Redox cycling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones: reversal of superoxide dismutase inhibition by ascorbate

Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies on the charge transfer complex of bovine serum albumin with quinone in aqueous medium and its influence on the ligand binding property of the protein

The spectral techniques such as UV-Vis, (1)H NMR and fluorescence and electrochemical experiments have been employed to investigate the interaction between 2-methoxy-3,5,6-trichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (MQ; a water soluble quinone) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous medium. The fluorescence of BSA was quenched by MQ via formation of a 1:1 BSA-MQ charge transfer adduct with a formation constant of 3.3×10(8) L mol(-1). Based on the Forster's theory the binding distance between them is calculated as 2.65 nm indicating high probability of binding. For the first time, influence of quinone on the binding property of various types of ligands such as aspirin, ascorbic acid, nicotinimide and sodium stearate has also been investigated. The results indicated that the strong and spontaneous binding existing between BSA and MQ, decreased the intensity of binding of these ligands with BSA. Since Tryptophan (Trp) is the basic residue present in BSA, a comparison between binding property of Trp-MQ adduct with that of BSA-MQ with these ligands has also been attempted. 1H NMR titration study indicated that the Trp forms a charge transfer complex with MQ, which reduces the interaction of Trp with the ligands. Molecular docking study supported the fact that the quinone interacts with the Trp212 unit of the BSA and the free energy change of binding (ΔG) for the BSA-MQ complex was found to be -46 kJ mol(-1), which is comparable to our experimental free energy of binding (-49 kJ mol(-1)) obtained from fluorescence study.

Assessment of mixture toxicity of copper, cadmium, and phenanthrenequinone to the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri

Transition metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are cocontaminants at many sites. Contaminants in mixtures are known to interact with biological systems in ways that can greatly alter the toxicity of individual compounds. The toxicities (individually and as mixtures) of copper (Cu), a redox-active metal; cadmium (Cd), a nonredox active metal; and phenanthrenequinone (PHQ), a redox-active oxygenated PAH, were examined using the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri. We found that the cotoxicity of Cu/PHQ was dependent on the ratio of concentrations of each chemical in the mixture. Different interaction types (synergism, antagonism, and additivity) were observed with different combinations of these toxicants. The interaction types changed from antagonism at a low Cu to PHQ ratio (1:4), to additive at an intermediate Cu to PHQ ratio (2:3), to synergistic at higher Cu to PHQ ratios (3:2 and 4:1). In contrast to Cu/PHQ mixtures, the cotoxicity of Cd/PHQ did not change at different mixture ratios and was found for the most part to be additive. For the individual chemicals and their mixtures, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed in V. fischeri, suggesting that individual and mixture toxicity of Cu, Cd, and PHQ to V. fischeri involves ROS-related mechanisms. This study shows that mixture ratios can alter individual chemical toxicity, and should be taken into account in risk assessment.

Characterization of human DHRS4: an inducible short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase enzyme with 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity

Human DHRS4 is a peroxisomal member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily, but its enzymatic properties, except for displaying NADP(H)-dependent retinol dehydrogenase/reductase activity, are unknown. We show that the human enzyme, a tetramer composed of 27kDa subunits, is inactivated at low temperature without dissociation into subunits. The cold inactivation was prevented by a mutation of Thr177 with the corresponding residue, Asn, in cold-stable pig DHRS4, where this residue is hydrogen-bonded to Asn165 in a substrate-binding loop of other subunit. Human DHRS4 reduced various aromatic ketones and alpha-dicarbonyl compounds including cytotoxic 9,10-phenanthrenequinone. The overexpression of the peroxisomal enzyme in cultured cells did not increase the cytotoxicity of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone. While its activity towards all-trans-retinal was low, human DHRS4 efficiently reduced 3-keto-C(19)/C(21)-steroids into 3beta-hydroxysteroids. The stereospecific conversion to 3beta-hydroxysteroids was observed in endothelial cells transfected with vectors expressing the enzyme. The mRNA for the enzyme was ubiquitously expressed in human tissues and several cancer cells, and the enzyme in HepG2 cells was induced by peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha ligands. The results suggest a novel mechanism of cold inactivation and role of the inducible human DHRS4 in 3beta-hydroxysteroid synthesis and xenobiotic carbonyl metabolism.

