Structure and function of xanthine oxidoreductase: where are we now?

Glutamine transporter ASCT2 was down-regulated in ischemic injured human intestinal epithelial cells and reversed by epidermal growth factor

BACKGROUND

Clinically, nutrition support has been an important component of the care of the hypoperfusion traumatized patient who is unable to accept complete volitional nutrition. However, enterocyte transport function during states of intestinal hypoperfusion remains unclear. Glutamine is essential for the viability and growth of intestine epithelial cells, and the Na(+)-dependent neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2 is thought to mainly mediate glutamine transport. This study aims to quantify the change of glutamine transporter ASCT2 expression in ischemic injured Caco-2 cell lines and the regulatory action of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on glutamine transport and its transporter.

METHODS

Cells were cultured under ischemic conditions for 2 hours. After ischemia was performed, Caco-2 cells were incubated with or without EGF (100 microg/mL) for 0-8 hours. Then we studied the cell membrane l-glutamine transport, the expression of ASCT2 protein, and mRNA.

RESULTS

After ischemia was performed, Caco-2 cell membrane glutamine transport decreased significantly (p < .01), and the expression of ASCT2 proteins decreased significantly compared with control (p < .01). Under ischemic conditions, expression of ASCT2 mRNA was down-regulated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. After EGF incubation for 1-2 hours, the proteins and mRNA of ASCT2 were reversed to normal levels (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In ischemic injured Caco-2 cells, ASCT2 protein expression and mRNA transcription were involved in the down-regulation of Na(+)-dependent glutamine transport. The decrease of glutamine transport and its transporter under ischemic conditions could be reversed by EGF action. These findings may help in the choice of the nutrition support manner and clinical therapy of ischemia-damaged intestinal epithelial cells.

Antiradical effect of allopurinol at early stages of experimental acute pancreatitis

Pretreatment with allopurinol partly prevented generation of free oxygen radicals in the pancreas of dogs with experimental acute pancreatitis. Allopurinol holds promise for the prevention of acute postoperative pancreatitis.

NADH oxidase activity of rat and human liver xanthine oxidoreductase: potential role in superoxide production

To characterise the NADH oxidase activity of both xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) forms of rat liver xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and to evaluate the potential role of this mammalian enzyme as an O2*- source, kinetics and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies were performed. A steady-state kinetics study of XD showed that it catalyses NADH oxidation, leading to the formation of one O2*- molecule and half a H(2)O(2) molecule per NADH molecule, at rates 3 times those observed for XO (29.2 +/- 1.6 and 9.38 +/- 0.31 min(-1), respectively). EPR spectra of NADH-reduced XD and XO were qualitatively similar, but they were quantitatively quite different. While NADH efficiently reduced XD, only a great excess of NADH reduced XO. In agreement with reductive titration data, the XD specificity constant for NADH (8.73 +/- 1.36 microM(-1) min(-1)) was found to be higher than that of the XO specificity constant (1.07 +/- 0.09 microM(-1) min(-1)). It was confirmed that, for the reducing substrate xanthine, rat liver XD is also a better O2*- source than XO. These data show that the dehydrogenase form of liver XOR is, thus, intrinsically more efficient at generating O2*- than the oxidase form, independently of the reducing substrate. Most importantly, for comparative purposes, human liver XO activity towards NADH oxidation was also studied, and the kinetics parameters obtained were found to be very similar to those of the XO form of rat liver XOR, foreseeing potential applications of rat liver XOR as a model of the human liver enzyme.

Xanthine oxidoreductase is a regulator of adipogenesis and PPARgamma activity

In an effort to identify novel candidate regulators of adipogenesis, gene profiling of differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was analyzed using a novel algorithm. We report here the characterization of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as a novel regulator of adipogenesis. XOR lies downstream of C/EBPbeta and upstream of PPARgamma, in the cascade of factors that control adipogenesis, and it regulates PPARgamma activity. In vitro, knockdown of XOR inhibits adipogenesis and PPARgamma activity while constitutive overexpression increases activity of the PPARgamma receptor in both adipocytes and preadipocytes. In vivo, XOR -/- mice demonstrate 50% reduction in adipose mass versus wild-type littermates while obese ob/ob mice exhibit increased concentrations of XOR mRNA and urate in the adipose tissue. We propose that XOR is a novel regulator of adipogenesis and of PPARgamma activity and essential for the regulation of fat accretion. Our results identify XOR as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic abnormalities beyond hyperuricemia.

Protection of hepatic cells from apoptosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury by protein therapeutics

AIM

Apoptosis is involved in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. The protein FNK, constructed from an anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-x(L), exhibits the stronger anticell death activity. We evaluated the effect of FNK on apoptosis after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion, using FNK-overexpressing transgenic mice and the HIV/Tat protein-transduction-domain (PTD) that mediates the introduction of FNK into cells when fused with FNK (PTD-FNK).

METHODS

Mice were given hepatic ischemic insult for 90 min followed by reperfusion for 3 h. FNK overexpression was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. PTD-FNK was intraperitoneally injected into wild mice 3 h before the insult. Liver injury was determined by the caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, and hematoxylin-eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP- digoxigenin nick-end labelling (TUNEL) stainings.

RESULTS

In FNK-transgenic mice, FNK overexpression inhibited the activation of caspase 3/caspase 3-like activity and DNA fragmentation caused by the injury. In wild mice preinjected with PTD-FNK, PTD-FNK significantly inhibited the caspase activation and DNA fragmentation, reduced the area of liver vacuolization, and protected hepatic cells surrounding blood vessels, irrespective of central or portal veins, from the ischemia/reperfusion damage.

CONCLUSIONS

FNK inhibits apoptotic death due to the ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our results provide the reasonable expectation of therapeutic protein PTD-FNK for clinical applications, such as transplantation, to protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

NADPH oxidase inhibition prevents cocaine-induced up-regulation of xanthine oxidoreductase and cardiac dysfunction

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of cocaine-induced cardiomyopathy. In the present study, we aimed to determine the enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, namely NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) in male Wistar rats treated for 7 days with cocaine (2x7.5 mg/kg/day, ip) or cocaine with a NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin, 50 mg/kg/day, po) or a XOR inhibitor (allopurinol, 50 mg/kg/day, po). Cocaine-induced cardiac dysfunction is associated with an increase in NADPH oxidase and XOR activities (59% and 29%, respectively) and a decrease in catalase activity. Apocynin or allopurinol treatment prevents the cocaine-induced cardiac alteration by restoration of cardiac output, stroke volume and fractional shortening. This is associated with a reduction of the myocardial production of superoxide anions and an enhancement of catalase activity. Surprisingly, apocynin treatment prevents XOR up-regulation supporting the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase-derived ROS play a role in modulating ROS production by XOR. These data suggest that NADPH and xanthine oxidase act synergically to form myocardial ROS and clearly demonstrate that their inhibition may be critical in preventing the initiation and progression of cocaine-induced LV dysfunction.

