What part of NO don't you understand? Some answers to the cardinal questions in nitric oxide biology

Relationship of dietary nitrate intake from vegetables with cardiovascular disease mortality: a prospective study in a cohort of older Australians

PURPOSE

Short-term trials indicate inorganic nitrate and nitrate-rich vegetables may have vascular health benefits. However, few observational studies have explored the relationship between nitrate intake and long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association of nitrate intake from vegetables with CVD mortality in a sample of older Australians.

METHODS

A subgroup of participants without diabetes or major CVD at baseline (1992-1994) were included from the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a population-based cohort study of men and women aged ≥ 49 years. Diets were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline, 5 years and 10 years of follow-up. Vegetable nitrate intake was estimated using a comprehensive vegetable nitrate database. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the association between vegetable nitrate intake and CVD mortality.

RESULTS

During 14 years of follow-up, 188/2229 (8.4%) participants died from CVD. In multivariable-adjusted analysis, participants in quartile 2 [69.5-99.6 mg/day; HR 0.53 (95% CI 0.35, 0.82)], quartile 3 [99.7-137.8 mg/day; HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.32, 0.80)], and quartile 4 [> 137.8 mg/day; HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.41, 0.95)] of vegetable nitrate intake had lower hazards for CVD mortality compared to participants in quartile 1 (< 69.5 mg/day).

CONCLUSIONS

In older Australian men and women, vegetable nitrate intake was inversely associated with CVD mortality, independent of lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors. These findings confirm a recent report that intake of vegetable nitrate lowers the risk of CVD mortality in older women and extend these findings to older men.

Transflammation: How Innate Immune Activation and Free Radicals Drive Nuclear Reprogramming

SIGNIFICANCE

Yamanaka and colleagues galvanized the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine by their generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. Evidence is emerging that activation of innate immune signaling is critical for efficient reprogramming to pluripotency and for the nuclear reprogramming occurring in transdifferentiation. Recent Advances: We have shown that innate immune signaling triggers a global change in the expression of epigenetic modifiers to enhance DNA accessibility. In this state of epigenetic plasticity, overexpression of lineage determination factors, and/or environmental cues and paracrine factors, can induce pluripotency, or can direct transdifferentiation to another somatic cell lineage. Accumulating evidence reveals that innate immune activation triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, and that these free radicals are required for nuclear reprogramming to pluripotency or for transdifferentiation.

CRITICAL ISSUES

We have discovered a limb of innate immune signaling that regulates DNA accessibility, in part, by the action of free radicals to induce post-translational modification of epigenetic modifiers.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

It is of scientific interest and clinical relevance to understand the mechanisms by which free radicals influence epigenetic plasticity, and how these mechanisms may be therapeutically modulated. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Nitric Oxide-Releasing Macromolecular Scaffolds for Antibacterial Applications

Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) represents an attractive antibacterial agent because of its ability to both disperse and directly kill bacterial biofilms while avoiding resistance. Due to the challenges associated with administering gaseous NO, NO-releasing macromolecular scaffolds are developed to facilitate NO delivery. This progress report describes the rational design and application of NO-releasing macromolecular scaffolds as antibacterial therapeutics. Special consideration is given to the role of the physicochemical properties of the NO storage vehicles on antibacterial or anti-biofilm activity.

Hypoxia Tolerance in Teleosts: Implications of Cardiac Nitrosative Signals

Changes in environmental oxygen (O₂) are naturally occurring phenomena which ectotherms have to face on. Many species exhibit a striking capacity to survive and remain active for long periods under hypoxia, even tolerating anoxia. Some fundamental adaptations contribute to this capacity: metabolic suppression, tolerance of pH and ionic unbalance, avoidance and/or repair of free-radical-induced cell injury during reoxygenation. A remarkable feature of these species is their ability to preserve a normal cardiovascular performance during hypoxia/anoxia to match peripheral (tissue pO₂) requirements. In this review, we will refer to paradigms of hypoxia- and anoxia-tolerant teleost fish to illustrate cardiac physiological strategies that, by involving nitric oxide and its metabolites, play a critical role in the adaptive responses to O₂ limitation. The information here reported may contribute to clarify the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying heart vulnerability vs. resistance in relation to O₂ availability.

Mitochondrial function and autophagy: integrating proteotoxic, redox, and metabolic stress in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder with widespread neurodegeneration in the brain. Significant oxidative, reductive, metabolic, and proteotoxic alterations have been observed in PD postmortem brains. The alterations of mitochondrial function resulting in decreased bioenergetic health is important and needs to be further examined to help develop biomarkers for PD severity and prognosis. It is now becoming clear that multiple hits on metabolic and signaling pathways are likely to exacerbate PD pathogenesis. Indeed, data obtained from genetic and genome association studies have implicated interactive contributions of genes controlling protein quality control and metabolism. For example, loss of key proteins that are responsible for clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria through a process called mitophagy has been found to cause PD, and a significant proportion of genes associated with PD encode proteins involved in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. In this review, we highlight the evidence for the targeting of mitochondria by proteotoxic, redox and metabolic stress, and the role autophagic surveillance in maintenance of mitochondrial quality. Furthermore, we summarize the role of α-synuclein, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, and tau in modulating mitochondrial function and autophagy. Among the stressors that can overwhelm the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, we will discuss 4-hydroxynonenal and nitric oxide. The impact of autophagy is context depend and as such can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of targeting mitochondria and autophagic function as an integrated therapeutic strategy and the emerging contribution of the microbiome to PD susceptibility.

A rhodamine-based turn-on nitric oxide sensor in aqueous medium with endogenous cell imaging: an unusual formation of nitrosohydroxylamine

The sensor L3 selectively recognizes NO in purely aqueous medium with an unusual formation of nitrosohydroxylamine with a turn-on fluorescence response which might be suitable for in vivo application.

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS)-resistant microbes: adaptation and medical implications

Nitrosative stress results from an increase in reactive nitrogen species (RNS) within the cell. Though the RNS - nitric oxide (·NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) - play pivotal physiological roles, at elevated concentrations, these moieties can be poisonous to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells alike due to their capacity to disrupt a variety of essential biological processes. Numerous microbes are known to adapt to nitrosative stress by elaborating intricate strategies aimed at neutralizing RNS. In this review, we will discuss both the enzymatic systems dedicated to the elimination of RNS as well as the metabolic networks that are tailored to generate RNS-detoxifying metabolites - α-keto-acids. The latter has been demonstrated to nullify RNS via non-enzymatic decarboxylation resulting in the production of a carboxylic acid, many of which are potent signaling molecules. Furthermore, as aerobic energy production is severely impeded during nitrosative stress, alternative ATP-generating modules will be explored. To that end, a holistic understanding of the molecular adaptation to nitrosative stress, reinforces the notion that neutralization of toxicants necessitates significant metabolic reconfiguration to facilitate cell survival. As the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistant pathogens continues unabated, this review will also discuss the potential for developing therapies that target the alternative ATP-generating machinery of bacteria.

