On the irreversible destruction of reduced nicotinamide nucleotides by hypohalous acids

Reaction sites of pyrimidine bases and nucleosides during chlorination: A computational study

As important components of soluble microbial products in water, nucleobases have attracted much attention due to the high toxicity of their direct aromatic halogenated disinfection by-products (AH-DBPs) during chlorination. However, multiple halogenation sites of AH-DBPs pose challenges to identify them. In this study, reaction sites of pyrimidine bases and nucleosides during chlorination were investigated by quantum chemical computational method. The results indicate that the anion salt forms play key roles in chlorination of uracil, thymine, and their nucleosides, while neutral forms make predominant contributions to cytosine and cytidine. In view of both kinetics and thermodynamics, C5 is the most reactive site for uracil and thymine, N3/C5 and N3 for respective uridine and thymidine, N1/C5/N4 and N4 for respective cytosine and cytidine, whose estimated apparent rate constants kobs-est of ∼103, 103/102, 106/102/104, and 103 M-1 s-1, respectively, in consistent with the known experimental results. C6 in all pyrimidine compounds is hardly attacked by Cl+ in HOCl ascribed to its positive charge, but readily attacked by OH‾ in hydrolysis and the N1=C6 bond was found to possess the highest reactivity in hydrolysis among all double bonds. In addition, the structure-kinetic reactivity relationship study reveals a relatively strong correlation between lgkobs-est and APT charge in all pyrimidine compounds rather than FED2 (HOMO). The results are helpful to further understand the reactivity of various reaction sites in aromatic compounds during chlorination.

Identification of reaction sites and chlorinated products of purine bases and nucleosides during chlorination: a computational study

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) released from activated leukocytes plays a significant role in the human immune system, but is also implicated in numerous diseases due to its inappropriate production. Chlorinated nucleobases induce genetic changes that potentially enable and stimulate carcinogenesis, and thus have attracted considerable attention. However, their multiple halogenation sites pose challenges to identify them. As a good complement to experiments, quantum chemical computation was used to uncover chlorination sites and chlorinated products in this study. The results indicate that anion salt forms of all purine compounds play significant roles in chlorination except for adenosine. The kinetic reactivity order of all reaction sites in terms of the estimated apparent rate constant kobs-est (in M-1 s-1) is heterocyclic NH/N (102-107) > exocyclic NH2 (10-2-10) > heterocyclic C8 (10-5-10-1), but the order is reversed for thermodynamics. Combining kinetics and thermodynamics, the numerical simulation results show that N9 is the most reactive site for purine bases to form the main initial chlorinated product, while for purine nucleosides N1 and exocyclic N2/N6 are the most reactive sites to produce the main products controlled by kinetics and thermodynamics, respectively, and C8 is a possible site to generate the minor product. The formation mechanisms of biomarker 8-Cl- and 8-oxo-purine derivatives were also investigated. Additionally, the structure-kinetic reactivity relationship study reveals a good correlation between lg kobs-est and APT charge in all purine compounds compared to FED2 (HOMO), which proves again that the electrostatic interaction plays a key role. The results are helpful to further understand the reactivity of various reaction sites in aromatic compounds during chlorination.

Modified Lactoperoxidase System as a Promising Anticaries Agent: In Vitro Studies on Streptococcus mutans Biofilms

The lactoperoxidase (LPO) system shows promise in the prevention of dental caries, a common chronic disease. This system has antimicrobial properties and is part of the non-specific antimicrobial immune system. Understanding the efficacy of the LPO system in the fight against biofilms could provide information on alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of caries. In this study, the enzymatic system was modified using four different (pseudo)halide substrates (thiocyanate, thiocyanate-iodide mixture, selenocyanate, and iodide). The study evaluated the metabolic effects of applying such modifications to Streptococcus mutans; in particular: (1) biofilm formation, (2) synthesis of insoluble polysaccharides, (3) lactate synthesis, (4) glucose and sucrose consumption, (5) intracellular NAD+ and NADH concentrations, and (6) transmembrane glucose transport efficiency (PTS activity). The results showed that the LPO-iodide system had the strongest inhibitory effect on biofilm growth and lactate synthesis (complete inhibition). This was associated with an increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio and an inhibition of glucose PTS activity. The LPO-selenocyanate system showed a moderate inhibitory effect on biofilm biomass growth and lactate synthesis. The other systems showed relatively small inhibition of lactate synthesis and glucose PTS but no effect on the growth of biofilm biomass. This study provides a basis for further research on the use of alternative substrates with the LPO system, particularly the LPO-iodide system, in the prevention and control of biofilm-related diseases.

Safety Assessment of the Modified Lactoperoxidase System-In Vitro Studies on Human Gingival Fibroblasts

One strategy in caries prevention is to inhibit the formation of cariogenic biofilms. Attempts are being made to develop oral hygiene products enriched with various antimicrobial agents. One of them is lactoperoxidase-an enzyme that can oxidise (pseudo)halide ions to reactive products with antimicrobial activity. Currently, commercially available products utilise thiocyanate as a substrate; however, several alternatives that are oxidised to products with greater antimicrobial potential have been found. In this study, toxicity against human gingival fibroblasts of the lactoperoxidase system was evaluated using four different (pseudo)halide substrate systems-thiocyanate, iodide, selenocyanate, and a mixture of thiocyanate and iodide. For this purpose, cells were treated with the systems and then apoptosis, cell cycle, intracellular glutathione concentration, and mitochondrial superoxide production were assessed. The results showed that each system, after generating 250 µM of the product, inhibited cell divisions, increased apoptosis, and increased the percentage of dead cells. It was concluded that the mechanism of the observed phenomena was not related to increased superoxide production or the depletion of glutathione concentration. These findings emphasised the need for the further in vitro and in vivo toxicity investigation of the modified lactoperoxidase system to assess its safety and the possibility of use in oral hygiene products.

Tracking HOCl by an incredibly simple fluorescent probe with AIE plus ESIPT in vitro and in vivo

Hypochlorous acid is an important active substance involved in a variety of physiological processes in living organisms, while abnormal concentrations of HOCl are strongly associated with a variety of diseases such as cancer, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. As a result, it's crucial to establish a reliable method for tracking HOCl in vivo in order to investigate its physiological consequences. In this work, we developed a fluorescent probe DFSN with both AIE and ESIPT for imaging HOCl in vivo. DFSN not only has a basic structure and is easy to synthesize, but also has superior performance. The probe responds to HOCl in less than 10 s and has good selectivity and sensitivity to HOCl (DL = 6.3 nM), with a 110-fold increase in fluorescence intensity following response. In addition, DFSN can realize the rapid detection of hypochlorous acid with naked eyes. Moreover, DFSN can be used for the detection of exogenous and endogenous HOCl in RAW264.7 cells, and additionally enables the tracking of HOCl in cancer cells (Hela cells and HepG2 cells). More notably, it has been utilized to image hypochlorous acid in zebrafish with great success. The probe DFSN will be useful in determining the physiological significance of HOCl.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Importance of Amino-Acid Metabolism in Spodoptera Frugiperda Exposed to Spinetoram

Pests are inevitably exposed to sublethal and lethal doses in the agroecosystem following the application of pesticides indispensable to protect food sources. The effect of spinetoram on amino-acid metabolism of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), was investigated, at the dose of LC10 and LC90, by transcriptome and LC-MS/MS analysis. Using statistics-based analysis of both POS and NEG mode, a total of 715,501 metabolites in S. frugiperda were significantly changed after spinetoram treatment. The enhancement of glucose metabolism provides energy support for detoxification in larvae. The decrease in valine and isoleucine is associated with an increase in leucine, without maintaining the conservation of citric acid in the larvae. The down-regulation of phenylalanine may retard the tricarboxylic acid cycle to produce GTP. The abundance of lysine was decreased in response to spinetoram exposure, which damages the nervous system of the larvae. The abundance of arginine increases and causes non-functional contraction of the insect's muscles, causing the larva to expend excess energy. Tryptophan provides an important substrate for eliminating ROS. The changes in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and lysine cause damage to the nerve centers of the larvae. The results of transcriptome and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the effects of pesticide exposure on amino-acid metabolism of S. frugiperda successfully and provide a new overview of the response of insect physio-biochemistry against pesticides.

