Induction of apoptotic cell death by methylglyoxal and 3-deoxyglucosone in macrophage-derived cell lines

Methylglyoxal, obesity, and diabetes

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive compound derived mainly from glucose and fructose metabolism. This metabolite has been implicated in diabetic complications as it is a strong AGE precursor. Furthermore, recent studies suggested a role for MG in insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Although several drugs have been developed in the recent years to scavenge MG and inhibit AGE formation, we are still far from having an effective strategy to prevent MG-induced mechanisms. This review summarizes the mechanisms of MG formation, detoxification, and action. Furthermore, we review the current knowledge about its implication on the pathophysiology and complications of obesity and diabetes.

Methylglyoxal has deleterious effects on thioredoxin in human aortic endothelial cells

Methylglyoxal (MG), a precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is elevated in diabetic patient's plasma. Some studies have demonstrated that MG induces oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thioredoxin (Trx) is a cytoprotective protein with anti-oxidative and anti-apoptosis functions. In this study, we examined the effects of MG on Trx in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). MG increased oxidized-hydroethidine fluorescence intensity, suggesting intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Flow cytometric analyses with annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining revealed that cells incubated with MG displayed features characteristic of apoptosis. The condensation of chromatin, the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential by MG were observed. The exposure to MG decreased Trx protein levels through transcription regulation. MG induced the oxidative damage of peroxiredoxin, a Trx-dependent peroxidase. These results suggest that MG has deleterious effects on Trx in HAECs, which may be contribute to oxidative stress and apoptosis.

In vivo role of aldehyde reductase

BACKGROUND

Aldehyde reductase (AKR1A; EC 1.1.1.2) catalyzes the reduction of various types of aldehydes. To ascertain the physiological role of AKR1A, we examined AKR1A knockout mice.

METHODS

Ascorbic acid concentrations in AKR1A knockout mice tissues were examined, and the effects of human AKR1A transgene were analyzed. We purified AKR1A and studied the activities of glucuronate reductase and glucuronolactone reductase, which are involved in ascorbic acid biosynthesis. Metabolomic analysis and DNA microarray analysis were performed for a comprehensive study of AKR1A knockout mice.

RESULTS

The levels of ascorbic acid in tissues of AKR1A knockout mice were significantly decreased which were completely restored by human AKR1A transgene. The activities of glucuronate reductase and glucuronolactone reductase, which are involved in ascorbic acid biosynthesis, were suppressed in AKR1A knockout mice. The accumulation of d-glucuronic acid and saccharate in knockout mice tissue and the expression of acute-phase proteins such as serum amyloid A2 are significantly increased in knockout mice liver.

CONCLUSIONS

AKR1A plays a predominant role in the reduction of both d-glucuronic acid and d-glucurono-γ-lactone in vivo. The knockout of AKR1A in mice results in accumulation of d-glucuronic acid and saccharate as well as a deficiency of ascorbic acid, and also leads to upregulation of acute phase proteins.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

AKR1A is a major enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of d-glucuronic acid and d-glucurono-γ-lactone in vivo, besides acting as an aldehyde-detoxification enzyme. Suppression of AKR1A by inhibitors, which are used to prevent diabetic complications, may lead to the accumulation of d-glucuronic acid and saccharate.

A new neutral-pH low-GDP peritoneal dialysis fluid

BACKGROUND

Conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) consist of ready-to-use solutions with an acidic pH. Sterilization of these fluids is known to generate high levels of glucose degradation products (GDPs). Although several neutral-pH, low-GDP PD solutions have been developed, none are commercially available in the United States. We analyzed pH and GDPs in Delflex Neutral pH (Fresenius Medical Care North America, Waltham, MA, USA), the first neutral-pH PDF to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

METHODS

We evaluated whether patients (n = 26; age range: 18 - 78 years) could properly mix the Delflex Neutral pH PDF after standardized initial training. We further analyzed the concentrations of 10 different glucose degradation products in Delflex Neutral pH PDF and compared the results with similar analyses in other commercially available biocompatible PDFs.

RESULTS

All pH measurements (n = 288) in the delivered Delflex Neutral pH solution consistently fell within the labeled range of 7.0 ± 0.4. Analysis of mixing errors showed no significant impact on the pH results. Delflex Neutral pH, Balance (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), BicaVera (Fresenius Medical Care), and Gambrosol Trio (Gambro Lundia AB, Lund, Sweden) exhibited similar low total GDP concentrations, with maximums in the 4.25% solutions of 88 μmol/L, 74 μmol/L, 74 μmol/L, and 79 μmol/L respectively; the concentration in Physioneal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) was considerably higher at 263.26 μmol/L. The total GDP concentration in Extraneal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation) was 63 μmol/L, being thus slightly lower than the concentrations in the 4.25% glucose solutions, but higher than the concentrations in the 1.5% and 2.5% glucose solutions.

CONCLUSIONS

The new Delflex Neutral pH PDF consistently delivers neutral pH with minimal GDPs.

Low red blood cell levels of deglycating enzymes in colorectal cancer patients

AIM: To investigate Glyoxalase I and fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K) activity in red blood cells from patients with colorectal adenomas and cancer.

METHODS: Thirty three consecutive subjects with one or more histologically confirmed colorectal adenomatous polyps, 16 colorectal cancer patients and a group of 11 control subjects with normal colonoscopy were included in the study. Glyoxalase I and FN3K activities were measured in red blood cells using a spectrophotometric and radiometric assay, respectively.

