Homologs of gp91phox: cloning and tissue expression of Nox3, Nox4, and Nox5

Cloning, Characteristics, and Functional Analysis of Rabbit NADPH Oxidase 5

Background: Nox5 was the last member of the Nox enzyme family to be identified. Functionally distinct from the other Nox isoforms, our understanding of its physiological significance has been hampered by the absence of Nox5 in mouse and rat genomes. Nox5 is present in the genomes of other species such as the rabbit that have broad utility as models of cardiovascular disease. However, the mRNA sequence, characteristics, and functional analysis of rabbit Nox5 has not been fully defined and were the goals of the current study.

Methods: Rabbit Nox5 was amplified from rabbit tissue, cloned, and sequenced. COS-7 cells were employed for expression and functional analysis via Western blotting and measurements of superoxide. We designed and synthesized miRNAs selectively targeting rabbit Nox5. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of rabbit Nox5 were aligned with those of putative rabbit isoforms (X1, X2, X3, and X4). A phylogenetic tree was generated based on the mRNA sequence for Nox5 from rabbit and other species.

Results: Sequence alignment revealed that the identified rabbit Nox5 was highly conserved with the predicted sequence of rabbit Nox5. Cell based experiments reveal that rabbit Nox5 was robustly expressed and produced superoxide at rest and in a calcium and PMA-dependent manner that was susceptible to superoxide dismutase and the flavoprotein inhibitor, DPI. miRNA-1 was shown to be most effective in down-regulating the expression of rabbit Nox5. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between rabbit and armadillo Nox5. Rabbit Nox5 was relatively closely related to human Nox5, but lies in a distinct cluster.

Conclusion: Our study establishes the suitability of the rabbit as a model organism to further our understanding of the role of Nox5 in cardiovascular and other diseases and provides new information on the genetic relationship of Nox5 genes in different species.

Hypo-CpG methylation controls PTEN expression and cell apoptosis in irradiated lung

PURPOSE

The current study was designed to address our hypothesis that oxidative stress secondary to the ionizing event upregulates phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mRNA and protein in the lungs of C57BL/6J mice through oxidative DNA damage resulting in CpG hypomethylation in the PTEN promoter.

METHODS

Fibrosis-prone C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0 or 15 Gy of 320 kVp X-rays to the whole thorax. Lung tissue was serially harvested at time points between one day and six months postirradiation. Tissue levels of PTEN mRNA, total protein, and phosphorylated PTEN, as well as CpG methylation of the PTEN promoter, expression of DNA methyltransferases 1 (Dnmt1) and 3a (Dnmt3a), NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) protein expression, and DNA damage levels were measured. The induction of DNA damage and global methylation changes were also examined in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro.

RESULTS

These experiments demonstrate that PTEN mRNA and protein, Nox4 protein, and DNA damage levels increase continuously from one day to six months following radiation exposure. Elevated PTEN transcription and translation are likely the result of the observed decrease in CpG methylation of the PTEN promoter region. This finding is not consistent with the observed increase in Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a protein expression, implicating an alternative mechanism as the driving force behind hypomethylation. In vitro results provide evidence that H2O2 can induce DNA damage and affect DNA methylation status. The Mn porphyrin-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimic MnTnHEx-2-PyP(5+ )exhibited partial rescue from radiation-induced hypomethylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these data suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage results in hypomethylation of the PTEN promoter, upregulation of PTEN mRNA and protein, and a subsequent increase in apoptosis in irradiated lung tissue.

Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in Bacterial Killing within Epithelial Cells

Several non-phagocytic cells can actively generate the superoxide anion by NAD(P)H oxidases resembling the enzymatic complex typical of phagocytes. Overexpression of periplasmic Cu,ZnSOD rescues invasive E. coli strains from killing within epithelial cells, suggesting that superoxide generation by such cells can oxidatively damage invading bacteria. Pre-treatment of HeLa cells with diphenyl iodonium or 4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxyacetophenone, two inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase, significantly enhances intracellular survival of wild type invasive E. coli cells. On the contrary, these inhibitors have no effect on the intracellular survival of an invasive E. coli strain engineered to overexpress Cu,ZnSOD. These results support the hypothesis that superoxide generation by a NAD(P)H oxidase-like complex can limit bacterial survival within epithelial cells and suggest that the role of periplasmic Cu,ZnSOD in bacterial infections is not simply that of conferring protection against the phagocytic oxidative burst.

An Endothelial Hsp70-TLR4 Axis Limits Nox3 Expression and Protects Against Oxidant Injury in Lungs

AIMS

Oxidants play a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Nox3 is a novel member of the NADPH oxidase (Nox) family of oxidant-generating enzymes, which our laboratory had previously identified to be induced in the lungs of TLR4(-/-) mice. However, the physiologic role of Nox3 induction in lungs and its precise relationship to TLR4 are unknown. Furthermore, the cell compartment involved and the signaling mechanisms of Nox3 induction are unknown.

RESULTS

We identified that Nox3 is regulated by heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) signaling via a TLR4-Trif-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) pathway and that Nox3 induction leads to increased oxidant injury and death in mice and lung endothelial cells. We generated Nox3(-/-)/TLR4(-/-) double knockout mice, endothelial-targeting lentiviral silencing constructs, and endothelial-targeted Stat3(-/-) mice to specifically demonstrate that Nox3 induction is responsible for the pro-oxidant, proapoptotic phenotype of TLR4(-/-) mice. We also show that an endothelial Hsp70-TLR4-Trif-Stat3 axis is required to suppress deleterious Nox3 induction.

INNOVATION

To date, a physiologic role for Nox3 in oxidant-induced ALI has not been identified. In addition, we generated unique double knockout mice and endothelial-targeted lentiviral silencing constructs to specifically demonstrate the role of a TLR4 signaling pathway in regulating pro-oxidant generation.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified an endothelial TLR4-Trif antioxidant pathway that leads to the inhibition of a novel NADPH oxidase, Nox3, in lungs and lung endothelial cells. We also identified the role of a TLR4 ligand, Hsp70, in suppressing Nox3 in basal and pro-oxidant conditions. These studies identify potentially new therapeutic targets in oxidant-induced ALI. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 991-1012.

The phospholipase A2 activity of peroxiredoxin 6 modulates NADPH oxidase 2 activation via lysophosphatidic acid receptor signaling in the pulmonary endothelium and alveolar macrophages

Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) is essential for activation of NADPH oxidase type 2 (NOX2) in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs), alveolar macrophages (AMs), and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Angiotensin II and phorbol ester increased superoxide/H2O2 generation in PMVECs, AMs, and isolated lungs from wild-type (WT) mice, but had much less effect on cells or lungs from Prdx6-null or Prdx6-D140A-knock-in mice that lack the phospholipase A2 activity (PLA2) of Prdx6; addition of either lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) or lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to cells restored their oxidant generation. The generation of LPC by PMVECs required Prdx6-PLA2 We propose that Prdx6-PLA2 modulates NOX2 activation by generation of LPC that is converted to LPA by the lysophospholipase D activity of autotaxin (ATX/lysoPLD). Inhibition of lysoPLD with HA130 (cells,10 μM; lungs, 20 μM; IC50, 29 nM) decreased agonist-induced oxidant generation. LPA stimulates pathways regulated by small GTPases through binding to G-protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPARs). The LPAR blocker Ki16425 (cells, 10 μM; lungs, 25 μM; Ki, 0.34 μM) or cellular knockdown of LPAR type 1 decreased oxidant generation and blocked translocation of rac1 to plasma membrane. Thus, Prdx6-PLA2 modulates NOX2 activation through generation of LPC for conversion to LPA; binding of LPA to LPAR1 signals rac activation.-Vázquez-Medina, J. P., Dodia, C., Weng, L., Mesaros, C., Blair, I. A., Feinstein, S. I., Chatterjee, S., Fisher, A. B. The phospholipase A2 activity of peroxiredoxin 6 modulates NADPH oxidase 2 activation via lysophosphatidic acid receptor signaling in the pulmonary endothelium and alveolar macrophages.

