Enzymatic reducibility in relation to cytotoxicity for various cholesterol hydroperoxides

Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) is a selenoenzyme that can catalyze the direct reduction of various membrane lipid hydroperoxides and by so doing could play a vital role in cytoprotection against peroxidative damage. The activity of purified testicular PHGPX on several photochemically-generated cholesterol hydroperoxide (ChOOH) species was investigated, using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for peroxide analysis and thinlayer chromatography with 14C-radiodetection for diol product analysis. The following ChOOH isomers were monitored: 5 alpha-OOH, 6 alpha-OOH, 6 beta-OOH (singlet oxygen adducts), and unresolved 7 alpha,7 beta-OOH (derived from 5 alpha-OOH rearrangement). Apparent first-order rate constants for GSH/PHGPX-induced peroxide loss (or diol accumulation) in Triton X-100 micelles, unilamellar liposomes, or erythrocyte ghost membranes increased in the following order: 5 alpha-OOH < 6 alpha-OOH approximately equal to 7 alpha,7 beta-OOH < 6beta-OOH. A similar trend was observed when the peroxides were incubated with Triton Iysates of Se-replete L1210 or K562 cells, implicating PHGPX in these reactions. Consistent with this, there was little or no ChOOH reduction if GSH was omitted or if lysates from Se-deprived cells were used. Liposomal 5 alpha-OOH was found to be much more cytotoxic than equimolar liposomal 6 beta-OOH, producing a 50% loss of L1210 clonogenicity at approximately 1/5 the concentration of the latter. Faster uptake of 5 alpha-OOH was ruled out as the basis for greater cytotoxicity, suggesting that relatively inefficient metabolism by the GSH/PHGPX system might be the reason. As supporting evidence, it was found that cells accumulate the diol reduction product of 5 alpha-OOH more slowly than that of 6 beta-OOH during incubation with the respective peroxides. Slow detoxification coupled with rapid formation makes 5 alpha-OOH potentially the most damaging ChOOH to arise in cells exposed to singlet oxygen.

Role of hydrogen peroxide in the cytotoxic effects of UVA/B radiation on mammalian cells

Effects of selenium (Se) deficiency on the sensitivity of murine leukemia L1210 cells to broad band UVA/B radiation (310-400 nm) have been investigated. Cells rendered glutathione peroxidase (GPX) deficient by shortterm (2-3 week) growth in 1%, serum/RPMI medium without added Se [L.Se(-) cells] were found to be much less resistant to clonally assessed UVA/B lethality than Se-supplemented controls [L.Se(+) cells]. By contrast, long-term ( > 20 week) Se-deprived [L'.Se(-)] cells whose catalase (CAT) activity was elevated > 100-fold were far more resistant to UVA/B than L.Se(+) cells. Similar trends were observed for cells irradiated in 1% serum/RPMI or Hank's medium. Whereas the CAT inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole had no effect on L.Se(+) photosensitivity, it produced a large increase in L'.Se(-) photosensitivity. These findings are consistent with H2O2 intermediacy in photokilling and suggest that L1210 cells depend mainly on GPX for protection against this species but switch to overexpressed CAT after chronic Se deprivation. In agreement with this, steady-state H2O2 levels measured by H2O2 electrode during UVA/B exposure were higher in L.Se(-) than L.Se(+) suspensions but much lower (barely detectable) in L'.Se(-) suspensions. Cytotoxic effects of UVA/B and variations thereof resulting from Se manipulation could be mimicked by treating cells with glucose oxidase in the presence of D-glucose, providing further support for H2O2 involvement. Whether UVA/B-generated H2O2 is directly cytotoxic or gives rise to a more damaging species such as hydroxyl radical (HO) is presently unknown.

Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of iron on photodynamic inactivation of leukemia cells

The influence of exogenous iron on merocyanine 540 (MC540)-sensitized photoinactivation of leukemia cells has been investigated. Irradiation of murine L1210 or human HL-60 cells (approximately 10(6)/mL in 1% serum/RPMI medium) with broadband visible light in the presence of MC540 (2 microM) resulted in a progressive loss of clonally assessed cell viability. When added to cells 30 min before irradiation, the low polarity chelate, ferric 8-hydroxyquinoline [Fe(HQ)2, 0.5 microM] stimulated dye-sensitized photokilling, whereas high polarity chelates such as ferric 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate [Fe(HQS)2, 0.5 microM] or ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Fe.EDTA, 0.5 microM) had no no effect. A striking reversal of Fe(HQ)2-enhanced photokilling was observed upon increasing the preirradiation incubation time with Fe(HQ)2 such that a marked resistance (relative to non-iron-treated controls) was evident after 24 h. Cells exposed for 24 h to Fe(HQS)2 or Fe.EDTA showed similar or even greater resistance to photokilling. Like phototoxicity, H2O2-induced cytotoxicity was enhanced after a 30 min exposure of cells to Fe(HQ)2 but strongly repressed after 24 h. Immunoblot (western) analysis, using a polyclonal antibody to ferritin, revealed that cells exposed to Fe(HQ)2 for 24 h contained at least 12 times as much ferritin heavy chain as non-Fe(HQ)2-treated controls. Preincubating cells with emetine, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevented both ferritin induction and the development of hyperresistance. These findings, along with the observation that exogenous apoferritin protected L1210 cells against photokilling, suggest a possible role for ferritin in iron-stimulated photoresistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Photodynamically generated 3-beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-6-ene-5- hydroperoxide: toxic reactivity in membranes and susceptibility to enzymatic detoxification

