Peroxidase mechanism of lipid-dependent cross-linking of synuclein with cytochrome C: protection against apoptosis versus delayed oxidative stress in Parkinson disease

Damage of presynaptic mitochondria could result in release of proapoptotic factors that threaten the integrity of the entire neuron. We discovered that alpha-synuclein (Syn) forms a triple complex with anionic lipids (such as cardiolipin) and cytochrome c, which exerts a peroxidase activity. The latter catalyzes covalent hetero-oligomerization of Syn with cytochrome c into high molecular weight aggregates. Syn is a preferred substrate of this reaction and is oxidized more readily than cardiolipin, dopamine, and other phenolic substrates. Co-localization of Syn with cytochrome c was detected in aggregates formed upon proapoptotic stimulation of SH-SY5Y and HeLa cells and in dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons of rotenone-treated rats. Syn-cardiolipin exerted protection against cytochrome c-induced caspase-3 activation in a cell-free system, particularly in the presence of H(2)O(2). Direct delivery of Syn into mouse embryonic cells conferred resistance to proapoptotic caspase-3 activation. Conversely, small interfering RNA depletion of Syn in HeLa cells made them more sensitive to dopamine-induced apoptosis. In human Parkinson disease substantia nigra neurons, two-thirds of co-localized Syn-cytochrome c complexes occurred in Lewy neurites. Taken together, these results indicate that Syn may prevent execution of apoptosis in neurons through covalent hetero-oligomerization of cytochrome c. This immediate protective function of Syn is associated with the formation of the peroxidase complex representing a source of oxidative stress and postponed damage.

Biodegradation of single-walled carbon nanotubes through enzymatic catalysis

We show here the biodegradation of single-walled carbon nanotubes through natural, enzymatic catalysis. By incubating nanotubes with a natural horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and low concentrations of H2O2 (approximately 40 microM) at 4 degrees C over 12 weeks under static conditions, we show the increased degradation of nanotube structure. This reaction was monitored via multiple characterization methods, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectroscopy. These results mark a promising possibility for carbon nanotubes to be degraded by HRP in environmentally relevant settings. This is also tempting for future studies involving biotechnological and natural (plant peroxidases) ways for degradation of carbon nanotubes in the environment.

[A study of the effect of ceruloplasmin and lactoferrin on the chlorination activity of leukocytic myeloperoxidase using the chemiluminescence method]

The chlorination activity of free myeloperoxidase and myeloperoxidase bound with ceruloplasmin or with both ceruloplasmin and lactoferrin has been studied by luminal-dependent chemiluminescence. It was shown that the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the "myeloperoxidase + Cl- + luminal" system is accompanied by a fast flash of light emission. In the absence of myeloperoxidase or Cl-, the flash intensity was considerably reduced. The inhibitor of myeloperoxidase NaN3, the HOCl scavengers taurine and methionine, and guaiacol, a substrate for peroxidation cycle of myeloperoxidase, prevented luminescence. These results suggest that the generation of luminescence was due to the halogenating activity of myeloperoxidase, and hence, the flash light sum may serve as a measure of chlorination activity of myeloperoxidase. The activity of myeloperoxidase was suppressed by ceruloplasmin. Lactoferrin exhibited no significant influence on the myeloperoxidase activity, nor did it prevent the inhibitory effect of ceruloplasmin when they both were combined with myeloperoxidase. These data were confirmed using alternative approaches for evaluating the myeloperoxidase activity, namely, the assessment of peroxidation activity and the taurine chlorination assay. It is noteworthy that the inhibitory effect of ceruloplasmin on chlorination and peroxidation activities of myeloperoxidase is seen with the latter, traditional approaches only if ceruloplasmin is present in a large excess relative to myeloperoxidase, whereas the chemiluminescence method allows the detection of the inhibitory effect of ceruloplasmin using lower proportions of the protein with respect to myeloperoxidase, which are close to the stoichiometry of the myeloperoxidase/ceruloplasmin and the myeloperoxidase'ceruloplasmin'lactoferrin complexes.

