Redox regulatory mechanisms of cellular signal transduction

Oxidative stress-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are metabolic by-products that constitute an indispensable component of physiological processes, albeit their heightened presence may proffer substantial perils to biological entities. Such a proliferation gives rise to a gradual escalation of oxidative stress within the organism, thereby compromising mitochondrial functionality and inflicting harm upon various bodily systems, with a particular predilection for the central nervous system. In its nascent stages, it is plausible that inflammation has been a facilitator in the progression of the malady. The precise role of inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains somewhat enigmatic, although it is conceivable that activated microglia and astrocytes might be implicated in the removal of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits. Nonetheless, prolonged microglial activation is associated with Tau phosphorylation and Aβ aggregation. Research studies have indicated that AD brains upregulate complementary molecules, inflammatory cytokines, acute phase reacting agents, and other inflammatory mediators that may cause neurodegeneration. In this review, oxidative damage products will be discussed as potential peripheral biomarkers for AD and its early stages. The disordered excretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, oxygen, and nitrogen-reactive species, along with the stimulation of the complement system by glial cells, has the potential to disrupt the functionality of neuronal termini. This perturbation, in turn, culminates in compromised synaptic function, a phenomenon empirically linked to the manifestation of cognitive impairments. The management of neurodegenerative conditions in the context of dementia necessitates therapeutic interventions that specifically target the excessive production of inflammatory and oxidative agents. Furthermore, we shall deliberate upon the function of microglia and oxidative injury in the etiology of AD and the ensuing neurodegenerative processes.

Microbial genetic potential differs among cryospheric habitats of the Damma glacier

Climate warming has led to glacier retreat worldwide. Studies on the taxonomy and functions of glacier microbiomes help us better predict their response to glacier melting. Here, we used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to study the microbial functional potential in different cryospheric habitats, i.e. surface snow, supraglacial and subglacial sediments, subglacial ice, proglacial stream water and recently deglaciated soils. The functional gene structure varied greatly among habitats, especially for snow, which differed significantly from all other habitats. Differential abundance analysis revealed that genes related to stress responses (e.g. chaperones) were enriched in ice habitat, supporting the fact that glaciers are a harsh environment for microbes. The microbial metabolic capabilities related to carbon and nitrogen cycling vary among cryospheric habitats. Genes related to auxiliary activities were overrepresented in the subglacial sediment, suggesting a higher genetic potential for the degradation of recalcitrant carbon (e.g., lignin). As for nitrogen cycling, genes related to nitrogen fixation were more abundant in barren proglacial soils, possibly due to the presence of Cyanobacteriota in this habitat. Our results deepen our understanding of microbial processes in glacial ecosystems, which are vulnerable to ongoing global warming, and they have implications for downstream ecosystems.

Uncovering the Role of PdePrx12 Peroxidase in Enhancing Disease Resistance in Poplar Trees

Peroxidase (Prx)-related genes are reported to be involved in the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in plants. Here, we found that the expression of the PdePrx12 gene was upregulated in wild-type (WT) poplar line NL895 infected with the pathogens Botryosphaeria dothidea strain 3C and Alternaria alternata strain 3E. The PdePrx12 gene was cloned in the poplar line NL895 and its overexpression (OE) and reduced-expression (RE) vectors were constructed. OE and RE transgenic lines were then generated. The H2O2 content in the leaves was measured by DAB staining and spectrophotometric analysis, and the data revealed that the OE line had a reduced H2O2 content, whereas the RE line had an increased H2O2 content. These transgenic and WT plants were also inoculated with the 3C/3E pathogens. The leaf area infected by pathogen 3C/3E was determined and the OE line was found to have a larger area of infection, whereas the RE line was found to have a smaller area of infection. This result suggested PdePRX12 is involved in disease resistance in poplar. Given these results, this study demonstrated that when poplar is infected by pathogens, the expression of PdePrx12 is inhibited, leading to an increase in H2O2 content, thereby enhancing disease resistance.

HDA-2-Containing Complex Is Required for Activation of Catalase-3 Expression in Neurospora crassa

It is essential for aerobic organisms to maintain the homeostasis of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) for survival and adaptation to the environment. In line with other eukaryotes, the catalase of Neurospora crassa is an important enzyme for clearing ROS, and its expression is tightly regulated by the growth phase and various oxidative stresses. Our study reveals that, in N. crassa, histone deacetylase 2 (HDA-2) and its catalytic activity positively regulate the expression of the catalase-3 (cat-3) gene. HDA-2, SIF-2, and SNT-1 may form a subcomplex with such a regulation role. As expected, deletion of HDA-2 or SIF-2 subunit increased acetylation levels of histone H4, indicating that loss of HDA-2 complex fails to deacetylate H4 at the cat-3 locus. Furthermore, loss of HDA-2 or its catalytic activity led to dramatic decreases of TFIIB and RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) recruitment at the cat-3 locus and also resulted in high deposition of H2A.Z at the promoter and transcription start site (TSS) regions of the cat-3 gene. Collectively, this study strongly demonstrates that the HDA-2-containing complex activates the transcription of the cat-3 gene by facilitating preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly and antagonizing the inhibition of H2A.Z at the cat-3 locus through H4 acetylation. IMPORTANCE Clearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical to the survival of aerobic organisms. In the model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, catalase-3 (cat-3) expression is activated in response to H₂O₂-induced ROS stress. We found that histone deacetylase 2 (HDA-2) positively regulates cat-3 transcription in N. crassa; this is widely divergent from the classical repressive role of most histone deacetylases. Like HDA-2, the SIF-2 or SNT-1 subunit of HDA-2-containing complex plays a positive role in cat-3 transcription. Furthermore, we also found that HDA-2-containing complex provides an appropriate chromatin environment to facilitate PIC assembly and to antagonize the inhibition role of H2A.Z at the cat-3 locus through H4 acetylation. Taken together, our results establish a mechanism for how the HDA-2-containing complex regulates transcription of the cat-3 gene in N. crassa.

