NOX/NADPH oxidase, the superoxide-generating enzyme: its transcriptional regulation and physiological roles

The A930G polymorphism ofP22phox (CYBA) gene but not C242T variation is associated with hypertension: a meta-analysis

Background

Recently, it has been reported that the A930G and C242T polymorphisms within p22phox (CYBA) gene are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, the results remain controversial. Furthermore, no previous meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate the relationship between the A930G and C242T polymorphisms and hypertension. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to clarify these controversies.

Objective and Methods

All of the included articles were retrieved from the PubMed and Embase databases, as well as the CNKI, CBM, Chongqing VIP and Wan Fang databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association. Accounting for heterogeneity, a fixed or random effects model was respectively adopted. Heterogeneity was checked using the Q test and the I² statistic. A cumulative meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the tendency of pooled OR. Funnel plots and Egger’s tests were performed to test for possible publication bias.

Results

Five articles on A930G with 2003 cases/2434 controls and eight articles on C242T with 2644 cases/1967 controls were identified. A significant association of A930G polymorphisms with the risk of hypertension was found in the dominant model (OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.38–0.92, p=0.021) and allelic model (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.95, p=0.024). In the stratified analysis, a significant association could be found among the hospital-based and population-based studies. However, no evidence of a significant association of the C242T polymorphism with hypertension was found in the overall analysis and subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that the A930G polymorphism, but not the C242T variation, might be a protective factor for hypertension.

Intrahepatic microcirculatory disorder, parenchymal hypoxia and NOX4 upregulation result in zonal differences in hepatocyte apoptosis following lipopolysaccharide- and D-galactosamine-induced acute liver failure in rats

Although the mechanisms responsible for acute liver failure (ALF) have not yet been fully elucidated, studies have indicated that intrahepatic macrophage activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALF through intrahepatic microcirculatory disorder and consequent parenchymal cell death. Intrahepatic microcirculatory disorder has been demonstrated in animal models using intravital microscopy; however, the limitations of this method include simultaneously evaluating blood flow and the surrounding pathological changes. Therefore, in this study, we devised a novel method involving tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC)-dextran administration for the pathological assessment of hepatic microcirculation. In addition, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which intrahepatic microcirculatory disorder progresses with relation to activated macrophages. ALF was induced in Wistar rats by exposure to lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine. Intrahepatic microcirculation and microcirculatory disorder in zone 3 (pericentral zone) of the livers of rats with ALF was observed. Immunohistochemical examinations in conjunction with TRITC-dextran images revealed that the macrophages were mainly distributed in zone 2 (intermediate zone), while cleaved caspase-3-positive hepatocytes, pimonidazole and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were abundant in zone 3. We also found that 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)4-positive cells were predominantly located in the zone 3 parenchyma. The majority of apoptotic hepatocytes in zone 3 were co-localized with NOX4. Our results revealed that the apoptotic cells in zone 3 were a result of hypoxic conditions induced by intrahepatic microcirculatory disorder, and were not induced by activated macrophages. The increased levels of oxidative stress in zone 3 may contribute to the progression of hepatocyte apoptosis.

Molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation-associated cancers

Although it is now accepted that chronic inflammation plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms linking inflammation and cancer remain to be fully explored. Inflammatory mediators present in the tumor microenvironment, including cytokines and growth factors, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), have been implicated in the etiology of inflammation-associated cancers. Epithelial NADPH oxidase (Nox) family proteins, which generate ROS regulated by cytokines, are upregulated during chronic inflammation and cancer. ROS serve as effector molecules participating in host defense or as chemo-attractants recruiting leukocytes to wounds, thereby influencing the inflammatory reaction in damaged tissues. ROS can alter chromosomal DNA, leading to genomic instability, and may serve as signaling molecules that affect tumor cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Targeting Noxs and their downstream signaling components may be a promising approach to pre-empting inflammation-related malignancies.

Bridged tetrahydroisoquinolines as selective NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) inhibitors

(1SR,4RS)-3,3-Dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-(epiminomethano)naphthalenes were synthesized in 2-3 steps from commercially available materials and assessed for specificity and effectiveness across a range of Nox isoforms. The N-pentyl and N-methylenethiophene substituted analogs 11g and 11h emerged as selective Nox2 inhibitors with cellular IC50 values of 20 and 32 μM, respectively.