J-shaped mortality relationship for uric acid in CKD

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricemia is a common feature in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hyperuricemia has been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in the general population, but less is known about this association in patients with CKD.

METHODS

To explore possible associations of serum uric acid with all-cause mortality and comorbidity in patients with CKD, we studied 294 incident patients with CKD stage 5 (185 men; age, 53 +/- 12 years) starting renal replacement therapy with a median glomerular filtration rate of 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (0.11 mL/s/1.73 m(2); range, 0.8 to 14.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2) [0.01 to 0.24 mL/s/1.73 m(2)]). Survival was determined from the day of examination and during a mean follow-up period of 27 months (range, 3 to 72 months); 94 patients died. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on serum uric acid levels (low quintile, 3 middle quintiles, and high quintile).

RESULTS

In a nonadjusted analysis, patients in the high quintile, followed by patients in the low quintile, had greater all-cause mortality compared with patients in the 3 middle quintiles (log-rank test chi-square, 6.8; P = 0.03). After adjusting for age, sex, glomerular filtration rate, cholesterol level, phosphate level, C-reactive protein level, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, diuretics, and allopurinol treatment, the association showed a "J-shaped" association with hazard ratios of 1.96 (confidence interval, 1.10 to 3.48; P = 0.02) for the high quintile and 1.42 (confidence interval, 0.76 to 2.66; P = not significant) for the low quintile. Moreover, uric acid levels correlated positively with levels of triglycerides, phosphate, C-reactive protein, and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 and negatively with levels of calcium, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A.

CONCLUSION

Serum uric acid levels showed a J-shaped association with all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk in the 3 middle quintiles. Moreover, uric acid level was associated with calcium/phosphate metabolism, dyslipidemia, and inflammation.

A new paradigm: manganese superoxide dismutase influences the production of H2O2 in cells and thereby their biological state

The principal source of hydrogen peroxide in mitochondria is thought to be from the dismutation of superoxide via the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). However, the nature of the effect of SOD on the cellular production of H(2)O(2) is not widely appreciated. The current paradigm is that the presence of SOD results in a lower level of H(2)O(2) because it would prevent the non-enzymatic reactions of superoxide that form H(2)O(2). The goal of this work was to: a) demonstrate that SOD can increase the flux of H(2)O(2), and b) use kinetic modelling to determine what kinetic and thermodynamic conditions result in SOD increasing the flux of H(2)O(2). We examined two biological sources of superoxide production (xanthine oxidase and coenzyme Q semiquinone, CoQ(*-) that have different thermodynamic and kinetic properties. We found that SOD could change the rate of formation of H(2)O(2) in cases where equilibrium-specific reactions form superoxide with an equilibrium constant (K) less than 1. An example is the formation of superoxide in the electron transport chain (ETC) of the mitochondria by the reaction of ubisemiquinone radical with dioxygen. We measured the rate of release of H(2)O(2) into culture medium from cells with differing levels of MnSOD. We found that the higher the level of SOD, the greater the rate of accumulation of H(2)O(2). Results with kinetic modelling were consistent with this observation; the steady-state level of H(2)O(2) increases if K<1, for example CoQ(*-)+O(2)-->CoQ+O(2)(*-). However, when K>1, e.g. xanthine oxidase forming O(2)(*-), SOD does not affect the steady state-level of H(2)O(2). Thus, the current paradigm that SOD will lower the flux of H(2)O(2) does not hold for the ETC. These observations indicate that MnSOD contributes to the flux of H(2)O(2) in cells and thereby is involved in establishing the cellular redox environment and thus the biological state of the cell.

NADH oxidase activity of rat liver xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase-contribution for damage mechanisms

The involvement of xanthine oxidase (XO) in some reactive oxygen species (ROS) -mediated diseases has been proposed as a result of the generation of O*- and H2O2 during hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidation. In this study, it was shown that purified rat liver XO and xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) catalyse the NADH oxidation, generating O*- and inducing the peroxidation of liposomes, in a NADH and enzyme concentration-dependent manner. Comparatively to equimolar concentrations of xanthine, a higher peroxidation extent is observed in the presence of NADH. In addition, the peroxidation extent induced by XD is higher than that observed with XO. The in vivo-predominant dehydrogenase is, therefore, intrinsically efficient at generating ROS, without requiring the conversion to XO. Our results suggest that, in those pathological conditions where an increase on NADH concentration occurs, the NADH oxidation catalysed by XD may constitute an important pathway for ROS-mediated tissue injuries.

Mechanical stress activates xanthine oxidoreductase through MAP kinase-dependent pathways

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) plays a prominent role in acute lung injury because of its ability to generate reactive oxygen species. We investigated the role of XOR in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to spontaneous ventilation (sham) or mechanical ventilation (MV) with low (7 ml/kg) and high tidal volume (20 ml/kg) for 2 h after which lung XOR activity and expression were measured and the effect of the specific XOR inhibitor allopurinol on pulmonary vascular leakage was examined. In separate experiments, rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMECs) were exposed to cyclic stretch (5% and 18% elongation, 20 cycles/min) for 2 h before intracellular XOR activity measurement. Lung XOR activity was significantly increased at 2 h of MV without changes in XOR expression. There was evidence of p38 MAP kinase, ERK1/2, and ERK5 phosphorylation, but no change in JNK phosphorylation. Evans blue dye extravasation and bronchoalveolar lavage protein concentration were significantly increased in response to MV, changes that were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with allopurinol. Cyclic stretch of RPMECs also caused MAP kinase phosphorylation and a 1.7-fold increase in XOR activity, which was completely abrogated by pretreatment of the cells with specific MAP kinase inhibitors. We conclude that XOR enzymatic activity is significantly increased by mechanical stress via activation of p38 MAP kinase and ERK and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema associated with VILI.

