15-Deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2, a neuroprotectant or a neurotoxicant?

15-Deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is a potent ligand for peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). However, its various effects independent of PPARgamma have recently been observed. The effect of 15d-PGJ2 on neuronal cells is still controversial. We investigated its effect on neuronal cells (N18D3 cells). When N18D3 cells were treated with 15d-PGJ2, the viability was not changed up to 8 microM, but decreased at higher than 8 microM. The expressions of survival signals, such as p85a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phospho-Akt, and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (Ser-9), slightly increased up to 8 microM, however, decreased at higher than 8 microM. The levels of free radicals and membrane lipid peroxidation and the expression of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase increased in a dose-dependent manner, especially at higher than 8 microM. However, the expressions of death signals, such as cytosolic cytochrome c, activated caspase-3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, decreased up to 8 microM, however, increased at higher than 8 microM. In the study to evaluate whether low dose of 15d-PGJ2, up to 8 microM, had protective effect on oxidative stress-injured N18D3 cells, compared to the cells treated with only 100 microM H2O2, the pretreatment with 8 microM 15d-PGJ2 increased the viability and the expressions of the survival signals, but decreased them of the death signals. These results indicate that 15d-PGJ2 could be a neuroprotectant or a neurotoxicant, depending on its concentration. Therefore, some specific optimum dose of 15d-PGJ2 may be a new potential therapeutic candidate for oxidative stress-injury model of neurodegenerative diseases.

Induction of cytotoxicity, aldehydic DNA lesions, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activation by catechol derivatives of pentachlorophenol in calf thymus DNA and in human breast cancer cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of chlorination of catechol (CAT) derivatives of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on the induction of cytotoxicity and DNA damaging effects in calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) and in two human breast carcinoma cell lines. Results indicated that with the addition of the transition metal copper(II), increases in the amount of aldehydic DNA lesions (ADL) were detected in ct-DNA exposed to PCP-derived CATs over the corresponding control. The DNA lesions induced by various degrees of chlorination of PCP-derived CATs decrease in the rank order CAT congruent with 4-chlorocatechol (4-ClCAT) > 4,5-dichlorocatechol (4,5-Cl2CAT) > 3,4,5-trichlorocatechol (3,4,5-Cl3CAT) > tetrachlorocatechol (Cl4CAT). In contrast, Cl4CAT was the only congeneric form of PCP-derived catechols that induced a significant increase in the number of ADL in human MCF-7 cells, and this only occurred when glutathione was depleted. Pretreatment with copper(I) and iron(II) chelators significantly reduced the formation of ADL in cells exposed to Cl4CAT. The data also indicated that the ADL induced by Cl4CAT in MCF-7 cells contain approximately 70% putrescine excisable ADL. This evidence confirmed that the ADL induced by Cl4CAT in MCF-7 cells were derived from oxidative events. In addition, we demonstrated that the depletion of NAD(P)H in human T47D cells exposed to chlorinated CATs decreased in the rank order Cl4CAT >> 4-ClCAT congruent with CAT. The depletion of NAD(P)H induced by Cl4CAT in T47D cells was partially blocked by catalase, superoxide dismutase, dimethyl sulfoxide, and copper(I) and iron(II) specific chelators. Additionally, the depletion of NAD(P)H in T47D cells exposed to Cl4CAT (1-10 microM) was completely blocked by three types of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitors. This evidence suggests that Cl4CAT induces an imbalance in DNA repair and the subsequent accumulation of DNA strand breaks in human cultured cells. Overall, these findings indicate that dechlorination may decrease the potentials of chlorinated catechols to induce oxidative DNA lesions and cytotoxic effects in living cells.

Poly (adp-ribose) polymerase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents in stroke and neurotrauma

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a DNA-binding protein that is primarily activated by nicks in the DNA molecule. It regulates the activity of various enzymes - including itself- that are involved in the control of DNA metabolism. Upon binding to DNA breaks, activated PARP cleaves NAD+ into nicotinamide and ADP-ribose and polymerizes the latter on nuclear acceptor proteins including histones, transcription factors and PARP itself. Poly(ADP-ribosylation) contributes to DNA repair and to the maintenance of genomic stability. Evidence obtained with pharmacological PARP inhibitors of various structural classes, as well as animals lacking the PARP-1 enzyme indicate that PARP plays an important role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, stroke and neurotrauma. Overactivation of PARP consumes NAD+ and ATP culminating in cell dysfunction and necrosis. PARP activation can also act as a signal that initiates cell death programs, for instance through AIF (apoptosis inducing factor) translocation. PARP has also been shown to associate with and regulate the function of several transcription factors. Of special interest is the enhancement by PARP of NF-kappaB-mediated transcription, which plays a central role in the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators. Via this mechanism, PARP is involved in the up-regulation of numerous pro-inflammatory genes that play a pathogenetic role in the later stage of stroke and neurotrauma. Here we review the roles of PARP in DNA damage signaling and cell death, and summarize the pathogenetic role of PARP in stroke and neurotrauma.

3-aminobenzamide prevents restraint-evoked immunocompromise

Chronic stressors compromise immune function, which may affect disease state in rats and mice. Although the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the link between psychological stressors and physiological responses remain elusive, one putative mechanism is oxidative stress. DNA damage activates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a nuclear enzyme that participates in DNA repair; if DNA damage is extensive, however, then PARP becomes cytotoxic. Because PARP-1-/- transgenic mice are resistant to chronic stress-induced immunocompromise, we tested the hypothesis that pre-restraint administration of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), a PARP inhibitor, would prevent restraint-evoked suppression of antibody production to the novel protein, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Mice were physically restrained for 3 h daily for 14 consecutive days, then immunized with KLH. Daily restraint continued for an additional 21 days and anti-KLH IgG production was assessed. Mice exposed to repeated restraint reduced concentrations of anti-KLH IgG, whereas, mice treated with 3-AB (0.5, 5.0, or 20.0 mg/kg) prior to each bout of restraint displayed anti-KLH IgG concentrations similar to those of unrestrained mice. Treatment with 3-AB (0.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) during the restraint paradigm also facilitated habituation of the corticosterone response to restraint, and 3-AB (0.5 mg/kg) reduced the effect of repeated restraint on body mass. However, the immunoprotective effects of 3-AB and the endocrine and metabolic effects appear to be distinctly regulated because, unlike the endocrine and metabolic effects, the immunoprotective effects of 3-AB were independent of dose. These data suggest that PARP inhibitors may be useful to prevent compromised immune function in response to stressors.

Involvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in IFN-γ-induced apoptosis that are enhanced with cisplatin

IFN-gamma has direct anti-proliferative effects on ovarian cancer cell lines and tumour cells isolated from ovarian cancer ascites. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the mechanisms involved. An IFN-gamma-mediated cell cycle blockade was detectable in synchronised cell populations. Apoptosis, which was caspase dependent, was also induced. When caspase activity was blocked, the anti-proliferative effect of IFN-gamma was only partially reduced indicating independent roles for both growth inhibition and apoptosis in its actions. We have demonstrated involvement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway; IFN-gamma treatment resulted in mitochondrial membrane depolarisation, cytochrome c release into the cytosol and activation of caspase 9. Cytochrome c release was blocked by the presence of a general caspase inhibitor, suggesting a role for caspases upstream of the mitochondria. One candidate is caspase 8, which was also activated in cells treated with IFN-gamma. Levels of Bid, a pro-apoptotic molecule that can mediate mitochondrial membrane permeabilisation when cleaved by caspase 8, were also decreased and indicated a potential link between these two pathways in IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, together with cisplatin, IFN-gamma exerted a more powerful anti-proliferative effect.

The Notch ligand, Delta-1, alters retinoic acid (RA)-induced neutrophilic differentiation into monocytic and reduces RA-induced apoptosis in NB4 cells

Effects of Notch activation on retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation and apoptosis were investigated. NB4, an acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line, undergoes neutrophilic differentiation and apoptosis by RA. Notch activation induced by a recombinant Notch ligand, Delta-1, did not affect the growth by itself. Treatment with RA plus Delta-1 made part of NB4 cells monocyte-like shaped and reduced the apoptosis. Similar phenomenon was also observed in primary APL cells. RA treatment induced cleavage of caspase-8 and PARP in NB4. Delta-1 suppressed the RA-induced cleavage of them, which may be a possible mechanism through which Delta-1 suppressed the RA-induced apoptosis.