At the intersection of sulfur redox chemistry, cellular signal transduction and proteostasis: A useful perspective from which to understand and treat neurodegeneration

Although we can thoroughly describe individual neurodegenerative diseases from the molecular level through cell biology to histology and clinical presentation, our understanding of them and hence treatment gains have been depressingly limited, partly due to difficulty conceptualizing different diseases as variations within the same overarching pathological rubric. This review endeavors to create such rubric by knitting together the seemingly disparate phenomena of oxidative stress, dysregulated proteostasis, and neuroinflammation into a cohesive triad that highlights mechanistic connectivities. We begin by considering that brain metabolic demands necessitate careful control of oxidative homeostasis, largely through sulfur redox chemistry and glutathione (GSH). GSH is essential for brain antioxidant defense, but also for redox signaling and thus neuroinflammation. Delicate regulation of neuroinflammatory pathways (NFκB, MAPK-p38, and NLRP3 particularly) occurs through S-glutathionylation of protein phosphatases but also through redox-sensing elements like ASK1; the 26S proteasome and cysteine deubiquitinases (DUBs). The relationship amongst triad elements is underscored by our discovery that LanCL1 (lanthionine synthetase-like protein-1) protects against oxidant toxicity; mediates GSH-dependent reactivation of oxidized DUBs; and antagonizes the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). We highlight currently promising pharmacological efforts to modulate key triad elements and suggest nexus points that might be exploited to further clinical advantage.

Inflammation and Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications by Natural Products

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no clear causative event making the disease difficult to diagnose and treat. The pathological hallmarks of AD include amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and widespread neuronal loss. Amyloid-beta has been extensively studied and targeted to develop an effective disease-modifying therapy, but the success rate in clinical practice is minimal. Recently, neuroinflammation has been focused on as the event in AD progression to be targeted for therapies. Various mechanistic pathways including cytokines and chemokines, complement system, oxidative stress, and cyclooxygenase pathways are linked to neuroinflammation in the AD brain. Many cells including microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes work together to protect the brain from injury. This review is focused to better understand the AD inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes to develop novel anti-inflammatory drugs to slow down the progression of AD.

Stable knockout of lanthionine synthase C-like protein-1 (LanCL1) from HeLa cells indicates a role for LanCL1 in redox regulation of deubiquitinating enzymes

Lanthionine synthase C-like protein-1 (LanCL1) is a glutathione (GSH)-binding protein of uncertain function, widely expressed in mammalian cells. Recent data suggests that LanCL1 has glutathione S-transferase (GST)-like activity, while other reports claim that LanCL1 suppresses mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. In the present study, recombinant human LanCL1 had less than 10% the specific activity of GST. When CRISPR-Cas9 was used to stably ablate LanCL1 from HeLa cells, the resulting line was sensitized to H₂O₂ toxicity. [GSH], [GSSG], [GSH]/[GSSG] and GST activity were unaltered by LanCL1 knockout but glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly elevated. LanCL1-KO cells did not differ in basal or H₂O₂-induced p38-MAPK, ERK p42/p44 or JNK phosphorylation; however, MAPK-targeted transcription factor regulators c-Jun and IκBα were significantly decreased. Because c-Jun and IκBα levels are ubiquitin regulated, experiments addressed the hypothesis that LanCL1 affects ubiquitination dynamics. In the presence of the 26S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, ubiquitinated proteins accumulated faster in LanCL1-KO cells, suggesting that LanCL1 positively regulates deubiquitination. The activity of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH), a major deubiquitinase (DUB) subclass, was significantly decreased in LanCL1-KO cells while protein levels of A20/TNFAIP3, USP9X and USP10 DUBs were significantly reduced. UCH activity in HeLa cell lysates was lost upon treatment with H₂O₂ and significantly recovered by addition of recombinant LanCL1 plus GSH. Taken together these data suggest that LanCL1 likely does not act as a GST-like enzyme in vivo, but rather modulates ubiquitin-dependent cell signaling pathways through positive regulation of redox-sensitive DUBs.

Synthetic chloroinconazide compound exhibits highly efficient antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus

BACKGROUND

Development of anti-plant-virus compounds and improvement of biosafety remain hot research topics in controlling plant viral disease. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infects all tobacco species as well as many other plants worldwide and causes severe losses in tobacco production. To date, no efficient chemical treatments are known to protect plants from virus infection. Therefore, the search for a highly active antiviral compound with high efficacy in field application is required.

RESULTS

We reported the synthesis of a novel antiviral halogenated acyl compound Chloroinconazide (CHI) using tryptophan as a substrate and examined its anti-TMV activity. We found that CHI displayed the ability to strongly inhibit the infection of TMV on Nicotiana benthamiana via multiple mechanisms. We observed that CHI was able to impair the virulence of TMV by directly altering the morphological structure of virions and increasing the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes, resulting in reduced TMV-induced ROS production during infection of the plant. In addition, the expression of salicylic acid-responsive genes was significantly increased after CHI application. However, after application of CHI on SA-deficient NahG plants no obvious anti-TMV activity was observed, suggesting that the SA signaling pathway was required for CHI-induced anti-TMV activity associated with reduced infection of TMV. CHI exhibited no effects on plant growth and development.

CONCLUSION

The easily synthesized CHI can actively induce plant resistance against TMV as well as act on virus particles and exhibits high biosafety, which provides a potential for commercial application of CHI in controlling plant virus disease in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of reactive oxygen species in angiogenesis and preventing tissue injury after brain ischemia

Oxidative stress, which is defined as an imbalance between proxidant and antioxidant systems, is the essential mechanism involving in the ischemic process. During the early stage of brain ischemia, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased. Increased ROS are thought of a consequence of brain ischemia and exacerbating disease due to inducing cell death, apoptosis and senescence by oxidative stress. During brain tissue repair, ROS are act as signaling molecules and may be benefical for regulating angiogenesis and preventing tissue injury. New blood vessel formation is essentially required for rescuing tissue from brain ischemia. In ischemic conditions, ROS promotes angiogenesis, either directly or via the generation of active oxidation products. ROS-induced angiogenesis involves several signaling pathways. This paper reviewed current understanding of the role of ROS as a mediator and modulator of angiogenesis in brain ischemia.

Overuse injuries in sport: a comprehensive overview

BACKGROUND

The absence of a single, identifiable traumatic cause has been traditionally used as a definition for a causative factor of overuse injury. Excessive loading, insufficient recovery, and underpreparedness can increase injury risk by exposing athletes to relatively large changes in load. The musculoskeletal system, if subjected to excessive stress, can suffer from various types of overuse injuries which may affect the bone, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

METHODS

We performed a search (up to March 2018) in the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases to identify the available scientific articles about the pathophysiology and the incidence of overuse sport injuries. For the purposes of our review, we used several combinations of the following keywords: overuse, injury, tendon, tendinopathy, stress fracture, stress reaction, and juvenile osteochondritis dissecans.