Role of myeloperoxidase-mediated modification of human blood lipoproteins in atherosclerosis development

The mechanism of interaction of hypochlorite and hypobromite formed in myeloperoxidase catalysis with lipids of human blood low-density lipoprotein is described. Both agents react with unsaturated lipids via two mechanisms: molecular (with the formation of mainly chloro- or bromohydrins and lysophospholipids) and free-radical (paralleled by lipid peroxidation). These reactions modify physicochemical properties of low-density lipoproteins and disorder their lipid-transporting function thus initiating early stages of atherosclerosis development.

Activation of NO donors in mitochondria: peroxidase metabolism of (2-hydroxyamino-vinyl)-triphenyl-phosphonium by cytochrome c releases NO and protects cells against apoptosis

In mitochondrial apoptosis, the formation of cytochrome c-cardiolipin complex ([CL-cyt c]) with peroxidase properties is an early event in the cascade of reactions that leads to cell death. Herein, we report the synthesis of a new prodrug, (2-hydroxyamino-vinyl)-triphenyl-phosphonium (HVTP), which compartmentalizes exclusively into mitochondria, undergoes a [CL-cyt c]-catalyzed bioactivation to nitric oxide (NO), inhibits peroxidase activity, and protects cells from apoptosis.

[Determination of antibiotics using luminescent Escherichia coli and serum]

The methodical bases for detecting antibiotics using a bioluminescent assay and blood serum are briefed. Antibiotics inhibit the luminescence of a genetically engineered Escherichia coli strain. The degree of inhibition depended on the type of antibiotic, its concentration, and the time of cell incubation with antibiotic. The highest cell sensitivity was recorded towards the aminoglycoside antibiotics, which amounted to 85 +/- 10 ng/ml for gentamicin and streptomycin. The sensitivity of this system to a number of antibiotics essentially increased when the cells were previously activated with blood serum. The sensitivity of this method for gentamicin and streptomycin in the presence of blood serum amounted to 2.5 +/- 0.5 ng/ml; for tetracycline, 45 +/- 8 ng/ml. Use of the sera containing specific antibodies to the antibiotic detected provided a high sensitivity of the biosensor tested. Comparison of the luminescences of E. coli cells activated with normal and specific antisera upon incubation with an antibiotic allows the type of antibiotic and its quantitative content in the sample to be determined. Characteristic of the analysis of antibiotics with the help of recombinant E. coli are a high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, simplicity, and a short time needed for measurement.

Cardiolipin switch in mitochondria: shutting off the reduction of cytochrome c and turning on the peroxidase activity

Upon interaction with anionic phospholipids, particularly mitochondria-specific cardiolipin (CL), cytochrome c (cyt c) loses its tertiary structure and its peroxidase activity dramatically increases. CL-induced peroxidase activity of cyt c has been found to be important for selective CL oxidation in cells undergoing programmed death. During apoptosis, the peroxidase activity and the fraction of CL-bound cyt c markedly increase, suggesting that CL may act as a switch to regulate cyt c's mitochondrial functions. Using cyclic voltammetry and equilibrium redox titrations, we show that the redox potential of cyt c shifts negatively by 350-400 mV upon binding to CL-containing membranes. Consequently, functions of cyt c as an electron transporter and cyt c reduction by Complex III are strongly inhibited. Further, CL/cyt c complexes are not effective in scavenging superoxide anions and are not effectively reduced by ascorbate. Thus, both redox properties and functions of cyt c change upon interaction with CL in the mitochondrial membrane, diminishing cyt c's electron donor/acceptor role and stimulating its peroxidase activity.