Singlet oxygen (1O2)-mediated photooxidation of cholesterol gives three hydroperoxide products: 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-6-ene-5-hydroperoxide (5 alpha-OOH), 3 beta-hydroxycholest-4-ene-6 alpha-hydroperoxide (6 alpha-OOH) and 3 beta-hydroxycholest-4-ene-6 beta-hydroperoxide (6 beta-OOH). These species have been compared with respect to photogeneration rate on the one hand and susceptibility to enzymatic reduction/detoxification on the other, using the erythrocyte ghost as a cholesterol-containing test membrane and chloroaluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (AlPcS4) as a 1O2 sensitizer. Peroxide analysis was accomplished by high-performance liquid chromatography with mercury cathode electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC[Hg]). The initial rate of 5 alpha-OOH accumulation in AlPcS4/light-treated ghosts was found to be about three times greater than that of 6 alpha-OOH or 6 beta-OOH. Membranes irradiated in the presence of ascorbate and ferric-8-hydroxyquinoline (Fe[HQ]2, a lipophilic iron complex) accumulated lesser amounts of 5 alpha-OOH, 6 alpha-OOH and 6 beta-OOH but relatively large amounts of another peroxide pair, 3 beta-hydroxycholest-5-ene-7 alpha- and 7 beta-hydroperoxide (7 alpha, 7 beta-OOH), suggestive of iron-mediated free radical peroxidation. When photoperoxidized membranes containing 5 alpha-OOH, 6 alpha,6 beta-OOH and 7 alpha,7 beta-OOH (arising from 5 alpha-OOH rearrangement) were incubated with glutathione (GSH) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX), all hydroperoxide species underwent HPLC-EC(Hg)-detectable reduction to alcohols, the relative first order rate constants being as follows: 1.0 (5 alpha-OOH), 2.0 (7 alpha,7 beta-OOH), 2.4 (6 alpha-OOH) and 3.2 (6 beta-OOH).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

High-performance liquid chromatography with mercury cathode electrochemical detection: application to lipid hydroperoxide analysis

Lipid hydroperoxide species can be analyzed with high sensitivity and specificity, using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with reductive mode electrochemical detection on a mercury drop cathode [HPLC-ED(Hg)]. The purpose of this study was to examine different variables in the operation of HPLC-ED(Hg) and to select optimal conditions for the analysis of several biologically relevant peroxides, including species derived from cholesterol, cholesteryl linoleate, oleate, linoleate, and two synthetic phosphatidylcholines. Parameters such as operating potential and mobile-phase solvent proportions, electrolyte composition, and ionic strength were evaluated for each peroxide class. Under optimal conditions, we have achieved baseline separation of four cholesterol hydroperoxide species, not only from one another, but also from phospholipid hydroperoxides; detection limits were < 0.3 pmol and < 30 pmol for the cholesterol and phospholipid hydroperoxides, respectively.

Selenoperoxidase-dependent glutathione cycle activity in peroxide-challenged leukemia cells

Murine leukemia L1210 cells rendered deficient in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) by Se deprivation (L.Se(-) cells) were found to be more sensitive to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) cytotoxicity than Se-replete controls (L.Se(+) cells). Human K562 cells, which express PHGPX, but not GPX, were also more sensitive to t-BuOOH in the Se-deficient (K.Se(-)) than Se-satisfied (K.Se(+)) condition. In examining the metabolic basis for selenoperoxidase-dependent resistance, we found that glucose-replete Se(-) cells reduce t-BuOOH to t-butanol far more slowly than Se(+) cells, the ratio of the first-order rate constants approximating that of the GPX activities (L1210 cells) or PHGPX activities (K562 cells). Monitoring peroxide-induced changes in GSH and GSSG gave consistent results; e.g., glucose-depleted L.Se(+) cells exhibited a first order loss of GSH that was substantially faster than that of glucose-depleted L.Se(-) cells. Under the conditions used, peroxide-induced conversion of GSH to GSSG could be stoichiometrically reversed by resupplying D-glucose, indicating that no significant lysis or GSSG efflux and/or interchange had taken place. The apparent first-order rate constant for GSH decay increased progressively for L1210 cells expressing a range of GPX activities from approximately 5% to 100%, demonstrating that peroxide detoxification is strictly dependent on enzyme content. The initial rate of 14CO2 release from D-[1-14C]glucose supplied in the medium was much greater for L.Se(+) or K.Se(+) cells than for their respective Se(-) counterparts, consistent with greater hexose monophosphate shunt activity in the former. These results highlight the importance of selenoperoxidase action in the glutathione cycle as a means by which tumor cells cope with hydroperoxide stress.

