Chronic alcohol consumption increases the expression of uncoupling protein-2 and -4 in the brain
Graw JA, von Haefen C, Poyraz D, Möbius N, Sifringer M, Spies CD (2013)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2013
Journal
Book Volume: 37
Pages Range: 1650-1656
Journal Issue: 10
DOI: 10.1111/acer.12144
Abstract
Background: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to oxidative stress in a variety of cells, especially in brain cells because they have a reduced oxidative metabolism of alcohol. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are anion channels of the inner mitochondrial membrane, which can decouple internal respiration. "Mild uncoupling" of the mitochondrial respiratory chain leads to a reduced production of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and a reduction in oxidative cell stress. The extent to which chronic alcohol consumption regulates UCP-2 and -4 in the brain is still unknown. Methods: We examined the effects of a 12-week 5% alcohol diet in the brain of male Wistar rats (n = 34). Cerebral gene and protein expression of UCP-2, -4, as well as Bcl-2, and the release of cytochrome c out of the mitochondria were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The percentage of degenerated cells was determined by Fluoro-Jade B staining of brain slices. Results: Brains of rats with a chronic alcohol diet showed an increased gene and protein expression of UCP-2 and -4. The expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the brain of the alcohol-treated animals was decreased significantly, whereas cytochrome c release from mitochondria was increased. In addition increased neurodegeneration could be demonstrated in the alcohol-treated animals. Conclusions: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to a cerebral induction of UCP-2 and -4 with a simultaneous decrease in the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, cytochrome c release from mitochondria and increased neurodegeneration. This study reveals a compensatory effect of UCP-2 and -4 in the brain during chronic alcohol consumption. © 2013 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.
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APA:
Graw, J.A., von Haefen, C., Poyraz, D., Möbius, N., Sifringer, M., & Spies, C.D. (2013). Chronic alcohol consumption increases the expression of uncoupling protein-2 and -4 in the brain. Alcoholism-Clinical and Experimental Research, 37(10), 1650-1656. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12144
MLA:
Graw, Jan A., et al. "Chronic alcohol consumption increases the expression of uncoupling protein-2 and -4 in the brain." Alcoholism-Clinical and Experimental Research 37.10 (2013): 1650-1656.
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