RESULTS

Overuse tendinopathy induces in the tendon pain and swelling with associated decreased tolerance to exercise and various types of tendon degeneration. Poor training technique and a variety of risk factors may predispose athletes to stress reactions that may be interpreted as possible precursors of stress fractures. A frequent cause of pain in adolescents is juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD), which is characterized by delamination and localized necrosis of the subchondral bone, with or without the involvement of articular cartilage. The purpose of this compressive review is to give an overview of overuse injuries in sport by describing the theoretical foundations of these conditions that may predispose to the development of tendinopathy, stress fractures, stress reactions, and juvenile osteochondritis dissecans and the implication that these pathologies may have in their management.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is required to improve our knowledge on tendon and bone healing, enabling specific treatment strategies to be developed for the management of overuse injuries.

A porous polyaniline nanotube sorbent for solid-phase extraction of the fluorescent reaction product of reactive oxygen species in cells, and its determination by HPLC

A method is described for extracting and detecting the fluorescent reaction product (2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, DCF) that is formed by reaction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). DCF is extracted by using porous polyaniline nanotubes (PPN) which have a large specific surface and pore volume which favor the adsorption capacity. Additional attractive features include an appropriate pore size distribution, hydrophobic surface, and electron-attracting groups which contribute to DCF adsorption. A variety of methods was applied to characterize the morphology of PPN. Under optimal conditions and by performing DCF in 0.08-1.0 μM concentrations, the correlation coefficient of the calibration plot is 0.999. The limits of detection for standard DCF solutions is 20 nM. Compared with commercial sorbents for solid-phase extraction (SPE) such as commercially available carbon or Welchrom® C18, the use of the new sorbent results in better retraction recovery (92%) and longer reuse times (30 times). Doxorubicin and X-ray radiation were used to externally stimulate the ROS production in HepG2 and Hela cells. ROS was stabled by DCFH-DA and quantified by DCF. Following SPE, DCF was detected by HPLC and the concentration ROS was calculated. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Cross-pathway control gene CPC1/GCN4 coordinates with histone acetyltransferase GCN5 to regulate catalase-3 expression under oxidative stress in Neurospora crassa

Catalase is an important enzyme found in nearly all aerobic organisms and plays an essential role in protecting cells from oxidative damage by catalyzing the degradation of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, the expression levels of catalases are rigorously regulated by morphogenetic transition during growth and development in cells. Our study revealed that catalase-3 transcription is positively regulated by histone acetyltransferase GCN5 and the cross-pathway control gene cpc-1, as the cat-3 expression level is significantly decreased in gcn5^KO and cpc-1 (j-5) mutants. Moreover, gcn5^KO and cpc-1 (j-5) mutants could not respond to H₂O₂ treatment due to the inadequate cat-3 transcription, while wild-type strains showed high expression levels of catalase upon H₂O₂ treatment. The global H3 acetylation and the acetylation of H3 at cat-3 locus dramatically decreased in gcn5^KO under normal or oxidative stress conditions. Meanwhile, the expression of CAT-3 is reduced in gcn5^E146Q, the catalytically dead mutant, suggesting that the catalytic activity of GCN5 functions in regulation of cat-3 transcription. In addition, GCN5 cannot acetylate histone H3 efficiently at cat-3 locus in cpc-1 (j-5) mutant strains under normal or oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, ChIP assays data revealed that the CPC1/GCN4 can directly target the cat-3 promoter region, which may recruit GCN5 to modify the histone acetylation of this region. These results disclosed a distinctive function of CPC1/GCN4 in the regulatory pathway of cat-3 transcription, which is mediated by GCN5-dependent acetylation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and wound healing: the functional role of ROS and emerging ROS-modulating technologies for augmentation of the healing process

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in the orchestration of the normal wound-healing response. They act as secondary messengers to many immunocytes and non-lymphoid cells, which are involved in the repair process, and appear to be important in coordinating the recruitment of lymphoid cells to the wound site and effective tissue repair. ROS also possess the ability to regulate the formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) at the wound site and the optimal perfusion of blood into the wound-healing area. ROS act in the host's defence through phagocytes that induce an ROS burst onto the pathogens present in wounds, leading to their destruction, and during this period, excess ROS leakage into the surrounding environment has further bacteriostatic effects. In light of these important roles of ROS in wound healing and the continued quest for therapeutic strategies to treat wounds in general and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial leg ulcers and pressure ulcers in particular, the manipulation of ROS represents a promising avenue for improving wound-healing responses when they are stalled. This article presents a review of the evidence supporting the critical role of ROS in wound healing and infection control at the wound site, and some of the new emerging concepts associated with ROS modulation and its potential in improving wound healing are discussed.

Surfactin inducing mitochondria-dependent ROS to activate MAPKs, NF-κB and inflammasomes in macrophages for adjuvant activity

Surfactin, a natural lipopeptide, can be used both as parenteral and non-parenteral adjuvant for eliciting immune response. However, the mechanisms that confer its adjuvant properties have not been fully explored. By staining with NHS-Rhodamine B labeled surfactin and Mito-Tracker Green, we found surfactin could penetrate into macrophages to bind with mitochondria, following induce ROS that could be inhibited by mitochondria-dependent ROS inhibitor. ROS enhanced p38 MAPK and JNK expression, as well their phorsphorylation, following activated NF-κB nuclear translocation in macrophages that was obviously inhibited by mitochondria-dependent ROS inhibitor. However, inhibition of ROS production only weakened p38 MAPK and JNK expression, but not their phosphorylation in macrophages. As a result, surfaction could activate NF-κB to release TNF-α by the mitochondria-dependent ROS signalling pathway. ROS also induced macrophages apoptosis to release endogenous danger signals, following activated inflammasomes of NLRP1, NLRP3, IPAF and AIM2 in vitro and only NLRP1 in vivo, as well caspase-1 and IL-1 in macrophages, which were significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with ROS inhibitors. Collectively, surfactin as a kind of non-pathogen-associated molecular patterns, modulates host innate immunity by multiple signalling pathways, including induction of mitochondria-dependent ROS, activating MAPKs and NF-κB, and inducing cell apoptosis to realease endogenous danger signals for activation of inflammasomes.

