Aromatic hydroxylation as a potential measure of hydroxyl-radical formation in vivo. Identification of hydroxylated derivatives of salicylate in human body fluids

Gentisic acid, an aspirin metabolite, inhibits oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and the formation of cholesterol ester hydroperoxides in human plasma

Gentisic acid, an aspirin metabolite, has an antioxidant effect, although its detailed mechanism remains elusive. The present study was designed to determine whether it inhibits low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and the formation of lipid hydroperoxides in human plasma. The susceptibility of LDL oxidative modification was investigated by a method using 2,2'-azobis or Cu2+. To study the effect of gentisic acid on free radical-induced damage to plasma lipids, cholesterol ester hydroperoxides generated by incubating human fresh plasma with Cu2+ and gentisic acid was analyzed. Gentisic acid inhibited LDL oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. It significantly inhibited the formation of cholesterol ester hydroperoxides in plasma, and was consumed after the depletion of ascorbic acid and reduced form of coenzyme Q-10 (CoQH2-10), whereas concentrations of other antioxidants remained unchanged. Gentisic acid had a potent free radical scavenging activity with a minimal chelating effect. The potent antioxidant property of gentisic acid may partly account for the anti-atherogenic effects of aspirin.

Phenol and catechol induce prehemolytic and hemolytic changes in human erythrocytes

The toxic potency of two industrially used compounds (phenol and catechol) was studied in human blood cells in vitro. Catechol was found to be a more harmful toxin than phenol, since it provokes statistically significant changes in the function of erythrocytes even at low doses. Most of the changes was statistically significant for the doses of 50 ppm of catechol and 250 ppm of phenol. Both compounds induced methaemoglobin formation, glutathione depletion and conversion of oxyhaemoglobin to methaemoglobin, which is associated with superoxide anion production and lead to formation of ferryl hemoglobin, hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl radicals. It is known that oxidation of catechol leads to formation of semiquinone radicals. Semiquinones are able to bind to nucleophilic residues like -SH or -NH2 of proteins and these macromolecules may undergo inactivation. We observed among especially susceptible to action of catechol are catalase (CAT) (100 ppm) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (250 ppm). Decrease of the activity of catalase and SOD by catechol induced radical species formation. This lead to inhibition of another protective enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase (500 ppm), glutathione reductase (1000 ppm), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (1000 ppm). Cytotoxicity of phenol or catechol was noted as hemolysis. Haemoglobin liberated from erythrocytes in this process may further generate oxygen free radicals and subsequently initiate enzymes damage. It seems to be essential that in phenol and catechol toxicity special role play damages of heme proteins and other proteins molecule, and damages of lipids are not so important.

Antidiabetic drug miglitol inhibits myocardial apoptosis involving decreased hydroxyl radical production and Bax expression in an ischaemia/reperfusion rabbit heart

1 We examined whether antidiabetic drug miglitol could reduce ischaemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial apoptosis by attenuating production. 2 Japanese white rabbits were subjected to 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 4-h reperfusion with miglitol (10 mg kg(-1), i.v., n=20) or saline (n=20). The infarct area was determined by myoglobin staining, and the infarct size (IS) was expressed as a percentage of the area at risk. DNA fragmentation was assessed by TUNEL method and DNA ladder formation. The expression of Bcl-XL and Bax was detected by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot analysis. Myocardial interstitial 2,5-DHBA levels, an indicator of hydroxyl radicals, were measured during 30-min ischaemia and 30-min reperfusion in the absence (n=10) or presence of miglitol (10 mg kg(-1), i.v., n=10) using a microdialysis technique. 3 The IS was significantly reduced in the miglitol group (22.4+/-3.4%, n=10) compared to the control group (52.8+/-3.5%, n=10). Miglitol significantly decreased the 2,5-DHBA level during ischaemia and reperfusion and suppressed the incidence of TUNEL-positive myocytes in the ischaemic region (from 10.7+/-3.4 to 4.1+/-3.0%) and the intensity of DNA ladder formation. Miglitol significantly decreased the incidence of Bax-positive myocytes in the ischaemic region (7.4+/-1.7 vs 13.7+/-1.9% of the control) and significantly attenuated the upregulation of Bax protein in the ischaemic regions (from 179+/-17 to 90+/-12% of sham). There was no difference in the expression of Bcl-XL between the two groups. 4 These data suggest that miglitol reduces myocardial apoptosis by attenuating production of hydroxyl radicals and suppressing the upregulation of the expression of Bax protein.

Hydroxyl radical generation, levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and progression to heart failure after acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

We used acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as a probing agent to quantify hydroxyl radical ((*)OH) in Controls and patients with coronary artery disease and to prospectively investigate (*)OH production in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by heart failure (HF).

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress status (OSS) is a mechanism for transition to HF in experimental heart injury models, but evidence for its causal role in humans is still limited.

METHODS

Thirty healthy subjects (Controls), 12 patients with stable angina (Group 1), and 74 patients with ST-segment elevation MI (Group 2) were enrolled. A dose of 250 mg Flectadol was given intravenously before each blood collection to determine the 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid/salicylic acid (DHBA/SA) ratio. We also quantified vitamin E and coenzyme Q(10) to monitor antioxidant reserve, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, TNF-soluble receptors, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ra to assess inflammatory status. All measurements were repeated at month 6 in Group 2.

RESULTS

There were no differences between Controls and Group 1. Group 2 showed increased (*)OH production, peaking at 24 h, whereas vitamin E and coenzyme Q(10) progressively declined. Group 2 patients developing HF during hospitalization (Group 2Bi) presented with an increase of both (*)OH production at discharge and inflammatory status, as compared with patients without HF (Group 2Ai), persisting at month 6 in post-MI patients with HF (Group 2Bii).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a distinct pattern of (*)OH generation in post-MI patients who show progression to HF. The interplay between OSS and inflammatory status should be targeted as a possible mechanism of progression to post-MI left ventricular dysfunction.

Reduction of DNA fragmentation and hydroxyl radical production by hyaluronic acid and chondroitin-4-sulphate in iron plus ascorbate-induced oxidative stress in fibroblast cultures

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), components of extracellular matrix, are thought to play important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation in the repair process of injured tissue. Oxidative stress is one of the most frequent causes of tissue and cell injury and the consequent lipid peroxidation is the main manifestation of free radical damage. It has been found to play an important role in the evolution of cell death. Since several reports have shown that hyaluronic acid (HYA) and chondroitin-4-sulphate (C4S) are able to inhibit lipid peroxidation during oxidative stress, We investigated the antioxidant capacity of these GAGs in reducing oxidative damage in fibroblast cultures. Free radicals production was induced by the oxidizing system employing iron (Fe2+) plus ascorbate. We evaluated cell death, membrane lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, protein oxidation, hydroxyl radical (OH*) generation and endogenous antioxidant depletion in human skin fibroblast cultures. The exposition of fibroblasts to FeSO4 and ascorbate caused inhibition of cell growth and cell death, increased OH* production determined by the aromatic trap method; furthermore it caused DNA strand breaks and protein oxidation as shown by the DNA fragments analysis and protein carbonyl content, respectively. Moreover, it enhanced lipid peroxidation evaluated by the analysis of conjugated dienes (CD) and decreased antioxidant defenses assayed by means of measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. When fibroblasts were treated with two different doses of HYA or C4S a protective effect, following oxidative stress induction, was shown. In fact these GAGs were able to limit cell death, reduced DNA fragmentation and protein oxidation, decreased OH* generation, inhibited lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant defenses. Our results confirm the antioxidant activity of HYA and C4S and this could represent a useful step in the understanding of the exact role played by GAGs in living organisms.

