In vitro and in vivo induction of heat shock (stress) protein (Hsp) gene expression by selected pesticides

The chloroacetamide insecticide alachlor, polyhalogenated cyclic hydrocarbons endrin and chlordane and the organophosphate pesticides chlorpyrifos and fenthion induce oxidative tissue damaging effects including lipid peroxidation and nuclear DNA-single strand breaks. The mechanism involved in the induction of oxidative stress by these xenobiotics is unknown. No information is available regarding whether these pesticides can induce the expression of heat shock (stress) protein (Hsp) genes as a common protective mechanism against tissue damage. The pesticides were administered p.o. individually to female Sprague-Dawley rats in two 0.25 LD50 doses at 0 h and 21 h. The animals were killed at 24 h, and liver, brain, heart and lung tissues were removed to examine the induction of Hsps by Western and Northern blot analysis. In a separate series of experiments, cultured neuroactive PC-12 cells were treated 24 h with 50, 100 or 200 nM concentrations of these pesticides. Alachlor, endrin, chlorpyrifos and fenthion induced Hsp89 alpha and Hsp89 beta in hepatic and brain tissues, as well as in cultured PC-12 cells. Chlordane induced some expression of Hsp89 alpha but not Hsp89 beta in the hepatic and brain tissues of treated rats. Some expression of Hsp89 beta was observed in lung tissues of endrin and alachlor treated animals. These findings were substantiated by Western blot analysis using Hsp90 antibody. Except chlordane all these pesticides induced enhanced synthesis of Hsp90 in cultured PC-12 cells. The results indicate striking tissue differences in the patterns of the Hsps induced by the pesticides which were used, and demonstrate that these pesticides can induce the expression of Hsp89 alpha and Hsp89 beta genes in various target organs of rats. The results support the hypothesis that these genes may be mechanistically involved in protecting tissues against oxidative stress induced by structurally diverse pesticides.

Psychogeriatric patients - a sociodemographic and clinical profile

This retrospective study aimed to explore the sociodemographic and clinial profile of patients aged 60 years and above attending the psychiatric services of NIMHANS. Two hundred and sixty-five such patients utilized the services during one year. Preliminary analysis of the data revealed that nearly three-fourths of the patients were between 60 and 69 years of age. The family support was adequate for most of the patients. Psychoses made up two-thirds of the sample (nonorganic psychoses = 43% and organic psychoses = 22%). The difference in the distribution of organic and nonorganic psychoses between the two sexes was significant (p=0.01485); men had significantly more organic psychoses than women and the latter had more nonorganic psychoses than the former. It was found that about 70% of the sample had associated physical disorders. The implications are discussed.

Production of reactive oxygen species by gastric cells in association with Helicobacter pylori

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Helicobacter pylori have been identified as pathogenic factors in several gastrointestinal disorders. Since little information is available regarding the mechanistic pathways of H. pylori-induced gastric injury, the potential role of ROS was investigated. The induction of ROS in gastric cells (GC) by H. pylori was assessed using chemiluminescence, cytochrome c reduction, nitrobluetetrazolium (NBT) reduction and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. The dose-dependent protective abilities of selected ROS scavengers on LDH leakage were determined. Following incubation of GC with three strains of H. pylori (1:1), approximately 5.7-8.0 and 3.8-4.3 fold increases were observed in cytochrome c and NBT reduction, respectively, demonstrating production of ROS. Enhanced chemiluminescence responses of 2.1- and 3.7-fold were observed following incubation of GC with H. pylori (ATCC 43504) at ratios of 1:1 and 1:10, respectively. Approximately 2.2- and 3.5-fold increases in LDH leakage were observed at GC:H. pylori (ATCC 43504) ratios of 1:1 and 1:10, respectively. Substantial inhibition of LDH leakage from GC in the presence of H. pylori was observed following co-incubations with selected ROS scavengers with cimetidine serving as the best chemoprotectant. The antioxidants and H2-receptor antagonists had no effect on growth of H. pylori cells. This study demonstrates that H. pylori induces enhanced production of ROS in GC, and enhances membrane damage.

Cadmium-induced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, DNA damage, glutathione depletion, and hepatic lipid peroxidation in Sprague-Dawley rats

Recent studies have described lipid peroxidation to be an early and sensitive consequence of cadmium exposure, and free radical scavengers and antioxidants have been reported to attenuate cadmium-induced toxicity. These observations suggest that cadmium produces reactive oxygen species that may mediate many of the untoward effects of cadmium. Therefore, the effects of cadmium (II) chloride on reactive oxygen species production were examined following a single oral exposure (0.50 LD50) by assessing hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation, glutathione content in the liver, excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, and the incidence of hepatic nuclear DNA damage. Increases in lipid peroxidation of 4.0- and 4.2-fold occurred in hepatic mitochondria and microsomes, respectively, 48 h after the oral administration of 44 mg cadmium (II) chloride/kg, while a 65% decrease in glutathione content was observed in the liver. The urinary excretion of malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) were determined at 0-96 h after Cd administration. Between 48 and 72 h posttreatment maximal excretion of the four urinary lipid metabolites was observed with increases of 2.2- to 3.6-fold in cadmium (II) chloride-treated rats. Increases in DNA single-strand breaks of 1.7-fold were observed 48 h after administration of cadmium. These results support the hypothesis that cadmium induces production of reactive oxygen species, which may contribute to the tissue-damaging effects of this metal ion.

In vitro effects of a smokeless tobacco extract on the production of reactive oxygen species by human oral epidermal cells and rat hepatic mitochondria and microsomes, and peritoneal macrophages

The possible role of reaction oxygen species in the toxicity of smokeless tobacco was explored. In order to determine possible sources of reactive oxygen species in response to smokeless tobacco, rat peritoneal macrophages (3 x 10(6)/ml) and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes (1 mg protein/ml) from untreated female Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with an aqueous smokeless tobacco extract (STE) (200 micro g/ml). STE resulted in rapid increases in chemiluminescence with maximum increases occurring at approximately 6 min for the macrophages and 8 min for mitochondria and microsomes. Maximum increases in chemiluminescence of 1.4-, 3.2-, and 3.1-fold relative to control values occurred for macrophages, mitochondria, and microsomes, respectively. Hepatic mitochondria and microsomes (1 mg protein/ml) from female Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated at 37 degrees C for 60 min in the presence of 0-500 micro g/ml STE. Potential tissue damage was measured as lipid peroxidation, and dose-dependent increases of 1.1-2.4-fold occurred in mitochondria and microsomes. Pre-incubation with various oxygen free radical scavengers including superoxide dismutase (SOD) (100 micro g/ml), catalase (100 micro g/ml), SOD + catalase (100 micro g/ml each), mannitol (1.25 mmol/ml), and allopurinol (100 micro g/ml) inhibited STE (200 micro g/ml) induced lipid peroxidation by 15% to 70%. Previous studies in our laboratories strongly suggest that STE induces the production of oxygen free radicals which cause tissue-damaging effects. We therefore examined the cytotoxicity of STE by incubating cultured human oral epidermal carcinoma (KB) cells with STE, and assessing the release of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the media as an indicator of cellular membrane damage. The amount of LDH released by STE was both concentration- and time-dependent. The results demonstrate that oral cells, peritoneal macrophages, and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes produce reactive oxygen species following in vitro incubation with an aqueous extract of smokeless tobacco. Tissue damage in response to STE may occur as the result of reactive oxygen species production.