RESULTS: A significant reduction in both Glyoxalase I and FN3K activity was detected in patients with tumors compared to patients with adenomas and the controls. Erythrocyte Glyoxalase I activity in colorectal cancer was approximately 6 times lower than that detected in patients with adenoma (0.022 ± 0.01 mmol/min per milliliter vs 0.128 ± 0.19 mmol/min per milliliter of red blood cells, P = 0.003, Tukey’s test). FN3K activity in red blood cells from patients with colon cancer was approximately 2 times lower than that detected in adenoma patients (19.55 ± 6.4 pmol/min per milliliter vs 38.6 ± 31.7 pmol/min per milliliter of red blood cells, P = 0.04, Tukey’s test).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that deglycating enzymes may be involved in the malignant transformation of colon mucosa.

Effect of reactive oxygen and carbonyl species on crucial cellular antioxidant enzymes

Numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive carbonyl species (RCS) issuing from lipid and sugar oxidation are known to damage a large number of proteins leading to enzyme inhibition and alteration of cellular functions. Whereas studies in literature only focus on the reactivity of one or two of these compounds, we aimed at comparing in the same conditions of incubations (4 and 24h at 37°C) the effects of both various RCS (4-hydroxynonenal, 4-hydroxyhexenal, acrolein, methylglyoxal, glyoxal, malondialdehyde) and ROS (H₂O₂, AAPH) on the activity of key enzymes involved in cellular oxidative stress: superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). This was realized both in vitro on purified proteins and MIAPaCa-2 cells. Incubation of these enzymes with RCS resulted in a significant time- and concentration-dependent inhibition for both pure enzymes and in cell lysates. Among all RCS and ROS, hydroxynonenal (HNE) was observed as the most toxic for all studied enzymes except for SOD and is followed by hydrogen peroxide. At 100μM, HNE resulted in a 50% reduction of GPx, 56% of GST, 65% of G6PDH, and only 10% of Cu,Zn-SOD. Meanwhile it seems that concentrations used in our study are closer to biological conditions for ROS than for RCS. H₂O₂ and AAPH-induced peroxyl radicals may be probably more toxic towards the studied enzymes in vivo.

Buthionine sulfoximine promotes methylglyoxal-induced apoptotic cell death and oxidative stress in endothelial cells

Methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive dicarbonyl produced during glucose metabolism, is found at high levels in the blood of diabetic patients. MG induces oxidative stress and apoptosis. There is evidence that MG causes glutathione (GSH) depletion. However, it remains unknown whether GSH plays a protective role against the cytotoxic effect of MG. We examined the effect of DL-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, on the viability of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) exposed to MG. BAECs pretreated with BSO showed reduced ability to survive MG exposure. Flow cytometric analyses with annexin V and propidium iodide double staining revealed that BAECs exposed to MG after BSO pretreatment displayed features characteristic of apoptosis. Caspase-3 activation induced by MG was increased by BSO. Moreover, measurement of protein carbonyl levels showed that BSO promoted MG-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, these findings suggest that the depletion of GSH via BSO pretreatment promoted MG-induced apoptotic cell death and oxidative stress in BAECs.

Glyoxalase I Glu111Ala polymorphism in patients with breast cancer

Effect of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the pathogenesis of cancer could be diminished by interaction with soluble RAGE or by reducing AGE-precursors via glyoxalase I. Glu111Ala polymorphism of glyoxalase I gene, AGEs, and sRAGE serum levels were studied in 113 breast cancer patients and in 58 controls. Higher frequency of the mutated C allele was found in patients with negative estrogen receptors and in patients in clinical stage III compared to controls (P< 0.05). The presence of the C allele could represent a negative prognostic factor; however, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Impact of methylglyoxal and high glucose co-treatment on human mononuclear cells

Hyperglycemia and elevation of methylglyoxal (MG) are symptoms of diabetes mellitus (DM). In this report, we show that co-treatment of human mononuclear cells (HMNCs) with MG (5 μM) and high glucose (HG; 15 – 30 mM) induces apoptosis or necrosis. HG/MG co-treatment directly enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in HMNCs, leading to decreased intracellular ATP levels, which control cell death via apoptosis or necrosis. Concentrations of 5 μM MG and 15 mM glucose significantly increased cytoplasmic free calcium and nitric oxide (NO) levels, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), activation of caspases-9 and -3, and cell death. In contrast, no apoptotic biochemical changes were detected in HMNCs treated with 5 μM MG and 25 mM glucose, which appeared to undergo necrosis. Pretreatment with nitric oxide (NO) scavengers inhibited apoptotic biochemical changes induced by 5 μM MG/15 mM glucose, and increased the gene expression levels of p53 and p21 involved in apoptotic signaling. The results collectively suggest that the treatment dosage of MG and glucose determines the mode of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) of HMNCs, and that both ROS and NO play important roles in MG/HG-induced apoptosis.

[methylglyoxal-induced superoxide anion production in endothelial cells]

Methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is a metabolic by-product of glycolysis. MG is often detected at high levels in the blood of diabetic patients. We examined whether MG was capable of inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). The viability of BAECs decreased with time on treatment with 5 mM MG, and was almost completely lost at 24 h. In contrast, MG at 1 mM had little influence on BAEC viability up to 24 h, but induced the elevation of intracellular glutathione content at 24 h. Exposure of BAECs to MG caused a dose-dependent increase in oxidized-hydroethidine fluorescence intensity, indicating ROS production. In addition, aconitase inactivation, which is an indicator of intracellular superoxide, was observed in MG-treated cells. Finally, we found that MG at 5 mM increased the fluorescence intensity of BES-So, a specific probe for superoxide. Together, the results suggest that MG induces superoxide production in endothelial cells, and that the accumulation of ROS may be linked to cytotoxic effects.