The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide and Other Reactive Oxygen Species in Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex physiological process important for tissue homeostasis. An acute injury initiates massive cell migration, proliferation and differentiation, synthesis of extracellular matrix components, scar formation and remodelling. Blood flow and tissue oxygenation are parts of the complex regulation of healing. Higher organisms utilize molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant. This way of gaining energy for vital processes such as healing leads to the production of a number of oxygen compounds that may have a defensive or informatory role. They may be harmful when present in high concentrations. Both the lack and the excess of reactive oxygen species may influence healing negatively.

Redox regulation of autophagy in healthy brain and neurodegeneration

Autophagy and redox biochemistry are two major sub disciplines of cell biology which are both coming to be appreciated for their paramount importance in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus far, however, there has been relatively little exploration of the interface between autophagy and redox biology. Autophagy normally recycles macro-molecular aggregates produced through oxidative-stress mediated pathways, and also may reduce the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species through recycling of old and damaged mitochondria. Conversely, dysfunction in autophagy initiation, progression or clearance is evidenced to increase aggregation-prone proteins in neural and extraneural tissues. Redox mechanisms of autophagy regulation have been documented at the level of cross-talk between the Nrf2/Keap1 oxidant and electrophilic defense pathway and p62/sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1)-associated autophagy, at least in extraneural tissue; but other mechanisms of redox autophagy regulation doubtless remain to be discovered and the relevance of such processes to maintenance of neural homeostasis remains to be determined. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the relationship of redox signaling, autophagy control, and oxidative stress as these phenomena relate to neurodegenerative disease. AD is specifically addressed as an example of the theme and as a promising indication for new therapies that act through engagement of autophagy pathways. To exemplify one such novel therapeutic entity, data is presented that the antioxidant and neurotrophic agent lanthionine ketimine-ethyl ester (LKE) affects autophagy pathway proteins including beclin-1 in the 3xTg-AD model of Alzheimer's disease where the compound has been shown to reduce pathological features and cognitive dysfunction.

The impact of low-dose carcinogens and environmental disruptors on tissue invasion and metastasis

The purpose of this review is to stimulate new ideas regarding low-dose environmental mixtures and carcinogens and their potential to promote invasion and metastasis. Whereas a number of chapters in this review are devoted to the role of low-dose environmental mixtures and carcinogens in the promotion of invasion and metastasis in specific tumors such as breast and prostate, the overarching theme is the role of low-dose carcinogens in the progression of cancer stem cells. It is becoming clearer that cancer stem cells in a tumor are the ones that assume invasive properties and colonize distant organs. Therefore, low-dose contaminants that trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition, for example, in these cells are of particular interest in this review. This we hope will lead to the collaboration between scientists who have dedicated their professional life to the study of carcinogens and those whose interests are exclusively in the arena of tissue invasion and metastasis.

Diet-Induced Hyperhomocysteinaemia Increases Intestinal Inflammation in an Animal Model of Colitis

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteinaemia [HHcy] is a common phenomenon observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Homocysteine is a pro-inflammatory molecule and has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebral diseases. Whether HHcy contributes to the chronic inflammation of the colon in IBD has rarely been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HHcy on dextran sulphate sodium [DSS]-induced colitis.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups: [1] Control; [2] HHcy; [3] p38 inhibitor; [4] DSS; [5] HHcy + DSS; [6] HHcy + DSS+p38 inhibitor; [7] HHcy + DSS [21 days]; and [8] HHcy + DSS + folate [21 days]. Colitis was induced by 5% DSS. HHcy was induced by the normal rodent diet containing 1.7% methionine. The mRNA expression of interleukin 17 [IL-17] was detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expressions of IL-17, retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor-γt [RORγt], p38 MAPK, phosphorylated-p38 MAPK, cytosolic phospolipaseA2 [cPLA2], phosphorylated-cPLA2, and cyclooxygenase 2 [COX2] were detected by immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

The rats of the HHcy + DSS group had significantly higher myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity, DAI score, and histological score. HHcy significantly increased the plasma concentration, the colonic mRNA, and the protein levels of IL-17. HHcy also activated p38 MAPK and cPLA2, and increased the protein levels of COX2 and RORγt as well as the plasma level of prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]. Folate supplementation down-regulated homocysteine-induced IL-17 and RORγt expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

HHcy aggravated DSS-induced colitis by stimulating IL-17 expression via the p38/cPLA2/COX2/PGE2 signalling pathway. The folate supplementation may represent a novel approach to treating the chronic intestinal inflammation of IBD exacerbated by HHcy.

Oxidative stress in Nipah virus-infected human small airway epithelial cells

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic emerging pathogen that can cause severe and often fatal respiratory disease in humans. The pathogenesis of NiV infection of the human respiratory tract remains unknown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by airway epithelial cells in response to viral infections contribute to lung injury by inducing inflammation and oxidative stress; however, the role of ROS in NiV-induced respiratory disease is unknown. To investigate whether NiV induces oxidative stress in human respiratory epithelial cells, we used oxidative stress markers and monitored antioxidant gene expression. We also used ROS scavengers to assess their role in immune response modulation. Oxidative stress was confirmed in infected cells and correlated with the reduction in antioxidant enzyme gene expression. Infected cells treated by ROS scavengers resulted in a significant decrease of the (F2)-8-isoprostane marker, inflammatory responses and virus replication. In conclusion, ROS are induced during NiV infection in human respiratory epithelium and contribute to the inflammatory response. Understanding how oxidative stress contributes to NiV pathogenesis is crucial for therapeutic development.

The ethyl acetate fraction of Polytrichum commune L.ex Hedw induced cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species in L1210 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polytrichum commune L.ex Hedw is a traditional Chinese herb for treatment of fever, hemostatic, uterine prolapse and especially for leukemia. Previous studies indicated its anti-leukemia effect but the potential mechanisms have not been fully explained.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The present study was further to investigate the underlying mechanism of ethyl acetate extract of Polytrichum commune L.ex Hedw (EEF)-induced toxicity and apoptosis in L1210 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Viability, DNA damage and apoptotic protein expressions of L1210 cells were analyzed by ViaCount, comet assay and western blot, respectively. At different times after EEF treatment, Bax redistribution in L1210 cells was examined using confocal microscopy; loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored by fluorescence microscope using rhodamine 123 staining; Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and DNA fragmentation were measured by flow cytometry using fluorescent dye, DCFH-DA and PI, respectively.