Potential chemoprotectant activity of mechanism-based glycosidase inhibitors against ricin toxicity in Chinese hamster ovary and macrophage J774A.1 cell cultures

The abilities of the triacetylated galacto- and gluco-derivatives of 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-pyranosyl fluoride as well as alpha- and beta-N-bromoacetyl-D-galactopyranosylamine to inhibit the cytotoxicity of ricin in vitro in macrophage J774A.1 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines were determined. Leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) from the cells into the culture media were used as indicators of ricin cytotoxicity. The potential chemoprotectants were used in concentrations ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-4) g ml-1. Of the four potential mechanism-based, site-specific glycosidase inhibitors that were tested, 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-fluoro- beta-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride exhibited the greatest chemoprotectant activity. The ricin-induced LDH release was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by this compound, with the LDH leakage returning to control values in the presence of the highest concentration of this chemoprotectant in both cell cultures when given 4 h prior to ricin. This compound exhibited a small but significant inhibition of AST release from both cell cultures when given simultaneously with ricin. 3,4,6-Tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-galactopyranosyl fluoride exhibited a small but significant chemoprotective effect only at the highest concentration in both cell cultures when given simultaneously with ricin. Both the alpha- and beta-isomers of N-bromoacetyl-D-galactopyranosylamine exhibited activity against ricin toxicity in the CHO cell line, with the beta-isomer exhibiting greatest activity. The beta-isomer exhibited greater cytotoxicity in the absence of ricin, as demonstrated by the release of both enzymes from the cultured CHO cells. Further studies will be required to assess the utility of these compounds as chemoprotectants against ricin toxicity in vivo.

Effects of voluntary physical exercise on high-fat diet-promoted pancreatic carcinogenesis in the hamster model

We examined the effect of voluntary physical exercise (running wheels) on pancreatic carcinogenicity of N-nitrosobis-(2-oxopropyl) amine (BOP) in groups of female Syrian hamsters fed a high-fat (HF) diet in which corn oil was 24.6% of the diet or a low-fat (LF) diet in which corn oil was 4.5% of the diet. Each group was divided into an exercising (EX) group (LF-EX and HF-EX) and a sedentary (S) group (LF-S and HF-S). All hamsters were treated with BOP (20 mg/kg body wt) weekly for two weeks beginning four weeks after the experimental diets, which were fed from weaning. A modified glucose tolerance test was performed before the BOP injections and then again at 20 and 40 weeks, and the levels of glucose, insulin-like growth factor I, and insulin were determined in the plasma samples. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of lipid metabolites were also examined in six hamsters from each group. The experiment was terminated 44 weeks after the BOP treatment. Pancreatic ductal/ductular adenocarcinoma incidence was significantly higher in hamsters fed the HF diet (HF-S and HF-EX) than in those fed the LF diet (LF-S and LF-EX). In all groups, glucose and insulin-like growth factor I levels remained within the normal range throughout the experiment, whereas insulin and lipid metabolite levels were significantly elevated in all hamsters fed the HF diet (HF-S and HF-EX). Exercise significantly reduced the insulin level in the group fed the HF diet but did not influence the cancer burden, possibly by the generation of reactive lipid metabolites. Overall, the results showed that voluntary physical exercise does not influence the promotional action of the HF diet on pancreatic carcinogenesis in hamsters. This action could be attributed to the ability of the HF diet to increase the secretion of insulin, which has a growth-promoting and mitogenic effect on pancreatic cells, and to the effect of an HF diet or physical exercise in producing excess free radicals.

Naphthalene-induced oxidative stress in rats and the protective effects of vitamin E succinate

Quinone metabolites of naphthalene (NAP) are known to produce lipid peroxidation. However, the ability of naphthalene to induce oxidative stress in experimental animals has not been extensively investigated. Furthermore, the effects of vitamin E succinate [(+)-alpha-tocopherol acid succinate; VES] on naphthalene-induced oxidative stress and tissue damage were assessed. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a single oral dose of 1100 mg naphthalene/kg (0.50 LD50) in corn oil. Vitamin E succinate-treated rats received 100 mg VES/kg/day orally for 3 d before naphthalene treatment, and 40 mg VES/kg/d after NAP administration. Hepatic and brain tissues and urine samples were collected 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after NAP treatment. Naphthalene treatment resulted in a 2.1-fold increase in lipid peroxidation in liver and brain mitochondria at the 24-h time point. Increases in hepatic and brain mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in VES plus NAP-treated rats were 39-46% less than NAP treated rats at 24 h. DNA-single strand breaks increased 3.0-fold in hepatic tissues in NAP treated rats, and increased only 1.6-fold in VES protected rats at the 24-h time point. Glutathione (GSH) decreased by 83 and 49% in hepatic and brain tissues, respectively, in NAP-treated rats at the 24-h time point, while GSH content in VES plus NAP-treated rats decreased 47 and 21% in hepatic and brain tissues, respectively, at this same time point. Microsomal membrane fluidity, a measurement of membrane damage, increased 1.9- and 1.7-fold in liver and brain tissues, respectively, in NAP-treated rats, and only 1.3- and 1.2-fold in NAP plus VES-treated rats at the 24-h time point. The urinary excretion of malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) was determined at 0-96 h after NAP administration. Between 12-24 h after NAP administration maximal excretion of the four urinary lipid metabolites was observed, with increases of 4.5-, 2.7-, 2.3-, and 2.8-fold for MDA, FA, ACT, and ACON, respectively, at the 24-h time point. VES reduced the NAP-induced excretion of these urinary metabolites by 28-49% 24 h after NAP administration. These results support the hypothesis that NAP induces oxidative stress and tissue damage, and that vitamin E succinate provides significant protection.

In vitro and in vivo generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and lactate dehydrogenase leakage by selected pesticides

Reactive oxygen species may be involved in the toxicity of various pesticides and we have, therefore, examined the in vivo effects of structurally dissimilar polyhalogenated cyclic hydrocarbons (PCH), such as endrin and chlordane, chlorinated acetamide herbicides (CAH), such as alachlor, and organophosphate pesticides (OPS), such as chlorpyrifos and fenthion, on the production of hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation and DNA-single strand breaks (SSB), two indices of oxidative stress and oxidative tissue damage. The selected pesticides were administered p.o. to female Sprague-Dawley rats in two 0.25 LD50 doses at 0 h and 21 h and killed at 24 h. In a parallel set of experiments, we have determined the in vitro effects of these pesticides on the DNA-SSB and enhanced lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) from neuroactive PC-12 cells in culture. In vitro production of reactive oxygen species by these pesticides was also assessed by determining the enhanced chemiluminescence responses of hepatic and brain homogenates. Following treatment of rats with endrin, chlordane, alachlor, chlorpyrifos and fenthion, increases of 2.8-, 3.0-, 4.2-, 4.3- and 4.8-fold were observed in hepatic lipid peroxidation, respectively, while at these same doses, increases in lipid peroxidation of 2.4-, 2.1-, 3.6-, 4.6- and 5.3-fold, respectively, were observed in brain homogenates. Increases of 4.4-, 3.9-, 1.6-, 3.0- and 3.5-fold were observed in hepatic DNA-SSB following treatment of the rats with endrin, chlordane, alachlor, chlorpyrifos and fenthion, respectively, while at these same doses, increases of 1.9-, 1.7-, 2.2-, 1.4-, 1.4-fold, respectively, were observed in brain nuclear DNA-SSB. Following in vitro incubation of hepatic and brain tissues with 1 nmol/ml of each of the five pesticides, maximum increases in chemiluminescence occurred within 4-7 min of incubation and persisted for over 10 min. Increases of 3.0-, 2.7-, 3.6-, 4.9- and 4.4-fold were observed in chemiluminescence following in vitro incubation of the liver homogenates with endrin, chlordane, alachlor, chlorpyrifos and fenthion, respectively, while increases of 1.7-, 1.8-, 2.0-, 3.4- and 3.7-fold, respectively, were observed in the brain homogenates. Increases of 2.2-, 2.3-, 2.9-, 2.9- and 3.4-fold were observed in the chemiluminescence responses in the liver homogenates of the animals treated with endrin, chlordane, alachlor, chlorpyrifos and fenthion, respectively, while increases of 1.8-, 2.0-, 3.2-, 2.9- and 2.4-fold, respectively, were observed in the brain homogenates. Cultured neuroactive PC-12 cells were incubated with the pesticides and the release of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the media as an indicator of cellular damage and cytotoxicity was examined. Maximal release of LDH from cultured PC-12 cells was observed at 100 nM concentrations of the pesticides. Increases of 2.3-, 2.5-, 2.8-, 3.1 and 3.4-fold were observed in LDH leakage following incubation of the PC-12 cells with endrin, chlordane, alachlor, chlorpyrifos and fenthion, respectively. Following incubation of the cultured PC-12 cells with 100 nM concentrations of these same pesticides, increases in DNA-SSB of 2.5-, 2.2-, 2.1-, 2.4- and 2.5-fold, respectively, were observed. The results clearly demonstrate that these different classes of pesticides induce production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative tissue damage which may contribute to the toxic manifestations of these xenobiotics. Reactive oxygen species may serve as common mediators of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in response to many toxicants and pathological conditions.