Alterations in plasma antioxidants during reperfusion of the ischemic small intestine in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of three plasma antioxidants (albumin, uric acid, SH groups) to the plasma total peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant capacity (TRAP) in 2 and 4 h of intestinal reperfusion in rats. TRAP increased significantly both after 2 and 4 h of reperfusion. Neither albumin nor SH groups contributed significantly to this increase. TRAP was strongly influenced by the increase in uric acid concentration and also probably by the cell destruction caused by oxidative stress. Since the TRAP increase was accompanied by an increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation), we can conclude that even such a large increase in TRAP is not sufficient to prevent the progression of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

Cell biology of molybdenum

The transition element molybdenum (Mo) is of essential importance for (nearly) all biological systems as it is required by enzymes catalyzing diverse key reactions in the global carbon, sulfur and nitrogen metabolism. The metal itself is biologically inactive unless it is complexed by a special cofactor. With the exception of bacterial nitrogenase, where Mo is a constituent of the FeMo-cofactor, Mo is bound to a pterin, thus forming the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) which is the active compound at the catalytic site of all other Mo-enzymes. In eukaryotes, the most prominent Mo-enzymes are (1) sulfite oxidase, which catalyzes the final step in the degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids and is involved in detoxifying excess sulfite, (2) xanthine dehydrogenase, which is involved in purine catabolism and reactive oxygen production, (3) aldehyde oxidase, which oxidizes a variety of aldehydes and is essential for the biosynthesis of the phytohormone abscisic acid, and in autotrophic organisms also (4) nitrate reductase, which catalyzes the key step in inorganic nitrogen assimilation. All Mo-enzymes, except plant sulfite oxidase, need at least one more redox active center, many of them involving iron in electron transfer. The biosynthesis of Moco involves the complex interaction of six proteins and is a process of four steps, which also includes iron as well as copper in an indispensable way. Moco as released after synthesis is likely to be distributed to the apoproteins of Mo-enzymes by putative Moco-carrier proteins. Xanthine dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase, but not sulfite oxidase and nitrate reductase, require the post-translational sulfuration of their Mo-site for becoming active. This final maturation step is catalyzed by a Moco-sulfurase enzyme, which mobilizes sulfur from l-cysteine in a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent manner as typical for cysteine desulfurases.

Endothelin-1-induced oxidative stress in DOCA-salt hypertension involves NADPH-oxidase-independent mechanisms

We have demonstrated recently [Callera, Touyz, Teixeira, Muscara, Carvalho, Fortes, Schiffrin and Tostes (2003) Hypertension 42, 811-817] that increased vascular oxidative stress in DOCA (deoxycorticosterone acetate)-salt rats is associated with activation of the ET (endothelin) system via ETA receptors. The exact source of ET-1-mediated oxidative stress remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ET-1 increases generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in DOCA-salt hypertension through NADPH-oxidase-dependent mechanisms. Xanthine oxidase, eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2) were also examined as potential ET-1 sources of ROS as well as mitochondrial respiration. DOCA-salt and control UniNX (uninephrectomized) rats were treated with the ETA antagonist BMS182874 (40 mg.day(-1).kg(-1) of body weight) or vehicle. Plasma TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances) were increased in DOCA-salt compared with UniNX rats. Activity of NADPH and xanthine oxidases in aorta, mesenteric arteries and heart was increased in DOCA-salt rats. BMS182874 decreased plasma TBARS levels without influencing NADPH and xanthine oxidase activities in DOCA-salt rats. Increased p22(phox) protein expression and increased p47(phox) membrane translocation in arteries from DOCA-salt by rats were not affected by BMS182874 treatment. Increased eNOS and COX-2 expression, also observed in aortas from DOCA-salt rats, was unaltered by BMS182874. Increased mitochondrial generation of ROS in DOCA-salt rats was normalized by BMS182874. ETA antagonism also increased the expression of mitochondrial MnSOD (manganese superoxide dismutase) in DOCA-salt rats. In conclusion, activation of NADPH oxidase does not seem to be the major source of oxidative stress induced by ET-1/ETA in DOCA-salt hypertension, which also appears to be independent of increased activation of xanthine oxidase or eNOS/COX-2 overexpression. Mitochondria may play a role in ET-1-driven oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased mitochondrial-derived ROS in this model of hypertension.

Involvement of adenosine in the neurobiology of schizophrenia and its therapeutic implications

Based on the neuromodulatory and homeostatic actions of adenosine, adenosine dysfunction may contribute to the neurobiological and clinical features of schizophrenia. The present model of adenosine dysfunction in schizophrenia takes into consideration the dopamine and glutamate hypotheses, since adenosine exerts neuromodulatory roles on these systems, and proposes that adenosine plays a role in the inhibitory deficit found in schizophrenia. Given the role of adenosine activation of adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) in mediating neurotoxicity in early stages of brain development, pre- and peri-natal complications leading to excessive adenosine release could induce primary brain changes (i.e., first hit). These events would lead to an adenosine inhibitory deficit through a partial loss of A1R that may emerge as reduced control of dopamine activity and increased vulnerability to excitotoxic glutamate action in the mature brain (i.e., second hit). Adenosine dysfunction is reasonably compatible with symptoms, gray and white matter abnormalities, progressive brain loss, pre- and peri-natal risk factors, age of onset, response to current treatments, impaired sensory gating and increased smoking in schizophrenia. Pharmacological treatments enhancing adenosine activity could be effective for symptom control and for alleviating deterioration in the course of the illness. Accordingly, allopurinol, which may indirectly increase adenosine, has been effective and well tolerated in the treatment of schizophrenia. Since much of the evidence for the adenosine hypothesis is preliminary and theoretical, further investigation in the field is warranted.

NAD(P)H oxidase contributes to the progression of remote hepatic parenchymal injury and endothelial dysfunction, but not microvascular perfusion deficits

Oxidative stress occurs in remote liver injury, but the origin of the oxidant generation has yet to be thoroughly delineated. Some reports suggest that the source of the distant oxidative stress originates from the site of initial insult [i.e., xanthine oxidase (XO)]; however, it could also be derived from sources such as phagocytic and/or vascular NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox) enzymes. With a murine model of bilateral hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion, we describe here a mechanism for Nox-dependent oxidant production that contributes, at least in part, to remote hepatic parenchymal injury and sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) dysfunction. To determine whether Nox enzymes were the source of oxidants, mice were treated immediately after the onset of hindlimb ischemia with specific inhibitors to XO (50 mg/kg ip allopurinol) or Nox (10 mg/kg ip gp91ds-tat and 3 mg/kg ip apocynin). After 1 h of ischemia, hindlimbs were reperfused for either 3 or 6 h. Inhibition of XO failed to provide any improvement in parenchymal injury, SEC dysfunction, neutrophil accumulation, or microvascular dysfunction. In contrast, the inhibition of Nox enzymes prevented the progression (6 h) of parenchymal injury, significantly protected against SEC dysfunction, and completely prevented signs of neutrophil-derived oxidant stress. At the same time, however, inhibition of Nox failed to protect against the early parenchymal injury and microvascular dysfunction at 3 h of reperfusion. These data confirm that microvascular perfusion deficits are not essential for the pathogenesis of remote hepatic parenchymal injury. The data also suggest that Nox enzymes, not XO, are involved in the progression of compromised hepatic parenchymal and endothelial integrity during a systemic inflammatory response.