L-Xylulose reductase is involved in 9,10-phenanthrenequinone-induced apoptosis in human T lymphoma cells

9,10-Phenanthrenequinone (9,10-PQ), a major component in diesel exhaust particles, is suggested to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through its redox cycling, leading to cell toxicity. l-Xylulose reductase (XR), a NADPH-dependent enzyme in the uronate pathway, strongly reduces alpha-dicarbonyl compounds and was thought to act as a detoxification enzyme against reactive carbonyl compounds. Here, we have investigated the role of intracellular ROS generation in apoptotic signaling in human acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cells treated with 9,10-PQ and the role of XR in the generation of ROS. Treatment with 9,10-PQ elicited not only apoptotic signaling, including mitochondrial membrane dysfunction and activation of caspases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, but also intracellular ROS generation and consequent glutathione depletion. The apoptotic effects of 9,10-PQ were drastically mitigated by pretreatment with intracellular ROS scavengers, such as N-acetyl-l-cysteine, glutathione monoethyl ester, and polyethylene glycol-conjugated catalase, indicating that intracellular ROS generation is responsible for the 9,10-PQ-evoked apoptosis. Surprisingly, the ROS generation and cytotoxicity by 9,10-PQ were augmented in an XR-transformed cell line. XR indeed reduced 9,10-PQ and produced superoxide anion through redox cycling. In addition, the expression levels of XR and its mRNA in the T lymphoma cells were markedly enhanced after the exposure to 9,10-PQ, and the induction was completely abolished by the ROS scavengers. Moreover, the 9,10-PQ-induced apoptosis was partially inhibited by the pretreatment with XR-specific inhibitors. These results suggest that initially produced ROS induce XR, which accelerates the generation of ROS.

Differential effects of the ascorbyl and tocopheryl derivative on the methamphetamine-induced toxic behavior and toxicity

A previous study showed that high doses of methamphetamine induce self-injurious behavior (SIB) in rodents. Furthermore, the combination of methamphetamine and morphine increased lethality in mice. We recently surmised that the rise in SIB and mortality induced by methamphetamine and/or morphine may be related to oxidative stress. The present study was designed to determine whether an antioxidant could inhibit SIB or mortality directly induced by methamphetamine and/or morphine. The SIB induced by 20mg/kg of methamphetamine was abolished by the administration of Na L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (APS: 300 mg/kg), but not Na DL-alpha-tocopheryl phosphate (TPNa: 200mg/kg). In contrast, APS (300 mg/kg) and TPNa (200mg/kg) each significantly attenuated the lethality induced by methamphetamine and morphine. The present study showed that the signal intensity of superoxide adduct was increased by 20mg/kg of methamphetamine in the heart and lungs, and methamphetamine plus morphine tended to increase superoxide adduct in all of the tissues measured by ESR spin trap methods. Adduct signal induced in brain by methamphetamine administration increased in significance, but in mouse administrated methamphetamine plus morphine. There are differential effects of administration of methamphetamine and coadministration of methamphetamine plus morphine on adduct signal. These results suggest that APS and TPNa are effective for reducing methamphetamine-induced toxicity and/or toxicological behavior. While APS and TPNa each affected methamphetamine- and/or morphine-induced toxicology and/or toxicological behavior, indicating that both drugs have antioxidative effects, their effects differed.

