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Albumin attenuates DNA damage in primary-cultured neurons. |
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Albumin attenuates DNA damage in primary-cultured neurons.
Neurosci Lett. 2008 Nov 8
Baltanás FC, Weruaga E, Valero J, Recio JS, Alonso JR.
Lab.
of Neural Plasticity and Neurorepair, Institute for Neurosciences of
Castilla y León, Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain.
Human
serum albumin (HSA) is an effective therapeutic agent that protects
neurons after cerebral ischemia or related injuries by means of its
antioxidant capacity. Our aim was to test whether bovine serum albumin
(BSA) might also provide protection, especially against DNA damage. Rat
cortical neurons were cultured in both the presence and absence of BSA.
To test the neuroprotective role of BSA against DNA damage and neuronal
death, primary cultures were investigated using both gamma-H2AX and
pATM immunocytochemistry, and the TUNEL assay, respectively.
Quantitative analyses revealed that the cultures in the absence of BSA
had a higher number of apoptotic neurons. Additionally, neurons showing
DNA strand breaks were fewer when BSA was added to the medium. BSA acts
as a neuroprotective molecule, reducing both the DNA damage and
apoptosis rates. This effect is similar to that described for HSA,
probably due to its antioxidant activity. Hence, we have demonstrated
that BSA provides a neuroprotective role when DNA damage occurs.
Additionally, we suggest that BSA probably shares similarities with HSA
in its antioxidant activity, opening new ways in the study of stroke
and related brain diseases.
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