Benidipine Reduces Myocardial Infarct Size Involving Reduction of Hydroxyl Radicals and Production of Protein Kinase C-Dependent Nitric Oxide in Rabbits

Japanese white rabbits underwent 30 minutes of ischemia and 48 hours of reperfusion. Benidipine (3 or 10 microg/kg, i.v.) was administered 10 minutes before ischemia with and without pretreatment with L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v., a NOS inhibitor), chelerythrine (5 mg/kg, i.v., a PKC blocker) or 5-HD (5 mg/kg, i.v. a mitochondrial KATP channel blocker), genistein (5 mg/kg, i.v. a protein tyrosin kinase blocker). SNAP (2.5 mg/kg/min x 70 minutes, i.v., an NO donor) was also administered 10 minutes before ischemia. Benidipine significantly reduced the infarct size in a dose-dependent manner (3 microg/kg: 29.0 +/- 2.7%, n = 8, 10 microg/kg: 23.0 +/- 2.4%, n = 10) compared with the control (41.6 +/- 3.3%, n = 10). This effect was completely blocked by L-NAME (39.9 +/- 3.6%, n = 8) and chelerythrine (35.5 +/- 2.4%, n = 8) but not by 5-HD (23.0 +/- 2.4%, n = 10) or genistein (24.6 +/- 3.1%, n = 10). SNAP also reduced the infarct size (24.6 +/- 3.1%, n = 8). Benidipine significantly increased the expression of eNOS mRNA at 30 minutes after reperfusion and significantly increased the expression of eNOS protein at 3 hours after reperfusion in the ischemic area of the left ventricle. Benidipine and SNAP significantly decreased myocardial interstitial 2,5-DHBA levels, an indicator of hydroxyl radicals, during ischemia and reperfusion. Benidipine increased myocardial interstitial NOx levels, which effect was blocked by chelerythrine, during 0 to 30 minutes and 150 to 180 minutes after reperfusion. Benidipine reduces the infarct size through PKC-dependent production of nitric oxide and decreasing hydroxyl radicals but not through involving protein tyrosine kinase or mitochondrial KATP channels in rabbits.

Measuring reactive species and oxidative damage in vivo and in cell culture: how should you do it and what do the results mean?

Free radicals and other reactive species (RS) are thought to play an important role in many human diseases. Establishing their precise role requires the ability to measure them and the oxidative damage that they cause. This article first reviews what is meant by the terms free radical, RS, antioxidant, oxidative damage and oxidative stress. It then critically examines methods used to trap RS, including spin trapping and aromatic hydroxylation, with a particular emphasis on those methods applicable to human studies. Methods used to measure oxidative damage to DNA, lipids and proteins and methods used to detect RS in cell culture, especially the various fluorescent "probes" of RS, are also critically reviewed. The emphasis throughout is on the caution that is needed in applying these methods in view of possible errors and artifacts in interpreting the results.

Role of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase in contraction-induced generation of reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle extracellular space

Contractions of skeletal muscles produce increases in concentrations of superoxide anions and activity of hydroxyl radicals in the extracellular space. The sources of these reactive oxygen species are not clear. We tested the hypothesis that, after a demanding isometric contraction protocol, the major source of superoxide and hydroxyl radical activity in the extracellular space of muscles is mitochondrial generation of superoxide anions and that, with a reduction in MnSOD activity, concentration of superoxide anions in the extracellular space is unchanged but concentration of hydroxyl radicals is decreased. For gastrocnemius muscles from adult (6–8 mo old) wild-type ( Sod2+/+) mice and knockout mice heterozygous for the MnSOD gene ( Sod2+/-), concentrations of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radical activity were measured in the extracellular space by microdialysis. A 15-min protocol of 180 isometric contractions induced a rapid, equivalent increase in reduction of cytochrome c as an index of superoxide anion concentrations in the extracellular space of Sod2+/+and Sod2+/-mice, whereas hydroxyl radical activity measured by formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate from salicylate increased only in the extracellular space of muscles of Sod2+/+mice. The lack of a difference in increase in superoxide anion concentration in the extracellular space of Sod2+/+and Sod2+/-mice after the contraction protocol supported the hypothesis that superoxide anions were not directly derived from mitochondria. In contrast, the data obtained suggest that the increase in hydroxyl radical concentration in the extracellular space of muscles from wild-type mice after the contraction protocol most likely results from degradation of hydrogen peroxide generated by MnSOD activity.

Modulation of the antioxidant activity of HO* scavengers by albumin binding: a 19F-NMR study

The interaction between different HO(z.rad;) radical scavengers in a three-component antioxidant system has been investigated by means of 19F-NMR spectroscopy. This system is composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA), trolox, and N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-trifluoroacetamide (CF(3)PAF). The antioxidant capacity of BSA and trolox has been assessed by measuring the amount of trifluoroacetamide (TFAM) arising from the radical mediated decomposition of CF(3)PAF. When assayed separately, both trolox and BSA behaved as antioxidants, as they were effective to protect CF(3)PAF from HO* radical-mediated decomposition. By contrast, trolox enhanced the production of TFAM in the presence of BSA, thus behaving as a pro-oxidant. Urate, carnosine, glucose, and propylgallate showed antioxidant properties both with or without BSA. CF(3)PAF and trolox were found to bind to BSA with association constants in the order of 5 x 10(3)M(-1) and to compete for the same binding sites. These results have been discussed in terms of BSA-catalysed cross-reactions between trolox-derived secondary radicals and CF(3)PAF.

Quinaprilat reduces myocardial infarct size involving nitric oxide production and mitochondrial KATP channel in rabbits

This study examined whether quinaprilat, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, reduces the infarct size, and investigated the mechanisms for its infarct size-reducing effect, in rabbits. Japanese white rabbits underwent 30 min of ischemia and 48 h of reperfusion. Quinaprilat (100 microg/kg/h or 300 microg/kg/h for 70 min, IV) was administered 20 min before ischemia with or without pretreatment with Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (10 mg/kg, IV, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), 5-hydroxydecanoic acid sodium salt (5-HD) or posttreatment with 5-HD (5 mg/kg, IV, a mitochondrial KATP channel blocker). The area at risk as a percentage of the left ventricle was determined by Evans blue dye and the infarct size was determined as a percent of the area at risk by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Using a microdialysis technique, myocardial interstitial levels of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA), an indicator of hydroxyl radicals, and NOx, an indicator of nitric oxide, were measured before, during, and after 30 min of ischemia. Quinaprilat significantly reduced the infarct size in a dose-dependent manner (30.1 +/- 3%, n = 10, and 27.6 +/- 2%, n = 7, respectively) compared with the control (46.5 +/- 4%, n = 10). The infarct size-reducing effect of quinaprilat was completely blocked by pretreatment with l-NAME (43.8 +/- 2%, n = 8) and 5-HD (50.1 +/- 3%, n = 8) and posttreatment with 5-HD (50.3 +/- 2%, n = 8), respectively. Quinaprilat did not affect the myocardial interstitial 2,5-DHBA level but significantly increased the NOx level during ischemia and reperfusion. Quinaprilat reduces myocardial infarct size involving NO production and mitochondrial KATP channels in rabbits without collateral circulation.

Allantoin, the oxidation product of uric acid is present in chicken and turkey plasma

Urate oxidase is not present in birds yet allantoin, a product of this enzyme, has been measured in birds. Studies were designed to compare the concentrations of plasma purine derivatives in chickens and turkeys fed inosine-supplemented diets. The first study consisted of 12 male chicks that were fed diets supplemented with 0.6 mol inosine or hypoxanthine per kilogram diet from 3- to 6-week-old. Study 2 consisted of 12 turkey poults (toms) fed inosine-supplemented diets (0.7 mol/kg) from 6- to 8-week-old. Plasma allantoin and oxypurines concentrations were measured weekly using high performance liquid chromatography. Plasma uric acid (PUA) in chickens fed inosine-supplemented diets increased from 0.31 to 1.34 mM (P<0.05) at the end of week 2. In turkeys, those fed control diet had 0.17 mM PUA concentration compared to 0.3 mM in those fed the inosine diet at week 2 (P<0.05). Allantoin concentration increased in chickens from week 1 to 2 while a decrease was observed in turkeys (P<0.005) for both treatments. These data show that allantoin is present in turkey and chicken plasma. The presence of allantoin in avian plasma is consistent with uric acid acting as an antioxidant in these species.