Mitochondrial inhibition and oxidative stress: reciprocating players in neurodegeneration

Although the etiology for many neurodegenerative diseases is unknown, the common findings of mitochondrial defects and oxidative damage posit these events as contributing factors. The temporal conundrum of whether mitochondrial defects lead to enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, or conversely, if oxidative stress is the underlying cause of the mitochondrial defects remains enigmatic. This review focuses on evidence to show that either event can lead to the evolution of the other with subsequent neuronal cell loss. Glutathione is a major antioxidant system used by cells and mitochondria for protection and is altered in a number of neurodegenerative and neuropathological conditions. This review also addresses the multiple roles for glutathione during mitochondrial inhibition or oxidative stress. Protein aggregation and inclusions are hallmarks of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence that links protein aggregation to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction will also be examined. Lastly, current therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction or oxidative stress are discussed.

Cooperative interaction between ascorbate and glutathione during mitochondrial impairment in mesencephalic cultures

A decrease in total glutathione, and aberrant mitochondrial bioenergetics have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Our previous work exemplified the importance of glutathione (GSH) in the protection of mesencephalic neurons exposed to malonate, a reversible inhibitor of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase/complex II. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was an early, contributing event in malonate toxicity. Protection by ascorbate was found to correlate with a stimulated increase in protein-glutathione mixed disulfide (Pr-SSG) levels. The present study further examined ascorbate-glutathione interactions during mitochondrial impairment. Depletion of GSH in mesencephalic cells with buthionine sulfoximine potentiated both the malonate-induced toxicity and generation of ROS as monitored by dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF) fluorescence. Ascorbate completely ameliorated the increase in DCF fluorescence and toxicity in normal and GSH-depleted cultures, suggesting that protection by ascorbate was due in part to upstream removal of free radicals. Ascorbate stimulated Pr-SSG formation during mitochondrial impairment in normal and GSH-depleted cultures to a similar extent when expressed as a proportion of total GSH incorporated into mixed disulfides. Malonate increased the efflux of GSH and GSSG over time in cultures treated for 4, 6 or 8 h. The addition of ascorbate to malonate-treated cells prevented the efflux of GSH, attenuated the efflux of GSSG and regulated the intracellular GSSG/GSH ratio. Maintenance of GSSG/GSH with ascorbate plus malonate was accompanied by a stimulation of Pr-SSG formation. These findings indicate that ascorbate contributes to the maintenance of GSSG/GSH status during oxidative stress through scavenging of radical species, attenuation of GSH efflux and redistribution of GSSG to the formation of mixed disulfides. It is speculated that these events are linked by glutaredoxin, an enzyme shown to contain both dehydroascorbate reductase as well as glutathione thioltransferase activities.

Lipid peroxidation stimulated by Solvesso, Bawanol and methanol, and its counteraction by antioxidants in human placental mitochondria

The influence of some solvents used in the paint and lacquer industry, Solvesso 100, 150 and Bawanol, on the process of lipid peroxidation was evaluated. The interactions of the solvents with methanol and the antioxidative effect of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) and vitamin E were also examined. The mitochondria isolated from human placenta were used as a model for investigation. The level of peroxidation was evaluated by malonodialdehyde (MDA) measurement. It was observed that Solvesso 150, Bawanol and methanol caused a statistically significant increase of MDA concentration and that the examined solvents had an antagonistic interaction with methanol. Solvesso 100 does not influence on MDA concentration but gives the same type of interaction with methanol as Solvesso 150. CoQ(10) and vitamin E proved to be effective antioxidants to counteract oxidative stress caused by the studied solvents, lowering lipid peroxidation expressed by MDA concentration.