Amplification and hyperexpression of the catalase gene in selenoperoxidase-deficient leukemia cells

Murine L1210 and human HL-60 leukemia cells grown for 5-7 days in medium containing 1% serum without selenium supplementation [Se(-) cells] were severely depressed in selenoperoxidase (SePX) activity relative to selenium-supplemented controls [Se(+) cells]. Catalase (CAT) activity in Se(-) cells was unaffected up to this point, but thereafter began to increase. Two manifestations of this increase have been differentiated for both cell lines: (a) short-term induction of CAT (up to approx. twofold) after 2-3 weeks, followed by (b) long-term selection for cells that irreversibly express much higher levels of CAT, e.g., > 100 times (L1210) and > 10 times (HL-60) the levels observed in Se(+) controls after approximately 20 weeks. Although superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and glucose-6-P dehydrogenase activities were unchanged in Se(-) cells, GSH levels were elevated by 50-100%; like short-term CAT elevation, this could be reversed by supplying Se. Short-term Se(-) cells were more sensitive to H2O2-induced killing than Se(+) cells, evidently because SePX activity was important for peroxide detoxification. However, long-term Se(-) cells were markedly more resistant to H2O2 than Se(+) counterparts, consistent with the much higher levels of CAT in the former. Southern blot analysis revealed that the copy number of CAT DNA in a clone of long-term Se(-) L1210 cells was four- to fivefold greater than that in an Se(+) clone. Northern blot analysis of RNA from the same Se(-) clone showed a CAT mRNA level that was at least 40 times higher than that of the Se(+) control. Similar trends were observed for HL-60 cells. These results suggest that elevated CAT during long-term Se deprivation is a reflection of amplification and greater transcription of the CAT gene.

Involvement of preexisting lipid hydroperoxides in Cu(2+)-stimulated oxidation of low-density lipoprotein

Oxidative modification of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is thought to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. LDL oxidizability is believed to be strongly influenced by factors such as (a) content of preexisting lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) and (b) content of endogenous antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene. The purpose of this study was to examine the prooxidant role of preexisting LDL-LOOHs, using a recently developed method for ultrasensitive and selective LOOH analysis: high-performance liquid chromatography with mercury drop electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). Exceedingly low detection limits for LDL-LOOHs have been achieved by HPLC-EC, e.g., approximately 100 fmol for cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide (CEOOH). This sensitivity has allowed us to monitor LDL-LOOHs at levels that are undetectable by most other methods. Fresh LDL prepared with the utmost care to prevent autoxidation was found to contain small, yet significant amounts of CEOOH, 6-12 pmol/mg protein. Our data suggest that these peroxides could not have arisen during LDL isolation or sample work-up for HPLC-EC. Incubation with GSH and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase resulted in nearly complete reduction of the CEOOH. This LDL was found to be much more resistant to Cu(2+)-induced peroxidation than starting material, exhibiting a lag period that was at least six times greater. We have also determined that LDL becomes progressively more susceptible to Cu(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation (as evidenced by a shortened lag) when it is preloaded with increasing amounts of photochemically generated LOOHs. Taken together, these results provide strong support for the idea that preexisting LOOHs in LDL are important determinants of its overall oxidizability.

Characterization of lipid hydroperoxides generated by photodynamic treatment of leukemia cells

A new technique, high-performance liquid chromatography with reductive mode electrochemical detection on a mercury drop (HPLC-EC), has been used for analyzing lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) formation in photooxidatively stressed L1210 leukemia cells. Highly specific and sensitive for peroxides (detection limits < 0.5 pmol for cholesterol hydroperoxides and < 50 pmol for phospholipid hydroperoxides), this approach allows different classes of LOOH to be separated and determined in minimally damaged cells. L1210 cells in serum-containing growth medium were irradiated in the presence of merocyanine 540 (MC540), a lipophilic photosensitizing dye. Lipid extracts from cells exposed to a light fluence of 0.11 J/cm2 (which reduced clonally assessed survival by 30%) showed 12-15 well-defined peaks in HPLC-EC. None of these peaks was observed when cells were irradiated without MC540 or when dye/light-treated samples were reduced with triphenylphosphine prior to analysis. Three peaks of relatively low retention time (< 12 min) were assigned to the following species by virtue of comigration with authentic standards: 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-6-ene-5-hydroperoxide (5 alpha-OOH), 3 beta-hydroxycholest-4-ene-6 beta-hydroperoxide (6 beta-OOH), and 3 beta-hydroxycholest-5-ene-7 alpha/7 beta-hydroperoxide (7 alpha/7 beta-OOH). Formation of 5 alpha-OOH and 6 beta-OOH (single oxygen adducts) was confirmed by subjecting [14C]cholesterol-labeled cells to relatively high levels of photooxidation and analyzing extracted lipids by HPLC with radiochemical detection. Material represented in a major peak at 18-22 min on HPLC-EC was isolated in relatively large amounts by semipreparative HPLC and shown to contain phospholipid hydroperoxides (predominantly phosphatidylcholine species, PCOOH) according to the following criteria: (i) decay of 18-22 min peak during Ca2+/phospholipase A2 treatment, with reciprocal appearance of fatty acid hydroperoxides; (ii) reduction of peroxide during treatment with reduced glutathione and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, but not glutathione peroxidase; and (iii) comigration with PCOOH standards in thin-layer chromatography. HPLC-EC analysis revealed quantifiable amounts of PCOOH and ChOOH at a light fluence that clonally inactivated < 10% of the cells, which allows for the possibility that photoperoxidative damage plays a causal role in cell killing.