Therapeutic effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors: renaissance half a century after the discovery of allopurinol

The prototypical xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor allopurinol, has been the cornerstone of the clinical management of gout and conditions associated with hyperuricemia for several decades. More recent data indicate that XO also plays an important role in various forms of ischemic and other types of tissue and vascular injuries, inflammatory diseases, and chronic heart failure. Allopurinol and its active metabolite oxypurinol showed considerable promise in the treatment of these conditions both in experimental animals and in small-scale human clinical trials. Although some of the beneficial effects of these compounds may be unrelated to the inhibition of the XO, the encouraging findings rekindled significant interest in the development of additional, novel series of XO inhibitors for various therapeutic indications. Here we present a critical overview of the effects of XO inhibitors in various pathophysiological conditions and also review the various emerging therapeutic strategies offered by this approach.

Antioxidants from Rabdosia japonica

The antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds: pedalitin, quercetin, rutin, isoquercitrin, and rosmarinic acid, isolated from the dried leaves of Rabdosia japonica Hara (Labiatae) were elucidated. All the phenolics tested exhibited superoxide scavenging activity and an inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase (EC 1.1.3.22), and pedalitin showed the most potent antioxidant activity. Pedalitin prevents the generation of superoxide radicals in part by inhibiting xanthine oxidase competitively. Both pedalitin and quercetin inhibited uric acid formation by xanthine oxidase, and the inhibition kinetics analysed by Lineweaver-Burk plots found both flavonoids to be competitive inhibitors. On the other hand, isoquercitrin, rutin and rosmarinic acid were effective in scavenging superoxide radicals generated by the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system without inhibiting the enzyme.

Stress Activation of Mammary Epithelial Cell Xanthine Oxidoreductase Is Mediated by p38 MAPK and CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein-β

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the formation of uric acid from xanthine and hypoxanthine and is recognized as a source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Unexpectedly, XOR was found to play an essential role in milk secretion in the differentiating mammary gland, where it is an integral component of the milk fat globule. XOR gene expression in both mammary glands and differentiating mammary epithelial cells in culture is regulated by the lactogenic hormones prolactin and cortisol. Expression in mammary epithelial cells is also regulated by inflammatory cytokines and induced by cycloheximide. Cycloheximide was found to stimulate XOR gene expression in differentiating HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cells. Activation of XOR gene expression by both cycloheximide and inflammatory cytokines suggested that XOR may be regulated by stress-activated protein kinases, the MAPKs. We demonstrate here that XOR was induced in HC11 cells by low dose cycloheximide and that expression was blocked by inhibitors of p38 MAPK. Accumulation of phospho-p38 was stimulated by low dose cycloheximide. Low dose cycloheximide stress promoted phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta (C/EBPbeta) transcription factor, which was blocked by inhibition of p38. Furthermore, C/EBPbeta was found to activate the mouse XOR promoter, and XOR promoter-C/EBPbeta protein complexes were induced by low dose cycloheximide stress. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that mouse mammary epithelial cell XOR is regulated by p38 MAPK. They identify an essential function of the C/EBPbeta transcription factor in mouse XOR expression and suggest a potential role for p38 MAPK activation of C/EBPbeta in mammary epithelial cells.

Electrochemistry of Xanthine Oxidase and Its Interaction with Nitric Oxide

With the help of nanocrystalline TiO2, the direct electrochemistry of xanthine oxidase (XOD) was achieved and two pairs of redox waves were observed. The interaction between XOD and nitric oxide (NO) was also investigated. The experimental results reveal that NO can be reduced at a XOD-nano TiO2 film modified electrode. When the NO concentration was low, the reduced product, HNO, would inactivate the protein. However, when the NO concentration was high, HNO would continue to react with NO to form N2O2- and N3O3-, which would not inhibit XOD, and thus the amount of active protein did not decrease any further.

Models for the Molybdenum Hydroxylases: Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of cis-Oxosulfido-Mo(VI) Complexes

Atom transfer reactions have been employed to convert Tp(i)(Pr)MoO(2)(OAr) into monomeric cis-oxosulfido-Mo(VI) and dimeric mu-disulfido-Mo(V) species, [Tp(i)(Pr)MoOS(OAr)](n)() (Tp(i)(Pr) = hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; OAr = phenolate or naphtholate derivative; n = 1 and 2, respectively). Dark red, monomeric Tp(i)(Pr)MoOS(OAr) complexes contain distorted octahedral cis-oxosulfido-Mo(VI) centers, with d(Mo=O) = 1.692(5) A, d(Mo=S) = 2.132(2) A, and angle(O=Mo=S) = 103.68(16) degrees for the 2-sec-butylphenolate derivative. Dark red-purple, dimeric [Tp(i)(Pr)MoOS(OAr)](2) complexes undergo S-S bond cleavage forming monomeric oxosulfido-Mo(VI) species in solution. In the solid state, the 3,5-di-tert-butylphenolate derivative exhibits a centrosymmetric structure, with distorted octahedral anti oxo-Mo(V) centers bridged by a disulfido-kappaS,kappaS' ligand. Hydrolysis of the oxosulfido-Mo(VI) complexes results in the formation of [Tp(i)(Pr)MoO](2)(mu-S(2))(mu-O). In anaerobic solutions, certain oxosulfido-Mo(VI) complexes convert to molybdenyl complexes bearing bidentate 2-mercaptophenolate or related naphtholate ligands formed via intramolecular attack of the sulfido ligand on a coligand C-H group. The oxosulfido-Mo(VI) complexes serve as precursors to biologically relevant Mo(V) and heterobimetallic MoO(mu-S)Cu species and undergo a range of biomimetic reactions.

Oxidative stress and nitric oxide deficiency in the kidney: a critical link to hypertension?