The Reactive Species Interactome: Evolutionary Emergence, Biological Significance, and Opportunities for Redox Metabolomics and Personalized Medicine

SIGNIFICANCE

Oxidative stress is thought to account for aberrant redox homeostasis and contribute to aging and disease. However, more often than not, administration of antioxidants is ineffective, suggesting that our current understanding of the underlying regulatory processes is incomplete. Recent Advances: Similar to reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, reactive sulfur species are now emerging as important signaling molecules, targeting regulatory cysteine redox switches in proteins, affecting gene regulation, ion transport, intermediary metabolism, and mitochondrial function. To rationalize the complexity of chemical interactions of reactive species with themselves and their targets and help define their role in systemic metabolic control, we here introduce a novel integrative concept defined as the reactive species interactome (RSI). The RSI is a primeval multilevel redox regulatory system whose architecture, together with the physicochemical characteristics of its constituents, allows efficient sensing and rapid adaptation to environmental changes and various other stressors to enhance fitness and resilience at the local and whole-organism level.

CRITICAL ISSUES

To better characterize the RSI-related processes that determine fluxes through specific pathways and enable integration, it is necessary to disentangle the chemical biology and activity of reactive species (including precursors and reaction products), their targets, communication systems, and effects on cellular, organ, and whole-organism bioenergetics using system-level/network analyses.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Understanding the mechanisms through which the RSI operates will enable a better appreciation of the possibilities to modulate the entire biological system; moreover, unveiling molecular signatures that characterize specific environmental challenges or other forms of stress will provide new prevention/intervention opportunities for personalized medicine. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Signaling through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is differentially modulated in sunflower seedling root and cotyledon in response to various nitric oxide donors and scavengers<sup/>

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA), S-nitroso-n-acetyl-D,L- penicillamine (SNAP), and 4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2- Oxathiazolylium-5-olate (CAY) exhibit differential NO releasing ability in aqueous solution and hemoglobin is a more efficient NO quencher than cPTIO in solution. DETA releases 16% more NO compared with SNP in solution. Various NO donors (SNP, DETA, SNAP, and CAY) also bring about a differential but concentration-dependent increase in endogenous NO in seedling cotyledons and roots. Two-day old, dark-grown seedling roots exhibit 95%, 77%, 59% and 45% increase in NO content in presence of each of 500 µM of DETA, SNAP, CAY and SNP, respectively, relative to control. NO accumulation in the tissue system as a response to NO donors is reflected in terms of corresponding peroxynitrite accumulation. Release of cyanide and free iron as byproducts of SNP dissociation in solution limits its usefulness as an NO donor. SNP leads to profuse ROS generation in sunflower seedling roots. Light is not a pre-requisite for NO generation from SNP. Present work also demonstrates the usefulness of hemoglobin over cPTIO as NO scavenger. Hemoglobin brings about increasing NO quenching with its increasing concentration from 2.5 to 10 µM. Greater sensitivity of the root system to the NO donor/scavenger treatments is evident, it being in direct contact with the molecules in the incubation/ growth medium. This differential effect does not seem to be significantly transmitted to the cotyledons (long-distance signaling).

H₂S-Mediated Protein S-Sulfhydration: A Prediction for Its Formation and Regulation

Protein S-sulfhydration is a newly discovered post-translational modification of specific cysteine residue(s) in target proteins, which is involved in a broad range of cellular functions and metabolic pathways. By changing local conformation and the final activity of target proteins, S-sulfhydration is believed to mediate most cellular responses initiated by H₂S, a novel gasotransmitter. In comparison to protein S-sulfhydration, nitric oxide-mediated protein S-nitrosylation has been extensively investigated, including its formation, regulation, transfer and metabolism. Although the investigation on the regulatory mechanisms associated with protein S-sulfhydration is still in its infancy, accumulated evidence suggested that protein S-sulfhydration may share similar chemical features with protein S-nitrosylation. Glutathione persulfide acts as a major donor for protein S-sulfhydration. Here, we review the present knowledge on protein S-sulfhydration, and also predict its formation and regulation mechanisms based on the knowledge from protein S-nitrosylation.

Macrophage NOS2 in Tumor Leukocytes

SIGNIFICANCE

Leukocytes and especially macrophages are a major cellular constituent of the tumor mass. The tumor microenvironment not only determines their activity but in turn these cells also contribute to tumor initiation and progression. Recent Advances: Proinflammatory stimulated macrophages upregulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and produce high steady-state NO concentrations. NO provokes tumor cell death by initiating apoptosis and/or necrosis. Mechanisms may comprise p53 accumulation, immunestimulatory activities, and an increased efficacy of chemo- and/or radiotherapy. However, the potential cytotoxic activity of macrophages often is compromised in the tumor microenvironment and instead a protumor activity of macrophages dominates. Contributing factors are signals generated by viable and dying tumor cells, attraction and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and hypoxia. Limited oxygen availability not only attenuates NOS2 activity but also causes accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factors 1 and 2 (HIF-1/HIF-2). Activation of the HIF system is tightly linked to NO formation and affects the expression of macrophage phenotype markers that in turn add to tumor progression.

CRITICAL ISSUES

To make use of the cytotoxic arsenal of activated macrophages directed against tumor cells, it will be critical to understand how, when, and where these innate immune responses are blocked and whether it will be possible to reinstall their full capacity to kill tumor cells.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Low-dose irradiation or proinflammatory activation of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment may open options to boost NOS2 expression and activity and to initiate immunestimulatory features of NO that may help to restrict tumor growth. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 1023-1043.

Mitochondria-meditated pathways of organ failure upon inflammation

Liver failure induced by systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) is often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction but the mechanism linking SIRS and mitochondria-mediated liver failure is still a matter of discussion. Current hypotheses suggest that causative events could be a drop in ATP synthesis, opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, specific changes in mitochondrial morphology, impaired Ca²⁺ uptake, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), turnover of mitochondria and imbalance in electron supply to the respiratory chain. The aim of this review is to critically analyze existing hypotheses, in order to highlight the most promising research lines helping to prevent liver failure induced by SIRS. Evaluation of the literature shows that there is no consistent support that impaired Ca⁺⁺ metabolism, electron transport chain function and ultrastructure of mitochondria substantially contribute to liver failure. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the drop in ATP levels has protective rather than a deleterious character. Recent data suggest that the most critical mitochondrial event occurring upon SIRS is the release of mtROS in cytoplasm, which can activate two specific intracellular signaling cascades. The first is the mtROS-mediated activation of NADPH-oxidase in liver macrophages and endothelial cells; the second is the acceleration of the expression of inflammatory genes in hepatocytes. The signaling action of mtROS is strictly controlled in mitochondria at three points, (i) at the site of ROS generation at complex I, (ii) the site of mtROS release in cytoplasm via permeability transition pore, and (iii) interaction with specific kinases in cytoplasm. The systems controlling mtROS-signaling include pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide, Ca²⁺ and NADPH-oxidase. Analysis of the literature suggests that further research should be focused on the impact of mtROS on organ failure induced by inflammation and simultaneously providing a new theoretical basis for a targeted therapy of overwhelmed inflammatory response.