RESULTS

EEF significantly inhibited L1210 cell survival, promoted Bax translocation onto mitochondria, stimulated caspase-9 activation and subsequent DNA damage in L1210 cells. Abundant ROS was detected in L1210 cells after EEF treatment, and the ROS scavenger NAC significantly relieved EEF-induced cell viability decline, MMP loss, and DNA fragmentation.

CONCLUSION

EEF could induce mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis in L1210 cells, and ROS may play an important role in this action.

The role of hydroxyethyl starch in preventing surgical-site infections and nipple necrosis in patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty: a prospective case-control study of 334 patients

BACKGROUND

Surgical-site infections after reduction mammaplasty are associated with poor cosmetic results. This study investigated the postoperative antiinflammatory influence of hydroxyethyl starch and its effect on surgical-site infections after breast reduction.

METHODS

In this prospective case-control study, 334 patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty were prospectively assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 2 × 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch 6 % or saline solution 0.9 % for 3 days postoperatively. Patient follow-up evaluation was at least 1 month. Using uni- and multivariate analyses, this study aimed to identify risk factors for surgical-site infections and nipple necrosis.

RESULTS

Surgical-site infections occurred in 6.6 % of the hydroxyethyl starch group and in 3.6 % of the control group (p = 0.704). Hydroxyethyl starch had no effect of reducing surgical-site infections [p = 0.212; odds ratio (OR), 0.317; confidence interval (CI), 0.052-1.925]. According to univariate analyses, hydroxyethyl starch reduced the occurrence of postoperative fever (p = 0.085; OR 0.608; CI 0.345-1.072), and fever was associated with increased infection rates (p = 0.033; OR 2.335; CI 1.071-5.089). Additional risk factors for postoperative infections were diabetes (p = 0.051; OR 4.051; CI 0.997-16.463) and obesity (normal weight vs grade ≥2: p = 0.003; OR 7.612; CI 2.031-28.529). Multivariate analysis showed no independent predictors for surgical-site infections. Nipple necrosis were equally observed in the two groups (p = 0.458; OR 1.643; CI 0.443-6.097).

CONCLUSION

The antiinflammatory approach of hydroxyethyl starch did not lead to a decrease in infections or nipple necrosis. No difference in surgical-site infections was observed between aesthetic and oncologic procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Respiratory syncytial virus infection: mechanisms of redox control and novel therapeutic opportunities

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important causes of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, for which no effective treatment is currently available. Although the mechanisms of RSV-induced airway disease remain incompletely defined, the lung inflammatory response is thought to play a central pathogenetic role. In the past few years, we and others have provided increasing evidence of a role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as important regulators of RSV-induced cellular signaling leading to the expression of key proinflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. In addition, RSV-induced oxidative stress, which results from an imbalance between ROS production and airway antioxidant defenses, due to a widespread inhibition of antioxidant enzyme expression, is likely to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of RSV-associated lung inflammatory disease, as demonstrated by a significant increase in markers of oxidative injury, which correlate with the severity of clinical illness, in children with RSV infection. Modulation of ROS production and oxidative stress therefore represents a potential novel pharmacological approach to ameliorate RSV-induced lung inflammation and its long-term consequences.

Monitoring oxidative stress in patients with non-alcoholic and alcoholic liver diseases

Ethanol-induced liver injury may be linked, at least partly, to an oxidative stress resulting from increased free radical production and/or decreased antioxidant defence. Distinguishing alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease has important implications. This study looked at the possible changes between alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases by examining the presence of oxidative damage, as monitored by several parameters relating to oxidative stress. Lipid peroxides concentration, superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione S-transferase activity increased, where as glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione reductase activity decreased among the tested subjects in comparison to normal healthy group. Determination of these parameters may be valuable in the evaluation of liver disease. However, oxidative stress related enzymes and non-enzymes can not be utilized as a marker for alcoholic liver diseases, as these parameters responded in the same way after liver is damaged irrespective of their cause. Their level may help in determining the degree of liver damage. Degree of oxidative injury was similar in patients with non-alcoholic liver disease and in moderate drinkers; while significantly higher in heavy drinkers. The differences between the groups might be based on the type of liver pathological condition rather than its etiology (i.e. alcohol and non alcohol related causes).

Antioxidant mimetics modulate oxidative stress and cellular signaling in airway epithelial cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and young children worldwide. In previous investigations, we have shown that RSV infection induces rapid generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which modulate viral-induced cellular signaling, and downregulation of antioxidant enzyme (AOE) expression, resulting in oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, which plays a pathogenetic role in RSV-induced lung disease. In this study, we determined whether pharmacological intervention with synthetic catalytic scavengers could reduce RSV-induced proinflammatory gene expression and oxidative cell damage in an in vitro model of infection. Treatment of airway epithelial cells (AECs) with the salen-manganese complexes EUK-8 or EUK-189, which possess superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, strongly reduced RSV-induced ROS formation by increasing cellular AOE enzymatic activity and levels of the lipid peroxidation products F(2)-8-isoprostane and malondialdehyde, which are markers of oxidative stress. Treatment of AECs with AOE mimetics also significantly inhibited RSV-induced cytokine and chemokine secretion and activation of the transcription factors nuclear factor-κB and interferon regulatory factor-3, which orchestrate proinflammatory gene expression. Both EUKs were able to reduce viral replication, when used at high doses. These results suggest that increasing antioxidant cellular capacities can significantly impact RSV-associated oxidative cell damage and cellular signaling and could represent a novel therapeutic approach in modulating virus-induced lung disease.

Effect of 635 nm light-emitting diode irradiation on intracellular superoxide anion scavenging independent of the cellular enzymatic antioxidant system

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are dissipated by 635 nm irradiation, and the effect of 635 nm irradiation on ROS scavenging system.

BACKGROUND DATA

Intracellular ROS are produced in the form of superoxide anion by either nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase or xanthine oxidase in response to a number of stimuli. Low-level light irradiation decreases the intracellular ROS level and has been used in clinical situations for reducing the level of oxidative stress.

METHODS

Human epithelial cells were exposed to exogenous and endogenous oxidizing agents that promote the generation of harmful ROS. These were then irradiated with 635 nm LED light, 5 mW/cm(2) for 1 h, 18 J/cm(2) or by 470 nm LED light, also 5 mW/cm(2) for 1 h, 18 J/cm(2) on a 9 cm cell culture dish. After irradiation, the MTT reduction method and malondialdehyde (MDA) colorimetric assay were performed in xanthine/xanthine oxidase (XXO)- or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-treated HaCaT cells. The superoxide anion was detected by an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as the spin trap and H(2)O(2) was assayed by flow cytometry using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H(2)DCF-DA).