Nox4-generated superoxide drives angiotensin II-induced neural stem cell proliferation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported to affect neural stem cell self-renewal and therefore may be important for normal development and may influence neurodegenerative processes when ROS activity is elevated. To determine if increasing production of superoxide, via activation of NADPH oxidase (Nox), increases neural stem cell proliferation, 100 nM angiotensin II (Ang II) - a strong stimulator of Nox - was applied to cultures of a murine neural stem cell line, C17.2. Twelve hours following a single treatment with Ang II, there was a doubling of the number of neural stem cells. This increase in neural stem cell numbers was preceded by a gradual elevation of superoxide levels (detected by dihydroethidium fluorescence) from the steady state at 0, 5, and 30 min and gradually increasing from 1 h to the maximum at 12 h, and returning to baseline at 24 h. Ang II-dependent proliferation was blocked by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Confocal microscopy revealed the presence of two sources of intracellular ROS in C17.2 cells: (i) mitochondrial and (ii) extramitochondrial; the latter indicative of the involvement of one or more specific isoforms of Nox. Of the Nox family, mRNA expression for one member, Nox4, is abundant in neural stem cell cultures, and Ang II treatment resulted in elevation of the relative levels of Nox4 protein. SiRNA targeting of Nox4 mRNA reduced both the constitutive and Ang II-induced Nox4 protein levels and attenuated Ang II-driven increases in superoxide levels and stem cell proliferation. Our findings are consistent with our hypothesis that Ang II-induced proliferation of neural stem cells occurs via Nox4-generated superoxide, suggesting that an Ang II/Nox4 axis is an important regulator of neural stem cell self-renewal and as such may fine-tune normal, stress- or disease-modifying neurogenesis.

Association of the -262C/T polymorphism in the catalase gene promoter and the C242T polymorphism of the NADPH oxidase P22phox gene with essential arterial hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

AIM

The aim of the present study was to test the association between genetic polymorphisms with functional effects on redox regulation: the -262C/T of the catalase gene promoter (rs1001179), the C242T of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase P22phox gene (rs4673), and the 594C/T polymorphism of the glutathione peroxidase gene (rs1050450) and arterial hypertension (AH) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

810 Slovenian subjects (Caucasians) with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Genotypes were determined by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis failed to demonstrate an association between either the -262C/T of the catalase gene promoter (rs1001179) or the C242T polymorphism of the P22phox gene (rs4673) or the 594C/T polymorphism of the glutathione peroxidase gene (rs1050450) and AH. After adjustment for age, body mass index, fibrinogen level and high sensitivity C-reactive protein level, rs4673 was found to be an independent risk factor for AH in subjects with type 2 diabetes, whereas rs1001179 and rs1050450 were not.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of cross-sectional study, the tested polymorphism of the NADPH oxidase P22phox gene (rs4673) was found to be associated with the development of AH, indicating that the oxidative stress gene NADPH oxidase might be implicated in the pathogenesis of AH in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

PI3K-delta mediates double-stranded RNA-induced upregulation of B7-H1 in BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells

Airway viral infection disturbs the health-related quality of life. B7-H1 (also known as PD-L1) is a coinhibitory molecule associated with the escape of viruses from the mucosal immunity, leading to persistent infection. Most respiratory viruses generate double-stranded (ds) RNA during replication. The stimulation of cultured airway epithelial cells with an analog of viral dsRNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly IC) upregulates the expression of B7-H1 via activation of the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB). The mechanism of upregulation was investigated in association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks). Poly IC-induced upregulation of B7-H1 was profoundly suppressed by a pan-PI3K inhibitor and partially by an inhibitor or a small interfering (si)RNA for PI3Kδ in BEAS-2B cells. Similar results were observed in the respiratory syncytial virus-infected cells. The expression of p110δ was detected by Western blot and suppressed by pretreatment with PI3Kδ siRNA. The activation of PI3Kδ is typically induced by oxidative stress. The generation of reactive oxygen species was increased by poly IC. Poly IC-induced upregulation of B7-H1 was attenuated by N-acetyl-L-cysteine, an antioxidant, or by oxypurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. Poly IC-induced activation of NF-κB was suppressed by a pan-PI3K inhibitor but not by a PI3Kδ inhibitor. These results suggest that PI3Kδ mediates dsRNA-induced upregulation of B7-H1 without affecting the activation of NF-κB.

Oxidative stress and protein carbonylation in adipose tissue - implications for insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus

While historically considered simply as a depot for excess energy, white adipose tissue is a dynamically active endocrine organ capable of responding to a variety of efferent stimuli resulting in the synthesis and secretion of peptides, proteins and metabolites that serve as signal transducers to the peripheral and central circulation. Such regulation controls a variety of physiological processes including energy expenditure, food intake, reproductive capacity and responsiveness to insulin. Indeed, the accumulation of inflammatory cells in white adipose tissue is considered to be causative in the development of insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes mellitus. A large body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress in adipose tissue not only correlates with insulin resistance but is also causative in its development. Moreover, using the available plasma oxidative stress biomarkers, many clinical studies have shown the presence of systemic oxidative stress in obese insulin resistant subjects, and its decrease after the successful treatment of obesity. In this review we emphasize the role of protein carbonylation in dysfunctional obese white adipose tissue and its metabolic implications. We focus on glutathione S-transferase A4 as the key enzyme for trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and trans-4-oxo-2-nonenal removal from the cell, thus preventing protein carbonylation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Posttranslational Protein modifications in biology and Medicine.