Alzheimer's disease related peptides affected cholinergic receptor mediated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity in the hippocampus

Our previous studies indicated that Alzheimer's disease (AD) related amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) significantly altered muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mChR) signaling on the level of G protein regulated phospholipase C (PLC) leading to the lower formation of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Recent studies indicated that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a new nuclear target in signal transduction pathway in the brain. In this study the effect of Abeta 25-35 (25 microM) and non-Abeta component of Alzheimer's disease amyloid (NAC, 10 microM) on mChR-dependent signaling to PARP-1 was determined. PARP-1 activity was estimated radiochemically using egzogenous substrate adenine[14C]NAD. The results showed that the non hydrolysable agonist of mChR, carbachol (1 mM) together with GTP(g)S (100 microM) stimulated PARP-1 activity in the hippocampus by about 100%. TMB-8, inhibitor of IP3 receptor decreased PARP-1 activation evoked by carbachol/GTP(g)S. Stimulation of mChR did not lead to free radicals generation but activate PARP-1 through IP3/Ca2+ regulated processes. This cholinergic receptor dependent PARP-1 activation was abolished by Abeta and NAC peptide. These toxic peptides themselves significantly stimulated PARP-1 activity by free radicals mediated DNA damage. These data indicated that Abeta and NAC peptide affected mChR-dependent signal transduction to PARP-1 probably through free radicals evoked inhibition of IP3 formation by phospholipase C.

Preclinical evaluation of antisense bcl-2 as a chemosensitizer for patients with gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Because bcl-2 is a critical factor for anticancer drug-induced apoptosis, the authors conducted a preclinical evaluation of antisense (AS) bcl-2 as an enhancer of the chemotherapeutic effect in the treatment of patietns with gastric carcinoma.

METHODS

AS bcl-2 was used with 18-mer phosphorothiated oligonucleotides in the MKN-45 gastric carcinoma cell line. Drug sensitivity in vitro was evaluated using the methyl-thiazoldiphenyl tetrazolium assay, and antitumor effects in vivo were evaluated using the nude mouse xenograft. Apoptosis was determined with the terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay. AS bcl-2 in vitro was treated with lipofectin, whereas it was administered intraperitoneally for 6 consecutive days twice every 2 weeks in vivo. Anticancer drugs were administered intraperitoneally four times per week.

RESULTS

bcl-2 was down-regulated to 60% of its initial value after treatment with 1.0 muM AS bcl-2 compared with the controls of random and mismatched oligonucleotides. Drug sensitivity to doxorubicin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel (TXL) was increased 3-4-fold when used in combination with AS bcl-2, which was determined with 50% inhibitory concentration values, compared with the control group. Increased drug sensitivity was associated with apoptosis, which increased in Bax and poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP-ribose) polymerase and decreased in phosphorylated Akt (pAkt). The antitumor effect of cisplatin and TXL in vivo was enhanced significantly in combination with AS bcl-2. Down-regulation of bcl-2 was observed on Day 4 after the treatment with AS bcl-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination treatment with AS bcl-2 and anticancer drugs, including cisplatin and TXL, may be a new strategy for enhancing chemotherapeutic effects in the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

Dual apoptotic effect of Xrel3 c-Rel/NF-?B homolog in human cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting a woman's reproductive organs. Despite its frequency and recurrence, the death rate has been declining over the past 40 years, due to early detection and treatment. In a previous report [Shehata Marlene, Shehata Marian, Shehata Fady, Pater Alan. Apoptosis effects of Xrel3 c-Rel/Nuclear factor-kappa B homolog in human cervical cancer cells. Cell Biology International, in press], we studied the role of the NF-kappaB gene family in HeLa human cervical cancer cells, using the Xrel3 c-Rel homologue of Xenopus laevis. These results showed that the expression of Xrel3/c-Rel slowed cell growth, consistent with an upregulated expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 and the activated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) apoptosis effector. However, in this report, we examined more apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors acting upstream and downstream in apoptosis pathways after cisplatin treatment of HeLa cervical cancer cells. After 1 microM cisplatin treatment, Xrel3 had an anti-apoptotic effect, based on significantly lower levels of apoptotic proteins, including caspase-8, caspase-3 and p21. Anti-apoptotic BAG-1 isoforms were upregulated. After 5 microM cisplatin treatment, expression of HeLa Xrel3 had an apoptotic effect, based on significantly increased expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 and apoptotic proteins, including cleaved PARP, caspase-8, and caspase-3. However, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) were elevated and the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 was slightly upregulated with both 1 and 5 microM cisplatin treatment. The HPV E6 oncoprotein showed no significant changes. These results support previous conclusions on the potential anti-apoptotic effects of c-Rel/NF-kappaB in mild stress environments, as opposed to the apoptotic effects associated with high stress conditions [Lake BB, Ford R, Kao KR. Xrel3 is required for head development in Xenopus laevis. Development 2001; 128(2), 263-73.]. Thus, c-Rel/NF-kappaB may potentially be of clinical significance in chemotherapy.

Time-dependent apoptosis of alveolar macrophages from rats exposed to bleomycin: involvement of tnf receptor 2

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) is produced by alveolar macrophages (AM) in response to bleomycin (BLM) exposure. This cytokine has been linked to BLM-induced pulmonary inflammation, an early drug effect, and to lung fibrosis, the ultimate toxic effect of BLM. The present study was carried out to study the time dependence of apoptotic signaling pathways and the potential roles of TNF receptors in BLM-induced AM apoptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to saline or BLM (1 mg/kg) by intratracheal instillation. At 1, 3, or 7 d postexposure, AM were isolated by bronchoalveolar (BAL) lavage and evaluated for apoptosis by ELISA. The release of cytochrome c from mitochrondria, the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9, the cleavage of nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and the expression of TNF receptors (TNF-R1/p55 and TNF-R2/p75), TNF-R-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (c-IAP1) were determined by immunoblotting. The results showed that BLM exposure induced AM apoptosis, with the highest apoptotic effect occurring at 1 d after exposure and gradually decreasing at 3 and 7 d postexposure, but still remaining significantly above the control level. The maximal translocation of cytochromec from mitochondria into the cytosol was observed at 1 d postexposure, whereas the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and caspase-3-dependent cleavage of PARP was found to reach a peak level at 3 d postexposure. BLM exposure had no marked effect on AM expression of TNF-R1 or caspase-8 activation, but significantly increased the expression of TNF-R2 that was accompanied by a rise in c-IAP1 and a decrease in TRAF2. This induction of TNF-R2 by BLM was significant on d 1 and increased with greater exposure time. In vitro studies showed that pretreatment of naive AM with a TNF-R2 antibody significantly inhibited BLM-induced caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. These results suggest that BLM-induced apoptosis involves multiple pathways in a time-dependent manner. Since maximal BLM-induced AM apoptosis (1 d postexposure) preceded maximal changes in caspase-9 and -3 (3 d postexposure), it is possible that a caspase-independent mechanism is involved in this initial response. These results indicate that the sustained expression of TNF-R2 in AM by BLM exposure may sensitize these cells to TNF-a-mediated toxicity.

