Biochemical reactivity of melatonin with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species: a review of the evidence

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), an endogenously produced indole found throughout the animal kingdom, was recently reported, using a variety of techniques, to be a scavenger of a number of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species both in vitro and in vivo. Initially, melatonin was discovered to directly scavenge the high toxic hydroxyl radical (*OH). The methods used to prove the interaction of melatonin with the *OH included the generation of the radical using Fenton reagents or the ultraviolet photolysis of hydrogen peroxide (H202) with the use of spin-trapping agents, followed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, pulse radiolysis followed by ESR, and several spectrofluorometric and chemical (salicylate trapping in vivo) methodologies. One product of the reaction of melatonin with the *OH was identified as cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin (3-OHM) using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection, electron ionization mass spectrometry (EIMS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and COSY 1H NMR. Cyclic 3-OHM appears in the urine of humans and other mammals and in rat urine its concentration increases when melatonin is given exogenously or after an imposed oxidative stress (exposure to ionizing radiation). Urinary cyclic 3-OHM levels are believed to be a biomarker (footprint molecule) of in vivo *OH production and its scavenging by melatonin. Although the data are less complete, besides the *OH, melatonin in cell-free systems has been shown to directly scavenge H2O2, singlet oxygen (1O2) and nitric oxide (NO*), with little or no ability to scavenge the superoxide anion radical (O2*-) In vitro, melatonin also directly detoxifies the peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-) and/or peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH), or the activated form of this molecule, ONOOH*; the product of the latter interaction is proposed to be 6-OHM. How these in vitro findings relate to the in vivo antioxidant actions of melatonin remains to be established. The ability of melatonin to scavenge the lipid peroxyl radical (LOO*) is debated. The weight of the evidence is that melatonin is probably not a classic chain-breaking antioxidant, since its ability to scavenge the LOO* seems weak. Its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation may stem from its function as a preventive antioxidant (scavenging initiating radicals), or yet unidentified actions. In sum, in vitro melatonin acts as a direct free radical scavenger with the ability to detoxify both reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species; in vivo, it is an effective pharmacological agent in reducing oxidative damage under conditions in which excessive free radical generation is believed to be involved.

Biochemical reactivity of melatonin with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species: a review of the evidence

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), an endogenously produced indole found throughout the animal kingdom, was recently reported, using a variety of techniques, to be a scavenger of a number of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species both in vitro and in vivo. Initially, melatonin was discovered to directly scavenge the high toxic hydroxyl radical (*OH). The methods used to prove the interaction of melatonin with the *OH included the generation of the radical using Fenton reagents or the ultraviolet photolysis of hydrogen peroxide (H202) with the use of spin-trapping agents, followed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, pulse radiolysis followed by ESR, and several spectrofluorometric and chemical (salicylate trapping in vivo) methodologies. One product of the reaction of melatonin with the *OH was identified as cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin (3-OHM) using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection, electron ionization mass spectrometry (EIMS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and COSY 1H NMR. Cyclic 3-OHM appears in the urine of humans and other mammals and in rat urine its concentration increases when melatonin is given exogenously or after an imposed oxidative stress (exposure to ionizing radiation). Urinary cyclic 3-OHM levels are believed to be a biomarker (footprint molecule) of in vivo *OH production and its scavenging by melatonin. Although the data are less complete, besides the *OH, melatonin in cell-free systems has been shown to directly scavenge H2O2, singlet oxygen (1O2) and nitric oxide (NO*), with little or no ability to scavenge the superoxide anion radical (O2*-) In vitro, melatonin also directly detoxifies the peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-) and/or peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH), or the activated form of this molecule, ONOOH*; the product of the latter interaction is proposed to be 6-OHM. How these in vitro findings relate to the in vivo antioxidant actions of melatonin remains to be established. The ability of melatonin to scavenge the lipid peroxyl radical (LOO*) is debated. The weight of the evidence is that melatonin is probably not a classic chain-breaking antioxidant, since its ability to scavenge the LOO* seems weak. Its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation may stem from its function as a preventive antioxidant (scavenging initiating radicals), or yet unidentified actions. In sum, in vitro melatonin acts as a direct free radical scavenger with the ability to detoxify both reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species; in vivo, it is an effective pharmacological agent in reducing oxidative damage under conditions in which excessive free radical generation is believed to be involved.