Defibrillatory action of glibenclamide is independent from ATP-sensitive K+ channels and free radicals

This study investigated whether glibenclamide exerts a defibrillatory action and if this action is mediated by a blockade of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP)) or by an anti-free radical mechanism. Aerobically perfused isolated rat hearts were subjected to 10 min of pacing-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) followed by 10 min of perfusion without pacing (post-VF period), in the presence of solvent (controls), 1 microM K(ATP) blocker glibenclamide, 10 microM K(ATP) opener cromakalim, and their combination, respectively. In controls, pacing-induced VF caused a significant deterioration in cardiac function in the post-VF period. Spontaneous defibrillation was 42%. Glibenclamide improved post-VF cardiac function and resulted in 100% (P < 0.05) spontaneous defibrillation. Cromakalim did not significantly affect post-VF cardiac function and the incidence of spontaneous defibrillation as compared with controls. The combination of the compounds improved cardiac function and resulted in 83% (P < 0.05) spontaneous defibrillation. In separate experiments, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid formation in the perfusate as a marker of hydroxyl radical formation was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and cardiac superoxide production was assessed by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence during pacing-induced VF. Glibenclamide did not affect hydroxyl radical generation or myocardial superoxide content during VF. The conclusion is that glibenclamide exerts a defibrillatory action and improves post-VF cardiac function in rat hearts and these effects are independent from K(ATP) and free radicals.

Hydroxyl radical in living systems and its separation methods

It has recently been shown that hydroxyl radicals are generated under physiological and pathological conditions and that they seem to be closely linked to various models of pathology putatively implying oxidative stress. It is now recognized that the hydroxyl radical is well-regulated to help maintain homeostasis on the cellular level in normal, healthy tissues. Conversely, it is also known that virtually every disease state involves free radicals, particularly the most reactive hydroxyl radical. However, when hydroxyl radicals are generated in excess or the cellular antioxidant defense is deficient, they can stimulate free radical chain reactions by interacting with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids causing cellular damage and even diseases. Therefore, a confident analytical approach is needed to ascertain the importance of hydroxyl radicals in biological systems. In this paper, we provide information on hydroxyl radical trapping and detection methods, including liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and mass spectrometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, electron spin resonance and chemiluminescence. In addition, the relationships between diseases and the hydroxyl radical in living systems, as well as novel separation methods for the hydroxyl radical are discussed in this paper.

Temporomandibular joint synovial fluid sampling: estimation of dilution factor using calcium ion concentration

Saline aspirates have been commonly used in the biochemical investigations of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology. However, due to presence of adhesions in the diseased temporomandibular joint, full equilibration between the injected saline and the synovial fluid may not be achieved in all cases. We measured calcium ion concentration in the saline aspirates and the plasma to assess the degree of dilution of the synovial fluid by the injected media. Saline aspirates obtained prior to the arthroscopic examination of 17 patients with painful TMJs not responding to 3 months of conservative treatment were analysed for their calcium content by a highly sensitive spectrophotometric autoanalyser. In 10 patients with unilateral symptoms, the contralateral asymptomatic side was used as a control. Using a concentration volume equation the amount of the synovial fluid in the saline aspirates was calculated. The yield of the saline aspirates was variable ranging from 330 to 1000 microl. The mean calcium level was 0.787 mg/dl in the symptomatic group (C.I. 95% 0.337-1.237 mg/dl) and 0.512 mg/dl (C.I. 95% 0.235-0.797) in the asymptomatic group. Using a Student t-test there was no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, there was no demonstrable correlation between the volume of the aspirate and its synovial fluid content. This study confirms that the saline aspirate may not be a representative sample of the TMJ synovial fluid, and that expression of the results of the biochemical assays per volume of the aspirate may be misleading.

Sheng-Mai-San is protective against post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction in rats through its opening of the mitochondrial KATP channels

The present study used isolated rat hearts to investigate whether (1) Sheng-Mei-San (SMS), a traditional Chinese formulation comprising Radix Ginseng, Radix Ophiopogonis and Fructus Schisandrae, is protective against post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction, and (2) whether the cardioprotective effect of SMS is related to scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and opening the mitochondrial KATP channels. The excised hearts of male Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused on a Langendorff apparatus with Krebs-Henseleit solution with a gas mixture of 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP, mmHg), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP, mmHg), +/-dP/dt (mmHg/s) and coronary flow (ml/min) were continuously monitored. All hearts were perfused for a total of 120 min consisting of a 30-min pre-ischemic period followed by a 30-min global ischemia and 60-min reperfusion. Lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) concentrations in the effluent were measured during reperfusion. Three days' treatment with SMS (1.67 ml/kg per day) inhibited the rise in LVEDP and improved the post-ischemic LVDP and +/-dP/dt significantly better than in the untreated control hearts during reperfusion. SMS increased the coronary flow at baseline, and during reperfusion. Pretreatment with 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD), a mitochondrial KATP channel blocker, abolished the inhibition of the rise in LVEDP, the increase in coronary flow and the improvement in LVDP and +/-dP/dt induced by SMS. SMS significantly attenuated the concentrations of lactate, LDH and 2,5-DHBA during reperfusion, but the pretreatment with 5-HD restored them; 5-HD alone did not affect the concentrations. SMS improved the post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction through opening the mitochondrial KATP channels.

Endogenous released ascorbic acid suppresses ethanol-induced hydroxyl radical production in rat striatum

Previous studies have shown that acute systemic administration of ethanol induced ascorbic acid release in the striatum. However, the pharmacological implications of ethanol-induced striatal ascorbic acid release are unclear. In the present study, ethanol-induced extracellular changes of ascorbic acid and hydroxyl radical levels were detected in rat striatum by using brain microdialysis coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. It was found that both in male and female rats, ethanol (3.0 g/kg, i.p.) increased striatal ascorbic acid release in the first 60 min after ethanol administration. Meanwhile, the extracellular hydroxyl radical levels, detected as 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA, were significantly decreased. However, when the ascorbic acid levels returned to the baseline, hydroxyl radical levels rebounded. Administration of DL-fenfluramine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) had no effect on the basal levels of ascorbic acid and hydroxyl radical, but significantly blocked ethanol-induced ascorbic acid release and increased hydroxyl radical levels significantly. Exogenous administration of ascorbic acid (20 mg/kg, s.c.) increased the extracellular levels of ascorbic acid in the striatum, and inhibited the increase of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA in DL-fenfluramine plus ethanol group. These results provide first evidence that release of endogenous ascorbic acid in the striatum plays an important role in preventing oxidative stress by trapping hydroxyl radical in the central nervous system.

An in vitro hydroxyl radical generation assay for microdialysis sampling calibration

A xanthine oxidase hydroxyl radical (.OH)-generating system was created for sustained in vitro production of *OH. This assay was coupled with microdialysis sampling to elucidate the factors that influence microdialysis calibration during radical trapping. A *OH trapping agent, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, was included either in the microdialysis perfusion fluid or in the medium external to the microdialysis probe. Xanthine oxidase enzymatic activity was reproducible and had an average activity measured by UV absorbance of produced uric acid of 0.037 +/- 0.005 deltaAU/min (n = 5). A considerable amount of variance in the rate and amount of the product, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA), was observed when one microdialysis probe was placed in the reaction mixture. When two microdialysis probes were placed in the reaction mixture, a greater rate and amount of 3,4-DHBA was observed. Different concentrations of 3,4-DHBA were obtained between quiescent and stirred systems.

On the application of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as a trapping agent to study hydroxyl radical generation during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Aromatic hydroxylation from the reaction between hydroxyl radical and salicylate or its related compounds has been often utilized as a marker for the generation of hydroxyl radicals. We have investigated several technical aspects of applying this method to study hydroxyl radical production during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion using the hydroxylation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) to form 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA). 4-HBA was administered to rats either through intravenous infusion, or by way of an in vivo microdialysis probe implanted in the brain. Dialysate containing 3,4-DHBA was collected and analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. An endogenous compound was found to co-elute with 3,4 -DHBA but could be separated by varying the chromatographic conditions. Because of interrupted blood flow during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, delivery of 4-HBA through the microdialysis probe is a preferred method to systemic administration such as intravenous infusion. It is concluded that the oxidation of 4-HBA to 3,4-DHBA can be a reliable and accurate indicator for the formation of hydroxyl radical in vivo if the experiments are well designed to avoid potential pitfalls associated with technical difficulties of the method.