Detection of reactive oxygen species derived from the family of NOX NADPH oxidases

NADPH oxidases (NOX) are superoxide anion radical (O(2)(-•))-generating enzymes. They form a family of seven members, each with a specific tissue distribution. They function as electron transport chains across membranes, using NADPH as electron donor to reduce molecular oxygen to O(2)(-•). NOX have multiple biological functions, ranging from host defense to inflammation and cellular signaling. Measuring NOX activity is crucial in understanding the roles of these enzymes in physiology and pathology. Many of the methods used to measure NOX activity are based on the detection of small molecules that react with NOX-generated O(2)(-•) or its direct dismutation product hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) to form fluorescent, luminescent, or colored products. Initial techniques were developed to measure the activity of the phagocyte isoform NOX2 during the oxidative burst of stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which generate large quantities of O(2)(-•). However, other members of the NOX family generate much less O(2)(-•) and hence H(2)O(2), and their activity is difficult to distinguish from other sources of these reactive species. In addition, O(2)(-•) and H(2)O(2) are reactive molecules and most probes are prone to artifacts and therefore should be used with appropriate controls and the data carefully interpreted. This review gives an overview of current methods used to measure NOX activity and NOX-derived O(2)(-•) and H(2)O(2) in cells, tissues, isolated systems, and living organisms, describing the advantages and caveats of many established methods with emphasis on more recent technologies and future perspectives.

Oxidation matters: the ubiquitin proteasome system connects innate immune mechanisms with MHC class I antigen presentation

During innate immune responses the delicate balance of protein synthesis, quality control and degradation is severely challenged by production of radicals and/or the massive synthesis of pathogen proteins. The regulated degradation of ubiquitin-tagged proteins by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) represents one major pathway for the maintenance of cellular proteostasis and regulatory processes under these conditions. In addition, MHC class I antigen presentation is strictly dependent on an appropriate peptide supply by the UPS to efficiently prime CD8(+) T cells and to initiate an adaptive immune response. We here discuss recent efforts in defining the link between innate immune mechanisms like cytokine and ROS production, the induction of an efficient adaptive immune response and the specific involvement of the UPS therein. Cytokines and/or infections induce translation and the production of free radicals, which in turn confer oxidative damage to nascent as well as folded proteins. In parallel, the same signaling cascades are able to accelerate the protein turnover by the concomitantly induced ubiquitin conjugation and degradation of such damaged polypeptides by immunoproteasomes. The ability of immunoproteasomes to efficiently degrade such oxidant-damaged ubiquitylated proteins protects cells from accumulating toxic ubiquitin-rich aggregates. At the same time, this innate immune mechanism facilitates a sufficient peptide supply for MHC class I antigen presentation and connects it to initiation of adaptive immunity.

Neurotoxins released from interferon-gamma-stimulated human astrocytes

Astrocytes become activated in degenerative neurological diseases. In order to gain a greater understanding of the inflammatory factors released upon activation, we stimulated adult human astrocytes with interferon-gamma and examined the resultant conditioned medium (CM) for toxicity against differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cell death was measured by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. We then used various treatments of the media to determine the distribution and nature of the toxic components. Removal of interleukin-6 by a specific antibody reduced the toxicity by 22%. Blockade of proteases with an inhibitor cocktail reduced it by a further 22%. When oxygen-free radical production was blocked with NADPH oxidase inhibitors, the toxicity was reduced by 15.4%. When prostaglandin production was blocked by cyclooxygenase inhibitors, the toxicity of the CM was reduced by 14.5%. When glutamate was removed by treatment with glutamate decarboxylase, the toxicity was reduced by 10.3%. When the inhibitors were added together to the astrocyte culture, the total toxicity of the CM was reduced by 91%. This was in reasonable agreement with the 85.37% total obtained by adding the individual components. The data show that activated astrocytes release a specific combination of neurotoxic compounds. They suggest that effective anti-inflammatory treatment of such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis could be improved by using an appropriate combination of anti-inflammatory agents instead of relying on any single agent.