Bleaching of membrane-bound merocyanine 540 in conjunction with free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation

The lipophilic dye merocyanine 540 (MC540) can photosensitize potentially lethal cell membrane damage as well as its own degradation (bleaching). Photobleaching in a test membrane, the human erythrocyte ghost has been examined. White light irradiation of MC540-sensitized ghosts resulted in lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) formation, low-level thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactivity, and dye bleaching (A568 decay). When the reaction was carried out in the presence of ascorbate (AH-), and added Fe3+, there was a large enhancement of TBA reactivity (indicative of free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation) and concomitant increase in the rate of photobleaching. Rapid bleaching also occurred when MC540 was incubated in the dark with ghosts that had been photoperoxidized with another dye (a phthalocyanine) and then exposed to AH-. The extent of bleaching in this system was found to be proportional to the starting level of LOOH. Like the wave of free radical lipid peroxidation that accompanied it, dye bleaching in AH(-)-treated, preperoxidized ghosts was stimulated by supplemental Fe3+, inhibited by desferrioxamine or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), but unaffected by catalase or superoxide dismutase. From this and related evidence, we deduce that: (1) in the absence of Fe3+/AH-, photoperoxidation and photobleaching occur independently and are nonradical, singlet oxygen-mediated processes; and (2) in the presence of Fe3+/AH-, 1-electron reduction of photogenerated LOOHs results in a surge of lipid peroxidation that amplifies dye loss via free radical processes. MC540 bleaching might be exploited as a relatively simple and sensitive indicator of lipid autoxidation in isolated membranes and cells.

Cytoprotection against merocyanine 540-sensitized photoinactivation of the Na+,K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase in leukemia cells: glutathione and selenoperoxidase involvement

When irradiated with broad-band visible light in the presence of merocyanine 540 (MC540), murine leukemia L1210 cells grown under selenium-deficient conditions (Se(-) cells) accumulated lipid hydroperoxides and lost viability more rapidly than selenium-satisfied (Se(+) cells). These findings suggest that cytoprotection against photoperoxidation and photokilling is mediated at least in part by selenoperoxidase (SePX) action. Similar protection against photoinactivation of an intrinsic membrane enzyme, the Na+,K(+)-ATPase, has been observed. Thus, irradiation of MC540-sensitized Se(-) cells resulted in an immediate and progressive inactivation of ouabain-sensitive Na+,K(+)-ATPase; by contrast, activity loss in Se(+) cells was preceded by a prominent lag. Enzyme photo-inactivation in Se(-) cells was inhibited by ebselen, an SePX mimetic, confirming that SePX(s) is (are) involved in natural protection. Desferrioxamine treatment (iron sequestration/inactivation) resulted in higher hydroperoxide levels and slower Na+,K(+)-ATPase inactivation during MC540/light exposure, whereas ferric-8-hydroxyquinoline treatment (iron supplementation) had the opposite effect. Thus, iron appears to play an important role in both of these processes. In contrast, photoinactivation of another intrinsic enzyme in L1210 cells, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was unaffected by selenium or iron manipulation. On the basis of these findings, we propose that lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the photoinactivation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, but not AChE. This is consistent with the fact that Na+,K(+)-ATPase's active site lies within the membrane bilayer, whereas AChE's active site lies outside the bilayer.

Reactivity of plasma glutathione peroxidase with hydroperoxide substrates and glutathione

We studied enzyme kinetics parameters of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx-P) and the major cellular enzyme, GSHPx-1, for the substrates, H2O2, linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LinOOH), and glutathione (GSH). The major objectives were to determine whether the relatively slow GSHPx-P enzyme had a lower reactivity with hydroperoxides or with GSH and to identify favored hydroperoxide substrates. The rate constants describing the reactivity of human GSHPx-P and human GSHPx-1 with LinOOH and H2O2 are in the same range; GSHPx-P is more reactive with LinOOH and GSHPx-1 is more reactive with H2O2. GSHPx-P also has a low level of reducing activity toward cholesterol 7 alpha-OOH and no detectable activity with the 5 alpha-OOH isomer in contrast to phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) which readily reduced both isomers. GSHPx-P catalytic activity toward phospholipid hydroperoxides is demonstrable in the absence of detergents, enhanced at low concentrations by deoxycholate, and strongly inhibited by Triton X-100 and incorporation into liposomes. These properties are the opposite of PHGPx. These results suggest that GSHPx-P largely lacks the membrane interfacial properties of PHGPx. GSHPx-P exhibits a smaller GSH rate constant than GSHPx-1. This property partially explains the slower turnover of GSHPx-P with several hydroperoxide substrates; the low reactivity with GSH is not consistent with efficient GSHPx function in the bulk plasma volume. GSHPx-P kinetic properties suggest that it would function best as a free fatty acid hydroperoxidase in GSH-rich microenvironments. Minimally, the secretion of reduced enzyme would permit it to scavenge free fatty acid hydroperoxides.