Hydrogen peroxide removal and glutathione mixed disulfide formation during metabolic inhibition in mesencephalic cultures

Compromised mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress have been associated with the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Our previous experiments exemplified the importance of GSH in the protection of neurons exposed to malonate, a reversible inhibitor of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase/complex II. This study further defines the role of oxidative stress during energy inhibition and begins to unravel the mechanisms by which GSH and other antioxidants may contribute to cell survival. Treatment of mesencephalic cultures with 10 microM buthionine sulfoximine for 24 h depleted total GSH by 60%, whereas 3 h exposure to 5 mM 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole irreversibly inactivated catalase activity by 90%. Treatment of GSH-depleted cells with malonate (40 mM) for 6, 12 or 24 h both potentiated and accelerated the time course of malonate toxicity, however, inhibition of catalase had no effect. In contrast, concomitant treatment with buthionine sulfoximine plus 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole in the presence of malonate significantly potentiated toxicity over that observed with malonate plus either inhibitor alone. Consistent with these findings, GSH depletion enhanced malonate-induced reactive oxygen species generation prior to the onset of toxicity. These findings demonstrate that early generation of reactive oxygen species during mitochondrial inhibition contributes to cell damage and that GSH serves as a first line of defense in its removal. Pre-treatment of cultures with 400 microM ascorbate protected completely against malonate toxicity (50 mM, 12 h), whereas treatment with 1 mM Trolox provided partial protection. Protein-GSH mixed disulfide formation during oxidative stress has been suggested to either protect vulnerable protein thiols or conversely to contribute to toxicity. Malonate exposure (50 mM) for 12 h resulted in a modest increase in mixed disulfide formation. However, exposure to the protective combination of ascorbate plus malonate increased membrane bound protein-GSH mixed disulfides three-fold. Mixed disulfide levels returned to baseline by 72 h of recovery indicating the reversible nature of this formation. These results demonstrate an early role for oxidative events during mitochondrial impairment and stress the importance of the glutathione system for removal of reactive oxygen species. Catalase may serve as a secondary defense as the glutathione system becomes limiting. These findings also suggest that protein-GSH mixed disulfide formation under these circumstances may play a protective role.

Retinal pigment epithelium pigment granules stimulate the photo-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids

The cellular pigments of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have been shown to catalyze free radical activity, especially when illuminated with visible or ultraviolet light. This activity is sufficient to cause photooxidation of several major cellular components. The present investigation determined the relative ability of melanin, lipofuscin, and melanolipofuscin granules isolated from human and bovine eyes to oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids. The dark reactivity as well as the light-stimulated reactions were determined. The production of hydroperoxide derivatives of the linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids were determined by NADPH oxidation coupled to the activity of glutathione peroxidase, and also by production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. All RPE pigment granules stimulated fatty acid oxidation when irradiated with short wavelength (< 550 nm) visible light, with the melanosomes exhibiting the greatest light-induced activity. Only lipofuscin granules, however, caused peroxidation of fatty acids in the dark. These findings provide additional support for the role of RPE pigments in "blue light toxicity" as well as indicating that accumulation of lipofuscin may contribute to increased photooxidation in the aging RPE.

Redox cycling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones: metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of catechols bypasses inhibition by superoxide dismutase

Several two-electron quinone reductases catalyze the redox cycling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) o-quinones. When the carbonyl reductase of human placenta catalyzes the cycling of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone in aqueous phosphate buffer, reactive oxygen species are produced. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibits the cycling by more than 90%, but the addition of 1 microM Cu2+ or 15 microM ferricytochrome c (cyt c3+) completely restores the cycling rate to that of the control. Similar results are obtained for 5,6-chrysenequinone, 5,6-benz[a]anthracenequinone, 4,5-benzo[a]pyrenequinone, and 7,8-benzo[a]pyrenequinone in assay mixtures which contain dimethyl sulfoxide. The 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) of human placenta also catalyzes the redox cycling of these quinones, and cycling is inhibited by SOD. Although free metal ions (Cu2+ and Fe3+) inhibit the 17beta-HSD, cyt c3+ does not inhibit the enzyme. If cyt c3+ is added to assay mixtures containing SOD, cycling rates are equal to those of the corresponding controls. These experiments suggest that SOD may not protect cells from the toxic effects of PAH o-quinone cycling if certain metal ions or metal chelates are also present.