Association of the C242T polymorphism in the NADPH oxidase p22 phox gene with carotid atherosclerosis in Slovenian patients with type 2 diabetes

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Genetic variations of enzymes producing reactive oxygen species could change their activity, thus contributing to the susceptibility to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the role of the NADPH oxidase C242T polymorphism in the development of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. 286 diabetic patients and 150 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Carotid atherosclerosis was quantified ultrasonographically as carotid intima-media thickness, plaque score (0-6) and plaque type (1-5). Diabetic patients were divided into low and high risk groups based on ultrasound phenotypes of carotid atherosclerosis. Genotypes were determined by real-time PCR. Levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diabetic patients demonstrated a statistically significant difference compared to healthy controls in the following parameters: age, BMI, waist circumference, smoking prevalence, glucose, triglyceride and 8-OHdG serum levels. Control subjects had significantly higher levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol than diabetics (p < 0.001). The NADPH C242T polymorphism was not related with clinical characteristics, lipid parameters and 8-OHdG serum levels. We found no significant difference in the NADPH genotype distribution between diabetics and controls (p = 0.19) nor between low and high risk subgroups of diabetics (mean CIMT: p = 0.67; plaque score: p = 0.49, plaque type: p = 0.56). In the present study the NADPH C242T polymorphism was not associated with the degree of oxidative stress and carotid atherosclerosis. Further studies will show if it can be used as a genetic marker for carotid atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

NADPH oxidase subunit 4 mediates cycling hypoxia-promoted radiation resistance in glioblastoma multiforme

Cycling hypoxia is a well-recognized phenomenon within animal and human solid tumors. It mediates tumor progression and radiotherapy resistance through mechanisms that involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, details of the mechanism underlying cycling hypoxia-mediated radioresistance remain obscure. We have previously shown that in glioblastoma, NADPH oxidase subunit 4 (Nox4) is a critical mediator involved in cycling hypoxia-mediated ROS production and tumor progression. Here, we examined the impact of an in vivo tumor microenvironment on Nox4 expression pattern and its impact on radiosensitivity in GBM8401 and U251, two glioblastoma cell lines stably transfected with a dual hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling reporter construct. Furthermore, in order to isolate hypoxic tumor cell subpopulations from human glioblastoma xenografts based on the physiological and molecular characteristics of tumor hypoxia, several techniques were utilized. In this study, the perfusion marker Hoechst 33342 staining and HIF-1 activation labeling were used together with immunofluorescence imaging and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Our results revealed that Nox4 was predominantly highly expressed in the endogenous cycling hypoxic areas with HIF-1 activation and blood perfusion within the solid tumor microenvironment. Moreover, when compared to the normoxic or chronic hypoxic cells, the cycling hypoxic tumor cells derived from glioblastoma xenografts have much higher Nox4 expression, ROS levels, and radioresistance. Nox4 suppression in intracerebral glioblastoma-bearing mice suppressed tumor microenvironment-mediated radioresistance and enhanced the efficiency of radiotherapy. In summary, our findings indicated that cycling hypoxia-induced Nox4 plays an important role in tumor microenvironment-promoted radioresistance in glioblastoma; hence, targeting Nox4 may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for blocking cycling hypoxia-mediated radioresistance.

Assessment of Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using high content analysis

Oral exposure to high concentrations of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] induces intestinal redox changes, villus cytotoxicity, crypt hyperplasia, and intestinal tumors in mice. To assess the effects of Cr(VI) in a cell model relevant to the intestine, undifferentiated (proliferating) and differentiated (confluent) Caco-2 cells were treated with Cr(VI), hydrogen peroxide or rotenone for 2-24 hours. DNA damage was then assessed by nuclear staining intensity of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (γ-H2AX) measured by high content analysis methods. In undifferentiated Caco-2, all three chemicals increased 8-OHdG and γ-H2AX staining at cytotoxic concentrations, whereas only 8-OHdG was elevated at non-cytotoxic concentrations at 24 hr. Differentiated Caco-2 were more resistant to cytotoxicity and DNA damage than undifferentiated cells, and there were no changes in apoptotic markers p53 or annexin-V. However, Cr(VI) induced a dose-dependent translocation of the unfolded protein response transcription factor ATF6 into the nucleus. Micronucleus (MN) formation was assessed in CHO-K1 and A549 cell lines. Cr(VI) increased MN frequency in CHO-K1 only at highly cytotoxic concentrations. Relative to the positive control Mitomycin-C, Cr(VI) only slightly increased MN frequency in A549 at mildly cytotoxic concentrations. The results demonstrate that Cr(VI) genotoxicity correlates with cytotoxic concentrations, and that H2AX phosphorylation occurs at higher concentrations than oxidative DNA damage in proliferating Caco-2 cells. The findings suggest that in vitro genotoxicity of Cr(VI) is primarily oxidative in nature at low concentrations. Implications for in vivo intestinal toxicity of Cr(VI) will be discussed.