Analysis of cholesterol and phospholipid hydroperoxides by high-performance liquid chromatography with mercury drop electrochemical detection

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with reductive mode electrochemical detection on a mercury drop has been employed for the separation and determination of lipid hydroperoxides. Under the conditions used, baseline separation is achieved for three cholesterol hydroperoxide (ChOOH) standards, not only from one another, but also from two different phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) standards. Applying this method to a test system, photodynamically treated murine leukemia cells, we have identified and quantified a major family of overlapping PCOOHs and three ChOOHs, two of which are characteristic singlet oxygen adducts. In a typical separation, the detection limit is < 0.5 pmol for ChOOHs and < 50 pmol for more slowly eluting PCOOHs. In this respect, mercury drop detection outperforms all previously described electrochemical detection methods for lipid hydroperoxides and compares favorably with other HPLC-based approaches. However, in terms of equipment cost, relative simplicity of operation, and fewer potential artifacts, this method has a clear advantage over all other existing high-sensitivity methods.

Hyperexpression of catalase in selenium-deprived murine L1210 cells

Murine leukemia L1210 cells grown for 2-3 weeks in the presence of 1% serum without selenium supplementation [L.Se(-) cells] typically exhibited < 10% of the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) activity of selenium-satisfied controls [L.Se(+) cells]. Concomitant with diminished GPX and PHGPX activity was a 1.5- to 2.0-fold increase in catalase (CAT) activity, which reverted to control levels when L.Se(-) cells were given sufficient Se for full expression of selenoperoxidase activity. Selenium manipulation affected total glutathione content similarly, but had no effect on glutathione-S-transferase or superoxide dismutase activity. Long-term growth under Se-deficient conditions resulted in a progressive additional increase in CAT activity, which maximized after ca. 5 months. These cells [referred to as L'.Se(-)] attained CAT activity levels at least 100-times greater than those of Se-supplemented [L'.Se(+)] controls, whereas their glutathione content remained elevated by approximately 70%. Supplying L'.Se(-) cells with Se resulted in a rapid elevation to full GPX activity; however, CAT failed to decline in this case, suggesting that a selection for stable CAT hyperexpressing variants had been accomplished. Quantitative immunoblot analysis indicated that the high CAT activity of L'.Se(-) cells is accounted for by an elevated level of enzyme protein. Induction of CAT and selection for CAT-rich phenotypes, as apparent for Se-starved L1210 cells, was not observed in human K562 counterparts, which lack GPX and express only a low level of PHGPX. L.Se(-) cells were found to be more sensitive to H2O2-induced killing than L.Se(+) controls, whereas L'.Se(-) cells were exceedingly more resistant to H2O2 than L'.Se(+) counterparts. By contrast, L.Se(-) and L'.Se(-) cells were both more sensitive to t-butyl hydroperoxide than Se(+) controls, consistent with CAT being unimportant in the detoxification of this peroxide compared with GPX. This appears to be the first reported evidence for CAT hyperexpression in response to selenium deprivation.

Lethal damage to endothelial cells by oxidized low density lipoprotein: role of selenoperoxidases in cytoprotection against lipid hydroperoxide- and iron-mediated reactions

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDLox) is believed to be an important contributor to endothelial cytodamage and atherogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of glutathione (GSH) and GSH-dependent selenoperoxidases in cytoprotection against the damaging effects of LDLox. When irradiated in the presence of a phthalocyanine sensitizing dye, human LDL accumulated chromatographically detectable and iodometrically measurable lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs). Photogenerated LDLox caused lethal damage to bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells in vitro, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibition of thiazolyl blue reduction. When depleted of GSH by buthionine sulfoximine treatment, BAE cells became more sensitive to LDLox. Cells grown in 2% serum/DME-HAM's F-12 medium without added selenium [Se(-) cells] exhibited far lower GSH-peroxidase and phospholipid hydroperoxide GSH-peroxidase activities than selenium-supplemented controls [Se(+) cells], and were much more sensitive to oxidative injury induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide, liposomal cholesterol hydroperoxides, and LDLox. Preincubation of LDLox with GSH and Ebselen (a selenoperoxidase mimetic) resulted in a dramatic reduction in both LOOH content and cytotoxicity. Moreover, treating Se(-) cells themselves with Ebselen substantially restored their resistance to LDLox-induced damage. LDLox toxicity to Se(-) cells was strongly inhibited by desferrioxamine and stimulated by ferric-8-hydroxyquinoline (a lipophilic chelate), indicating that iron is an active participant in oxidative damage. These results demonstrate that the GSH-dependent selenoperoxidase(s) play(s) an important role in cellular defense against oxidized low density lipoprotein, presumably by detoxifying lipid hydroperoxides and thereby preventing their iron-catalyzed decomposition to damaging free radical intermediates.