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress contributes to hypertension. Oxidative stress can precede the development of hypertension. In almost all models of hypertension, there is oxidative stress that, if corrected, lowers BP, whereas creation of oxidative stress in normal animals can cause hypertension. There is overexpression of the p22(phox) and Nox-1 components of NADPH oxidase and reduced expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) in the kidneys of ANG II-infused rodents, whereas there is overexpression of p47(phox) and gp91(phox) and reduced expression of intracellular SOD with salt loading. Several mechanisms have been identified that can make oxidative stress self-sustaining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can enhance afferent arteriolar tone and reactivity both indirectly via potentiation of tubuloglomerular feedback and directly by microvascular mechanisms that diminish endothelium-derived relaxation factor/nitric oxide responses, generate a cyclooxygenase-2-dependent endothelial-derived contracting factor that activates thromboxane-prostanoid receptors, and enhance vascular smooth muscle cells reactivity. ROS can diminish the efficiency with which the kidney uses O(2) for Na(+) transport and thereby diminish the P(O(2)) within the kidney cortex. This may place a break on further ROS generation yet could further enhance vasculopathy and hypertension. There is a tight relationship between oxidative stress in the kidney and the development and maintenance of hypertension.

Direct gas measurements indicate that the novel cyclooxygenase inhibitor AZD3582 is an effective nitric oxide donor in vivo

1. AZD3582 [4-(nitrooxy)butyl-(2S)-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propanoate] is a COX-inhibiting nitric oxide donor that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2. It is as effective as naproxen in models of pain and inflammation, but causes less gastroduodenal damage. Nitric oxide (NO) is generated from AZD3582 in vitro, and this study sought to show that the drug donates NO in vivo. 2. In anaesthetised male New Zealand white rabbits, the endogenous NO concentration in exhaled air was reduced by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (30 mg kg(- 1) i.v.) from 33.5+/-1.0 ppb (mean+/-s.e.m.; n=6 per group) to 3.0+/-1.0 ppb, while increasing blood pressure and reducing heart rate. AZD3582 (0.2, 0.6, 2.0 or 6.0 micromol kg(- 1) min(- 1)) given 30 min after L-NAME increased the concentration of NO in exhaled air (P<0.05), decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate in a dose-dependent manner versus L-NAME control values. The peak mean NO concentration obtained was 44+/-8.0 ppb. 3. In in situ-perfused rabbit lungs, L-NAME (185 micromol l(- 1)) reduced the NO concentration in exhaled air from 106+/-13 to 4.0+/-0.4 ppb (n=5). Addition of AZD3582 (6 micromol min(- 1)) to the perfusate produced an initial rapid increase in the NO concentration in exhaled air, followed by a sustained, but lower plateau. Infusion of L-NAME increased, and AZD3582 decreased, pulmonary arterial pressure. 4. In both anaesthetised rabbits and in the perfused lungs, brief periods of hypoxia increased NO concentrations generated by AZD3582. 5. We conclude that, in rabbits, AZD3582 donates NO in vivo with characteristics similar to those reported for nitroglycerin and isosorbide nitrates

Molecular characterization of human xanthine oxidoreductase: the enzyme is grossly deficient in molybdenum and substantially deficient in iron-sulphur centres

XOR (xanthine oxidoreductase) purified from human milk was shown to contain 0.04 atom of Mo and 0.09 molecule of molybdopterin/subunit. On the basis of UV/visible and CD spectra, the human enzyme was approx. 30% deficient in iron-sulphur centres. Mo(V) EPR showed the presence of a weak rapid signal corresponding to the enzyme of low xanthine oxidase activity and a slow signal indicating a significant content of desulpho-form. Resulphuration experiments, together with calculations based on enzymic activity and Mo content, led to an estimate of 50-60% desulpho-form. Fe/S EPR showed, in addition to the well-known Fe/S I and Fe/S II species, the presence of a third Fe/S signal, named Fe/S III, which appears to replace partially Fe/S I. Comparison is made with similarly prepared bovine milk XOR, which has approx. 15-fold higher enzymic activity and Mo content. Taken along with evidence of low Mo content in the milk of other mammals, these findings add further support to the idea that XOR protein plays a physiological role in milk (e.g. in secretion) equal in importance to its catalytic function as an enzyme.

Xanthine oxido-reductase activity in ischemic human and rat intestine

We measured time course and extent of xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) to xanthine oxidase (XO) conversion in ischemic human and rat intestine. To model normothermic no-flow ischemia, we incubated fresh biopsies for 0, 2, 4, 8 and 16h. At t = 0h, XO was less in humans than in rats (P < 0.0004), while XD was essentially the same (P = NS). After 16h incubation at 37 degrees C, there was no appreciable XD-to-XO conversion and no change in neither XO nor XD activity in human intestine. In contrast, the rat intestine had XO/(XO + XD) ratio doubled in the first 2h and then maintained that value until t = 16 h. In conclusion, no XO-to-XD conversion was appreciable after 16 h no-flow normothermic ischemia in human intestine; in contrast, XO activity in rats increased sharply after the onset of ischemia. An immunohistochemical labelling study shows that, whereas XO + XD expression in liver tissue is localised in both hepatocytes and endothelial cells, in the intestine that expression is mostly localised in epithelial cells. We conclude that XO may be considered as a major source of reactive oxygen species in rats but not in humans.

Fundamental roles of reactive oxygen species and protective mechanisms in the female reproductive system

Controlled oxidation, such as disulfide bond formation in sperm nuclei and during ovulation, plays a fundamental role in mammalian reproduction. Excess oxidation, however, causes oxidative stress, resulting in the dysfunction of the reproductive process. Antioxidation reactions that reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species are of prime importance in reproductive systems in maintaining the quality of gametes and support reproduction. While anti-oxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, play a central role in eliminating oxidative stress, reduction-oxidation (redox) systems, comprised of mainly glutathione and thioredoxin, function to reduce the levels of oxidized molecules. Aldo-keto reductase, using NADPH as an electron donor, detoxifies carbonyl compounds resulting from the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Thus, many antioxidative and redox enzyme genes are expressed and aggressively protect gametes and embryos in reproductive systems.

Mechanism of redox-mediated guanine nucleotide exchange on redox-active Rho GTPases

Rho GTPases regulate multiple cellular processes including actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, transcriptional regulation, and oxidant production. The studies described herein demonstrate that small molecule redox agents, in addition to protein regulatory factors, can regulate the activity of redox-active Rho GTPases. A novel (GXXXXGK(S/T)C) motif, conserved in a number of Rho GTPases, appears critical for redox-mediated guanine nucleotide dissociation in vitro. A detailed molecular mechanism for redox regulation of GXXXXGK(S/T)C motif-containing Rho GTPases is proposed.

