Selective early cardiolipin peroxidation after traumatic brain injury: an oxidative lipidomics analysis

Mitochondria targeting of non-peroxidizable triphenylphosphonium conjugated oleic acid protects mouse embryonic cells against apoptosis: role of cardiolipin remodeling

Peroxidation of cardiolipin in mitochondria is essential for the execution of apoptosis. We suggested that integration of oleic acid into cardiolipin generates non-oxidizable cardiolipin species hence protects cells against apoptosis. We synthesized mitochondria-targeted triphenylphosphonium oleic acid ester. Using lipidomics analysis we found that pretreatment of mouse embryonic cells with triphenylphosphonium oleic acid ester resulted in decreased contents of polyunsaturated cardiolipins and elevation of its species containing oleic acid residues. This caused suppression of apoptosis induced by actinomycin D. Triacsin C, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA synthase, blocked integration of oleic acid into cardiolipin and restored cell sensitivity to apoptosis.

Sulforaphane inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition and oxidative stress

Exposure of mitochondria to oxidative stress and elevated Ca(2+) promotes opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), resulting in membrane depolarization, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, and potentially cell death. This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of rats with sulforaphane (SFP), an activator of the Nrf2 pathway of antioxidant gene expression, increases the resistance of liver mitochondria to redox-regulated PTP opening and elevates mitochondrial levels of antioxidants. Rats were injected with SFP or drug vehicle and liver mitochondria were isolated 40h later. Respiring mitochondria actively accumulated added Ca(2+), which was then released through PTP opening induced by agents that either cause an oxidized shift in the mitochondrial redox state or directly oxidize protein thiol groups. SFP treatment of rats inhibited the rate of pro-oxidant-induced mitochondrial Ca(2+) release and increased expression of the glutathione peroxidase/reductase system, thioredoxin, and malic enzyme. These results are the first to demonstrate that SFP treatment of animals increases liver mitochondrial antioxidant defenses and inhibits redox-sensitive PTP opening. This novel form of preconditioning could protect against a variety of pathologies that include oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in their etiologies.

Mitochondrial injury after mechanical stretch of cortical neurons in vitro: biomarkers of apoptosis and selective peroxidation of anionic phospholipids

Mechanical injury of neurites accompanied by rupture of mitochondrial membranes may lead to immediate nonspecific release and spreading of pro-apoptotic factors and activation of proteases, that is, execution of apoptotic program. In the current work, we studied the time course of the major biomarkers of apoptosis as they are induced by exposure of rat cortical neurons to mechanical stretch. By using transmission electron microscopy, we found that mitochondria in the neurites were damaged early (1 h) after mechanical stretch injury whereas somal mitochondria were significantly more resistant and demonstrated structural damage and degenerative mitochondrial changes at a later time point after stretch (12 h). We also report that the stretch injury caused immediate activation of reactive oxygen species production followed by selective oxidation of a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin, whose individual peroxidized molecular species have been identified and quantified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Most abundant neuronal phospholipids - phosphatidylcholine, phophatidylethanolamine - did not undergo oxidative modification. Simultaneously, a small-scale release of cytochrome c was observed. Notably, caspase activation and phosphatidylserine externalization - two irreversible apoptotic events designating a point of no return - are substantially delayed and do not occur until 6-12 h after the initial impact. The early onset of reactive oxygen species production and cytochrome c release may be relevant to direct stretch-induced damage to mitochondria. The delayed emergence of apoptotic neuronal death after the immediate mechanical damage to mitochondria suggests a possible window of opportunity for targeted therapies.

Structural characterization of oxidized glycerophosphatidylserine: evidence of polar head oxidation

Non-oxidized phosphatidylserine (PS) is known to play a key role in apoptosis but there is considerable research evidence suggesting that oxidized PS also plays a role in this event, leading to the increasing interest in studying PS oxidative modifications. In this work, different PS (1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (PLPS), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (POPS), and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DPPS) were oxidized in vitro by hydroxyl radical, generated under Fenton reaction conditions, and the reactions were monitored by ESI-MS in negative mode. Oxidation products were then fractionated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and characterized by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). This approach allowed the identification of hydroxyl, peroxy, and keto derivatives due to oxidation of unsaturated fatty acyl chains. Oxidation products due to oxidation of serine polar head were also identified. These products, with lower molecular weight than the non-modified PS, were identified as [M - 29 - H](-) (terminal acetic acid), [M - 30 - H](-) (terminal acetamide), [M - 13 - H](-) (terminal hydroperoxyacetaldehyde), and [M - 13 - H](-) (terminal hydroxyacetaldehyde plus hydroxy fatty acyl chain). Phosphatidic acid was also formed in these conditions. These findings confirm the oxidation of the serine polar head induced by the hydroxyl radical. The identification of these modifications may be a valuable tool to evaluate phosphatidylserine alteration under physiopathologic conditions and also to help understand the biological role of phosphatidylserine oxidation in the apoptotic process and other biological functions.

Global phospholipidomics analysis reveals selective pulmonary peroxidation profiles upon inhalation of single-walled carbon nanotubes

It is commonly believed that nanomaterials cause nonspecific oxidative damage. Our mass spectrometry-based oxidative lipidomics analysis of all major phospholipid classes revealed highly selective patterns of pulmonary peroxidation after inhalation exposure of mice to single-walled carbon nanotubes. No oxidized molecular species were found in the two most abundant phospholipid classes: phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Peroxidation products were identified in three relatively minor classes of anionic phospholipids, cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol, whereby oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acid residues also showed unusual substrate specificity. This nonrandom peroxidation coincided with the accumulation of apoptotic cells in the lung. A similar selective phospholipid peroxidation profile was detected upon incubation of a mixture of total lung lipids with H(2)O(2)/cytochrome c known to catalyze cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine peroxidation in apoptotic cells. The characterized specific phospholipid peroxidation signaling pathways indicate new approaches to the development of mitochondria-targeted regulators of cardiolipin peroxidation to protect against deleterious effects of pro-apoptotic effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the lung.