Direct cloning of the unknown flanking DNA fragments from a large insert without restriction mapping

A simple technique for direct cloning of the target DNA fragments from a large insert according to its adjacent known sequence is described here. In this new subcloning method, a large DNA insert is digested and ligated with a linearized plasmid vector to construct a subclone library that is subjected to screening. The bacterial clones in this library are individually picked, grown in a 96-well plate, and then pooled across the rows or columns. Target clones are obtained from the ordered separate pools by PCR-screening with a set of primers, one specific for the adjacent known sequence and the other serving as "anchor primer" specific for the vector sequence. This direct subcloning procedure was efficiently demonstrated by cloning a specific DNA region from a large insert within 2 days without mapping the starting DNA or isolating the digested DNA fragment.

Characterization of an anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibody with potential as a cancer vaccine

The monoclonal antibody (MAb) AR20.5 is a murine MAb, generated against the tandem repeat protein backbone of the tumor-associated antigen MUC1. MAb AR20.5 reacts strongly with either the soluble form or the cell surface epitope of MUC1 on many human cancer cell lines. It also reacts with a 23-amino acid MUC1 peptide, E23, which includes the core tandem repeat sequence. Epitope mapping confirmed that MAb AR20.5 recognizes a minimum of six residues with the sequence DTRPAP. Inhibition of glycosylation of MUC1 resulted in decreased binding of MAb AR20.5 to cell surface MUC1, suggesting that MAb AR20.5 binding is carbohydrate dependent. The antibody was studied in a human PBL-SCID/beige mouse model to evaluate its effect on progression of NIH:OVARCAR-3 tumors. Tumor reduction was observed in mice injected with MAb AR20.5, but not in mice treated with control murine antibody or PBS (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). An anti-tumor effect could also be demonstrated in a CB6F1 mouse model with the MUC1 transfectoma 413BCR.

The clinical significance of tenascin-C splice variant expression in chondrosarcoma

OBJECTIVES

Tenascin-C (TNC) is an oligomeric glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix that is prominently expressed in malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was: (1) to determine the in vitro TNC splicing pattern in cultured human chondrocytes and chondrosarcoma cells, (2) to determine the in vivo TNC splicing pattern in clinical chondrosarcoma specimens, and (3) to perform survival analysis based on the TNC splicing pattern of the tumor specimens.

METHODS

Human articular chondrocytes and chondrosarcoma cells (cell line JJ012) were grown in a three-dimensional alginate bead system and harvested at two time points. Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the in vitro TNC splicing pattern for the two cell types. Clinical chondrosarcoma specimens were obtained intra-operatively and underwent RT-PCR to determine the in vivo TNC splicing pattern. Specific immunohistochemical staining for the large TNC splice variant was performed on the clinical specimens. Survival analysis was used to determine the association between the specific TNC splicing pattern and survival.

RESULTS

The in vitro mRNA expression pattern of TNC in normal human articular chondrocytes was characterized by a high ratio of the small to the large splice variant (TNC(small):TNC(large)), whereas the in vitro mRNA expression pattern for cultured chondrosarcoma cells was characterized by a low TNC(small):TNC(large) ratio. Clinical chondrosarcoma specimens with a lower TNC(small):TNC(large) ratio showed a trend towards decreased survival. The TNC splicing pattern of these specimens was verified through specific immunohistochemical staining for the large TNC isoform.

CONCLUSIONS

The specific TNC splicing pattern may have clinical significance in chondrosarcoma. TNC expression may therefore play a future role in objective tumor grading and novel therapeutic approaches to this malignancy.