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Relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and high lethality upon sepsis.

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Criteria to define critical for lethality mitochondrial dysfunction.

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ATP, calcium, mitochondrial ultrastructure and apoptosis, upon inflammation.

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Regulation of inflammatory processes by mitochondrial ROS.

Low-Temperature Trapping of Intermediates in the Reaction of NO• with O2

The autoxidation of NO^• was studied in glass-like matrices of 2-methylbutane at 110 K and in a 8:3 v/v mixture of 2,2-dimethylbutane and n-pentane (rigisolve) at 80-90 K, by letting gaseous NO^• diffuse into these solvents that were saturated with O₂. In 2-methyllbutane, we observed a red compound. However, in rigisolve at 85-90 K, a bright yellow color appears that turns red when the sample is warmed by 10-20 K. The new yellow compound is a precursor of the red one and also diamagnetic. The UV-vis spectrum of the yellow compound contains a band which resembles that present in ONOO^-. Because the red and yellow intermediates are not paramagnetic, we postulate that O═N-O-O^• is in close contact with NO^•, or with another O═N-O-O^•. Diffusion of gaseous O₂ into rigisolve saturated with NO^• does not produce a color; however, a weak EPR signal (g = 2.010) is observed. This signal most likely indicates the presence of ONOO^•. These findings complement our earlier observation of a red color at low temperatures and the presence of ONOO^• in the gas phase (Galliker, B.; Kissner, R.; Nauser, T.; Koppenol, W. H. Chem. Eur. J. 2009, 15, 6161-6168), and they indicate that the termolecular autoxidation of nitrogen monoxide proceeds via the intermediate ONOO^• and not via N₂O₂.

Induced-orientation of nitrogen monoxide and azide ion vibrations in human hemoglobin in bidistilled water solution under a static magnetic field

In this study, we report the effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) at 200 mT on different hemoglobin aqueous solutions, in the absence and in the presence of sucrose and trehalose, studied by FTIR spectroscopic techniques. Significant decrease in intensity of Amide I and Amide II vibration bands was observed after 6 h exposure for hemoglobin in bidistilled water solution. Also, it was observed that the decrease in intensity of the Amide I band was larger than the Amide II after exposure. This result can be explained assuming that an SMF induces increase of hydrogen bonding in hemoglobin in bidistilled water solution. In particular, the use of second-derivative analysis highlighted two absorption peaks at 1907 and 2022 cm^-1 that can be attributed to nitrogen monoxide vibration and antisymmetric stretch of azide ion bound, respectively. These vibrations increased significantly after exposure to the SMF (P < 0.01). This result can be explained assuming that exposure to an SMF induces the orientation of nitrogen monoxide and azide ion ligands toward the direction of the field. Finally, it was observed that the addition of sucrose and trehalose in hemoglobin aqueous solution inhibited such alterations, suggesting that bioprotective effectiveness of these disaccharides occurs after exposure to an SMF. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:447-455, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Functional roles of globin proteins in hypoxia-tolerant ectothermic vertebrates

Globins are heme-containing proteins ubiquitously expressed in vertebrates, where they serve a broad range of biological functions, directly or indirectly related to the tight control of oxygen levels and its toxic products in vivo. Perhaps the most investigated of all proteins, hemoglobin and myoglobin are primarily involved in oxygen transport and storage, but also in facilitating arterial vasodilation, suppressing mitochondrial respiration, and preventing tissue oxidative damage via accessory redox enzymatic activities during hypoxia. By contrast, the more recently discovered neuroglobin and cytoglobin do not seem to function as reversible oxygen carriers and are instead involved in redox activities, although their exact biological roles remain to be clarified. In this context, hypoxia-tolerant ectotherms, such as freshwater turtles and members of the carp family that survive winter in extreme hypoxia, have proven as excellent models to appreciate the diversity of biological functions of globin proteins. Unraveling physiological roles of globin proteins in these extreme animals will clarify an important part of the adaptive mechanisms for surviving extreme fluctuations of oxygen availability that are prohibitive to mammals.

Dietary Nitrate, Nitric Oxide, and Cardiovascular Health

Emerging evidence strongly suggests that dietary nitrate, derived in the diet primarily from vegetables, could contribute to cardiovascular health via effects on nitric oxide (NO) status. NO plays an essential role in cardiovascular health. It is produced via the classical L-arginine-NO-synthase pathway and the recently discovered enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. The discovery of this alternate pathway has highlighted dietary nitrate as a candidate for the cardioprotective effect of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. Clinical trials with dietary nitrate have observed improvements in blood pressure, endothelial function, ischemia-reperfusion injury, arterial stiffness, platelet function, and exercise performance with a concomitant augmentation of markers of NO status. While these results are indicative of cardiovascular benefits with dietary nitrate intake, there is still a lingering concern about nitrate in relation to methemoglobinemia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. It is the purpose of this review to present an overview of NO and its critical role in cardiovascular health; to detail the observed vascular benefits of dietary nitrate intake through effects on NO status as well as to discuss the controversy surrounding the possible toxic effects of nitrate.

A comparison of blood nitric oxide metabolites and hemoglobin functional properties among diving mammals

The ability of marine mammals to hunt prey at depth is known to rely on enhanced oxygen stores and on selective distribution of blood flow, but the molecular mechanisms regulating blood flow and oxygen transport remain unresolved. To investigate the molecular mechanisms that may be important in regulating blood flow, we measured concentration of nitrite and S-nitrosothiols (SNO), two metabolites of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO), in the blood of 5 species of marine mammals differing in their dive duration: bottlenose dolphin, South American sea lion, harbor seal, walrus and beluga whale. We also examined oxygen affinity, sensitivity to 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) and nitrite reductase activity of the hemoglobin (Hb) to search for possible adaptive variations in these functional properties. We found levels of plasma and red blood cells nitrite similar to those reported for terrestrial mammals, but unusually high concentrations of red blood cell SNO in bottlenose dolphin, walrus and beluga whale, suggesting enhanced SNO-dependent signaling in these species. Purified Hbs showed similar functional properties in terms of oxygen affinity and sensitivity to DPG, indicating that reported large variations in blood oxygen affinity among diving mammals likely derive from phenotypic variations in red blood cell DPG levels. The nitrite reductase activities of the Hbs were overall slightly higher than that of human Hb, with the Hb of beluga whale, capable of longest dives, having the highest activity. Taken together, these results underscore adaptive variations in circulatory NO metabolism in diving mammals but not in the oxygenation properties of the Hb.

Water-soluble Hantzsch ester as switch-on fluorescent probe for efficiently detecting nitric oxide

A water soluble Hantzsch ester derivative of coumarin, DHPS, was synthesized and successfully applied in the fluorescent sensing nitric oxide (NO) in aqueous solution. The fluorescence of probe DHPS is extremely weak, while its fluorescence was greatly switched on upon the addition of NO solution and showed high selectivity and sensitivity to NO. The limitation of the detection was calculated to be 18nM. The NO-induced aromatization of dihydropyridine in DHPS to pyridine derivative (PYS) proved to be the switching mechanism for the fluorescent sensing process, which was confirmed through spectra characterization and computation study. Cytotoxicity assay demonstrated both DHPS and PYS are biocompatible, the DHPS was successfully applied to track the endogenously produced NO in the RAW 264.7 cells.