The plant Mo-hydroxylases aldehyde oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase have distinct reactive oxygen species signatures and are induced by drought and abscisic acid

The plant molybdenum-cofactor (Moco) and flavin-containing enzymes, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH; EC 1.2.1.37) and aldehyde oxidase (AO; EC 1.2.3.1) are thought to play important metabolic roles in purine metabolism and hormone biosynthesis, respectively. Their animal counterparts contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in numerous pathologies and here we examined these enzymes as potential sources of ROS in plants. Novel in-gel assay techniques and Moco sulfurase mutants, lacking a sulfur ligand in their Moco active center, were employed to demonstrate that the native tomato and Arabidopsis XDHs are capable of producing O, but not H2O2, while the animal counterpart was shown to produce both, O and H2O2. Superoxide production was dependent on Moco sulfuration when using hypoxanthine/xanthine but not NADH as substrates. The activity was inhibited by diphenylene iodonium (DPI), a suicide inhibitor of FAD containing enzymes. Analysis of XDH in an Arabidopsis Atxdh1 T-DNA insertion mutant and RNA interference lines revealed loss of O activity, providing direct molecular evidence that plant XDH generates superoxides. Contrary to XDH, AO activity produced only H2O2 dissimilar to native animal AO, that can produce O as well. Surprisingly, H2O2 accumulation was not sensitive to DPI. Plant ROS production and transcript levels of AO and XDH were rapidly upregulated by application of abscisic acid and in water-stressed leaves and roots. These results, supported by in vivo measurement of ROS accumulation, indicate that plant AO and XDH are possible novel sources for ROS increase during water stress.

The increase in serum uric acid concentration caused by diuretics might be beneficial in heart failure

Patients with mild-moderate chronic heart failure (CHF) often have raised levels of serum uric acid (UA). This is due, amongst other factors, to reduced UA excretion by the kidneys, which is partly explained by restriction of sodium intake and treatment with diuretics. The decline in renal function that parallels worsening cardiac function also contributes to elevated serum UA in patients with advanced CHF. However, UA production also appears to be augmented in CHF. Because UA scavenges various reactive oxygen species, diuretic-induced elevations in serum UA could be beneficial in patients with CHF. This concept is supported by the superior performance of antihypertensive therapy with diuretics in preventing heart failure. The present hypothesis may be tested by examining the effects of add-on treatment with a thiazide-type diuretic on morbidity and mortality, or surrogate variables, in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction but without fluid retention.

Regulation of xanthine oxidoreductase protein expression by hydrogen peroxide and calcium

OBJECTIVE

We have previously demonstrated that endothelial xanthine oxidase (XO) levels are dependent on the NADPH oxidase. We postulated that H2O2 may modulate the irreversible conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) to XO and sought to examine mechanisms involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

H2O2 (100 micromol/L) decreased bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) XDH protein expression, and metabolic labeling studies indicated that H2O2 stimulated conversion of XDH to XO. The decline in XDH was mimicked by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating compounds SIN-1 and Menadione, as well as by stimulating BAECs with angiotensin II (200 nmol/L). BAPTA-AM prevented the decline in XDH by H2O2, indicating that it was calcium-dependent. In keeping with calcium acting downstream of H2O2, the calcium ionophore A23187 (1 micromol/L) caused XDH-to-XO conversion, and this was not prevented by the antioxidants. In addition, XDH-to-XO conversion was blocked by 2-APB and NO donors and induced by thapsigargin and M-3M3FBS, implicating phospholipase C and endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores in this process.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelial XO and XDH expression are strongly dependent on H2O2 and calcium. Stimulation of XDH conversion to XO may represent a feed-forward mechanism whereby H2O2 can stimulate further production of ROS.

Physicochemical and kinetic properties of purified sheep's milk xanthine oxidoreductase

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) was purified for the first time from sheep's milk. The ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum was essentially identical to those of the corresponding bovine, human, and goats' milk enzymes and showed an A280/A450 ratio of 5.35 +/- 0.24, indicating a high degree of purity. Like milk XOR from other species, sheep's milk enzyme showed a single band on SDS-PAGE corresponding to a subunit with approximate Mr 150,000. Xanthine oxidase activity of purified sheep's milk XOR (0.69 +/- 0.04 micromole urate min(-1) mg(-1)) was low relative to that of the bovine milk enzyme (1.83 +/- 0.02 micromole urate min(-1) mg(-1)), but higher than those of human or goats' milk XOR. As in the latter 2 cases, the low activity of sheep's milk XOR can be attributed to its relatively low molybdenum content (0.18 atoms per subunit), compared with that of the bovine milk enzyme (0.56 atoms Mo per subunit). Consistent with this, NADH oxidase activity of sheep's milk XOR was similar to that of enzymes purified from bovine, human, or goats' milk. The presence of desulpho-enzyme in sheep's milk XOR was demonstrated by resulfuration experiments, whereby xanthine oxidase activity was increased by approximately 75%.

The contribution of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species to the killing of Francisella tularensis LVS by murine macrophages

Intracellular killing of Francisella tularensis by macrophages depends on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-induced activation of the cells. The importance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or NADPH phagocyte oxidase (phox) for the cidal activity was studied. Murine IFN-gamma-activated peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) produced nitric oxide (NO), measured as nitrite plus nitrate, and superoxide. When PEC were infected with the live vaccine strain, LVS, of F. tularensis, the number of viable bacteria was at least 1000-fold lower in the presence than in the absence of IFN-gamma after 48 h of incubation. PEC from iNOS-gene-deficient (iNOS-/-) mice killed F. tularensis LVS less effectively than did PEC from wild-type mice. PEC from phox gene-deficient (p47phox-/-) mice were capable of killing the bacteria, but killing was less efficient, although still significant, in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMLA), an inhibitor of iNOS. A decomposition catalyst of ONOO-, FeTPPS, completely reversed the IFN-gamma-induced killing of F. tularensis LVS. Under host cell-free conditions, F. tularensis LVS was exposed to S-nitroso-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), which generates NO, or 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1), which generates NO and superoxide, leading to formation of ONOO-. During 6 h of incubation, SNAP caused no killing of F. tularensis LVS, whereas effective killing occurred in the presence of equimolar concentrations of SIN-1. The results suggest that mechanisms dependent on iNOS and to a minor degree, phox, contribute to the IFN-gamma-induced macrophage killing of F. tularensis LVS. ONOO- is likely to be a major mediator of the killing.

