Propionic and L-methylmalonic acids induce oxidative stress in brain of young rats

The in vitro effects of propionic and L-methylmalonic acids on some paramet ers of oxidative stress were investigated in the cerebral cortex of 21-day- old rats. Chemiluminescence, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-R S) and total radical-trapping antioxidant capacity (TRAP) were measured in brain tissue homogenates in the presence of propionic or L-methylmalonic ac ids at concentrations ranging from I to 10 mM. Both acids significantly inc reased chemiluminescence and TBA-RS and decreased TRAP, indicating a simula tion of lipid peroxidation and a reduction of tissue antioxidant potential. Other organic acids tested which accumulate in some organic acidemias (sub eric, sebacic, adipic, 3-methylglutaric and 4-hydroxybutyric acids) did not affect these parameters. This study provides evidence: that free radical g eneration may participate in the neurological dysfunction of propionic and methylmalonic acidemias. NeuroReport 11:541-544 (C) 2000 Lippincott William s & Wilkins.