RESULTS

Irradiation at 635 nm enhanced cell viability in the XXO-treated HaCaT cells. Also, irradiation had a much lesser effect on cell viability in the HaCaT cells treated with exogenous H(2)O(2) as compared with that in cells treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The level of the superoxide anion increased in response to XXO treatment, and then decreased after 635 nm irradiation. Irradiation with 635 nm led to a decrease in superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation levels in the presence or absence of diethyldithiocarbamate.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the potential role of 635 nm irradiation in protection against oxidative stress by scavenging superoxide anions. Also, a pathway that is independent of the activities of intracellular enzymatic ROS scavengers, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase might be involved in its mechanism of action.

Hydrogen peroxide in inflammation: messenger, guide, and assassin

Starting as a model for developmental genetics, embryology, and organogenesis, the zebrafish has become increasingly popular as a model organism for numerous areas of biology and biomedicine over the last decades. Within haematology, this includes studies on blood cell development and function and the intricate regulatory mechanisms within vertebrate immunity. Here, we review recent studies on the immediate mechanisms mounting an inflammatory response by in vivo analyses using the zebrafish. These recently revealed novel roles of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide that have changed our view on the initiation of a granulocytic inflammatory response.

Effects of long term ethanol consumption mediated oxidative stress on neovessel generation in liver

Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is essential during tissue repair. Though most molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis are common to the liver and other organs, there was no report available whether alcoholic liver disease also causes angiogenesis. In this study, we examined the effects of long term ethanol (1.6 g/kg body weight/day) consumption on angiogenic responses in the liver of male Wistar strain albino rats (16-18 weeks old, weighing 200-220 g) up to 36 weeks. Chronic ethanol consumption was associated with not only elevated oxidative stress, and altered cytokines expression, but also developed large von Willebrand factor, fibrosis and activation of matrix metalloproteinases. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor 2 (VEGF-R2, fetal liver kinase 1: Flk-1/KDR) expression and neovessel generation in the rat liver were noted after 36 weeks of ethanol consumption. Thus our study provides novel evidence that long-term ethanol consumption is associated with angiogenesis through delicate and coordinated action of a variety of mediators.

Clair DK. Manganese superoxide dismutase: beyond life and death

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a nuclear-encoded antioxidant enzyme that localizes to the mitochondria. Expression of MnSOD is essential for the survival of aerobic life. Transgenic mice expressing a luciferase reporter gene under the control of the human MnSOD promoter demonstrate that the level of MnSOD is reduced prior to the formation of cancer. Overexpression of MnSOD in transgenic mice reduces the incidences and multiplicity of papillomas in a DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis model. However, MnSOD deficiency does not lead to enhanced tumorigenicity of skin tissue similarly treated because MnSOD can modulate both the p53-mediated apoptosis and AP-1-mediated cell proliferation pathways. Apoptosis is associated with an increase in mitochondrial levels of p53 suggesting a link between MnSOD deficiency and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Activation of p53 is preventable by application of a SOD mimetic (MnTE-2-PyP(5+)). Thus, p53 translocation to mitochondria and subsequent inactivation of MnSOD explain the observed mitochondrial dysfunction that leads to transcription-dependent mechanisms of p53-induced apoptosis. Administration of MnTE-2-PyP(5+) following apoptosis but prior to proliferation leads to suppression of protein carbonyls and reduces the activity of AP-1 and the level of the proliferating cellular nuclear antigen, without reducing the activity of p53 or DNA fragmentation following TPA treatment. Remarkably, the incidence and multiplicity of skin tumors are drastically reduced in mice that receive MnTE-2-PyP(5+) prior to cell proliferation. The results demonstrate the role of MnSOD beyond its essential role for survival and suggest a novel strategy for an antioxidant approach to cancer intervention.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of tetracycline antibiotics in vitro

Tetracyclines are the second most common antibiotic family in medicine usage. These antibiotics exhibit antioxidant potential; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. The antiradical activity of the seven tetracyclines (TCs; tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxocycline, methacycline, demeclocycline, minocycline) was determined using the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)) and hydroxyl radicals (HO(•)) generated in a Fenton reaction. Electron spin resonance (ESR), ESR spin-trapping, chemiluminescence and spectrophotometry techniques were applied. It was found that the TCs showed high DPPH antiradical activity in the range 26-96% at 2.5 mmol/L concentration. The second-order rate constants for the reaction between HO(•) and TCs were calculated, in the range (3.6-9.6) × 10(9)  L/mol/s. The tetracycline compounds also exhibited a strong decrease in light emission (range 61-85% at concentration of 1 mmol/L). This study also showed that TCs promote the generation of singlet oxygen in the presence of H(2)O(2) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) ions. Our findings suggest direct scavenging activity of the examined tetracyclines towards free radicals, and may be relevant to therapeutic strategy.

Variations of hydrogen peroxide and catalase expression in Bombyx eggs during diapause initiation and termination

For diapause eggs of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, diapause initiation is prevented with hydrochloric acid (HCl) at around 20 h post-oviposition while diapause status is terminated with chilling around 5°C. To investigate whether hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and catalase expression are involved in diapause initiation and termination, the concentration of H(2)O(2), relatively higher levels of catalase mRNA and activity of catalase were compared between (1) 20-h-old diapause eggs and the HCl-treated diapause eggs, and (2) 10-day-old diapause eggs and the 5°C-chilled diapause eggs. Compared to diapause eggs, the HCl-treated eggs had significantly higher H(2)O(2) concentrations (up from approximately 1-3 µmol/g fresh mass to 5-8 µmol/g fresh mass), higher relative level of catalase mRNA (up from 0 to 35.2%) and higher catalase activity (up from 2.51 units/mg protein to 4.97 units/mg protein) at 96 h post-treatment. On the other hand, the 5°C chilling resulted in significant increases of H(2)O(2) concentration (up from 0.79 µmol/g fresh mass to 5.57 µmol/g fresh mass), relative level of catalase mRNA (up from 0 to 71.4%) and catalase activity (up from 0.88 units/mg protein to 3.42 units/mg protein) within 120 days. The results obtained in this work suggest that variations of H(2)O(2) and catalase expression in Bombyx eggs are involved in diapause initiation and termination.