Vitamin C intake modify the impact of dietary nitrite on the incidence of type 2 diabetes: A 6-year follow-up in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

There is no epidemiological study on the association between dietary nitrate (NO₃) and nitrite (NO₂) and intakes and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was therefore to examine the potential effect of dietary NO₃ and NO₂ on the occurrence of T2D.

DESIGN

This longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) on 2139 T2D-free adults, aged 20-70 years, followed for a median of 5.8 y. Dietary intakes of NO₃ and NO₂ were estimated using a 168-food items validate semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, at baseline. Multivariate Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for diabetes risk score (DRS), and dietary intakes of fat, fiber and vitamin C, were calculated for residual energy-adjusted NO₃ and NO₂ intakes. Since significant interaction (P = 0.024) was found between NO₂ and vitamin C intakes in the multivariable model, stratified analyses were done for < and ≥ median vitamin C intakes.

RESULTS

Median (inter quartile range; IQR) daily intake of NO₃ and NO₂ were 410 mg/d (343-499) and 8.77 mg/d (7.53-10.2). An increased risk of T2D was observed among participants who had higher intake of total and animal-based NO₂ in participants who had low vitamin C intake (HR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.45-4.05, HR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.12-3.15, respectively). We found no significant association between NO₃ in overall, and plant- and animal sources as well, with the risk of T2D. Plant-derived NO₂ was also unrelated to incidence of T2D.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that higher intakes of total and animal-based NO₂ may be an independent dietary risk factor for development of T2D in subjects with lower vitamin C intakes.

The roles of tissue nitrate reductase activity and myoglobin in securing nitric oxide availability in deeply hypoxic crucian carp

In mammals, treatment with low doses of nitrite has a cytoprotective effect in ischemia/reperfusion events, as a result of nitric oxide formation and S-nitrosation of proteins. Interestingly, anoxia-tolerant lower vertebrates possess an intrinsic ability to increase intracellular nitrite concentration during anoxia in tissues with high myoglobin and mitochondria content, such as the heart. Here, we tested the hypothesis that red and white skeletal muscles develop different nitrite levels in crucian carp exposed to deep hypoxia and assessed whether this correlates with myoglobin concentration. We also tested whether liver, muscle and heart tissue possess nitrate reductase activity that supplies nitrite to the tissues during severe hypoxia. Crucian carp exposed to deep hypoxia (1<P_O2 <3 mmHg) for 1 day increased nitrite in red musculature to more than double the value in normoxic fish, while nitrite was unchanged in white musculature. There was a highly significant positive correlation between tissue concentrations of nitrite and nitros(yl)ated compounds. Myoglobin levels were 7 times higher in red than in white musculature, but there was no clear correlation between nitrite and myoglobin levels. Finally, we found a low but significant nitrate reductase activity in liver and white muscle, but not in cardiomyocytes. Nitrate reduction was inhibited by allopurinol, showing that it was partly catalyzed by xanthine oxidoreductase.

Nitrosothiol formation and S-nitrosation signaling through nitric oxide synthases

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule impacting many biological pathways. NO is produced in mammals by three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms: neuronal (nNOS), endothelial (eNOS), and inducible (iNOS). nNOS and eNOS produce low concentrations of NO for paracrine signaling; NO produced and released from one cell diffuses to a neighboring cell where it binds and activates soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). iNOS produces high concentrations of NO using NO toxicity to amplify the innate immune response. Recent work has also defined protein cysteine S-nitrosation as a pathway of sGC-independent NO signaling. Though many studies have shown that S-nitrosation regulates the activity of NOS isoforms and other proteins in vivo, many issues need to be resolved to establish S-nitrosation as a viable signaling mechanism. Several chemical mechanisms result in S-nitrosation including transition metal-catalyzed pathways, NO oxidation followed by thiolate reaction, and thiyl radical recombination with NO. Once formed, nitrosothiols can be transferred between cellular cysteine residues via transnitrosation reactions. However, it is largely unclear how these chemical processes result in selective S-nitrosation of specific cellular cysteine residues. S-nitrosation site selectivity may be imparted via direct interactions or colocalization with NOS isoforms that focus chemical or transnitrosation mechanisms of nitrosothiol formation or transfer. Here, we discuss chemical mechanisms of nitrosothiol formation, S-nitrosation of NOS isoforms, and potential S-nitrosation signaling cascades resulting from NOS S-nitrosation.

Direct measurement of actual levels of nitric oxide (NO) in cell culture conditions using soluble NO donors

Applying soluble nitric oxide (NO) donors is the most widely used method to expose cells of interest to exogenous NO. Because of the complex equilibria that exist between components in culture media, the donor compound and NO itself, it is very challenging to predict the dose and duration of NO cells actually experience. To determine the actual level of NO experienced by cells exposed to soluble NO donors, we developed the CellNO Trap, a device that allows continuous, real-time monitoring of the level of NO adherent cells produce and/or experience in culture without the need to alter cell culturing procedures. Herein, we directly measured the level of NO that cells grown in the CellNO Trap experienced when soluble NO donors were added to solutions in culture wells and we characterized environmental conditions that effected the level of NO in in vitro culture conditions. Specifically, the dose and duration of NO generated by the soluble donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), S-nitrosocysteine (CysNO) and the diazeniumdiolate diethyltriamine (DETA/NO) were investigated in both phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and cell culture media. Other factors that were studied that potentially affect the ultimate NO level achieved with these donors included pH, presence of transition metals (ion species), redox level, presence of free thiol and relative volume of media. Then murine smooth muscle cell (MOVAS) with different NO donors but with the same effective concentration of available NO were examined and it was demonstrated that the cell proliferation ratio observed does not correlate with the half-lives of NO donors characterized in PBS, but does correlate well with the real-time NO profiles measured under the actual culture conditions. This data demonstrates the dynamic characteristic of the NO and NO donor in different biological systems and clearly illustrates the importance of tracking individual NO profiles under the actual biological conditions.