Endothelial dysfunction and diabetes: roles of hyperglycemia, impaired insulin signaling and obesity

Endothelial dysfunction comprises a number of functional alterations in the vascular endothelium that are associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including changes in vasoregulation, enhanced generation of reactive oxygen intermediates, inflammatory activation, and altered barrier function. Hyperglycemia is a characteristic feature of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and plays a pivotal role in diabetes-associated microvascular complications. Although hyperglycemia also contributes to the occurrence and progression of macrovascular disease (the major cause of death in type 2 diabetes), other factors such as dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and adipose-tissue-derived factors play a more dominant role. A mutual interaction between these factors and endothelial dysfunction occurs during the progression of the disease. We pay special attention to the possible involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and the role of obesity and adipose-derived adipokines as contributors to endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. The close interaction of adipocytes of perivascular adipose tissue with arteries and arterioles facilitates the exposure of their endothelial cells to adipokines, particularly if inflammation activates the adipose tissue and thus affects vasoregulation and capillary recruitment in skeletal muscle. Hence, an initial dysfunction of endothelial cells underlies metabolic and vascular alterations that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Structure of aldehyde reductase in ternary complex with coenzyme and the potent 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid: implications for inhibitor binding and selectivity

The structure of aldehyde reductase (ALR1) in ternary complex with the coenzyme NADPH and 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid (DCL), a potent inhibitor of human 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C1), was determined at a resolution of 2.41A. The inhibitor formed a network of hydrogen bonds with the active site residues Trp22, Tyr50, His113, Trp114 and Arg312. Molecular modelling calculations together with inhibitory activity measurements indicated that DCL was a less potent inhibitor of ALR1 (256-fold) when compared to AKR1C1. In AKR1C1, the inhibitor formed a 10-fold stronger binding interaction with the catalytic residue (Tyr55), non-conserved hydrogen bonding interaction with His222, and additional van der Waals contacts with the non-conserved C-terminal residues Leu306, Leu308 and Phe311 that contribute to the inhibitor's selectivity advantage for AKR1C1 over ALR1.

Activation of macrophages and lymphocytes by methylglyoxal against tumor cells in the host

Methylglyoxal is a normal metabolite and has the potential to affect a wide variety of cellular processes. In particular, it can act selectively against malignant cells. The study described herein was to investigate whether methylglyoxal can enhance the non-specific immunity of the host against tumor cells. Methylglyoxal increased the number of macrophages in the peritoneal cavity of both normal and tumor-bearing mice. It also elevated the phagocytic capacity of macrophages in both these groups of animals. This activation of macrophages was brought about by increased production of Reactive Oxygen Intermediates (ROIs) and Reactive Nitrogen Intermediates (RNIs). The possible mechanism for the production of ROIs and RNIs can be attributed to stimulation of the respiratory burst enzyme NADPH oxidase and iNOS, respectively. IFN-gamma, which is a regulatory molecule of iNOS pathway also showed an elevated level by methylglyoxal. TNF-alpha, which is an important cytokine for oxygen independent killing by macrophage also increased by methylglyoxal in both tumor-bearing and non tumor-bearing animals. Methylglyoxal also played a role in the proliferation and cytotoxicity of splenic lymphocytes. In short, it can be concluded that methylglyoxal profoundly stimulates the immune system against tumor cells.

Methylglyoxal and high glucose co-treatment induces apoptosis or necrosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Hyperglycemia and elevation of methylglyoxal (MG) are symptoms of diabetes mellitus (DM). We previously showed that high glucose (HG; 30 mM) or MG (50-400 microM) could induce apoptosis in mammalian cells, but these doses are higher than the physiological concentrations of glucose and MG in the plasma of DM patients. The physiological concentration of MG and glucose in the normal blood circulation is about 1 microM and 5 mM, respectively. Here, we show that co-treatment with concentrations of MG and glucose comparable to those seen in the blood circulation of DM patients (5 microM and 15-30 mM, respectively) could cause cell apoptosis or necrosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. HG/MG co-treatment directly increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in HUVECs, leading to increases in intracellular ATP levels, which can control cell death through apoptosis or necrosis. Co-treatment of HUVECs with 5 microM MG and 20 mM glucose significantly increased cytoplasmic free calcium levels, activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), caspase-3 and -9, cytochrome c release, and apoptotic cell death. In contrast, these apoptotic biochemical changes were not detected in HUVECs treated with 5 microM MG and 30 mM glucose, which appeared to undergo necrosis. Pretreatment with nitric oxide (NO) scavengers could inhibit 5 microM MG/20 mM glucose-induced cytochrome c release, decrease activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and increase the gene expression and protein levels of p53 and p21, which are known to be involved in apoptotic signaling. Inhibition of p53 protein expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the activation of p21 and the cell apoptosis induced by 5 microM MG/20 mM glucose. In contrast, inhibition of p21 protein expression by siRNA prevented apoptosis in HUVECs but had no effect on p53 expression. These results collectively suggest that the treatment dosage of MG and glucose could determine the mode of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) in HUVECs, and both ROS and NO played important roles in MG/HG-induced apoptosis of these cells.

Role of aldose reductase in the peritoneal changes of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The mesothelium of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is exposed to glucose in dialysate. Glucose metabolites 3-deoxyglucosone and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in the PD fluid induce peritoneal damage. Circulating factors also affect the peritoneum in the uremic model and predialysis patients. Aldose reductase (AR) generates precursors of 3-deoxyglucosone. We have reported AR acceleration in uremic patients. Therefore, AR acceleration might affect the peritoneum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the AR level in PD patients and to determine the factors that change the peritoneum of these patients.

METHODS

We measured the PD effluent (eff-) concentration of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) as a marker of mesothelial viability in PD patients. Erythrocyte AR, eff-, and plasma (p-) concentrations of 3-deoxyglucosone, AGEs, and malondialdehyde were also studied in 30 PD patients, 18 patients undergoing hemodialysis, and 8 control subjects.

