alpha-Tocopherol Protects Against Oxidative Stress in the Fragile X Knockout Mouse: an Experimental Therapeutic Approach for the Fmr1 Deficiency

作者：de Diego Otero Yolanda^*; Romero Zerbo Yanina; el Bekay Rajaa; Decara Juan; Sanchez Lourdes; Rodriguez de Fonseca Fernando; del Arco Herrera Ignacio

来源：Neuropsychopharmacology, 2009, 34(4): 1011-1026.

DOI：10.1038/npp.2008.152

• Fragile X syndrome
• Fmr1 knockout
• oxidative stress
• tocopherol
• Rac1
• therapeutic target

Fragile X syndrome is the most common genetic cause of mental disability. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis remain unclear and specific treatments are still under development. Previous studies have proposed an abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and high cortisol levels are demonstrated in the fragile X patients. Additionally, we have previously described that NADPH-oxidase activation leads to oxidative stress in the brain, representing a pathological mechanism in the fragile X mouse model. Fmr1-knockout mice develop an altered free radical production, abnormal glutathione homeostasis, high lipid and protein oxidation, accompanied by stress-dependent behavioral abnormalities and pathological changes in the first months of postnatal life. Chronic pharmacological treatment with alpha-tocopherol reversed pathophysiological hallmarks including free radical overproduction, oxidative stress, Rac1 and alpha-PKC activation, macroorchidism, and also behavior and learning deficits. The restoration of the oxidative status in the fragile X mouse emerges as a new and promising approach for further therapeutic research in fragile X syndrome.

• 出版日期2009-3