Nitric oxide inhibition of NaCl secretion in the opercular epithelium of seawater-acclimated killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates epithelial ion transport pathways in mammals, but this remains largely unexamined in fish. We explored the involvement of NO in controlling NaCl secretion by the opercular epithelium of seawater killifish using an Ussing chamber approach. Pharmacological agents were used to explore the mechanism(s) triggering NO action. A modified Biotin-switch technique was used to investigate S-nitrosation of proteins. Stimulation of endogenous NO production via the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate l-arginine (2.0 mmol l^-1), and addition of exogenous NO via the NO donor SNAP (10^-6 to 10^-4 mol l^-1), decreased the epithelial short-circuit current (I_sc). Inhibition of endogenous NO production by the NOS inhibitor l-NAME (10^-4 mol l^-1) increased I_sc and revealed a tonic control of ion transport by NO in unstimulated opercular epithelia. The NO scavenger PTIO (10^-5 mol l^-1) supressed the NO-mediated decrease in I_sc, and confirmed that the effect observed was elicited by release of NO. The effect of SNAP on I_sc was abolished by inhibitors of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), ODQ (10^-6 mol l^-1) and Methylene Blue (10^-4 mol l^-1), revealing NO signalling via the sGC/cGMP pathway. Incubation of opercular epithelium and gill tissues with SNAP (10^-4 mol l^-1) led to S-nitrosation of proteins, including Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Blocking of NOS with l-NAME (10^-6 mol l^-1) or scavenging of NO with PTIO during hypotonic shock suggested an involvement of NO in the hypotonic-mediated decrease in I_sc Yohimbine (10^-4 mol l^-1), an inhibitor of α₂-adrenoceptors, did not block NO effects, suggesting that NO is not involved in the α-adrenergic control of NaCl secretion.

The methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine prevents liver hypoxia and dysregulation of mitochondrial bioenergetic function in a rat model of alcohol-induced fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic stress play an important role in the etiology of alcoholic liver disease. Previous studies from our laboratory show that the primary methyl donor S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) minimizes alcohol-induced disruptions in several mitochondrial functions in the liver. Herein, we expand on these earlier observations to determine whether the beneficial actions of SAM against alcohol toxicity extend to changes in the responsiveness of mitochondrial respiration to inhibition by nitric oxide (NO), induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore, and the hypoxic state of the liver.

METHODS

For this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed control and alcohol-containing liquid diets with and without SAM for 5 weeks and liver hypoxia, mitochondrial respiration, MPT pore induction, and NO-dependent control of respiration were examined.

RESULTS

Chronic alcohol feeding significantly enhanced liver hypoxia, whereas SAM supplementation attenuated hypoxia in livers of alcohol-fed rats. SAM supplementation prevented alcohol-mediated decreases in mitochondrial state 3 respiration and cytochrome c oxidase activity. Mitochondria isolated from livers of alcohol-fed rats were more sensitive to calcium-mediated MPT pore induction (i.e., mitochondrial swelling) than mitochondria from pair-fed controls, whereas SAM treatment normalized sensitivity for calcium-induced swelling in mitochondria from alcohol-fed rats. Liver mitochondria from alcohol-fed rats showed increased sensitivity to NO-dependent inhibition of respiration compared with pair-fed controls. In contrast, mitochondria isolated from the livers of SAM treated alcohol-fed rats showed no change in the sensitivity to NO-mediated inhibition of respiration.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings indicate that the hepato-protective effects of SAM against alcohol toxicity are mediated, in part, through a mitochondrial mechanism involving preservation of key mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters and the attenuation of hypoxic stress.

Understanding the regulation of iron nutrition: can it contribute to improving iron toxicity tolerance in rice?

Iron nutrition in plants is highly regulated in order to supply amounts sufficient for optimal growth while preventing deleterious effects. In response to iron deficiency, plants induce either reduction-based or chelation-based mechanisms to enhance iron uptake from the soil. Major physiological traits and genes involved in these mechanisms have been fairly well described in model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana (L. Heynh.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, for rice, iron toxicity presents a major challenge worldwide and causes yield reductions because rice is widely cultivated in flooded soils. Nonetheless, rice employs different mechanisms of adaptation to iron-toxicity, which range from avoidance to tissue tolerance. The physiological and molecular bases of such mechanisms have not been fully investigated and their use in breeding for iron-toxicity tolerance remains limited. Efforts to precisely characterise iron-toxicity control mechanisms may help speed-up the development of tolerant rice varieties. Considering how far the understanding of iron dynamics in the soil and plants has progressed, we consider it valuable to exploit such knowledge to improve rice tolerance to iron toxicity. Here we present the mechanisms that regulate iron uptake from the rhizosphere to the plant tissues together with the possible regulators involved. In addition, a genetic model for iron-toxicity tolerance in rice, which hypothesises possible modulation of key genes involved in iron nutrition and regulation is presented. The possibility of incorporating such relevant regulators in breeding is also discussed.

Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes and other Physiological Metabolites of Nitric Oxide: Multifarious Role in Plants

This review considers dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) and some other metabolites of nitric oxide (NO) in plants. Nitric oxide is vital for all living organisms, although its role in plants has been studied insufficiently compared with that in animals. We presume that the spectrum of its functions in plants is even wider than in animals. The main NO metabolites could be S-nitrosothiols, DNICs and peroxynitrite. Of particular interest are pro- and antioxidant properties of these compounds. DNICs function and their potential biosynthetic role in plants are practically unknown and brought to the limelight in this review. Since the process of NO biosynthesis in plants is still under discussion, we also specially examine this problem.

The emerging role of gasotransmitters in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a facultative intracellular pathogen and the second largest contributor to global mortality caused by an infectious agent after HIV. In infected host cells, Mtb is faced with a harsh intracellular environment including hypoxia and the release of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) by immune cells. Hypoxia, NO and CO induce a state of in vitro dormancy where Mtb senses these gases via the DosS and DosT heme sensor kinase proteins, which in turn induce a set of ∼47 genes, known as the Mtb Dos dormancy regulon. On the contrary, both iNOS and HO-1, which produce NO and CO, respectively, have been shown to be important against mycobacterial disease progression. In this review, we discuss the impact of O2, NO and CO on Mtb physiology and in host responses to Mtb infection as well as the potential role of another major endogenous gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), in Mtb pathogenesis.

A Common CD36 Variant Influences Endothelial Function and Response to Treatment with Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibition

CONTEXT

The scavenger receptor CD36 influences the endothelial nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in vitro. Genetic variants that alter CD36 level are common in African Americans (AAs), a population at high risk of endothelial dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To examine if the minor allele (G) of coding CD36 variant rs3211938 (G/T) which reduces CD36 level by approximately 50% influences endothelial function, insulin sensitivity (IS), and the response to treatment with the nitric oxide-cGMP potentiator sildenafil.

DESIGN

IS (frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance) and endothelial function (flow mediated dilation [FMD]) were determined in age- and body mass index-matched obese AA women with or without the G allele of rs3211938 (protocol 1). Effect of chronic sildenafil treatment on IS and FMD was tested in AA women with metabolic syndrome and with/without the CD36 variant, using a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (protocol 2).

SETTING

Two-center study.

PARTICIPANTS

Obese AA women.

INTERVENTION

A total of 20-mg sildenafil citrate or placebo thrice daily for 4 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME

IS, FMD.

RESULTS

G allele carriers have lower FMD (P = .03) and cGMP levels (P = .01) than noncarriers. Sildenafil did not improve IS, mean difference 0.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.33 to 0.58; P = .550). However, there was a significant interaction between FMD response to sildenafil and rs3211938 (P = .018). FMD tended to improve in G carriers, 2.9 (95% CI, -0.9 to 6.8; P = .126), whereas it deteriorated in noncarriers, -2.6 (95% CI, -5.1 to -0.1; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The data document influence of a common genetic variant on susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction and its response to sildenafil treatment.

