1414. Maurel S, De Vry J, Schreiber R. Comparison of the effects of the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram and fluvoxamine in alcohol-preferring cAA rats. Alcohol. 1999;17:195-201. the animals were killed by decapitation and the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were rapidly isolated and kept on an ice-plate.

Tissue and homogenate preparation

Prefrontal cortex, posterior cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were homogenized (1:10, w/v) in SETH buffer, pH 7.4 (250 mM sucrose, 2 mM EDTA, 10 mM Trizma base, 50 IU/mL heparin). The homogenates were centrifuged at 800 x g for 10 min at 4 °C and supernatants kept at -70 °C until use for enzyme activity determination. The maximal period between homogenate preparation and enzyme analysis was always less than 5 days. Protein content was determined by the method described by Lowry et al.1515. Lowry OH, Rosebough NG, Farr AL, Randall RJ. Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem. 1951;193:265-75. using bovine serum albumin as standard.

Activity of Krebs cycle enzymes

Citrate synthase

Citrate synthase activity was assayed using the method described by Srere.1616. Srere PA. Citrate synthase. Methods Enzymol. 1969;13:3-11. The reaction mixture contained 100 mM Tris, pH 8.0, 100 mM acetyl CoA, 100 mM 5,5′-di-thiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), 0.1% Triton X-100, and 2-4 μg supernatant protein, and was initiated with 100 μM oxaloacetate and monitored at 412 nm for 3 min at 25 °C.

Malate dehydrogenase

Malate dehydrogenase was measured as described by Kitto.1717. Kitto GB. Intra- and extramitochondrial malate dehydrogenases from chicken and tuna heart. Methods Enzymol. 1969;13:107-16. Aliquots (20 mg protein) were transferred into a medium containing 10 mM rotenone (specific inhibitor of complex I), 0.2% Triton X-100, 0.15 mM NADH, and 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37 °C. The reaction was started by addition of 0.33 mM oxaloacetate. The absorbance was monitored as described above.

Succinate dehydrogenase

Succinate dehydrogenase activity was determined as per Fischer et al.,1818. Fischer JC, Ruitenbeek W, Berden JA, Trijbels JM, Veerkamp JH, Stadhouders AM, et al. Differential investigation of the capacity of succinate oxidation in human skeletal muscle. Clin Chim Acta. 1985;153:23-36. measured by following the decrease in absorbance due to reduction of 2,6-di-chloro-indophenol (2,6-DCIP) at 600 nm with 700 nm as reference wavelength (ε = 19.1 mM-1 cm-1) in the presence of phenazine methosulphate (PMS). The reaction mixture consisting of 40 mM potassium phosphate, pH 7.4, 16 mM succinate, and 8 μM 2,6-DCIP was pre-incubated with 40-80 μg homogenate protein at 30 °C for 20 min. Subsequently, 4 mM sodium azide, 7 μM rotenone (specific inhibitor of complex I), and 40 μM 2,6-DCIP were added. The reaction was initiated by addition of 1 mM PMS and was monitored for 5 min.

Activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes

Complex I

NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) was evaluated as described by Cassina & Radi1919. Cassina A, Radi R. Differential inhibitory Aation of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite on mitochondrial electron transport. Arch Biochem Biophys. 1996;328:309-16. by determining the rate of NADH-dependent ferricyanide reduction at 420 nm.

Complex II

The activity of succinate-2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP)-oxidoreductase (complex II) was determined by the method described by Fischer et al.1818. Fischer JC, Ruitenbeek W, Berden JA, Trijbels JM, Veerkamp JH, Stadhouders AM, et al. Differential investigation of the capacity of succinate oxidation in human skeletal muscle. Clin Chim Acta. 1985;153:23-36. Complex II activity was measured by following the decrease in absorbance due to reduction of 2,6-DCIP at 600 nm.

Complex II-III

The activity of succinate: cytochrome c oxidoreductase (complex III) was determined by the method described by Fischer et al.1818. Fischer JC, Ruitenbeek W, Berden JA, Trijbels JM, Veerkamp JH, Stadhouders AM, et al. Differential investigation of the capacity of succinate oxidation in human skeletal muscle. Clin Chim Acta. 1985;153:23-36. Complex II-III activity was measured by cytochrome c reduction using succinate as substrate at 550 nm.

