In vitro effect of globotriaosylceramide on electron transport chain complexes and redox parameters

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inherited disease and occurs due to mutations in GLA gene that encodes the alpha-galactosidase enzyme. Consequently, there is an accumulation of enzyme substrates, namely globotriaosylceramide (GB3). FD is a multisystemic disease, caused by storage of GB3 in vascular endothelia, with significant renal, cardiac and vascular involvement. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro effect of GB3 on electron transport chain complexes (ETC) and redox parameters. Biochemical biomarkers were determined in homogenates of cerebral cortex, kidneys and liver of Wistar rats in the presence or absence of GB3 at concentrations of 3, 6, 9 and 12 mg/L. We found that GB3 caused an increase of ETC complexes II and IV activities, increased production of reactive species and decreased superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in homogenates of cerebral cortex. As well also increased production of reactive species and superoxide dismutase activity in kidney homogenates. The results obtained in our work suggest that GB3 interferes in ETC complexes II and IV activities, however, the magnitude of this increase seems to be too low to present a physiologically importance. However, the imbalance in cellular redox state indicating that these alterations may be involved in the pathophysiology of FD, mainly in renal and cerebral manifestations.