RESULTS

In the PD group, AR, p-3-deoxyglucosone, p-AGEs, and p-malondialdehyde were higher than in the control group. The predictors for eff-CA125 were not only PD duration and eff-3-deoxyglucosone, but also AR.

CONCLUSION

AR was upregulated in PD patients. AR acceleration may affect the peritoneum in these patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of AR in PD patients.

Apoptotic signaling in methylglyoxal-treated human osteoblasts involves oxidative stress, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, caspase-3, and p21-activated kinase 2

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound endogenously produced mainly from glycolytic intermediates. MG is cytotoxic through induction of cell death, and elevated MG levels in diabetes patients are believed to contribute to diabetic complications. In this report, we show for the first time that MG treatment triggers apoptosis in human osteoblasts. We further show that MG-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts involves specific apoptotic biochemical changes, including oxidative stress, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, mitochondrial membrane potential changes, cytochrome C release, increased Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratios, and activation of caspases (caspase-9, caspase-3) and p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2). Treatment of osteoblasts with SP600125, a JNK-specific inhibitor, led to a reduction in MG-induced apoptosis and decreased activation of caspase-3 and PAK2, indicating that JNK activity is upstream of these events. Experiments using anti-sense oligonucleotides against PAK2 further showed that PAK2 activation is required for MG-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts. Interestingly, we also found that MG treatment triggered nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, although the precise regulatory role of NF-kappaB activation in MG-induced apoptosis remains unclear. Lastly, we examined the effect of MG on osteoblasts in vivo, and found that exposure of rats to dietary water containing 100-200 microM MG caused bone mineral density (BMD) loss. Collectively, these results reveal for the first time that MG treatment triggers apoptosis in osteoblasts via specific apoptotic signaling, and causes BMD loss in vivo.

Critical role of methylglyoxal and AGE in mycobacteria-induced macrophage apoptosis and activation

Apoptosis and activation of macrophages play an important role in the host response to mycobacterial infection involving TNF-α as a critical autocrine mediator. The underlying mechanisms are still ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate elevated levels of methylglyoxal (MG), a small and reactive molecule that is usually a physiological product of various metabolic pathways, and advanced glycation end products (AGE) during mycobacterial infection of macrophages, leading to apoptosis and activation of macrophages. Moreover, we demonstrate abundant AGE in pulmonary lesions of tuberculosis (TB) patients. Global gene expression profiling of MG-treated macrophages revealed a diverse spectrum of functions induced by MG, including apoptosis and immune response. Our results not only provide first evidence for the involvement of MG and AGE in TB, but also form a basis for novel intervention strategies against infectious diseases in which MG and AGE play critical roles.

Oxidation of acetylacetone catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase in the absence of hydrogen peroxide

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is a plant enzyme widely used in biotechnology, including antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). Here, we showed that HRP is able to catalyze the autoxidation of acetylacetone in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. This autoxidation led to generation of methylglyoxal and reactive oxygen species. The production of superoxide anion was evidenced by the effect of superoxide dismutase and by the generation of oxyperoxidase during the enzyme turnover. The HRP has a high specificity for acetylacetone, since the similar beta-dicarbonyls dimedon and acetoacetate were not oxidized. As this enzyme prodrug combination was highly cytotoxic for neutrophils and only requires the presence of a non-human peroxidase and acetylacetone, it might immediately be applied to research on the ADEPT techniques. The acetylacetone could be a starting point for the design of new drugs applied in HRP-related ADEPT techniques.

Pathological effects of glyoxalase I inhibition in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), in aging, and under conditions of oxidative stress, the levels of reactive carbonyl compounds continuously increase. Accumulating carbonyl levels might be caused by an impaired enzymatic detoxification system. The major dicarbonyl detoxifying system is the glyoxalase system, which removes methylglyoxal in order to minimize cellular impairment. Although a reduced activity of glyoxalase I was evident in aging brains, it is not known how raising the intracellular methylglyoxal level influences neuronal function and the phosphorylation pattern of tau protein, which is known to be abnormally hyperphosphorylated in AD. To simulate a reduced glyoxalase I activity, we applied an inhibitor of glyoxalase I, p-bromobenzylglutathione cyclopentyl diester (pBrBzGSCp(2)), to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to induce chronically elevated methylglyoxal concentrations. We have shown that 10 microM pBrBzGSCp(2) leads to a fourfold elevation of the methylglyoxal level after 24 hr. In addition, glyoxalase I inhibition leads to reduced cell viability, strongly retracted neuritis, increase in [Ca(2+)](i), and activation of caspase-3. However, pBrBzGSCp(2) did not lead to tau "hyper"-phosphorylation despite activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase but rather activated protein phosphatases 2 and induced tau dephosphorylation at the Ser(202)/Thr(205) and Ser(396)/Ser(404) epitopes. Preincubation with the carbonyl scavenger aminoguanidine prevented tau dephosphorylation, indicating the specific effect of methylglyoxal. Also, pretreatment with the inhibitor okadaic acid prevented tau dephosphorylation, indicating that methylglyoxal activates PP-2A. In summary, our data suggest that a reduced glyoxalase I activity mimics some changes associated with neurodegeneration, such as neurite retraction and apoptotic cell death.