Selenoperoxidase-mediated cytoprotection against the damaging effects of tert-butyl hydroperoxide on leukemia cells

Murine leukemia L1210 cells grown for 5-7 d in the presence of 1% serum without added selenium [Se(-) cells] expressed < 5% of the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity of selenium-supplemented controls [Se(+) cells]. Clonogenic survival assays indicated that t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) is much more toxic to Se(-) cells (LC50 approximately 10 microM) than to Se(+) or selenium-repleted [Se(-/+)] cells (LC50 approximately 250 microM). Hypersensitivity of Se(-) cells to t-BuOOH was partially reversed by treating them with Ebselen, a selenoperoxidase mimetic; thus, selenoperoxidase insufficiency was probably the most serious defect of Se deprivation. Cytotoxicity of t-BuOOH was inhibited by desferrioxamine and by alpha-tocopherol, indicating that redox iron and free radical intermediates are involved. Elevated sensitivity of Se(-) cells to t-BuOOH was accompanied by an increased susceptibility to free radical lipid peroxidation, which became even more pronounced in cells that had been grown in arachidonate (20:4, n-6) supplemented media. That glutathione (GSH) is required for cytoprotection was established by showing that Se(+) cells are less resistant to t-BuOOH after exposure to buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, or 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), an inhibitor of glutathione reductase. Coupled enzymatic assays indicated that Se(+) or Se(-/+) cells metabolize t-BuOOH 20-25 times more rapidly than Se(-), consistent with the measured difference in GPX activities of these cells. Correspondingly, when challenged with t-BuOOH, Se(+) cells showed an initial loss of GSH and elevation of GSSG that exceeded that of Se(-) cells. It was further shown that like Se(-) cells, BSO- or BCNU-treated Se(+) cells metabolize t-BuOOH more slowly than nontreated controls. These results clearly indicate that selenoperoxidase action in the glutathione cycle is a vital element in cellular defense against toxic hydroperoxides.

Photodynamic action of merocyanine 540 on leukemia cells: iron-stimulated lipid peroxidation and cell killing

Merocyanine 540 (MC540) is a lipophilic photosensitizing dye of biomedical interest in connection with its ability to preferentially inactivate leukemia cells in bone marrow grafts and enveloped viruses in blood products. Evidence that iron plays a role in dye-mediated photokilling is presented in this report. When sensitized with MC540 and irradiated with visible light, cultured murine leukemia L1210 cells underwent lipid peroxidation (accumulation of iodometrically detectable lipid hydroperoxides) and photokilling (loss of clonogenic capacity). Selenium-deficient [Se(-)] cells, which expressed minimal selenoperoxidase activity, were found to be more sensitive to photoperoxidation and photokilling than selenium-replete [Se(+)] controls. Since redox active iron in the presence of electron donors has been shown to exacerbate photoperoxidative damage in isolated membrane systems, it was of interest to examine the possible role of iron in MC540/light-induced cytotoxicity. Involvement of iron was established by showing (i) that desferrioxamine (a high-affinity chelator and redox inhibitor of Fe3+) acted protectively on Se(-) and Se(+) cells and (ii) that treating these cells with sublethal concentrations of the lipophilic chelate ferric 8-hydroxyquinoline [Fe(HQ)2] made them much more sensitive to photokiling and thiobarbituric acid-detectable lipid peroxidation. Lehal damage induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide was also amplified by Fe(HQ)2. Fe(HQ)2-enhanced photoperoxidation and photokilling were suppressed by alpha-tocopherol, suggesting that iron-catalyzed free radical reactions were involved. A mechanism based on iron-mediated one-electron reduction of nascent photoperoxides is proposed. We believe that under the conditions used, toxic one-electron chemistry overwhelms two-electron detoxification catalyzed by GSH-dependent selenoperoxidase(s).

Selenoperoxidase-mediated cytoprotection against merocyanine 540-sensitized photoperoxidation and photokilling of leukemia cells