pH-dependent regulation of myeloperoxidase activity

The balance between peroxidase and chlorinating activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) is very important for the enhancement of antimicrobial action and prevention of damage caused by hypochlorite. In the present paper, the peroxidase and chlorinating activities have been studied at various pH values. The possibility of using neutrophil protein solution for the evaluation of MPO activity has been demonstrated. It is shown that at neutral pH MPO had higher affinity to peroxidase substrate guaiacol: at pH 7.4, chloride ions did not compete with guaiacol up to the concentration of 150 mM. At acidic pH, chlorinating activity of MPO dominates: only hypochlorite production can be detected at equal chloride and guaiacol concentrations of 15 mM. However, horseradish peroxidase does not exhibit any difference in activity in the presence of chloride ions even at acidic pH values. It was demonstrated by MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometry that the amount of hypochlorite produced is sufficient to modify phospholipids (with formation of Cl- and Br-hydrins and lyso-derivatives) only at acidic pH (5.0). Thus, in the presence of phenolic peroxidase substrate, MPO chlorinating activity can be displayed at acidic pH only. It can lead to elimination of hypochlorite production in normal tissues at neutral pH (7.4) and its enhancement in phagosomes where the pH range is 4.7-6.0.

Mechanisms of cardiolipin oxidation by cytochrome c: relevance to pro- and antiapoptotic functions of etoposide

Execution of apoptotic program in mitochondria is associated with accumulation of cardiolipin peroxidation products required for the release of proapoptotic factors into the cytosol. This suggests that lipid antioxidants capable of inhibiting cardiolipin peroxidation may act as antiapoptotic agents. Etoposide, a widely used antitumor drug and a topoisomerase II inhibitor, is a prototypical inducer of apoptosis and, at the same time, an effective lipid radical scavenger and lipid antioxidant. Here, we demonstrate that cardiolipin oxidation during apoptosis is realized not via a random cardiolipin peroxidation mechanism but rather proceeds as a result of peroxidase reaction in a tight cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex that restrains interactions of etoposide with radical intermediates generated in the course of the reaction. Using low-temperature and ambient-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of H(2)O(2)-induced protein-derived (tyrosyl) radicals and etoposide phenoxyl radicals, respectively, we established that cardiolipin peroxidation and etoposide oxidation by cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex takes place predominantly on protein-derived radicals of cytochrome c. We further show that etoposide can inhibit cytochrome c-catalyzed oxidation of cardiolipin competing with it as a peroxidase substrate. Peroxidase reaction of cytochrome c/cardiolipin complexes causes cross-linking and oligomerization of cytochrome c. With nonoxidizable tetraoleoyl-cardiolipin, the cross-linking occurs via dityrosine formation, whereas bifunctional lipid oxidation products generated from tetralinoleoyl-cardiolipin participate in the production of high molecular weight protein aggregates. Protein aggregation is effectively inhibited by etoposide. The inhibition of cardiolipin peroxidation by etoposide, however, is realized at far higher concentrations than those at which it induces apoptotic cell death. Thus, oxidation of cardiolipin by the cytochrome c/cardiolipin peroxidase complex, which is essential for apoptosis, is not inhibited by proapoptotic concentrations of the drug.

Nitric oxide inhibits peroxidase activity of cytochrome c.cardiolipin complex and blocks cardiolipin oxidation