Complex IV

The activity of cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) was assayed as described by Rustin et al.,2020. Rustin P, Chretien D, Bourgeron T, Gerard B, Rotig A, Saudubray JM, et al. Biochemical and molecular investigations in respiratory chain deficiencies. Clin Chim Acta. 1994;228:35-51. measured by following the decrease in absorbance due to the oxidation of previously reduced cytochrome c (prepared by reduction of cytochrome with NaBH4 and HCl) at 550 nm with 580 nm as the reference wavelength (ε = 19.1 mM-1 cm-1). The activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes were calculated as nmol. min-1. mg protein-1.

Activity of creatine kinase

Creatine kinase activity was measured in brain homogenates pretreated with 0.625 mM lauryl maltoside. The reaction mixture consisted of 60 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, containing 7 mM phosphocreatine, 9 mM MgSO4, and approximately 0.4-1.2 μg protein to a final volume of 100 μL. After 15 min of pre-incubation at 37 °C, the reaction was started by the addition of 3.2 mmol of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plus 0.8 mmol of reduced glutathione. The reaction was stopped after 10 min by the addition of 1 μmol of p-hydroxymercuribenzoic acid. The creatine formed was estimated by the colorimetric method of Hughes.2121. Hughes BP. A method for estimation of serum creatine kinase and its use in comparing creatine kinase and aldolase activity in normal and pathologic sera. Clin Chim Acta. 1962;7:597-603. The color was developed by addition of 100 μL 2% α-naphtol and 100 μL 0.05% diacetyl in a final volume of 1 mL and read spectrophotometrically after 20 min at 540 nm. Results were expressed as units/min x mg protein.

Statistical analysis

Results were presented as means ± standard deviation. Assays were performed in duplicate and the mean was used for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey test when F was significant. Between-groups differences were rated significant at p < 0.05. All analyses were carried out in an IBM PC-compatible computer using SPSS.

Results

In the present study, we evaluated the activity of some Krebs cycle enzymes, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and creatine kinase in the rat brain after prolonged administration of fluvoxamine at three dosage levels (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg). Our results showed that citrate synthase activity was decreased in the cerebellum and hippocampus (60 mg/kg) and cerebral cortex (10 and 30 mg/kg) and increased in the prefrontal cortex (30 mg/kg) (Figure 1). Succinate dehydrogenase activity was increased in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum (30 mg/kg), cerebellum (30 and 60 mg/kg), and cerebral cortex (at all doses) (Figure 2). Malate dehydrogenase activity was decreased in the prefrontal cortex (10 mg/kg) and striatum (at all doses) (Figure 3). Complex I activity was decreased in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum (10 mg/kg); however, complex I activity was increased in the prefrontal cortex in the 30 mg/kg group (Figure 4A). Complex II activity was increased in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum (30 mg/kg) and cerebral cortex (10 mg/kg) (Figure 4B). Complex II-III activity was decreased in the prefrontal cortex (10 mg/kg) and cerebellum (20 mg/kg) (Figure 4C). Complex IV activity was decreased in the prefrontal cortex (10 and 30 mg/kg), hippocampus (30 and 60 mg/kg), and cerebral cortex (60 mg/kg) (Figure 4D). Finally, creatine kinase activity was increased in the cerebellum (60 mg/kg), striatum (30 and 60 mg/kg), and cerebral cortex (10 and 30 mg/kg); however, it was decreased in prefrontal cortex in the 10 mg/kg group (Figure 5).

