Desipramine Ameliorates Cr(VI)-induced Hepatocellular Apoptosis Via the Inhibition of Ceramide Channel Formation and Mitochondrial PTP Opening

Background: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a common environmental pollutant. Cr(VI) exposure can lead to severe damage in the liver, but the preventive measures to diminish Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity need further study. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) is responsible for the production of ceramide via the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin. The present study was designed to investigate effects of desipramine (DES), as an ASMase inhibitor, on Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods: L-02 hepatocytes were incubated with different concentrations of Cr(VI) for 24h, and ASMase activities and ceramide levels were measured. Moreover, the study investigated the role of DES played in ASMase activities and ceramide levels. Finally, effects of DES on mRNA and protein expressions of the components of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) and PTP opening were detected.

Results: The ASMase activities and ceramide contents increased in L-02 hepatocytes treated with Cr(VI). The results demonstrated that apoptosis rates, ASMase activities and ceramide content decreased in groups treated with the combination of DES and Cr(VI) compared to Cr(VI) groups. Furthermore, DES inhibited Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial PTP opening by intervening the mRNA and protein expressions of the components of mitochondrial PTP.

Conclusions: DES may exert protective effects on Cr(VI)-induced hepatocellular apoptosis probably by inhibiting ceramide channel formation and mitochondrial PTP opening.