Hypochlorous Acid Chemistry in Mammalian Cells—Influence on Infection and Role in Various Pathologies

This review discusses the formation of hypochlorous acid HOCl and the role of reactive chlorinated species (RCS), which are catalysed by the enzyme myeloperoxidase MPO, mainly located in leukocytes and which in turn contribute to cellular oxidative stress. The reactions of RCS with various organic molecules such as amines, amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and DNA are described, and an attempt is made to explain the chemical mechanisms of the formation of the various chlorinated derivatives and the data available so far on the effects of MPO, RCS and halogenative stress. Their presence in numerous pathologies such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, neurological and renal diseases, diabetes, and obesity is reviewed and were found to be a feature of debilitating diseases.

Structural evidence of the oxidation of iodide ion into hyper-reactive hypoiodite ion by mammalian heme lactoperoxidase

Lactoperoxidase (1.11.1.7, LPO) is a mammalian heme peroxidase found in the extracellular fluids of mammals including plasma, saliva, airway epithelial lining fluids, nasal lining fluid, milk, tears, gastric juices, and intestinal mucosa. To perform its innate immune action against invading microbes, LPO utilizes hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) to convert thiocyanate (SCN^- ) and iodide (I^- ) ions into the oxidizing compounds hypothiocyanite (OSCN^- ) and hypoiodite (IO^- ). Previously determined structures of the complexes of LPO with SCN^- , OSCN^- , and I^- show that SCN^- and I^- occupy appropriate positions in the distal heme cavity as substrates while OSCN^- binds in the distal heme cavity as a product inhibitor. We report here the structure of the complex of LPO with IO^- as the first structural evidence of the conversion of iodide into hypoiodite by LPO. To obtain this complex, a solution of LPO was first incubated with H₂ O₂ , then mixed with ammonium iodide solution and the complex crystallized by the addition of PEG-3350, 20% (wt/vol). These crystals were used for X-ray intensity data collection and structure analysis. The structure determination revealed the presence of four hypoiodite ions in the substrate binding channel of LPO. In addition to these, six other hypoiodite ions were observed at different exterior sites. We surmise that the presence of hypoiodite ions in the distal heme cavity blocks the substrate binding site and inhibits catalysis. This was confirmed by activity experiments with the colorimetric substrate, ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-sulfonic acid)), in the presence of hypoiodite and iodide ions.

Role of myeloperoxidase and oxidant formation in the extracellular environment in inflammation-induced tissue damage

The heme peroxidase family generates a battery of oxidants both for synthetic purposes, and in the innate immune defence against pathogens. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is the most promiscuous family member, generating powerful oxidizing species including hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Whilst HOCl formation is important in pathogen removal, this species is also implicated in host tissue damage and multiple inflammatory diseases. Significant oxidant formation and damage occurs extracellularly as a result of MPO release via phagolysosomal leakage, cell lysis, extracellular trap formation, and inappropriate trafficking. MPO binds strongly to extracellular biomolecules including polyanionic glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, proteins, and DNA. This localizes MPO and subsequent damage, at least partly, to specific sites and species, including extracellular matrix (ECM) components and plasma proteins/lipoproteins. Biopolymer-bound MPO retains, or has enhanced, catalytic activity, though evidence is also available for non-catalytic effects. These interactions, particularly at cell surfaces and with the ECM/glycocalyx induce cellular dysfunction and altered gene expression. MPO binds with higher affinity to some damaged ECM components, rationalizing its accumulation at sites of inflammation. MPO-damaged biomolecules and fragments act as chemo-attractants and cell activators, and can modulate gene and protein expression in naïve cells, consistent with an increasing cycle of MPO adhesion, activity, damage, and altered cell function at sites of leukocyte infiltration and activation, with subsequent tissue damage and dysfunction. MPO levels are used clinically both diagnostically and prognostically, and there is increasing interest in strategies to prevent MPO-mediated damage; therapeutic aspects are not discussed as these have been reviewed elsewhere.

An Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Assay for the Detection of Halides and Enzymatic Dehalogenation

Halide assays are important for the study of enzymatic dehalogenation, a topic of great industrial and scientific importance. Here we describe the development of a very sensitive halide assay that can detect less than a picomole of bromide ions, making it very useful for quantifying enzymatic dehalogenation products. Halides are oxidised under mild conditions using the vanadium-dependent chloroperoxidase from Curvularia inaequalis, forming hypohalous acids that are detected using aminophenyl fluorescein. The assay is up to three orders of magnitude more sensitive than currently available alternatives, with detection limits of 20 nM for bromide and 1 μM for chloride and iodide. We demonstrate that the assay can be used to determine specific activities of dehalogenases and validate this by comparison to a well-established GC-MS method. This new assay will facilitate the identification and characterisation of novel dehalogenases and may also be of interest to those studying other halide-producing enzymes.

Hypochlorous acid-mediated modification of proteins and its consequences

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a mammalian heme peroxidase released by activated immune cells, which forms chemical oxidants, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl), to kill bacteria and other invading pathogens. In addition to this important role in the innate immune system, there is significant evidence from numerous chronic inflammatory pathologies for the elevated production of HOCl and associated oxidative modification of proteins and damage to host tissue. Proteins are major targets for HOCl in biological systems, owing to their abundance and the high reactivity of several amino acid side-chains with this oxidant. As such, there is significant interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in HOCl-mediated protein damage and defining the consequences of these reactions. Exposure of proteins to HOCl results in a wide range of oxidative modifications and the formation of chlorinated products, which alter protein structure and enzyme activity, and impact the function of biological systems. This review describes the reactivity of HOCl with proteins, including the specific pathways involved in side-chain modification, backbone fragmentation and aggregation, and outlines examples of some of the biological consequences of these reactions, particularly in relation to the development of chronic inflammatory disease.

Hypobromous Acid as an Unaccounted Sink for Marine Dimethyl Sulfide?

Marine emissions of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) to the atmosphere play a fundamental role in the global sulfur (S) cycle and have important consequences for the Earth's radiative balance. In the ocean, DMS is mainly produced by marine algae and bacteria via cleavage of the precursor compound dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). Here, we studied the reaction between DMS and the strong oxidant hypobromous acid (HOBr), which is also produced by marine algae. Further, reactions between DMS oxidation products and HOBr were studied. The second-order rate constants were determined in competition kinetic experiments using sulfite as a competitor. In addition, we developed a new HPLC-ICP-MS/MS method to identify and quantify the oxidation products of DMS and related compounds. We found that HOBr reacts very fast with DMS to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with a second-order rate constant of 1.6 × 10⁹ M^-1 s^-1, while the subsequent oxidation of DMSO to dimethyl sulfone (DMSO₂) is much slower (0.4 M^-1 s^-1). Concentrations of DMSP, DMSO₂, and methanesulfonic acid (MSA) did not decrease when exposed to excess concentrations of HOBr, implying that these S-containing compounds are not or only slightly reactive toward HOBr. A quantitative comparison of known DMS sinks shows that HOBr may be an important, hitherto neglected sink for marine DMS that needs to be considered in ocean-atmosphere chemistry models.

Effect of the Nature and Relative Concentration of Substrate, Water Mineralization, and Storage Temperature on the Oxidants Produced by Lactoperoxidase and on Their Antifungal Activity against Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea

Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme that generates oxidants with antimicrobial activity in presence of a (pseudo)halogen and hydrogen peroxide, but various factors can drastically reduce the antimicrobial activity of the lactoperoxidase system. Spectroscopic, ionic chromatography, and 13C-NMR methods showed that the oxidants generated by lactoperoxidase are OSCN− in the presence of SCN− and I2 in the presence of I−. Neither of them, however, inhibited Penicillium expansum, one of the causal agents of fruit mold. When a mixture of SCN− and I− was used, no OSCN−, OCN−, I2, or interhalogen I2SCN− was produced. However, its long-term stability, NH2-oxidizing capacity, and antifungal activity against P. expansum argue in favor of an I−-derived oxidant. Strongly mineralized water optimized enzyme-catalyzed reactions with higher oxidant production. Storage at 4 °C resulted in long-term stability and extended antifungal activity against P. expansum. The relative iodide/thiocyanate concentrations turned out to be important, as better in vitro inhibition of Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of apples’s grey mold, was obtained with a high KI + KSCN concentration, a KI/KSCN ratio of 4.5, and a (KI + KSCN)/H2O2 ratio of 1. The nature of the substrates, their relative concentrations, the medium, and the storage temperature modifed the antifungal activity of lactoperoxidase.