Oxidative changes of lipids monitored by MALDI MS

Oxidation processes of lipids are of paramount interest from many viewpoints. For instance, oxidation processes are highly important under in vivo conditions because molecules with regulatory functions are generated by oxidation of lipids or free fatty acids. Additionally, many inflammatory diseases are accompanied by lipid oxidation and, therefore, oxidation products are also useful disease (bio)markers. Thus, there is also considerable interest in methods of (oxidized) lipid analysis. Nowadays, soft ionization mass spectrometric (MS) methods are regularly used to study oxidative lipid modifications due to their high sensitivities and the extreme mass resolution. Although electrospray ionization (ESI) MS is so far most popular, applications of matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) MS are increasing. This review aims to summarize the so far available data on MALDI analyses of oxidized lipids. In addition to model systems, special attention will be paid to the monitoring of oxidized lipids under in vivo conditions, particularly the oxidation of (human) lipoproteins. It is not the aim of this review to praise MALDI as the "best" method but to provide a critical survey of the advantages and drawbacks of this method.

Soluble vascular adhesion protein-1: decreased activity in the plasma of trauma victims and predictive marker for severity of traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

This study done was to investigate the clinical significance of soluble vascular adhesion protein-1 (sVAP-1) activity in trauma patients with different patterns.

METHODS

96 patients with consecutive trauma ≥15 years who were admitted to emergency department of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, China, between January 2007 and December 2009 were enrolled in this study. Plasma was collected at admission. Injury-severity score (ISS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were used to determine the patient conditions. sVAP-1 activity was determined by using the high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system.

RESULTS

Mean sVAP-1 activity in trauma patients was significantly lower than that of controls (P<0.0001), and the level was negatively correlated with circulating leucocytes and neutrophils (P<0.0001). There was a significant correlation between lower sVAP-1 activity and injury patterns. However, plasma sVAP-1 activity increased significantly in accordance with the severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the patients with sVAP-1 value above 8.61 nmol/ml/h have much higher mortality rate (25.0%) than patients with sVAP-1 value lower than 8.61 nmol/ml/h (0.0%) (P=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma patients had a decreased sVAP-1 activity. However, isolated TBI patients with higher activity of sVAP-1 at admission were more likely to have a poor outcome.

Oxidative lipidomics of γ-radiation-induced lung injury: mass spectrometric characterization of cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine peroxidation

Oxidative damage plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of γ-radiation-induced lung injury. Endothelium is a preferred target for early radiation-induced damage and apoptosis. Given the newly discovered role of oxidized phospholipids in apoptotic signaling, we performed oxidative lipidomics analysis of phospholipids in irradiated mouse lungs and cultured mouse lung endothelial cells. C57BL/6NHsd female mice were subjected to total-body irradiation (10 Gy, 15 Gy) and euthanized 24 h thereafter. Mouse lung endothelial cells were analyzed 48 h after γ irradiation (15 Gy). We found that radiation-induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro was accompanied by non-random oxidation of phospholipids. Cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine were the major oxidized phospholipids, while more abundant phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine) remained non-oxidized. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis revealed the formation of cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine oxygenated molecular species in the irradiated lung and cells. Analysis of fatty acids after hydrolysis of cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine by phospholipase A(2) revealed the presence of mono-hydroperoxy and/or mono-hydroxy/mono-epoxy, mono-hydroperoxy/mono-oxo molecular species of linoleic acid. We speculate that cyt c-driven oxidations of cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine associated with the execution of apoptosis in pulmonary endothelial cells are important contributors to endothelium dysfunction in γ-radiation-induced lung injury.

Clinical characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms of focal and diffuse traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent and clinically highly heterogeneous neurological disorder with large socioeconomic consequences. TBI severity classification, based on the hospital admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, ranges from mild (GCS 13-15) and moderate (GCS 9-12) to severe (GCS ≤ 8). The GCS reflects the risk of dying from TBI, which is low after mild (∼1%), intermediate after moderate (up to 15%) and high (up to 40%) after severe TBI. Intracranial damage can be focal, such as epidural and subdural haematomas and parenchymal contusions, or diffuse, for example traumatic axonal injury and diffuse cerebral oedema, although this distinction is somewhat arbitrary. Study of the cellular and molecular post-traumatic processes is essential for the understanding of TBI pathophysiology but even more to find therapeutic targets for the development of neuroprotective drugs to be eventually used in human beings. To date, studies in vitro and in vivo, mainly in animals but also in human beings, are unravelling the pathological TBI mechanisms at high pace. Nevertheless, TBI pathophysiology is all but completely elucidated. Neuroprotective treatment studies in human beings have been disappointing thus far and have not resulted in commonly accepted drugs. This review presents an overview on the clinical aspects and the pathophysiology of focal and diffuse TBI, and it highlights several acknowledged important events that occur on molecular and cellular level after TBI.