Reflux esophagitis in humans is mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress in reflux esophagitis was investigated before and after antireflux surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Oxidative stress was studied in the distal and proximal esophagus of control patients (without esophagitis, but with other gastrointestinal disorders), of patients with various grades of esophagitis (including Barrett's esophagus), and in patients who had a Nissen fundoplication. Oxidative stress was assessed by chemiluminescence, lipid peroxidation (LP), and by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD).

RESULTS

Chemiluminescence and LP increased with the degree of esophagitis and was highest in patients with Barrett's esophagus; SOD decreased with damage, except in cases of Barrett's esophagus associated with mild esophagitis. Chemiluminescence and LP in reflux patients were higher in the distal than in the proximal esophagus, and SOD was lower, whereas no such difference was found in controls. Findings after Nissen fundoplication were similar to those of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Reflux esophagitis is mediated by free radicals depleting SOD. Barrett's esophagus is a severe form of oxidative damage; in some patients, high SOD levels may prevent severe esophagitis. Antireflux surgery prevents oxidative damage.

Fatty acid profiles of plasmalogen choline and ethanolamine glycerophospholipids in pig and rat hearts

The presence of relatively high concentrations of plasmalogen choline and ethanolamine in the heart of many animal species suggests a role of these ether-linked phospholipids in the pathophysiology of certain myocardial diseases. However, the fatty acid composition of myocardial plasmalogens in many species is not known. This study examined the fatty acid composition of the choline and ethanolamine glycerophospholipids in pig heart and compared the results with those in rat heart. Lipids were extracted from the heart biopsies obtained from pig and rat by standard techniques. Phosphoglycerides were separated by thin-layer chromatography followed by their derivatization into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and dimethyl acetals (DMAs). FAME and DMA samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Our results indicate striking differences in the fatty acid composition of both choline and ethanolamine glycerophosphates between rat heart and pig heart. Pig heart ethanolamine glycerophosphates are rich in linoleic acid (18:2) and arachidonic acid (20:4), but low in descosahexenoic (22:6) fatty acids while choline glycerophosphates are poor in both 20:4 and 22:6 fatty acids compared to those in rat hearts.

Protective effects of lazaroid U74389F (16-desmethyl tirilazad) on endrin-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in brain and liver and regional distribution of catalase activity in rat brain

Endrin, a poly-halogenated cyclic hydrocarbon, induces hepatic lipid peroxidation, modulates calcium homeostasis, decreases membrane fluidity, and increases nuclear DNA damage. Little information is available on the neurotoxicity of endrin. The effects of endrin on lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and regional distribution of catalase activity were assessed in rat brain and liver 24 h following an acute oral dose of 4.5 mg endrin/kg. Lipid peroxidation associated with whole brain mitochondria increased 2.4-fold, whereas microsomal lipid peroxidation increased 2.8-fold following endrin administration. Lipid peroxidation also increased 2.0-fold both in hepatic mitochondria and microsomes. Catalase activity decreased 24% in the hypothalamus, 23% in the cortex, 38% in the cerebellum, and 11% in the brain stem in response to endrin. A 4.3-fold increase in brain nuclear DNA-single strand breaks (SSB) was observed in endrin-treated rats. Pretreatment of rats intraperitoneally with the lazaroid U74389F (16-desmethyl tirilazad) (10 mg/kg in two doses) attenuated the biochemical consequences of endrin-induced oxidative stress. The administration of U74389F in citrate buffer (pH 3.8) provided better protection than administering the lazaroid in corn oil, decreasing endrin-induced lipid peroxidation by 50-80% and DNA-SSB by approximately 72% in liver and 85% in brain, while ameliorating the suppressed catalase activity. The data suggest an involvement of an oxidative stress in the neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by endrin, which can be attenuated by the lazaroid U74389F.

Protective effects of free radical scavengers and antioxidants against smokeless tobacco extract (STE)-induced oxidative stress in macrophage J774A.1 cell cultures

Previous studies have demonstrated that an aqueous smokeless tobacco extract (STE) administered in an acute oral dose to rats induces an enhanced induction of hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation, hepatic nuclear DNA single strand breaks, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, including malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone, and increased production of nitric oxide (NO) by peritoneal macrophage cells. These observations indicate that STE induces the production of oxygen free radicals. We have therefore examined the in vitro incubation of cultured J774A.1 macrophage cells with STE on the release of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the media as an indicator of cellular membrane damage and cytotoxicity. The amount of LDH released by STE was both concentration- and time-dependent. The cytotoxicity of STE to macrophage J774A.1 cells in culture was further determined from percent viability after various periods of incubation. The addition of 250 micrograms STE/ml to the cultured J774A.1 cells resulted in a 2.9-fold increase in the release of LDH. Individual coincubation with superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, mannitol, and allopurinol had no significant effect on the release of LDH into the culture medium, while a combination of the four free radical scavengers resulted in a 59% decrease in the STE-induced release of LDH. At 75 microM concentrations of viramine E and vitamin E succinate, approximately 28% and 41% inhibitions were observed in STE-induced LDH leakage, respectively. Taken together with previous studies, the results indicate that STE activates macrophage cells, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of thyroxine on experimental bronchospasm in guinea pigs

Effect of Thyroxine was studied in histamine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Chronic treatment with the drug significantly protected against experimental bronchospasm. Thyroxine also potentiated salbutamol evoked bronchodilation in this experimental model. Up-regulation of beta-2 adrenoceptors in bronchial smooth muscle may be the probable mechanism of action of thyroxine.

Esophagitis in Sprague-Dawley rats is mediated by free radicals

Free radical-mediated esophagitis was studied during duodenogastroesophageal reflux (mixed reflux) or acid reflux in rats. The influence of reflux on esophageal glutathione levels was also examined. Mixed reflux caused more gross mucosal injury than acid reflux. Gross mucosal injury occurred in the mid-esophagus. Total glutathione (GSH) in the esophageal mucosa of control rats was highest in the distal esophagus. The time course of esophageal GSH in rats treated by mixed reflux showed a significant decrease 4 hr after initiation of reflux, followed by a significant increase from the 12th hour on. Mucosal GSH was increased in both reflux groups after 24 hr but significantly more so in the mixed than in the acid reflux group. The free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD) prevented esophagitis and was associated with decreased GSH levels. GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) prevented esophagitis and stimulated SOD production in the esophageal mucosa. It is concluded that gastroesophageal reflux is associated with oxidative stress in the esophageal mucosa. The lower GSH levels in the mid-esophagus may predispose to damage in this area. Duodenogastroesophageal reflux causes more damage than pure acid reflux. Oxidative stress leads to GSH depletion of the esophageal mucosa in the first few hours following damage but then stimulates GSH production. GSH depletion by BSO does not worsen esophagitis since it increases the esophageal SOD concentration.

Free radical scavengers prevent reflux esophagitis in rats

Free radical damage in reflux esophagitis of rats induced by 24-hr duodenojejunal ligation was studied. Oxygen free radicals were selectively blocked. Groups were: sham operation, reflux, reflux + superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, dimethylthiourea, allopurinol, and inactivated SOD or inactivated catalase alone or in the combination SOD + catalase or SOD + catalase + dimethylthiourea + allopurinol. Macroscopic esophagitis was inhibited only by SOD, alone or in combination with other agents. Esophageal mucosal lipid peroxidation was 10-fold increased in the reflux group compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). This response was damped by SOD > catalase (P < 0.05) but not by the inactivated enzymes, dimethylthiourea or allopurinol. SOD + catalase showed no significant improvement on SOD alone. Total inhibition of lipid peroxidation was achieved by combining all scavengers. Total glutathione (GSH) in the esophageal mucosa was stimulated by reflux. This response was inhibited by scavengers equivalent to their efficacy in preventing lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that reflux esophagitis is associated with free radical release with O2- being the main source. Free radicals appear to stimulate GSH production in this prolonged oxidative stress.