CYBA encoding p22(phox), the cytochrome b558 alpha polypeptide: gene structure, expression, role and physiopathology

P22(phox) is a ubiquitous protein encoded by the CYBA gene located on the long arm of chromosome 16 at position 24, containing six exons and spanning 8.5 kb. P22(phox) is a critical component of the superoxide-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs). It is associated with NOX2 to form cytochrome b558 expressed mainly in phagocytes and responsible for the killing of microorganisms when bacterial and fungal infections occur. CYBA mutations lead to one of the autosomal recessive forms of chronic granulomatous disease (AR22(0)CGD) clinically characterized by recurrent and severe infections in early childhood. However, p22(phox) is also the partner of NOX1, NOX3 and NOX4, but not NOX5, which are analogs of NOX2, the first identified member of the NOX family. P22(phox)-NOX complexes have emerged as one of the most relevant sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues and cells, and are associated with several diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The p22(phox)-deficient mouse strain nmf333 has made it possible to highlight the role of p22(phox) in the control of inner ear balance in association with NOX3. However, the relevance of p22(phox) for NOX3 function remains uncertain because AR22(0)CGD patients do not suffer from vestibular dysfunction. Finally, a large number of genetic variations of CYBA have been reported, among them the C242T polymorphism, which has been extensively studied in association with coronary artery and heart diseases, but conflicting results continue to be reported.

Exogenous C2 Ceramide Suppresses Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Expression by Inhibiting ROS Production and MAPK Signaling Pathways in PMA-Stimulated Human Astroglioma Cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, which play a pivotal role in invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of glioma. Therefore, controlling MMPs is potentially an important therapeutic strategy for glioma. In the present study, we found that exogenous cell-permeable short-chain C2 ceramide inhibits phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced MMP-1, -3, and -9 gene expressions in U87MG and U373MG human astroglioma cells. In addition, C2 ceramide inhibited the protein secretion and enzymatic activities of MMP-1, -3, and -9. The Matrigel invasion assay and wound healing assay showed that C2 ceramide suppresses the in vitro invasion and migration of glioma cells, which appears to be involved in strong inhibition of MMPs by C2 ceramide. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that C2 ceramide inhibits PMA-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and nuclear factor (NF)-κB/activator protein (AP)-1 DNA binding activities. Furthermore, C2 ceramide significantly inhibited PMA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression, and inhibition of ROS by diphenylene iodonium (DPI, NADPH oxidase inhibitor) mimicked the effects of C2 ceramide on MMP expression and NF-κB/AP-1 via inhibition of p38 MAPK. The results suggest C2 ceramide inhibits MMP expression and glioma invasion, at least partly, by modulating ROS-p38 MAPK signaling axis and other MAPK signaling pathways.

Complex molecular and functional outcomes of single versus sequential cytokine stimulation of rat microglia

BACKGROUND

Microglia are the "professional" phagocytes of the CNS. Phagocytosis is crucial for normal CNS development and maintenance, but it can be either beneficial or detrimental after injury or disease. For instance, white matter damage releases myelin debris that must be cleared by microglia in order for re-myelination to occur. However, phagocytosis can also produce damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, microglia can acquire pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) activation states that affect cell functions. Although microglia are exposed to a changing cytokine environment after injury or disease, little is known about the molecular and functional consequences. Therefore, we applied several microglial activation paradigms, with or without myelin debris. We assessed (i) gene expression changes reflecting microglial activation and inflammatory states, and receptors and enzymes related to phagocytosis and ROS production, (ii) myelin phagocytosis and production of ROS, and (iii) expression and contributions of several ion channels that are considered potential targets for regulating microglial behavior.

METHODS

Primary rat microglia were exposed to cytokines, individually or sequentially. First, responses to individual M1 or M2 stimuli were compared: IFN-γ plus TNF-α ("I + T"; M1 activation), interleukin-4 (M2a/alternative activation), and interleukin-10 (M2c/acquired deactivation). Second, sequential cytokine addition was used to assess microglia repolarization and cell functions. The paradigms were M2a→M1, M2c→M1, M1→M2a, and M1→M2c.

RESULTS

M1 stimulation increased pro-inflammatory genes, phagocytosis, and ROS, as well as expression of Kv1.3, KCa3.1, and Kir2.1 channels. M2a stimulation increased anti-inflammatory genes, ROS production, and Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 expression. Myelin phagocytosis enhanced the M1 profile and dampened the M2a profile, and both phagocytosis and ROS production were dependent on NOX enzymes and Kir2.1 and CRAC channels. Importantly, microglia showed some capacity for re-polarization between M1 and M2a states, based on gene expression changes, myelin phagocytosis, and ROS production.

CONCLUSIONS

In response to polarizing and re-polarizing cytokine treatments, microglia display complex changes in gene transcription profiles, phagocytic capacity, NOX-mediated ROS production, and in ion channels involved in microglial activation. Because these changes might affect microglia-mediated CNS inflammation, they should be considered in future experimental, pre-clinical studies.

Targeted Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Where To Now?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aging-associated, recalcitrant lung disease with historically limited therapeutic options. The recent approval of two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2014 has heralded a new era in its management. Both drugs have demonstrated efficacy in phase III clinical trials by retarding the rate of progression of IPF; neither drug appears to be able to completely arrest disease progression. Advances in the understanding of IPF pathobiology have led to an unprecedented expansion in the number of potential therapeutic targets. Drugs targeting several of these are under investigation in various stages of clinical development. Here, we provide a brief overview of the drugs that are currently approved and others in phase II clinical trials. Future therapeutic opportunities that target novel pathways, including some that are associated with the biology of aging, are examined. A multi-targeted approach, potentially with combination therapies, and identification of individual patients (or subsets of patients) who may respond more favourably to specific agents are likely to be more effective.

Rho Kinase ROCK2 Mediates Acid-Induced NADPH Oxidase NOX5-S Expression in Human Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Mechanisms of the progression from Barrett’s esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) are not fully understood. We have shown that NOX5-S may be involved in this progression. However, how acid upregulates NOX5-S is not well known. We found that acid-induced increase in NOX5-S expression was significantly decreased by the Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 in BE mucosal biopsies and FLO-1 EA cells. In addition, acid treatment significantly increased the Rho kinase activity in FLO-1 cells. The acid-induced increase in NOX5-S expression and H₂O₂ production was significantly decreased by knockdown of Rho kinase ROCK2, but not by knockdown of ROCK1. Conversely, the overexpression of the constitutively active ROCK2, but not the constitutively active ROCK1, significantly enhanced the NOX5-S expression and H₂O₂ production. Moreover, the acid-induced increase in Rho kinase activity and in NOX5-S mRNA expression was blocked by the removal of calcium in both FLO-1 and OE33 cells. The calcium ionophore A23187 significantly increased the Rho kinase activity and NOX5-S mRNA expression. We conclude that acid-induced increase in NOX5-S expression and H₂O₂ production may depend on the activation of ROCK2, but not ROCK1, in EA cells. The acid-induced activation of Rho kinase may be mediated by the intracellular calcium increase. It is possible that persistent acid reflux present in BE patients may increase the intracellular calcium, activate ROCK2 and thereby upregulate NOX5-S. High levels of reactive oxygen species derived from NOX5-S may cause DNA damage and thereby contribute to the progression from BE to EA.

Transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-β) requires reactive oxygen species to induce skeletal muscle atrophy

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a classical modulator of skeletal muscle and regulates several processes, such as myogenesis, regeneration, and muscle function in skeletal muscle diseases. Skeletal muscle atrophy, characterised by the loss of muscle strength and mass, is one of the pathological conditions regulated by TGF-β. Atrophy also results in increased myosin heavy chain (MHC) degradation and the expression of two muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases, atrogin-1 and MuRF-1. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are modulators of muscle wasting, and NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) is one of the main sources of ROS. While it was recently found that TGF-β1 induces atrophy in skeletal muscle, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, the role of NOX-derived ROS in skeletal muscle atrophy induced by TGF-β was assessed. TGF-β1 induced an atrophic effect in C2C12 myotubes, as evidenced by decreased myotube diameter and MHC levels, together with increased MuRF-1 levels. Concomitantly, TGF-β increased NOX-induced ROS contents. Interestingly, NOX inhibition through apocynin and the antioxidant treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) decreased increased ROS levels in myotubes. Additionally, both apocynin and NAC completely prevented the decreased MHC, decreased myotube diameter, and increased MuRF-1 induced by TGF-β. Injection of TGF-β1 into the tibialis anterior muscle induced atrophy, as observed by decreased fibre diameter and MHC levels, together with increased MuRF-1 levels. Likewise, TGF-β increased the ROS contents in the smaller fibres of skeletal muscle. Additionally, the administration of NAC to mice prevented all atrophic effects and the increase in ROS induced by TGF-β in the tibialis anterior. This is the first study to report that TGF-β has an atrophic effect dependent on NOX-induced ROS in skeletal muscle.

Redox homeostasis: The Golden Mean of healthy living

The notion that electrophiles serve as messengers in cell signaling is now widely accepted. Nonetheless, major issues restrain acceptance of redox homeostasis and redox signaling as components of maintenance of a normal physiological steady state. The first is that redox signaling requires sudden switching on of oxidant production and bypassing of antioxidant mechanisms rather than a continuous process that, like other signaling mechanisms, can be smoothly turned up or down. The second is the misperception that reactions in redox signaling involve “reactive oxygen species” rather than reaction of specific electrophiles with specific protein thiolates. The third is that hormesis provides protection against oxidants by increasing cellular defense or repair mechanisms rather than by specifically addressing the offset of redox homeostasis. Instead, we propose that both oxidant and antioxidant signaling are main features of redox homeostasis. As the redox shift is rapidly reversed by feedback reactions, homeostasis is maintained by continuous signaling for production and elimination of electrophiles and nucleophiles. Redox homeostasis, which is the maintenance of nucleophilic tone, accounts for a healthy physiological steady state. Electrophiles and nucleophiles are not intrinsically harmful or protective, and redox homeostasis is an essential feature of both the response to challenges and subsequent feedback. While the balance between oxidants and nucleophiles is preserved in redox homeostasis, oxidative stress provokes the establishment of a new radically altered redox steady state. The popular belief that scavenging free radicals by antioxidants has a beneficial effect is wishful thinking. We propose, instead, that continuous feedback preserves nucleophilic tone and that this is supported by redox active nutritional phytochemicals. These nonessential compounds, by activating Nrf2, mimic the effect of endogenously produced electrophiles (parahormesis). In summary, while hormesis, although globally protective, results in setting up of a new phenotype, parahormesis contributes to health by favoring maintenance of homeostasis.

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Redox homeostasis is the continuously challenged oxidative/nucleophilic balance.

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Rheostatic redox signaling enzymes maintain oxidative/nucleophilic homeostasis.

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Phytochemicals assist redox homeostasis through oxidative feedback (parahormesis).

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Adaptation and hormesis while protective establish a new phenotype and set point.

NADPH Oxidase 1 Activity and ROS Generation Are Regulated by Grb2/Cbl-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation of NoxO1 in Colon Cancer Cells

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is required for proper cell signaling, but must be tightly regulated to minimize deleterious oxidizing effects. Activation of the NADPH oxidases (Nox) triggers ROS production and, thus, regulatory mechanisms exist to properly control Nox activity. In this study, we report a novel mechanism in which Nox1 activity is regulated through the proteasomal degradation of Nox organizer 1 (NoxO1). We found that through the interaction between NoxO1 and growth receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (Cbl) E3 ligase was recruited, leading to decreased NoxO1 stability and a subsequent reduction in ROS generation upon epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. Additionally, we show that EGF-mediated phosphorylation of NoxO1 induced its release from Grb2 and facilitated its association with Nox activator 1 (NoxA1) to stimulate ROS production. Consistently, overexpression of Grb2 resulted in decreased Nox1 activity, whereas knockdown of Grb2 led to increased Nox1 activity in response to EGF. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NoxO1 knockout in human colon cancer cells abrogated anchorage-independent growth on soft agar and tumor-forming ability in athymic nude mice. Moreover, the expression and stability of NoxO1 were significantly increased in human colon cancer tissues compared with normal colon. Taken together, these results support a model whereby Nox1 activity and ROS generation are regulated by Grb2/Cbl-mediated proteolysis of NoxO1 in response to EGF, providing new insight into the processes by which excessive ROS production may promote oncogenic signaling to drive colorectal tumorigenesis.

Reciprocal activation between IL-6/STAT3 and NOX4/Akt signalings promotes proliferation and survival of non-small cell lung cancer cells

Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are two critical mediators in inflammation-associated cancer. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the most critical tumor-promoting cytokines in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In our recent study, we confirmed that NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in NSCLC cells, promotes malignant progression of NSCLC. However, whether the crosstalk of NOX4 and IL-6 signalings exists in NSCLC remains undentified. In this study, we show that NOX4 expression is positively correlated with IL-6 expression in NSCLC tissues. Exogenous IL-6 treatment significantly enhances NOX4/ROS/Akt signaling in NSCLC cells. NOX4 also enhances IL-6 production and activates IL-6/STAT3 signaling in NSCLC cells. Specifically, NOX4 is confirmed to functionally interplay with IL-6 to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and survival. The in vivo results were similar to those obtained in vitro. These data indicate a novel NOX4-dependent link among IL-6 in the NSCLC microenvironment, oxidative stress in NSCLC cells and autocrined IL-6 in NSCLC cells. NOX4/Akt and IL-6/STAT3 signalings can reciprocally and positively regulate each other, leading to enhanced NSCLC cell proliferation and survival. Therefore, NOX4 may serve as a promising target against NSCLC alone with IL-6 signaling.

Reactive oxygen species, nutrition, hypoxia and diseases: Problems solved?

