Role of CD36 in palmitic acid-induced apoptosis of astrocytes / 药学学报

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate the role of CD36 in palmitic acid (PA)-induced apoptosis of astrocytes and the potential mechanisms of the action. MTT assay was used to detect cell viability and TUNEL assay to detect cell apoptosis. It was found that PA significantly decreased astrocyte cell viability and increased cell apoptosis. The uptake of BODIPY FL C16 by astrocytes was measured by flow cytometry. The results showed that CD36 played a key role in the process of PA uptake by astrocytes. The changes of intracellular calcium concentration were detected by FLIPR real-time fluorescence recording system. It was found that IP3R mediated PA signal to induce intracellular calcium release and finally caused endoplasmic reticulum calcium depletion. The intracellular ROS level was detected with CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence staining. The ROS level was induced by PA in astrocytes. The effect was blocked by CD36 inhibitor SSO through inhibition of the uptake of PA. PA-induced calcium overload and ROS increase were prevented by IP3R inhibitor APB. SSO, APB and antioxidant NAC all had significant inhibitory effects on PA-induced astrocyte cell viability decrease. In conclusion, CD36 mediates the translocation of PA into astrocytes, which leads to calcium overload, oxidative stress and eventually cell apoptosis.