Viral-mediated inhibition of antioxidant enzymes contributes to the pathogenesis of severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

RATIONALE

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children, for which no specific treatment or vaccine is currently available. We have previously shown that RSV induces reactive oxygen species in cultured cells and oxidative injury in the lungs of experimentally infected mice. The mechanism(s) of RSV-induced oxidative stress in vivo is not known.

OBJECTIVES

To measure changes of lung antioxidant enzymes expression/activity and activation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates detoxifying and antioxidant enzyme gene expression, in mice and in infants with naturally acquired RSV infection.

METHODS

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1), SOD 2, SOD 3, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, as well as Nrf2 expression, were measured in murine bronchoalveolar lavage, cell extracts of conductive airways, and/or in human nasopharyngeal secretions by Western blot and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Antioxidant enzyme activity and markers of oxidative cell injury were measured in either murine bronchoalveolar lavage or nasopharyngeal secretions by colorimetric/immunoassays.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

RSV infection induced a significant decrease in the expression and/or activity of SOD, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase in murine lungs and in the airways of children with severe bronchiolitis. Markers of oxidative damage correlated with severity of clinical illness in RSV-infected infants. Nrf2 expression was also significantly reduced in the lungs of viral-infected mice.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV infection induces significant down-regulation of the airway antioxidant system in vivo, likely resulting in lung oxidative damage. Modulation of oxidative stress may pave the way toward important advances in the therapeutic approach of RSV-induced acute lung disease.

Differential toxicity profile of ricin isoforms correlates with their glycosylation levels

Ricin is one of the most potent and deadly plant toxins from the seeds of Ricinus communis. In view of its high toxicity, ricin is being used as an immunotoxin in cancer therapy. Ricin also has several isoforms with differential glycosylation depending on the seed variety. Our study shows three isoforms designated 1, 2 and 3, which differed in their surface charge, resulting in a different behavior on cation exchange chromatography, two dimensional (pI 5.5-8.7) and native PAGE. The molecular masses of isoform-1, 2 and 3 were measured as 63.55 kDa, 64.03 kDa and 62.8 kDa, respectively, by MALDI-TOF/MS. In vitro studies with monkey kidney (Vero) cells showed a time dependent increase in cytotoxicity of the isoforms evaluated by extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity and mitochondrial dehydrogenase assay. These isoforms also induce oxidative stress and DNA damage. Among the isoforms, isoform-3 was quick to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), (in 90 min) and exhibited maximum cytotoxicity. Morphological changes, catalase activity and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher with isoform-3 treatment compared to others. The glycosylation studies by MALDI-TOF/MS showed that isoform-3 is highly glycosylated with high sugar levels containing more of hybrid/complex type glycopeptides with mannose as hexose units. These experimental evidences clearly suggest that isoform-3 is superior in its early ROS generation, potency to induce oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, that could be due to it's higher glycosylation levels which make isoform-3 as an ideal candidate for immunotoxin studies.

Role of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (Rac2), NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species in diallyl disulphide-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia HL-60 cells

1. Diallyl disulphide (DADS) has potential as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent. Previous studies have reported that Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (Rac2), a regulatory subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex, is upregulated in DADS-induced apoptosis in human leukaemia HL-60 cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Rac2, NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in DADS-induced apoptosis. 2. Expression of the Rac2 gene along with that of five other genes of NADPH oxidase subunits were in HL-60 cells measured by Sybergreen quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RNA interference was used to test the effect of Rac2. Protein expression was evaluated using western blot analysis and ROS levels were measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence. DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect apoptotic cells. 3. Levels of Rac2 gene and protein were significantly upregulated and NADPH oxidase was activated in DADS-induced apoptosis. Pretreatment of HL-60 cells with small interfering (si) RNAs to inhibit Rac2 blocked DADS-induced apoptosis. Diallyl disulphide-induced intracellular ROS production was increased in phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated cells, but decreased in Rac2 siRNA-treated cells. In Rac2 siRNA-treated cells, activator protein-1 and caspase 3 levels decreased, c-myc protein levels were increased and p38 protein levels were unchanged compared with Rac2-competent, DADS-treated cells. 4. These results demonstrate that NADPH oxidase is the main source of DADS-induced ROS. In addition, Rac2 selectively activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway, but not the p38 pathway, in DADS-induced apoptosis. So, Rac2, NADPH oxidase and ROS have a critical role in DADS-induced apoptosis in human leukaemia HL-60 cells.

Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: mechanisms, pathologic consequences, and potential for therapeutic manipulation

The concept of neuroinflammation has evolved over the past two decades from an initially controversial viewpoint to its present status as a generally accepted idea whose mechanisms and consequences are still actively under research and debate, particularly with regard to Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review summarizes the current status of neuroinflammation research as it specifically relates to AD. Neuroinflammation is discussed mechanistically with emphasis on the role of redox signal transduction linked to the activation of central nervous system-relevant innate immune pathways. Redox signaling is presented both as a causal factor and a consequence of sustained neuroinflammation. Functional relationships are discussed that connect distinct neuroinflammatory components such as cytokines, eicosanoids, classic AD pathology (amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles), and the recently emergent notion of "damage-associated molecular patterns". The interaction of these paracrine factors likely can produce positive as well as negative effects on the AD brain, ranging from plaque clearance by microglia in the short term to glial dysfunction and neuronal compromise if the neuroinflammation is chronically sustained and unmitigated. Recent disappointments in AD clinical trials of anti-inflammatory drugs are discussed with reference to possible explanations and potential avenues for future pharmacological approaches to the disease.

Emerging biological importance of central nervous system lanthionines

Lanthionine (Lan), the thioether analog of cystine, is a natural but nonproteogenic amino acid thought to form naturally in mammals through promiscuous reactivity of the transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine-beta-synthase (CbetaS). Lanthionine exists at appreciable concentrations in mammalian brain, where it undergoes aminotransferase conversion to yield an unusual cyclic thioether, lanthionine ketimine (LK; 2H-1,4-thiazine-5,6-dihydro-3,5-dicarboxylic acid). Recently, LK was discovered to possess neuroprotective, neuritigenic and anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, both LK and the ubiquitous redox regulator glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteine-glycine) bind to mammalian lanthionine synthetase-like protein-1 (LanCL1) protein which, along with its homolog LanCL2, has been associated with important physiological processes including signal transduction and insulin sensitization. These findings begin to suggest that Lan and its downstream metabolites may be physiologically important substances rather than mere metabolic waste. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about lanthionyl metabolites with emphasis on their possible relationships to LanCL1/2 proteins and glutathione. The potential significance of lanthionines in paracrine signaling is discussed with reference to opportunities for utilizing bioavailable pro-drug derivatives of these compounds as novel pharmacophores.