Figure 1
Effect of prolonged administration of fluvoxamine on citrate synthase activity in the rat prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test when F results were significant. * Different from control, p < 0.05.
Figure 2
Effect of prolonged administration of fluvoxamine on succinate dehydrogenase activity in the rat prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test when F results were significant. * Different from control, p < 0.05.
Figure 3
Effect of prolonged administration of fluvoxamine on malate dehydrogenase activity in the rat prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test when F results were significant. * Different from control, p < 0.05.
Figure 4
Effect of prolonged administration of fluvoxamine on complex I (A), II (B), II-III (C) and IV (D) activity in the rat prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test when F results were significant. * Different from control, p < 0.05.
Figure 5
Effect of prolonged administration of fluvoxamine on creatine kinase activity in the rat prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test when F results were significant. * Different from control, p < 0.05.

Discussion

Mitochondria presumably produce much of the ATP essential for the excitability and survival of neurons and the protein phosphorylation reactions that mediate synaptic signaling and related long-term changes in neuronal structure and function. Evidence shows that patients with psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) exhibit mitochondrial abnormalities at the structural, molecular, and functional levels.2222. Shao L, Martin MV, Watson SJ, Schatzberg A, Akil H, Myers RM, et al. Mitochondrial involvement in psychiatric disorders. Ann Med. 2008;40:281-95. Indeed, Gardner et al.2323. Gardner A, Johansson A, Wibom R, Nennesmo I, von Döbeln U, Hagenfeldt L, et al. Alterations of mitochondrial function and correlations with personality traits in selected major depressive disorder patients. J Affect Disord. 2003;76:55-68. showed a significant decrease in mitochondrial ATP production rates and mitochondrial enzyme ratios in muscle of major depressive disorder patients. Considering that life stressors may contribute to the development of depression, chronic stress has been used as an animal model of depression. In this scenario, it has been reported that activity of brain Na+, K+-ATPase and respiratory chain complexes I, III, and IV is inhibited after chronic variable stress in rats and that complexes I-III and II-III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain are inhibited in the rat brain after chronic stress.2424. Madrigal JL, Olivenza R, Moro M, Lizasoain I, Lorenzo P, Rodrigo J, et al. Glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction are induced by chronic stress in rat brain. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2001;24:420-9. An abnormal cellular energy state can lead to alterations in neuronal function, plasticity, and brain circuitry, and thereby affect cognition.2525. Barrett SL, Kelly C, Bell R, King DJ. Gender influences the detection of spatial working memory deficits in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord. 2008;10:647-54.

The action of various therapeutic agents on mitochondria is relatively unknown. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunctions are implicated in etiology of drug-induced toxicities.2626. Maurer I, Moller HJ. Inhibition of complex I by neuroleptics in normal human brain cortex parallels the extrapyramidal toxicity of neuroleptics. Mol Cell Biochem. 1997;174:255-9. However, there is relatively little information about associations between antidepressant-induced changes in mitochondrial functions and therapeutic or side effects of these drugs. Our findings showed that fluvoxamine alters the activity of energy metabolism enzymes in the brain, although this influence varied depending on the dose, brain region, and enzyme evaluated. Furthermore, different regions of the central nervous system can respond distinctly,2727. Sullivan PG, Rabchevsky AG, Waldmeier PC, Springer JE. Mitochondrial permeability transition in CNS trauma: cause or effect of neuronal cell death? J Neurosci Res. 2005;79:231-9. and the activities of enzymes involved in energy metabolism were analyzed in different brain regions, which in part represent different cell types, indicating heterogeneity in terms of physiological and metabolic characteristics.2828. Lai YL, Rodarte JR, Hyatt RE. Effect of body position on lung emptying in recumbent anesthetized dogs. J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol. 1977;43:983-7.