Oxidative stress signaling to chromatin in health and disease

Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the development and progression of common human pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension and neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress globally influences chromatin structure, DNA methylation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic post-translational modifications of histones and DNA-binding proteins. The effects of oxidative stress on these chromatin alterations mediate a number of cellular changes, including modulation of gene expression, cell death, cell survival and mutagenesis, which are disease-driving mechanisms in human pathologies. Targeting oxidative stress-dependent pathways is thus a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. We summarize recent research developments connecting oxidative stress and chromatin regulation.

Metabolic, autophagic, and mitophagic activities in cancer initiation and progression

Cancer is a complex disease marked by uncontrolled cell growth and invasion. These processes are driven by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that promote cancer initiation and progression. Contributing to genome changes are the regulation of oxidative stress and reactive species-induced damage to molecules and organelles. Redox regulation, metabolic plasticity, autophagy, and mitophagy play important and interactive roles in cancer hallmarks including sustained proliferation, activated invasion, and replicative immortality. However, the impact of these processes can differ depending on the signaling pathways altered in cancer, tumor type, tumor stage, and/or the differentiation state. Here, we highlight some of the representative studies on the impact of oxidative and nitrosative activities, mitochondrial bioenergetics, metabolism, and autophagy and mitophagy in the context of tumorigenesis. We discuss the implications of these processes for cellular activities in cancer for anti-cancer-based therapeutics.

Absence of cytoglobin promotes multiple organ abnormalities in aged mice

Cytoglobin (Cygb) was identified in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and pericytes of all organs; however, the effects of Cygb on cellular functions remain unclear. Here, we report spontaneous and age-dependent malformations in multiple organs of Cygb(-/-) mice. Twenty-six percent of young Cygb(-/-) mice (<1 year old) showed heart hypertrophy, cystic disease in the kidney or ovary, loss of balance, liver fibrosis and lymphoma. Furthermore, 71.3% (82/115) of aged Cygb(-/-) mice (1-2 years old) exhibited abnormalities, such as heart hypertrophy and cancer development in multiple organs; by contrast, 5.8% (4/68) of aged wild-type (WT) mice had abnormalities (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, serum and urine analysis demonstrated that the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites increased significantly in Cygb(-/-) mice, resulting in an imbalance in the oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system that was reversed by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine treatment. A senescent phenotype and evidence of DNA damage were found in primary HSCs and the liver of aged Cygb(-/-) mice. Moreover, compared with HSC(+/+), HSC(-/-) showed high expression of Il-6 and chemokine mRNA when cocultured with mouse Hepa 1-6 cells. Thus, the absence of Cygb in pericytes provokes organ abnormalities, possibly via derangement of the nitric oxide and antioxidant defence system and through accelerated cellular senescence.

From curiosity to applications. A personal perspective on inorganic photochemistry

Over the past several decades, the photochemistry and photophysics of transition metal compounds has blossomed from a relatively niche topic to a major research theme. Applications arising from the elucidation of the fundamental principles defining this field now range from probing the rates and mechanisms of small molecules with metalloproteins to light activated molecular machines. Offered here is a personal perspective of metal complex photochemistry drawn from this author's long involvement with this field. Several examples are described. Topics include characterizing key excited states and tuning these to modify chemical reactivity and/or photoluminescence properties, as well as using photoreactions as an entry to reactive intermediates relevant to homogeneous catalysts. This is followed by discussions of applying these concepts to developing precursors and precursor-antenna conjugates for the photochemical delivery of small molecule bioregulators to physiological targets.

CellNO trap: Novel device for quantitative, real-time, direct measurement of nitric oxide from cultured RAW 267.4 macrophages

Nitric oxide (NO), is arguably one of the most important small signaling molecules in biological systems. It regulates various biological responses in both physiological and pathological conditions, often time producing seemingly contradictory results. The details of the effects of NO are highly dependent on the level of NO that cells experience and the temporal aspect of when and how long cells are exposed to NO. Herein, we present a novel measurement system (CellNO trap) that allows real-time NO measurement via chemiluminescence detection from general adhesive cultured cells using standard cell culture media and reagents that does not perturb the cells under investigation. Highly controlled light-initiated NO releasing polymer SNAP-PDMS was used to characterize and validate the quantitative data nature of the device. The NO generation profile from the macrophage cell-line RAW264.7 stimulated by 100 ng/ml LPS and 10 ng/ml IFN-γ was recorded. Measured maximum NO flux from RAW264.7 varied between around 2.5–9 pmol/10⁶ cell/s under 100 ng/ml LPS and 10 ng/ml IFN-γ stimulation, and 24 h cumulative NO varied between 157 and 406 nmol/10⁶cell depending on different culture conditions, indicating the conventional report of an average flux or maximum flux is not sufficient to represent the dynamic characters of NO. LPS and IFN-γ’s synergistic effect to RAW264.7 NO generation was also directly observed with the CellNO trap. The real-time effect on the NO generation from RAW264.7 following the addition of arginine, nor-NOHA and L-NAME to the cultured cells is presented. There is great potential to further our understanding of the role NO plays in normal and pathological conditions clearly understanding the dynamic production of NO in response to different stimuli and conditions; use of CellNO trap makes it possible to quantitatively determine the precise NO release profile generated from cells in a continuous and real-time manner with chemiluminescence detection.

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Real-time method to measure NO directly from cells via chemiluminescence was created.

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NO release profiles of RAW264.7 cell with LPS and/or IFN-γ stimulation were obtained.

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Changes in the NO generation from cells after different chemical stimuli was observed.

Inorganic sulfur-nitrogen compounds: from gunpowder chemistry to the forefront of biological signaling

The reactions between inorganic sulfur and nitrogen-bearing compounds to form S-N containing species have a long history and, besides assuming importance in industrial synthetic processes, are of relevance to microbial metabolism; waste water treatment; aquatic, soil and atmospheric chemistry; and combustion processes. The recent discovery that hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide exert often similar, sometimes mutually dependent effects in a variety of biological systems, and that the chemical interaction of these two species leads to formation of S-N compounds brought this chemistry to the attention of physiologists, biochemists and physicians. We here provide a perspective about the potential role of S-N compounds in biological signaling and briefly review their chemical properties and bioactivities in the context of the chronology of their discovery. Studies of the biological role of NO revealed why its chemistry is ideally suited for the tasks Nature has chosen for it; realising how the distinctive properties of sulfur can enrich this bioactivity does much to revive 'die Freude am experimentellen Spiel' of the pioneers in this field.