Effects of cigarette smoke on the activation of oxidative stress-related transcription factors in female A/J mouse lung

Cigarette smoke contains a high concentration of free radicals and induces oxidative stress in the lung and other tissues. Several transcription factors are known to be activated by oxidative stress, including nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Studies were therefore undertaken to examine whether cigarette smoke could activate these transcription factors, as well as other transcription factors that may be important in lung carcinogenesis. Female A/J mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 42, or 56 d (6 hr/d, 5 d/wk). Cigarette smoke did not increase NF-kappaB activation at any of these times, but NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was lower after 15 d and 56 d of smoke exposure. The DNA binding activity of AP-1 was lower after 10 d and 56 d but was not changed after 42 d of smoke exposure. The DNA binding activity of HIF was quantitatively increased after 42 d of smoke exposure but decreased after 56 d. Whether the activation of other transcription factors in the lung could be altered after exposure to cigarette smoke was subsequently examined. The DNA binding activities of FoxF2, myc-CF1, RORE, and p53 were examined after 10 d of smoke exposure. The DNA binding activities of FoxF2 and p53 were quantitatively increased, but those of myc-CF1 and RORE were unaffected. These studies show that cigarette smoke exposure leads to quantitative increases in DNA binding activities of FoxF2 and p53, while the activations of NF-kappaB, AP-1, and HIF are largely unaffected or reduced.

Fluorophotometric determination of hydrogen peroxide with fluorescin in the presence of cobalt (II) and reaction against other reactive oxygen species

A fluorophotometric method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using fluorescin was developed. This method was based on the oxidative reaction of fluorescin, a colorless, non-fluorescent lactoid fluorescein, by H2O2 to give highly fluorescein fluorescence emission. In the determination of H2O2, the calibration curve exhibited linearity over the H2O2 concentration range of 1.5-310 ng mL(-1) at an emission wavelength of 525 nm with an excitation of 500 nm and with relative standard deviations (n = 6) of 2.51%, 2.48%, and 1.31% for 3.1 ng mL(-1), 30.8 ng mL(-1), and for 308 ng mL(-1) of H2O2, respectively. The detection limit for H2O2 was 1.9 ng mL(-1) six blank determinations was performed (rho = 6). This proposed method was applied to detection of other reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) such as singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radical (*OH), peroxynitrite (ONOO-) etc., and it was possible to detect them with a high sensitivity. In addition, this proposed method was applied to the recovery tests of H2O2 in calf serum, human saliva, rain water, and wheat noodles; the results were satisfactory.

Role of oxidative stress and intracellular glutathione in the sensitivity to apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitor in thyroid cancer cells

Background

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has shown impressive clinical activity alone and in combination with conventional and other novel agents for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and some solid cancers. Although bortezomib is known to be a selective proteasome inhibitor, the downstream mechanisms of cytotoxicity and drug resistance are poorly understood.

Methods

Proteasome activity, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and ROS levels, as well as activities of GSH synthesis enzymes were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Cell death was analyzed using flow cytometry and caspase activity assay. The expression level of GSH synthesis enzymes were measured using real-time RT-PCR.

Results

At concentrations that effectively inhibited proteasome activity, bortezomib induced apoptosis in FRO cells, but not in ARO cells. Bortezomib elevated the amount of glutathione (GSH) and the treatment with bortezomib increased the level of mRNA for GCL, a rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis. Furthermore, depletion of GSH increases apoptosis induced by bortezomib, in contrast, repletion of GSH decreases bortezomib-mediated cell death.

Conclusion

GSH protects cells from proteasome inhibition-induced oxidative stress and glutathione-dependent redox system might play an important role in the sensitivity to proteasome inhibition-induced apoptosis.

Oxidative-dependent integration of signal transduction with intercellular gap junctional communication in the control of gene expression

Research on oxidative stress focused primarily on determining how reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage cells by indiscriminate reactions with their macromolecular machinery, particularly lipids, proteins, and DNA. However, many chronic diseases are not always a consequence of tissue necrosis, DNA, or protein damage, but rather to altered gene expression. Gene expression is highly regulated by the coordination of cell signaling systems that maintain tissue homeostasis. Therefore, much research has shifted to the understanding of how ROS reversibly control gene expression through cell signaling mechanisms. However, most research has focused on redox regulation of signal transduction within a cell, but we introduce a more comprehensive-systems biology approach to understanding oxidative signaling that includes gap junctional intercellular communication, which plays a role in coordinating gene expression between cells of a tissue needed to maintain tissue homeostasis. We propose a hypothesis that gap junctions are critical in modulating the levels of second messengers, such as low molecular weight reactive oxygen, needed in the transduction of an external signal to the nucleus in the expression of genes. Thus, any comprehensive-systems biology approach to understanding oxidative signaling must also include gap junctions, in which aberrant gap junctions have been clearly implicated in many human diseases.

Respiratory syncytial virus induces oxidative stress by modulating antioxidant enzymes

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro and oxidative injury in lungs in vivo; however, the mechanism of RSV-induced cellular oxidative stress has not been investigated. Therefore, we determined whether RSV infection of airway epithelial cells modified the expression and/or activities of antioxidant enzymes (AOE). A549 cells, a human alveolar type II-like epithelial cell line, and small airway epithelial (SAE) cells, normal human cells derived from terminal bronchioli, were infected with RSV and harvested at various time points to measure F(2)-8 isoprostanes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and total and reduced glutathione (GSH and GSSG) by colorimetric assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, 2, and 3, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, and their activity was measured by colorimetric assays. RSV infection induced a significant increase of lipid peroxidation products as well as a significant decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio. There was a significant decrease in SOD 1, SOD 3, catalase, and GST expression with a concomitant increase of SOD 2 in RSV-infected cells, compared with uninfected cells. Total SOD activity was increased, but catalase, GPx, and GST activities were decreased, after RSV infection. Our findings suggest that RSV-induced cellular oxidative damage is the result of an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant cellular defenses. Modulation of oxidative stress represents a potential novel pharmacologic approach to ameliorate RSV-induced acute lung inflammation.