The role of the extracellular matrix in articular chondrocyte regulation

The in vivo role of the extracellular matrix and the manner in which it interfaces with soluble regulators remains largely unknown. The current study reports the extracellular Type II collagen modulation of transforming growth factor-beta 1-stimulated proliferation, proteoglycan synthesis, messenger ribonucleic acid expression for transforming growth factor-beta 1, and integrin messenger ribonucleic acid expression in articular chondrocytes from adults. This study shows that this cytokine modulation occurs through a mechanism initiated by the attachment of Type II collagen to the beta1-integrin. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 stimulated deoxyribonucleic acid and proteoglycan synthesis in a bimodal fashion. Extracellular Type II collagen increased transforming growth factor-beta 1-stimulated deoxyribonucleic acid and proteoglycan synthesis, aggrecan gene expression as much as 400%, and alpha1(II) procollagen gene expression as much as 180% in a dose-dependent fashion. Heat inactivation of the Type II collagen abrogated the observed effects on deoxyribonucleic acid and proteoglycan synthesis. In contrast to Type II collagen, heat-denatured collagen and bovine serum albumin showed none of the observed effects. The presence of Type II collagen in the alginate bead cultures was found to diminish the messenger ribonucleic acid expression for alpha2 integrin and alter the cellular distribution pattern of the beta1 integrin receptors. Blocking of the beta1-integrin with cyclic-peptides containing the Arg-Gly-Asp sequences and antibodies reduced chondrocyte attachment to Type II collagen by 93%. The physiologic effects shown by the chondrocyte as a result of blocking this attachment to Type II collagen were a significant reduction in transforming growth factor-beta 1-stimulated deoxyribonucleic acid and proteoglycan synthesis. The conclusions elucidate the role played by the extracellular matrix in cytokine-specific regulation of the articular chondrocyte. The authors have shown that extracellular Type II collagen acts through a beta1-integrin mediated mechanism to modulate the chondrocyte response to transforming growth factor-beta 1.

Natriuretic peptides in patients with aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

Whereas atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is secreted mainly from cardiac atria, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is produced to a larger extent in ventricles. Their relative importance as markers of cardiac function and myocardial hypertrophy is not yet clarified. This study evaluated circulating BNP and ANP and the N-terminal part of their propeptides (NT-proBNP and NT-proANP) as markers of left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial pressure increase in patients with aortic stenosis.

METHODS

The plasma concentrations of BNP, NT-proBNP, ANP, and NT-proANP were measured by radioimmunoassay in 67 patients with aortic stenosis. Peptide plasma concentrations were related to measurements obtained by cardiac catheterization and echocardiography.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that BNP and NT-proBNP performed best in the detection of increased left ventricular mass and NT-proANP in the detection of increased left atrial pressure. NT-proBNP was significantly increased in mild left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass index, 78 to 139 g/m(2)), whereas NT-proANP was not increased until left ventricular mass index was 141 to 180 g/m(2).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma BNP and NT-proBNP may serve as early markers of left ventricular hypertrophy, whereas ANP and NT-proANP reflect left atrial pressure increase. The repeated and combined measurements of natriuretic peptides might provide diagnostic information relevant to the evaluation of the stage of aortic stenosis.

Antitumor effect of the idiotypic cascade induced by an antibody encapsulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres

A major difficulty encountered during development of antibody vaccines is their weak immunogenicity. In this study, a monoclonal antibody CS20.5 to human breast cancer antigen CA15.3 was coencapsulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres with monophosphoryl lipid A. The antitumor effect of this formulation was investigated in a murine model. The induced Ab2 biologically mimics antigen as it competed with CA15.3 for the same idiotope on Ab1. Ab3 induction was also observed. After five sequential administrations of encapsulated antibody, mice showed statistically significant tumor regression. These results indicate that this formulation may serve as a potential treatment for breast cancer.

Deoxycholic acid suppresses p53 by stimulating proteasome-mediated p53 protein degradation

Bile acids, principally deoxycholic acid (DCA), have been implicated in the promotion of colon tumorigenesis in both animals and humans. Increasing evidence suggests that bile acids may exert their tumor promoting activity by modulating intracellular signaling and altering gene expression. In this study we have investigated the effect of bile acids on the tumor suppressor p53 using the human colon tumor cell line HCT116, which retains the wild-type p53 gene and functional p53 signaling in response to DNA damage. We found that exposure of the cells to elevated concentrations of DCA suppressed accumulation of p53 protein as well as p53 transactivation and impaired the p53 response of the cells to DNA damaging agents, such as ionizing radiation. Neither ursodeoxycholic acid, a putative chemopreventive agent, nor cholic acid, which is biologically inert, had any effect on p53 protein level and transactivation activity. Further examination revealed that instead of inhibition, DCA induced p53 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the inhibitory effect of DCA on p53 protein is mediated by a post-transcriptional mechanism. Both lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, and leptomycin B, a specific inhibitor of the nuclear export protein CRM1, could block the effect that DCA had on p53 protein levels, suggesting that DCA suppressed p53 by stimulating the process of proteasome-mediated degradation of p53. Significantly, blocking extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, but not protein kinase C (PKC), blunted suppression by DCA of p53 protein levels and transactivation activity, suggesting that DCA suppressed p53, in part, by stimulating the ERK signaling pathway. Both ERK and PKC signaling have been previously demonstrated to be stimulated by DCA. These results suggest a novel signaling mechanism of bile acids that may play an important role in colon tumor promotion mediated by bile acids.