Antibodies and Fab fragments protect Cu,Zn-SOD against methylglyoxal-induced inactivation

Methyl glyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive alpha-oxoaldehyde that plays an important role in non-enzymatic glycosylation reactions, formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) and other complications associated with hyperglycemia and related disorders. Unlike sugars, glycation by MG is predominantly arginine directed, which is particularly more damaging since arginine residues have a high-frequency occurrence in ligand and substrate recognition sites in receptor and enzyme active sites. Using bovine erythrocyte Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) as model enzyme, the potential of anti-enzyme antibodies in imparting protection against MG-induced inactivation was investigated. A concentration- and time-dependent inactivation of SOD was observed when the enzyme was incubated with MG. The enzyme lost over 80% activity on incubation with 5 mM MG for 5 days. More marked inactivation was observed in 24 h when the MG concentration was raised up to 30 mM. The SOD inactivation was accompanied by the formation of high molecular weight aggregates as revealed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI/TOF mass spectrometry). Inclusion of specific anti-SOD antibodies raised in rabbits or monomeric Fab fragments derived thereof offered remarkable protection against MG-induced loss in enzyme activity. The protection, however, decreased with increase in the concentration of MG. SELDI/TOF mass spectrometry also revealed that the antibodies restricted the formation of high molecular weight aggregates. The results emphasize the potential of antibody based therapy in combating glycation and related complications.

The Internalization and Metabolism of 3-Deoxyglucosone in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

3-Deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a dicarbonyl compound produced by glycation, plays a role in the modification and cross-linking of long-lived proteins. We synthesized [3H]3-DG from [3H]glucose and developed an internalization assay system using HPLC to examine its cellular metabolism. When smooth muscle cells or human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with [3H]3-DG, it was found that [3H]3-DG was internalized by cells in a time dependent manner. The rate of internalization was reduced when the cells were incubated at 4 degrees C or treated with phenylarsine oxide (PAO). By monitoring [3H]3-DG taken up by cells, it was confirmed that 3-DG is reduced to 3-deoxyfructose (3-DF) and that this reaction was inhibited by an aldo-keto reductase inhibitor (ARI). The presence of 3-DG led to an increase in reactive oxygen species levels in the cells and subsequent apoptosis, and the effect was enhanced by pretreatment with ARI. These results suggest that 3-DG is internalized by cells and reduced to 3-DF by aldo-keto reductases, and that the internalized 3-DG is responsible for the production of intracellular oxidative stress.

Age- and stage-dependent glyoxalase I expression and its activity in normal and Alzheimer's disease brains

The reaction of lysine and arginine residues of proteins with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds result in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Accumulation of AGEs is a characteristic feature of the aging brain and contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, it is of particular interest to study the cellular defense mechanisms against AGE formation and particularly the detoxification of their precursors. AGE precursor compounds such as methylglyoxal and glyoxal were cellulary detoxified by the glyoxalase system, consisting of glyoxalases I and II. Glyoxalase I levels are diminished in old aged brains but elevated in AD brains. However, it is still unknown how glyoxalase I level of AD brains changes in a disease and in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, we investigated the AD stage- and the age-dependent levels of glyoxalase I in the Brodmann area 22 of AD brains (n=25) and healthy controls (n=10). Our results obtained from RT-PCR reveal reducing glyoxalase I RNA levels with advancing stage of AD and with increasing age. Western Blot analysis indicates that in comparison to healthy controls, glyoxalase I protein amounts are 1.5-fold increased in early AD subjects and continuously decrease in middle and late stages of AD. The glyoxalase I protein amounts of AD patients also decrease with age. Results obtained from glyoxalase I activity measurement show 1.05-1.2-fold diminished levels in AD brains compared to healthy controls and no significant decrease neither with the stage of AD nor with age. The immunohistochemical investigations demonstrate an elevated number of glyoxalase I stained neurons in brains of early and middle but not in late AD subjects compared to age-matched healthy controls. In addition, the stage-dependent immunohistochemical investigation demonstrates that with reduced glyoxalase I staining AGE deposits prevail, specifically in late stage of AD. In conclusion, the decrease of glyoxalase I expression with increasing AD stage might be one reason for methylglyoxal-induced neuronal impairment, apoptosis, and AGE formation in plaques and tangles.

Curcumin Inhibits ROS Formation and Apoptosis in Methylglyoxal-Treated Human Hepatoma G2 Cells

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound endogenously produced mainly from glycolytic intermediates. Elevated MG levels in diabetes patients are believed to contribute to diabetic complications. MG is cytotoxic through induction of apoptosis. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of Curcuma longa, is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the effect of curcumin on MG-induced apoptotic events in human hepatoma G2 cells. We report that curcumin prevented MG-induced cell death and apoptotic biochemical changes such as mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, caspase-3 activation, and cleavage of PARP (poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase). Using the cell permeable dye 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) as an indicator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we found that curcumin abolished MG-stimulated intracellular oxidative stress. The results demonstrate that curcumin significantly attenuates MG-induced ROS formation, and suggest that ROS triggers cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and subsequent apoptotic biochemical changes.

Argpyrimidine-modified Heat shock protein 27 in human non-small cell lung cancer: a possible mechanism for evasion of apoptosis

Tumors generally display a high glycolytic rate. One consequence of increased glycolysis is the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins leading to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Therefore, we studied the presence of AGEs in non-small cell lung cancer and consequences thereof. We show the presence of two AGEs, i.e. the major AGE N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and the methylglyoxal-arginine adduct argpyrimidine, in human non-small cell lung cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry. We found in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma tissues a strong CML positivity in both tumour cells and tumour-surrounding stroma. In contrast, argpyrimidine positivity was predominantly found in tumor cells and was strong in squamous cell carcinomas, but only weak in adenocarcinomas (2.6+/-0.5 vs. 1.2+/-0.4, respectively; P<0.005). In accordance, argpyrimidine was found in the human lung squamous carcinoma cell line SW1573, while it was almost absent in the adenocarcinoma cell line H460. Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) was identified as a major argpyrimidine-modified protein. In agreement with a previously described anti-apoptotic activity of argpyrimidine-modified Hsp27, the percentage of active caspase-3 positive tumor cells in squamous cell carcinomas was significantly lower when compared to adenocarcinomas. In addition, incubation with cisplatin induced almost no caspase-3 activation in SW1573 cells while a strong activation was seen in H460 cells; which was significantly reduced by incubation with an inhibitor of glyoxalase I, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of methylglyoxal. These findings suggest that a high level of argpyrimidine-modified Hsp27 is a mechanism of cancer cells for evasion of apoptosis.

