Downregulation of vitamin C transporter SVCT-2 in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte injury

Vitamin C (Vit C) has been shown to be protective against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. However, Vit C uptake into cardiomyocytes is poorly understood. Furthermore, whether the antioxidant enzyme reserve is enhanced by Vit C is also not known. The present study investigated an influence of Dox on Vit C transporters, expression of endogenous antioxidant reserve as well as enzymes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in isolated cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to control (culture medium 199 alone), Dox (10 μM), Vit C (25 μM), and Vit C + Dox for 24 h. Vit C transporter expression and localization, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and apoptosis were studied. Expression and localization of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-2 (SVCT-2) in the sarcolemma was reduced by Dox, but Vit C supplementation was able to blunt this change. There was a decrease in the expression of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) due to Dox, but only GPx expression was completely prevented and Cu/Zn SOD was partially rescued by Vit C. Dox-induced decrease in antioxidant reserve and increase in oxidative stress were partially mitigated by Vit C. Dox-induced apoptosis was ameliorated by Vit C. It is suggested that cardioprotection offered by Vit C in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy may involve an upregulation of SVCT-2 transporter followed by a reduction in oxidative stress as well as blunting of cardiomyocyte injury.

Probucol promotes endogenous antioxidant reserve and confers protection against reperfusion injuryThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Dysfunction, Dhalla 70th Birthday Tribute.

The present study examines whether a subchronic probucol treatment of rats offers protection against ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in isolated perfused hearts. Sprague–Dawley rats were treated every second day per week with probucol (cumulative dose 120 mg/kg body mass, i.p.) for 4 weeks. In the probucol group, baseline myocardial antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), activity was increased (p < 0.05), whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were not changed. Baseline oxidative stress, as indicated by the myocardial lipid peroxidation, was less (p < 0.05) in the probucol group. Isolated hearts were subjected to 60 min global I and 20 min R. Recovery of the contractile function in globally ischemic hearts upon reperfusion was 36% in untreated group and 74% in the probucol group. After IR, GSHPx and CAT activities were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the probucol group compared with the control group, whereas SOD did not change. Lipid peroxidation owing to IR was significantly less in the probocol group. These data suggest that probucol treatment improves endogenous antioxidant reserve and protects against increased oxidative stress following IR injury.