Effect of the Pl(A2) alloantigen on the function of beta(3)-integrins in platelets

The polymorphism responsible for the Pl(A2) alloantigen on the beta(3)-component of beta(3)-containing integrins is reported to be a risk factor for coronary thrombosis. This study examined the effect of Pl(A2) on the function of beta(3)-integrins using platelets from subjects homozygous and heterozygous for Pl(A1) and Pl(A2). There was overlap in the distribution of the dissociation constant (K(d)) and maximum fibrinogen binding (B(max)) values for fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3) on platelets from Pl(A1) and Pl(A2) homozygotes and Pl(A1)/Pl(A2) heterozygotes. However, whereas there was no statistical difference in these values for the Pl(A1) homozygotes and Pl(A2) heterozygotes, the K(d) for the Pl(A2) homozygotes was significantly lower than that for the Pl(A1)/Pl(A2) heterozygotes, but was not statistically different from that for the Pl(A1) homozygotes. No differences were detected in ADP sensitivity between platelets from Pl(A1) homozygotes and Pl(A1)/Pl(A2) heterozygotes, in the IC(50) for RGDS inhibition of fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3), in the alpha(v)beta(3)-mediated adhesion of platelets to osteopontin and vitronectin, and in the phorbol ester-stimulated adhesion to fibrinogen of B lymphocytes expressing alpha(IIb)beta(3) containing either the Pl(A1) or the Pl(A2) polymorphism. Finally, no differential effects of Pl(A2) on turbidometric platelet aggregation, platelet secretion, or platelet thrombus formation were found as measured in the PFA-100. Because no differences were detected in the ability of beta(3)-integrins to interact with ligands based on the presence or absence of the Pl(A2) polymorphism, the results suggest that factors unrelated to beta(3)-integrin function may account for the reported association of the Pl(A2) allele with coronary thrombosis.

Amycolatopsis rubida sp. nov., a new Amycolatopsis species from soil

The taxonomic position of a soil isolate, strain 13.4T, was established using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have chemical and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Amycolatopsis. Phylogenetic analysis of the strain based on its 16S rDNA sequence showed that it forms a distinct phyletic line within members of the genus Amycolatopsis. The organism was also readily distinguished from the type strains of all validly described Amycolatopsis species by its phenotypic features. The name Amycolatopsis rubida sp. nov. is proposed for this new species. The type strain is strain 13.4T (= AS 4.1541T = JCM 10871T).

Melatonin and its relation to the immune system and inflammation

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) was initially thought to be produced exclusively in the pineal gland. Subsequently its synthesis was demonstrated in other organs, for example, the retinas, and very high concentrations of melatonin are found at other sites, for example, bone marrow cells and bile. The origin of the high level of melatonin in these locations has not been definitively established, but it is likely not exclusively of pineal origin. Melatonin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects, among a number of actions. Melatonin reduces tissue destruction during inflammatory reactions by a number of means. Thus melatonin, by virtue of its ability to directly scavenge toxic free radicals, reduces macromolecular damage in all organs. The free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species known to be scavenged by melatonin include the highly toxic hydroxyl radical (.OH), peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), among others. These agents all contribute to the inflammatory response and associated tissue destruction. Additionally, melatonin has other means to lower the damage resulting from inflammation. Thus, it prevents the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) to the nucleus and its binding to DNA, thereby reducing the upregulation of a variety of proinflammatory cytokines, for example, interleukins and tumor neurosis factor-alpha. Finally, there is indirect evidence that melatonin inhibits the production of adhesion molecules that promote the sticking of leukocytes to endothelial cells. By this means melatonin attenuates transendothelial cell migration and edema, which contribute to tissue damage.

Organization of human ACAT-2 gene and its cell-type-specific promoter activity

Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) plays important roles in cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Two ACAT genes exist in mammals. We report here the genomic organization of human ACAT-2 gene and analysis of its promoter activity in various cell lines. The human ACAT-2 gene spans over 18 kb and contains 15 exons. Three transcription start sites and one poly(A) site are identified by the 5'/3'-RACE. In addition, the human ACAT-2 gene is linked to the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP-6) gene in a head-to-tail manner with a small intergenic region of about 1.2 kb. The 5'-flanking region of human ACAT-2 gene contains many potential cis-acting elements for multiple transcriptional regulatory factors but lacks TATA and CCAAT boxes. Using promoter-luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrate the transcriptional activity of ACAT-2 gene promoter is high in Caco-2 cells, especially after these cells become postconfluent and behave as intestinal enterocytes.