Angiotensin II stimulates superoxide production in the thick ascending limb by activating NOX4

Angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulates production of superoxide (O(2)(-)) by NADPH oxidase (NOX) in medullary thick ascending limbs (TALs). There are three isoforms of the catalytic subunit (NOX1, 2, and 4) known to be expressed in the kidney. We hypothesized that NOX2 mediates ANG II-induced O(2)(-) production by TALs. To test this, we measured NOX1, 2, and 4 mRNA and protein by RT-PCR and Western blot in TAL suspensions from rats and found three catalytic subunits expressed in the TAL. We measured O(2)(-) production using a lucigenin-based assay. To assess the contribution of NOX2, we measured ANG II-induced O(2)(-) production in wild-type and NOX2 knockout mice (KO). ANG II increased O(2)(-) production by 346 relative light units (RLU)/mg protein in the wild-type mice (n = 9; P < 0.0007 vs. control). In the knockout mice, ANG II increased O(2)(-) production by 290 RLU/mg protein (n = 9; P < 0.007 vs. control). This suggests that NOX2 does not contribute to ANG II-induced O(2)(-) production (P < 0.6 WT vs. KO). To test whether NOX4 mediates the effect of ANG II, we selectively decreased NOX4 expression in rats using an adenovirus that expresses NOX4 short hairpin (sh)RNA. Six to seven days after in vivo transduction of the kidney outer medulla, NOX4 mRNA was reduced by 77%, while NOX1 and NOX2 mRNA was unaffected. In control TALs, ANG II stimulated O(2)(-) production by 96%. In TALs transduced with NOX4 shRNA, ANG II-stimulated O(2)(-) production was not significantly different from the baseline. We concluded that NOX4 is the main catalytic isoform of NADPH oxidase that contributes to ANG II-stimulated O(2)(-) production by TALs.

How do cytokines trigger genomic instability?

Inflammation is a double-edged sword presenting a dual effect on cancer development, from one hand promoting tumor initiation and progression and from the other hand protecting against cancer through immunosurveillance mechanisms. Cytokines are crucial components of inflammation, participating in the interaction between the cells of tumor microenvironment. A comprehensive study of the role of cytokines in the context of the inflammation-tumorigenesis interplay helps us to shed light in the pathogenesis of cancer. In this paper we focus on the role of cytokines in the development of genomic instability, an evolving hallmark of cancer.

Low-molecular-weight oxidants involved in disulfide bond formation

SIGNIFICANCE

The biogenesis of most secreted and outer membrane proteins involves the formation of structure stabilizing disulfide bonds. Hence knowledge of the mechanisms for their formation is critical for understanding a myriad of cellular processes and associated disease states.

RECENT ADVANCES

Until recently it was thought that members of the Ero1 sulfhydryl oxidase family were responsible for catalyzing the majority of disulfide bond formation in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, multiple eukaryotic organisms are now known to show no or minor phenotypes when these enzymatic pathways are disrupted, suggesting that other pathways can catalyze disulfide bond formation to an extent sufficient to maintain normal physiology.

CRITICAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This lack of a strong phenotype raises multiple questions regarding what pathways are acting and whether they themselves constitute the major route for disulfide bond formation. This review critically examines the potential low molecular oxidants that maybe involved in the catalyzed or noncatalyzed formation of disulfide bonds, with an emphasis on the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum, via an examination of their thermodynamics, kinetics, and availability and gives pointers to help guide future experimental work.

Regulation of NADPH oxidase gene expression with PKA and cytokine IL-4 in neurons and microglia