29. Sims DE. Recent advances in pericyte biology implications for health and disease. Can J Cardiol. 1991;7:431-43.
-3030. Sonnewald U, Hertz L, Schousboe A. Mitochondrial heterogeneity in the brain at the cellular level. J Cereb Blood Flow Metabol. 1998;18:231-7. Our data are consistent with previous studies that showed antidepressants might cause impairment in mitochondrial function.3131. Mattson MP, Gleichmann M, Cheng A. Mitochondria in neuroplasticity and neurological disorders. Neuron. 2008;60:748-66. Recent studies showed that citalopram and escitalopram decreased the activity of respiratory chain complexes.3232. Goncalves CL, Rezin GT, Ferreira GK, Jeremias IC, Cardoso MR, Carvalho-Silva M, et al. Differential effects of escitalopram administration on cortical and subcortical brain regions metabolic parameters of Wistar rats. Acta Neuropsychiatr. 2012;24:147-54. Dykens et al.3333. Dykens JA, Jamieson JD, Marroquin LD, Nadanaciva S, Xu JJ, Dunn MC, et al. In vitro assessment of mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity of nefazodone, trazodone, and buspirone. Toxicol Sci. 2008;103:335-45. showed that antidepressants induce mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity. In this context, a recent study showed that tricyclic antidepressants can modulate mitochondrial functions indirectly through a decrease in nitric oxide production.3434. Hwang J, Zheng LT, Ock J, Lee MG, Kim SH, Lee HW, et al. Inhibition of glial inflammatory activation and neurotoxicity by tricyclic antidepressants. Neuropharmacology. 2008;55:826-34. More recently, Hroudová & Fisar3535. Hroudová J, Fišar Z. In vitro inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory rate by antidepressants. Toxicol Lett. 2012;213:345-52. showed that amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and tianeptine are potent partial inhibitors of energized mitochondrial respiration.

The reasons for the region-specific effect of fluvoxamine on the activity of energy metabolism enzymes are unclear, but studies have demonstrated that fluvoxamine has different effects in specific brain areas. Muck-Seler et al.3636. Muck-Seler D, Pivac N, Diksic M. Acute treatment with fluvoxamine elevates rat brain serotonin synthesis in some terminal regions: an autoradiographic study. Nucl Med Biol. 2012;39:1053-7. reported that fluvoxamine administration decreased 5-HT synthesis rates in serotonergic cell bodies in the raphe magnus, with a trend toward decrease in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. On the other hand, 5-HT synthesis rates were increased in the hippocampus, substantia nigra, and hypothalamus, and remained unchanged in the caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens.

Most antidepressants are cationic amphiphilic molecules, which can accumulate in the brain, membranes, and subcellular components.3737. Szewczyk A, Wojtczak L. Mitochondria as a pharmacological target. Pharmacol. Rev. 2002;54:101-27. The unique physicochemical properties of the mitochondrial matrix may facilitate the selective accumulation of different xenobiotics in the matrix and/or in the inner mitochondrial membrane.3838. D'Sa C, Duman RS. Antidepressants and neuroplasticity. Bipolar Disord. 2002;4:183-94. Thus, high antidepressant concentrations in mitochondria can be sufficient for partial inhibition of the respiratory rate, and inhibition of mitochondrial respiration may represent the first step in the induction of antidepressant side effects associated with disturbed metabolism and transport of these drugs. On the other hand, considering that mitochondrial dysfunction induces activation of gene expression through the transcription factor cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) via the cAMP signaling pathway and that effects of long-term treatment with antidepressants are linked to the activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A/CREB/brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway,3939. Calabrese V, Cornelius C, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Calabrese EJ, Mattson MP. Cellular stress responses, the hormesis paradigm, and vitagenes: novel targets for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2010;13:1763-811. it can be speculated that antidepressant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction could be involved in early biochemical processes leading to changes in neuroplasticity. In this context, Abdel-Razaq et al.4040. Abdel-Razaq W, Kendall DA, Bates TE. The effects of antidepressants on mitochondrial function in a model cell system and isolated mitochondria. Neurochem Res. 2011;36:327-38. suggest that the weak antimitochondrial actions of antidepressants could provide a potentially protective preconditioning effect, in which antidepressant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction below the threshold of injury results in subsequent protection.