Nitric oxide and depolarization induce hydroxyl radical generation

Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the extracellular potassium-ion concentration ([K+]o)-induced hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation. Cytotoxic free radicals such as peroxinitrite (ONOO-) and *OH may also be implicated in NO-mediated cell injury. NO is synthesized from L-arginine by NO synthase (NOS). NOS activation was induced by K+ depolarization. Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is thought to contribute to the production of oxygen derived-free radicals. However, LDL oxidation may be related to noradrenaline-induced *OH generation, but LDL oxidation may be unrelated to *OH generation via NOS activation. Abnormal levels of extracellular free dopamine (DA) and/or intraneuronal Ca2+ triggered by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) may be detrimental to the functioning of dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum. Although [K+]o-induced depolarization enhances the formation of *OH product due to MPP+, the *OH generation via NOS activation may be unrelated to the DA-induced *OH generation. Depolarization enhances the formation of *OH products via NOS activation.

EDTA bis-(ethyl phenylalaninate): a novel transition metal-ion chelating hydroxyl radical scavenger with a potential anti-inflammatory role

Conjugation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to ethyl phenylalaninate generates a novel radical scavenging metal-ion chelator EDTA bis-(ethyl phenylalaninate) (EBEP). The oxidation products o-, m- and p-tyrosine were isolated from hydrolysed, aqueous and aerated solutions containing EBEP, Fe(II) and H(2)O(2). Data obtained demonstrate the potential of EBEP to act as a radical scavenging, iron-ion chelating antioxidant under physiologically relevant conditions.

Fingerprinting of polysaccharides attacked by hydroxyl radicals in vitro and in the cell walls of ripening pear fruit

Hydroxyl radicals (*OH) may cause non-enzymic scission of polysaccharides in vivo, e.g. in plant cell walls and mammalian connective tissues. To provide a method for detecting the action of endogenous *OH in vivo, we investigated the products formed when polysaccharides were treated with *OH (generated in situ by ascorbate-H(2)O(2)-Cu(2+) mixtures) followed by NaB(3)H(4). Treatment with *OH increased the number of NaB(3)H(4)-reacting groups present in citrus pectin, homogalacturonan and tamarind xyloglucan. This increase is attributed partly to the formation of glycosulose and glycosulosuronic acid residues, which are then reduced back to the original (but radioactive) sugar residues and their epimers by NaB(3)H(4). The glycosulose and glycosulosuronic acid residues were stable for >16 h at 20 degrees C in ethanol or buffer (pH 4.7), but were destroyed in alkali. Driselase-digestion of the radiolabelled polysaccharides yielded characteristic patterns of (3)H-products, which included galactose and galacturonate from pectin, and isoprimeverose, galactose, glucose and arabinose from xyloglucan. Pectin yielded at least eight (3)H-labelled anionic products, separable by electrophoresis at pH 3.5. The patterns of radioactive products form useful 'fingerprints' by which *OH-attacked polysaccharides may be recognized. Applied to the cell walls of ripening pear (Pyrus communis) fruit, the method gave evidence for progressive *OH radical attack on polysaccharides during the softening process.

Comparison of two independent aromatic hydroxylation assays in combination with intracerebral microdialysis to determine hydroxyl free radicals

The phenylalanine- and salicylate assay were compared to investigate the production of hydroxyl free radicals. In vitro experiment: Phenylalanine (100 micromol/l) or salicylic acid (100 micropmol/l) were incubated in a hydroxyl radical generating in vitro Fenton system with increasing concentrations (1.25--40 micromol/l) of equimolar hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions. Both, phenylalanine and salicylic acid were able to trap hydroxyl radicals in a reliable way indicated by the linear relationship between the concentration of the Fenton reagents and either the phenylalanine derived products (ortho-, meta-, para-tyrosine) or the salicylic acid-derived products (2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA)). In vivo experiment: Wistar rats were implanted with microdialysis probes and striatal perfusion with either 5 mmol/l phenylalanine or 5 mmol/l salicylic acid was performed. Addition of the dopaminergic neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (100 micromol/l, flow rate 2 microl/min, 60 min) to the perfusion fluid significantly increased the concentrations of ortho- and meta-tyrosine or 2,3-DHBA in comparison to control animals. All increases determined were rapidly reversible after changing back to pre-stimulation conditions. The results demonstrate that aromatic hydroxylation of phenylalanine or salicylic acid is a useful technique to investigate hydroxyl free radical formation in vitro and in vivo. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed.

Rapid and specific detection of hydroxyl radical using an ultraweak chemiluminescence analyzer and a low-level chemiluminescence emitter: application to hydroxyl radical-scavenging ability of aqueous extracts of Food constituents

With the availability of an ultraweak chemiluminescence analyzer, it is possible to monitor the production of a specific oxygen-derived reactive species, such as hydroxyl radical ((*)OH), whenever a suitable chemiluminescent probe is obtainable. Reported herein is the development of a rapid and specific method for detecting (*)OH production using a specific probe, indoxyl-beta-glucuronide (IBG), a low-level chemiluminescence emitter. Using the Fenton reagent as a source of (*)OH, it was shown that IBG could elicit a very strong intensity of chemiluminescence (CL) (16200 +/- 200 photon counts/s). Conversely, IBG was shown to be insensitive to either superoxide radical or hydrogen peroxide with their CL intensities nearly close to the background values (25 +/- 5 and 180 +/- 20 photon counts/s, respectively). Furthermore, it was also shown that this IBG-based CL production could be effectively quenched by the addition of (*)OH scavengers such as sodium salicylate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and penicillamine to the assay system. Taken together, these data indicate that IBG is a specific CL probe suitable for monitoring the production of (*)OH. This system demonstrated inhibitory activities of various aqueous extracts of food constituents on the CL of hydroxyl radicals generated by Fenton's reagents with the order of scavenging efficiencies being Prunus mume > Cordyceps sinensin > Lilium lancifolium > Astragalus membranceus.

Demethoxylation and hydroxylation of methoxy- and hydroxybenzoic acids by OH-radicals. Processes of potential importance for food irradiation

The hydroxylation process for methoxy- and hydroxy-benzoic acids (MBA, HBA) induced by γ-radiation is compared. 2-, 3-, and 4-methoxybenzoic acid as well as 3-hydroxybenzoic acid have been irradiated in N2O and aerated solutions up to 1.5 kGy. The products were analyzed by HPLC. The results for 2- and 4-HBA have been taken from literature data. The OH·-adduct distribution is generally the same for the hydroxy- as well as for the methoxy-benzoic acid isomers. With both 4-HBA and 4-MBA more than 65% C3-adducts and about 15% C4-adducts are formed, which could be proved by their reactions with K3Fe(CN)6. Oxidation of the nonipso-adducts of 3-HBA and 3-MBA results in 84 and 87% of the corresponding phenols. Whereas in N2O-saturated solutions only part of the OH·-radicals leads to substrate decomposition, in the presence of air, the degradation of both kinds of compounds is equivalent to [OH·]. The nonipso OH·-adducts of the HBAs are converted into 68–77% hydroxylation products. With the MBAs, the hydroxylation process is [Formula: see text] 10%. This is attributed to different decay pathways of the peroxyl radicals, intermediates formed by O2 addition to the OH·-adducts. The hydroxyperoxycyclohexadienyl radicals of the HBAs decay mainly by HO2· elimination to the corresponding phenols, those of the MBAs decay predominantly by fragmentation of the benzene ring, yielding to nonidentified aliphatic products. The replacement of -OCH3 by -OH is practically not influenced by the presence of oxygen, it increases in the sequence 3-MBA < 4-MBA < 2-MBA. For 2-MBA, yields of more than 15% are obtained. Both processes, hydroxylation as well as demethoxylation, might be of importance for the recognition of radiolytical changes in foodstuff.Key words: γ-radiolysis, methoxybenzoic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, phenolic acids, food components, reaction mechanisms, product analysis, HPLC analysis.