A common pathway for intracellular reactive oxygen species production by glycoxidative and nitroxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells

A large body of evidence suggests that carbonyl compounds induce intracellular signaling by increasing oxidative stress in the cell; however, the mechanisms involved have not been fully described. The focus of our research is on the pathway in which antioxidative enzymes are modified and inactivated by carbonyl compounds, resulting in the accumulation of active oxygen species in the cell. A common pathway appears to exist for cellular signaling evoked by nitroxidative stress. It could be concluded that some glycoxidative stress and nitroxidative stress cause intracellular signaling via similar mechanisms. The elucidation of the pathway for extracellular stress-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production would be important for our understanding of the role of ROS as signaling molecules.

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis through oxidative stress-mediated activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in rat Schwann cells

Although recent studies have suggested the potential involvement of apoptotic cell death in the development of diabetic neuropathy, the precise mechanism remains to be elucidated. On the other hand, it is known that the formation of methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is accelerated under diabetic conditions through several glucose-related metabolisms including the glycation reaction. We found that MG was capable of inducing apoptosis in peripheral nerve-derived Schwann cells (SCs) in a time- and dose-dependent manner, accompanied by a reduction of intracellular glutathione content. Furthermore, MG induced phosphorylation of MKK3/MKK6, an upstream molecule in the p38 MAPK pathway. N-acetyl-L-cysteine, an antioxidant, successfully suppressed the activity of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway along with the inhibition of apoptosis, indicating the involvement of oxidative stress in the MG-induced apoptosis via the p38 MAPK pathway. These results suggest a possible contribution of glucose-derived MG to the development of diabetic neuropathy by injuring the cellular constituent of the peripheral nerve system, such as SCs, in the hyperglycemic milieu.

Aminoguanidine and metformin prevent the reduced rate of HDL-mediated cell cholesterol efflux induced by formation of advanced glycation end products

OBJECTIVE

The mechanisms whereby advanced glycation end products (AGE) contribute to atherogenesis in diabetes mellitus are not fully understood. In this study we analyzed in vitro the influence of advanced glycated albumin (AGE-albumin) as well as the role of the AGE inhibitors--aminoguanidine (AMG) and metformin (MF)--on the cell cholesterol efflux.

METHODS

HDL3 and albumin-mediated cholesterol efflux was measured in mouse peritoneal macrophages and in SR-BI transfected cells that had been treated along time with dicarbonyl sugars or AGE-albumin, both in the presence or in the absence of AMG and MF. 125I-HDL3 cell binding and 125I-AGE-albumin cell degradation were measured. Carboxymethyllysine (CML) formation and SR-BI expressions were determined by immunoblot.

RESULTS

AGE-albumin efficiently trapped cell cholesterol but impaired the HDL-mediated cell cholesterol efflux by decreasing HDL binding to the cell surface and inducing intracellular glycoxidation, without interfering with the SR-BI expression. Cell treatment with dicarbonyl sugars also disrupted the HDL-mediated cell cholesterol efflux, but this was prevented by AMG and MF that reduced CML formation.

CONCLUSIONS

By adversely impairing the HDL-mediated cell cholesterol removal rate, AGE-albumin and cell glycoxidation could facilitate the development of premature atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus (DM) and in other diseases associated with carbonyl and oxidative stress like in chronic uremia. Thus, drugs that prevent AGE formation may be useful to correct disturbances in cell cholesterol transport.

Aminoguanidine prevented impairment of blood antioxidant system in insulin-dependent diabetic rats

Non-enzymatic glycation is implicated in the development of various diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes mellitus. However, it is also observed during the physiologic process of aging. There is considerable interest in the contribution of oxidative stress to diabetes mellitus. An increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species can occur by non-enzymatic glycation and glucose autoxidation. Both of these processes lead to the formation of AGEs (Advanced glycation end-products) that contribute to the irreversible modification of enzymes, proteins, lipids and DNA. In this study, the effect of chronic hyperglycemia on the antioxidant system of diabetic rats was evaluated. The working hypothesis is that the loss of glucose homeostasis reduces the capacity to respond to oxidative damage. The enzymatic activities of CAT (catalase), GPx (gluthatione peroxidase), GR (gluthatione reductase) and GSH (reduced gluthatione) were increased in the blood of healthy rats subjected to endurance training, whereas, in diabetic rats the activities of CAT, GPx and GR were unaltered by similar training. SOD showed low activity in endurance-trained rats. The administration of aminoguanidine (an inhibitor of glycation reactions) in the drinking water increased the activities of CAT, GPx and GR, suggesting that glycation may be responsible for the partial inactivation of these enzymes. These results indicate that the association of hyperglycemia with strenuous physical exercise may induce cellular damage by impairing the antioxidant defense system.

3,4-di-deoxyglucosone-3-ene promotes leukocyte apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Heat-sterilized, single-chambered, glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions promote neutrophil apoptosis and impair the peritoneal antibacterial response. It has been proposed that glucose degradation products may be responsible for this effect. However, the precise contribution of individual glucose degradation products had not been addressed.

