Pyruvate prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis

Abstract

Studies were carried out to investigate the protective effects of pyruvate, a key glycolytic intermediate and α-keto-monocarboxylate, against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Oxidative stress was induced by treating mouse thymocytes with 25 μM hydrogen peroxide for 15 min at 37°C under 5% CO₂ in air. Pre- and post-treatment of cells with 10 mM pyruvate inhibited morphological changes, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and translocation of phosphatidylserine to the plasma membrane surface, which are characteristic features of apoptosis. L-lactate (10 mM) and acetate (10 mM) were ineffective in inhibiting apoptosis and appeared to be toxic to the cells under similar conditions. The results suggest that pyruvate has therapeutic potential for use in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced disorders associated with increased apoptosis.

Keywords:

• Apoptosis
• oxidative stress
• hydrogen peroxide
• pyruvate
• lymphocytes
• flow cytometry