Saccharopolyspora flava sp. nov. and Saccharopolyspora thermophila sp.nov., novel actinomycetes from soil

The generic position of two aerobic, Gram-positive, non-acid-alcohol-fast actinomycetes was established following the isolation of their PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes and alignment of the resultant sequences with the corresponding sequences from representatives of the families Actinosynnemataceae and Pseudonocardiaceae. The assignment of the organisms to the genus Saccharopolyspora was strongly supported by chemotaxonomic and morphological data. The strains were distinguished both from one another and from representatives of validly described Saccharopolyspora species on the basis of a number of phenotypic properties. It is proposed that the organisms, strains 07T (= AS4.1520T = IFO 16345T = JCM 10665T) and 216T (= AS4.1511T = IFO 16346T = JCM 10664T), be classified in the genus Saccharopolyspora as Saccharopolyspora flava sp. nov. and Saccharopolyspora thermophila sp. nov., respectively.

Anti-MUC-1 immunoliposomal doxorubicin in the treatment of murine models of metastatic breast cancer

The fate of breast cancer patients is dependent upon elimination or control of metastases. We studied the effect of antibody-targeted liposomes containing entrapped doxorubicin (DXR) on development of tumours in two models of breast cancer, pseudometastatic and metastatic, in mice. The former used the mouse mammary carcinoma cell line GZHI, which expresses the human MUC-1 gene (L. Ding, E.N. Lalani, M. Reddish, R. Koganty, T. Wong, J. Samuel, M.B. Yacyshyn, A. Meikle, P.Y.S. Fung, J. Taylor-Papadimitriou, B.M. Longenecker, Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 36 (1993) 9--17). GZHI cells seed into the lungs of Balb/c mice following intravenous injection. The latter used the 4T1-MUC1 cell line, a MUC-1 transfectant of the mouse mammary carcinoma cell line 4T1, which metastasizes from a primary mammary fatpad (mfp) implant to the lungs (C.J. Aslakson, F.R. Miller, Cancer Res. 52 (1992) 1399--1405). B27.29, a monoclonal antibody against the MUC-1 antigen, was used to target sterically stabilized immunoliposomes (SIL[B27.29]) to tumour cells. In vitro, SIL[B27.29] showed high specific binding to both GZHI and 4T1-MUC1 cells. The IC(50) of DXR-loaded SIL[B27.29] was similar to that of free drug for GZHI cells. In the pseudometastatic model, mice treated with a single injection of 6 mg DXR/kg in DXR-SIL[B27.29] at 24 h after cell implantation had longer survival times than those injected with non-targeted liposomal drug. In the metastatic model, severe combined immune deficiency mice given weekly injectionsx3 of 2.5 mg DXR/kg encapsulated in either targeted or non-targeted liposomes were almost equally effective in slowing growth of the primary tumour and reducing development of lung tumours. Surgical removal of the primary tumour from mfp, followed by various chemotherapy regimens, was attempted, but removal of the primary tumour was generally incomplete; tumour regrowth occurred and metastases developed in the lungs in all treatment groups. DXR-SL reduced the occurrence of regrowth of the primary tumour, whereas neither targeted liposomal drug or free drug prevented regrowth. We conclude that monoclonal antibody-targeted liposomal DXR is effective in treating early lesions in both the pseudometastatic and metastatic models, but limitations to the access of the targeted liposomes to tumour cells in the primary tumour compromised their therapeutic efficacy in treating the more advanced lesions.

Melatonin prevents delta-aminolevulinic acid-induced oxidative DNA damage in the presence of Fe2+

Delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a heme precursor which accumulates during lead poisoning and acute intermittent porphyria, is reported to cause liver cancer. The carcinogenic mechanisms of ALA may relate to its ability to generate free radicals through metal-catalyzed oxidation which cause oxidative DNA damage. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of melatonin, trolox (vitamin E) and mannitol in altering DNA damage induced by ALA. Herein, we found, in the presence of Fe2+, that ALA-induced formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in calf thymus DNA was dose and time-dependent. Melatonin, mannitol and trolox, all of which are free radical scavengers, inhibited the formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentration of each (melatonin, mannitol and trolox) required to reduce DNA damage by 50%, i.e., the IC50, was 0.52, 0.84 and 0.90 mM, respectively.