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of long-chain oxidation products of cardiolipin induced by the hydroxyl radical

The anionic phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) is found almost exclusively in the inner membrane of mitochondria, playing an important role in energy metabolism. Oxidation of CL has been associated with apoptotic events and various pathologies. In this study, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography (LC/ESI-MS) was used to identify tetralinoleoyl-cardiolipin (TLCL) modifications induced by the OH(·) radical generated under Fenton reaction conditions (H(2)O(2) and Fe(2+)). The identified oxidation products of TLCL contained 2, 4, 6 and 8 additional oxygen atoms. These long-chain oxidation products were characterized by LC/ESI-MS/MS as doubly [M-2H](2-) and singly charged [M-H](-) ions. A detailed analysis of the fragmentation pathways of these precursor ions allowed the identification of hydroperoxy derivatives of CL. MS/MS analysis indicated that CL oxidation products with 4, 6 and 8 oxygen atoms have one fatty acyl chain bearing 4 oxygen atoms ([RCOO+4O](-)). Even when the TLCL molecule was oxidized by the addition of eight oxygen atoms, one of the acyl chains remained non-modified and one fatty acyl chain contained three or four oxygen atoms. This led us to conclude that under oxidative conditions by the OH(·) radical, the distribution of oxygens/peroxy groups in the CL molecule is not random, even when CL has the same fatty acyl chains in all the positions. Using mass spectrometry, the oxidation products have been unequivocally assigned, which may be useful for their detection in biological samples.

Quo vadis 2010? - carpe diem: challenges and opportunities in pediatric traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in infants and children remains a public health problem of enormous magnitude. It is a complex and heterogeneous condition that presents many diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic challenges. A number of investigative teams are studying pediatric TBI both in experimental models and in clinical studies at the bedside. This review builds on work presented in a prior supplement to Developmental Neuroscience that was published in 2006, and addresses several active areas of research on this topic, including (1) the application of novel imaging methods, (2) the use of serum and/or CSF biomarkers of injury, (3) advances in neuromonitoring, (4) the development and testing of novel therapies, (5) developments in modeling pediatric TBI, (6) the consideration of a new approach to classification of pediatric TBI, and (7) assessing the potential impact of the development of pediatric and neonatal neurocritical care services on the management and outcome of pediatric TBI.

Lipid analysis by thin-layer chromatography--a review of the current state

High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is a widely used, fast and relatively inexpensive method of separating complex mixtures. It is particularly useful for smaller, apolar compounds and offers some advantages over HPLC. This review gives an overview about the special features as well as the problems that have to be considered upon the HPTLC analysis of lipids. The term "lipids" is used here in a broad sense and comprises fatty acids and their derivatives as well as substances related biosynthetically or functionally to these compounds. After a short introduction regarding the stationary phases and the methods how lipids can be visualized on an HPTLC plate, the individual lipid classes will be discussed and the most suitable solvent systems for their separation indicated. The focus will be on lipids that are most abundant in biological systems, i.e. cholesterol and its derivates, glycerides, sphingo- and glycolipids as well as phospholipids. Finally, a nowadays very important topic, the combination between HPTLC and mass spectrometric (MS) detection methods will be discussed. It will be shown that this is a very powerful method to investigate the identities of the HPTLC spots in more detail than by the use of common staining methods. Future aspects of HPTLC in the lipid field will be also discussed.

Mass-spectrometry based oxidative lipidomics and lipid imaging: applications in traumatic brain injury

Lipids, particularly phospholipids, are fundamental to CNS tissue architecture and function. Endogenous polyunsaturated fatty acid chains of phospholipids possess cis-double bonds each separated by one methylene group. These phospholipids are very susceptible to free-radical attack and oxidative modifications. A combination of analytical methods including different versions of chromatography and mass spectrometry allows detailed information to be obtained on the content and distribution of lipids and their oxidation products thus constituting the newly emerging field of oxidative lipidomics. It is becoming evident that specific oxidative modifications of lipids are critical to a number of cellular functions, disease states and responses to oxidative stresses. Oxidative lipidomics is beginning to provide new mechanistic insights into traumatic brain injury which may have significant translational potential for development of therapies in acute CNS insults. In particular, selective oxidation of a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin, has been associated with the initiation and progression of apoptosis in injured neurons thus indicating new drug discovery targets. Furthermore, imaging mass-spectrometry represents an exciting new opportunity for correlating maps of lipid profiles and their oxidation products with structure and neuropathology. This review is focused on these most recent advancements in the field of lipidomics and oxidative lipidomics based on the applications of mass spectrometry and imaging mass spectrometry as they relate to studies of phospholipids in traumatic brain injury.

Autophagy in acute brain injury: feast, famine, or folly?

In the central nervous system, increased autophagy has now been reported after traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, intracerebral hemorrhage, and seizures. This increase in autophagy could be physiologic, converting damaged or dysfunctional proteins, lipids, and/or organelles to their amino acid and fatty acid components for recycling. On the other hand, this increase in autophagy could be supraphysiologic, perhaps consuming and eliminating functional proteins, lipids, and/or organelles as well. Whether an increase in autophagy is beneficial (feast) or detrimental (famine) in brain likely depends on both the burden of intracellular substrate targeted for autophagy and the capacity of the cell's autophagic machinery. Of course, increased autophagy observed after brain injury could also simply be an epiphenomenon (folly). These divergent possibilities have clear ramifications for designing therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy after acute brain injury and are the subject of this review. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Autophagy and protein degradation in neurological diseases."