However, it is well known that the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system generates reactive oxygen species (ROS).4141. Adam-Vizi V. Production of reactive oxygen species in brain mitochondria: contribution by electron transport chain and non-electron transport chain sources. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005;7:1140-9. Complex I plays a major role in controlling oxidative phosphorylation, and its abnormal activity can lead to defects in energy metabolism and thereby to changes in neuronal activity. This unique feature explains the mitochondrion's great vulnerability to lipophilic molecules.4141. Adam-Vizi V. Production of reactive oxygen species in brain mitochondria: contribution by electron transport chain and non-electron transport chain sources. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005;7:1140-9. Inhibition of complex III usually results in the generation of ROS as a consequence of the intrinsic characteristics of the electron-transfer process to this complex from reduced ubiquinone (UQ).4242. Pathak RU, Davey GP. Complex I and energy thresholds in the brain. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2008;1777:777-82. To maintain homeostasis, mitochondria possess a number of compartmentalized proteolytic systems that are capable of degrading transient or abnormal proteins. Within the mitochondrial matrix, the ATP-dependent Lon protease has been suggested to perform this vital function. The increased susceptibility of Lon protease inactivation in comparison with electron transport chain inhibition raises the possibility that Lon protease dysfunction may be an early event in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial disorders associated with elevated ROS production. This may result in a self-amplifying cycle of oxidative damage to the mitochondria as a result of aconitase oxidation and the release of unbound iron ions, leading to impaired respiration and cellular degeneration.4343. Scatena R, Bottoni P, Botta G, Martorana GE, Giardina B. The role of mitochondria in pharmacotoxicology: a reevaluation of an old, newly emerging topic. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2007;293:C12-21. Thus, the potentially protective preconditioning caused by antidepressant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction below the threshold of injury can be associated with adverse effects through the formation of ROS, since said mitochondrial dysfunction generates ROS, which in turn are associated with a reduction in antioxidant defenses that can lead to oxidative stress.

In conclusion, based on the hypothesis that metabolic impairments might be implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, and on previous studies that have demonstrated that some antidepressants induce mitochondrial dysfunction, we suggest that an increase in complex II, succinate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase activities is associated with the therapeutic effects of antidepressants, and that a decrease in citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV activities could be related to adverse effects of pharmacotherapy, but long-term molecular adaptations cannot be ruled out. In addition, we demonstrated that these changes varied according to brain structure or biochemical analysis and were not dose-dependent.

This study was supported by grants from Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (CNPq), Fundação de Apoio è Pesquisa Científica e Tecnológica do Estado de Santa Catarina (FAPESC), and Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC).