Nitric oxide availability in deeply hypoxic crucian carp: acute and chronic changes and utilization of ambient nitrite reservoirs

Recent research suggest that anoxia-tolerant fish transfer extracellular nitrite into the tissues, where it is used for nitric oxide (NO) generation, iron-nitrosylation, and S-nitrosation of proteins, as part of the cytoprotective response toward prolonged hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation. We hypothesized that crucian carp take up ambient nitrite and use it as a source of cellular NO availability during hypoxia. Fish were exposed for 1 day to normoxia (Po2 > 140 mmHg) and deep hypoxia (1 < Po2 < 3 mmHg) at both low (< 0.2 μM) and moderately elevated (10 μM) ambient [nitrite] to decipher NO metabolites in plasma and several tissues. We also compared NO metabolite changes during acute (10 min) and chronic (1 day) exposures to three different O2 levels. Plasma [nitrite] decreased with decreasing [O2], while the cellular concentrations of nitrite and nitros(yl)ated compounds either increased or stayed constant, depending on O2 level and tissue type. Nitrite was notably increased in the heart during deep hypoxia, and the increase was amplified by elevated ambient [nitrite]. Raised nitrite also increased gill [nitrite] and decreased mRNA expression of an inducible nitric oxide synthase-2 gene variant. The data support that ambient nitrite is taken up across the gills to be distributed via the blood to the tissues, particularly the heart, where it assists in cytoprotection and other functions. Cardiac nitrite was not elevated in acutely exposed fish, revealing that the response requires time. NO metabolite levels were higher during acute than chronic exposures, possibly caused by increased swimming activity and stress in acutely exposed fish.

Nitric Oxide Alleviated Arsenic Toxicity by Modulation of Antioxidants and Thiol Metabolism in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule and has a profound impact on plant growth and development. It is reported to serve as pro oxidant as well as antioxidant in plant system. In the present study, we evaluated the protective role of NO against arsenate (As(V)) toxicity in rice plants. As(V) exposure has hampered the plant growth, reduced the chlorophyll content, and enhanced the oxidative stress, while the exogenous NO supplementation has reverted these symptoms. NO supplementation has reduced the arsenic (As) accumulation in root as well as shoot. NO supplementation to As(V) exposed plants has reduced the gene expression level of OsLsi1 and OsLsi2. As(V) stress significantly impacted thiol metabolism, it reduced GSH content and GSH/GSSG ratio, and enhanced the level of PCs. NO supplementation maintained the GSH/GSSG ratio and reduced the level of PCs. NO supplementation reverted As(V) induced iron deficiency in shoot and had significant impact of gene expression level of various iron transporters (OsYSL2, OsFRDL1, OsIRT1, and OsIRO2). Conclusively, exogenous application of NO could be advantageous against As(V) toxicity and could confer the tolerance to As(V) stress in rice.

Evidence for Detrimental Cross Interactions between Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Cells

Here we have collected evidence suggesting that chronic changes in the NO homeostasis and the rise of reactive oxygen species bioavailability can contribute to cell dysfunction in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) patients. We report that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), derived from a female LHON patient with bilateral reduced vision and carrying the pathogenic mutation 11778/ND4, display increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), as revealed by flow cytometry, fluorometric measurements of nitrite/nitrate, and 3-nitrotyrosine immunodetection. Moreover, viability assays with the tetrazolium dye MTT showed that lymphoblasts from the same patient are more sensitive to prolonged NO exposure, leading to cell death. Taken together these findings suggest that oxidative and nitrosative stress cooperatively play an important role in driving LHON pathology when excess NO remains available over time in the cell environment.

Relationship between Oxidative Stress, Circadian Rhythms, and AMD

This work reviews concepts regarding oxidative stress and the mechanisms by which endogenous and exogenous factors produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also surveys the relationships between oxidative stress, circadian rhythms, and retinal damage in humans, particularly those related to light and photodamage. In the first section, the production of ROS by different cell organelles and biomolecules and the antioxidant mechanisms that antagonize this damage are reviewed. The second section includes a brief review of circadian clocks and their relationship with the cellular redox state. In the third part of this work, the relationship between retinal damage and ROS is described. The last part of this work focuses on retinal degenerative pathology, age-related macular degeneration, and the relationships between this pathology, ROS, and light. Finally, the possible interactions between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), circadian rhythms, and this pathology are discussed.

iNOS null MRL+/+ mice show attenuation of trichloroethene-mediated autoimmunity: contribution of reactive nitrogen species and lipid-derived reactive aldehydes

Earlier studies from our laboratory in MRL+/+ mice suggest that free radicals, especially overproduction of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and lipid-derived reactive aldehydes (LDRAs), are associated with trichloroethene (TCE)-mediated autoimmune response. The current study was undertaken to further assess the contribution of RNS and LDRAs in TCE-mediated autoimmunity by using iNOS-null MRL+/+ mice. iNOS-null MRL+/+ mice were obtained by backcrossing iNOS-null mice (B6.129P2-Nos2(tm1Lau)/J) to MRL +/+ mice. Female MRL+/+ and iNOS-null MRL+/+ mice were given TCE (10 mmol/kg, i.p., every 4(th) day) for 6 weeks; their respective controls received corn oil only. TCE exposure led to significantly increased iNOS mRNA in livers, iNOS protein in livers and sera, increased nitrotyrosine (NT) formation in both livers and sera, induction of MDA-/HNE-protein adducts in livers and their respective antibodies in sera along with significant increases in serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-dsDNA in MRL+/+ mice. Even though in iNOS-null MRL+/+ mice, the iNOS and NT levels were negligible in both TCE-treated and untreated groups, TCE treatment still led to significant increases in MDA-/HNE-protein adducts and their respective antibodies along with increases in serum ANA and anti-dsDNA compared to controls. Most remarkably, the increases in serum ANA and anti-dsDNA induced by TCE in the iNOS-null MRL+/+ mice were significantly less pronounced compared to that in MRL+/+ mice. Our results provide further evidence that both RNS and LDRAs contribute to TCE-induced autoimmunity in MRL+/+ mice, and iNOS deficiency attenuates this autoimmune response.

From synaptically localized to volume transmission by nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) functions widely as a transmitter/diffusible second messenger in the central nervous system, exerting physiological effects in target cells by binding to specialized guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptors, resulting in cGMP generation. Despite having many context-dependent physiological roles and being implicated in numerous disease states, there has been a lack of clarity about the ways that NO operates at the cellular and subcellular levels. Recently, several approaches have been used to try to gain a more concrete, quantitative understanding of this unique signalling pathway. These approaches have included analysing the kinetics of NO receptor function, real-time imaging of cellular NO signal transduction in target cells, and the use of ultrasensitive detector cells to record NO as it is being generated from native sources in brain tissue. The current picture is that, when formed in a synapse, NO is likely to act only very locally, probably mostly within the confines of that synapse, and to exist only in picomolar concentrations. Nevertheless, closely neighbouring synapses may also be within reach, raising the possibility of synaptic crosstalk. By engaging its enzyme-coupled receptors, the low NO concentrations are able to stimulate physiological (submicromolar) increases in cGMP concentration in an activity-dependent manner. When many NO-emitting neurones or synapses are active simultaneously in a tissue region, NO can act more like a volume transmitter to influence, and perhaps coordinate, the behaviour of cells within that region, irrespective of their identity and anatomical connectivity.

