Tibolone Preserves Mitochondrial Functionality and Cell Morphology in Astrocytic Cells Treated with Palmitic Acid.

Abstract

Obesity has been associated with increased chronic neuroinflammation and augmented risk of neurodegeneration. This is worsened during the normal aging process when the levels of endogenous gonadal hormones are reduced. In this study, we have assessed the protective actions of tibolone, a synthetic steroid with estrogenic actions, on T98G human astrocytic cells exposed to palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid used to mimic obesity in vitro. Tibolone improved cell survival, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential in palmitic acid-treated astrocytic cells. Although we did not find significant actions of tibolone on free radical production, it modulated astrocytic morphology after treatment with palmitic acid. These data suggest that tibolone protects astrocytic cells by preserving both mitochondrial functionality and morphological complexity.

• Authors: Yeimy González-Giraldo, Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura, Valentina Echeverria, George E Barreto
• Journal: Molecular neurobiology (Mol Neurobiol) Vol. 55 Issue 5 Pg. 4453-4462 (May 2018) ISSN: 1559-1182 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 28667487 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Norpregnenes
• Palmitic Acid
• tibolone

Topics

• Astrocytes (cytology, drug effects, metabolism)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Shape (drug effects)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Humans
• Mitochondria (drug effects, metabolism)
• Norpregnenes (pharmacology)
• Palmitic Acid (toxicity)