Characterisation of peroxidasin activity in isolated extracellular matrix and direct detection of hypobromous acid formation

Peroxidasin is a heme peroxidase that catalyses the oxidation of bromide by hydrogen peroxide to form an essential sulfilimine cross-link between methionine and hydroxylysine residues in collagen IV. We investigated cross-linking by peroxidasin embedded in extracellular matrix isolated from cultured epithelial cells and its sensitivity to alternative substrates and peroxidase inhibitors. Peroxidasin showed peroxidase activity as measured with hydrogen peroxide and Amplex red. Using a specific mass spectrometry assay that measures NADH bromohydrin, we showed definitively that the enzyme releases hypobromous acid (HOBr). Less than 1 μM of the added hydrogen peroxide was used by peroxidasin. The remainder was consumed by catalase activity that was associated with the matrix. Results from NADH bromohydrin measurements indicates that low micromolar HOBr generated by peroxidasin was sufficient for maximum sulfilimine cross-linking, whereas 100 μM reagent HOBr or taurine bromamine was less efficient. This implies selectivity for the enzymatic process. Physiological concentrations of thiocyanate and urate partially inhibited cross-link formation. 4-Aminobenzoic acid hydrazide, a commonly used myeloperoxidase inhibitor, also inhibited peroxidasin, whereas acetaminophen and a 2-thioxanthine were much less effective. In conclusion, HOBr is produced by peroxidasin in the extracellular matrix. It appears to be directed at the site of collagen IV sulfilimine formation but the released HOBr may also undergo other reactions.

Reaction Product Variability and Biological Activity of the Lactoperoxidase System Depending on Medium Ionic Strength and pH, and on Substrate Relative Concentration

The potential of ions produced in water by the lactoperoxidase system against plant pests has shown promising results. We tested the bioactivity of ions produced by the lactoperoxidase oxidation of I^- and SCN^- in several buffers or in tap water and characterized the ions produced. In vitro biological activity was tested against Penicillium expansum, the causal agent of mold in fruits, and the major cause of patulin contamination of fruit juices and compotes. In buffers, the ionic concentration was increased 3-fold, and pathogen inhibition was obtained down to the 1:15 dilution. In tap water, the ionic concentration was weaker, and pathogen inhibition was obtained only down to the 1:3 dilution. Acidic buffer increased ion concentrations as compared to less acidic (pH 5.6 or 6.2) or neutral buffers, as do increased ionic strength. ¹³ C-labelled SCN^- and MS showed that different ions were produced in water and in buffers. In specific conditions the ion solution turned yellow and a product was formed, probably diiodothiocyanate (I₂ SCN^- ), giving an intense signal at 49.7 ppm in ¹³ C-NMR. The formation of the signal was unambiguously favored in acidic media and disadvantaged or inhibited in neutral or basic conditions. It was enhanced at a specific SCN^- : I^- ratio of 1:4.5, but decreased when the ratio was 1:2, and was inhibited at ratio SCN^- >I^- . We demonstrated that the formation of the signal required the interaction between I₂ and SCN^- , and MS showed the presence of I₂ SCN^- .

Role of Hypohalous Acids in Basement Membrane Homeostasis

SIGNIFICANCE

Basement membranes (BMs) are sheet-like structures of specialized extracellular matrix that underlie nearly all tissue cell layers including epithelial, endothelial, and muscle cells. BMs not only provide structural support but are also critical for the development, maintenance, and repair of organs. Animal heme peroxidases generate highly reactive hypohalous acids extracellularly and, therefore, target BMs for oxidative modification. Given the importance of BMs in tissue structure and function, hypohalous acid-mediated oxidative modifications of BM proteins represent a key mechanism in normal development and pathogenesis of disease. Recent Advances: Peroxidasin (PXDN), a BM-associated animal heme peroxidase, generates hypobromous acid (HOBr) to form sulfilimine cross-links within the collagen IV network of BM. These cross-links stabilize BM and are critical for animal tissue development. These findings highlight a paradoxical anabolic role for HOBr, which typically damages protein structure leading to dysfunction.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The molecular mechanism whereby PXDN uses HOBr as a reactive intermediate to cross-link collagen IV, yet avoid collateral damage to nearby BM proteins, remains unclear.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The exact identification and functional impact of specific hypohalous acid-mediated modifications of BM proteins need to be addressed to connect these modifications to tissue development and pathogenesis of disease. As seen with the sulfilimine cross-link of collagen IV, hypohalous acid oxidative events may be beneficial in select situations rather than uniformly deleterious. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 839-854.

Catalytic oxidant scavenging by selenium-containing compounds: Reduction of selenoxides and N-chloramines by thiols and redox enzymes

Myeloperoxidase produces strong oxidants during the immune response to destroy invading pathogens. However, these oxidants can also cause tissue damage, which contributes to the development of numerous inflammatory diseases. Selenium containing compounds, including selenomethionine (SeMet) and 1,4-anhydro-5-seleno-D-talitol (SeTal), react rapidly with different MPO-derived oxidants to form the respective selenoxides (SeMetO and SeTalO). This study investigates the susceptibility of these selenoxides to undergo reduction back to the parent compounds by intracellular reducing systems, including glutathione (GSH) and the glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase systems. GSH is shown to reduce SeMetO and SeTalO, with consequent formation of GSSG with apparent second order rate constants, k₂, in the range 10³–10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. Glutathione reductase reduces both SeMetO and SeTalO at the expense of NADPH via formation of GSSG, whereas thioredoxin reductase acts only on SeMetO. The presence of SeMet and SeTal also increased the rate at which NADPH was consumed by the glutathione reductase system in the presence of N-chloramines. In contrast, the presence of SeMet and SeTal reduced the rate of NADPH consumption by the thioredoxin reductase system after addition of N-chloramines, consistent with the rapid formation of selenoxides, but only slow reduction by thioredoxin reductase. These results support a potential role of seleno compounds to act as catalytic scavengers of MPO-derived oxidants, particularly in the presence of glutathione reductase and NADPH, assuming that sufficient plasma levels of the parent selenoether can be achieved in vivo following supplementation.

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Selenoxides react with thiols including GSH by a two-step mechanism.

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The reaction is proposed to occur via a selenosulfide intermediate.

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The thioredoxin reductase system recycles selenomethionine selenoxide.

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The glutathione reductase system reduces both N-chloramines and selenoxides.

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Selenoxides can increase the reduction of N-chloramines by antioxidant systems.

Formation and reactivity of inorganic and organic chloramines and bromamines during oxidative water treatment

The formation and further reactions of halamines during oxidative water treatment can be relevant for water quality. In this study, we investigated the formation and reactivity of several inorganic and organic halamines (monochloramine, N-chloromethylamine, N-chlorodimethylamine, monobromamine, dibromamine, N-bromomethylamine, N,N-dibromomethylamine, and N-bromodimethylamine) by kinetic experiments, transformation product analysis, and quantum chemical computations. Kinetic model simulations were conducted to evaluate the relevance of halamines for various water treatment scenarios. Halamines were quickly formed from the reaction of chlorine and bromine with ammonia or organic amines. Species-specific second-order rate constants for the reaction of chlorine and bromine with ammonia, methyl- and dimethylamine were in the order of 10⁶-10⁸ M^-1s^-1. The formed halamines were found to be reactive towards phenolic compounds, forming halogenated phenols via electrophilic aromatic substitution (phenol and resorcinol) or quinones via electron transfer (catechol and hydroquinone). At near neutral pH, apparent second-order rate constants for these reactions were in the order of 10^-4-10^-1 M^-1s^-1 for chloramines and 10¹-10² M^-1s^-1 for bromamines. Quantum chemical computations were used to determine previously unknown aqueous pK_a values, gas phase bond dissociation energies (BDE) and partial atomic charges of the halamines, allowing a better understanding of their reactivities. Kinetic model simulations, based on the results of this study, showed that during chlorination inorganic and organic chloramines are the main halamines formed. However, their further reactions with organic matter are outcompeted kinetically by chlorine. During ozonation, mainly inorganic bromamines are formed, since ozone quickly oxidizes organic amines. The further reactions of bromamine are typically outcompeted by ozone and thus generally of minor importance. The use of peracetic acid for saline ballast water treatment can result in the formation of substantial amounts of bromamines, which can react with dissolved organic matter and contribute to the formation of brominated products.