The increased production of NO during the early stages of apoptosis indicates its potential involvement in the regulation of programmed cell death through yet to be identified mechanisms. Recently, an important role for catalytically competent peroxidase form of pentacoordinate cytochrome c (cyt c) in a complex with a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), has been demonstrated during execution of the apoptotic program. Because the cyt c.CL complex acts as CL oxygenase and selectively oxidizes CL in apoptotic cells in a reaction dependent on the generation of protein-derived (tyrosyl) radicals, we hypothesized that binding and nitrosylation of cyt c regulates CL oxidation. Here we demonstrate by low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy that CL facilitated interactions of ferro- and ferri-states of cyt c with NO and NO(-), respectively, to yield a mixture of penta- and hexa-coordinate nitrosylated cyt c. In the nitrosylated cyt c.CL complex, NO chemically reacted with H(2)O(2)-activated peroxidase intermediates resulting in their reduction. A dose-dependent quenching of H(2)O(2)-induced protein-derived radicals by NO donors was shown using direct electron paramagnetic resonance measurements as well as immuno-spin trapping with antibodies against protein 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide-nitrone adducts. In the presence of NO donors, H(2)O(2)-induced oligomeric forms of cyt c positively stained for 3-nitrotyrosine confirming the reactivity of NO toward tyrosyl radicals of cyt c. Interaction of NO with the cyt c.CL complex inhibited its peroxidase activity with three different substrates: CL, etoposide, and 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. Given the importance of CL oxidation in apoptosis, mass spectrometry analysis was utilized to assess the effects of NO on oxidation of 1,1'2,2'-tertalinoleoyl cardiolipin. NO effectively inhibited 1,1'2,2'-tertalinoleoyl cardiolipin oxidation catalyzed by the peroxidase activity of cyt c. Thus, NO can act as a regulator of peroxidase activity of cyt c.CL complexes.

Cytochrome c acts as a cardiolipin oxygenase required for release of proapoptotic factors

Programmed death (apoptosis) is turned on in damaged or unwanted cells to secure their clean and safe self-elimination. The initial apoptotic events are coordinated in mitochondria, whereby several proapoptotic factors, including cytochrome c, are released into the cytosol to trigger caspase cascades. The release mechanisms include interactions of B-cell/lymphoma 2 family proteins with a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin, to cause permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Using oxidative lipidomics, we showed that cardiolipin is the only phospholipid in mitochondria that undergoes early oxidation during apoptosis. The oxidation is catalyzed by a cardiolipin-specific peroxidase activity of cardiolipin-bound cytochrome c. In a previously undescribed step in apoptosis, we showed that oxidized cardiolipin is required for the release of proapoptotic factors. These results provide insight into the role of reactive oxygen species in triggering the cell-death pathway and describe an early role for cytochrome c before caspase activation.

New approach for specific determination of antibiotics by use of luminescent Escherichia coli and immune serum

This paper describes a possible application of luminescent Escherichia coli activated by blood serum for high-sensitivity and high-specificity assays of antibiotics in solutions. Antibiotics inhibited luminescence of a genetically engineered E. coli strain; the system sensitivity to some antibiotics grew notably after the cells had been preactivated by blood serum. The highest level of sensitivity (2.8 +/- 0.6 ng/ml) of luminescent cells was obtained for aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin and streptomycin). It is feasible to create the specific biosensor for antibiotics on the basis of bioluminescent E. coli strains by applying sera containing antibodies against the antibiotic under assay. The presence of antibodies specific for gentamicin in serum affects inhibition of luminescent cells by gentamicin but not inhibition by other antibiotics.

[L-Glutamate oxidase from Streptomyces cremeus 510 MGU: effect of nitrogen sources on enzyme secretion]

Effect of nitrogen sources (organic complexes and mineral salts) on L-glutamate oxidase synthesis by Streptomyces cremeus 510 MGU was studied. Optimal enzyme production was not provided by any single nitrogen source. The most effective combination of nitrogen sources (soy flour, peptone, ammonium sulfate) was elaborated by the mathematical planning method. The results of experiment allowed to enhance biosynthesis of extracellular L-glutamate oxidase to 2.4-2.6 U/mL. It was shown that L-glutamate oxidase of Streptomyces cremeus 510 MGU is highly specific to substance and is stable during storage of filtrated culture with pH 6.8-9.0.

[L-Glutamate oxidase from Streptomyces cremeus 510 MGU: growth media optimization for the enhancement of the producer fermentative activity]

The investigation was devoted to culture conditions optimization aimed to maximum secretion of extracellular L-glutamate oxidase by Streptomyces cremeus 510 MGU. It was shown that Ca ions at the concentration 5-20 mM and 0.1% ammonium sulphate enhanced activity of extracellular enzyme to 4 folds. L-glutamate acid supplement had no effect on enzyme activity. Influence of some bivalent cations and aeration regimes on L-glutamate oxidase activity was investigated. Growth media optimization along with screening of active variants resulted with isolation of the strain with L-glutamate oxidase activity about 2 U/mL Rate of peroxide degradation in the presence of filtrated culture of S. cremeus was determined by chemiluminescence method.