Generation and biological activities of oxidized phospholipids

Glycerophospholipids represent a common class of lipids critically important for integrity of cellular membranes. Oxidation of esterified unsaturated fatty acids dramatically changes biological activities of phospholipids. Apart from impairment of their structural function, oxidation makes oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) markers of "modified-self" type that are recognized by soluble and cell-associated receptors of innate immunity, including scavenger receptors, natural (germ line-encoded) antibodies, and C-reactive protein, thus directing removal of senescent and apoptotic cells or oxidized lipoproteins. In addition, OxPLs acquire novel biological activities not characteristic of their unoxidized precursors, including the ability to regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Effects of OxPLs described in vitro and in vivo suggest their potential relevance in different pathologies, including atherosclerosis, acute inflammation, lung injury, and many other conditions. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of formation, structures, and biological activities of OxPLs. Furthermore, potential applications of OxPLs as disease biomarkers, as well as experimental therapies targeting OxPLs, are described, providing a broad overview of an emerging class of lipid mediators.

Multiple sclerosis: distribution of inflammatory cells in newly forming lesions

OBJECTIVE

CD4 T-cell-dependent macrophage activation directed against a myelin or oligodendrocyte antigen is generally thought to be the mechanism causing myelin destruction in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, areas within expanding MS lesions may exhibit prominent oligodendrocyte loss and apoptosis in the absence of infiltrating lymphocytes. The present study was designed to further investigate the inflammatory profile of different regions within rapidly expanding MS lesions.

METHODS

Twenty-six active lesions from 11 patients with early MS were serially sectioned and immunostained for T and B cells, plasma cells, ramified microglia, macrophages, monocytes, and CD209-positive dendritic cells. Cell counts were compared in prephagocytic, phagocytic, and immediately postphagocytic areas.

RESULTS

Parenchymal T and B cells were largely absent in areas of initial oligodendrocyte loss and in areas of degenerate and dead myelin infiltrated by myelin phagocytes. In contrast, trailing areas of complete demyelination packed with lipid macrophages, and, in some lesions, regenerating oligodendrocytes, showed large numbers of T cells, B cells, and immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive plasma cells. Lesions in 2 exceptionally early cases contained relatively few T and B cells, and no IgG-positive plasma cells.

INTERPRETATION

Early loss of oligodendrocytes is a prominent feature in tissue bordering rapidly expanding MS lesions. Macrophage activity is largely an innate scavenging response to the presence of degenerate and dead myelin. Adaptive immune activity involving T and B cells is conspicuous chiefly in recently demyelinated tissue, which may show signs of oligodendrocyte regeneration. The findings suggest that plaque formation has some basis other than destructive cell-mediated immunity directed against a myelin or oligodendrocyte antigen.

Neuroprotection by radical avoidance: search for suitable agents

Neurodegeneration is frequently associated with damage by free radicals. However, increases in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which may ultimately lead to neuronal cell death, do not necessarily reflect its primary cause, but can be a consequence of otherwise induced cellular dysfunction. Detrimental processes which promote free radical formation are initiated, e.g., by disturbances in calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial malfunction, and an age-related decline in the circadian oscillator system. Free radicals generated at high rates under pathophysiological conditions are insufficiently detoxified by scavengers. Interventions at the primary causes of dysfunction, which avoid secondary rises in radical formation, may be more efficient. The aim of such approaches should be to prevent calcium overload, to reduce mitochondrial electron dissipation, to support electron transport capacity, and to avoid circadian perturbations. L-theanine and several amphiphilic nitrones are capable of counteracting excitotoxicity and/or mitochondrial radical formation. Resveratrol seems to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. Mitochondrial effects of leptin include attenuation of electron leakage. Melatonin combines all the requirements mentioned, additionally regulates anti- and pro-oxidant enzymes and is, with few exceptions, very well tolerated. In this review, the perspectives, problems and limits of drugs are compared which may be suitable for reducing the formation of free radicals.

Effect of pesticides on cell survival in liver and brain rat tissues

Pesticides are the main environmental factor associated with the etiology of human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that the treatment of rats with low doses of dimethoate, zineb or glyphosate alone or in combination induces oxidative stress (OS) in liver and brain. The aim of the present work was to investigate if the pesticide-induced OS was able to affect brain and liver cell survival. The treatment of Wistar rats with the pesticides (i.p. 1/250 LD50, three times a week for 5 weeks) caused loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and cardiolipin content, especially in substantia nigra (SN), with a concomitant increase of fatty acid peroxidation. The activation of calpain apoptotic cascade (instead of the caspase-dependent pathway) would be responsible for the DNA fragmentation pattern observed. Thus, these results may contribute to understand the effect(s) of chronic and simultaneous exposure to pesticides on cell survival.

Mass-spectrometric analysis of hydroperoxy- and hydroxy-derivatives of cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine in cells and tissues induced by pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory stimuli

Oxidation of two anionic phospholipids--cardiolipin (CL) in mitochondria and phosphatidylserine (PS) in extramitochondrial compartments--is important signaling event, particularly during the execution of programmed cell death and clearance of apoptotic cells. Quantitative analysis of CL and PS oxidation products is central to understanding their molecular mechanisms of action. We combined the identification of diverse phospholipid molecular species by ESI-MS with quantitative assessments of lipid hydroperoxides using a fluorescence HPLC-based protocol. We characterized CL and PS oxidation products formed in a model system (cyt c/H(2)O(2)), in apoptotic cells (neurons, pulmonary artery endothelial cells) and mouse lung under inflammatory/oxidative stress conditions (hyperoxia, inhalation of single walled carbon nanotubes). Our results demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for quantitative assessments, identification of individual molecular species and structural characterization of anionic phospholipids that are involved in oxidative modification in cells and tissues.