The roles of myeloperoxidase in coronary artery disease and its potential implication in plaque rupture

Atherosclerosis is the main pathophysiological process underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). Acute complications of atherosclerosis, such as myocardial infarction, are caused by the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, which are characterized by thin, highly inflamed, and collagen-poor fibrous caps. Several lines of evidence mechanistically link the heme peroxidase myeloperoxidase (MPO), inflammation as well as acute and chronic manifestations of atherosclerosis. MPO and MPO-derived oxidants have been shown to contribute to the formation of foam cells, endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis, the activation of latent matrix metalloproteinases, and the expression of tissue factor that can promote the development of vulnerable plaque. As such, detection, quantification and imaging of MPO mass and activity have become useful in cardiac risk stratification, both for disease assessment and in the identification of patients at risk of plaque rupture. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of MPO in CAD with a focus on its possible roles in plaque rupture and recent advances to quantify and image MPO in plasma and atherosclerotic plaques.

Multidomain human peroxidasin 1 is a highly glycosylated and stable homotrimeric high spin ferric peroxidase

Human peroxidasin 1 (hsPxd01) is a multidomain heme peroxidase that uses bromide as a cofactor for the formation of sulfilimine cross-links. The latter confers critical structural reinforcement to collagen IV scaffolds. Here, hsPxd01 and various truncated variants lacking nonenzymatic domains were recombinantly expressed in HEK cell lines. The N-glycosylation site occupancy and disulfide pattern, the oligomeric structure, and unfolding pathway are reported. The homotrimeric iron protein contains a covalently bound ferric high spin heme per subunit with a standard reduction potential of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple of -233 ± 5 mV at pH 7.0. Despite sequence homology at the active site and biophysical properties similar to human peroxidases, the catalytic efficiency of bromide oxidation (kcat/KM(app)) of full-length hsPxd01 is rather low but increased upon truncation. This is discussed with respect to its structure and proposed biosynthetic function in collagen IV cross-linking.

Examination of the kinetics of degradation of the antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil by chlorine and bromine

This study examined the degradation of the widely used antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil (5FU) by chlorine and bromine. 5FU was determined to interact readily with free chlorine and bromine but was stable in the presence of chloramine. The removal of 5FU followed a second-order kinetic pattern. Apparent rates (kapp) of 5FU removal by chlorine and bromine were strongly pH dependent and had maximum 14.8M(-1)s(-1) and 1.9×10(3)M(-1)s(-1)kapp values, respectively at pH 7. Modeling of the dependence of the kapp values vs. pH indicated the presence of a relatively acidic (pK 6.4 vs. 8.5 of 5FU per se) 5FU intermediate generated in the presence of halogen species. Spectrophotometric measurements confirmed the increased acidity of 5FU chlorination products and allowed proposing a degradation pathway of 5FU by chlorine. This pathway suggests that 5FU chlorination proceeds via chlorine incorporation at the 6th carbon in the heterocyclic ring of 5FU.

Mode of action of lactoperoxidase as related to its antimicrobial activity: a review

Lactoperoxidase is a member of the family of the mammalian heme peroxidases which have a broad spectrum of activity. Their best known effect is their antimicrobial activity that arouses much interest in in vivo and in vitro applications. In this context, the proper use of lactoperoxidase needs a good understanding of its mode of action, of the factors that favor or limit its activity, and of the features and properties of the active molecules. The first part of this review describes briefly the classification of mammalian peroxidases and their role in the human immune system and in host cell damage. The second part summarizes present knowledge on the mode of action of lactoperoxidase, with special focus on the characteristics to be taken into account for in vitro or in vivo antimicrobial use. The last part looks upon the characteristics of the active molecule produced by lactoperoxidase in the presence of thiocyanate and/or iodide with implication(s) on its antimicrobial activity.

Reevaluation of the rate constants for the reaction of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) with cysteine, methionine, and peptide derivatives using a new competition kinetic approach

Activated white cells use oxidants generated by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase to kill invading pathogens. This enzyme utilizes H2O2 and Cl(-), Br(-), or SCN(-) to generate the oxidants HOCl, HOBr, and HOSCN, respectively. Whereas controlled production of these species is vital in maintaining good health, their uncontrolled or inappropriate formation (as occurs at sites of inflammation) can cause host tissue damage that has been associated with multiple inflammatory pathologies including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Previous studies have reported that sulfur-containing species are major targets for HOCl but as the reactions are fast the only physiologically relevant kinetic data available have been extrapolated from data measured at high pH (>10). In this study these values have been determined at pH 7.4 using a newly developed competition kinetic approach that employs a fluorescently tagged methionine derivative as the competitive substrate (k(HOCl + Fmoc-Met), 1.5 × 10(8)M(-1)s(-1)). This assay was validated using the known k(HOCl + NADH) value and has allowed revised k values for the reactions of HOCl with Cys, N-acetylcysteine, and glutathione to be determined as 3.6 × 10(8), 2.9 × 10(7), and 1.24 × 10(8)M(-1)s(-1), respectively. Similar experiments with methionine derivatives yielded k values of 3.4 × 10(7)M(-1)s(-1) for Met and 1.7 × 10(8)M(-1)s(-1) for N-acetylmethionine. The k values determined here for the reaction of HOCl with thiols are up to 10-fold higher than those previously determined and further emphasize the critical importance of reactions of HOCl with thiol targets in biological systems.

Comparative reactivity of myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants with mammalian cells

Myeloperoxidase is an important heme enzyme released by activated leukocytes that catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with halide and pseudo-halide ions to form various hypohalous acids. Hypohalous acids are chemical oxidants that have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and, as such, play key roles in the human immune system. However, increasing evidence supports an alternative role for myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants in the development of disease. Excessive production of hypohalous acids, particularly during chronic inflammation, leads to the initiation and accumulation of cellular damage that has been implicated in many human pathologies including atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, lung disease, arthritis, inflammatory cancers, and kidney disease. This has sparked a significant interest in developing a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in myeloperoxidase-derived oxidant-induced mammalian cell damage. This article reviews recent developments in our understanding of the cellular reactivity of hypochlorous acid, hypobromous acid, and hypothiocyanous acid, the major oxidants produced by myeloperoxidase under physiological conditions.

Formation and toxicity of brominated disinfection byproducts during chlorination and chloramination of water: a review

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water exhibit considerable adverse health effects; recent focus is on the brominated disinfection byproducts (Br-DBPs). The chlorination and chloramination of bromide ion containing water produce reactive bromo species, which subsequently react with natural organic matter (NOM) to yield Br-DBPs. The possible reactions involved in generating DBPs are presented. Identified Br-DBPs include bromomethanes, bromoacetic acid, bromoacetamides, bromoacetonitriles, and bromophenols. Mixed chloro- and bromo-species have also been identified. Pathways of the formation of Br-DBPs have been described. The concentration of Br- ion, pH, reaction time, and the presence of Cu(II) influence the yield of DBPs. The effects of water conditions on the production of Br-DBPs are presented. The epidemiological studies to understand the potential toxic effects of DBPs including Br-DBPs are summarized. Brominated DBPs may have higher health risks than their corresponding chlorinated DBPs. A potential role of an emerging alternate disinfectant, ferrate (FeV)O(2-)4), in minimizing DBPs is briefly discussed.