[Binding of divalent cations with low density lipoproteins. A study by ESR]

The binding of bivalent metal ions Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was investigated by the ESR technique. The monitoring of ESR spectra of paramagnetic Mn2+ ions in the presence of above-listed cations made it possible to evaluate the dissociation constants of their complexes with LDL. The effective dissociation constant of the complex Mn(2+)-LDL used for calculations was KD = (1.1 +/- 0.4) x 10(-4) M according to literature data. The investigated cations may be classified into two groups: 1) low dissociation constants were characteristic for Cu2+ ions [KD = (1.3 +/- 0.5) x 10(-4) M], which demonstrated a high oxidative ability, and for Zn2+ [KD = (0.95 +/- 0.45) x 10(-4) M] and Mn2+ ions, which could strongly influence the copper-induced LDL oxidation; 2) Ca2+ and Mg2+ were characterized by higher values of KD [(6 +/- 1) x 10(-4) M and (7.5 +/- 1.5) x 10(-4) M, accordingly] and slightly affected the Cu(2+)-induced oxidation of LDL. The results of the present work reinforced our earlier conjecture that cations may influence the process of lipid peroxidation, binding only to particular binding sites on the surface of LDL.

The effect of oxidatively modified low-density lipoproteins on platelet aggregability and membrane fluidity

The influence of oxidised low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) on blood cell functions plays a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. In the present work the effects of mildly oxidised LDL (moxLDL) on platelet aggregability and plasma membrane fluidity were studied and analysed from the viewpoint of the extent of LDL oxidation. Native or oxidised LDL were incubated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) at the volume ratio 1:1. As a control, plasma was incubated with buffer. The effects on ADP-induced platelet aggregation and certain membrane characteristics are described. (1) Mildly oxidised LDL diminished the time-dependent decrease in platelet aggregability that was observed when PRP was incubated with buffer or native LDL. The higher the oxidation extent of moxLDL, the lesser (if any) decrease in platelet activity occurred. Therefore moxLDL activated platelets in PRP. Cu2+-oxidised LDL, characterised by a high extent of lipid oxidation, inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation. (2) Comparison of the ESR spectra of spin-labelled fatty acid (5-doxylstearate) incorporated into the plasma membrane of washed platelets indicated that the presence of moxLDL in the incubation medium resulted in a reduced fluidity of the outer membrane layer. The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio in platelets appeared to be the same after PRP incubation with native LDL, moxLDL or buffer. It may be proposed that the binding of oxLDL to the platelet surface leads to a modification of the membrane fluidity, thus mediating the activating action of LDL on platelets. Both effects were proportional to the extent of lipid oxidation in LDL. The results of this paper indicate a crucial role for mildly oxidised LDL in platelet activation.

[Effect of oxidized low density lipoproteins on the structure of platelet membrane. Use of electron paramagnetic resonance]

The effect of low-density lipoproteins on the structure of platelet plasma membrane was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Low-density lipoproteins were incubated with platelet rich plasma at a volume ratio 1:1. Plasma incubated with buffer served as a control. After incubation, the fluidity of platelet plasma membrane was determined by electron spin resonance probes 5-doxylstearate and 16-doxylstearate, which were immobilized in membranes of cells subjected to triple precipitation. Significant differences in the order parameter S, which characterizes the spectrum of the 5-doxylstearate probe, for samples incubated with the buffer and oxidized low-density lipoproteins were found. The dependence of the parameter on incubation time and the extend of oxidation of low-density lipoproteins were obtained. No significant differences in rotational correlation time of 16-doxylstearate between platelets incubated with and without oxidized low-density lipoproteins was observed within the limits of experimental error; however, the changes in the half-width of the low-field component may be considered reliable. The interaction of oxidized low-density lipoproteins with platelets leads to an increase in plasma membrane fluidity, thereby mediating the activating action on platelets.