Transient alterations of creatine, creatine phosphate, N-acetylaspartate and high-energy phosphates after mild traumatic brain injury in the rat

In this study, the concentrations of creatine (Cr), creatine phosphate (CrP), N-acetylaspartate (NAA), ATP, ADP and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were measured at different time intervals after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in whole brain homogenates of rats. Anaesthetized animals underwent to the closed-head impact acceleration "weight-drop" model (450 g delivered from 1 m height = mild traumatic brain injury) and were killed at 2, 6, 24, 48 and 120 h after the insult (n = 6 for each time point). Sham-operated rats (n = 6) were used as controls. Compounds of interest were synchronously measured by HPLC in organic solvent deproteinized whole brain homogenates. A reversible decrease of all metabolites but PC was observed, with minimal values recorded at 24 h post-injury (minimum of CrP = 48 h after impact). In particular, Cr and NAA showed a decrease of 44.5 and 29.5%, respectively, at this time point. When measuring NAA in relation to other metabolites, as it is commonly carried out in "in vivo" (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS), an increase in the NAA/Cr ratio and a decrease in the NAA/PC ratio was observed. Besides confirming a transient alteration of NAA homeostasis and ATP imbalance, our results clearly show significant changes in the cerebral concentration of Cr and CrP after mTBI. This suggests a careful use of the NAA/Cr ratio to measure NAA by (1)H-MRS in conditions of altered cerebral energy metabolism. Viceversa, the NAA/PC ratio appears to be a better indicator of actual NAA levels during energy metabolism impairment. Furthermore, our data suggest that, under pathological conditions affecting the brain energetic, the Cr-CrP system is not a suitable tool to buffer possible ATP depletion in the brain, thus supporting the growing indications for alternative roles of cerebral Cr.

Cytochrome c/cardiolipin relations in mitochondria: a kiss of death

Recently, phospholipid peroxidation products gained a reputation as key regulatory molecules and participants in oxidative signaling pathways. During apoptosis, a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), interacts with cytochrome c (cyt c) to form a peroxidase complex that catalyzes CL oxidation; this process plays a pivotal role in the mitochondrial stage of the execution of the cell death program. This review is focused on redox mechanisms and essential structural features of cyt c's conversion into a CL-specific peroxidase that represent an interesting and maybe still unique example of a functionally significant ligand change in hemoproteins. Furthermore, specific characteristics of CL in mitochondria--its asymmetric transmembrane distribution and mechanisms of collapse, the regulation of its synthesis, remodeling, and fatty acid composition--are given significant consideration. Finally, new concepts in drug discovery based on the design of mitochondria-targeted inhibitors of cyt c/CL peroxidase and CL peroxidation with antiapoptotic effects are presented.

Cardiolipin acts as a mitochondrial signalling platform to launch apoptosis

Cardiolipin (CL) is a unique anionic phospholipid specific to the mitochondria. CL influences the activity of electron transport chain enzyme complexes as well as members of the Bcl-2 family. Interactions between Bcl-2 family members and other pro-apoptotic enzymes have been shown to be crucial for the transduction of the apoptotic signalling cascades during programmed cell death. Targeting of tBid to the mitochondria, which is necessary for Bax/Bak oligomerization and cristae remodelling, is dependent on the exposure of CL at contact sites between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. Also, the mobilization of cytochrome c, another key apoptotic event, is tightly regulated by the oxidative state of cardiolipin. Moreover, CL has been shown to be essential for translocation and autoprocessing of caspase-8 on the mitochondria after death receptor stimulation. Deficiencies in CL inhibit the formation of tBid and prevent apoptosis by removing an essential activation platform for the autoprocessing of caspase-8. It is now apparent that CL acts as a crucial signalling platform from which it orchestrates apoptosis by integrating signals from a variety of death inducing proteins.

Molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury in children. A review

Despite advances in molecular biology and genetics, the precise pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children is unknown. In this paper the authors review what is currently known about intra- and extracellular responses to pediatric TBI and relate these factors to future investigations. Although hyperemia and vascular congestion have long been thought to be the hallmarks of pediatric TBI, on a cellular level, calcium influx as well as modulation of local neurotransmitters appears to play a major role in its onset. Recent genetic and proteomic research has identified specific neurotrophic factors as well as apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes that appear to control the progression of inflammation and neuronal damage. The search for a therapeutic target will ultimately require a thorough understanding of these factors and their interplay on a proteomic, genomic, and neuromic level.

Identification of intact oxidation products of glycerophospholipids in vitro and in vivo using negative ion electrospray iontrap mass spectrometry

Free radical-induced oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids esterified to phospholipids have been implicated in a number of human diseases including atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Some of these phospholipid oxidation products have potent biological activities and likely contribute to human pathophysiological conditions. Oxidation products have also been used as markers of oxidative stress in vivo. Identification and quantification of phospholipid oxidation products are often performed by analyzing the oxidized free fatty acid moieties after hydrolysis from the phospholipids head groups by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We now describe the definitive identification of intact oxidized products of glycerophospholipids including glycerophosphatidylcholine (GPC), glycerophosphatidylethanolamine (GPE), and glycerophosphatidylserine (GPS) in vitro and in vivo using iontrap MS. For these analyses, the negative ions of the oxidation products of phospholipids are fragmented to MS(n) and unequivocal structural characterization is obtained based on collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the sn-2 carboxylate ion. This technique overcomes the need to hydrolyze fatty acids from phospholipids in the analysis. The method has been used to identify a number of oxidation products of glycerophospholipids including hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETEs) and isoprostanes (IsoPs) esterified to different classes of glycerophospholipids in vitro and in vivo. These studies thus provide a new approach to identify the intact oxidation products of glycerolphospholipids.