Oxidative treatment of bromide-containing waters: formation of bromine and its reactions with inorganic and organic compounds--a critical review

Bromide (Br(-)) is present in all water sources at concentrations ranging from ≈ 10 to >1000 μg L(-1) in fresh waters and about 67 mg L(-1) in seawater. During oxidative water treatment bromide is oxidized to hypobromous acid/hypobromite (HOBr/OBr(-)) and other bromine species. A systematic and critical literature review has been conducted on the reactivity of HOBr/OBr(-) and other bromine species with inorganic and organic compounds, including micropollutants. The speciation of bromine in the absence and presence of chloride and chlorine has been calculated and it could be shown that HOBr/OBr(-) are the dominant species in fresh waters. In ocean waters, other bromine species such as Br2, BrCl, and Br2O gain importance and may have to be considered under certain conditions. HOBr reacts fast with many inorganic compounds such as ammonia, iodide, sulfite, nitrite, cyanide and thiocyanide with apparent second-order rate constants in the order of 10(4)-10(9)M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7. No rate constants for the reactions with Fe(II) and As(III) are available. Mn(II) oxidation by bromine is controlled by a Mn(III,IV) oxide-catalyzed process involving Br2O and BrCl. Bromine shows a very high reactivity toward phenolic groups (apparent second-order rate constants kapp ≈ 10(3)-10(5)M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7), amines and sulfamides (kapp ≈ 10(5)-10(6)M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7) and S-containing compounds (kapp ≈ 10(5)-10(7)M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7). For phenolic moieties, it is possible to derive second-order rate constants with a Hammett-σ-based QSAR approach with [Formula in text]. A negative slope is typical for electrophilic substitution reactions. In general, kapp of bromine reactions at pH 7 are up to three orders of magnitude greater than for chlorine. In the case of amines, these rate constants are even higher than for ozone. Model calculations show that depending on the bromide concentration and the pH, the high reactivity of bromine may outweigh the reactions of chlorine during chlorination of bromide-containing waters.

Potent reversible inhibition of myeloperoxidase by aromatic hydroxamates

The neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) promotes oxidative stress in numerous inflammatory pathologies by producing hypohalous acids. Its inadvertent activity is a prime target for pharmacological control. Previously, salicylhydroxamic acid was reported to be a weak reversible inhibitor of MPO. We aimed to identify related hydroxamates that are good inhibitors of the enzyme. We report on three hydroxamates as the first potent reversible inhibitors of MPO. The chlorination activity of purified MPO was inhibited by 50% by a 5 nm concentration of a trifluoromethyl-substituted aromatic hydroxamate, HX1. The hydroxamates were specific for MPO in neutrophils and more potent toward MPO compared with a broad range of redox enzymes and alternative targets. Surface plasmon resonance measurements showed that the strength of binding of hydroxamates to MPO correlated with the degree of enzyme inhibition. The crystal structure of MPO-HX1 revealed that the inhibitor was bound within the active site cavity above the heme and blocked the substrate channel. HX1 was a mixed-type inhibitor of the halogenation activity of MPO with respect to both hydrogen peroxide and halide. Spectral analyses demonstrated that hydroxamates can act variably as substrates for MPO and convert the enzyme to a nitrosyl ferrous intermediate. This property was unrelated to their ability to inhibit MPO. We propose that aromatic hydroxamates bind tightly to the active site of MPO and prevent it from producing hypohalous acids. This mode of reversible inhibition has potential for blocking the activity of MPO and limiting oxidative stress during inflammation.

Measuring chlorine bleach in biology and medicine

BACKGROUND

Chlorine bleach, or hypochlorous acid, is the most reactive two-electron oxidant produced in appreciable amounts in our bodies. Neutrophils are the main source of hypochlorous acid. These champions of the innate immune system use it to fight infection but also direct it against host tissue in inflammatory diseases. Neutrophils contain a rich supply of the enzyme myeloperoxidase. It uses hydrogen peroxide to convert chloride to hypochlorous acid.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

We give a critical appraisal of the best methods to measure production of hypochlorous acid by purified peroxidases and isolated neutrophils. Robust ways of detecting it inside neutrophil phagosomes where bacteria are killed are also discussed. Special attention is focused on reaction-based fluorescent probes but their visual charm is tempered by stressing their current limitations. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of biomarker assays that capture the footprints of chlorine in various pathologies are evaluated.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Detection of hypochlorous acid by purified peroxidases and isolated neutrophils is best achieved by measuring accumulation of taurine chloramine. Formation of hypochlorous acid inside neutrophil phagosomes can be tracked using mass spectrometric analysis of 3-chlorotyrosine and methionine sulfoxide in bacterial proteins, or detection of chlorinated fluorescein on ingestible particles. Reaction-based fluorescent probes can also be used to monitor hypochlorous acid during phagocytosis. Specific biomarkers of its formation during inflammation include 3-chlorotyrosine, chlorinated products of plasmalogens, and glutathione sulfonamide.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

These methods should bring new insights into how chlorine bleach is produced by peroxidases, reacts within phagosomes to kill bacteria, and contributes to inflammation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Current methods to study reactive oxygen species - pros and cons and biophysics of membrane proteins. Guest Editor: Christine Winterbourn.

Ceruloplasmin is an endogenous inhibitor of myeloperoxidase

Myeloperoxidase is a neutrophil enzyme that promotes oxidative stress in numerous inflammatory pathologies. It uses hydrogen peroxide to catalyze the production of strong oxidants including chlorine bleach and free radicals. A physiological defense against the inappropriate action of this enzyme has yet to be identified. We found that myeloperoxidase oxidized 75% of the ascorbate in plasma from ceruloplasmin knock-out mice, but there was no significant loss in plasma from wild type animals. When myeloperoxidase was added to human plasma it became bound to other proteins and was reversibly inhibited. Ceruloplasmin was the predominant protein associated with myeloperoxidase. When the purified proteins were mixed, they became strongly but reversibly associated. Ceruloplasmin was a potent inhibitor of purified myeloperoxidase, inhibiting production of hypochlorous acid by 50% at 25 nm. Ceruloplasmin rapidly reduced Compound I, the Fe(V) redox intermediate of myeloperoxidase, to Compound II, which has Fe(IV) in its heme prosthetic groups. It also prevented the fast reduction of Compound II by tyrosine. In the presence of chloride and hydrogen peroxide, ceruloplasmin converted myeloperoxidase to Compound II and slowed its conversion back to the ferric enzyme. Collectively, our results indicate that ceruloplasmin inhibits myeloperoxidase by reducing Compound I and then trapping the enzyme as inactive Compound II. We propose that ceruloplasmin should provide a protective shield against inadvertent oxidant production by myeloperoxidase during inflammation.

Redox imbalance in rat tissues exposed with organophosphate pesticides and therapeutic potential of antioxidant vitamins

Organophosphate pesticides are among the most widely used synthetic chemicals for controlling domestic and agricultural pests. Present study was aimed to evaluate the potential of chlorpyrifos, parathion and malathion, to disturb glutathione homeostasis in rat tissues and to find out whether the pre-feeding of antioxidant vitamins has some ameliorating effect on the pesticide-induced alterations. The results showed that these pesticides, alone or in combination, caused decrease in the levels of GSH and the corresponding increase in the levels of GSSG, decreasing the GSH/GSSG ratio. The results also showed NADPH/NADP(+) and NADH/NAD(+) ratios were also decreased in the rat tissues on pesticide exposure. These pesticides, alone or in combination, caused increase in the activities of glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in all the rat tissues studied. The findings show that these pesticides generate oxidative stress and prior feeding of mixture of antioxidant vitamins tend to reduce the toxicities of these pesticides.