Within the last twenty years the view on reactive oxygen species (ROS) has changed; they are no longer only considered to be harmful but also necessary for cellular communication and homeostasis in different organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. In the latter, ROS were shown to modulate diverse physiological processes including the regulation of growth factor signaling, the hypoxic response, inflammation and the immune response. During the last 60–100 years the life style, at least in the Western world, has changed enormously. This became obvious with an increase in caloric intake, decreased energy expenditure as well as the appearance of alcoholism and smoking; These changes were shown to contribute to generation of ROS which are, at least in part, associated with the occurrence of several chronic diseases like adiposity, atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, and cancer. In this review we discuss aspects and problems on the role of intracellular ROS formation and nutrition with the link to diseases and their problematic therapeutical issues.

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Oxidative stress is linked to overnutrition, obesity and associated diseases or cancer.

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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucially involved in modulation of signaling cascades.

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NOX proteins and hypoxia contribute to formation of ROS under different nutrient regimes.

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ROS are powerful post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulators.

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Treatment of obesity with antioxidants requires more, larger, and better monitored clinical trials.

Clinical Application of NOX Activity and Other Oxidative Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Review

SIGNIFICANCE

The oxidative stress theory of atherosclerosis is based on the assumption that the production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) by blood, as well as resident cells of the artery wall, elicits the formation of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), which, in turn, promotes a series of inflammatory responses, ultimately leading to atherosclerotic plaque. This theory prompted the development of new laboratory methodologies that aimed at assessing the relationship between oxidative stress and clinical progression of human atherosclerosis.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Markers assessing the oxidation of phospholipid and protein components of LDL were among the first to be developed. Clinical trials included cross-sectional as well as retrospective and prospective studies that, however, provided equivocal results. Thus, clear evidence that oxidative biomarkers add more to the risk stratification by common atherosclerotic risk factors is still lacking.

RECENT ADVANCES

More recently, the analysis of oxidative stress focused on enzymatic pathways generating ROS, such as NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Experimental and clinical studies suggest that both enzymes may be implicated in promoting atherosclerotic disease. Novel laboratory methodologies have been, therefore, developed to study NADPH oxidase and MPO in patients with stable atherosclerosis as well as in patients with acute coronary and cerebro-vascular syndromes.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This review will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the current methodology to study these enzymes in human atherosclerosis with particular regard to their clinical application in several settings of cardiovascular disease. Clinical methodology and results of previous studies with regard to markers of LDL oxidation have also been reviewed as a useful background for the future development of clinical trials.

Challenges, Progresses, and Promises for Developing Future NADPH Oxidase Therapeutics

NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes show great potential as therapeutic pharmacological targets. This Forum revolves around the roles of specific NOX isoforms in oxidative stress-mediated pathologies, available NOX antagonists/agonists as well as the potential side effects of NOX inhibition and the requisite identification of novel oxidative biomarkers as a measure of NOX activity in patients. In addition, an original article reports the discovery of a novel small molecule NOX2 inhibitor. Finally an attractive and innovative therapeutic approach for modulating NOX activity through the inhibition of the proton channel Hv1 is discussed.

NOX Modifiers-Just a Step Away from Application in the Therapy of Airway Inflammation?

SIGNIFICANCE

NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes, which are widely expressed in different airway cell types, not only contribute to the maintenance of physiological processes in the airways but also participate in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic diseases. Therefore, the understanding of NOX isoform regulation, expression, and the manner of their potent inhibition might lead to effective therapeutic approaches.

RECENT ADVANCES

The study of the role of NADPH oxidases family in airway physiology and pathophysiology should be considered as a work in progress. While key questions still remain unresolved, there is significant progress in terms of our understanding of NOX importance in airway diseases as well as a more efficient way of using NOX modifiers in human settings.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Agents that modify the activity of NADPH enzyme components would be considered useful tools in the treatment of various airway diseases. Nevertheless, profound knowledge of airway pathology, as well as the mechanisms of NOX regulation is needed to develop potent but safe NOX modifiers.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Many compounds seem to be promising candidates for development into useful therapeutic agents, but their clinical potential is yet to be demonstrated. Further analysis of basic mechanisms in human settings, high-throughput compound scanning, clinical trials with new and existing molecules, and the development of new drug delivery approaches are the main directions of future studies on NOX modifiers. In this article, we discuss the current knowledge with regard to NOX isoform expression and regulation in airway inflammatory diseases as well as the aptitudes and therapeutic potential of NOX modifiers.

NADPH oxidase 5 and renal disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the latest novel developments in renal NADPH oxidase 5 (Nox5) biology, with an emphasis not only on diabetic nephropathy but also on many of the other renal disease contexts in which oxidative stress is implicated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nox-derived reactive oxygen species have been shown to contribute to a wide variety of renal diseases, particularly in the settings of chronic renal disease such as diabetic nephropathy. Although much emphasis has been placed on the role of NADPH oxidase 4 in this setting, a growing body of work continues to uncover the key roles for other Nox family members, not only in diabetic kidney disease, but also in a diverse array of renal pathological conditions. The most recently identified member of the Nox family, Nox5, has for the most part been overlooked in renal disease, partly owing to its absence from the rodent genome. New evidence suggests that Nox5 may be a contributing factor in glomerulopathies and altered tubular physiology. Furthermore, Nox5 appears to harbor a significant number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms that alter its enzymatic activity.

SUMMARY

Given the unique structure and expression pattern of Nox5, it may prove to be an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of renal disease.

Nox-4 and progressive kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nox-4 is a member of the NADPH oxidase (Nox) family of enzymes implicated in reactive oxygen species generation. Nox-4 is distributed in many tissues; however, its physiological functions remain poorly understood. In contrast to other Nox isoforms, it is unique in that it produces large amounts of hydrogen peroxide constitutively and does not require other cytosolic oxidase components for its activation. This review highlights the recent developments in Nox-4 research and progressive kidney disease as well as the potential of new Nox-4 inhibitors to reduce renal damage.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, Nox-4 was shown to be implicated in kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy. Nox-4 has been identified as playing a role in damage to the kidney induced by hyperglycaemia and other major pathways of renal damage, including advanced glycation end-products, the renin-angiotensin system, TGF-β and protein kinase C.

SUMMARY

The role of Nox-4 as a target for renoprotection remains controversial, although recent positive preclinical data have stimulated increased interest in inhibiting the enzyme in clinical trials of renal disease.

Eicosanoids up-regulate production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH-dependent oxidase in Spodoptera exigua phagocytic hemocytes

Eicosanoids mediate cellular immune responses in insects, including phagocytosis of invading microbes. Phagocytosis entails two major steps, the internalization of microbes and the subsequent killing of them via formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we posed the hypothesis that eicosanoids mediate ROS production by activating NADPH-dependent oxidase (NOX) and tested the idea in the model insect, Spodoptera exigua. A NOX gene (we named SeNOX4) was identified and cloned, yielding a full open reading frame encoding 547 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 63,410Da and an isoelectric point at 9.28. A transmembrane domain and a large intracellular domain containing NADPH and FAD-binding sites were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis indicated SeNOX4 clusters with other NOX4 genes. SeNOX4 was expressed in all life stages except eggs, and exclusively in hemocytes. Bacterial challenge and, separately, arachidonic acid (AA, a precursor of eicosanoid biosynthesis) injection increased its expression. The internalization step was assessed by counting hemocytes engulfing fluorescence-labeled bacteria. The phagocytic behavior was inhibited by dsRNA suppression of SeNOX4 expression and, separately by dexamethasone (DEX, a specific inhibitor of eicosanoid biosynthesis) treatments. However, injecting AA to dsSeNOX4-treated larvae did not rescue the phagocytic activity. Hemocytic ROS production increased following bacterial challenge, which was sharply reduced in dsSeNOX4-treated, and separately, in DEX-treated larvae. AA partially reversed the suppressed ROS production in dsSeNOX4-treated larvae. Treating larvae with either the ROS-suppressing dsSeNOX4 construct or DEX rendered experimental larvae unable to inhibit bacterial proliferation in their hemocoels. We infer that eicosanoids mediate ROS production during phagocytosis by inducing expression of SeNOX4.