References

  • 1
    Kessler RC, Walters EE. Epidemiology of DSM-III-R major depression and minor depression among adolescents and young adults in the National Comorbidity Survey. Depress Anxiety. 1998;7:3-14.
  • 2
    Kiss JP. Theory of active antidepressants: a nonsynaptic approach to the treatment of depression. Neurochem Int. 2008;52:34-9.
  • 3
    Zhang X, Beaulieu JM, Sotnikova TD, Gainetdinov RR, Caron MG. Triptophan hydroxylase-2 controls brain serotonin synthesis. Science. 2004;305:217.
  • 4
    Pacher P, Kohegyi E, Kecskemeti V, Furst S. Current trends in the development of new antidepressants. Curr Med Chem. 2001;8:89-100.
  • 5
    Skolnick P. Beyond monoamine-based therapies: clues to new approaches. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63:19-23.
  • 6
    Charney DS. Monoamine dysfunction and the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59:11-4.
  • 7
    Mundo E, Rouillon F, Figuera ML, Stigler M. Fluvoxamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: similar efficacy but superior tolerability in comparison with clomipramine. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2001;16:461-8.
  • 8
    Potter WZ, Rudorfer MV, Manji H. The pharmacologic treatment of depression. N Engl J Med. 1991;325:633-42.
  • 9
    Tretter L, Mayer-Takacs D, Adam-Vizi V. The effect of bovine serum albumin on the membrane potential and reactive oxygen species generation in succinate-supported isolated brain mitochondria. Neurochem Int. 2007;50:139-47.
  • 10
    Dykens JA, Will Y. The significance of mitochondrial toxicity testing in drug development. Drug Discov Today. 2007;12:777-85.
  • 11
    Calabrese V, Scapagnini G, Giuffrida Stella AM, Bates TE, Clark JB. Mitochondrial involvement in brain function and dysfunction: relevance to aging, neurodegenerative disorders and longevity. Neurochem Res. 2001;26:739-64.
  • 12
    Kelly DP, Gordon JI, Alpers R, Strauss AW. The tissue-specific expression and developmental Regulation of two nuclear genes encoding rat mitochondrial proteins. Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase. J Biol Chem. 1989;264:18921-5.
  • 13
    Bessman SP, Carpenter CL. The creatine-creatine phosphate energy shuttle. Annu Rev Biochem. 1985;54:831-62.
  • 14
    Maurel S, De Vry J, Schreiber R. Comparison of the effects of the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram and fluvoxamine in alcohol-preferring cAA rats. Alcohol. 1999;17:195-201.
  • 15
    Lowry OH, Rosebough NG, Farr AL, Randall RJ. Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem. 1951;193:265-75.
  • 16
    Srere PA. Citrate synthase. Methods Enzymol. 1969;13:3-11.
  • 17
    Kitto GB. Intra- and extramitochondrial malate dehydrogenases from chicken and tuna heart. Methods Enzymol. 1969;13:107-16.
  • 18
    Fischer JC, Ruitenbeek W, Berden JA, Trijbels JM, Veerkamp JH, Stadhouders AM, et al. Differential investigation of the capacity of succinate oxidation in human skeletal muscle. Clin Chim Acta. 1985;153:23-36.
  • 19
    Cassina A, Radi R. Differential inhibitory Aation of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite on mitochondrial electron transport. Arch Biochem Biophys. 1996;328:309-16.
  • 20
    Rustin P, Chretien D, Bourgeron T, Gerard B, Rotig A, Saudubray JM, et al. Biochemical and molecular investigations in respiratory chain deficiencies. Clin Chim Acta. 1994;228:35-51.
  • 21
    Hughes BP. A method for estimation of serum creatine kinase and its use in comparing creatine kinase and aldolase activity in normal and pathologic sera. Clin Chim Acta. 1962;7:597-603.
  • 22
    Shao L, Martin MV, Watson SJ, Schatzberg A, Akil H, Myers RM, et al. Mitochondrial involvement in psychiatric disorders. Ann Med. 2008;40:281-95.
  • 23
    Gardner A, Johansson A, Wibom R, Nennesmo I, von Döbeln U, Hagenfeldt L, et al. Alterations of mitochondrial function and correlations with personality traits in selected major depressive disorder patients. J Affect Disord. 2003;76:55-68.
  • 24
    Madrigal JL, Olivenza R, Moro M, Lizasoain I, Lorenzo P, Rodrigo J, et al. Glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction are induced by chronic stress in rat brain. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2001;24:420-9.
  • 25
    Barrett SL, Kelly C, Bell R, King DJ. Gender influences the detection of spatial working memory deficits in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord. 2008;10:647-54.
  • 26
    Maurer I, Moller HJ. Inhibition of complex I by neuroleptics in normal human brain cortex parallels the extrapyramidal toxicity of neuroleptics. Mol Cell Biochem. 1997;174:255-9.
  • 27
    Sullivan PG, Rabchevsky AG, Waldmeier PC, Springer JE. Mitochondrial permeability transition in CNS trauma: cause or effect of neuronal cell death? J Neurosci Res. 2005;79:231-9.
  • 28
    Lai YL, Rodarte JR, Hyatt RE. Effect of body position on lung emptying in recumbent anesthetized dogs. J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol. 1977;43:983-7.
  • 29
    Sims DE. Recent advances in pericyte biology implications for health and disease. Can J Cardiol. 1991;7:431-43.
  • 30
    Sonnewald U, Hertz L, Schousboe A. Mitochondrial heterogeneity in the brain at the cellular level. J Cereb Blood Flow Metabol. 1998;18:231-7.
  • 31
    Mattson MP, Gleichmann M, Cheng A. Mitochondria in neuroplasticity and neurological disorders. Neuron. 2008;60:748-66.
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    17 Mar 2014
  • Date of issue
    Jul-Sep 2014

History

  • Received
    1 July 2013
  • Accepted
    23 Oct 2013
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