Myeloperoxidase-derived oxidation: mechanisms of biological damage and its prevention

There is considerable interest in the role that mammalian heme peroxidase enzymes, primarily myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase and lactoperoxidase, may play in a wide range of human pathologies. This has been sparked by rapid developments in our understanding of the basic biochemistry of these enzymes, a greater understanding of the basic chemistry and biochemistry of the oxidants formed by these species, the development of biomarkers that can be used damage induced by these oxidants in vivo, and the recent identification of a number of compounds that show promise as inhibitors of these enzymes. Such compounds offer the possibility of modulating damage in a number of human pathologies. This reviews recent developments in our understanding of the biochemistry of myeloperoxidase, the oxidants that this enzyme generates, and the use of inhibitors to inhibit such damage.

Hypothiocyanous acid reactivity with low-molecular-mass and protein thiols: absolute rate constants and assessment of biological relevance

MPO (myeloperoxidase) catalyses the oxidation of chloride, bromide and thiocyanate by H2O2 to HOCl (hypochlorous acid), HOBr (hypobromous acid) and HOSCN (hypothiocyanous acid, also know as cyanosulfenic acid) respectively. Specificity constants indicate that thiocyanate, SCN−, is a major substrate for MPO. HOSCN is also a major oxidant generated by other peroxidases including salivary, gastric and eosinophil peroxidases. Whereas HOCl and HOBr are powerful oxidizing agents, HOSCN appears to be a less reactive, but more thiol-specific oxidant. Although it is established that HOSCN selectively targets thiols, absolute kinetic data for the reactions of thiols with HOSCN are absent from the literature. This study shows for the first time that the reactions of HOSCN with low-molecular-mass thiol residues occur with rate constants in the range from 7.3×103 M−1·s−1 (for N-acetyl-cysteine at pH 7.4) to 7.7×106 M−1·s−1 (for 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid at pH 6.0). An inverse relationship between the rate of reaction and the pKa of the thiol group was observed. The rates of reaction of HOSCN with thiol-containing proteins were also investigated for four proteins (creatine kinase, BSA, β-lactoglobulin and β-L-crystallins). The values obtained for cysteine residues on these proteins are in the range 1×104– 7×104 M−1·s−1. These second-order rate constants indicate that HOSCN is a major mediator of thiol oxidation in biological systems exposed to peroxidase/H2O2 systems at (patho)physiological concentrations of halide and SCN− ions, and that HOSCN may play an important role in inflammation-induced oxidative damage.

Mammalian heme peroxidases: from molecular mechanisms to health implications

A marked increase in interest has occurred over the last few years in the role that mammalian heme peroxidase enzymes, primarily myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, and lactoperoxidase, may play in both disease prevention and human pathologies. This increased interest has been sparked by developments in our understanding of polymorphisms that control the levels of these enzymes, a greater understanding of the basic chemistry and biochemistry of the oxidants formed by these species, the development of specific biomarkers that can be used in vivo to detect damage induced by these oxidants, the detection of active forms of these peroxidases at most, if not all, sites of inflammation, and a correlation between the levels of these enzymes and a number of major human pathologies. This article reviews recent developments in our understanding of the enzymology, chemistry, biochemistry and biologic roles of mammalian peroxidases and the oxidants that they generate, the potential role of these oxidants in human disease, and the use of the levels of these enzymes in disease prognosis.

Lipoic acid suppression of neutrophil respiratory burst: effect of NADPH

Lipoic acid (LA) and its reduced product dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are potent antioxidants with capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and recycle endogenous antioxidants. LA may increase cellular glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant lacking in the lung's epithelial lining fluid in lung disorders such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Neutrophils (PMN) are key innate responders and are pivotal in clearing bacterial infection, therefore it is crucial to understand the impact LA may have on their function. Circulating neutrophils were isolated from healthy volunteers and pretreated with LA or diluent. Cells were subsequently activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 ng/ml) to induce ROS production. SOD-inhibitable reduction of acetylated cytochrome c demonstrated the PMA-dependent respiratory burst was suppressed by LA. Oxygen consumption also was diminished when PMA-stimulated cells were pretreated with LA. PMN respiratory burst was partially restored by addition of NADPH but not other pyridine nucleotides. LA did not inhibit glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity of PMN. These data together suggest that the reduction of LA to DHLA using cellular NADPH may limit the capacity of the PMN NADPH oxidase to produce superoxide. Further studies will be required to determine if LA can diminish excessive superoxide produced by PMN and/or alveolar macrophages in IPF or relevant disease models in vivo.

Kinetics of hypobromous acid-mediated oxidation of lipid components and antioxidants

Hypohalous acids are generated from the oxidation of halide ions by myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase in the presence of H2O2. These oxidants are potent antibacterial agents, but excessive production can result in host tissue damage, with this implicated in a number of human pathologies. Rate constants for HOCl with lipid components and antioxidants have been established. Here, the corresponding reactions of HOBr have been examined to determine whether this species shows similar reactivity. The second-order rate constants for the reaction of HOBr with 3-pentenoic acid and sorbate, models of unsaturated lipids, are 1.1x10(4) and 1.3x10(3) M(-1) s(-1), respectively, while those for reaction of HOBr with phosphoryl-serine and phosphoryl-ethanolamine are ca. 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The second-order rate constants (M(-1) s(-1)) for reactions of HOBr with Trolox (6.4x10(4)), hydroquinone (2.4x10(5)), and ubiquinol-0 (2.5x10(6)) were determined, as models of the lipid-soluble antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol, and ubiquinol-10; all of these rate constants are ca. 50-2000-fold greater than for HOCl. In contrast, the second-order rate constants for the reaction of HOBr with the water-soluble antioxidants, ascorbate and urate, are ca. 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and closer in magnitude to those for HOCl. Kinetic models have been developed to predict the sites of HOBr attack on low-density lipoproteins. The data obtained indicate that HOBr reacts to a much greater extent with fatty acid side chains and lipid-soluble antioxidants than HOCl; this has important implications for HOBr-mediated damage to cells and lipoproteins.

Susceptibility of Fusobacterium nucleatum to killing by peroxidase-iodide-hydrogen peroxide combination in buffer solution and in human whole saliva

Some Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria have been associated with the infection of tooth supporting tissues, i.e. periodontitis. Of these bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum is sensitive to lactoperoxidase/myeloperoxidase-iodide-hydrogen peroxide system in vitro, but salivary concentrations of thiocyanate abolishes the bactericidality. These bacteria are located in periodontal pockets, on oral mucosa and in saliva. Although F. nucleatum most probably does not belong to the group of main periodontal pathogens, it sustains its proportion in the periodontal flora when gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In this study, the sensitivity of F. nucleatum to different horseradish peroxidase-iodide-hydrogen peroxide combinations was tested both in buffer and in sterilized human whole saliva. Horseradish peroxidase was chosen because it does not bind thiocyanate at pH > or = 6. After 1h incubation at 37 degrees C, the cell viability was estimated by plate count and with flow cytometer using LIVE/DEAD BacLight kit (Molecular Probes, USA). In saliva, the horseradish peroxidase (50 microg/mL)-iodide (2.5 mM)-hydrogen peroxide (2.5 mM) combination decreased the amount of viable bacteria to 37% compared to 85% in the control without any of the components when measured with flow cytometer. Replacement of buffer by saliva decreased the bactericidality of the peroxidase system. However, in buffer less iodide and hydrogen peroxide was needed to produce significant decrease in the number of viable bacteria when measured by plate count than with flow cytometer. Our study shows that horseradish peroxidase-iodide-hydrogen peroxide combination is able to kill F. nucleatum cells in saliva. Horseradish peroxidase-iodide-hydrogen peroxide combination may be useful to diminish the degree of re-colonization of periodontitis-associated bacteria after periodontal therapy and to inhibit the transmission of these bacteria via saliva.