Reduction of carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver injury by IRFI 042, a novel dual vitamin E-like antioxidant

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced hepatotoxicity is likely the result of a CCl4 -induced free radical production which causes membrane lipid peroxidation and activation of transcription factors regulating both the TNF-alpha gene and the early-immediate genes involved in tissue regeneration. IRFI 042 is a novel vitamin E-like compound having a masked sulphydryl group in the aliphatic side chain. We studied the effect of IRFI 042 on CCl4 -induced liver injury. Liver damage was induced in male rats by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (1 ml/kg in vegetal oil). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, liver malondialdehyde (MAL), hydroxyl radical formation (OH*), calculated indirectly by a trapping agent, hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, plasma TNF-alpha, liver histology and hepatic mRNA levels for TNF-alpha were evaluated 48 h after CCl4 administration. Hepatic vitamin E (VE) levels were evaluated, in a separate group of animals, 2 h after CCl4 injection. A control group with vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was also treated in order to evaluate the differences versus the analogue treated groups. Intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride produced a marked increase in serum ALT activity (CCl4 = 404.61 +/- 10.33 U/L; Controls= 28.54 +/- 4.25 U/L), liver MAL (CCl4 = 0.67 +/- 0.16 nmol/mg protein; Controls= 0.13 +/- 0.06 nmol/mg protein), OH(7) levels assayed as 2,3-DHBA (CCl4 = 8.73 +/- 1.46 microM; Controls= 0.45 +/- 0.15 microM) and 2,5-DHBA (CCl4 = 24.61 +/- 3.32 microM; Controls= 2.75 +/- 0.93 microM), induced a severe depletion of GSH (CCl4 = 3.26 +/- 1.85 micromol/g protein; Controls= 17.82 +/- 3.13 micromol/g protein) and a marked decrease in VE levels (CCl4 = 5.67 +/- 1.22 nmol/g tissue; Controls= 13.47 +/- 3.21 nmol/g tissue), caused liver necrosis, increased plasma TNF-alpha levels (CCl4 = 57.36 +/- 13.24 IU/ml; Controls= 7.26 +/- 2.31 IU/ml) and enhanced hepatic mRNA for TNF-alpha (CCl4 = 19.22 +/- 4.38 a.u.; Controls= 0.76 +/- 0.36 a.u.). IRFI 042 (100 mg/kg, 30 min after CCl4 injection) blunted liver MAL (0.32 +/- 0.17 nmol/mg protein), decreased the serum levels of ALT (128.71 +/- 13.23 U/L), and restored the hepatic concentrations of VE (9.52 +/- 3.21 nmol/g tissue), inhibited OH* production (2,3-DHBA= 3.54 +/- 1.31 microM; 2,5-DHBA= 7.37 +/- 2.46 microM), restored the endogenous antioxidant GSH (12.77 +/- 3.73 mmol/g protein) and improved histology. Furthermore IRFI 042 treatment suppressed plasma TNF-alpha concentrations (31.47 +/- 18.25 IU/ml) and hepatic TNF-alpha mRNA levels (11.65 +/- 3.21 a.u.). The acute treatment with vitamin E failed to exert any protective effect against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity. These investigations suggest that IRFI 042 treatment may be of benefit during free radical-mediated liver injury.

In vivo evidence for accelerated generation of hydroxyl radicals in liver of Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats with acute hepatitis

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats accumulate excess copper (Cu) in the liver in a manner similar to patients with Wilson's disease (WD) and spontaneously develop acute hepatitis with severe jaundice. Although hydroxyl radicals (*OH) have been proposed to be a cause of hepatitis by the accumulation of Cu, it is not clear whether or not *OH can be produced in the liver of hepatitic LEC rats in vivo and also can be involved in the onset of hepatitis. In the present study, *OH production in plasma and liver of hepatitic LEC rats was quantified by trapping *OH with salicylic acid (SA) as 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2, 3-DHBA). The ratios of 2, 3-DHBA/SA were significantly higher in plasma and liver of hepatitic LEC rats than those of Wistar rats and LEC rats showing no signs of hepatitis. Furthermore, the ratios of 2, 3-DHBA/SA in plasma and liver of hepatitic LEC rats were almost the same as those of Wistar rats treated orally with CuSO(4) (0.5 mmol/kg) 2 h before acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) injection. We also evaluated the protective effects of D-mannitol (a *OH scavenger) treatment against acute hepatitis in LEC rats. D-mannitol (500 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to 10-week-old LEC rats for 3 weeks. D-mannitol treatment suppressed the increases in serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and total bilirubin concentration. In addition, D-mannitol treatment significantly reduced hepatic mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, which is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of Cu-induced hepatotoxicity. These observations suggest that accelerated generation of *OH catalyzed by free Cu in the liver may, at least in part, play a role in the pathogenesis of acute hepatitis in LEC rats.

Role of protein kinase C, K(ATP) channels and DNA fragmentation in the infarct size-reducing effects of the free radical scavenger T-0970

1. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 1-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-pyridylmethyl) urea hydrocloride (T-0970), a novel water-soluble low-molecular weight free radical scavenger, on the generation of hydroxyl radicals in vivo and on myocardial infarct size in an in vivo model of myocardial infarction in rabbits. 2. T-0970 scavenged hydroxyl radicals generated in the myocardium during reperfusion, as assessed by using a microdialysis technique and HPLC in an in vivo model with 30 min coronary occlusion and 30 min reperfusion in rabbits. 3. Another group of rabbits was subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion and 48 h reperfusion. The control group (n = 10) was infused with saline for 190 min from 10 min before occlusion to 180 min after reperfusion. The treatment group (T-0970 group; n = 10) was injected with a bolus 2.5 mg/kg T-0970 and then infused with T-0970 for 190 min from 10 min before reperfusion to 180 min after reperfusion at a rate of 100 microg/kg per min. The T-0970 + CHE group (n = 5) was given chelerythrine (CHE; a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC); 5 mg/kg, i.v.) 10 min before the administration of T-0970. The T-0970 + 5-HD group (n = 5) was given 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; an inhibitor of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels; 5 mg/kg, i.v.) 10 min before the administration of T-0970. The CHE and 5-HD groups were given CHE (5 mg/kg, i.v.) and 5-HD (5 mg/kg, i.v.) 20 min before reperfusion, respectively. After 48 h reperfusion, infarct size was measured histologically and expressed as a percentage of the area at risk (AAR). In another series of experiments, the control (n = 5) and T-0970 (n = 5) groups were killed 4 h after reperfusion following 30 min coronary occlusion and DNA fragmentation in myocytes was assessed using in situ dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) at the light microscopic level. 4. Infarct size, as a percentage of AAR, in the T-0970 group was significantly reduced compared with the control group (21+/-4 vs 41+/-4%, respectively; P<0.05). This reduction of infarct size by T-0970 was abolished by pretreatment with CHE and 5-HD. Neither CHE nor 5-HD alone had any effect on infarct size. The percentage of infarcted myocytes with DNA fragmentation by TUNEL in the T-0970 group was significantly reduced compared with the number in the control group (4.0+/-1.5 vs 10.7+/-1.9%, respectively; P<0.05). 5. T-0970, a free radical scavenger, improved reperfusion injury. This effect seemed to be mediated by activation of PKC, the opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels and inhibition of DNA fragmentation.

Determination of salicylate hydroxylation products as an in vivo oxidative stress marker

The in vivo measurement of highly reactive free radicals, such as the z.rad OH radical, is very difficult. New specific markers, which are based on the ability of z.rad OH to attack the benzene rings of aromatic molecules, are currently under investigation. The produced hydroxylated compounds can be measured directly. In vivo, radical metabolism of salicylic acid produces two main hydroxylated derivatives (2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids). The latter acid can be also produced by enzymatic pathways through the cytochrome P-450 system, while the former acid is reported to be solely formed by direct hydroxyl radical attack. Therefore, measurement of 2, 3-DHBA, following oral administration of the drug acetyl salicylate, could be proposed for assessment of oxidative stress in vivo. In this paper, a sensitive method for the identification and quantification of hydroxylation products from the reaction of z. rad OH with salicylate in vivo is presented. It employs a high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection system. A detection limit of < 1 pmol for the hydroxylation products has been achieved with linear response over at least five orders of magnitude. Using this technique, we measured plasma levels of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA dihydroxylated derivatives and salicylic acid and determined the ratios following administration of 1 g acetyl salicylate in 20 healthy subjects.

