Vitamin E binding protein afamin protects neuronal cells in vitro.
Afamin, an 87 kDa human plasma glycoprotein with specific binding properties for vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) was recently characterized (Jerkovic, 1997; Vögele, 1999). In the present study the in vitro effects on neuronal cells of native human Afamin, of Afamin pre-loaded with vitamin E (Afamin+), and of vitamin E were investigated. Isolated cortical chicken neurons were maintained either under apoptosis-inducing low serum conditions or exposed to oxidative stress by the addition of H2O2 or beta-amyloid peptide(25-35). Afamin and vitamin E synergistically enhance the survival of cortical neurons under apoptotic conditions. Furthermore, Afamin alone protects cortical neurons from cell death in both experimental settings. Therefore, the plasma glycoprotein Afamin apparently displays a neuroprotective activity not only by virtue of binding and transporting vitamin E but also on its own.
Heiser
M
M
JSW Research GmbH, Graz, Austria.
Hutter-Paier
B
B
Jerkovic
L
L
Pfragner
R
R
Windisch
M
M
Becker-André
M
M
Dieplinger
H
H
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000075462:Serum Albumin, Human; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
C088246:AFM protein, human; D000975:Antioxidants; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D012709:Serum Albumin; D014810:Vitamin E; D000075462:Serum Albumin, Human