Inhibition of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex by the myeloperoxidase products, hypochlorous acid and mono-N-chloramine

Abstract alpha-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDHC) complex activity is diminished in a number of neurodegenerative disorders and its diminution in Alzheimer Disease (AD) is thought to contribute to the major loss of cerebral energy metabolism that accompanies this disease. The loss of KGDHC activity appears to be predominantly due to post-translation modifications. Thiamine deficiency also results in decreased KGDHC activity and a selective neuronal loss. Recently, myeloperoxidase has been identified in the activated microglia of brains from AD patients and thiamine-deficient animals. Myeloperoxidase produces a powerful oxidant, hypochlorous acid that reacts with amines to form chloramines. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of hypochlorous acid and chloramines to inhibit the activity of KGDHC activity as a first step towards investigating the role of myeloperoxidase in AD. Hypochlorous acid and mono-N-chloramine both inhibited purified and cellular KGDHC and the order of inhibition of the purified complex was hypochlorous acid (1x) > mono-N-chloramine (approximately 50x) > hydrogen peroxide (approximately 1,500). The inhibition of cellular KGDHC occurred with no significant loss of cellular viability at all exposure times that were examined. Thus, hypochlorous acid and chloramines have the potential to inactivate a major target in neurodegeneration.

Protective effect of taurine on hypochlorous acid toxicity to nuclear nucleoside triphosphatase in isolated nuclei from rat liver

AIM: Taurine has been shown to be an effective scavenger of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The role of HOCl is well established in tissue damage associated with inflammation and injury. In the present study, the effect of HOCl on nuclear nucleoside triphosphatase of hepatocytes and the ability of taurine to prevent this effect were investigated.

METHODS: Isolated hepatic nuclei from rat liver were exposed to HOCl with or without taurine. The NTPase activity on nuclear envelope was assayed using ATP and GTP as substrates, respectively.

RESULTS: The first series of experiments evaluated the toxicity of HOCl and the efficacy of taurine to protect NTPase. HOCl at 10^-9-5 × 10^-6 mol/L reduced nuclear NTPase activities in a concentration dependent manner (ATP and GTP as substrates) (P < 0.01). HOCl at 10^-6 mol/L reduced the NTPase activity by 65% (ATP as substrate) and 76% (GTP as substrate). Taurine (10^-7 to 10^-4 mol/L) was tested for protection against HOCl at 10^-6 mol/L and the nuclei treated with 5 × 10^{- 4} mol/L taurine exhibited only 20% and 12% reduction in NTPase activities compared to untreated controls. A second study was performed comparing taurine to glutathione (GSH). GSH and HOCl at 10^-6 mol/L exhibited 46% and 67.4% reduction in NTPase activities compared with control. GSH (10^-4 mol/L) which was incubated with the nuclei and HOCl still exhibited 44.2% and 44.8% reduction in NTPase activities of untreated control. Taurine with HOCl only exhibited 15.2% and 17.1% reduction in NTPase activities, which provided more powerful protection against HOCl than GSH. The third experiment was undertaken to evaluate the specificity of taurine against HOCl. Incubation of rat hepatic nuclei with Fe³⁺/H₂O₂ (1 mmol/L vs 5 µmol/L) resulted in a decrease in nuclear NTPase activities (P < 0.01). When hepatic nuclei were incubated with Tau (10^-4 mol/L) and Fe³⁺/H₂O₂ (1mmol/L vs 5 µmol/L), nuclear NTPase activities were only slightly increased as compared with that of incubation with Fe³⁺/H₂O₂ alone. However, GSH failed to alter the NTPase activities induced by Fe³⁺/H₂O₂.

CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that HOCl can act as an inhibitor of nuclear NTPase. Taurine can antagonistically reduce the toxicity of HOCl to NTPase.

Susceptibilities of different Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains to lactoperoxidase-iodide-hydrogen peroxide combination and different antibiotics

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has an important aetiological role in localized juvenile periodontitis and in progressive periodontitis in adults. A. actinomycetemcomitans is found mainly in periodontal pockets but also in whole saliva, a potential transmission medium. It is sensitive to peroxidase-halide systems, but the differences between periodontitis associated clinical isolates and type strains are unclear. The sensitivities of these 2 strain groups to lactoperoxidase (LP)-iodide (I(-))-hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) combinations were investigated, and the sensitivities were compared with the susceptibilities to four antibiotics. There was great variation between the sensitivities of different strains, but the 2 strain groups responded similarly. The LP (75 microg)-I(-) (100 nmol)-H(2)O(2) (1000 nmol) combination produced a similar degree of inhibition as 2 microg ampicillin. The LP-I(-) system might be a potential antimicrobial agent against A. actinomycetemcomitans transmission via saliva.

Biological reactivity and biomarkers of the neutrophil oxidant, hypochlorous acid

Free radicals or reactive oxygen species are thought to contribute to the pathology of many diseases. These include inflammatory conditions, where neutrophils accumulate in large numbers and are stimulated to produce superoxide and other reactive oxidants. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), produced by myeloperoxidase-catalysed oxidation of chloride by hydrogen peroxide, is the major strong oxidant generated by these cells. Neutrophil-mediated injury may also be important in toxicology when an initial insult is followed by an inflammatory response. It is important to characterize the inflammatory component of such injury and the extent to which it involves reactive oxidants. On the one hand, this requires an understanding of how neutrophil oxidants react with cells and tissue constituents. On the other, specific biomarkers are needed so that oxidative damage can be quantified in clinical material and related to disease severity. This presentation considers biologically relevant reactions of HOCl and the biomarker assays that can be applied to probing the pathological role of myeloperoxidase and its products.

Eosinophil peroxidase produces hypobromous acid in the airways of stable asthmatics

Eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase use hydrogen peroxide to produce hypobromous acid and hypochlorous acid. These powerful oxidants may damage the lungs if they are produced as part of the inflammatory response in asthma. The aim of this study was to determine if peroxidases generate hypohalous acids in the airways of individuals with stable asthma, and if they affect lung function. Sputum was induced from patients with mild to moderate asthma and from healthy controls. Eosinophil peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, chlorinated and brominated tyrosyl residues, and protein carbonyls were measured in sputum supernatants. Eosinophil peroxidase protein was significantly elevated in asthmatic subjects whereas myeloperoxidase protein was not. There was significantly more 3-bromotyrosine (Br-Tyr) in proteins from the sputum of asthmatics compared to controls (0.79 vs. 0.23 mmol Br-Tyr/mol Tyr; medians p < .0001). Levels of 3-chlorotyrosine (0.23 vs. 0.14 mmol Cl-Tyr/mol Tyr; medians p = .11) and protein carbonyls (0.347 vs. 0.339 nmol/mg protein; medians p = .56) were not significantly increased in asthmatics. Levels of 3-bromotyrosine were strongly correlated with eosinophil peroxidase protein (r = 0.79, p < .0001). There were no significant correlations between the markers of oxidative stress and lung function. We conclude that eosinophil peroxidase produces substantial amounts of hypobromous acid in the airways of stable asthmatics. Although this highly reactive oxidant is a strong candidate for exacerbating inflammatory tissue damage in the lung, its role in asthma remains uncertain.

Protein oxidation of cytochrome C by reactive halogen species enhances its peroxidase activity

Reactive halogen species (RHS; X(2) and HOX, where X represents Cl, Br, or I) are metabolites mediated by neutrophil activation and its accompanying respiratory burst. We have investigated the interaction between RHS and mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c) by using electrospray mass spectrometry and electron spin resonance (ESR). When the purified cyt c was reacted with an excess amount of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) at pH 7.4, the peroxidase activity of cyt c was increased by 4.5-, 6.9-, and 8.6-fold at molar ratios (HOCl/cyt c) of 2, 4, and 8, respectively. In comparison with native cyt c, the mass spectra obtained from the HOCl-treated cyt c revealed that oxygen is covalently incorporated into the protein as indicated by molecular ions of m/z = 12,360 (cyt c), 12,376 (cyt c + O), and 12,392 (cyt c + 2O). Using tandem mass spectrometry, a peptide (obtained from the tryptic digests of HOCl-treated cyt c) corresponding to the amino acid sequence MIFAGIK, which contains the methionine that binds to the heme, was identified to be involved in the oxygen incorporation. The location of the oxygen incorporation was unequivocally determined to be the methionine residue, suggesting that the oxidation of heme ligand (Met-80) by HOCl results in the enhancement of peroxidase activity of cyt c. ESR spectroscopy of HOCl-oxidized cyt c, when reacted with H(2)O(2) in the presence of the nitroso spin trap 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP), yielded more immobilized MNP/tyrosyl adduct than native cyt c. In the presence of H(2)O(2), the peroxidase activity of HOCl-oxidized cyt c exhibited an increasing ability to oxidize tyrosine to tyrosyl radical as measured directly by fast flow ESR. Titration of both native cyt c and HOCl-oxidized cyt c with various amounts of H(2)O(2) indicated that the latter has a decreased apparent K(m) for H(2)O(2), implicating that protein oxidation of cyt c increases its accessibility to H(2)O(2). HOCl-oxidized cyt c also displayed an impaired ability to support oxygen consumption by the purified mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, suggesting that protein oxidation of cyt c may break the electron transport chain and inhibit energy transduction in mitochondria.