Free radical production in nicotine treated pancreatic tissue

The ability of nicotine to induce oxidative stress in the pancreatic tissue of rats was investigated. Homogenized pancreatic tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats was incubated with nicotine in a dose of 200 ng/mg protein/ml for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min or was incubated for 30 min with nicotine in a dose of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ng/mg protein/ml. Pancreatic tissue was also incubated with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine with or without the scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, SOD+catalase, inactivated SOD, inactivated catalase, or albumin. Incubation with 0.9% NaCl served as control. There was a positive correlation between the duration of nicotine incubation and chemiluminescence (r = 0.6) or lipid peroxidation (r = 0.71) and also between the nicotine dose and chemiluminescence (r = 0.54) or lipid peroxidation (r = 0.66). Thirty minutes incubation of pancreatic tissue with nicotine in a dose of 200 ng/mg protein/ml increased chemiluminescence 5 fold and lipid peroxidation 2.5 fold. This response was dampened by SOD or catalase and abolished by SOD+catalase. Inactivated enzymes or albumin had no scavenging effect. These results demonstrate that nicotine causes oxidative stress to the pancreatic tissue of rats.

Evidence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced tissue damage in fetal and placental tissues and changes in amniotic fluid lipid metabolites of pregnant CF1 mice

Pregnant CF1 mice were given 30 micrograms 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)/kg or the vehicle as a single i.p. dose on day 12 of gestation and killed 48 h later. Increases in DNA elution rate constants (single strand breaks) in fetal and placental nuclei of 1.8- and 2.3-fold, respectively, were observed. Increases in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in placental and fetal tissues of 1.9- and 1.5-fold, respectively, were also observed. TCDD administration produced increases in the amniotic fluid levels of the lipid metabolites malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) of 2.5-, 1.6-, 1.4-, and 1.6-fold, respectively relative to control animals. The results suggest that reactive oxygen species may participate in the teratogenic effects of TCDD.

In vitro free radical production in rat esophageal mucosa induced by nicotine

Oxidative stress induced by nicotine was investigated in the esophageal mucosa of rats. The homogenized mucosa was incubated for 30 min with 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine or with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Esophageal mucosa was also incubated for 30 min with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine with or without the scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, SOD+catalase, inactivated SOD, inactivated catalase, or albumin. Incubation with 0.9% NaCl served as control. There was a strong correlation between chemiluminescence and the nicotine dose (r = 0.75) or the nicotine incubation time (r = 0.77). Thirty-minute incubation of the esophageal mucosa with 200 ng/mg protein/ml nicotine increased chemiluminescence 5.5-fold and lipid peroxidation 3.3-fold. This response was dampened by SOD or catalase and abolished by SOD+catalase. Inactivated enzymes or albumin had no scavenging effect. These results demonstrate that nicotine causes oxidative stress to the esophageal mucosa.

Effect of vitamin E succinate on smokeless tobacco-induced production of nitric oxide by rat peritoneal macrophages and J774A.1 macrophage cells in culture

Previous studies have shown that an aqueous smokeless tobacco extract when administered in a single oral dose to rats results in an enhanced induction of hepatic lipid peroxidation, hepatic DNA single strand breaks, and a marked increase in the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone. These observations strongly suggest that STE induces the production of reactive oxygen species. We have therefore examined the effects of STE in vivo in rats on the production of nitric oxide (NO) by isolated peritoneal exudate (macrophage) cells and when incubated with cultured J774A.1 macrophage cells. In both cases, a significant increase in NO production was observed. When the antioxidant vitamin E succinate was preadministered to rats, a marked decrease in NO production in response to STE by isolated peritoneal macrophages was observed. Similar results were observed when J774A.1 macrophages were cultured in the presence of vitamin E succinate and STE. When vitamin E succinate alone was cultured with macrophages, an increase in NO production was observed. A similar increase was observed when the vitamin E succinate was administered to rats, and NO production by isolated peritoneal macrophages was assessed. The results demonstrated that the increase in NO production by macrophages in response to vitamin E succinate was due to a succinate moiety. Taken together with previous studies, the results indicate that STE activates macrophages, which result in the production of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species may be responsible for tissue damaging effects including lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, which may be associated with the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of smokeless tobacco products.

Oxidative stress induced by chronic administration of sodium dichromate [Cr(VI)] to rats

Chromium occurs in the workplace primarily in the valence forms Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Recent studies have demonstrated that sodium dichromate [Cr(VI)] induces greater oxidative stress as compared with Cr(III), as indicated by the production of reactive oxygen species by peritoneal macrophages and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes, and enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites and hepatic DNA-single strand breaks (SSB) following acute oral administration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). We have therefore examined the chronic effects of sodium dichromate dihydrate [Cr(VI); 10 mg (33.56 mumol)/kg/day] on hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites including malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), acetone (ACON) and propionaldehyde (PROP), and hepatic DNA damage over a period of 90 days. The maximal increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were observed at approximately 45 days of treatment. Maximum increases in the urinary excretion of MDA, FA, ACT, ACON and PROP were 3.2-, 2.6-, 4.1-, 3.3- and 2.1-fold, respectively, while a 5.2-fold increase in DNA-SSB was observed. The results clearly indicate that chronic sodium dichromate administration induces oxidative stress resulting in tissue damaging effects which may contribute to the toxicity and carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium.

Chromium-induced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, DNA damage, nitric oxide production, and generation of reactive oxygen species in Sprague-Dawley rats

Chromium and its salts induce cytotoxicity and mutagenesis, and vitamin E has been reported to attenuate chromate-induced cytotoxicity. These observations suggest that chromium produces reactive oxygen species which may mediate many of the untoward effects of chromium. We have therefore examined and compared the effects of Cr(III) (chromium chloride hexahydrate) and Cr(VI) (sodium dichromate) following single oral doses (0.50 LD50) on the production of reactive oxygen species by peritoneal macrophages, and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes in rats. The effects of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation and enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites as well as the incidence of hepatic nuclear DNA damage and nitric oxide (NO) production were also examined. Increases in lipid peroxidation of 1.8- and 2.2-fold occurred in hepatic mitochondria and microsomes, respectively, 48 hr after the oral administration of 25 mg Cr(VI)/kg, while increases of 1.2- and 1.4-fold, respectively, were observed after 895 mg Cr(III)/kg. The urinary excretion of malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT) and acetone (ACON) were determined at 0-96 hr after Cr administration. Between 48 and 72 hr post-treatment, maximal excretion of the four urinary lipid metabolites was observed with increases of 1.5- to 5.4-fold in Cr(VI) treated rats. Peritoneal macrophages from Cr(VI) treated animals 48 hr after treatment resulted in 1.4- and 3.6-fold increases in chemiluminescence and iodonitrotetrazolium reduction, indicating enhanced production of superoxide anion, while macrophages from Cr(III) treated animals showed negligible increases. Increases in DNA single strand breaks of 1.7-fold and 1.5-fold were observed following administration of Cr(VI) and Cr(III), respectively, at 48 hr post-treatment. Enhanced production of NO by peritoneal exudate cells (primarily macrophages) was monitored following Cr(VI) administration at both 24 and 48 hr post-treatment with enhanced production of NO being observed at both timepoints. The results indicate that both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) induce an oxidative stress at equitoxic doses, while Cr(VI) induces greater oxidative stress in rats as compared with Cr(III) treated animals.