Neuronal excitation is mediated by the activation of NMDA receptor and associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species due to the activation of NADPH oxidase complex proteins. The activation of Gs protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) induces neuronal activation in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated signal cascade and regulates NADPH oxidase activity. However, it is unknown whether PKA regulates NADPH oxidase gene expression in neurons and microglia. In the present research, the NADPH oxidase gene expression was studied in rat cortical neurons and microglia in vitro. Purified microglial cells were identified with OX-42 antibody and they also expressed apolipoprotein E (ApoE). The time-dependent effect of cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) (20 ng/ml) in NADPH oxidase gene expression was studied in microglial cells. The levels of mRNA were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NCF2 was upregulated after IL-4 treatment for 4 h, but it was downregulated after 8-24 h. The expression of NCF1 was suppressed during any time of cytokine effect. IL-4 upregulated arginase1 (Arg1) and serine racemase1 (SRR1) gene expressions in microglia. Amyloid beta (Ab) suppressed NOX2, NCF1, and NCF2 gene expressions and upregulated glutamate cystine transporter (xCT), although IL-4 attenuated the effect of Ab (500 μM) in the upregulation of xCT gene expression. The activation of PKA with agonist dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) (100 μM) induced the upregulation of Arg1 gene expression in microglia involving in the process of microglial activation. The transcription of NOX1, NOX2, and NCF1 was suppressed in microglial cells after dbcAMP treatment within 24 h. Neurons were identified with the microtubule-associated protein tau. The uniform distribution of tau along axons was established in normal neurons. Tau protein was redistributed after PKA agonist dbcAMP treatment for 24 h. L-glutamate (50 μM) caused the apoptotic processes and the accumulation of tau in the soma of neurons and along axons. The activation of PKA for 24 h induced the transcriptional upregulation of NOX1 and NCF1 in cortical neurons. However, L-glutamate suppressed NOX1 gene expression in neurons. These data demonstrate that the effects of IL-4 and dbcAMP are similar in the regulation of SRR1, Arg1, and NADPH oxidase complex gene expressions in neurons and microglia. IL-4 prevents glutamate release from microglia suppressing xCT expression induced by Ab. These findings suggest that the activation of GPCR in PKA-mediated pathway leads to transcriptional regulation of NADPH oxidase complex. The modulation of GPCR activation may inhibit the oxidative stress in neurons.

Molecular mechanisms of hypertension--reactive oxygen species and antioxidants: a basic science update for the clinician

Many factors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension such as upregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, perturbed G protein-coupled receptor signalling, inflammation, and altered T-cell function. Common to these processes is increased bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (termed oxidative stress) due to excess ROS generation, decreased nitric oxide (NO) levels, and reduced antioxidant capacity in the cardiovascular, renal, and nervous systems. Although oxidative stress may not be the sole etiology of hypertension, it amplifies blood pressure elevation in the presence of other prohypertensive factors. In the cardiovascular system ROS play a physiological role in controlling endothelial function, vascular tone, and cardiac function, and a pathophysiological role in inflammation, hypertrophy, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and rarefaction, all of which are important processes contributing to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular remodelling in hypertension. A major source for cardiovascular ROS is a family of nonphagocytic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, and Nox5). Other sources include mitochondrial enzymes, xanthine oxidase, and uncoupled NO synthase (NOS). Although convincing data from animal studies support a causative role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hypertension, there is still no solid evidence that oxidative stress causes hypertension in humans. However, biomarkers of excess ROS are increased in patients with hypertension and oxidative damage is important in the molecular mechanisms associated with cardiovascular and renal injury in hypertension. Although clinical trials failed to show beneficial antihypertensive effects of antioxidants, strategies that combat oxidative stress by targeting Noxs in an isoform-specific manner may have therapeutic potential.

Association between rs4673 (C/T) and rs13306294 (A/G) haplotypes of NAD(P)H oxidase p22phox gene and severity of stenosis in coronary arteries

Phagocytic NADH/NADPH oxidase is an important enzyme producing reactive oxygen species within subendothelial space of vessels. Findings have shown that p22phox subunit is an essential element related to the enzyme activity. Since some p22phox polymorphisms are thought to have functional roles in the enzyme thus, we studied the association between rs4673 (C242T) and rs13306294 (A/G) haplotypes and the severity of stenosis in coronary arteries. One hundred eighty-two subjects undergoing coronary angiography were recruited on the base of study design. Patients (n=114) had at least a stenosed coronary artery (>50% stenosis) and subdivided into three subgroups; SVD (n=28), 2VD (n=31) and 3VD (n=55) while controls (n=68) had the normal coronary arteries (<5% stenosis). The direct haplotyping technique of SNPs was performed using ARMS-RFLP-PCR method. Furthermore, alphabet-based tools predicted the changes of secondary structure at the rs4673 position. All haplotypes being proposed theoretically were found in the study population. The distribution of two-allele haplotypes had no significant difference between patients and controls (P=0.1). Although the rs4673 allele frequency was not significant between the groups (P>0.5), chi square test and multinomial regression analysis showed an observed high risk for rs13306294 A allele among patients. The bioinformatics tools predicted that the p22phox secondary structure is not changed due to the substitution of Tyr→His at the rs4673 position. We concluded that the polymorphisms have no allele linkage on the chromosome. In addition, the rs13306294 A allele is a potential factor of stenosis of coronary arteries that increases susceptibility for the extent of disease.