Proteomic identification of heat shock protein 70 as a candidate target for enhancing apoptosis induced by farnesyl transferase inhibitor

Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs) are novel antitumor drugs with clinical activity. FTIs inhibit cell growth not only by preventing direct Ras farnesylation but also through a Ras-independent pathway. Proteomics has been shown to be a powerful tool to monitor and analyze molecular networks and fluxes within the living cells and to identify the proteins that participate in these networks upon perturbation of the cellular environment. To observe early and dynamic protein changes in the cellular response to FTI in ovarian cancer cells, total proteins were extracted from 2774 cells treated or not with 10 microM manumycin, an FTI, for 3, 6 and 16 h. The proteins in the cells that were differentially expressed following treatment with manumycin for 3, 6 and 16 h were noted by two-dimensional electrophoresis and further identified by peptide mass fingerprinting as stress proteins. Both heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and altered HSP70 were significantly up-regulated as early as 16 h in 2774 cells after exposure to manumycin. Since HSP70 plays an important role in protecting cells under stress, we treated the 2774 cells with the HSP inhibitor quercetin in combination with FTI. Quercetin dramatically enhanced the manumycin-mediated apoptosis in 2774 cells. Inducible HSP70 by manumycin in surviving ovarian cancer cells was also inhibited by quercetin as demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The inhibition of HSP70 by quercetin was correlated with enhancement of manumycin-induced mediated apoptosis in 2774 cells. The inhibition of HSP70 by 50 microM quercetin was also correlated with a decreased expression of procaspase-3 and enhancement of specific cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase into apoptotic fragment in 2774 cells treated with manumycin. The interaction between the HSP70 inhibitor and FTI confirms the functional significance of the up-regulation of HSP70 as a protective mechanism against FTI-induced apoptosis and provides the framework for combination treatment of ovarian cancer.

Neuroprotective effect of 4-amino-1,8-napthalimide, a poly(ADP ribose) polymerase inhibitor in middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia in rat

In the present study, neuroprotective effect of 4-amino-1,8-napthalimide (4-ANI), a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor was investigated in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo)-induced focal ischemia. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 22 h of reperfusion. After 22 h of reperfusion rats were evaluated for cerebral infarction, neurological deficits, brain NAD levels, and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Focal ischemia produced significant infarct volume (201 +/- 14 mm3), neurological scores (2 +/- 0.5) and 28 +/- 4.5% brain NAD depletion. Ischemia was associated with increased in TUNEL positive cells in brain sections indicating DNA fragmentation. 4-ANI treatment (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased infarct volume to 35 +/- 7% and 70 +/- 6%, respectively. Neurological functions were also significantly improved at these doses. 4-ANI (3 mg/kg) completely reversed brain NAD depletion and significantly reduced the increase in the number of TUNEL positive cells. Nevertheless, 4-ANI treatment did not alter cerebral blood flow and blood pressure. Our study suggests 4-ANI is a potent neuroprotective agent in focal cerebral ischemia and its neuroprotective effects may be attributed to reduction of NAD depletion and DNA fragmentation.

Alkylating DNA damage stimulates a regulated form of necrotic cell death

Necrosis has been considered a passive form of cell death in which the cell dies as a result of a bioenergetic catastrophe imposed by external conditions. However, in response to alkylating DNA damage, cells undergo necrosis as a self-determined cell fate. This form of death does not require the central apoptotic mediators p53, Bax/Bak, or caspases and actively induces an inflammatory response. Necrosis in response to DNA damage requires activation of the DNA repair protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), but PARP activation is not sufficient to determine cell fate. Cell death is determined by the effect of PARP-mediated beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) consumption on cellular metabolism. Cells using aerobic glycolysis to support their bioenergetics undergo rapid ATP depletion and death in response to PARP activation. In contrast, cells catabolizing nonglucose substrates to maintain oxidative phosphorylation are resistant to ATP depletion and death in response to PARP activation. Because most cancer cells maintain their ATP production through aerobic glycolysis, these data may explain the molecular basis by which DNA-damaging agents can selectively induce tumor cell death independent of p53 or Bcl-2 family proteins.

Essential role of caspases in epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B and induction of apoptosis

Green tea constituent (-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has shown remarkable cancer-preventive and some cancer-therapeutic effects. This is partially because of its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown the involvement of NF-kappa B pathway in EGCG-mediated cell-cycle deregulation and apoptosis of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Here we show the essential role of caspases in EGCG-mediated inhibition of NF-kappa B and its subsequent apoptosis. Treatment of A431 cells with EGCG (10-40 microg/ml) resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of NF-kappa B/p65, induction of DNA breaks, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and morphological changes consistent with apoptosis. EGCG treatment of cells also resulted in significant activation of caspases, as shown by the dose- and time-dependent increase in DEVDase activity, and protein expression of caspase-3, -8 and -9. EGCG-mediated caspase activation induces proteolytic cleavage of NF-kappa B/p65 subunit, leading to the loss of transactivation domains, and driving the cells towards apoptosis. EGCG-mediated induction of apoptosis was significantly blocked by the caspase inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD-FMK), and moderately blocked by the specific caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK. Further, pretreatment of cells with Z-VAD-FMK was found to suppress the cleavage of NF-kappa B/p65 subunit, thereby increasing nuclear translocation, DNA binding and transcriptional activity, thus protecting the cells from EGCG-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these studies for the first time demonstrate that EGCG-mediated activation of caspases is critical, at least in part, for inhibition of NF-kappa B and subsequent apoptosis.

Melatonin prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced hyporeactivity in rat

Melatonin (MT) is the principal secretory product of the pineal gland and its role as an immumo-modulator is well established. Recent evidence shows that MT exerts protective effects in septic shock, hemorrhagic shock and inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), from Escherichia coli, administered to animals directly stimulates a number of cells and systems to produce various inflammatory mediators. LPS-induced septic shock is characterized by hypotension and vascular hyporeactivity to contracting agents. In particular, the reactive oxygen species such as superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) contribute to the pathophysiology of septic shock. In this study, we demonstrate that MT pretreatment prevents the hyporeactivity to phenylephrine in vivo and in aorta rings collected from rats treated with the endotoxin. The beneficial effect of MT seems related to its antioxidant properties and with inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression, reduction of NO production and nitrotyrosine formation, in aorta, preventing vascular, and endothelial injury. Additionally, we first demonstrate, that MT inhibited nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase activation in vascular tissue. The current study underlined the protective effect of MT on the vascular dysfunction associated with septic shock, data that could support the clinical use of MT in human endotoxemia.

Interaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids and sodium butyrate during apoptosis in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Dysregulation of the balance between cell growth and death in the colonic epithelium is associated with cancer promotion. Understanding how cell death in this self-renewing tissue is regulated and how it is influenced by interaction of specific dietary components, especially fat and fibre, could lead to improved treatment and prevention strategies for cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The effects of two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)--arachidonic (AA, 20:4, n-6) or docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6, n-3)--on the response of human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells to sodium butyrate (NaBt) were investigated.

METHODS

The parameters reflecting cell proliferation and cell death were studied together with oxidative response, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and changes of selected regulatory molecules associated with cell cycle (p27(Kip1) and p21(Cip1/WAF1)) and apoptosis (caspase-3, caspase-9, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase--PARP, Bcl-2, Bax, Bak,Mcl-1).

RESULTS

We demonstrated that pre-treatment with either AA or DHA attenuated cell cycle arrest caused by NaBt which is associated with modulation of p27(Kip1), but not p21(Cip1/WAF1) protein expression. On the other hand, PUFAs sensitised HT-29 cells to NaBt-induced apoptosis. An increased amount of floating cells and cells in the subG(0)/G(1) population was associated with increased reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, decrease of MMP, activation of caspase-3 and -9, PARP cleavage, and decrease in the expression of antiapoptotic Mcl-1 protein. The observed effects were modulated by the addition of a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, and partially reversed by the antioxidant Trolox.

CONCLUSIONS

PUFAs may have beneficial effects in the colon enhancing apoptosis induced by NaBt. Alteration of cell membrane lipid composition and potentiation of oxidative processes accompanied by changes in mitochondria followed by stimulation of apoptotic cascade components play a role in these effects.

Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in combined bile acid-induced cytotoxicity: the switch between apoptosis and necrosis

The goal of this investigation was to determine whether chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA)-induced apoptosis is prevented by ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDC) and to characterize the involvement of mitochondria in the process. Cultured human HepG2 cells were treated in a dose- and time-dependent protocol in order to establish a sufficiently low exposure to CDCA that causes apoptosis but not necrosis. Low-dose CDCA induced an S-phase block and G2 arrest of the cell cycle, as determined by flow cytometry. As a result, cell proliferation was inhibited. CDCA-induced apoptosis, as determined by fluorescence microscopy of Hoechst 33342-stained nuclei, was evident upon coincubation with TUDC. Additionally, after exposure to UDCA plus CDCA, the cell membrane was permeable to fluorescent dyes. Caspase-9-like activity, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and extensive DNA fragmentation were detected in CDCA-exposed cells and in cells coincubated with TUDC, but not UDCA. CDCA caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and depletion of ATP, both of which were potentiated by UDCA but not TUDC. The results suggest that UDCA potentiates CDCA cytotoxicity, probably at the level of induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Consequently, as suggested by the lack of the main hallmarks of the apoptotic pathway, in the presence of UDCA, CDCA-induced apoptosis is not properly executed but degenerates into necrosis.

Nitric oxide generation and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase activation precede beta-cell death in rats with a single high-dose injection of streptozotocin

Streptozotocin (STZ) is widely used for the induction of diabetes in animals by causing destruction of pancreatic beta cells. This experiment was designed to elucidate the sequential process of beta-cell destruction in rats with a single high-dose injection of STZ. At 0, 2, 5, 8 and 24 h after injection, rats were perfused with Krebs-Ringer buffer with dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA), a marker for free radicals, and the pancreata were pathologically analyzed. Injection of STZ rapidly elicited an increase in fluorescence of DCF-DA in beta cells at 2 h after the injection. The fluorescence was diminished by carboxy-PTIO, a specific scavenger of nitric oxide (NO), but not by L-NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase. During this process, an inducible form of NO synthase was not detected. Thereafter, upregulated expression of poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) and massive beta-cell death were detected at 5-8 h after injection. Migration of macrophages into the islet was conspicuous at 24 h, clearing up the debris of destroyed beta cells. Nicotinamide, a PARP inhibitor, significantly inhibited beta-cell death without apparent suppression of NO generation at 2 h. The current study documented serial processes of STZ-induced beta-cell death, starting with NO generation and PARP activation followed by a clearance with macrophages, where the activation of PARP plays a central role in beta-cell death.

Saikosaponin-A induces apoptotic mechanism in human breast MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cells

The effects of Saikosaponin-A on human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) were investigated. Results demonstrated that Saikosaponin-A inhibited the proliferation or viability of the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Saikosaponin-A treatment of MDA-MB-231 for 3 hours and of MCF-7 cells for 2 hours, respectively caused an obvious increase in the sub-G1 population of cell cycles. Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells was independent of the P53/p21 pathway mechanism and was accompanied by an increased ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 and c-myc levels and activation of caspase-3. In contrast, apoptosis of MCF-7 cells may have been initiated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins and involved p53/p21 dependent pathway mechanism, and was accompanied by an increased level of c-myc protein. Both the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells showed a difference worthy of further research.

The effects of organic solvents on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activity: implications for neurotoxicity

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1; EC 2.4.2.30), also termed as poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, is a key enzyme in the recognition and repair of damaged DNA. Several conditions (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion or chemical-induced injury) have been shown to overactivate PARP-1, causing neurodegeneration and necrotic or apoptotic cell death from NAD+ and ATP depletion. In contrast, inhibitors of PARP-1 have been shown to have a neuroprotective effect by ameliorating this response. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of three routinely used organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) on the activity of purified PARP-1. A dose-response was examined with each of these solvents. A 112% and 82% increase in PARP-1 activity was observed with 15% ethanol and 20% methanol, respectively. In contrast, a near 20% decrease in the activity was observed with 4% DMSO. Kinetic analysis revealed that the maximal velocity remained unchanged with increasing concentrations of DMSO up to 20%, indicating that DMSO is a competitive inhibitor of PARP-1. Thus, PARP-1 inhibition by DMSO depends on NAD+ concentration and in some pathological processes might be significant even at low DMSO concentrations. Our findings suggest that the interpretation of data from dose-response studies obtained when using common organic solvents may be dramatically skewed, either exaggerating the inherent toxicity of the compound or masking its potential for damage.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate attenuates the development of organ failure induced by zymosan in mice

OBJECTIVE

Nuclear factor (NF) kappaB is a transcription factor which plays a pivotal role in the induction of genes involved in physiological processes as well as in the response to injury and inflammation. Dithiocarbamates are anti-oxidants which are potent inhibitors of NF-kappaB. We postulated that pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) would attenuate multiple-organ failure (MOF).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Rats in a university research laboratory.

INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS

We investigated the effects of PDTC (10 mg/kg) on the MOF caused by zymosan (500 mg/kg, administered i.p. as a suspension in saline) in mice. MOF in mice was assessed 18 h after administration of zymosan and/or PDTC and monitored for 7 days (for loss of body weight and mortality).

RESULTS

Treatment of mice with PDTC (10 mg/kg i.p., 1 and 6 h after zymosan) attenuated the peritoneal exudation and the migration of polymorphonuclear cells caused by zymosan. PDTC also attenuated the lung, liver and pancreatic injury and renal dysfunction caused by zymosan as well as the increase in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels caused by zymosan in the lung, liver and intestine. Immunohistochemical analysis for inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) revealed positive staining in lung, liver and intestine tissues obtained from zymosan-treated mice. The degree of staining for nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) were markedly reduced in tissue sections obtained from zymosan-treated mice which received PDTC. Furthermore, treatment of mice with PDTC significantly reduced the expression of nitric oxide synthase in lung, liver and intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence that PDTC attenuates the degree of zymosan-induced MOF in mice.

Expression of dengue ApoptoM sequence results in disruption of mitochondrial potential and caspase activation

Apoptotic cell death has been involved as a cytopathologic mechanism in response to dengue (DEN) virus infection. Little information exists about how DEN virus replication triggers apoptosis in infected cells. We reported that a nine-residue sequence of the DEN M protein referred to as ApoptoM has proapoptotic properties in transformed and tumor cells of various origins. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ApoptoM-induced apoptosis is associated to mitochondrial dysfunction and requires caspase activation. Intracellular expression of ApoptoM provokes the disruption of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential without subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species. We showed that ApoptoM-induced apoptosis involves the activation of a caspase-like protease pathway. Caspase-3 like activity was detected in ApoptoM-expressing cells. However, there was no role for caspase-9 in ApoptoM-mediated cell death. Our data suggest that a particular mitochondrion-dependent apoptotic pathway may be involved in induction of apoptosis by ApoptoM.

Peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity: mechanism and opportunities for intervention

Peroxynitrite is formed in biological systems when superoxide and nitric oxide are produced at near equimolar ratio. Although not a free radical by chemical nature (as it has no unpaired electron), peroxynitrite is a powerful oxidant exhibiting a wide array of tissue damaging effects ranging from lipid peroxidation, inactivation of enzymes and ion channels via protein oxidation and nitration to inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Low concentrations of peroxynitrite trigger apoptotic death, whereas higher concentrations induce necrosis with cellular energetics (ATP and NAD) serving as switch between the two modes of cell death. Peroxynitrite also damages DNA and thus triggers the activation of DNA repair systems. A DNA nick sensor enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) also becomes activated upon sensing DNA breakage. Activated PARP-1 cleaves NAD(+) into nicotinamide and ADP-ribose and polymerizes the latter on nuclear acceptor proteins. Peroxynitrite-induced overactivation of PARP consumes NAD(+) and consequently ATP culminating in cell dysfunction, apoptosis or necrosis. This cellular suicide mechanism has been implicated among others in the pathomechanism of stroke, myocardial ischemia, diabetes and diabetes-associated cardiovascular dysfunction. Here, we review the cytotoxic effects (apoptosis and necrosis) of peroxynitrite focusing on the role of accelerated ADP-ribose turnover. Regulatory mechanisms of peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity such as antioxidant status, calcium signalling, NFkappaB activation, protein phosphorylation, cellular adaptation are also discussed.