Oxidative mechanisms in the toxicity of metal ions

The role of reactive oxygen species, with the subsequent oxidative deterioration of biological macromolecules in the toxicities associated with transition metal ions, is reviewed. Recent studies have shown that metals, including iron, copper, chromium, and vanadium undergo redox cycling, while cadmium, mercury, and nickel, as well as lead, deplete glutathione and protein-bound sulfhydryl groups, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species as superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. As a consequence, enhanced lipid peroxidation. DNA damage, and altered calcium and sulfhydryl homeostasis occur. Fenton-like reactions may be commonly associated with most membranous fractions including mitochondria, microsomes, and peroxisomes. Phagocytic cells may be another important source of reactive oxygen species in response to metal ions. Furthermore, various studies have suggested that the ability to generate reactive oxygen species by redox cycling quinones and related compounds may require metal ions. Recent studies have suggested that metal ions may enhance the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and activate protein kinase C, as well as induce the production of stress proteins. Thus, some mechanisms associated with the toxicities of metal ions are very similar to the effects produced by many organic xenobiotics. Specific differences in the toxicities of metal ions may be related to differences in solubilities, absorbability, transport, chemical reactivity, and the complexes that are formed within the body. This review summarizes current studies that have been conducted with transition metal ions as well as lead, regarding the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative tissue damage.

Adriamycin-induced hepatic and myocardial lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, and enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites in rats

Adriamycin produces clinically useful responses in a variety of human cancers including lymphomas, leukemias, and solid tumors. However, the toxicity of adriamycin has limited its usefulness. Iron-catalyzed free radical reactions as the peroxidation of membrane lipids, inactivation of critical enzymes, and the inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in heart, liver and kidney have been implicated in the toxicity of adriamycin. In order to further assess the role of oxidative stress in the toxicity of adriamycin, the effects of adriamycin were examined on the urinary excretion of lipid metabolites at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment, and on myocardial and hepatic lipid peroxidation and nuclear DNA single strand breaks at 24 h post-treatment following single oral and intravenous (i.v.) doses of 10 mg/kg adriamycin. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT) and acetone (ACON) excretion was significantly increased at all time points examined. Following the oral administration of adriamycin, maximum excretion of MDA, FA, ACT and ACON of 6.2-, 2.7-, 3.7- and 2.2-fold relative to control values, respectively, occurred 24 h after treatment. However, following the i.v. administration of adriamycin, greatest increases in excretion of MDA, FA and ACT reaching 6.9-, 3.3- and 6.3-fold relative to control values, respectively, were observed 6 h after treatment, while the greatest increase in ACON excretion of 4.2-fold relative to control values occurred 12 h post-treatment. Following oral and i.v. administration of adriamycin, significant increases were observed in myocardial and hepatic lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial and microsomal membranes, and myocardial and hepatic nuclei DNA single strand breaks 24 h after treatment. The results indicate that adriamycin administration induces myocardial and hepatic lipid peroxidation which may be responsible for enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites as a result of membrane damage, and also induces enhanced DNA damage. These effects may be due to adriamycin-induced production of reactive oxygen species.

The modulating effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody on ricin-induced oxidative stress in mice

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that the protein toxin ricin induces an oxidative stress in mice, resulting in increased urinary excretion of malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), and acetone (ACON). Other toxicants have been shown to induce oxidative stress by macrophage activation with subsequent release of reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Therefore, the ability of TNF-alpha antibody to modulate ricin-induced urinary carbonyl excretion as well as hepatic lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, and DNA single-strand breaks was assessed. Ricin-induced urinary MDA, FA, and ACON were reduced significantly in mice receiving antibody (15,000 U/kg) 2 hours before treatment with ricin (5 micrograms/kg). At 48 hours following ricin treatment, MDA, FA, and ACON concentrations in the urine of TNF antibody-treated mice decreased 25.7, 53.2, and 64.5%, respectively, relative to ricin-treated mice receiving no antibody. In addition, anti-TNF-alpha (1500 U/kg) significantly decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation and DNA single-strand breaks, induced by 5 micrograms ricin/kg, by 49.3 and 44.2%, respectively. The results suggest that macrophage activation and subsequent release of TNF-alpha are involved in ricin toxicity.

Smokeless tobacco induced increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and excretion of urinary lipid metabolites

The possible role of reactive oxygen species in the toxicity of smokeless tobacco (ST) was explored. The effects of an aqueous smokeless tobacco extract (STE) at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg STE/kg in rats on the induction of hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation and the incidence of hepatic nuclear DNA damage 24 hours post treatment were examined. Dose-dependent increases of 1.8, 2.3 and 4.4-fold in mitochondrial and 1.5, 2.1 and 3.6-fold in microsomal lipid peroxidation occurred at 125, 250 and 500 mg STE/kg, respectively, relative to control values. At these same three doses of STE, 1.3, 1.4 and 2.7-fold increases in hepatic DNA single-strand breaks occurred relative to control values. STE administration also resulted in significant increases in excretion of urinary metabolites. Urinary excretion of the four lipid metabolites malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT) and acetone (ACON) was monitored by HPLC for 72 hours after treatment of rats with 125 and 250 mg STE/kg. Increases occurred in the excretion of the four lipid metabolites at every dose and time point with maximum increases in the excretion of all lipid metabolites being observed between 12 and 24 hours post treatment. The results suggest the involvement of an oxidative stress in the toxicity of STE.

Excretion of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone and methyl ethyl ketone in the urine of rats given an acute dose of malondialdehyde

A high pressure liquid chromatographic system (HPLC) has recently been developed for the simultaneous detection of malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT) and acetone (ACON). We have examined the urinary excretion of these four lipid metabolites in the urine of rats following the acute oral administration of MDA (158 mg/kg body weight). During the first 12 h, increases in the urinary excretion of MDA and ACT of approximately 192- and 70-fold, respectively, were observed. The urinary excretion of both MDA and ACT decreased thereafter. An increase in FA excretion was observed only 12-24 h after MDA administration. A significant decrease in ACON relative to control values was observed 12-48 h after MDA treatment. Two new peaks were present in the HPLC chromatograms of urine samples 0-24 h after MDA administration. Both peaks were shown to be due to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) which appears to be formed as a result of MDA metabolism. The results demonstrate that orally administered MDA is rapidly excreted in the urine, and alters the metabolism and excretion of other lipid metabolites.

Quantitative determination of urinary lipid metabolites by high pressure liquid chromatography as indicators of menadione-induced in vivo lipid peroxidation

The one- and two-electron-reduction reactions of menadione result in the generation of reactive oxygen species which are believed to mediate the cytotoxicity of this xenobiotic. The induction of lipid peroxidation in liver and isolated hepatocytes occurs in response to the menadione-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species. However, studies on the effects of menadione on the urinary excretion of lipid metabolites have not been conducted. The effect of a single oral dose of 60 mg menadione/kg to rats on the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) has been examined over 48 h post-treatment. The urinary metabolites were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and quantitated by high pressure liquid chromatography. Time-dependent increases in the urinary excretion of the four metabolites were observed after menadione administration. Over the 48 h of the study, the menadione-induced urinary excretion of MDA, FA, ACT, and ACON increased by approximately 1.5-, 2.0-, 1.7-, and 3.2-fold, respectively, relative to control animals. The data were expressed in nmoles/kg body weight/4.5 h. The results clearly demonstrate that menadione increases the urinary excretion of four lipid metabolites. These metabolites may have widespread applicability as biomarkers of altered lipid metabolism in disease states and exposure to environmental pollutants/xenobiotics which induce enhanced lipid peroxidation. The non-invasive methods offer advantages over most other methods for assessing oxidative stress in vivo.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous detection of malonaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acetone and propionaldehyde to monitor the oxidative stress in heart