Reaction of protein chloramines with DNA and nucleosides: evidence for the formation of radicals, protein-DNA cross-links and DNA fragmentation

Stimulated phagocyte cells produce the oxidant HOCl, via the release of the enzyme myeloperoxidase and hydrogen peroxide. HOCl is important in bacterial cell killing, but excessive or misplaced generation can damage the host tissue and may lead to the development of certain diseases such as cancer. The role of HOCl in the oxidation of isolated proteins, DNA and their components has been investigated extensively, but little work has been performed on the protein-DNA (nucleosome) complexes present in eukaryotic cell nuclei. Neither the selectivity of damage in such complexes nor the possibility of transfer of damage from the protein to DNA or vice versa, has been studied. In the present study, kinetic modelling has been employed to predict that reaction occurs predominantly with the protein and not with the DNA in the nucleosome, using molar HOCl excesses of up to 200-fold. With 50-200-fold excesses, 50-80% of the HOCl is predicted to react with histone lysine and histidine residues to yield chloramines. The yield and stability of such chloramines predicted by these modelling studies agrees well with experimental data. Decomposition of these species gives protein-derived, nitrogen-centred radicals, probably on the lysine side chains, as characterized by the EPR and spin-trapping experiments. It is shown that isolated lysine, histidine, peptide and protein chloramines can react with plasmid DNA to cause strand breaks. The protection against such damage afforded by the radical scavengers Trolox (a water-soluble alpha-tocopherol derivative) and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide suggests a radical-mediated process. The EPR experiments and product analyses have also provided evidence for the rapid addition of protein radicals, formed on chloramine decomposition, to pyrimidine nucleosides to give nucleobase radicals. Further evidence for the formation of such covalent cross-links has been obtained from experiments performed using (3)H-lysine and (14)C-histidine chloramines. These results are consistent with the predictions of the kinetic model and suggest that histones are major targets for HOCl in the nucleosome. Furthermore, the resulting protein chloramines and the radicals derived from them may act as contributing agents in HOCl-mediated DNA oxidation.

Oxidation of NADH by chloramines and chloramides and its activation by iodide and by tertiary amines

Irreversible oxidation of reduced nicotinamide nucleotides by neutrophil-derived halogen oxidants (HOCl, chloramines, HOBr, etc.) is likely to be a highly lethal process, because of the essential role of NAD(P)H in important cell functions such as mitochondrial electron transport, and control of the cellular thiol redox state by NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase. Chloramines (chloramine-T, NH(2)Cl, etc.) and N-chloramides (N-chlorinated cyclopeptides) react with NADH to generate the same products as HOCl, i.e., pyridine chlorohydrins, as judged from characteristic changes in the NADH absorption spectrum. Compared with the fast oxidation of NADH by HOCl, k approximately 3 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) at pH 7.2, the oxidation by chloramines is about five orders of magnitude slower; that by chloramides is about four orders of magnitude slower. Apparent rate constants for oxidation of NADH by chloramines increase with increasing proton or buffer concentration, consistent with general acid catalysis, but oxidation by chloramides proceeds with pH-independent kinetics. In presence of iodide the oxidation of NADH by chloramines or chloramides is faster by at least two orders of magnitude; this is due to reaction of iodide with the N-halogen to give HOI/I(2), the most reactive and selective oxidant for NADH among HOX species. Quinuclidine derivatives (QN) like 3-chloroquinuclidine and quinine are capable of catalyzing the irreversible degradation of NADH by HOCl and by chloramines; QN(+)Cl, the chain carrier of the catalytic cycle, is even more reactive toward NADH than HOCl/ClO(-) at physiological pH. Oxidation of NADH by NH(2)Br proceeds by fast, but complex, biphasic kinetics. A compilation of rate constants for interactions of reactive halogen species with various substrates is presented and the concept of selective reactivity of N-halogens is discussed.

On the Oxidation of Cytochrome c by Hypohalous Acids

Oxidation of cytochrome c, a key protein in mitochondrial electron transport and a mediator of apoptotic cell death, by reactive halogen species (HOX, X2), i.e., metabolites of activated neutrophils, was investigated by stopped-flow. The fast initial reactions between FeIIIcytc and HOX species, with rate constants (at pH 7.6) of k > 3 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for HOBr, k > 3 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for HOCl, and k = (6.1+/-0.3) x 10(2) M(-1) s(-1) for HOI, are followed by slower intramolecular processes. All HOX species lead to a blue shift of the Soret absorption band and loss of the 695-nm absorption band, which is an indicator for the intact iron to Met-80 bond, and of the reducibility of FeIIIcytc. All HOX species do, in fact, persistently impair the ability of FeIIIcytc to act as electron acceptor, e.g., in reaction with ascorbate or O2*-. I2 selectively oxidizes the iron center of FeIIcytc, with a stoichiometry of 2 per I2, and with k(FeIIcytc + I2) approximately 4.6 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and k(FeIIcytc + I2*-) = (2.9+/-0.4) x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1). Oxidation of FeIIcytc by HOX species is not selectively directed toward the iron center; HOBr and HOCl are considered to react primarily by N-halogenation of side chain amino groups, and HOI mainly by sulfoxidation. There is some evidence for the generation of HO* radicals upon reaction of HOCl with FeIIcytc. Chloramines (e.g., NH2Cl), bromamine (NH2Br), and cyclo-Gly2 chloramide oxidize FeIIcytc slowly and unselectively, but iodide efficiently catalyzes reactions of these N-halogens to yield fast selective oxidation of the iron center; this is due to generation of I2 by reaction of I- with the N-halogen and recycling of I- by reaction of I2 with FeIIcytc. Iodide also catalyzes methionine sulfoxidation and thiol oxidation by NH2Cl. The possible biological relevance of these findings is discussed.

Kinetics of the reactions of hypochlorous acid and amino acid chloramines with thiols, methionine, and ascorbate

Thiol oxidation by hypochlorous acid and chloramines is a favorable reaction and may be responsible for alterations in regulatory or signaling pathways in cells exposed to neutrophil oxidants. In order to establish the mechanism for such changes, it is necessary to appreciate whether these oxidants are selective for different thiols as compared with other scavengers. We have measured rate constants for reactions of amino acid chloramines with a range of thiols, methionine, and ascorbate, using a combination of stopped-flow and competitive kinetics. For HOCl, rate constants are too fast to measure directly by our system and values relative to reduced glutathione were determined by competition with methionine. For taurine chloramine, the rate constants for reaction with 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid, GSH, methionine, and ascorbate at pH 7.4 were 970, 115, 39, and 13 M(-1) s(-1), respectively. Values for 10 thiols varied by a factor of 20 and showed an inverse relationship to the pK(a) of the thiol group. Rate constants for chloramines of glycine and N-alpha-acetyl-lysine also showed these relationships. Rates increased with decreasing pH, suggesting a mechanism involving acid catalysis. For hypochlorous acid, rates of reaction with 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid, GSH, cysteine, and most of the other thiols were very similar. Relative reactivities varied by less than 5 and there was no dependence on thiol pK(a). Chloramines have the potential to be selective for different cellular thiols depending on their pK(a). For HOCl to be selective, other factors must be important, or its reactions could be secondary to chloramine formation.