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase 4 induces apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma: Role of reactive oxygen species

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor that is characterized by dysregulated growth and resistance to apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating NADPH oxidase (Nox) family enzymes have been suggested to be involved in neoplastic proliferation. Both the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the inhibitor of flavoprotein-dependent oxidase, diphenylene iodonium (DPI), inhibited the cell viability of MPM cells in a dose-dependent manner. To examine whether Nox-mediated ROS generation confers antiapoptotic activity and thus a growth advantage to MPM cells, we analyzed the mRNA expression of Nox family members using quantitative RT-PCR in 7 MPM cell lines and a normal mesothelial cell line. Nox4 mRNA was expressed in all of the examined MPM cell lines, whereas little or no Nox2, Nox3 and Nox5 mRNA expression was detected. In 2 MPM cell lines, Nox4 mRNA expression was significantly higher than that in a normal mesothelial cell line. siRNAs targeting Nox4 suppressed ROS generation and cell viability in the MPM cell lines. In addition, DPI treatment and knockdown of Nox4 attenuated phosphorylation of AKT and ERK. Taken together, our results indicate that Nox4-mediated ROS, at least in part, transmit cell survival signals and their depletion leads to apoptosis, thus highlighting the Nox4-ROS-AKT signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for MPM treatment.

The NADPH oxidase NOX5 protects against apoptosis in ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma cell lines

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key modulators of apoptosis and carcinogenesis. One of the important sources of ROS is NADPH oxidases (NOXs). The isoform NOX5 is highly expressed in lymphoid tissues, but it has not been detected in any common Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. In diverse, nonlymphoid malignant cells NOX5 exerts an antiapoptotic effect. Apoptosis suppression is the hallmark feature of a rare type of lymphoma, termed anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK(+)) anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), and a major factor in the therapy resistance and relapse of ALK(+) ALCL tumors. We applied RT-PCR and Western blot analysis to detect NOX5 expression in three ALK(+) ALCL cell lines (Karpas-299, SR-786, SUP-M2). We investigated the role of NOX5 in apoptosis by small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing and chemical inhibition of NOX5 using FACS analysis and examining caspase 3 cleavage in Karpas-299 cells. We used immunohistochemistry to detect NOX5 in ALK(+) ALCL pediatric tumors. NOX5 mRNA was uniquely detected in ALK(+) ALCL cells, whereas cell lines of other lymphoma classes were devoid of NOX5. Transfection of NOX5-specific siRNA and chemical inhibition of NOX5 abrogated calcium-induced superoxide production and increased caspase 3-mediated apoptosis in Karpas-299 cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed focal NOX5 reactivity in pediatric ALK(+) ALCL tumor cells. These results indicate that NOX5-derived ROS contribute to apoptosis blockage in ALK(+) ALCL cell lines and suggest NOX5 as a potential pharmaceutical target to enhance apoptosis and thus to suppress tumor progression and prevent relapse in pediatric ALK(+) ALCL patients that resist classical therapeutic approaches.

Superoxide-Generating Nox5α Is Functionally Required for the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1-Induced Cell Transformation Phenotype

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and transforms T cells in vitro. To our knowledge, the functional role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating NADPH oxidase 5 (Nox5) in HTLV-1 transformation remains undefined. Here, we found that Nox5α expression was upregulated in 88% of 17 ATL patient samples but not in normal peripheral blood T cells. Upregulation of the Nox5α variant was transcriptionally sustained by the constitutive Janus family tyrosine kinase (Jak)-STAT5 signaling pathway in interleukin-2 (IL-2)-independent HTLV-1-transformed cell lines, including MT1 and MT2, whereas it was transiently induced by the IL-2-triggered Jak-STAT5 axis in uninfected T cells. A Nox inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, and antioxidants such as N-acetyl cysteine blocked proliferation of MT1 and MT2 cells. Ablation of Nox5α by small interfering RNAs abrogated ROS production, inhibited cellular activities, including proliferation, migration, and survival, and suppressed tumorigenicity in immunodeficient NOG mice. The findings suggest that Nox5α is a key molecule for redox-signal-mediated maintenance of the HTLV-1 transformation phenotype and could be a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention in cancer development.

IMPORTANCE

HTLV-1 is the first human oncogenic retrovirus shown to be associated with ATL. Despite the extensive study over the years, the mechanism underlying HTLV-1-induced cell transformation is not fully understood. In this study, we addressed the expression and function of ROS-generating Nox family genes in HTLV-1-transformed cells. Our report provides the first evidence that the upregulated expression of Nox5α is associated with the pathological state of ATL peripheral blood mononuclear cells and that Nox5α is an integral component of the Jak-STAT5 signaling pathway in HTLV-1-transformed T cells. Nox5α-derived ROS are critically involved in the regulation of cellular activities, including proliferation, migration, survival, and tumorigenicity, in HTLV-1-transformed cells. These results indicate that Nox5α-derived ROS are functionally required for maintenance of the HTLV-1 transformation phenotype. The finding provides new insight into the redox-dependent mechanism of HTLV-1 transformation and raises an intriguing possibility that Nox5α serves as a potential molecular target to treat HTLV-1-related leukemia.

NOX4 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through positive feedback regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling

NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) is deregulated in various cancers and involved in cancer proliferation and metastasis. However, what the role of NOX4 plays during malignant progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. Our results show that NOX4 was upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and samples from patients, compared with controls; NOX4 protein levels were closely correlated with clinical disease stage and survival time. Overexpression of NOX4 in A549 and H460 NSCLC cells enhanced cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and produced larger tumors, shorter survival time, and more lung metastasis in nude mice than control cells. On the contrary, NOX4 depletion inhibited NSCLC cell aggressiveness. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway could sufficiently block the cellular effects of NOX4 overexpression in NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, we demonstrated that PI3K/Akt pathway also positively regulated NOX4 expression via NF-κB-mediated manner. Therefore, there existed a mutual positive regulation between NOX4 and PI3K/Akt signaling in NSCLC cells, and NOX4 was confirmed to functionally interplay with PI3K/Akt signaling to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, the positive feedback loop between NOX4 and PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to NSCLC progression.