Photodynamic therapy with the lipophilic sensitizing dye merocyanine 540 (MC540) is a promising new approach for extracorporeal purging of neoplastic cells from autologous remission bone marrow grafts. Resistance-conferring cellular defenses against the cytotoxic effects of MC540/photodynamic therapy have not been well characterized. This study focuses on the cytoprotective effects of the glutathione-dependent selenoperoxidases GPX and PHGPX, which can detoxify a wide variety of hydroperoxides, including lipid-derived species (LOOHs). Murine leukemia L1210 cells were grown in 1% serum media without [L.Se(-)] and with [L.Se(+)] selenium supplementation. L.Se(-) cells expressed 10- to 20-fold lower GPX and PHGPX activities than L.Se(+) controls and were markedly more sensitive to MC540-mediated photoperoxidation (LOOH formation) and clonally assessed photokilling. Susceptibility of L.Se(-) cells to photoperoxidation and photokilling could be fully reversed to L.Se(+) levels by replenishing Se, and partially reversed by treating with Ebselen, a selenoperoxidase mimetic. Altered lipid composition, greater uptake of MC540, and defective catabolism of H2O2 were all ruled out as possible factors in the elevated photosensitivity of L.Se(-) cells. Human leukemia K562 cells (capable of expressing PHGPX but not GPX) exhibited 5- to 10-fold lower PHGPX activity under Se-deficient relative to Se-sufficient conditions. Although MC540 uptake (nmol/mg lipid) by K562 and L1210 cells was essentially the same, the former were more resistant to photoinactivation. However, like murine counterparts, Se-deficient cells were more susceptible to photoperoxidation and photokilling than Se-sufficient controls. These results clearly demonstrate that GPX and/or PHGPX in L1210 cells and PHGPX in K562 cells play an important cytoprotective role during photooxidative stress. Whether membrane damage due to lipid photoperoxidation is causally related to cell death is not certain; however, the parallel effects of Se deficiency on LOOH formation and cell killing are at least consistent with this possibility.

Photoperoxidation of cholesterol in homogeneous solution, isolated membranes, and cells: comparison of the 5 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroperoxides as indicators of singlet oxygen intermediacy

Singlet oxygen (1O2) can react with cholesterol (Ch) to give three possible ene-addition hydroperoxides: 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-6-ene-5-hydroperoxide (5 alpha-OOH), 3 beta-hydroxycholest-4-ene-6 alpha-hydroperoxide (6 alpha-OOH), and 3 beta-hydroxycholest-4-ene-6 beta-hydroperoxide (6 beta-OOH). The rates of dye-sensitized photogeneration and also the fates of 5 alpha-OOH and 6 beta-OOH in membrane bilayers have been studied and compared. Irradiation of unilamellar [14C]Ch/phospholipid vesicles in the presence of aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate or merocyanine 540 resulted in formation of 5 alpha-OOH and 6 beta-OOH, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography with radiochemical or electrochemical detection. The initial rate of 6 beta-OOH formation was 30-35% that of 5 alpha-OOH in a variety of liposomal systems. However, after a lag, 5 alpha-OOH invariably decayed via allylic rearrangement to 7 alpha-OOH (also known to be a free radical product), whereas 6 beta-OOH accumulated in unabated fashion until Ch depletion became limiting. Photooxidation of Ch in an isolated natural membrane (erythrocyte ghost) or in L1210 leukemia cells gave similar results. When the reaction was carried out in pyridine or methanol, the rate of 6 beta-OOH formation relative to 5 alpha-OOH was reduced by approximately half, with essentially no isomerization of the latter to 7 alpha-OOH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Photosensitized oxidation of cholesterol in biological systems: reaction pathways, cytotoxic effects and defense mechanisms

Cholesterol resembles other unsaturated lipids in being susceptible to peroxidative degradation when exposed to a sensitizing agent, exciting light of suitable wavelength and molecular oxygen. Selected hydroperoxides of cholesterol can be used as relatively convenient and reliable indicators of primary photochemical mechanisms, allowing a distinction to be made between free radical-mediated and singlet oxygen-mediated reactions. When generated in cell membranes, hydroperoxides of cholesterol and other lipids can have deleterious effects on membrane structure and function. Such damage may be exacerbated if these photoproducts undergo one-electron reduction to oxyl radicals which in turn initiate chain peroxidation reactions. Cells can resist these effects by using a membrane-based glutathione peroxidase to catalyze the two-electron reduction and detoxification of lipid hydroperoxides. Recent advances in our understanding of cholesterol photo-oxidation from the standpoints of (a) mechanistic information, (b) cytotoxicity and (c) cytoprotection are discussed in this article.

Photodynamic action of merocyanine 540 on erythrocyte membranes: structural perturbation of lipid and protein constituents

erocyanine 540 (MC540) is a membrane-directed photosensitizing dye with antileukemic and antiviral properties. In this study, biophysical and biochemical techniques have been used to examine MC540-sensitized photooxidative damage in the lipid and protein compartments of a test membrane, the human erythrocyte ghost. Irradiation of MC540-sensitized ghosts with white light resulted in oxidative damage to proteins, as manifested by (i) loss of sulfhydryl groups; (ii) intermolecular cross-linking of major polypeptides; and (iii) loss of Mg(2+)-ATPase and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activities. Photooxidation also produced a rapid and progressive increase in general protein motion, as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry (EPR) with the sulfhydryl spin label MAL-6. In addition to these effects, ghosts exposed to MC540 and light underwent lipid peroxidation. EPR with two lipophilic spin probes, 5-doxylstearate and 16-doxylstearate, showed that lipid peroxidation is accompanied by a progressive decrease in bilayer fluidity (motional freedom). At a given dye concentration, structural perturbations of proteins were detected at much lower light fluences than those of lipids. When photoreactions were carried out in the presence of ascorbate and iron, there was a strong stimulation of lipid peroxidation (attributed to free radical chain reactions), with a concomitant greater decrease in lipid mobility. Thus, the deleterious effects of photoperoxidation on lipid structure and motional freedom were greatly exacerbated by ascorbate and iron. Membrane damage similar to that described here may play a role in the phototherapeutic activity of MC540.