Mycoplasmal lipoproteins induce toll-like receptor 2- and caspases-mediated cell death in lymphocytes and monocytes

Lipoproteins of Mycoplasma salivarium and Mycoplasma fermentans preferentially induced necrotic cell death in lymphocytic cell lines, MOLT-4 and Raji, and in one monocytic cell line, THP-1, whereas they preferentially induced apoptotic cell death in another monocytic cell line, HL-60. These findings were also supported by ultrastructural observations by the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes and by agarose gel electrophoresis of the genomic DNA. The lipoproteins activated caspase-3 in both MOLT-4 and HL-60 cells, which was assessed by the cleavage of the synthetic substrate DEVD-pNA and the endogenous substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. The cytotoxicity to MOLT-4 and HL-60 cells was inhibited by various caspase inhibitors, Ac-DMQD-CHO, Ac-IETD-CHO, and Z-VAD-FMK. The cytotoxicity was also partially suppressed by the monoclonal antibody to Toll-like receptor 2. Thus this study demonstrated that mycoplasmal lipoproteins induce caspases-dependent necrotic and apoptotic cell death in lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, which is partially induced by TLR2-mediated signaling.

Hairy-cell leukaemia as a model for drug development

Hairy-cell leukaemia cells have a low rate of growth but an even lower rate of apoptosis. Accordingly, this malignancy is an excellent model for studying the effects of drugs on the pathways of apoptosis independently of cell proliferation. The remarkable effectiveness of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine in hairy-cell leukaemia affirms the feasibility of developing drugs that can destroy even non-proliferating malignant cells. The major nucleotide metabolite of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine accumulates selectively in lymphocytes and co-activates two key apoptosis-regulating enzymes: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and Apaf-1/caspase-9. The ability of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine to induce durable remissions in hairy-cell leukaemia may also be attributable to its effects on lymphocytes and monocytes in the microenvironment, although this latter effect remains to be proven experimentally.

Programmed cell death in the developing inner ear is balanced by nerve growth factor and insulin-like growth factor I

Nerve growth factor induces cell death in organotypic cultures of otic vesicle explants. This cell death has a restricted pattern that reproduces the in vivo pattern of apoptosis occurring during inner ear development. In this study, we show that binding of nerve growth factor to its low affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor is essential to achieve the apoptotic response. Blockage of binding to p75 receptor neutralized nerve-growth-factor-induced cell death, as measured by immunoassays detecting the presence of cytosolic oligonucleosomes and by TUNEL assay to visualize DNA fragmentation. Nerve growth factor also induced a number of cell-death-related intracellular events including ceramide generation, caspase activation and poly-(ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage. Again, p75 receptor blockade completely abolished all of these effects. Concerning the intracellular pathway, ceramide increase depended on initiator caspases, whereas its actions depended on both initiator and effector caspases, as shown by using site-specific caspase inhibitors. Conversely, insulin-like growth factor I, which promotes cell growth and survival in the inner ear, abolished apoptosis induced by nerve growth factor. Insulin-like growth factor cytoprotective actions were accomplished, at least in part, by decreasing endogenous ceramide levels and activating Akt. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that regulation of nerve-growth-factor-induced apoptosis in the otocysts occurs via p75 receptor binding and is strictly controlled by the interaction with survival signalling pathways.

Peroxynitrite-induced oligodendrocyte toxicity is not dependent on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation

Oligodendrocyte loss is a characteristic feature of several CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury. However, the mechanisms responsible for oligodendrocyte destruction remain undefined. As recent studies have implicated peroxynitrite in the pathogenesis of both spinal cord injury and MS, we have examined whether peroxynitrite may mediate at least some of the oligodendrocyte damage and demyelination observed in these conditions. Primary rat oligodendrocytes were exposed to authentic peroxynitrite in vitro and assessed for cytotoxicity. Mitochondrial function, measured by the reduction of MTT to formazan, and mitochondrial membrane potential were used as indicators of cell viability. Cell death was quantitated by measuring either the release of lactate dehydrogenase from, or the uptake of propidium iodide into, damaged and dying cells. Peroxynitrite dose-dependently reduced the viability of primary oligodendrocytes and induced cell death. Furthermore, peroxynitrite significantly increased DNA strand breakage and the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in oligodendrocyte cultures. To identify whether PARP activation plays a role in peroxynitrite-induced oligodendrocyte toxicity, we examined the effects of the PARP inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) and 5-iodo-6-amino-1,2-benzopyrone (INH(2)BP) on mitochondrial function and cell death in oligodendrocytes. The presence of 3AB and INH(2)BP did not protect oligodendrocytes from peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity. However, both compounds significantly reduced PARP activity in these cells. Primary oligodendrocytes generated from PARP-deficient mice were also highly susceptible to peroxynitrite-induced cell death. Therefore, our results show that peroxynitrite exerts cytotoxic effects on oligodendrocytes in vitro independently of PARP activation.

Ordering ceramide-induced cell detachment and apoptosis in human neuroepithelioma

We studied whether cell detachment from the matrix, observed during ceramide-induced apoptosis, is secondary to completion of the apoptotic program. CHP-100 neuroepithelioma cells exposed to N-hexanoylsphingosine (C(6)-Cer) underwent detachment from the substrate and apoptosis with slow kinetics. Apoptotic cells were fairly completely recovered in the detached fraction, that, differently from the adherent counterpart, displayed the hallmarks of caspase 3 activation, as well as poly-(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) downregulation. A key role for caspase 3 in apoptosis execution was suggested by the evidence that its selective inhibitor N-acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde inhibited cell death. However, the pan-caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (targeting not only caspase 3 but also caspases 1, 5, 7, 8 and 9) did not prevent ceramide-induced cell detachment, although apoptosis, caspase 3 processing, PARP cleavage and FAK downregulation were suppressed in floating cells. These results demonstrate that ceramide-induced cell detachment is upstream activation of effector caspases. We discuss the possibility that ceramide-induced cell detachment might be instrumental to apoptosis execution.

Specific interference with gene expression and gene function mediated by long dsRNA in neural cells

Double-stranded (ds) RNA-induced sequence-specific interference with gene expression, RNA interference (RNAi), has been extensively used in invertebrates, allowing for efficient and high-throughput gene silencing and gene function analysis. In vertebrates, however, use of RNAi to study gene function has been limited due to non-specific effects induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase and interferon activation. dsRNA-induced specific inhibition of vertebrate gene expression has only been shown in embryonic and non-differentiated mammalian cells. In this report, we demonstrate dsRNA-induced specific interference of gene expression and gene function in partially as well as fully differentiated mouse neuroblastoma cells. Specific silencing was observed in the expression of an integrated transgene coding for green fluorescent protein and a variety of endogenous genes. Moreover, we show that RNAi-mediated inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression induced cellular resistance to oxygen-glucose deprivation, consistent with the role of PARP in ischemia-induced brain damage. Our results indicate that RNAi can be used as a powerful tool to study gene function in neural cells.

Hydrogen peroxide induces upregulation of Fas in human airway epithelial cells via the activation of PARP-p53 pathway

Fas mediates apoptosis following binding with Fas ligand. Fas is expressed in human airway epithelial cells and has a critical role in the pathophysiology of various pulmonary disorders. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is an important mediator of airway epithelial injury. In this context, we hypothesized that H(2)O(2) would increase the expression of cell surface Fas in human airway epithelial cells. To test this hypothesis, the modulation of Fas expression with H(2)O(2) was assessed in normal human bronchial epithelial cells and A549 cells. The majority of Fas was cytoplasmic in both cell types without any stimulation. Hydrogen peroxide significantly increased Fas in the plasma membrane fraction, while decreasing Fas in the cytoplasmic fraction. Incubation with an agonistic antibody for Fas induced apoptosis in H(2)O(2)-treated cells in proportion to the level of surface Fas expression on those cells. Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase abrogated the H(2)O(2)-induced Fas translocation to the plasma membrane and p53 activation. Expression of dominant-negative p53 also inhibited the Fas translocation induced by H(2)O(2) in A549 cells. These results indicate that H(2)O(2) induces Fas upregulation by promoting cytoplasmic transport of Fas to the cell surface in human airway epithelial cells, and that the activation of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-p53 pathway may be involved in this mechanism.