Mass-spectrometric characterization of phospholipids and their primary peroxidation products in rat cortical neurons during staurosporine-induced apoptosis

The molecular diversity of phospholipids is essential for their structural and signaling functions in cell membranes. In the current work, we present, the results of mass spectrometric characterization of individual molecular species in major classes of phospholipids -- phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), sphingomyelin (CerPCho), and cardiolipin (Ptd(2)Gro) -- and their oxidation products during apoptosis induced in neurons by staurosporine (STS). The diversity of molecular species of phospholipids in rat cortical neurons followed the order Ptd(2)Gro > PtdEtn >> PtdCho >> PtdSer > PtdIns > CerPCho. The number of polyunsaturated oxidizable species decreased in the order Ptd(2)Gro >> PtdEtn > PtdCho > PtdSer > PtdIns > CerPCho. Thus a relatively minor class of phospholipids, Ptd(2)Gro, was represented in cortical neurons by the greatest variety of both total and peroxidizable molecular species. Quantitative fluorescence HPLC analysis employed to assess the oxidation of different classes of phospholipids in neuronal cells during intrinsic apoptosis induced by STS revealed that three anionic phospholipids -- Ptd(2)Gro >> PtdSer > PtdIns -- underwent robust oxidation. No significant oxidation in the most dominant phospholipid classes -- PtdCho and PtdEtn -- was detected. MS-studies revealed the presence of hydroxy-, hydroperoxy- as well as hydroxy-/hydroperoxy-species of Ptd(2)Gro, PtdSer, and PtdIns. Experiments in model systems where total cortex Ptd(2)Gro and PtdSer fractions were incubated in the presence of cytochrome c (cyt c) and H(2)O(2), confirmed that molecular identities of the products formed were similar to the ones generated during STS-induced neuronal apoptosis. The temporal sequence of biomarkers of STS-induced apoptosis and phospholipid peroxidation combined with recently demonstrated redox catalytic properties of cyt c realized through its interactions with Ptd(2)Gro and PtdSer suggest that cyt c acts as a catalyst of selective peroxidation of anionic phospholipids yielding Ptd(2)Gro and PtdSer peroxidation products. These oxidation products participate in mitochondrial membrane permeability transition and in PtdSer externalization leading to recognition and uptake of apoptotic cells by professional phagocytes.

Traumatic brain injury in children: recent advances in management

To define and discuss new developments in the field of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Review of several recent key studies on therapy since publication of the first U.S. traumatic brain injury guidelines in 2003. In addition, we discuss new developments in the use of biomarkers of brain injury in TBI diagnosis and also discuss recent advances in bedside neuromonitoring that may be helpful in the setting of pediatric brain injury. Important new information on optimal cerebral perfusion pressure management, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, decompressive craniectomy, hypothermia, biomarkers of brain injury along with advances in neuromonitoring are presented. The 2003 guidelines have stimulated important new research. This is reshaping bedside care.

Biomarkers of primary and evolving damage in traumatic and ischemic brain injury: diagnosis, prognosis, probing mechanisms, and therapeutic decision making

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Emerging data suggest that biomarkers of brain injury have potential utility as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic adjuncts in the setting of traumatic and ischemic brain injury. Two approaches are being used, namely, assessing markers of structural damage and quantifying mediators of the cellular, biochemical, or molecular cascades in secondary injury or repair. Novel proteomic, multiplex, and lipidomic methods are also being applied.

RECENT FINDINGS

Biochemical markers of neuronal, glial, and axonal damage such as neuron-specific enolase, S100B, and myelin basic protein, respectively, are readily detectable in biological samples such as serum or cerebrospinal fluid and are being studied in patients with ischemic and traumatic brain injury. In addition, a number of studies have demonstrated that novel tools to assess simultaneously multiple biomarkers can provide unique insight such as details on specific molecular participants in cell death cascades, inflammation, or oxidative stress.

SUMMARY

Multifaceted cellular, biochemical, and molecular monitoring of proteins and lipids is logical as an adjunct to guiding therapies and improving outcomes in traumatic and ischemic brain injury and we appear to be on the verge of a breakthrough with the use of these markers as diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring adjuncts, in neurointensive care.

An improved method for separating cardiolipin by HPLC

Herein we report an improved method to separate cardiolipin (Ptd(2)Gro) from tissue total lipid extracts using a biphasic solvent system combined with high performance liquid chromatography. This method uses a normal phase silica column and two mobile phases: mobile phase A that was n-hexane:2-propanol (3:2 by vol) and mobile phase B that was n-hexane:2-propanol:water (56.7:37.8:5.5 by vol). The initial solvent conditions were 95% A and 5% B, with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The samples were from non-derivatized aliquots of liver, heart, or brain lipid extracts. The peak corresponding to Ptd(2)Gro appeared at 31 min, was well defined and did not overlap with neighboring peaks. The adjacent peak corresponded to ethanolamine glycerophospholipids and the remaining phospholipids were eluted in a single peak. The identity of the phospholipids separated by this method was verified by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and fatty acid analysis, which confirmed that the Ptd(2)Gro was well resolved from other phospholipids. This method is useful to separate and quantify Ptd(2)Gro from small tissue samples thereby avoiding the variability associated with TLC methods.

Mass spectrometry analysis of oxidized phospholipids

The evidence that oxidized phospholipids play a role in signaling, apoptotic events and in age-related diseases is responsible for the increasing interest for the study of this subject. Phospholipid changes induced by oxidative reactions yield a huge number of structurally different oxidation products which difficult their isolation and characterization. Mass spectrometry (MS), and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using the soft ionization methods (electrospray and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization) is one of the finest approaches for the study of oxidized phospholipids. Product ions in tandem mass spectra of oxidized phospholipids, allow identifying changes in the fatty acyl chain and specific features such as presence of new functional groups in the molecule and their location along the fatty acyl chain. This review describes the work published on the use of mass spectrometry in identifying oxidized phospholipids from the different classes.

