Prevention of 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced cell death by mangafodipir is mediated through lysosomal and mitochondrial pathways

Mangafodipir, a MRI contrast agent, has been used as a viability marker in patients with myocardial infarction and showed vascular relaxation effect. It confers myocardial protection against oxidative stress. However mechanisms underlying such protection have not yet been investigated. In this investigation we first studied whether mangafodipir inhibits apoptosis induced by 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7βOH), a cytotoxic cholesterol oxidation product found in atherosclerotic lesions in humans and in heart of ethanol-fed rats. We then focused on whether mangafodipir influences the production of reactive oxygen species, lysosomal and mitochondrial membrane permeabilities in the cell model. Our results revealed that pre-treatment with mangafodipir (400 µM) protected against cellular reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, and permeabilization of lysosomal and mitochondrial membranes induced by 7βOH. In conclusion, a novel effect of mangafodipir on 7βOH-induced apoptosis is via reduction of cellular reactive oxygen species and stabilization of lysosomal and mitochondrial membranes. This is the first report to show the additional cytoprotective effect of mangafodipir, which may suggest possible use of the drug.