Involvement of DNA polymerase beta in protection against the cytotoxicity of oxidative DNA damage

We had shown previously that DNA polymerase beta (beta-pol) null mouse fibroblasts, deficient in base excision repair (BER), are hypersensitive to monofunctional methylating agents but not to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This is surprising because beta-pol is thought to be involved in BER of oxidative as well as methylated DNA damage. We confirm these findings here in early-passage cells. However, with time in culture, beta-pol null cells become hypersensitive to H2O2 and other reactive oxygen species-generating agents. Analysis of in vitro BER reveals a strong deficiency in single-nucleotide BER of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) by both early- and late-passage beta-pol null cell extracts. Therefore, in early-passage wild-type and beta-pol null cells, the capacity for single-nucleotide BER of 8-oxoG does not correlate with cellular sensitivity to H2O2. Expression of beta-pol protein in the late-passage null cells almost completely reverses the H2O2-hypersensitivity phenotype. Methoxyamine (MX) treatment sensitizes late-passage wild-type cells to H2O2 as expected for beta-pol-mediated single-nucleotide BER; however in beta-pol null cells, MX has no effect. The data indicate a role(s) of beta-pol-dependent repair in protection against the cytotoxicity of oxidative DNA damage in wild-type cells.

On the evolution of programmed cell death: apoptosis of the unicellular eukaryote Leishmania major involves cysteine proteinase activation and mitochondrion permeabilization

Leishmania major is a protozoan parasite from one of the most ancient phylogenic branches of unicellular eukaryotes, and containing only one giant mitochondrion. Here we report that staurosporine, that induces apoptosis in all mammalian nucleated cells, also induces in L. major a death process with several cytoplasmic and nuclear features of apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, phosphatidyl serine exposure, maintenance of plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim) loss and cytochrome c release, nuclear chromatin condensation and fragmentation, and DNA degradation. Nuclear apoptosis-like features were prevented by cysteine proteinase inhibitors, and cell free assays using dying L. major cytoplasmic extracts indicated that the cysteine proteinases involved (i) also induced nuclear apoptosis-like features in isolated mammalian nuclei, and (ii) shared at least two nuclear substrates, but no cleavage site preference, with human effector caspases. Finally, isolated L. major mitochondria released cytochrome c and cysteine proteinases with nuclear pro-apoptotic activity when incubated with human recombinant Bax, even (although much less efficiently) when Bax was deleted of its transmembrane domain required for insertion in mitochondrial outermembranes, implying that L. major mitochondrion may express proteins able to interact with Bax. The recruitment of cysteine proteinases and mitochondria to the cell death machinery may be of very ancient evolutionary origin. Alternately, host/parasite interactions may have exerted selective pressures on the cell death phenotype of kinetoplastid parasites, resulting in the more recent emergence of an apoptotic machinery through a process of convergent evolution.

Protective effects of M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in a rodent model of colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leukocyte infiltration, and up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in the colon. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in rats subjected to experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Rats experienced bloody diarrhoea and significant loss of body weight. At 4 days after TNBS administration, the colon damage was characterised by areas of mucosal necrosis. Neutrophil infiltration (indicated by myeloperoxidase activity in the mucosa) was associated with up-regulation of ICAM-1 and expression of P-selectin and high levels of malondialdehyde. Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase showed an intense staining in the inflamed colon. Treatment with M40403 (5 mg/kg daily i.p.) significantly reduced the appearance of diarrhoea and the loss of body weight. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic architecture as well as a significant reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels. M40403 also reduced the appearance of nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase immunoreactivity in the colon as well as reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and the expression of P-selectin. The results of this study suggested that administration of a superoxide dismutase mimetic may be beneficial for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Induction of apoptosis of integrin-expressing human prostate cancer cells by cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptides

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. We have investigated the effect of cyclo-(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val; cRGDfV), Arg-Gly-Asp, or Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser, on survival of human prostate cancer (LNCaP and PC-3) and normal (HEL) cells in vitro. Addition of cRGDfV (20 microg/ml) but not the linear Arg-Gly-Asp or Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide induced significant (approximately 84%) killing of LNCaP cells expressing alphavbeta3 integrins on their surfaces. In contrast, none of these peptides had any major effect on the growth of PC-3 or HEL cells, which express little alphavbeta3 integrin on their surfaces. Treatment of LNCaP but not of PC-3 or HEL cells with cRGDfV resulted in cleavage of focal adhesion kinase, a key player in integrin-mediated signal transduction pathway. The evidence we present here suggests that the killing of LNCaP cells after cRGDfV treatment was attributable to apoptosis or programmed cell death. This is evidenced by activation of at least two caspases (caspase-3 and caspase-9) as detected by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and partial blocking of apoptosis by a selective inhibitor of caspase-9. Our results suggest that cRGDfV may be an effective treatment for some human prostate cancers by inducing apoptosis through interference with the regulation of integrin/focal adhesion kinase-mediated signal transduction pathway necessary for cell survival.

Discovery of a novel compound: insight into mechanisms for acrylamide-induced axonopathy and colchicine-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death

The exposure of humans and experimental animals to certain industrial toxins such as acrylamide is known to cause nerve damage classified as axonopathy, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we show that acrylamide induces morphological changes and tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), a member of the FAK subfamily, in human differentiating neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, we identified a novel molecule designated 'compound-1' that inhibits the morphological and biochemical events. Daily oral administrations of the compound also effectively alleviated behavioral deficits in animals elicited by acrylamide in inclined plane testing, landing foot spread testing and rota-rod performance testing. The compound also effectively inhibited the biological and biochemical responses caused by another axonopathy inducer, colchicine, including tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2, formation of an 85-kDa poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) fragment and apoptosis-associated induction of the NAPOR gene as well as neuronal cell death. Our findings not only provide insight into FAK and Pyk2 functions in neuronal cells, but may also be important in the development of therapeutic agents for peripheral neuropathy and neurodegeneration.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on gentamicin-mediated nephropathy in rats

Studies were performed on the mechanisms of the protective effects of free-radical scavengers against gentamicin-mediated nephropathy. Administration of gentamicin, 100 mg/kg s.c., for 5 days to rats induced marked renal failure, characterised by a significantly decreased creatinine clearance and increased blood creatinine levels, fractional excretion of sodium Na(+), lithium Li(+), urine gamma glutamyl transferase and daily urine volume. A significant increase in kidney myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation was observed in gentamicin-treated rats. Immunohistochemical localisation demonstrated nitrotyrosine formation and poly(ADP-ribose)synthase activation in the proximal tubule from gentamicin-treated rats. Renal histology examination confirmed the tubular necrosis. N-acetylcysteine (10 mg/kg i.p. for 5 days) caused normalisation of the above biochemical parameters. In addition, N-acetylcysteine treatment significantly prevents the gentamicin-induced tubular necrosis. These results suggest that (1) N-acetylcysteine has protective effects on gentamicin-mediated nephropathy, and (2) the mechanisms of the protective effects can be, at least in part, related to interference with peroxynitrite-related pathways.

Effects of simulated microgravity on metabolic activities related to DNA damage and repair in lymphoblastoid cells

We adopted a simple experimental framework to follow the dependence of structural aberrations and the modifications in selected metabolic processes correlated with the exposure of cells to microgravity. Alterations to the cellular metabolism induced by exposure to microgravity are evidentiated in the modification of PARP activity (strongly dependent to the presence of DNA damages and to the altered gene expression), in the modification of the repair ability and in the cell's energy homeostasis (NAD and ATP). Cells are exposed continuously to microgravity in a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) in complete medium for 48 hours. At the end of this period a part of these cells are immediately analysed for the parameters reported above and the remaining were furtherly incubated in standard laboratory conditions to document eventual defects during the phases of the recovery process. A part of cells, just after exposure to microgravity, were also subjected to treatment with a strong damaging agent, KBrO3, and these cells were subsequently analyzed. This final treatment was meant to amplify the eventual deficiencies experienced by microgravity-exposed cells in the DNA repair process also in dependence with the alterated metabolic conditions resulting after the exposure to microgravity.