Free radical pathways in CNS injury

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules implicated in the pathology of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia, through a mechanism known as oxidative stress. After brain injury, reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species may be generated through several different cellular pathways, including calcium activation of phospholipases, nitric oxide synthase, xanthine oxidase, the Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions, by inflammatory cells. If cellular defense systems are weakened, increased production of free radicals will lead to oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which may alter cellular function in a critical way. The study of each of these pathways may be complex and laborious since free radicals are extremely short-lived. Recently, genetic manipulation of wild-type animals has yielded species that over- or under-express genes such as, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide synthase, and the Bcl-2 protein. The introduction of the species has improved the understanding of oxidative stress. We conclude here that substantial experimental data links oxidative stress with other pathogenic mechanisms such as excitotoxicity, calcium overload, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and apoptosis in central nervous system (CNS) trauma and ischemia, and that utilization of genetically manipulated animals offers a unique possibility to elucidate the role of free radicals in CNS injury in a molecular fashion.

Effects of hepatocellular iron imbalance on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen intermediates production in a model of sepsis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In mammals iron homeostasis is most important, as imbalance of iron such as iron overload may lead to severe diseases. Recently, it has been shown that the iron regulatory protein-1 is partially controlled by nitric oxide and reactive oxygen intermediates, molecules frequently seen in inflammatory events. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of impaired iron homeostasis on the interaction of nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen intermediate formation in hepatocytes in a model of acute inflammation.

METHODS

Hepatocytes isolated from Corynebacterium parvum (C parvum)-injected rats were used to examine the formation of nitrogen and oxygen intermediates by iron deprivation and iron overload in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. In addition, we investigated the RNA binding and aconitase activity of iron regulatory protein-1.

RESULTS

In the present study we show that iron overload in lipopolysaccharide-treated C. parvum-primed hepatocytes downregulated the RNA binding of iron regulatory protein-1 and aconitase activity. Subsequently, we observed a reduced formation of nitrite/nitrate and S-nitrosothiols but an increased production of reactive oxygen species, and hepatocellular damage. Moreover, the addition of iron to cell cultures caused a further increase in cellular damage, a drop in the cellular glutathione pool, and an increase in peroxynitrite and hydroxyl-like radicals. In contrast, addition of deferoxamine (an iron chelator) to lipopolysaccharide-treated C. parvum-primed hepatocytes protected cells by stabilizing the GSH content, maintaining the nitric oxide formation, and by reducing Fenton oxidants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the antioxidative effects of iron chelators prevent the formation of toxic Fenton oxidants in severe inflammatory events, which should be considered in the treatment of disorders characterized by an iron imbalance.

Salicylate metabolites inhibit cyclooxygenase-2-dependent prostaglandin E(2) synthesis in murine macrophages

The poor cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor and major aspirin metabolite salicylic acid is known to exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by still unidentified mechanisms. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced COX-2-dependent synthesis of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) was suppressed by aspirin (IC(50) of 5. 35 microM), whereas no significant inhibition was observed in the presence of sodium salicylate and the salicylate metabolite salicyluric acid at concentrations up to 100 microM. However, the salicylate metabolite gentisic acid (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid; 10-100 microM) and salicyl-coenzyme A (100 microM), the intermediate product in the formation of salicyluric acid from salicylic acid, significantly suppressed LPS-induced PGE(2) production. In contrast, gamma-resorcylic acid (2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid) as well as unconjugated coenzyme A failed to affect prostanoid synthesis, implying that the para-substitution of hydroxy groups and the activated coenzyme A thioester are important for COX-2 inhibition. Using real-time RT-PCR, none of the salicylate derivatives tested were found to interfere with COX-2 expression. Overall, our results suggest that certain metabolites of salicylic acid may contribute to the pharmacological action of its parent compound by inhibiting COX-2-dependent PGE(2) formation at sites of inflammation.

Neuroprotection by sodium salicylate against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity

The potent dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is known to produce hydroxyl radicals (OH) in vitro and in vivo. Salicylate (SA) can hydroxylate itself to form 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) by utilizing OH. In the present study we investigated the OH scavenging action and neuroprotective effects, if any, of SA in mice treated with MPTP (30 mg/kg i.p. twice, 16 h apart). MPTP treatment resulted in in vivo generation of OH and nigral neuronal insult as evidenced by dopamine depletion in nucleus caudatus putamen (NCP). This also caused significant decrease in glutathione in substantia nigra (SN) and NCP. SA administration alone in mice did not affect total monoamine oxidase (MAO) or MAO-B activities of the mitochondrial fraction or the crude enzyme preparation from SN or NCP. Pre-treatment of these animals with SA (25-100 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in dose-dependent production of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA in NCP. SA administration prior to or following MPTP blocked the neurotoxin-induced behavioural dysfunction as well as glutathione and dopamine depletion on the 7th day indicating its potent neuroprotective action. The present study suggests that SA acts as a free radical scavenger in the brain and indicates its strength as a valuable neuroprotectant.

Hydroxyl radical formation in the perilymph of asphyxic guinea pig

To elucidate the role of hydroxyl radical (.OH) species in the generation mechanism of the cochlear pathology induced by transient asphyxia and subsequent re-ventilation, the concentrations of 2,3-hydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) and 2,5-DHBA, major products arising from the attack of .OH upon salicylate, were measured in the perilymph of the guinea pig by the high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical/UV method. The mean value of 2, 3-DHBA concentration in the perilymph significantly increased from the pre-asphyxic level (6.4 microM) to 7.6 microM and 8.8 microM during asphyxia of 3 min duration and at 5 min after the onset of re-ventilation, respectively. The 2,5-DHBA concentration was 7.9 microM before asphyxia, and also significantly increased to 11.5 microM and 16.2 microM during and after asphyxia, respectively. These results strongly indicated that .OH was generated in the perilymph of the asphyxic and re-ventilated guinea pig cochlea, and the significance of this increased .OH in generating anoxia and re-perfusion injury is discussed with respect to iron and oxygen-derived free radicals.

The salicylate metabolite gentisic acid, but not the parent drug, inhibits glucose autoxidation-mediated atherogenic modification of low density lipoprotein

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by glucose-derived radicals may play a role in the aetiology of atherosclerosis in diabetes. Salicylate was shown to scavenge certain radicals. In the present study, aspirin, salicylate and its metabolites 2,5- and 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) were tested for their ability to impair LDL oxidation by glucose. Only the DHBA derivatives, when present during LDL modification, inhibited LDL oxidation and the increase in endothelial tissue factor synthesis induced by glucose oxidised LDL. The LDL glycation reaction was not affected by DHBA. The antioxidative action of DHBA may be attributed to free radical scavenging and/or chelation of transition metal ions catalysing glucose autoxidation.

Hydroxyl radicals detected via brain microdialysis in rats breathing air and during hyperbaric oxygen convulsions

Microdialysis was done on 300-400 g, awake, male rats with microdialysis probes inserted through guide cannulas into the striatum (Bregma co-ordinates A 0.5, L 2.9, D -4.0 for guide cannulas implanted 5 days previously). Rats were exposed to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO; 6 atm absolute, 5 atm gauge pressure of oxygen with carbon dioxide absorbed by soda lime). Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) containing 5 mM sodium salicylate was perfused at 1 microl/min and collected over sequential 10 min intervals with rats breathing air, then HBO, and after decompression. Times to convulsions and duration and severity of convulsions were observed and recorded. CSF samples were analyzed for 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), reaction products of hydroxyl radicals with salicylate, by HPLC and compared to authentic standards. Recovery of DHBAs was 48% from fluid surrounding microdialysis probes, based on in vitro tests. The average time to the first convulsion was 21 min and rats convulsed an average of 4 times during 40 min in HBO. There were no significant differences in hydroxyl radical production by this protocol during any of the 10 min collection periods in air or HBO (average in pmoles for 10 microl of all samples: 2,3-DHBA = 7.0 +/- 2.5 and 2,5-DHBA = 11.3 +/- 4.1). The failure to detect an increase in hydroxyl radicals in HBO prior to or during convulsions appears valid since each rat served as its own control.