Increased expression of immune-related genes in leukocytes of patients with diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

Compelling evidence indicates that the immune system is linked to metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but factors participating in these processes still are awaiting identification. Inducible nitric oxide synthase, encoded by the NOS2 gene, and surfactant protein D, encoded by the SFTPD gene, have been implicated in diabetes. We investigated NOS2 and SFTPD mRNA levels in leukocytes obtained from 125 pregnant women with (n = 87) or without (control group; n = 38) GDM, and, in turn, correlated their expression with clinical parameters of subjects. Leukocytes were isolated from the blood of pregnant women and NOS2 and SFTPD expression in these cells was determined by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Univariate correlation analyses were performed to assess an association between leukocyte NOS2 and SFTPD expression and clinical characteristics of patients. qRT-PCR experiments disclosed significantly increased leukocyte NOS2 and SFTPD mRNA levels in hyperglycemic GDM patients (P < 0.05). In the entire study group, there were significant positive associations of leukocyte NOS2 and SFTPD mRNAs with C-reactive protein. Additionally, transcript level of SFTPD also correlated positively with fasting glycemia and insulin resistance. This study demonstrates that an impaired glucose metabolism in GDM may be predominant predictor of leukocyte NOS2 and SFTPD overexpression in diabetic patients. Furthermore, alterations in the expression of these genes are associated with glucose metabolism dysfunction and/or inflammation during pregnancy. In addition, these findings support the utilization of leukocytes as good experimental model to study a relationship between immune-related genes and metabolic changes in women with GDM, as well as to assess the potential mechanisms underlying these alterations.

Stress Sensitivity Is Associated with Differential Accumulation of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Maize Genotypes with Contrasting Levels of Drought Tolerance

Drought stress decreases crop growth, yield, and can further exacerbate pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination. Tolerance and adaptation to drought stress is an important trait of agricultural crops like maize. However, maize genotypes with contrasting drought tolerances have been shown to possess both common and genotype-specific adaptations to cope with drought stress. In this research, the physiological and metabolic response patterns in the leaves of maize seedlings subjected to drought stress were investigated using six maize genotypes including: A638, B73, Grace-E5, Lo964, Lo1016, and Va35. During drought treatments, drought-sensitive maize seedlings displayed more severe symptoms such as chlorosis and wilting, exhibited significant decreases in photosynthetic parameters, and accumulated significantly more reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) than tolerant genotypes. Sensitive genotypes also showed rapid increases in enzyme activities involved in ROS and RNS metabolism. However, the measured antioxidant enzyme activities were higher in the tolerant genotypes than in the sensitive genotypes in which increased rapidly following drought stress. The results suggest that drought stress causes differential responses to oxidative and nitrosative stress in maize genotypes with tolerant genotypes with slower reaction and less ROS and RNS production than sensitive ones. These differential patterns may be utilized as potential biological markers for use in marker assisted breeding.

IL-1β reciprocally regulates chemokine and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells via NF-κB

Proinflammatory cytokines impact islet β-cell mass and function by altering the transcriptional activity within pancreatic β-cells, producing increases in intracellular nitric oxide abundance and the synthesis and secretion of immunomodulatory proteins such as chemokines. Herein, we report that IL-1β, a major mediator of inflammatory responses associated with diabetes development, coordinately and reciprocally regulates chemokine and insulin secretion. We discovered that NF-κB controls the increase in chemokine transcription and secretion as well as the decrease in both insulin secretion and proliferation in response to IL-1β. Nitric oxide production, which is markedly elevated in pancreatic β-cells exposed to IL-1β, is a negative regulator of both glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose-induced increases in intracellular calcium levels. By contrast, the IL-1β-mediated production of the chemokines CCL2 and CCL20 was not influenced by either nitric oxide levels or glucose concentration. Instead, the synthesis and secretion of CCL2 and CCL20 in response to IL-1β were dependent on NF-κB transcriptional activity. We conclude that IL-1β-induced transcriptional reprogramming via NF-κB reciprocally regulates chemokine and insulin secretion while also negatively regulating β-cell proliferation. These findings are consistent with NF-κB as a major regulatory node controlling inflammation-associated alterations in islet β-cell function and mass.

Nitric oxide diffusion to red blood cells limits extracellular, but not intraphagosomal, peroxynitrite formation by macrophages

Macrophage-derived nitric oxide ((•)NO) participates in cytotoxic mechanisms against diverse microorganisms and tumor cells. These effects can be mediated by (•)NO itself or (•)NO-derived species such as peroxynitrite formed by its diffusion-controlled reaction with NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide radical anion (O(2)(•-)). In vivo, the facile extracellular diffusion of (•)NO as well as different competing consumption routes limit its bioavailability for the reaction with O(2)(•-) and, hence, peroxynitrite formation. In this work, we evaluated the extent by which (•)NO diffusion to red blood cells (RBC) can compete with activated macrophages-derived O(2)(•-) and affect peroxynitrite formation yields. Macrophage-dependent peroxynitrite production was determined by boron-based probes that react directly with peroxynitrite, namely, coumarin-7-boronic acid (CBA) and fluorescein-boronate (Fl-B). The influence of (•)NO diffusion to RBC on peroxynitrite formation was experimentally analyzed in co-incubations of (•)NO and O(2)(•-)-forming macrophages with erythrocytes. Additionally, we evaluated the permeation of (•)NO to RBC by measuring the intracellular oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin. Our results indicate that diluted RBC suspensions dose-dependently inhibit peroxynitrite formation, outcompeting the O(2)(•-) reaction. Computer-assisted kinetic studies evaluating peroxynitrite formation by its precursor radicals in the presence of RBC are in accordance with experimental results. Moreover, the presence of erythrocytes in the proximity of (•)NO and O(2)(•-)-forming macrophages prevented intracellular Fl-B oxidation pre-loaded in L1210 cells co-cultured with activated macrophages. On the other hand, Fl-B-coated latex beads incorporated in the macrophage phagocytic vacuole indicated that intraphagosomal probe oxidation by peroxynitrite was not affected by nearby RBC. Our data support that in the proximity of a blood vessel, (•)NO consumption by RBC will limit the extracellular formation (and subsequent cytotoxic effects) of peroxynitrite by activated macrophages, while the intraphagosomal yield of peroxynitrite will remain unaffected.

Hypoxia tolerance, nitric oxide, and nitrite: lessons from extreme animals

Among vertebrates able to tolerate periods of oxygen deprivation, the painted and red-eared slider turtles (Chrysemys picta and Trachemys scripta) and the crucian carp (Carassius carassius) are the most extreme and can survive even months of total lack of oxygen during winter. The key to hypoxia survival resides in concerted physiological responses, including strong metabolic depression, protection against oxidative damage and-in air-breathing animals-redistribution of blood flow. Each of these responses is known to be tightly regulated by nitric oxide (NO) and during hypoxia by its metabolite nitrite. The aim of this review is to highlight recent work illustrating the widespread roles of NO and nitrite in the tolerance to extreme oxygen deprivation, in particular in the red-eared slider turtle and crucian carp, but also in diving marine mammals. The emerging picture underscores the importance of NO and nitrite signaling in the adaptive response to hypoxia in vertebrate animals.