[The effect of oxidized low density lipoproteins on ADP-induced platelet aggregation in plasma]

The investigation of the effect of oxidized lipoproteins on platelet activity is important for the understanding of the plague formation under atherosclerosis. In the present work, we examined the influence of low density lipoproteins (LDL) on ADP-induced platelet aggregation in the platelet rich plasma. In was demonstrated that mixing of plasma and LDL was accompanied by the decrease of ADP-induced aggregation parameters as compared to control (mixing with buffer). After 1 h incubation, platelet ADP-aggregation in the sample containing oxidized LDL (oxLDL) exceeded the ADP-aggregation in the control sample. The dependence of the aggregation parameters on the incubation time and on the degree of LDL oxidation were obtained. No difference in the cholesterol and phospholipid content was observed between cells incubated with buffer, native or oxidized LDL. Therefore, the possible oxLDL-induced accumulation of cholesterol in platelet membranes is excluded as a reason for the increased cell aggregation.

[Effect of metal cations on the copper induced peroxidation of the low density lipoproteins]

The effect of metal cations on copper-catalyzed lipid peroxidation (LPO) of low density lipoproteins (LDL) was examined. The presence of metal cations in the incubation media containing LDL (0.8 mg protein/ml) and CuSO4 (0-80 microM) influenced on LPO of LDL as evident by the measurement of TBARS. With the concentrations of CuSO4 less than 10 microM, the metal cations caused an increase in LDL peroxidation. Zn2+ appeared to be the most effective inductor, Mn2+ was less effective, and the influence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ was insignificant. With greater CuSO4 concentrations Mg2+ showed no effect on TBARS formation in LDL while the addition of other nontransition metal cations to the incubation mixture led to the inhibition of LDL peroxidation. The capacity for inhibition decreased in the row Mn2+ > Zn2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+. The possible mechanism explaining these results may be in the competition of metal ions for copper binding sites on LDL. Our results allow to suggest the existence of two types of copper binding sites on LDL, tight-binding sites which are non-effective in LPO and effective weak-binding sites.

Inhibitor analysis of LDL-induced platelet aggregation

Oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) bounded to specific receptors on the platelet surface are able to activate platelets. However, the exact mechanism of signal transduction from LDL receptors into the cell still requires investigation. In the present paper inhibitors of the main enzymes of known platelet activation pathways were used to investigate the mechanism of the LDL-induced platelet aggregation. Our experiments were performed with autoxidized LDL (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances < 8 nmoles/mg). We demonstrated that the main enzymes of the arachidonate cycle do not play an important role in LDL-induced platelet aggregation, whereas inhibition of protein kinase C and phospholipase C--principal enzymes of the phosphoinositide cycle--resulted in the inhibition of LDL-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. It was also shown that transmembrane calcium transport was necessary for LDL-induced platelet activation. Thus, we conclude that the phosphoinositide cycle is the main mechanism of cellular signal transduction during LDL-induced platelet activation.

[Study of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase by electron paramagnetic resonance. 1. Modification of protein SH-group by spin labels. Conformational changes of enzyme]

The conditions for modifications of a single SH-group of phosphoglycerate kinase from yeast by maleimid spin label and the mercury-containing spin labels were defined. The time course of immobilization of mercury containing paramagnetic radicals was obtained. Based on changes in EPR spectra we calculated dissociation constants for complexes of phosphoglycerate kinase with 3-phosphoglycerate and sulfate ions. Distinct substances were shown to induce different changes in enzyme conformation. It was concluded that approach of enzyme domains is caused by the binding of 3-phosphoglycerate-a specific substrate of this enzyme.