Morphologic conversion of a neuroblastoma-derived cell line by E6-mediated p53 degradation

Neuroblastoma-derived tumor cells, unlike cells from other tumor types, characteristically express a wildtype but cytoplasmically sequestered p53 protein. To ascertain whether the p53 in these cells retained any physiological activity, we inactivated it in SK-N-SH cells, a neuroblastoma-derived cell line, by introducing the human papilloma virus type 16 E6 expression plasmid. Parent SK-N-SH cell cultures are composed of two cell types exhibiting characteristic morphologies designated neuroblastic (N-type) or substrate-adherent fibroblastic (S-type) cells, both of which have been shown to spontaneously transdifferentiate or interconvert. We report here that down-regulation of p53 resulted in conversion of SK-N-SH cells to the substrate-adherent fibroblast-like S-type cells. The morphologic conversion was accompanied by a loss of neurofilament expression, a marker for the neuronal N-type cells, an increase in the expression of vimentin, and a lack of responsiveness to retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation. Importantly, we did not observe N-type cells in the E6-transfected cell population, suggesting that they were incapable of transdifferentiating to the N-type morphology. We also tested the ability of these E6-transfected S-type cells to form colonies in soft agar and observed a markedly reduced capacity of these cells to do so when compared with the parent and mutant E6-transfected cells. These results suggest that p53 is required for the maintenance of the neuroblastic tumorigenic phenotype.

Melatonin directly scavenges hydrogen peroxide: a potentially new metabolic pathway of melatonin biotransformation

A potential new metabolic pathway of melatonin biotransformation is described in this investigation. Melatonin was found to directly scavenge hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) to form N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine and, thereafter this compound could be enzymatically converted to N(1)-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine by catalase. The structures of these kynuramines were identified using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. This is the first report to reveal a possible physiological association between melatonin, H(2)O(2), catalase, and kynuramines. Melatonin scavenges H(2)O(2) in a concentration-dependent manner. This reaction appears to exhibit two distinguishable phases. In the rapid reaction phase, the interaction between melatonin and H(2)O(2) reaches equilibrium rapidly (within 5 s). The rate constant for this phase was calculated to be 2.3 x 10(6) M(-1)s(-1). Thereafter, the relative equilibrium of melatonin and H(2)O(2) was sustained for roughly 1 h, at which time the content of H(2)O(2) decreased gradually over a several hour period, identified as the slow reaction phase. These observations suggest that melatonin, a ubiquitously distributed small nonenzymatic molecule, might serve to directly detoxify H(2)O(2) in living organisms. H(2)O(2) and melatonin are present in all subcellular compartments; thus, presumably, one important function of melatonin may be complementary in function to catalase and glutathione peroxidase in keeping intracellular H(2)O(2) concentrations at steady-state levels.

Enalaprilat directly ameliorates in vitro cyclosporin nephrotoxicity in human tubulo-interstitial cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Several recent studies have suggested that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors ameliorate chronic cyclosporin A (CyA) tubulo-interstitial disease by mechanisms independent of their antihypertensive effects. The aim of the present study was to determine whether ACE inhibition exerts a direct beneficial effect on the tubulo-interstitium in an in vitro model of chronic CyA nephropathy.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human proximal tubular cells (PTC) and renal cortical fibroblasts (CF) were exposed for 24 h to CyA in the presence or absence of enalaprilat. Parameters of tubulo-interstitial nephrotoxicity were then measured including collagen synthesis (proline incorporation), tubular viability and function (thymidine incorporation, lactate dehydrogenase release, and apical sodium-hydrogen exchange), and secretion of insulin-like growth factor I, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1), and platelet-derived growth factor.