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is the oxidative deterioration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with the production of lipid hydroperoxides, cyclic peroxides, cyclic endoperoxides, and finally fragmentation to ketones and aldehydes (including malonaldehyde, MDA). Estimation of LPO through MDA formation measured by assaying thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive products remains the method of choice to study the development of oxidative stress in tissues. However, MDA estimation by TBA reactive products is non-specific and often gives erroneous results. In this report we describe a method using high-performance liquid chromatographic separation to estimate MDA, formaldehyde (FDA), acetaldehyde (ADA), acetone, and propionaldehyde (PDA), the degradation products of oxygen-derived free radicals (ODFR) and PUFA, as presumptive markers for LPO. Oxidative stress was induced in the tissue by perfusing an isolated rat heart with hydroxyl radical generating system (xanthine + xanthine oxidase + FeCl3 + EDTA). The coronary effluents were collected, derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), and extracted with pentane. Aliquots of 25 microliters in acetonitrile were injected onto a Beckman Ultrasphere C18 (3 microns) column. The products were eluted isocratically with a mobile phase containing acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (40:60:0.1, v/v/v), measured at three different wavelengths (307, 325 and 356 nm) using a Waters M-490 multichannel UV detector and collected for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The peaks were identified by cochromatography with DNPH derivatives of authentic standards, peak addition, UV pattern of absorption at the three wavelengths, and by GC-MS. The retention items of MDA, FDA, ADA, acetone, and PDA were 5.3, 6.6, 10.3, 16.5, and 20.5 min, respectively. The results of our study indicated progressive increase of all five lipid metabolites as a function of the duration of ODFR perfusion. Hydroxyl radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase plus catalase, completely inhibited the formation of these lipid metabolites, demonstrating that the release of lipid metabolites from the isolated heart was indeed in response to oxidative stress. Since MDA, FDA, ADA, acetone, and PDA are the products of ODFR-PUFA interactions, this method allows proper estimation of LPO which monitors the oxidative stress developed during the reperfusion of ischemic myocardium.

Detection of paraquat-induced in vivo lipid peroxidation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography

The cyclic oxidation-reduction of paraquat results in the formation of oxygen free radicals, which are believed to mediate the toxic manifestations of this herbicide. Because of paraquat's profound effects on lipid peroxidation, the effect of oral administration of 75 mg paraquat/kg to rats has been examined on the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) over 48 hours post-treatment. The urinary metabolites were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and quantitated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Time-dependent increases in the urinary excretion of the four metabolites were observed after paraquat administration. Over the 48 hours of the study, the paraquat-induced urinary excretion of MDA, FA, ACT, and ACON increased by approximately 218, 155, 331, and 995%, respectively, relative to control animals. The data were expressed in nmol/kg body weight/4.5 h. The results clearly demonstrate that paraquat increases the urinary excretion of four lipid metabolites, which may have widespread applicability as biomarkers of altered lipid metabolism in disease states and cases of exposure to environmental pollutants and xenobiotics that induce enhanced lipid peroxidation.

Time-dependent effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on serum and urine levels of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone in rats

The ability of TCDD to produce lipid mobilization and alter lipid metabolism is well known. Previous studies have indicated that TCDD induces an oxidative stress and enhances lipid peroxidation. However, the products resulting from altered lipid metabolism in response to TCDD have not been studied. We have examined the time-dependent changes in serum and urine levels of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone in response to a single oral 50 micrograms/kg dose of TCDD in rats. The changes in these four metabolic products were quantitated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of TCDD were compared in ad libitum-fed control animals and pair-fed animals. Serum and urine levels of the four metabolites were assayed on Days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Following TCDD administration, significant increases in the four metabolites present in serum and urine were observed at all time points. For example, on Day 6 post-treatment malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone increased approximately 1.8-, 1.4-, 2.0-, and 3.0-fold in serum, respectively, and 1.3-, 1.4-, 1.6-, and 2.0-fold in urine, respectively, relative to pair-fed control animals. Increases in the serum and urine levels of the four metabolites were significantly greater for TCDD animals than for pair-fed control animals at most time points. When the serum levels of malondialdehyde as determined by HPLC were compared with the results obtained by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) colorimetric method, similar time courses were observed although higher results were obtained for the less specific TBA method. The results clearly demonstrate that TCDD causes markedly elevated serum and urine levels of four specific products associated with lipid metabolism.

Identification and characterization of plasmalogen fatty acids in swine heart

Reperfusion of ischemic swine myocardium is associated with the loss of sarcolemmal phospholipids resulting in the accumulation of amphiphilic metabolites, lysophosphoglycerides and free fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid, causing electro-physiological dysfunction and cell death. Recently, phospholipids containing a vinyl ether bond at the Sn-1 position, commonly known as plasmalogens, have been identified as major constituents of heart, which contain a large amount of arachidonic acid in the Sn-2 position. Because of the potential importance of plasmalogens, the fatty acid composition of the choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides in swine heart was determined. Lipids were extracted from the left ventricular biopsies from swine heart, phosphoglycerides were separated from the neutral lipids by thin layer chromatography, converted into methyl derivatives and analysed by GC. The peaks for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and dimethylacetal (DMA) derivatives of choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides were confirmed using GC-MS. The results showed high amounts of 18:1 (17 mol%), 18:2 (24 mol %) FAME in choline phosphoglycerides in contrast to the occurrence of a high amount of 20:4 (28 mol%) FAME in ethanolamine phosphoglycerides, suggesting that plasmenylethanolamine, and not plasmenylcholine, may serve as the depot for arachidonic acid in swine heart.

Carbon-tetrachloride-induced urinary excretion of formaldehyde, malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone in rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride rapidly promotes lipid peroxidation and inhibits microsomal calcium sequestration, microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase activity and cytochrome P-450. Due to its profound effects on lipid peroxidation, we have examined the oral administration of 2.5 ml/kg carbon tetrachloride on the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites formaldehyde, malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone. Urine samples were collected up to 48 h after treatment. The urinary metabolites were identified and quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Time-dependent increases in the urinary excretion of the four metabolites were observed after carbon tetrachloride administration. At 48 h after treatment, the increases in the excretion of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone were approximately 55, 78, 57 and 268%, respectively, relative to control values. The data were expressed in nanomoles per kilogram body weight per 4.5 h. The results clearly demonstrate that carbon tetrachloride increases the urinary excretion of four lipid metabolites which may serve as noninvasive biomarkers of xenobiotic-induced lipid peroxidation.

Protective effects of antioxidants against endrin-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and excretion of urinary lipid metabolites

Oxidative stress is believed to play a pivotal role in endrin-induced hepatic and neurologic toxicity. Therefore, the effects of the antioxidants vitamin E succinate and ellagic acid have been examined on hepatic lipid peroxidation, DNA single-strand breaks (SSB), and the urinary excretion of lipid metabolites following an acute oral dose of 4.5 mg endrin/kg. Groups of rats were pretreated with 100 mg/kg vitamin E succinate for 3 d followed by 40 mg/kg on day 4, or 6.0 mg ellagic acid/kg for 3 d p.o. followed by 3.0 mg/kg on day 4 or the vehicle. Endrin was administered p.o. on day 4 2 hr after treatment with the antioxidant. All animals were killed 24 h after endrin administration. Vitamin E succinate pretreatment decreased the endrin-induced increase in hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation by approximately 60% and 40%, respectively. Ellagic acid pretreatment reduced the endrin-induced increased in mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation by approximately 76 and 79%, respectively. Both vitamin E succinate and ellagic acid alone produced small but nonsignificant decreases in hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation. A 3.3-fold increase in the incidence of hepatic nuclear DNA single-strand breaks was observed 24 h after endrin administration. Pretreatment of rats with vitamin E succinate, vitamin E, and ellagic acid decreased endrin-induced DNA-SSB by approximately 47%, 22%, and 21%, respectively. Pretreatment of rats with vitamin E succinate decreased the endrin-induced increase in the urinary excretion of malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acetone by approximately 68, 65, 70, and 55%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparative effects of endrin on hepatic lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, and nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J and DBA/2 mice

