Intact mitochondrial electron transport function is essential for signalling by hydrogen peroxide in cardiac myocytes

Sex Differences in Cardiac Mitochondria in the New Zealand Obese Mouse

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disorders. Diabetes itself contributes to cardiac damage. Thus, studying cardiovascular events and establishing therapeutic intervention in the period of type T2DM onset and manifestation are of highest importance. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to impaired cardiac function. Methods: An adequate animal model for studying pathophysiology of T2DM is the New Zealand Obese (NZO) mouse. These mice were maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) without carbohydrates for 13 weeks followed by 4 week HFD with carbohydrates. NZO mice developed severe obesity and only male mice developed manifest T2DM. We determined cardiac phenotypes and mitochondrial function as well as cardiomyocyte signaling in this model. Results: The development of an obese phenotype and T2DM in male mice was accompanied by an impaired systolic function as judged by echocardiography and MyH6/7 expression. Moreover, the mitochondrial function only in male NZO hearts was significantly reduced and ERK1/2 and AMPK protein levels were altered. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating that the cardiac phenotype in male diabetic NZO mice is associated with impaired cardiac energy function and signaling events.

Crosstalk between mitogen-activated protein kinases and mitochondria in cardiac diseases: therapeutic perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases cause more mortality and morbidity worldwide than any other diseases. Although many intracellular signaling pathways influence cardiac physiology and pathology, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family has garnered significant attention because of its vast implications in signaling and crosstalk with other signaling networks. The extensively studied MAPKs ERK1/2, p38, JNK, and ERK5, demonstrate unique intracellular signaling mechanisms, responding to a myriad of mitogens and stressors and influencing the signaling of cardiac development, metabolism, performance, and pathogenesis. Definitive relationships between MAPK signaling and cardiac dysfunction remain elusive, despite 30 years of extensive clinical studies and basic research of various animal/cell models, severities of stress, and types of stimuli. Still, several studies have proven the importance of MAPK crosstalk with mitochondria, powerhouses of the cell that provide over 80% of ATP for normal cardiomyocyte function and play a crucial role in cell death. Although many questions remain unanswered, there exists enough evidence to consider the possibility of targeting MAPK-mitochondria interactions in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. The goal of this review is to integrate previous studies into a discussion of MAPKs and MAPK-mitochondria signaling in cardiac diseases, such as myocardial infarction (ischemia), hypertrophy and heart failure. A comprehensive understanding of relevant molecular mechanisms, as well as challenges for studies in this area, will facilitate the development of new pharmacological agents and genetic manipulations for therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Cysteine protects freshly isolated cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress by stimulating glutathione peroxidase

Cysteine has been implicated in myocardial protection, although this is controversial and constrained by limited knowledge about the effects of cysteine at the cellular level. This study tested the hypothesis that a physiologically relevant dose of L: -cysteine could be safely loaded into isolated cardiomyocytes leading to improved protection against oxidative stress. Freshly isolated adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were incubated for 2 h at 37°C with (cysteine incubated) or without (control) 0.5 mM cysteine prior to washing and suspension in fresh cysteine-free media. Cysteine incubated cells had higher intracellular cysteine levels compared to controls (9.6 ± 0.78 vs. 6.5 ± 0.65 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.02, n = 6 ± SE). Cell homeostasis indicators were similar in the two groups. Cysteine incubated cells had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (1.11 ± 0.23 vs. 0.54 ± 0.1 U/mg protein, P < 0.05, n = 5 ± SE) and significantly greater expression of GPx-1 (5.01 ± 0.48 vs. 3.01 ± 0.25 OD units/mm(2), P < 0.05, n = 4 ± SE) compared to controls. Upon exposure to H(2)O(2), cysteine incubated cells generated fewer reactive oxygen species and took longer to show contractile changes and undergo hypercontracture. However, when cells were exposed to H(2)O(2) in the presence of 0.05 mM of the GPx inhibitor mercaptosuccinic acid, this increased the control cells' susceptibility to H(2)O(2) and completely abolished the cysteine mediated protection. These results suggest a new role for cysteine in myocardial protection involving stimulation of glutathione peroxidase.

