Menaquinone-4 attenuates ferroptosis by upregulating DHODH through activation of SIRT1 after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: Menaquinone-4(MK-4), the isoform of vitamin K2 in the brain, exerts neuroprotective effects against a variety of central nervous system disorders. This study aimed to demonstrate the anti-ferroptosis effects of MK-4 in neurons after SAH. Methods: A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model was prepared by endovascular perforation in mice. In vitro hemoglobin stimulation of primary cortical neurons mimicked SAH. MK-4, Brequinar (BQR, DHODH inhibitor), and Selisistat (SEL, SIRT1 inhibitor) were administered, respectively. Subsequently, WB, immunofluorescence was used to determine protein expression and localization, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe neuronal mitochondrial structure while other indicators of ferroptosis were measured. Results: MK-4 treatment significantly upregulated the protein levels of DHODH; decreased GSH, PTGS2, NOX1, ROS, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, MK-4 upregulated the expression of SIRT1 and promoted its entry into the nucleus. BQR or SEL partially abolished the protective effect of MK-4 on, neurologic function, and ferroptosis. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that MK-4 attenuates ferroptosis after SAH by upregulating DHODH through the activation of SIRT1. SAH: subarachnoid hemorrhage; ROS: reactive oxygen species; MK-4: menaquinone-4; DHODH: dihydroorotate dehydrogenase; SLC7A11: solute carrier family 7 member 11; GPX4: glutathione peroxidase-4; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; CoQ: Coenzyme Q; MDA: malondialdehyde; PLOOH: phospholipid hydroperoxides. [Display omitted] • Menaquinone-4 improves neurologic function and attenuates ferroptosis after SAH. • Menaquinone-4 attenuates ferroptosis after SAH by upregulating DHODH. • Activation of SIRT1 is a potential mechanism for Menaquinone-4 upregulation of DHODH. • Vitamin K2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid of SAH patients was significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]