Genome-wide association study identifies nox3 as a critical gene for susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss

In the United States, roughly 10% of the population is exposed daily to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace. Twin studies estimate heritability for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) of approximately 36%, and strain specific variation in sensitivity has been demonstrated in mice. Based upon the difficulties inherent to the study of NIHL in humans, we have turned to the study of this complex trait in mice. We exposed 5 week-old mice from the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP) to a 10 kHz octave band noise at 108 dB for 2 hours and assessed the permanent threshold shift 2 weeks post exposure using frequency specific stimuli. These data were then used in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the Efficient Mixed Model Analysis (EMMA) to control for population structure. In this manuscript we describe our GWAS, with an emphasis on a significant peak for susceptibility to NIHL on chromosome 17 within a haplotype block containing NADPH oxidase-3 (Nox3). Our peak was detected after an 8 kHz tone burst stimulus. Nox3 mutants and heterozygotes were then tested to validate our GWAS. The mutants and heterozygotes demonstrated a greater susceptibility to NIHL specifically at 8 kHz both on measures of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and on auditory brainstem response (ABR). We demonstrate that this sensitivity resides within the synaptic ribbons of the cochlea in the mutant animals specifically at 8 kHz. Our work is the first GWAS for NIHL in mice and elucidates the power of our approach to identify tonotopic genetic susceptibility to NIHL.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common work-related disease in the world and the second cause of hearing loss. Although several candidate gene association studies for NIHL in humans have been conducted, each are underpowered, un-replicated, and account for only a fraction of the genetic risk. Buoyed by the prospects and successes of human association studies, several groups have proposed mouse genome-wide association studies. The environment can be carefully controlled, facilitating the study of complex traits like NIHL. In this manuscript, we describe, for the first time, an association analysis with correction for population structure for the mapping of several loci for susceptibility to NIHL in inbred strains of mice. We identify Nox3 as the associated gene for susceptibility to NIHL that the genetic susceptibility is frequency specific and that it occurs at the level of the cochlear synaptic ribbon.

Cholesterol removal from adult skeletal muscle impairs excitation-contraction coupling and aging reduces caveolin-3 and alters the expression of other triadic proteins

Cholesterol and caveolin are integral membrane components that modulate the function/location of many cellular proteins. Skeletal muscle fibers, which have unusually high cholesterol levels in transverse tubules, express the caveolin-3 isoform but its association with transverse tubules remains contentious. Cholesterol removal impairs excitation–contraction (E–C) coupling in amphibian and mammalian fetal skeletal muscle fibers. Here, we show that treating single muscle fibers from adult mice with the cholesterol removing agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin decreased fiber cholesterol by 26%, altered the location pattern of caveolin-3 and of the voltage dependent calcium channel Cav1.1, and suppressed or reduced electrically evoked Ca²⁺ transients without affecting membrane integrity or causing sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium depletion. We found that transverse tubules from adult muscle and triad fractions that contain ~10% attached transverse tubules, but not SR membranes, contained caveolin-3 and Cav1.1; both proteins partitioned into detergent-resistant membrane fractions highly enriched in cholesterol. Aging entails significant deterioration of skeletal muscle function. We found that triad fractions from aged rats had similar cholesterol and RyR1 protein levels compared to triads from young rats, but had lower caveolin-3 and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and increased Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase protein levels. Both triad fractions had comparable NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity and protein content of NOX2 subunits (p47^phox and gp91^phox), implying that NOX activity does not increase during aging. These findings show that partial cholesterol removal impairs E–C coupling and alters caveolin-3 and Cav1.1 location pattern, and that aging reduces caveolin-3 protein content and modifies the expression of other triadic proteins. We discuss the possible implications of these findings for skeletal muscle function in young and aged animals.

Nox2 mediates skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet

Inflammation and oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are consistently associated with metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes. Although the role of Nox2, a major ROS-generating enzyme, is well described in host defense and inflammation, little is known about its potential role in insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet was mitigated in Nox2-null mice compared with wild-type mice after 3 or 9 months on the diet. High fat feeding increased Nox2 expression, superoxide production, and impaired insulin signaling in skeletal muscle tissue of wild-type mice but not in Nox2-null mice. Exposure of C2C12 cultured myotubes to either high glucose concentration, palmitate, or H2O2 decreases insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake. Pretreatment with catalase abrogated these effects, indicating a key role for H2O2 in mediating insulin resistance. Down-regulation of Nox2 in C2C12 cells by shRNA prevented insulin resistance induced by high glucose or palmitate but not H2O2. These data indicate that increased production of ROS in insulin resistance induced by high glucose in skeletal muscle cells is a consequence of Nox2 activation. This is the first report to show that Nox2 is a key mediator of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.

NADPH oxidases and cancer

The mechanism by which reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by tumour cells remained incompletely understood until the discovery over the last 15 years of the family of NADPH oxidases (NOXs 1–5 and dual oxidases DUOX1/2) which are structural homologues of gp91phox, the major membrane-bound component of the respiratory burst oxidase of leucocytes. Knowledge of the roles of the NOX isoforms in cancer is rapidly expanding. Recent evidence suggests that both NOX1 and DUOX2 species produce ROS in the gastrointestinal tract as a result of chronic inflammatory stress; cytokine induction (by interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor α, and interleukins IL-4 and IL-13) of NOX1 and DUOX2 may contribute to the development of colorectal and pancreatic carcinomas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic pancreatitis, respectively. NOX4 expression is increased in pre-malignant fibrotic states which may lead to carcinomas of the lung and liver. NOX5 is highly expressed in malignant melanomas, prostate cancer and Barrett's oesophagus-associated adenocarcinomas, and in the last it is related to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux and inflammation. Over-expression of functional NOX proteins in many tissues helps to explain tissue injury and DNA damage from ROS that accompany pre-malignant conditions, as well as elucidating the potential mechanisms of NOX-related damage that contribute to both the initiation and the progression of a wide range of solid and haematopoietic malignancies.

The anticancer effect of (1S,2S,3E,7E,11E)-3,7,11, 15-cembratetraen-17,2-olide(LS-1) through the activation of TGF-β signaling in SNU-C5/5-FU, fluorouracil-resistant human colon cancer cells

The anticancer effect of (1S,2S,3E,7E,11E)-3,7,11,15-cembratetraen-17,2-olide (LS-1) from Lobophytum sp. has been already reported in HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effect of LS-1 on the apoptosis induction of SNU-C5/5-FU, fluorouracil-resistant human colon cancer cells. Furthermore, we investigated whether the apoptosis-induction effect of LS-1 could arise from the activation of the TGF-β pathway. In SNU-C5/5-FU treated with LS-1 of 7.1 μM (IC50), we could observe the various apoptotic characteristics, such as the increase of apoptotic bodies, the increase of the sub-G1 hypodiploid cell population, the decrease of the Bcl-2 level, the increase of procaspase-9 cleavage, the increase of procaspase-3 cleavage and the increase of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Interestingly, the apoptosis-induction effect of LS-1 was also accompanied by the increase of Smad-3 phosphorylation and the downregulation of c-Myc in SNU-C5/5-FU. LS-1 also increased the nuclear localization of phospho-Smad-3 and Smad-4. We examined whether LS-1 could downregulate the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a direct inhibitor of TGF-β signaling. LS-1 decreased the CEA level, as well as the direct interaction between CEA and TGF-βR1 in the apoptosis-induction condition of SNU-C5/5-FU. To examine whether LS-1 can induce apoptosis via the activation of TGF-β signaling, the SNU-C5/5-FU cells were treated with LS-1 in the presence or absence of SB525334, a TGF-βRI kinase inhibitor. SB525334 inhibited the effect of LS-1 on the apoptosis induction. These findings provide evidence demonstrating that the apoptosis-induction effect of LS-1 results from the activation of the TGF-β pathway via the downregulation of CEA in SNU-C5/5-FU.