METHODS

The effect of individual glucose degradation products on apoptosis in cultured human neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells was studied.

RESULTS

Peritoneal dialysis solutions with a high content of both glucose and glucose degradation products accelerated neutrophil and mononuclear cell apoptosis. Among the different glucose degradation products, 3,4-di-deoxyglucosone-3-ene (3,4-DGE) accelerated apoptosis in neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells at concentrations (25 micromol/L) in the range found in heat-sterilized, single-chambered, 4.25% glucose peritoneal dialysis fluids. Apoptosis induced by 3,4-DGE was caspase-dependent and could be prevented by the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-DL-Asp-fluoromethylketone (zVAD-fmk). By contrast, no cytotoxicity was observed following the addition of methylglyoxal, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, or 3-deoxyglucosone at concentrations found in peritoneal dialysis solutions.

CONCLUSION

3,4-DGE appears to be the main proapoptotic factor in high glucose peritoneal dialysis solutions. 3,4-DGE may impair peritoneal defenses by accelerating leukocyte apoptosis.

Curcumin prevents methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mouse embryonic stem cells and blastocysts

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound endogenously produced mainly from glycolytic intermediates. Elevated MG levels in diabetes patients are believed to contribute to diabetic complications. MG is cytotoxic through induction of apoptosis. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of Curcuma longa, is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we examined the effect of curcumin on apoptotic biochemical events caused by incubation of ESC-B5 cells with MG. Curcumin inhibited the MG-induced DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, cleavage of PARP, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and JNK activation. Importantly, curcumin also inhibited the MG-stimulated increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these cells. In addition, we demonstrated that curcumin prevented the MG-induced apoptosis of mouse blastocysts isolated from pregnant mice. Moreover, curcumin significantly reduced the MG-mediated impairment of blastocyst development from mouse morulas. The results support the hypothesis that curcumin inhibits MG-induced apoptosis in mouse ESC-B5 cells and blastocysts by blocking ROS formation and subsequent apoptotic biochemical events.

Effect of methylglyoxal on intracellular calcium levels and viability in renal tubular cells

Methylglyoxal (2-oxopropanal), a physiological glucose metabolite, is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound that can induce stress in cells and cause apoptotic cell death. This study examines the early signaling effects of methylglyxal on renal cells. It was found that methylglyoxal caused a slow and sustained rise of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=1.8 mM). Methylglyoxal also induced a [Ca2+]i rise when extracellular Ca2+ was removed, but the magnitude was reduced by 80%. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin (TG), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pump inhibitor, did not affect methylglyoxal's effect. In Ca2+-free medium, the methylglyoxal-induced [Ca2+]i rise was abolished by depleting stored Ca2+ with carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; a mitochondrial uncoupler). Methylglyoxal-caused [Ca2+]i rise in the Ca2+-containing medium was not affected by modulation of protein kinase C activity, presence of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers, or preincubation with thiol-containing antioxidants. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished ATP (but not methylglyoxal)-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Furthermore, the [Ca2+]i-elevating effect of methylglyoxal was cell type-dependent, because methylglyoxal failed to cause [Ca2+]i rises in CHO-K1, neutrophils, or platelets. Pretreatment with methylglyoxal for 0-24 h decreased cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, methylglyoxal-induced cell death involved apoptotic and necrotic events, the former being the dominant. These findings suggest that methylglyoxal induced a significant rise in [Ca2+]i in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) renal tubular cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and CCCP-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ release via as yet unidentified mechanisms. The cell type-specific Ca2+ signaling may play an important role in the early process of cytotoxic action of methylglyoxal.

Immunochemical detection of 3-deoxyglucosone in serum

3-Deoxyglucosone (3-DG) is a metabolite of glucose that is thought to lead to the production of advanced glycation end products in diabetes. The previous assay for 3-DG in serum was based on a multi-step protocol, including derivatization, extraction, HPLC separation, and detection. In the current studies, we established a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the 3-DG-derivative, which is generated by the reaction of 3-DG and a 2,3-diamino-benzene derivative. Attachment of a biotin moiety to the 2,3-diamino-benzene ring via a linker allowed development of a highly sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay for 3-DG equivalents. Unlike the previous assay, this method does not require extraction of 3-DG derivatives from serum. Treatment of 3-DG in serum with the DAB-link-biotin produced a quinoxaline derivative, which was specifically recognized by the monoclonal antibody. Using this assay, we found that serum 3-DG was higher in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats than in normal control rats (25+/-5.6 vs. 9.8+/-1.1 microg/L). This simple assay may allow the monitoring of conditions leading to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products and evaluation of the risk of complications in diabetic patients.

L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid reduces in vitro cytotoxicity of glucose degradation products

BACKGROUND

Glucose degradation products (GDP) are an important factor that contribute to bioincompatibility of peritoneal dialysis fluids. These substances are generated in the dialysis fluid during heat sterilization. Several approaches have been proposed to reduce the content or toxicity, or both, of GDP present in the dialysis fluid. We examined whether L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTZ), a precursor for glutathione synthesis, reduces the cytotoxicity of GDP in human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

METHODS

Experiments were performed on primary mesothelial cell cultures. Free radical generation in these cells after exposure to acetaldehyde (ACT), glyoxal (GLYO) or methylglyoxal (M-GLYO) was detected with a fluorescent probe. Cell viability measurements were based on release of LDH from cell cytosol, and synthesis of IL-6 and proliferation after exposure to GDP. Effects of individual GDPs and of dialysis fluid free of GDP (GDP-free PDF) or containing GDP (GDP-high PDF) on cell viability were also studied in the presence of OTZ (1 mmol/l).