Activation of GABA-A receptor ameliorates homocysteine-induced MMP-9 activation by ERK pathway

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Homocysteine (Hcy) induces redox stress, in part, by activating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the matrix and leads to blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Hcy competitively binds to gamma-aminbutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which are excitatory neurotransmitter receptors. However, the role of GABA-A receptor in Hcy-induced cerebrovascular remodeling is not clear. We hypothesized that Hcy causes cerebrovascular remodeling by increasing redox stress and MMP-9 activity via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and by inhibition of GABA-A receptors, thus behaving as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Hcy-induced reactive oxygen species production was detected using the fluorescent probe, 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Hcy increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase-4 concomitantly suppressing thioredoxin. Hcy caused activation of MMP-9, measured by gelatin zymography. The GABA-A receptor agonist, muscimol ameliorated the Hcy-mediated MMP-9 activation. In parallel, Hcy caused phosphorylation of ERK and selectively decreased levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-4 (TIMP-4). Treatment of the endothelial cell with muscimol restored the levels of TIMP-4 to the levels in control group. Hcy induced expression of iNOS and decreased eNOS expression, which lead to a decreased NO bioavailability. Furthermore muscimol attenuated Hcy-induced MMP-9 via ERK signaling pathway. These results suggest that Hcy competes with GABA-A receptors, inducing the oxidative stress transduction pathway and leading to ERK activation.

Acetaminophen is cardioprotective against H2O2-induced injury in vivo

Here we report our ongoing investigation of the cardiovascular effects of acetaminophen, with emphasis on oxidation-induced canine myocardial dysfunction. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether acetaminophen could attenuate exogenous H(2)O(2)-mediated myocardial dysfunction in vivo. Respiratory, metabolic, and hemodynamic indices such as left ventricular function (LVDP and +/-dP/dt(max)), and percent ectopy were measured in anesthetized, open-chest dogs during intravenous administration of 0.88 mM, 2.2 mM, 6.6 mM H(2)O(2). Following 6.6 mM H(2)O(2), tissue from the left ventricle was harvested for electron microscopy. Left ventricular function did not vary significantly between vehicle and acetaminophen groups under baseline conditions. Acetaminophen-treated dogs regained a significantly greater fraction of baseline function after high concentrations of H(2)O(2) than vehicle-treated dogs. Moreover, the incidence of H(2)O(2)-induced ventricular arrhythmias was significantly reduced in the acetaminophen-treated group. Percent ectopy following 6.6 mM concentrations of H(2)O(2) was 1 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.05) for vehicle- and acetaminophen-treated dogs, respectively. Additionally, electron micrograph images of left ventricular tissue confirmed preservation of tissue ultrastructure in acetaminophen-treated hearts when compared to vehicle. We conclude that, in the canine myocardium, acetaminophen is both functionally cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative injury.

Redox-regulation of Erk1/2-directed phosphatase by reactive oxygen species: role in signaling TPA-induced growth arrest in ML-1 cells

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 activity signals myeloid cell differentiation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Previously, we reported that Erk1/2 activation (phosphorylation) induced by TPA required reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a second messenger. Here, we hypothesized that ROS generated in response to TPA inhibit Erk1/2-directed phosphatase activity, which leads to an increase phosphorylation of Erk1/2 to signal p21(WAF1/Cip1)-mediated growth arrest in ML-1 cells. Incubation of ML-1 cells with TPA resulted in a marked accumulation of phosphorylated Erk1/2, and is subsequent to H2O2 generation. Interestingly, post-TPA-treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) stimulated a marked and a rapid dephosphorylation of Erk1/2, suggesting a regeneration of Erk1/2-directed phospahatase activity by NAC. ROS generation in ML-1 cells induced by TPA was suggested to occur in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (METC) based on the following observations: (i) undifferentiated ML-1 cells not only lack p67-phox and but also express a low level of p47-phox key components required for NADPH oxidase enzymatic activity, (ii) pretreatment with DPI, an inhibitor of NADH- and NADPH-dependent enzymes, or rhein, an inhibitor of complex I, blocked the ROS generation, and (iii) examination of the microarray analysis data and Western blot analysis data revealed an induction of MnSOD expression at both mRNA and protein levels in response to TPA. MnSOD is a key member of the mitochondrial defense system against mitochondrial-derived superoxide. Together, this study suggested that TPA stimulated ROS generation as a second messenger to activate Erk1/2 via a redox-mediated inhibition of Erk1/2-directed phosphatase in ML-1 cells.