Cytotoxin-induced NADPH oxides activation: roles in regulation of cell death

Numerous studies have shown that a variety of cytotoxic agents can activate the NADPH oxidase system and induce redox-dependent regulation of cellular functions. Cytotoxin-induced NADPH oxidase activation may either exert cytoprotective actions (e.g., survival, proliferation, and stress tolerance) or cause cell death. Here we summarize the experimental evidence showing the context-dependent dichotomous effects of NADPH oxidase on cell fate under cytotoxic stress conditions and the potential redox signaling mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Clearly, it is difficult to create a unified paradigm on the toxicological implications of NADPH oxidase activation in response to cytotoxic stimuli. We suggest that interventional strategies targeting the NADPH oxidase system to prevent the adverse impacts of cytotoxins need to be contemplated in a stimuli- and cell type-specific manner.

Activation of the AGE/RAGE system in the brains of rats and in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to high level of fluoride might connect to oxidative stress

To explore the mechanisms by which chronic fluorosis damages the brain, we determined the levels of the advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), the receptor for AGE (RAGE), NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brains of rats and/or SH-SY5Y cells exposed to different levels of sodium fluoride (5 or 50 ppm in the drinking water for 3 or 6 months and in the incubation medium for as long as 48 h, respectively). The levels of AGEs, RAGE and NOX2 protein and mRNA were measured by an Elisa assay, Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. The ROS content was assessed by fluorescein staining and MDA by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance assay. In comparison to the unexposed controls, the protein and mRNA levels of AGEs, RAGE and NOX2 in the brains of rats after 6 months of exposure and in SH-SY5Y cells following high-dose exposure to fluoride were elevated. In contrast, no significant changes in these parameters were detected in the rats exposed for 3 months. In addition, the levels of ROS and MDA in the SH-SY5Y cells exposed to high-dose of fluoride were elevated in a manner that correlated positively with the levels of AGE/RAGE. In conclusion, our present results indicate that excessive fluoride can activate the AGE/RAGE pathway, which might in turn enhance oxidative stress.

The extracellular A-loop of dual oxidases affects the specificity of reactive oxygen species release

NADPH oxidase (Nox) family proteins produce superoxide (O2 (⨪)) directly by transferring an electron to molecular oxygen. Dual oxidases (Duoxes) also produce an O2 (⨪) intermediate, although the final species secreted by mature Duoxes is H2O2, suggesting that intramolecular O2 (⨪) dismutation or other mechanisms contribute to H2O2 release. We explored the structural determinants affecting reactive oxygen species formation by Duox enzymes. Duox2 showed O2 (⨪) leakage when mismatched with Duox activator 1 (DuoxA1). Duox2 released O2 (⨪) even in correctly matched combinations, including Duox2 + DuoxA2 and Duox2 + N-terminally tagged DuoxA2 regardless of the type or number of tags. Conversely, Duox1 did not release O2 (⨪) in any combination. Chimeric Duox2 possessing the A-loop of Duox1 showed no O2 (⨪) leakage; chimeric Duox1 possessing the A-loop of Duox2 released O2 (⨪). Moreover, Duox2 proteins possessing the A-loops of Nox1 or Nox5 co-expressed with DuoxA2 showed enhanced O2 (⨪) release, and Duox1 proteins possessing the A-loops of Nox1 or Nox5 co-expressed with DuoxA1 acquired O2 (⨪) leakage. Although we identified Duox1 A-loop residues (His(1071), His(1072), and Gly(1074)) important for reducing O2 (⨪) release, mutations of these residues to those of Duox2 failed to convert Duox1 to an O2 (⨪)-releasing enzyme. Using immunoprecipitation and endoglycosidase H sensitivity assays, we found that the A-loop of Duoxes binds to DuoxA N termini, creating more stable, mature Duox-DuoxA complexes. In conclusion, the A-loops of both Duoxes support H2O2 production through interaction with corresponding activators, but complex formation between the Duox1 A-loop and DuoxA1 results in tighter control of H2O2 release by the enzyme complex.

The role of reactive oxygen species in microvascular remodeling

The microcirculation is a portion of the vascular circulatory system that consists of resistance arteries, arterioles, capillaries and venules. It is the place where gases and nutrients are exchanged between blood and tissues. In addition the microcirculation is the major contributor to blood flow resistance and consequently to regulation of blood pressure. Therefore, structural remodeling of this section of the vascular tree has profound implications on cardiovascular pathophysiology. This review is focused on the role that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play on changing the structural characteristics of vessels within the microcirculation. Particular attention is given to the resistance arteries and the functional pathways that are affected by ROS in these vessels and subsequently induce vascular remodeling. The primary sources of ROS in the microcirculation are identified and the effects of ROS on other microcirculatory remodeling phenomena such as rarefaction and collateralization are briefly reviewed.

Therapeutic strategies of diabetic nephropathy: recent progress and future perspectives

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes with high mortality rates worldwide. The treatment of DN has posed a formidable challenge to the scientific community. Simple control of risk factors has been insufficient to cope with the progression of DN. During the process of anti-DN drug discovery, multiple pathogeneses such as oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis should all be considered. In this review, the pathogenesis of DN is summarized. The major context focuses on a few small molecules toward the pathogenesis available in animal models and clinical trials for the treatment of DN. The perspectives of novel anti-DN agents and the future directions for the prevention of DN are discussed.

Altered cross-bridge properties in skeletal muscle dystrophies

Force and motion generated by skeletal muscle ultimately depends on the cyclical interaction of actin with myosin. This mechanical process is regulated by intracellular Ca²⁺ through the thin filament-associated regulatory proteins i.e.; troponins and tropomyosin. Muscular dystrophies are a group of heterogeneous genetic affections characterized by progressive degeneration and weakness of the skeletal muscle as a consequence of loss of muscle tissue which directly reduces the number of potential myosin cross-bridges involved in force production. Mutations in genes responsible for skeletal muscle dystrophies (MDs) have been shown to modify the function of contractile proteins and cross-bridge interactions. Altered gene expression or RNA splicing or post-translational modifications of contractile proteins such as those related to oxidative stress, may affect cross-bridge function by modifying key proteins of the excitation-contraction coupling. Micro-architectural change in myofilament is another mechanism of altered cross-bridge performance. In this review, we provide an overview about changes in cross-bridge performance in skeletal MDs and discuss their ultimate impacts on striated muscle function.