RESULTS

All of the GDPs as well as the autoclaved dialysis fluid caused increased free radical generation. ACT increased LDH release from the cells by 374% (P < 0.001), and this effect was abolished by OTZ. All of the GDPs inhibited cell growth (ACT, 47%, P < 0.01; GLYO, 52%, P < 0.01; M-GLYO, 26%, P < 0.05) and this effect was reversed in presence of OTZ. ACT inhibited Il-6 synthesis in mesothelial cells by 74% P < 0.01 and this effect was prevented by OTZ. GDP-high PDF but not GDP-free PDF reduced synthesis of IL-6 in mesothelial cells by 40% (P < 0.01) an effect that was reversed by OTZ. Mesothelial cell growth was more strongly inhibited by GDP-high PDF (76%, P < 0.01) than by GDP-free PDF (31%, P < 0.05). OTZ improved growth of mesothelial cells in the presence of GDP-high PDF (+150%, P < 0.01) and in presence of GDP-low PDF (+38%, P < 0.05). OTZ prevented the cytotoxic effect of GDP-high PDF on mesothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The GDP-induced stimulation of free radicals in mesothelial cells in the present study may provide a possible mechanism of GDP cytotoxicity. Because OTZ reduced the toxic effects of GDP on mesothelial cells, this compound may improve biocompatibility of peritoneal dialysis fluids.

Preparation and quantification of methylglyoxal in human plasma using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

OBJECTIVES

To detect methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive alpha-oxoaldehyde found widespread throughout biological life, in human plasma using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method (RP HPLC) with UV detection.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The processing of human plasma required protein precipitation with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), incubation of the supernatant (2 h) with 1,2-diamino-4,5-dimethoxybenzene (DDB) to convert MG to 6,7-dimethoxy-2-methylquinoxaline (DMQ), freeze-drying, and RP HPLC analysis using 6,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dimethylquinoxaline (DMDQ) as an internal standard (IS). Simplified methods for the synthesis of MG and DDB are also described.

RESULTS

Calibration curves were linear in the range of 200-1000 nM. The limit of detection was 30.6 and 45.9 pmol, at 215 and 352 nm, respectively. The intraday coefficients of variation were 6.9-12.6% for 215 nm and 3.5-12.6% for 352 nm. The interday coefficients of variation were 9.6-12.8% for 215 nm and 7.2-14.7% for 352 nm. Sample storage conditions together with statistical evaluation are also described.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we present a rapid and inexpensive method for the determination of methylglyoxal in human plasma using RP HPLC with UV detection. The simplicity of the reported RP HPLC method makes it suitable for the detection of methylglyoxal in many human plasma samples.

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis through activation of p38 MAPK in rat Schwann cells

The formation of glucose-derived methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is accelerated under diabetic conditions. We examined whether MG was capable of inducing apoptosis in Schwann cells (SCs), since recent studies have suggested a potential involvement of apoptotic cell death in the development of diabetic neuropathy. MG induced apoptosis in SCs in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by a reduction of intracellular glutathione content and activation of the p38 MAPK. Inhibiting the p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 successfully suppressed the MG-induced apoptosis in SCs. Aminoguanidine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine also inhibited the MG-induced p38 MAPK activation and apoptosis along with restoration of the intracellular glutathione content. These results suggest a potential role for MG in SC injury through oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK activation under diabetic conditions, and it may serve as a novel insight into therapeutic strategies for diabetic neuropathy.

Methylglyoxal induces oxidative stress-dependent cell injury and up-regulation of interleukin-1β and nerve growth factor in cultured hippocampal neuronal cells

Methylglyoxal (MG) is one of the most powerful glycating agents of proteins and other important cellular components and has been shown to be toxic to cultured cells. Under hyperglycaemic conditions, an increase in the concentration of MG has been observed in human body fluids and tissues that seems to be responsible for diabetic complications. Recent data suggest that diabetes may cause impairment of cognitive processes, according to a mechanism involving both oxidative stress and advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation. In this work, we explored the molecular mechanism underlying MG toxicity in neural cells, by investigating the effect of MG on both the interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), as the major inducer of the acute phase response, and the nervous growth factor (NGF) expression. Experiments were performed on cultured neural cells from rat hippocampus, being this brain region mostly involved in cognitive processes and, therefore, possible target of diabetes-mediated impairment of cognitive abilities. Results show that MG treatment causes in hippocampal neural cells extensive, oxidative stress-mediated cell death, in consequence of a strong catalase enzymatic activity and protein inhibition. MG also causes a very significant increase in both transcript and protein expression of the NGF as well as of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. MG co-treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) completely abrogates the observed effects. Taken together, these data demonstrate that hippocampal neurons are strongly susceptible to MG-mediated oxidative stress.

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis mediated by reactive oxygen species in bovine retinal pericytes

One of the histopathologic hallmarks of early diabetic retinopathy is the loss of pericytes. Evidences suggest that the pericyte loss in vivo is mediated by apoptosis. However, the underlying cause of pericyte apoptosis is not fully understood. This study investigated the influence of methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive alpha-dicarbonyl compound of glucose metabolism, on apoptotic cell death in bovine retinal pericytes. Analysis of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation by ELISA showed that MGO (200 to 800 microM) induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were generated earlier and the antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, inhibited the MGO-induced apoptosis. NF-kappaB activation and increased caspase-3 activity were detected. Apoptosis was also inhibited by the caspase-3 inhibitor, Z-DEVD-fmk, or the NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. These data suggest that elevated MGO levels observed in diabetes may cause apoptosis in bovine retinal pericytes through an oxidative stress mechanism and suggests that the nuclear activation of NF-kappaB are involved in the apoptotic process.