1. Endrin is a polyhalogenated cyclic hydrocarbon which produces hepatic and neurologic toxicity. In order to further assess the mechanism of toxicity of endrin, the dose-dependent effects of endrin on hepatic lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, and nitric oxide (NO) production by peritoneal exudate cells (primarily macrophages) were investigated in C57BL/6J and DBA/2 mice which vary at the Ah receptor genetic locus. C57BL/6J mice are dioxin-responsive, while DBA/2 mice are dioxin-insensitive. 2. Mice of both strains were treated with 0, 1, 2 or 4 mg endrin kg-1 as a single oral dose in corn oil, and the animals were killed 24 hr post-treatment. At doses of 1, 2 and 4 mg endrin kg-1 in C57BL/6J mice, hepatic mitochondrial lipid peroxidation increased 1.2-, 2.2- and 3.2-fold, respectively, and 1.8-, 2.3- and 3.5-fold with microsomes, respectively. At these same doses in DBA/2 mice, hepatic mitochondrial lipid peroxidation increased 1.3-, 2.0- and 2.6-fold, respectively, and 1.5-, 1.9- and 2.5-fold with microsomes, respectively. 3. Increases of 2.3-, 2.4- and 4.9-fold were observed in hepatic DNA damage (elution constants) in C57BL/6J mice at doses of 1, 2 and 4 mg endrin kg-1, respectively, while at these same three doses, increases of 1.9-, 2.1- and 2.3-fold were observed for DBA/2 mice, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of carbon tetrachloride, menadione, and paraquat on the urinary excretion of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone in rats

Excretions of the lipid peroxidation products, formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acetone (ACON), were simultaneously identified and quantitated in the urine of female Sprague-Dawley rats by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) following the acute administration of carbon tetrachloride, a model alkylating agent that does not induce glutathione depletion, and the redox cycling compounds paraquat and menadione. All three xenobiotics are well-known inducers of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress was induced by oral administration of single doses of 2.5 mL of carbon tetrachloride/kg, 60 mg menadione/kg, and 75 mg paraquat/kg. These doses are approximately 50% of the LD50's for the three xenobiotics. Urinary excretion of FA, ACT, MDA, and ACON increased relative to control animals following treatment with all xenobiotics. Over the 48 hours of the study, the greatest increases in the excretion of MDA, FA, ACT, and ACON occurred after paraquat administration, with increases of approximately 2.7-, 2.6-, 4.3-, and 11.0-fold, respectively. This technique may have wide-spread applicability as an effective biomarker for investigating altered lipid metabolism in disease states and exposure to environmental pollutants/xenobiotics.

Excretion of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone in the urine of rats following acute and chronic administration of ethanol

Recent studies have shown that xenobiotics which induce oxidative stress result in an increased production and excretion of acetaldehyde (ACT), formaldehyde (FA), acetone (ACON) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the urine of rats. We have therefore examined the effect of acute and chronic ethanol administration on the excretion of these four lipid metabolites in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Urine samples were collected over dry ice for 6 hr time periods. Aliquots of urine were derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine HCl, and extracted with n-pentane. High pressure lipid chromatogrpahy (HPLC) was used to quantitate and the hydrazones of the four lipid metabolite products. Following a single, oral, acute dose of 5 g ethanol/kg, urinary excretion of ACT increased approximately 5.8-fold from 6 to 12 hr posttreatment, and decreased thereafter. FA excretion decreased by approximately 50% from 0 to 12 hr, returned to control values in the 18-24 hr urine samples, and was 1.3-fold greater than control values at 42-48 hr. ACON increased 3.1-fold over control values from 0 to 30 hr and remained elevated throughout the remaining 18 hr of the study. The excretion of MDA increased approximately 1.5-fold from 18 to 36 hr, then remained constant through the 48 hr time point. In a separate series of experiments, a chronic oral dose of 0.5 g ethanol/kg was administered to rats for 10 consecutive days and the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites MDA, FA, ACT and ACON was examined for 11 days, beginning with the first day of ethanol administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Attenuation of myocardial reperfusion injury by reducing intracellular calcium overloading with dihydropyridines

The effects of three different dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonists, nisoldipine, nimodipine, and nifedipine, on myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury were studied using isolated rat hearts subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. Hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer containing 0, 4, 16, 64 and 100 nM concentrations of the above dihydropyridines for 15 min. Global ischemia was then induced by terminating the aortic flow for 30 min at 37 degrees, followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Left ventricular (LV) functional (LV developed pressure, its first derivative and coronary flow) and biochemical parameters (creatine kinase release) were monitored prior to ischemia and during reperfusion. In separate group of hearts, intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was monitored with an intracellular calcium analyzer using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator (Fura-2 AM). Tissue Ca2+ was also measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy after perfusing the hearts with ion-free cold buffer to wash out extracellular Ca2+. Significant recovery of the coronary flow was observed in all hearts treated with a high concentration (100 nM) of DHPs compared with the control group (P < 0.05), while a lower dose of nisoldipine (16 nM) and nifedipine (64 nM) also improved the coronary flow effectively. Reduction of myocardial creatine kinase release and improvement of the recovery of LV developed pressure, dp/dtmax, were achieved by DHPs in a concentration-dependent manner. A higher concentration of DHPs also decreased the formation of myocardial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, although these compounds did not possess direct free radical scavenging effects in vitro. Tissue Ca2+ content was reduced significantly in treated groups. The rise of [Ca2+]i during ischemia and reperfusion appeared to be attenuated by these DHPs. The concentration-response study of the three DHPs showed the effective concentrations for reducing [Ca2+]i to be 16, 64 and 100 nM nisoldipine, nifedipine and nimodipine, respectively, in this experimental setting. The above results indicate that pretreatment with DHPs can attenuate the myocardial reperfusion injury by modulating Ca2+ overloading and decreasing the susceptibility of the membrane to free radical attack.

Comparative studies on lipid peroxidation and DNA-single strand breaks induced by lindane, DDT, chlordane and endrin in rats

1. A variety of structurally dissimilar polyhalogenated cyclic hydrocarbons produce similar toxic effects. The molecular mechanisms involved in the production of these toxic manifestations is not known. 2. We have proposed that reactive oxygen species may be involved, and have therefore examined the time-dependent effects of lindane (30 mg/kg), DDT (40 mg/kg), chlordane (120 mg/kg), and endrin (4.5 mg/kg) on the production of hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation and DNA single strand breaks, two indices of oxidative stress. 3. All four xenobiotics resulted in significant increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Earliest (6 hr) increases in both lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were observed following lindane administration. Time-dependent increases in both parameters were observed following endrin administration. 4. Maximum increases in DNA single strand breaks of 2.8- and 2.5-fold were observed 12 hr after DDT and chlordane administration, respectively, while a 4.4-fold increase was observed 24 hr after endrin administration. 5. The results demonstrate that the four structurally dissimilar polyhalogenated hydrocarbons produce oxidative tissue damage which may contribute to the toxic manifestations of these xenobiotics, and exhibit different toxicokinetic properties.

Comparisons of ESR and HPLC methods for the detection of OH. radicals in ischemic/reperfused hearts. A relationship between the genesis of free radicals and reperfusion arrhythmias

In this study we compared two methods, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which are currently used to detect directly hydroxyl radical (OH.) formation in the ischemic and reperfused heart. Isolated buffer-perfused rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of normothermic global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. 5,5-Dimethyl-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) was used as a spin-trap agent to detect OH. radicals by ESR and HPLC. In additional HPLC studies, salicylic acid was infused into the heart for the detection of OH. radicals. In all studies, the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) on the OH. generation were examined. The results of our studies indicate that, irrespective of the method, OH. was always detected when an ischemic heart was reperfused and showed ventricular fibrillation. The OH. concentration increased dramatically between 60 and 90 sec of reperfusion, peaked between 180 and 210 sec, and then progressively decreased. In all cases, both SOD and CAT were able to reduce the formation of OH. radicals, with SOD being relatively more effective. Our results indicate that OH. was produced only in the fibrillating hearts that peaked between 180 and 210 sec (1.64 +/- 0.09 nmol/mL measured by ESR), but not in the non-fibrillating hearts. Although SOD or CAT reduced the OH. formation, they had no effects on the incidence of reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, when SOD (5 x 10(4) IU/L) was coadministered with CAT (5 x 10(4) IU +/- L), the incidence of reperfusion-induced VF (total) and VT was reduced from their control value of 92 and 100 to 33 (P < 0.05) and 50% (P < 0.05), respectively. The results of this study indicate that the HPLC method, as well as ESR, can be used to detect OH. formation in ischemic/reperfused hearts. Because of the convenience, reproducibility and greater sensitivity, the HPLC technique may be more suitable for OH. detection. Our results further suggest the potential therapeutic value of the combination therapy of SOD and CAT for the reduction of reperfusion-induced VF and VT.