Regulation of reactive oxygen species in stem cells and cancer stem cells

Stem cells are defined by their ability to self-renew and their multi-potent differentiation capacity. As such, stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis throughout the life of a multicellular organism. Aerobic metabolism, while enabling efficient energy production, also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cellular components. Until recently, the focus in stem cell biology has been on the adverse effects of ROS, particularly the damaging effects of ROS accumulation on tissue aging and the development of cancer, and various anti-oxidative and anti-stress mechanisms of stem cells have been characterized. However, it has become increasingly clear that, in some cases, redox status plays an important role in stem cell maintenance, i.e., regulation of the cell cycle. An active area of current research is redox regulation in various cancer stem cells, the malignant counterparts of normal stem cells that are viewed as good targets of cancer therapy. In contrast to cancer cells, in which ROS levels are increased, some cancer stem cells maintain low ROS levels, exhibiting redox patterns that are similar to the corresponding normal stem cell. To fully elucidate the mechanisms involved in stem cell maintenance and to effectively target cancer stem cells, it is essential to understand ROS regulatory mechanisms in these different cell types. Here, the mechanisms of redox regulation in normal stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells are reviewed.

Platinum nanoparticles suppress osteoclastogenesis through scavenging of reactive oxygen species produced in RAW264.7 cells

Recent research has shown that platinum nanoparticles (nano-Pt) efficiently quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a reducing catalyst. ROS have been suggested to regulate receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-stimulated osteoclast differentiation. In the present study, we examined the direct effects of platinum nano-Pt on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of murine pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. The effect of the nano-Pt on the number of osteoclasts was measured and their effect on the mRNA expression for osteoclast differentiation was assayed using real-time PCR. Nano-Pt appeared to have a ROS-scavenging activity. Nano-Pt decreased the number of osteoclasts (2+ nuclei) and large osteoclasts (8+ nuclei) in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viability. In addition, this agent significantly blocked RANKL-induced mRNA expression of osteoclastic differentiation genes such as c-fms, NFATc1, NFATc2, and DC-STAMP as well as that of osteoclast-specific marker genes including MMP-9, Cath-K, CLC7, ATP6i, CTR, and TRAP. Although nano-Pt attenuated expression of the ROS-producing NOX-family oxidases, Nox1 and Nox4, they up-regulated expression of Nox2, the major Nox enzyme in macrophages. These findings suggest that the nano-Pt inhibit RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation via their ROS scavenging property. The use of nano-Pt as scavengers of ROS that is generated by RANKL may be a novel and innovative therapy for bone diseases.

The role of uridine adenosine tetraphosphate in the vascular system

The endothelium plays a pivotal role in vascular homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction is a major feature of cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Recently, uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up(4)A) has been identified as a novel and potent endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF). Up(4)A structurally contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties, which activate purinergic receptors. There is an accumulating body of evidence to show that Up(4)A modulates vascular function by actions on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In this paper, we discuss the effects of Up(4)A on vascular function and a potential role for Up(4)A in cardiovascular diseases.

Generation of reactive oxygen species in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) treated dopaminergic neurons occurs as an NADPH oxidase-dependent two-wave cascade

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are necessary for appropriate responses to immune challenges. In the brain, excess superoxide production predicts neuronal cell loss, suggesting that Parkinson's disease (PD) with its wholesale death of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (nigra) may be a case in point. Although microglial NADPH oxidase-produced superoxide contributes to dopaminergic neuron death in an MPTP mouse model of PD, this is secondary to an initial die off of such neurons, suggesting that the initial MPTP-induced death of neurons may be via activation of NADPH oxidase in neurons themselves, thus providing an early therapeutic target.

METHODS

NADPH oxidase subunits were visualized in adult mouse nigra neurons and in N27 rat dopaminergic cells by immunofluorescence. NADPH oxidase subunits in N27 cell cultures were detected by immunoblots and RT-PCR. Superoxide was measured by flow cytometric detection of H2O2-induced carboxy-H2-DCFDA fluorescence. Cells were treated with MPP+ (MPTP metabolite) following siRNA silencing of the Nox2-stabilizing subunit p22phox, or simultaneously with NADPH oxidase pharmacological inhibitors or with losartan to antagonize angiotensin II type 1 receptor-induced NADPH oxidase activation.

RESULTS

Nigral dopaminergic neurons in situ expressed three subunits necessary for NADPH oxidase activation, and these as well as several other NADPH oxidase subunits and their encoding mRNAs were detected in unstimulated N27 cells. Overnight MPP+ treatment of N27 cells induced Nox2 protein and superoxide generation, which was counteracted by NADPH oxidase inhibitors, by siRNA silencing of p22phox, or losartan. A two-wave ROS cascade was identified: 1) as a first wave, mitochondrial H2O2 production was first noted at three hours of MPP+ treatment; and 2) as a second wave, H2O2 levels were further increased by 24 hours. This second wave was eliminated by pharmacological inhibitors and a blocker of protein synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

A two-wave cascade of ROS production is active in nigral dopaminergic neurons in response to neurotoxicity-induced superoxide. Our findings allow us to conclude that superoxide generated by NADPH oxidase present in nigral neurons contributes to the loss of such neurons in PD. Losartan suppression of nigral-cell superoxide production suggests that angiotensin receptor blockers have potential as PD preventatives.