Defective caspase-3 relocalization in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Many anticancer drugs exert their cytotoxicity through DNA damage and induction of apoptosis. Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) have different sensitivity to treatment with radiation and chemotherapeutic agents with SCLC being more sensitive than NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. This difference might be related to the different susceptibility of small and non-small cell lung carcinoma to undergo apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if deficiencies in the apoptotic pathways can explain the intrinsic resistance of NSCLC to anti-cancer treatment. Three different triggers were used to induce apoptosis. Etoposide and gamma-radiation, which are important parts of clinical lung cancer treatment, induce DNA-damage, whereas Fas ligation induces receptor-mediated apoptotic pathways. NSCLC cells were cross-resistant to all treatments, whereas SCLC cells, which do not express pro-caspase-8, were resistant to alphaFas-, but not to DNA-damage-induced apoptosis. Cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-9 and the executioner caspase-3 were observed in both types of lung cancer cells. However, cleavage of known nuclear substrates for caspase-3, such as PARP and DFF45/ICAD, was documented only in the sensitive SCLC cells but not in the resistant NSCLC cells. Moreover, relocalization of active caspase-3 from the cytosol into the nucleus upon treatment was observed only in the SCLC cell line. These results indicate that the inhibition of apoptosis in NSCLC occurs downstream of mitochondrial changes and caspase activation, and upstream of nuclear events.

A rapid and strong apoptotic process is triggered by hyperosmotic stress in cultured rat cardiac myocytes

In all cell types, the maintenance of normal cell volume is an essential homeostatic function. Relatively little is known about the induction of apoptosis by hyperosmotic stress and its molecular mechanism in terminally differentiated cardiac myocytes. We compared the apoptotic response of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyoctes to hyperosmotic stress by sorbitol (SOR) with those induced by doxorubicin (Doxo) or angiotensin II (Ang II). We also examined the apoptotic-signaling pathway stimulated by the hyperosmotic stress. Apoptosis was assessed by the observation of: (1) cell viability, (2) DNA fragmentation detected by the TUNEL method and by agarose gel electrophoresis, and (3) poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) degradation, and Bcl-XS and Bcl-XL levels by Western blot analysis. Exposure of cardiomyocytes to 0.3 M SOR for 24 h resulted in decreased cell viability and increased generation of oligosomal DNA fragments (2.5-fold of controls). At this time, 83 +/- 5% of SOR-treated myocytes were TUNEL-positive (vs 23.7 +/- 6.8% in controls; P<0.01). PARP levels also decreased by approximately 42% when cardiac myocytes were exposed to SOR. Hyperosmotic stress induced a more rapid and stronger apoptotic response in cardiomyocytes than Doxo or Ang II. In addition, SOR increased 3.2-fold Bcl-XS proapoptotic protein without changes in Bcl-XL antiapoptotic protein levels and in the p53-transactivating activity. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that hyperosmotic stress triggers cardiac myocyte apoptosis in a p53-independent manner, being earlier and stronger than apoptosis induced by Doxo and Ang II.

Different effects of genistein on molecular markers related to apoptosis in two phenotypically dissimilar breast cancer cell lines

The association between consumption of genistein-containing soybean products and lower risk of breast cancer suggests a cancer chemopreventive role for genistein. Consistent with this suggestion, exposing cultured human breast cancer cells to genistein inhibits cell proliferation, although this is not completely understood. To better understand how genistein works, the ability of genistein to induce apoptosis was compared in phenotypically dissimilar MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells that express the wild-type and mutant p53 gene, respectively. After 6 days of incubation with 50 microM genistein, MCF-7 but not MDA-MB-231 cells, showed morphological signs of apoptosis. Marginal proteolytic cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase and significant DNA fragmentation were also detected in MCF-7 cells. In elucidating these findings, it was determined that after 2 days of incubation with genistein, MCF-7 but not MDA-MB-231 cells, had significantly higher levels of p53. Accordingly, the expression of certain proteins modulated by p53 was studied next. Levels of p21 increased in both of the genistein-treated cell lines, suggesting that p21 gene expression was activated but in a p53-independent manner, whereas no significant changes in levels of the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, were found. In MCF-7 cells, levels of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, decreased slightly at 18-24 h but then increased considerably after 48 h. Hence, the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio initially increased but later decreased. These data suggest that at the genistein concentration tested, MCF-7 cells in contrast to MDA-MB-231 cells were sensitive to the induction of apoptosis by genistein, but Bax and Bcl-2 did not play clear roles.

Induction of apoptosis by esculetin in human leukemia cells

Esculetin, a coumarin compound, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, esculetin was found to inhibit the survival of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. HL-60 cells underwent internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis after a 24-h treatment with esculetin (100 microM). Flow cytometric analysis showed that the hypodiploid nuclei of HL-60 cells were increased to 40.93% after a 36-h treatment with esculetin (100 microM). Further investigation showed that esculetin induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, esculetin application reduced Bcl-2 protein expression to 58% after 9 h as compared with that time at 0. Cysteine protease 32 kDa proenzyme (CPP32), a caspase 3, was activated and its substrate, poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase, was cleaved after a 24-h treatment of HL-60 cells with esculetin. These data suggest that esculetin induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells by increasing cytosolic translocation of cytochrome c and activation of CPP32.

Oxidative stress and c-Jun-amino-terminal kinase activation involved in apoptosis of primary astrocytes induced by disulfiram-Cu(2+) complex

Disulfiram is frequently used in the treatment of alcoholism. In this study, we found that CuCl(2) (1-10 microM), but not other metal ions (Fe(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+)), markedly potentiated disulfiram-induced cytotoxicity by 440-fold in primary astrocytes. Thus, the molecular mechanisms of the cytotoxic effects induced by the disulfiram-Cu(2+) complex were explored. The changes in morphology (nuclear condensation and apoptotic body formation) and hypodiploidy of DNA suggested that the disulfiram-Cu(2+) complex induced an apoptotic process. Our studies of the death-signaling pathway reveal that decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased free radical production, and depletion of non-protein-thiols (glutathione) were involved. The disulfiram-Cu(2+) complex activated c-Jun-amino-terminal kinase (JNK) and caspase-3 followed by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, the cellular Cu content was markedly increased and the copper chelator bathocuproine disulfonate abolished all of these cellular events, suggesting that Cu(2+) is essential for death signaling. The antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and vitamin C also inhibited the cytotoxic effect. Thus, we conclude that the disulfiram-Cu(2+) complex induces apoptosis and perhaps necrosis at a late stage mediated by oxidative stress followed by sequential activation of JNK, caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation. These findings imply that the axonal degeneration and neurotoxicity observed after the chronic administration of disulfiram are perhaps, at least in part, due to the cytotoxic effect of the disulfiram-Cu(2+) complex formed endogenously.

Perturbation of mitochondrial structure and function plays a central role in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin-induced apoptosis

Certain pore-forming bacterial toxins, including the leukotoxin (Ltx) produced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, induce apoptosis in susceptible target cells. Although binding to the target cell surface represents the first step in the initiation of this process, the downstream events leading to toxin-induced apoptotic cell death have not been identified. Perturbation of mitochondrial function has been shown to have a major role in regulating progression of apoptosis initiated by exposure to numerous stimuli. Using Ltx as a model, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether induction of apoptosis by pore-forming toxins follows a similar paradigm. After exposure to Ltx, Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cells (JY cell line) exhibited the classical morphological features of apoptosis including decreased cell size, plasma membrane blebbing, selective alterations in plasma membrane permeability and condensation of nuclear DNA. The morphologic changes were accompanied by swelling of the mitochondria, a decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Psi(m)), hyperproduction of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) and release of cytochrome c from the intermembrane space. Subsequently, we detected activation of the c ysteine asp artate-specific prote ases (caspases)-3 and -9, cleavage of the nuclear DNA repair enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. These results indicate that perturbation of mitochondrial structure and function, in concert with activation of specific caspases, initiate the effector phase of Ltx-induced apoptosis.