Lipidomic analysis and electron transport chain activities in C57BL/6J mouse brain mitochondria

The objective of this study was to characterize the lipidome and electron transport chain activities in purified non-synaptic (NS) and synaptic (Syn) mitochondria from C57BL/6J mouse cerebral cortex. Contamination from subcellular membranes, especially myelin, has hindered past attempts to accurately characterize the lipid composition of brain mitochondria. An improved Ficoll and sucrose discontinuous gradient method was employed that yielded highly enriched mitochondrial populations free of myelin contamination. The activities of Complexes I, II, III, and II/III were lower in Syn than in NS mitochondria, while Complexes I/III and IV activities were similar in both populations. Shotgun lipidomics showed that levels of cardiolipin (Ptd(2)Gro) were lower, whereas levels of ceramide and phosphatidylserine were higher in Syn than in NS mitochondria. Coenzyme Q(9) and Q(10) was also lower in Syn than in NS mitochondria. Gangliosides, phosphatidic acid, sulfatides, and cerebrosides were undetectable in brain mitochondria. The distribution of Ptd(2)Gro molecular species was similar in both populations and formed a unique pattern, consisting of seven major molecular species groups, when arranged according to mass to charge ratios. Remodeling involving choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides could explain Ptd(2)Gro heterogeneity. NS and Syn mitochondrial lipidomic heterogeneity could influence energy metabolism, which may contribute to metabolic compartmentation of the brain.

Shotgun lipidomics reveals the temporally dependent, highly diversified cardiolipin profile in the mammalian brain: temporally coordinated postnatal diversification of cardiolipin molecular species with neuronal remodeling

Large-scale neuronal remodeling through apoptosis occurs shortly after birth in all known mammalian species. Apoptosis, in large part, depends upon critical interactions between mitochondrial membranes and cytochrome c. Herein, we examined the hypothesis that the large-scale reorganization of neuronal circuitry after birth is accompanied by profound alterations in cardiolipin (CL) content and molecular species distribution. During embryonic development, over 100 CL molecular species were identified and quantitated in murine neuronal tissues. The embryonic CL profile was notable for the presence of abundant amounts of relatively short aliphatic chains (e.g., palmitoleic and oleic acids). In sharp contrast, after birth, the CL profile contained a remarkably complex repertoire of CL molecular species, in which the signaling fatty acids (i.e., arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids) were markedly increased. These results identify the rapid remodeling of CL in the perinatal period with resultant alterations in the physical properties of the mitochondrial membrane. The complex distribution of aliphatic chains in the neuronal CL pool is separate and distinct from that in other organs (e.g., heart, liver, etc.), where CL molecular species contain predominantly only one major type of aliphatic chain (e.g., linoleic acid). Analyses of mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions suggested that the alterations in CL content were due to the combined effects of both attenuation of de novo CL biosynthesis and decreased remodeling of CL. Collectively, these results provide a new perspective on the complexity of CL in neuronal signaling, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and apoptosis.

Translocation as a means of disseminating lipid hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage and effector action

Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) generated in cells and lipoproteins under oxidative pressure may induce waves of damaging chain lipid peroxidation near their sites of origin if O2 is readily available and antioxidant capacity is overwhelmed. However, recent studies have demonstrated that chain induction is not necessarily limited to a nascent LOOH's immediate surroundings but can extend to other cell membranes or lipoproteins by means of LOOH translocation through the aqueous phase. Mobilization and translocation can also extend the range of LOOHs as redox signaling molecules and in this sense they could act like the small, readily diffusible inorganic analogue H2O2, which has been studied much more extensively in this regard. In this article, basic mechanisms of free-radical- and singlet-oxygen-mediated LOOH formation and one-electron and two-electron LOOH reduction pathways and their biological consequences are reviewed. The first studies to document spontaneous and protein-assisted LOOH transfer in model systems and cells are described. Finally, LOOH translocation is discussed in the context of cytotoxicity vs detoxification and expanded effector action, i.e., redox signaling activity.

Bench-to-bedside review: Mitochondrial injury, oxidative stress and apoptosis--there is nothing more practical than a good theory

Apoptosis contributes to cell death in common intensive care unit disorders such as traumatic brain injury and sepsis. Recent evidence suggests that this form of cell death is both clinically relevant and a potential therapeutic target in critical illness. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) have become a target for drug discovery in recent years since their production is characteristic of early stages of apoptosis. Among many antioxidant agents, stable nitroxide radicals targeted to mitochondria have attracted attention due to their ability to combine electron and free radical scavenging action with recycling capacities. Specific mechanisms of enhanced ROS generation in mitochondria and their translation into apoptotic signals are not well understood. This review focuses on several contemporary aspects of oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial injury, particularly as they relate to oxidation of lipids and their specific signaling roles in apoptosis and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.

Vitamin E revisited: do new data validate benefits for chronic disease prevention?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Vitamin E benefits in human health and chronic disease prevention are evaluated with respect to established alpha-tocopherol functions during vitamin E deficiency, adequacy, and excess.

RECENT FINDINGS

Baseline vitamin E status of the 29 092 Finnish men participating in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention study showed that the men in the highest compared with the lowest quintile of serum alpha-tocopherol had significantly lower incidences of total and cause-specific mortality. New findings from the Women's Health Study support a role for vitamin E supplements in decreasing the risk for sudden death from cardiovascular disease and from thromboembolism. We speculate that a potential mechanism may involve vitamin E interference in vitamin K activation.