Role of oxygen radicals in DNA damage and cancer incidence

The development of cancer in humans and animals is a multistep process. The complex series of cellular and molecular changes participating in cancer development are mediated by a diversity of endogenous and exogenous stimuli. One type of endogenous damage is that arising from intermediates of oxygen (dioxygen) reduction - oxygen-free radicals (OFR), which attacks not only the bases but also the deoxyribosyl backbone of DNA. Thanks to improvements in analytical techniques, a major achievement in the understanding of carcinogenesis in the past two decades has been the identification and quantification of various adducts of OFR with DNA. OFR are also known to attack other cellular components such as lipids, leaving behind reactive species that in turn can couple to DNA bases. Endogenous DNA lesions are genotoxic and induce mutations. The most extensively studied lesion is the formation of 8-OH-dG. This lesion is important because it is relatively easily formed and is mutagenic and therefore is a potential biomarker of carcinogenesis. Mutations that may arise from formation of 8-OH-dG involve GC --> TA transversions. In view of these findings, OFR are considered as an important class of carcinogens. The effect of OFR is balanced by the antioxidant action of non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as antioxidant enzymes. Non-enzymatic antioxidants involve vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids (CAR), selenium and others. However, under certain conditions, some antioxidants can also exhibit a pro-oxidant mechanism of action. For example, beta-carotene at high concentration and with increased partial pressure of dioxygen is known to behave as a pro-oxidant. Some concerns have also been raised over the potentially deleterious transition metal ion-mediated (iron, copper) pro-oxidant effect of vitamin C. Clinical studies mapping the effect of preventive antioxidants have shown surprisingly little or no effect on cancer incidence. The epidemiological trials together with in vitro experiments suggest that the optimal approach is to reduce endogenous and exogenous sources of oxidative stress, rather than increase intake of anti-oxidants. In this review, we highlight some major achievements in the study of DNA damage caused by OFR and the role in carcinogenesis played by oxidatively damaged DNA. The protective effect of antioxidants against free radicals is also discussed.

Redox Mechanisms in Blood Vessels

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of virtually every stage of vascular lesion formation, hypertension, and other vascular diseases. We are currently gaining insight into important sources of reactive oxygen species in the vessel wall, including the NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidase, uncoupled nitric oxide synthase, and mitochondrial sources. Although various reactive oxygen species have pathological roles, some serve as important signaling molecules that modulate vascular tone, growth, and remodeling. In the next several months, a series of articles in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology attempt to further elucidate how reactive oxygen species are produced by vascular cells and the roles of these in vascular homeostasis. This series promises to provide a valuable update on a wide variety of issues related to the biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology of these important and fascinating molecules. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of virtually every stage of vascular lesion formation, hypertension, and other vascular diseases. Upcoming series of articles in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology help elucidate how reactive oxygen species are produced by vascular cells and their role in vascular homeostasis.

Nitrite reduction to nitric oxide protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM: Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the reduction of nitrite (NO₂-) to nitric oxide (NO·). This study was designed to determine whether NO₂--derived NO· by XOR protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS: Wistar rats pretreated with saline, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N^w-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), XOR inhibitor allopurinol, L-NAME + allopurinol or NO· scavenger carboxy-PTIO (12 animals per group) were subjected to total liver ischemia for 40 min followed by reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained for analysis after 3 h of reperfusion. Survival was also investigated.

RESULTS: In comparison with saline-treated controls, allopurinol-treated mice exhibited further increased serum ALT levels and liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, but further decreased liver ATPstores after I/R (13 845±1 805 vs 8 432±3 071 nkat/L, t = -3.722, P<0.01; 942±184 vs 692±170 nkat/g, t = -2.443, P<0.05; 1.93±0.47 vs 3.05±0.55 mmol/g, t = 3.802, P<0.01; respectively). The hepatocyte injury was further exacerbated and the survival rate was significantly decreased in allopurinol-treated mice (t = -2.474 and Log Rank = 4.15; P<0.05). The animals co-treated with L-NAME and allopurinol showed more severe liver injury (t = 2.488 and -4.194 or t = 2.883 and -3.68; P<0.05 and 0.01) and even lower survival rate (Log Rank = 5.23 or 4.26; P<0.05) than those treated with L-NAME or allopurinol alone. There was no significant difference between carboxy-PTIO treated and L-NAME/allopurinol co-treated mice.

CONCLUSION: NO₂--derived NO by XOR protects against liver I/R injury.

Superoxide anion radical modulates the activity of Ras and Ras-related GTPases by a radical-based mechanism similar to that of nitric oxide

Ras GTPases cycle between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states to modulate a diverse array of processes involved in cellular growth control. The activity of Ras is up-regulated by cellular agents, including both protein (guanine nucleotide exchange factors) and redox-active agents (nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion radical (O2*). We have recently elucidated the mechanism by which NO promotes guanine nucleotide dissociation of redox-active NKCD motif-containing Ras and Ras-related GTPases. In this study, we show that guanine nucleotide dissociation is enhanced upon exposure of the redox-active GTPases, Ras and Rap1A, to O2* and provide evidence for the efficient guanine nucleotide reassociation in the presence of the radical quenching agent ascorbate to complete guanine nucleotide exchange. In vivo, guanine nucleotide reassociation is necessary to populate Ras in its biologically active GTP-bound form after the dissociation of GDP. We further show that treatment of the redox-active GTPases with O2* releases GDP in form of an unstable the oxygenated GDP adduct, putatively assigned as 5-oxo-GDP. 5-Oxo-GDP was not produced from either the C118S or the F28L Ras variants upon the treatment of O2*, supporting the involvement of residues Cys118 and Phe28 in O2*-mediated Ras guanine nucleotide dissociation. These results indicate that the mechanism of O2*-mediated Ras guanine nucleotide dissociation is similar to that of NO/O2-mediated Ras guanine nucleotide dissociation.

On the purification and preliminary crystallographic analysis of isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase from Brevundimonas diminuta 7

Isoquinoline 1-oxidoreductase (IOR) from Brevundimonas diminuta is a mononuclear molybdoenzyme of the xanthine-dehydrogenase family of proteins and catalyzes the conversion of isoquinoline to isoquinoline-1-one. Its primary sequence and behaviour, specifically in its substrate specificity and lipophilicity, differ from other members of the family. A crystal structure of the enzyme is expected to provide an explanation for these differences. This paper describes the crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction experiments as well as an optimized purification protocol for IOR. Crystallization of IOR was achieved using two different crystallization buffers. Streak-seeding and cross-linking were essential to obtain well diffracting crystals. Suitable cryo-conditions were found and a structure solution was obtained by molecular replacement. However, phases need to be improved in order to obtain a more interpretable electron-density map.