Estimation of the extent of lipid peroxidation in the ischemic and reperfused heart by monitoring lipid metabolic products with the aid of high-performance liquid chromatography

Estimation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) through malonaldehyde (MDA) formation measured by assaying thiobarbituric acid reactive products remains the method of choice to study the development of oxidative stress to assess myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. However, MDA estimation by this assay is non-specific and often gives erroneous results. In this report, we describe a method to estimate MDA, formaldehyde (FDA), acetaldehyde (ADA), and acetone, the degradation products of oxygen free radicals (OFR) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), as presumptive markers for LPO. Isolated rat hearts were made ischemic for 30 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The perfusates were collected, derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, and extracted with pentane. Aliquots of 25 microliters in acetonitrile were injected on a Beckman Ultrasphere C18 (3 microns) column. The products were eluted isocratically with a mobile phase containing acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (40:60:0.1, v/v/v). The peaks were identified by co-chromatography with the hydrazine derivatives of authentic standards. The retention times of MDA, FDA, ADA and acetone were 5.0, 6.3, 9.8 and 15.7 min, respectively. The results of our study indicated progressive increase in all four lipid metabolites with reperfusion time. Thus, our results demonstrate that the release of lipid metabolites from the isolated heart increased in response to oxidative stress. Since MDA, FDA, ADA, and acetone are the products of OFR-PUFA interactions, this method allows proper estimation of LPO to monitor the oxidative stress developed during the reperfusion of ischemic myocardium.

Production of reactive oxygen species by peritoneal macrophages and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes from endrin-treated rats

Recent studies have shown that the administration of endrin to rodents induces lipid peroxidation in various tissues and decreases glutathione content. These results suggest that endrin produces reactive oxygen species and/or free radicals. We have therefore examined the effect of endrin (4.5 mg/kg) on the production of reactive oxygen species by peritoneal macrophages and hepatic mitochondria and microsomes in rats. The effects of endrin on hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity as well as the incidence of hepatic nuclear DNA damage were also examined. Twenty-four hours after endrin administration, significant increases in the production of chemiluminescence by the three tissue fractions were observed. Furthermore, peritoneal macrophages from endrin-treated animals resulted in 3.0- and 2.8-fold increases in cytochrome c and iodonitrotetrazolium (INT) reduction, indicating enhanced production of superoxide anion. Endrin administration also resulted in significant increases in lipid peroxidation of mitochondrial and microsomal membranes as well as decreases in the fluidity of these two membranous fractions. A significant increase in hepatic nuclear DNA single-strand breaks also occurred in response to endrin administration. The results indicate that macrophage, mitochondria, and microsomes produce reactive oxygen species following endrin administration, and these reactive oxygen species may contribute to the toxic manifestations of endrin.

An assessment of potential chemoprotectant activity against ricin toxicity by mechanism based glycosidase inhibitors in macrophage J744A.1 cell cultures

The abilities of potential chemoprotectants to inhibit cytotoxicity of ricin have been determined in vitro, using the macrophage cell line J744A.1. Six compounds were tested: alpha- and beta-galactopyranosylamine; N-bromoacetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosylamine; N-bromoacetyl-beta-D-galactopyranosylamine; N-bromoacetylglucopyranosylamine; and N-bromoacetylmannopyranosylamine. Of the six compounds which were tested, only N-bromoacetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosylamine and N-bromoacetyl-beta-D-galactopyranosylamine exhibited significant activity against ricin toxicity, as indicated by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The alpha-isomer provided greater protection against ricin toxicity and also exhibited less inherent cytotoxicity in the absence of ricin, as compared to the beta-isomer. Neither the alpha- and beta-galactopyranosylamines nor the glucose and mannose analogs were promising as potential chemoprotectants.

Endrin-induced urinary excretion of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, malondialdehyde and acetone in rats

Previous studies have shown that endrin induces an oxidative stress in rats as demonstrated by an increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation, a decrease in glutathione content and a decrease in the activity in selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase. We have therefore examined the effects of orally administering 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 mg endrin/kg on the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites formaldehyde, malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone. The simultaneous determination of these four lipid metabolites may be a useful biomarker for assessing exposure to xenobiotics which induce an oxidative stress and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Urine samples were collected up to 72 h post-treatment. The identities of the lipid metabolites were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, while the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatives of these metabolic products were quantitated by high pressure liquid chromatography. Maximum increases in the excretion of the four lipid metabolites occurred at approx. 24 h post-treatment at all doses with no significant increases in excretion occurring thereafter. The maximum increases in excretion of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone were approx. 160%, 93%, 121% and 162%, respectively, relative to control values. Seventy-two hours after endrin administration, the liver weight/body weight and spleen weight/body weight ratios significantly increased while the thymus weight/body weight ratio markedly decreased. The results demonstrate that endrin induces dose- and time-dependent alterations in lipid metabolism with the enhanced excretion of specific metabolic products in the urine.

Excretion of formaldehyde, malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone in the urine of rats in response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, paraquat, endrin and carbon tetrachloride

Formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetone (ACON) were simultaneously identified in urine, and their excretion quantitated in response to chemically induced oxidative stress. Urine samples of female Sprague-Dawley rats were collected over dry ice and derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The hydrazones of the four lipid metabolic products were quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography on a Waters 10-microns mu-Bondapak C18 column. The identities of FA, ACT, MDA and ACON in urine were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. An oxidative stress was induced by orally administering 100 micrograms/kg 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 75 mg/kg paraquat, 6 mg/kg endrin or 2.5 ml/kg carbon tetrachloride to rats. Urinary excretion of FA, ACT, MDA and ACON increased relative to control animals 24 h after treatment with all xenobiotics. The system has wide-spread applicability to the investigation of altered lipid metabolism in disease states and exposure to environmental pollutants.

Effect of endrin on the hepatic distribution of iron and calcium in female Sprague-Dawley rats

The distribution of iron and calcium in hepatic subcellular fractions of female rats treated with endrin (1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4 alpha,5,6,7,8,8 alpha- octahydroendo,endo-1,4:5,8-dimethanonaphthalene) was determined. Endrin in corn oil was administered orally to rats in single doses of 3, 4.5, or 6 mg/kg, and the animals were killed at 0, 12, 24, 48, or 72 hr post-treatment. Iron and calcium were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The administration of endrin increased the iron content of mitochondria and decreased the iron content of microsomes and nuclei. Significant increases occurred in the calcium content of mitochondria, microsomes, and nuclei. Thus, the results indicate that with respect to the subcellular distribution of iron and calcium, endrin produces differential effects. Vitamin E succinate administration partially prevented the endrin-induced hepatic alterations in iron and calcium homeostasis. Endrin also produced dose- and time-dependent increases in the liver and spleen weight/body weight ratios, while decreasing the thymus weight/body weight ratios. The altered distribution of calcium and iron may contribute to the broad range of effects of endrin.

Generation of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical from sodium chlorite and lactic acid

Reperfusion of ischemic tissue is associated with the formation of hydroxyl radical (OH.). In this report, a novel mechanism for (OH.) generation from (1O2) is proposed based on the experimental evidence from the present study. A number of experiments were performed which conclusively demonstrated the formation of 1O2 from the reaction of lactic acid and hypohalite radical. Singlet oxygen attacks the unsaturated olefinic derivatives, which are also formed during reperfusion of ischemic tissue. The reaction between 1O2 and olefinic compounds produces hydroperoxides, which ultimately form OH. radical. The validity of the above mechanism of OH. radical formation is warranted from our experimental results.