Adenovirus type 5 rupture of lysosomes leads to cathepsin B-dependent mitochondrial stress and production of reactive oxygen species

In response to viral infection, reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate innate immune signaling or generate danger signals to activate immune cells. The mechanisms of virally induced ROS are poorly defined, however. We demonstrate that ROS are produced within minutes of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) infection of macrophages and that oxidative stress supports Ad5-induced cytokine secretion. We show that short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of TLR9 has no effect on ROS production despite observed decreases in Ad-induced cytokine secretion. A major source of ROS in macrophages is NADPH oxidase. However, shRNA knockdown of the NADPH oxidase subunit NOX2 does not attenuate Ad-induced ROS. Induction of ROS is not observed in cells infected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of Ad2, ts1, which is defective in endosomal membrane penetration during cell entry. Further, Ad5, but not ts1, induces the release of lysosomal cathepsin B into the cytoplasm of infected cells. In agreement with this finding, we observe a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential upon Ad infection which requires Ad endosomal membrane penetration and cathepsin B activity. Overexpression of Bcl-2 attenuates Ad5-induced ROS, further supporting the role for mitochondrial membrane destabilization as the source of ROS in response to Ad5 infection. Together, these data suggest that ROS produced in response to Ad5 infection depends on the virally induced endosomal membrane rupture to release lysosomal cathepsins. Furthermore, the release of cathepsins leads to mitochondrial membrane disruption and thus the release of ROS from the mitochondria.

Pathophysiological roles of NADPH oxidase/nox family proteins in the vascular system. -Review and perspective-

It has been established that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of vascular diseases. Besides the mitochondria, the NADPH oxidase/Nox family proteins are now thought to be important origins of the reactive oxygen species that underlie various vascular disease states, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. This review summarizes the basis of vascular Nox proteins and discusses their pathophysiological roles in the vascular system.

Neurotoxic factors released by stimulated human monocytes and THP-1 cells

Activated monocytes/macrophages are known to release toxic materials. Identification of these materials is important for developing more effective treatments for inflammatory disorders where self attack occurs. We stimulated human monocytes and THP-1 cells with LPS/IFNγ and measured the toxic effects of their conditioned media against differentiated human NT-2 cells. Their cytotoxicity, as measured by LDH release, was reduced by half when their conditioned media was passed through a 3kDa cutoff filter, indicating an equal division between high and low molecular weight materials. When the high molecular weight components tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were removed from the conditioned medium by specific antibodies, the toxicity was reduced by 37-38%. When prostaglandin production was blocked by treatment with the COX inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen, toxicity was reduced by 15-16%. When oxygen free radical production was blocked by the NADPH inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI) the toxicity was reduced by 17-18%. Treatment with the nitric oxide scavenger carboxy-phenyl-tetramethylimidazolineoxyl-oxide, or the NOS inhibitor N(G)-monomethylene-l-arginine, attenuated the toxicity by about 20%. Removal of released glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase also attenuated the toxicity by 12-13%. In combination, these treatments reduced the toxicity by approximately 50% accounting for the low molecular weight component toxicity. About 10% of the overall toxicity, which was associated with the high molecular weight component, was not identified. Optimal antiinflammatory therapy may require combined suppression of these identified toxin-generating pathways as well as relatively minor pathways yet to be identified.

Sp3 transcription factor is crucial for transcriptional activation of the human NOX4 gene

NOX is the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, the superoxide-generating enzyme. Among several isoforms of NOX, NOX4 is abundantly expressed in various tissues. To clarify the mechanisms of constitutive and ubiquitous expression of NOX4, the promoter activities of the human NOX4 gene were analyzed by reporter assays. The 5'-flanking and non-coding regions of the human NOX4 gene are known to contain multiple GC bases. Among them, three GC-boxes containing putative Sp/Klf-binding sites, which were not found in rodent genes, were suggested to be essential for the basal expression of the NOX4 gene in SH-SY5Y and HEK293 cells. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays demonstrated that Sp1 and Sp3 could bind to GC-boxes at positions -239/-227 and +69/+81 in these cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that Sp1 and Sp3 could also bind to GC-boxes at positions -239/-227 and +69/+81 in vivo. The promoter activity of the NOX4 gene was reduced in SH-SY5Y and HEK293 cells by transfection of an anti-Sp3 short hairpin RNA-expression plasmid. Taken together, these results suggest that Sp3 plays a key role in the expression of NOX4 in various cell lineages in humans.