Physiological roles of xanthine oxidoreductase

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a major protein component of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) surrounding fat droplets in milk and its enzymology is well characterised. The enzyme is widely distributed in mammalian tissues and is generally accepted to be a key enzyme of purine catabolism. It catalyses the oxidation of a wide range of substrates and can pass electrons to molecular oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS); similar reduction of nitrite yields reactive nitrogen species (RNS). While XOR has been implicated in ischemia-reperfusion injury, its involvement in normal physiological processes has been less studied. It is argued here that XOR-derived ROS and RNS play a role in innate immunity, specifically in the inflammatory response and in anti-microbial defense of the gastrointestinal tract. XOR-derived species could also be involved in signalling. Additionally, XOR is likely to play a part in metabolism of xenobiotics and has recently been shown to mediate the secretion of milk fat globules. The human enzyme has only relatively recently been characterized. The enzyme purified from breast milk shows very low enzymatic activity, and it is suggested that human XOR has evolved so as to be regulated by an exceptional range of pre- and posttranslational mechanisms.

Production of the Carbonate Radical Anion during Xanthine Oxidase Turnover in the Presence of Bicarbonate

Xanthine oxidase is generally recognized as a key enzyme in purine catabolism, but its structural complexity, low substrate specificity, and specialized tissue distribution suggest other functions that remain to be fully identified. The potential of xanthine oxidase to generate superoxide radical anion, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite has been extensively explored in pathophysiological contexts. Here we demonstrate that xanthine oxidase turnover at physiological pH produces a strong one-electron oxidant, the carbonate radical anion. The radical was shown to be produced from acetaldehyde oxidation by xanthine oxidase in the presence of catalase and bicarbonate on the basis of several lines of evidence such as oxidation of both dihydrorhodamine 123 and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide and chemiluminescence and isotope labeling/mass spectrometry studies. In the case of xanthine oxidase acting upon xanthine and hypoxanthine as substrates, carbonate radical anion production was also evidenced by the oxidation of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide and of dihydrorhodamine 123 in the presence of uricase. The results indicated that Fenton chemistry occurring in the bulk solution is not necessary for carbonate radical anion production. Under the conditions employed, the radical was likely to be produced at the enzyme active site by reduction of a peroxymonocarbonate intermediate whose formation and reduction is facilitated by the many xanthine oxidase redox centers. In addition to indicating that the carbonate radical anion may be an important mediator of the pathophysiological effects of xanthine oxidase, the results emphasize the potential of the bicarbonate-carbon dioxide pair as a source of biological oxidants.

Genetically altered mice to evaluate glutathione homeostasis in health and disease

The tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is part of an integrated antioxidant system that protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress can result from exposure to excessive amounts of endogenous and exogenous electrophiles. Until recently, animal and cell model systems used to investigate the role of GSH in disease processes had employed chemical agents that deplete cellular GSH by inhibiting GSH synthesis or by reacting chemically with GSH. Such models have proven useful, but questions concerning nonspecific effects of such chemicals remain. Recently, our laboratories and others have developed mouse models with genetic deficiencies in enzymes of the GSH biosynthetic pathway. This review focuses on the regulation of GSH homeostasis and, specifically, the new GSH-deficient mouse models that have been developed. These models will improve our understanding of the role of GSH in animal and human diseases.

Xanthine oxidoreductase is an endogenous regulator of cyclooxygenase-2

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is the enzyme responsible for the final step in purine degradation resulting in the generation of uric acid. Here we have generated mice deficient in XOR. As expected, these animals lack tissue XOR activity and have low to undetectable serum levels of uric acid. Although normal at birth, XOR-/- mice fail to thrive after 10 to 14 days, and most die within the first month. The cause of death appears to be a form of severe renal dysplasia, a phenotype that closely resembles what has been observed previously in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-deficient mice. We further demonstrate that in the first month of life, a period in which the mouse kidney is undergoing rapid maturation and remodeling, wild-type mice exhibit an approximately 30-fold increase in renal XOR activity, with a corresponding induction of COX-2 expression. In contrast, during this same period, XOR-/- animals fail to augment renal COX-2 expression. Finally, we show that in vitro and in vivo, uric acid can stimulate basal COX-2 expression. These results demonstrate that XOR activity is an endogenous physiological regulator of COX-2 expression and thereby provide insight into previous epidemiological evidence linking elevated serum uric levels with systemic hypertension and increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases. In addition, these results suggest a novel molecular link between cellular injury and the inflammatory response.

NAD(P)H oxidase associated superoxide production in human placenta from normotensive and pre-eclamptic women

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of pre-eclampsia. Recently, the superoxide producing enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase was shown to be present in placental trophoblast. In this pilot-study we investigated the NAD(P)H oxidase associated superoxide production as modulator of placental oxidative stress in normotensive pregnancy (n = 19; gestational age 38(+6)+/-0(+1)weeks(+days)) and pre-eclampsia (n = 15; gestational age 34(+3)+/-1(+5)weeks(+days)) using a lucigenin assay. Specificity of superoxide generation by NAD(P)H oxidase was assessed using the inhibitors L-NAME, rotenone, allopurinol, DPI and TIRON. Superoxide production was measurable in all placenta tissues and was inhibited by DPI and TIRON. No significant differences for total superoxide production (O2*total), maximal superoxide production (O2*max), or the rate of superoxide production were found between normotensive and pre-eclamptic women. However, women with early onset of disease had a higher O2*total as compared to those with a late onset disease. We conclude that human placenta contains a functional NAD(P)H oxidase that is highly active, which could be an important source of superoxide during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. These data justify more detailed investigation of the role of NAD(P)H oxidase and placental oxidative stress in complicated pregnancies.

Xanthine oxidoreductase is present in bile ducts of normal and cirrhotic liver

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a widely distributed enzyme, involved in the metabolism of purines, which generates superoxide and is thought to be involved in free radical-generated tissue injury. It is present at high concentrations in the liver, from where it may be released during liver injury into the circulation, binding to vascular endothelium and causing vascular dysfunction. The cellular localization of the enzyme, essential to understanding its function, is, however, still debated. The present study has used a highly specific mouse monoclonal antibody to define the cellular distribution of XOR in normal and cirrhotic human liver. As shown previously, XOR is present in hepatocytes. However, the novel finding of this study is that XOR is present in bile duct epithelial cells, where it is concentrated toward the luminal surface. Moreover, in liver disease, proliferating bile ducts are also strongly positive for XOR. These findings suggest that the enzyme is secreted into bile, and this was confirmed by analysis of human and rat bile. Xanthine oxidase activity was 10 to 20-fold higher in liver tissue obtained from patients with liver disease, than in healthy liver. We conclude that XOR is expressed primarily in hepatocytes, but is also present in bile duct epithelial cells and is secreted into bile. Its role in bile is unknown but it may be involved in innate immunity of the bowel muscosa.