T-0162, a novel free radical scavenger, reduces myocardial infarct size in rabbits

1. We investigated the effects of 1-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-pyridylmethyl)urea hydrochloride (T-0162), a novel low-molecular weight free radical scavenger, on the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals in vitro and in vivo and on myocardial infarct (MI) size in an in vivo model of MI in rabbits. 2. It was found that T-0162 scavenged both superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. 3. In an in vivo rabbit model with 30 min coronary occlusion and 30min reperfusion, T-0162 scavenged hydroxyl radicals generated in the myocardium during reperfusion. 4. Anaesthetized open-chest Japanese white male rabbits were subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion and 48 h reperfusion. The control group (n = 10) was infused with 10% lecithin solution for 220 min from 10 min before occlusion to 180 min after reperfusion. The pretreatment group (n = 10) was infused with T-0162 dissolved in 10% lecithin solution for 220 min from 10 min before occlusion to 180 min after reperfusion at a rate of 400 microg/kg per min. The post-treatment group (n = 10) was injected with an i.v. bolus of 10 mg/kg T-0162 and was then infused with 400 microg/kg per min T-0162 for 190 min from 10 min before reperfusion to 180 min after reperfusion. After 48 h reperfusion, infarct size was measured histologically and expressed as a percentage of area at risk (AAR). 5. There was no significant difference in haemodynamic parameters among the three groups throughout the experimental period. The per cent infarct size of the AAR in the T-0162 groups (24.8+/-4.3 and 30.5+/-3.9% for pre- and posttreatment groups, respectively) was significantly reduced compared with control (44.7+/-4.1%; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the AAR among the three groups. 6. In conclusion, T-0162 reduces MI size through the inhibition of reperfusion injury.

Studies of free radical-mediated cryoinjury in the unicellular green alga Euglena gracilis using a non-destructive hydroxyl radical assay: a novel approach for developing protistan cryopreservation strategies

The development of cryoconservation methods for the long-term storage of algal cultures is important for the ex situ preservation of biological diversity and the maintenance of genetic stability within this group of important organisms. However, as many unicellular algae are recalcitrant to cryogenic storage, this study aims to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in cryoinjury. A non-invasive, non-destructive assay method previously applied to animal cells has been developed to evaluate free radical mediated oxidative stress in Euglena gracilis exposed to different cryopreservation treatments. The procedure employs dimethyl sulphoxide as a probe for the hydroxyl radical. Adopting this approach it was possible to identify those components of the cryopreservation protocol which were the most damaging. These were identified as preparative centrifugation and sub-zero freezing treatments. Poststorage survival in E. gracilis was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced when the chelating agent desferrioxamine was included in the recovery medium whilst methane production was significantly (P < 0.004) reduced, suggesting that the additive was capable of ameliorating oxidative stress. The potential of using novel, exogenous antioxidant treatments developed for medical applications and applying them to enhance cryopreservation tolerance in recalcitrant unicellular algae is discussed.

The effect of alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) on free radical formation in transient focal ischaemia measured by microdialysis and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate formation

alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) reduces infarct size, improves recovery of brain energy metabolism and delays the secondary increase in extracellular potassium after focal ischaemia, presumably by trapping OH radicals. We investigated the effect of PBN on the formation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA) as a measure of OH radical formation, during and following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats, subjected to 2 h of ischaemia followed by 3 h of recirculation, were injected with either vehicle or PBN (100 mg kg-1 i.p.) prior to MCAO or immediately after recirculation, respectively. The in vivo microdialysis technique was used to collect samples for analysis of 3,4-DHBA by HPLC. The basal levels of 3,4-DHBA were 56-77 nmol L-1 in the four groups. During ischaemia, the formation of 3,4-DHBA decreased by about 50% in all groups. Upon recirculation, a 3-fold rise in 3,4-DHBA formation was seen. At 2 h of recirculation the mean value of 3,4-DHBA in the pretreated, vehicle-injected animals was 125 +/- 18 nmol L-1 and in the PBN-injected 145 +/- 48 nmol L-1, respectively. When the animals were treated after MCAO either with vehicle or PBN the values at 2 h recirculation were 155 +/- 148 and 189 +/- 145 nmol L-1, respectively. No statistically significant difference between vehicle- and PBN-injected groups was seen. We conclude that during reperfusion following MCAO, hydroxyl radical formation increases. The increase is not ameliorated by PBN which suggests that PBN does not protect the brain by a general scavenging of OH radicals, although tissue specific actions cannot be excluded.

Generation of reactive oxygen species by the faecal matrix

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species are implicated in the aetiology of a range of human diseases and there is increasing interest in their role in the development of cancer.

AIM

To develop a suitable method for the detection of reactive oxygen species produced by the faecal matrix.

METHODS

A refined high performance liquid chromatography system for the detection of reactive oxygen species is described.

RESULTS

The method allows baseline separation of the products of hydroxyl radical attack on salicylic acid in the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system, namely 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and catechol. The increased efficiency and precision of the method has allowed a detailed evaluation of the dynamics of reactive oxygen species generation in the faecal matrix. The data show that the faecal matrix is capable of generating reactive oxygen species in abundance. This ability cannot be attributed to the bacteria present, but rather to a soluble component within the matrix. As yet, the nature of this soluble factor is not entirely clear but is likely to be a reducing agent.

CONCLUSIONS

The soluble nature of the promoting factor renders it amenable to absorption, and circumstances may exist in which either it comes into contact with either free or chelated iron in the colonocyte, leading to direct attack on cellular DNA, or else it initiates lipid peroxidation processes whereby membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids are attacked by reactive oxygen species propagating chain reactions leading to the generation of promutagenic lesions such as etheno based DNA adducts.

Cerebral oligaemia episode triggers free radical formation and late cognitive deficiencies

Sixty minutes of cerebral oligaemic hypoxia, induced by bilateral clamping of the carotid arteries (BCCA) in pentobarbital-anaesthetized normotensive rats, induces a late progressive cognitive decline when compared with sham-operated controls. Analysis at BCCA of hippocampal metabolism using microdialysis showed increased release of glutamate, aspartate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, followed by a progressive rise in the formation of hydroxyl free radicals measured as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA), their reaction product with salicylate, though only in the re-perfusion phase. In the striatum increased dopamine release occurred during BCCA, whereas glutamate and aspartate showed an increase only during the late re-perfusion phase. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration increased during BCCA and early re-perfusion. An increase in 2,3-DHBA was seen during BCCA, and persisted over 2 h of re-perfusion. Six and 13 months after surgery, though not as early as 3 months, BCCA-treated rats perform worse than sham-operated controls in a water-maze, where decreased swimming speed reveals striatal dysfunction, while hippocampal dysfunction manifested as diminished spatial bias. These results show that cerebral oligaemia, similarly to cerebral ischaemia, leads to increased extracellular dopamine, aspartate and glutamate, and the production of hydroxyl radicals in structures associated with learning and memory processes. Unlike cerebral ischaemia, in cerebral oligaemia the appearance of spatial memory deficits is delayed.

Production of hydroxyl free radical by brain tissues in hyperglycemic rats subjected to transient forebrain ischemia

Preischemic hyperglycemia is known to aggravate brain damage resulting from transient ischemia. In the present study, we explored whether this aggravation is preceded by an enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the early reperfusion period. To that end, normo- and hyperglycemic rats were subjected to 15 min of forebrain ischemia and allowed recovery periods of 5, 15, and 60 min. Sodium salicylate was injected intraperitoneally in a dose of 100 mg/kg, and tissues were sampled during recirculation to allow analyses of salicylic acid (SA) and its hydroxylation products, 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (DHBA). Tissue sampled from thalamus and caudoputamen in normoglycemic animals failed to show an increase in 2,3- or 2,5-DHBA after 5 and 15 min of recirculation. However, such an increase was observed in the neocortex after 60 min of recirculation, with a suggested increase in the hippocampus as well. Hyperglycemia had three effects. First, it increased 2,5-DHBA in the thalamus and caudoputamen to values exceeding normoglycemic ones after 15 min of recirculation. Second, it increased basal values of 2,5- and total DHBA in the neocortex. Third, it increased the 60-min values for 2,5- and total DHBA in the hippocampus. These results hint that, at least in part, hyperglycemia may aggravate damage by enhancing basal- and ischemia-triggered production of ROS.