Death signaling pathway induced by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate-Cu(2+) complex in the cultured rat cortical astrocytes

The chelating and antioxidant effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) have been investigated extensively for preventing cell death induced by different insults. However, the toxic effects of PDTC have been studied only recently and fewer studies on the toxic effects on astrocytes have been reported. In our study, we demonstrated that both PDTC and Cu(2+) alone were rated as only weakly toxic in inducing cell death in cortical astrocytes with IC(50) of 300 microM and 180 microM, respectively. However, PDTC and Cu(2+) in the complex form markedly potentiated with each other by about 1,000-fold with IC(50) of 0.3 microM PDTC plus 10 microM Cu(2+). Other metals at concentrations of 3-10 microM (VO(4)(5+), Cr(6+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), Bi(2+), Ba(2+), UO(2+), Cs(+), SeO(4)(2-), La(3+)) had no such potentiating effects on PDTC. Changes in morphology (nuclear condensation), apoptotic body formation, and hypodiploidity of DNA suggested that the PDTC-Cu(2+) complex induced cell death through an apoptotic process. Further studies showed that the PDTC-Cu(2+) complex decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased hydrogen peroxide production, and depleted GSH contents. After the increased oxidative stress, PDTC-Cu(2+) complex differentially activated JNKs, ERK, p38 and caspase 3, which caused PARP degradation in a time-dependent manner. All these effects were consistent with the increased cellular Cu contents. The nonpermeable copper-specific chelator bathocuproine disulfonate (BCPS), but not the permeable Cu(2+) chelator neocuproine, abolished all the observed effects. Antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine [NAC], vitamin C), catalase, and Cu(2+)-binding proteins (albumin, hemoglobin, and higher serum) reduced the cytotoxic effects of PDTC-Cu(2+) complex. We concluded that the death signaling pathway of PDTC-Cu(2+) complex was mediated by oxidative stress and subsequent JNK activation. These findings imply that PDTC, a widely used pesticide and medicine that is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier, may cause neurotoxicity through astrocyte dysfunction.

Proteasome inhibition results in increased poly-ADP-ribosylation: implications for neuron death

This study demonstrates the ability of proteasome inhibitors (lactacystin, MG 115, MG 132) adenosine diphosphate to induce a time- and dose-dependent increase in poly-ADP-ribosylation (PAR) in the neural PC6 cell line, a subclone of PC12 cells. Elevated levels of PAR contribute to the toxicity associated with impaired proteasome activity, based on the ability of PAR inhibitors to ameliorate the toxicity associated with the application of lactacystin, MG 115, and MG 132. Proteasome inhibitors induced the accumulation of PAR and neuron death in primary hippocampal neuron cultures, which were both ameliorated by treatment with PAR inhibitors. Together, these data indicate a role for increased PAR in the toxicity associated with proteasome inhibition, and suggest that inhibitors of PAR may provide neuroprotection in conditions where proteasome inhibition occurs.

Peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis involves activation of multiple caspases in HL-60 cells

In this study, we show that caspases 2, 3, 6, and 7 were activated during peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells and that processing of these caspases was accompanied by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and lamin B. Treatment of cells with DEVD-fluoromethyl ketone (FMK), a selective inhibitor for caspase 3-like proteases, resulted in a marked diminution of apoptotic cells. VAVAD-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase 2, partially inhibited the apoptotic response to peroxynitrite. However, selective inactivation of caspase 6 by VEID-FMK did not affect apoptosis rates. These data suggest that caspase 3-like proteases and caspase 2, but not caspase 6, are required for peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis in this cell type. Moreover, we demonstrate that peroxynitrite treatment stimulated activation of caspases 8 and 9, two initial caspases in the apoptotic signaling pathway, and preincubation of cells with their inhibitor, IETD-FMK, inhibited activation of caspase 3-like proteases and caspase 2 at the concentration that prevents the apoptosis. These observations, together, suggest that caspase 8 and/or caspase 9 mediates activation of caspase 3-like proteases and caspase 2 during the apoptosis induced by peroxynitrite in HL-60 cells.

Beneficial effects of n-acetylcysteine on ischaemic brain injury

1. Nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite, formed from NO and superoxide anion, poly (ADP-ribole) synthetase have been implicated as mediators of neuronal damage following focal ischaemia. Here we have investigated the effects of n-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment in Mongolian gerbils subjected to cerebral ischaemia. 2. Treatment of gerbils with NAC (20 mg kg(-1) 30 min before reperfusion and 1, 2 and 6 h after reperfusion) reduced the formation of post-ischaemic brain oedema, evaluated by water content. 3. NAC also attenuated the increase in the brain levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the increase in the hippocampus of myeloperoxidase (MPO) caused by cerebral ischaemia. 4. Positive staining for nitrotyrosine was found in the hippocampus in Mongolian gerbils subjected to cerebral ischaemia. Hippocampus tissue sections from Mongolian gerbils subjected to cerebral ischaemia also showed positive staining for poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS). The degree of staining for nitrotyrosine and for PARS were markedly reduced in tissue sections obtained from animals that received NAC. 5. NAC treatment increased survival and reduced hyperactivity linked to neurodegeneration induced by cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion. 6. Histological observations of the pyramidal layer of CA1 showed a reduction of neuronal loss in animals that received NAC. 7. These results show that NAC improves brain injury induced by transient cerebral ischaemia.

Induction of apoptosis by arachidonic acid in human retinoblastoma Y79 cells: involvement of oxidative stress

Arachidonic acid administration caused apoptosis in Y79 cells, as shown by typical morphological changes, phosphatidylserine externalization, chromatin condensation, processing and activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of the endogenous caspase substrate poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase. Arachidonic acid also caused lamin B cleavage, suggesting caspase-6 activation. Arachidonic acid treatment was accompanied by increased formation of the lipid peroxidation end products malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, lowering in reduced glutathione content and in mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibiting glutathione synthesis sensitized Y79 cells to apoptosis-inducing stimuli, whilst replenishing reduced glutathione attenuated arachidonic acid toxicity. Similar findings were obtained using hydroperoxyeicosatetranoic acids (oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid which deplete the reduced glutathione pool) and nordihydroguaretic acid, a general inhibitor of lipooxygenase pathway. which may also trigger rapid depletion of reduced glutathione. Melittin, which is known to activate phospholipase A2, also potently induced apoptosis. Arachidonic acid toxicity was inversely related to cell density. This could depend on an increased production of molecules with antiapoptotic effect; insulin-like growth factors could most likely be one of these molecules. These results propose a role for oxidative stress in the cytotoxicity induced by arachidonic acid in Y79 cells and suggest that these cells could be protected from such toxicity as long as sufficient levels of reduced glutathione and survival factors are present.

Caspases cleave the amino-terminal calpain inhibitory unit of calpastatin during apoptosis in human Jurkat T cells

We have previously reported the activation of procalpain mu (precursor for low-calcium-requiring calpain) in apoptotic cells using a cleavage-site-directed antibody specific to active calpain [Kikuchi, H. and Imajoh-Ohmi, S. (1995) Cell Death Differ. 2, 195-199]. In this study, calpastatin, the endogenous inhibitor protein for calpain, was cleaved to a 90-kDa polypeptide during apoptosis in human Jurkat T cells. The limited proteolysis of calpastatin preceded the autolytic activation of procalpain. Inhibitors for caspases rescued the cells from apoptosis and simultaneously inhibited the cleavage of calpastatin. The full-length recombinant calpastatin was also cleaved by caspase-3 or caspase-7 at Asp-233 into the same size fragment. Cys-241 was also targeted by these caspases in vitro but not in apoptotic cells. Caspase-digested calpastatin lost its amino-terminal inhibitory unit, and inhibited three moles of calpain per mole. Our findings suggest that caspases trigger the decontrol of calpain activity suppression by degrading calpastatin.

Tanshinone IIA isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza BUNGE induced apoptosis in HL60 human premyelocytic leukemia cell line

Apoptosis is a new therapeutic target of cancer research. Tanshinone IIA isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza BUNGE, a traditional oriental medical herb, was observed to induce apoptosis in HL60 human premyelocytic leukemia cell line. Tanshinone IIA induced DNA fragmentation into the multiples of 180 bp and increased the percentage of hypodiploid cells in flow cytometry after propidium iodide (PI) staining. Tanshinone IIA-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the specific proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and the activation of caspase-3, a major component in apoptotic cell death mechanism.