SUMMARY

alpha-Tocopherol acts as a peroxyl and alkoxyl radical scavenger in lipid environments, and thus it prevents lipid peroxidation in lipoproteins and membranes, especially nervous tissues. Decreased chronic disease incidence is associated with lifelong generous dietary vitamin E intakes, but more than 90% of Americans do not consume the recommended dietary amounts (15 mg/day). Vitamin E supplements can have beneficial effects on health beyond those from dietary amounts, perhaps because pharmacologic levels also upregulate hepatic xenobiotic pathways.

Oxidative lipidomics of gamma-irradiation-induced intestinal injury

Although gamma-irradiation-induced tissue injury has been associated with lipid peroxidation, the individual phospholipid molecular targets have not been identified. We employed oxidative lipidomics to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize phospholipid peroxidation in a radiosensitive tissue, the small intestine, of mice exposed to total body irradiation (TBI) (10 and 15 Gy). Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry we found that the major classes of intestine phospholipids-phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol-included clusters with highly oxidizable molecular species containing docosahexaenoic fatty acid. Molecular species of cardiolipin were represented by only two major less oxidizable individual molecular species-tetralinoleoylcardiolipin and trilinoleoyl-mono-oleoylcardiolipin. Selective and robust oxidation of two anionic phospholipids-cardiolipin in mitochondria and phosphatidylserine outside of mitochondria-was observed 24 h after gamma-irradiation. MS analysis detected several TBI-induced molecular species of oxidized cardiolipin: (C(18:2))(3)(C(18:2)-OOH), (C(18:2))(2)(C(18:2)-OOH)(2), (C(18:2))(1)(C(18:2)-OOH)(3), and (C(18:2)-OOH)(4). The major molecular species involved in TBI-triggered peroxidation of phosphatidylserine included C(18:0)/C(22:6)-OOH, C(18:0)/C(22:5)-OOH, and C(18:0)/C(22:4)-OOH. More abundant phospholipids-phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine-did not reveal any oxidative stress responses despite the presence of highly oxidizable docosahexaenoic fatty acid residues in their molecular species. A marked activation of caspases 3/7 that was detected in the intestine of gamma-irradiated mice indicates the involvement of apoptotic cell death in the TBI injury. Given that oxidized molecular species of cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine accumulate during apoptosis of different cells in vitro we speculate that cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine oxidation products may be useful as potential biomarkers of gamma-irradiation-induced intestinal apoptosis in vivo and may represent a promising target for the discovery of new radioprotectors and radiosensitizers.

Oxidative lipidomics of programmed cell death

Oxidized phospholipids play an important role in execution of the mitochondrial stage of apoptosis and clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Therefore, the identification and quantification of oxidized phospholipids generated during apoptosis are very important. These can be achieved successfully by a newly developed approach--oxidative lipidomics, including a combination of electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and fluorescence high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. Using oxidative lipidomics allows the quantification of specific phospholipids and their hydroperoxides. We characterized selective oxidation of two anionic phospholipids: cardiolipin (CL) in mitochondria and phosphatidylserine (PS) outside of mitochondria. ESI-MS analysis of cytochrome c/H(2)O(2)-driven tetralinoleoyl-CL (TLCL) oxidized molecular species demonstrated accumulation of products monohydroxy-TLCL; monohydroxy-monohydroperoxy-TLCL, monohydroxy-dihydroperoxy-TLCL, monohydroxy-trihydroperoxy-TLCL; and monohydroxy-tetrahydroperoxy-TLCL. We explored the application of oxidative lipidomics in a number of conditions in both in vitro and in vivo models where there is a known contribution of apoptosis and/or inflammation. Accumulation of CL hydroperoxides, originated from molecular species of CL containing C(22:6) after experimental traumatic brain injury, was shown. ESI-MS analysis of intestine CL in mouse after gamma-irradiation detected several CL oxidized molecular species: (C(18:2))(3)/(C(18:2+OOH)); (C(18:2))(2)/(C(18:2+OOH))(2); (C(18:2))(1)/(C(18:2+OOH))(3); and (C(18:2+OOH))(4). ESI-MS analysis and tandem MS/MS experiments revealed that PS with oxidized C(22:6) [m/z866 (C(18:0)/C(22:6+OOH)) originated from the ion at m/z 834 (C(18:0)/C(22:6))] was the major oxidized molecular species in the tested models in vitro and in vivo, including (1) cytochrome c/H(2)O(2) catalyzed oxidation of rat brain PS; (2) after experimental traumatic rat brain injury in rats, (3) in postmortem brain samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease, and (4) in the small intestine in gamma-irradiated mouse. We conclude that oxidative lipidomics is a powerful technique to study lipid oxidation and its role in cell death across a spectrum of tissues and insults.

Fat(al) attraction: oxidized lipids act as "eat-me" signals

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cell corpses is a conserved and well-regulated process and is required to maintain tissue homeostasis within an organism. Evidence suggests that apoptotic cell engulfment by macrophages is dependent upon the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the plasma membrane of the dying cell. Furthermore, oxidation of PS and other phospholipids may serve to facilitate cell corpse removal. However, our understanding of how these various lipid "eat-me" signals are recognized by macrophages has been limited. Using a combination of cellular and animal models, along with an array of biophysical methods, Hazen and his associates (Greenberg et al., J. Exp. Med., 2006, 203, 2613-2625;Li et al., Biochemistry, 2007, 46, 5009-5017) have now identified the scavenger receptor CD36 as a putative receptor for oxidized PS on apoptotic cells; moreover, they have deduced the conformation of the oxidized lipid ligand that is recognized by this receptor, thus providing structural insight into how phagocytes recognize senescent or apoptotic cells.