Chromatographic separation and electrochemical determination of cholesterol hydroperoxides generated by photodynamic action

Reverse-phase HPLC with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC) was used to separate and quantitate photochemically generated cholesterol hydroperoxides. The EC measurements were performed in the reduction mode under anaerobic conditions. When cholesterol-containing liposomes were irradiated in the presence of a phthalocyanine dye, at least four major oxidation products of cholesterol were detected by HPLC-EC:5 alpha-hydroperoxide (5 alpha-OOH), 6 beta-hydroperoxide (6 beta-OOH), 7 alpha-hydroperoxide (7 alpha-OOH), and 7 beta-hydroperoxide (7 beta-OOH). The detection limit for each compound was found to be approximately 25 pmol. Product identification was based on matching HPLC and TLC behavior of standards and on physical indicators (melting points and NMR chemical shifts). The cholesterol hydroperoxides were barely separated from EC-silent diol derivatives, which could be detected by 210 nm absorbance after reduction of the hydroperoxides with triphenylphosphine. Irradiation of a dye-sensitized natural membrane, the human erythrocyte ghost, also resulted in formation of 5 alpha-OOH, 6-OOH, and 7-OOH, as evidenced by HPLC-EC. Under the chromatographic conditions used, these species were well separated not only from one another but also from a family of at least six phospholipid hydroperoxides. These results illustrate the strengths of HPLC-EC as a relatively convenient, sensitive, and selective means of analyzing cholesterol hydroperoxides in biological samples.

Lethal damage to murine L1210 cells by exogenous lipid hydroperoxides: protective role of glutathione-dependent selenoperoxidases

The effect of selenium deprivation on the viability of murine L1210 cells exposed to various exogenous lipid hydroperoxides has been investigated. Selenoperoxidase activities of cells grown for longer than 1 week in 1% serum with no added selenium [Se(-) cells] were less than 10% of the activities of selenium-satisfied controls [Se(+) cells] or selenium-repleted counterparts [Se(-/+) cells]. The enzymes measured were classical glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX). Se(-) cells exhibited a compensatory increase in catalase activity. Dye exclusion and clonal survival assays indicated that Se(-) and Se(+) cells were relatively insensitive to photochemically generated phospholipid hydroperoxides in liposomal form. However, both cell types were sensitive to liposomal cholesterol hydroperoxides, e.g., 7-hydroperoxycholesterol (7-OOH), Se(-) being much more so (LD50 approximately 10 microM) than Se(+) (LD50 approximately 75 microM). By contrast, 7-hydroxycholesterol over a comparable concentration range was minimally toxic to Se(-) and Se(+) cells. Cell killing by 7-OOH was inhibited by desferrioxamine and by butylated hydroxytoluene, suggesting that iron-mediated free radical reactions are involved. The involvement of glutathione in cytoprotection was confirmed by showing that Se(+) cells were more sensitive to 7-OOH after treating with buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis. Cellular detoxification of 7-OOH is provisionally attributed to PHGPX rather than GPX, since 7-OOH and other cholesterol hydroperoxides were found to be good substrates for PHGPX in a cell free system, but were unreactive with GPX.

Phthalocyanine-sensitized lipid peroxidation in cell membranes: use of cholesterol and azide as probes of primary photochemistry

Various phthalacyanine (Pc) derivatives of phototherapeutic interest have been shown to be efficient type II (singlet oxygen, 1O2) sensitizers in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. However, primary Pc photochemistry in biological environments, e.g. cell membranes, has not been studied in a definitive manner. To address this question, we used endogenous cholesterol in the erythrocyte ghost as a mechanistic reporter lipid Membranes sensitized with chloroaluminum Pc tetrasulfonate (AlPcS) and exposed to white light at 10 degrees C underwent lipid peroxidation, as indicated by the accumulation of hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactivity. Specific analysis of cholesterol photo-products by thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-6-ene-5-hydroperoxide (5 alpha-OOH), with much smaller amounts of 3 beta-hydroxycholest-5-ene-7 alpha-hydroperoxide (7 alpha-OOH) and 5 alpha-cholest-6-en-3 beta, 5-diol and cholest-5-en-3 beta, 7 alpha-diol (5 alpha-OH and 7 alpha-OH). Identification of 5 alpha-OOH as a major photoproduct provides unambiguous evidence for large scale 1O2 intermediacy. Azide inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent fashion, providing additional support for a type II mechanism. However, the 1O2 quenching constant from Stern-Volmer analysis was approximately 50 times lower than that determined for a non-membrane probe, lactate dehydrogenase. The latter value agreed with literature values. A probable explanation is that membrane-bound dye generates most of the 1O2 involved in lipid peroxidation. Although azide can intercept any 1O2 escaping into (or formed in) the medium, it has limited access to 1O2 generated on the membrane and reacting (or being quenched) near its site of origin.