Association of cytochrome P450 induction with oxidative stress in vivo as evidenced by 3-hydroxylation of salicylate

1. Previous studies have shown that formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate (2,3-DHB) from salicylate in vivo is a sensitive and specific marker of *OH radical generation, since 2,3-DHB is formed exclusively by *OH radicals, whereas both *OH radicals and cytochrome P450 (CYP) contribute to the production of 2,5-DHB. In the present study the salicylate-hydroxylation assay was used to examine whether CYP induction by the administration of dexamethasone, phenobarbital or beta-naphthoflavone to the male rat led to oxidative stress in vivo. 2. Dexamethasone was used under conditions that induced an approximately 50-fold induction of CYP P4503A expression in liver microsomal protein. Treatment with dexamethasone caused a 17.2-fold increase in 2,3-DHB plasma concentration compared with control animals. An increase in total hydroxylated salicylate (2,3-DHB plus 2,5-DHB) of 133.5 micromol/l plasma was produced, of which--assuming that the attack by *OH in position 3 or 5 of salicylate occurs at a similar rate--10.9 micromol/l were due to *OH radical attack and 122.6 micromol/l due to metabolism by CYP. 3. Phenobarbital led to a 4.7-fold increase in 2,3-DHB plasma concentration under conditions that induced CYP P4502B and 3A. An increase in total hydroxylated salicylate of 34.3 micromol/l plasma was observed, 2.0 micromol/l due to *OH radical attack and 32.3 micromol/l due to metabolism by cytochrome P450. 4. In contrast to dexamethasone and phenobarbital, beta-naphthoflavone did not cause a significant increase in 2,3-DHB plasma concentrations. 5. SKF 525A, a mixed-function oxidase inhibitor, caused a significant reduction of mean 2,5-DHB plasma concentration by 35% (p < 0.001), whereas 2,3-DHB was not significantly reduced, indicating that in contrast to the situation after induction by dexamethasone or phenobarbital, *OH radical generation by constitutive CYP contributes only to a minor degree to total in vivo *OH radical generation. 6. This study shows for the first time, to the authors' knowledge, that induction of some (but not all) P450s is associated with the production of hydroxyl radicals in vivo.

An overview of methods for assessment of free radical activity in biology

Assays which purport to assess free radical activity in biological systems are multiple. However, despite numerous published descriptions of new methods and modifications of methods to assess free radical activity in biological materials, there is still a lack of reliable techniques for quantification of activity in vivo. Analysis of a number of related indicators and use of a variety of approaches appears the only reliable way to evaluate these processes in vivo. In studies of free radical generation by contracting skeletal muscle we have attempted to use a variety of indicators, including measurement of endogenous antioxidant levels, measurement of indirect indicators of free radical activity (e.g. products of lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation or protein oxidation) and, where possible, measurement of direct indicators of free radical activity by electron spin resonance techniques. In view of the relative lack of specificity of many available techniques, caution should be exerted in evaluating the numerous examples of isolated single measures of free radical activity which are present in the scientific literature.

Monograph: reassessment of human cancer risk of aldrin/dieldrin

In 1987, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified aldrin and dieldrin as category B2 carcinogens, i.e. probable human carcinogens, based largely on the increase in liver tumors in mice fed either organochlorine insecticide. At that date, the relevant epidemiology was deemed inadequate to influence the cancer risk assessment. More time has now elapsed since early exposures of manufacturing workers to aldrin/dieldrin; therefore, updated epidemiological data possess more power to detect exposure-related differences in cancer risk and mortality. Also, recent experimental studies provide a plausible mode of action to explain the mouse specificity of dieldrin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and call into question the relevance of this activity to human cancer risk. This monograph places this new information within the historic and current perspectives of human cancer risk assessment, including EPA's 1996 Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment. Updated epidemiological studies of manufacturing workers in which lifetime exposures to aldrin/dieldrin have been quantified do not indicate increased mortality or cancer risk. In fact, at the middle range of exposures, there is evidence of a decrease in both mortality from all causes and cancer. Recent experimental studies indicate that dieldrin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice occurs through a nongenotoxic mode of action, in which the slow oxidative metabolism of dieldrin is accompanied by an increased production of reactive oxygen species, depletion of hepatic antioxidant defenses (particularly alpha-tocopherol), and peroxidation of liver lipids. Dieldrin-induced oxidative stress or its sequelae apparently result in modulation of gene expression that favors expansion of initiated mouse, but not rat, liver cells; thus, dieldrin acts as a nongenotoxic promoter/accelerator of background liver tumorigenesis in the mouse. Within the framework of EPA's Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment, it is proposed that the most appropriate cancer risk descriptor for aldrin/dieldrin, relating to the mouse liver tumor response, is 'not likely a human carcinogen', a descriptor consistent with the example of phenobarbital cited by EPA.

Antioxidant defence mechanisms: from the beginning to the end (of the beginning)

When life first evolved on Earth, there was little oxygen in the atmosphere. Evolution of antioxidant defences must have been closely associated with the evolution of photosynthesis and of O2-dependent electron transport mechanisms. Studies with mice lacking antioxidant defences confirm the important roles of MnSOD and transferrin in maintaining health, but show that glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and CuZnSOD are not essential for everyday life (at least in mice). Superoxide can be cytotoxic by several mechanisms: one is the formation of hydroxyl radicals. There is good evidence that OH* formation occurs in vivo. Other important antioxidants may include thioredoxin, and selenoproteins other than GPX. Nitric oxide may be an important antioxidant in the vascular system. Diet-derived antioxidants are important in maintaining human health, but recent studies employing "biomarkers" of oxidative DNA damage are questioning the "antioxidant" roles of beta-carotene and ascorbate. An important area of future research will be elucidation of the reasons why levels of steady-state oxidative damage to DNA and lipids vary so much between individuals, and their predictive value for the later development of human disease.

A novel 19F-NMR method for the investigation of the antioxidant capacity of biomolecules and biofluids

A new assay for the measurement of the antioxidant capacity of biomolecules by high resolution 19F-NMR spectroscopy is presented here. This method is based on the use of trifluoroacetanilidic detectors, namely trifluoroacetanilide, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-trifluoroacetamide and 2-hydroxy-4-trifluoroacetamidobenzoic acid. Upon hydroxyl radical attack, such fluorinated detectors yield trifluoroacetamide and trifluoroacetic acid that can be quantitatively determined by 19F-NMR spectroscopy. Trifluoroacetamide was found to be a reliable reporter of hydroxyl radical attack on the fluorinated detectors, whereas N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-trifluoroacetamide was found to be the most sensitive detector amongst the ones considered. Therefore, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-trifluoroacetamide has been used in competition experiments to assess the antioxidant capacity of a number of low and high molecular weight antioxidants. The antioxidant capacity of a given compound has been scaled in terms of an adimensional parameter, kF, that represents the ratio between the scavenger abilities of the fluorinated detector and the competitor. kF values obtained for low-molecular-mass compounds fall in the range 0.17 < kF < 1.5 and are in good agreement with second order rate constants (k2OH) for the reaction of the antioxidant with hydroxyl radicals. The kF value for serum albumin is much larger (46.9) than that predicted from the reported k2OH value. This finding supports the view that the protein can very effectively scavenge hydroxyl radicals as well as secondary radicals. Human blood serum showed that its antioxidant capacity is even higher than that shown by aqueous solutions of albumin at physiologic concentration suggesting a further contribution from other macromolecular serum components.

Synthesis of [11C]salicylic acid and related compounds and their biodistribution in mice

For in vivo measurement of the hydroxyl radical (.OH), we synthesized [11C]salicylic acid, [11C]O-acetylsalicylic acid and [11C]2-methoxybenzoic acid by carboxylation of 2-bromomagnesiumanisol using [11C]CO2. The radiochemical yield of [11C]salicylic acid, [11C]O-acetylsalicylic acid and [11C]2-methoxybenzoic acid calculated from trapped [11C]CO2 in a liquid argon cooled stainless tube was 7.3 +/- 1.6, 5.2 and 10.2 +/- 1.7% (decay corrected), respectively. The uptake of 11C tracers by mouse brain was 0.46, 0.32, and 0.46% dose/g tissue, respectively, at 10 min post injection and presented washout patterns thereafter.