RESULTS

CyA promoted CF collagen synthesis, PTC cytotoxicity (suppressed viability, growth and sodium transport), and tubulo-interstitial fibrogenic cytokine release (CF secretion of insulin-like growth factor I and PTC secretion of TGFbeta1 and platelet-derived growth factor). Enalaprilat completely reversed the stimulatory effects of CyA on CF collagen synthesis (CyA + enalaprilat 6.40 +/- 0.50% vs. CyA alone 8.33 +/- 0.56% vs. control 6.57 +/- 0.62% vs. enalaprilat alone 5.55 +/- 0.93%, p < 0.05) and PTC secretion of TGFbeta1 (0.71 +/- 0.11, 1.13 +/- 0.09, 0.89 +/- 0.07, and 0.67 +/- 0.09 ng/mg protein/day, respectively, p < 0.05). However, the other manifestations of CyA toxicity were not significantly reversed by concomitant enalaprilat administration.

CONCLUSIONS

ACE inhibition directly prevents CyA-induced interstitial fibrosis, but not proximal tubule cytotoxicity, independently of haemodynamic and systemic renin-angiotensin system effects. Renoprotection may be partially afforded by directly preventing the tubular secretion of TGFbeta1.

High levels of melatonin in the seeds of edible plants: possible function in germ tissue protection

The seeds of plants represent the anlage of the next generation and are vital to their existence. Melatonin has been identified in the leaves and flowers of plants but not in seeds. In this study, we examined the seeds of 15 edible plants for the presence of melatonin which was extracted using cold ethanol. Melatonin was initially identified by radioimmunoassay and subsequently quantified and confirmed using high performance liquid chromatography. The physiological concentrations of melatonin in the 15 seeds studied ranged from 2 to 200 ng/g dry weight. The highest concentrations of melatonin were observed in white and black mustard seeds. This level of melatonin is much higher than the known physiological concentrations in the blood of many vertebrates. Since the seed, particularly its germ tissue, is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage, we surmise that melatonin, a free radical scavenger, might be present as an important component of its antioxidant defense system. Thus, melatonin in seeds may be essential in protecting germ and reproductive tissues of plants from oxidative damage due to ultraviolet light, drought, extremes in temperature, and environmental chemical pollutants.

[Dynamic changes of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute infection and the effect of Chinese herbal medicine intervention]

OBJECTIVE

To study the dynamic changes of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute infection and to explore the effect of 912 compound, a Chinese herbal preparation for intervention.

METHODS

Forty patients with acute infection were randomly divided into 2 groups, 20 in the 912 group and 20 in the control group, and the levels of plasma endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including soluble TNF-RI, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured before and after treatment by using limulus reagent stroma azo-colored quantitative method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The level of LPS increased at the early stage of acute infection, the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were all elevated in various degrees, particularly obvious in IL-6, sTNF-RI, IL-4 and IL-10 and the elevations of the two were basically parallel. The TNF alpha, IL-6 and sTNF-RI were positively related with APACHE III scoring. The levels of LPS and inflammatory cytokines reduced to a different extent in accord with the improvement of condition after treatment, the levels of LPS, TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 lowered more significantly in the 912 group than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LPS, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the acute infection process, they were important indexes for evaluating severity of infectious diseases. The Chinese herbal preparation 912 compound could reduce the blood levels of LPS, TNF alpha, IL-6, IL-10 and prevent the decrease of sTNF-RI so as to promote the recovery of patients.

Melatonin reduces rat hepatic macromolecular damage due to oxidative stress caused by delta-aminolevulinic acid

Delta-aminolevulinic acid, precursor of heme, accumulates in a number of organs, especially in the liver, of patients with acute intermittent porphyria. The potential protective effect of melatonin against oxidative damage to nuclear DNA and microsomal and mitochondrial membranes in rat liver, caused by delta-aminolevulinic acid, was examined. Changes in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, an index of DNA damage, and alterations in membrane fluidity (the inverse of membrane rigidity) and lipid peroxidation in microsomal and mitochondrial membranes, as indices of damage to lipid and protein molecules in membranes, were estimated. Measurements were made in rat liver after a 2 week treatment with delta-aminolevulinic acid (40 mg/kg b.w., every other day). To test the potential protective effects of melatonin, the indole was injected (i.p. 10 mg/kg b.w.) 3 times daily for 2 weeks. 8-OHdG levels and lipid peroxidation in microsomal membranes increased significantly whereas microsomal and mitochondrial membrane fluidity decreased as a consequence of delta-aminolevulinic acid treatment. Melatonin completely counteracted the effects of delta-aminolevulinic acid. Melatonin was highly effective in protecting against oxidative damage to DNA as well as to microsomal and mitochondrial membranes in rat liver and it may be useful as a cotreatment in patients with acute intermittent porphyria.