NADPH oxidases: an overview from structure to innate immunity-associated pathologies

Oxygen-derived free radicals, collectively termed reactive oxygen species (ROS), play important roles in immunity, cell growth, and cell signaling. In excess, however, ROS are lethal to cells, and the overproduction of these molecules leads to a myriad of devastating diseases. The key producers of ROS in many cells are the NOX family of NADPH oxidases, of which there are seven members, with various tissue distributions and activation mechanisms. NADPH oxidase is a multisubunit enzyme comprising membrane and cytosolic components, which actively communicate during the host responses to a wide variety of stimuli, including viral and bacterial infections. This enzymatic complex has been implicated in many functions ranging from host defense to cellular signaling and the regulation of gene expression. NOX deficiency might lead to immunosuppression, while the intracellular accumulation of ROS results in the inhibition of viral propagation and apoptosis. However, excess ROS production causes cellular stress, leading to various lethal diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. During the later stages of injury, NOX promotes tissue repair through the induction of angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Therefore, a complete understanding of the function of NOX is important to direct the role of this enzyme towards host defense and tissue repair or increase resistance to stress in a timely and disease-specific manner.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in steatotic hepatocytes: a molecular perspective on the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion injury in the fatty liver

SIGNIFICANCE

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury results from the temporary deprivation of hepatic blood supply and is a common side effect of major liver surgery (i.e., transplantation or resection). IR injury, which in most severe cases culminates in acute liver failure, is particularly pronounced in livers that are affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In NAFLD, fat-laden hepatocytes are damaged by chronic oxidative/nitrosative stress (ONS), a state that is acutely exacerbated during IR, leading to extensive parenchymal damage.

RECENT ADVANCES

NAFLD triggers ONS via increased (extra)mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and activation of the unfolded protein response. ONS is associated with widespread protein and lipid (per)oxidation, which reduces the hepatic antioxidative capacity and shifts the intracellular redox status toward an oxidized state. Moreover, activation of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α induces expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2, resulting in depletion of cellular energy (ATP) reserves. The reduction in intracellular antioxidants and ATP in fatty livers consequently gives rise to severe ONS and necrotic cell death during IR.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Despite the fact that ONS mediates both NAFLD and IR injury, the interplay between the two conditions has never been described in detail. An integrative overview of the pathophysiology of NAFLD that renders steatotic hepatocytes more vulnerable to IR injury is therefore presented in the context of ONS.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Effective methods should be devised to alleviate ONS and the consequences thereof in NAFLD before surgery in order to improve resilience of fatty livers to IR injury.

Potential role of NADPH oxidase in pathogenesis of pancreatitis

Studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely related to inflammatory disorders. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), originally found in phagocytes, is the main source of ROS in nonphagocytic cells. Besides directly producing the detrimental highly reactive ROS to act on biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), NOX can also activate multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by producing ROS. Recently, research on pancreatic NOX is no longer limited to inflammatory cells, but extends to the aspect of pancreatic acinar cells and pancreatic stellate cells, which are considered to be potentially associated with pancreatitis. In this review, we summarize the literature on NOX protein structure, activation, function and its role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.

Nox4: a hydrogen peroxide-generating oxygen sensor

Nox4 is an oddity among members of the Nox family of NADPH oxidases [seven isoenzymes that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) from molecular oxygen] in that it is constitutively active. All other Nox enzymes except for Nox4 require upstream activators, either calcium or organizer/activator subunits (p47(phox), NOXO1/p67(phox), and NOXA1). Nox4 may also be unusual as it reportedly releases hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in contrast to Nox1-Nox3 and Nox5, which release superoxide, although this result is controversial in part because of possible membrane compartmentalization of superoxide, which may prevent detection. Our studies were undertaken (1) to identify the Nox4 ROS product using a membrane-free, partially purified preparation of Nox4 and (2) to test the hypothesis that Nox4 activity is acutely regulated not by activator proteins or calcium, but by cellular pO₂, allowing it to function as an O₂ sensor, the output of which is signaling H₂O₂. We find that approximately 90% of the electron flux through isolated Nox4 produces H₂O₂ and 10% forms superoxide. The kinetic mechanism of H₂O₂ formation is consistent with a mechanism involving binding of one oxygen molecule, which is then sequentially reduced by the heme in two one-electron reduction steps first to form a bound superoxide intermediate and then H₂O₂; kinetics are not consistent with a previously proposed internal superoxide dismutation mechanism involving two oxygen binding/reduction steps for each H₂O₂ formed. Critically, Nox4 has an unusually high Km for oxygen (∼18%), similar to the values of known oxygen-sensing enzymes, compared with a Km of 2-3% for Nox2, the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. This allows Nox4 to generate H₂O₂ as a function of oxygen concentration throughout a physiological range of pO2 values and to respond rapidly to changes in pO₂.

Recombinant form of mammalian gp91phox is active in the absence of p22phox

In phagocytes, gp91phox is the key membrane component of the NADPH oxidase complex. In contrast with what was known from studies in mammalian phagocytes, in Pichia pastoris we succeeded in producing an active catalytic subunit gp91phox in absence of its membrane partner.

NADPH oxidase 1, a novel molecular source of ROS in hippocampal neuronal death in vascular dementia

AIMS

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a common pathological factor that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases such as vascular dementia (VaD). Although oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of VaD, the molecular mechanism underlying the selective vulnerability of hippocampal neurons to oxidative damage remains unknown. We assessed whether the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox) complex, a specialized superoxide generation system, plays a role in VaD by permanent ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries in rats.

RESULTS

Male Wistar rats (10 weeks of age) were subjected to bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (two-vessel occlusion [2VO]). Nox1 expression gradually increased in hippocampal neurons, starting at 1 week after 2VO and for approximately 15 weeks after 2VO. The levels of superoxide, DNA oxidation, and neuronal death in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus, as well as consequential cognitive impairment, were increased in 2VO rats. Both inhibition of Nox by apocynin, a putative Nox inhibitor, and adeno-associated virus-mediated Nox1 knockdown significantly reduced 2VO-induced reactive oxygen species generation, oxidative DNA damage, hippocampal neuronal degeneration, and cognitive impairment.

INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION

We provided evidence that neuronal Nox1 is activated in the hippocampus under CCH, causing oxidative stress and consequential hippocampal neuronal death and cognitive impairment. This evidence implies that Nox1-mediated oxidative stress plays an important role in neuronal cell death and cognitive dysfunction in VaD. Nox1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for VaD.

Impact of Nox5 polymorphisms on basal and stimulus-dependent ROS generation

Nox5 is an EF-hand containing, calcium-dependent isoform of the NADPH oxidase family of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating enzymes. Altered expression and activity of Nox5 has been reported in cardiovascular diseases and cancers but the absence of Nox5 in rodents has precluded a greater understanding of its physiological and pathophysiological roles. Multiple polymorphisms have been identified within the coding sequence of human Nox5, but whether this translates into altered enzyme function is unknown. Herein, we have generated 15 novel mutants of Nox5β to evaluate the effect of exonic SNPs on basal and stimulated enzyme activity. Compared to the WT enzyme, ROS production was unchanged or slightly modified in the majority of mutants, but significantly decreased in 7. Focusing on M77K, Nox5 activity was dramatically reduced in unstimulated cells and following challenge with both calcium- and phosphorylation-dependent stimuli despite equivalent levels of expression. The M77K mutation did not influence the Nox5 phosphorylation or the ability to bind Hsp90, but in cell-free assays with excess co-factors and calcium, ROS production was dramatically reduced. A more conservative substitution M77V arising from another SNP yielded a different profile of enzyme activity and suggests a critical role of M77 in calcium-dependent ROS production. Two C-terminal mutants, R530H and G542R, were observed that had little to no activity and relatively high minor allele frequency (MAF). In conclusion, we have identified 7 missense SNPs in Nox5 that result in little or no enzyme activity. Whether humans with dysfunctional Nox5 variants have altered physiology or disease remains to be determined.