Oxidative stress and adenosine A1 receptor activation differentially modulate subcellular cardiomyocyte MAPKs

The mechanism by which distinct stimuli activate the same mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is unclear. We examined compartmentalized MAPK signaling and altered redox state as possible mechanisms. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to the adenosine A1 receptor agonist 2-chloro- N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 500 nM) or H2O2 (100 μM) for 15 min. Nuclear/myofilament, cytosolic, Triton-soluble membrane, and Triton-insoluble membrane fractions were generated. CCPA and H2O2 activated p38 MAPK and p44/p42 ERKs in cytosolic fractions. In Triton-soluble membrane fractions, H2O2 activated p38 MAPK and p42 ERK, whereas CCPA had no effect on MAPK activation in this fraction. The greatest difference between H2O2 and CCPA was in the Triton-insoluble membrane fraction, where H2O2 increased p38 and p42 activation and CCPA reduced MAPK activation. CCPA also increased protein phosphatase 2A activity in the Triton-insoluble membrane fraction, suggesting that the activation of this phosphatase may mediate CCPA effects in this fraction. The Triton-insoluble membrane fraction was enriched in the caveolae marker caveolin-3, and >85% of p38 MAPK and p42 ERK was bound to this scaffolding protein in these membranes, suggesting that caveolae may play a role in the divergence of MAPK signals from different stimuli. The antioxidant N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (300 μM) reduced H2O2-mediated MAPK activation but failed to attenuate CCPA-induced MAPK activation. H2O2 but not CCPA increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus the adenosine A1 receptor and oxidative stress differentially modulate subcellular MAPKs, with the main site of divergence being the Triton-insoluble membrane fraction. However, the adenosine A1 receptor-mediated MAPK activation does not involve ROS formation.

Alteration of expression levels of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) in breast cancer cell mitochondria

Mitochondria are dynamic intracellular organelles playing a central role in cell metabolism by generating ATP, through the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS). Altered mitochondrial functions have been identified as causative or contributing factors in some degenerative diseases and are becoming crucial to understanding cancer mechanisms. We report on distinct expression differences between mitochondria of normal and breast-infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) cells. Mitochondria isolated from HMC (human mammary carcinoma) and HMEC (human mammary epithelial cell) cultures were assayed for expression levels of the multi-protein OXPHOS complexes using Western blot and densitometric analyses. Depressed expression levels were detected for all HMC OXPHOS complexes. Drastic signal reduction was observed for the succinate-dehydrogenase complex II iron-sulphur protein SDH-B (3.38%), while decreasing was reported for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex I Fe-S protein 3 NDUFS3 (32.78%) and the ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex III protein 2 UQCRC2 (50.34%). A significant signal dropping was detected for the ATP-synthase complex V F(1)beta subunit (18.07%). For the cytochrome-oxidase complex IV (CO), near-depletion of the mitochondrial-encoded COI (4.37%) and no apparent variation of the COIV (97.26%) subunits were observed. CO and ATP-synthase were also assayed by cryo-immunoelectron microscopy (CIEM) on unfractionated HMC and HEMC cell mitochondria. COI and F(1)beta differential expression, invariance of COIV levels were corroborated, while HMC mitochondria morphology deterioration was highlighted. MitoTracker Red and fluorescence immunolabelling merging confirmed CIEM data. MitoTracker Red and Green co-staining showed mitochondria membrane property modulation. These data describe bioenergetic and phenotypic alterations of IDC cell mitochondria, possibly providing new cancer hallmarks.

Oxidative stress and growth-regulating intracellular signaling pathways in cardiac myocytes

The toxic effects of oxidative stress on cells (including cardiac myocytes, the contractile cells of the heart) are well known. However, an increasing body of evidence has suggested that increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promotes cardiac myocyte growth. Thus, ROS may be 'second messenger' molecules in their own right, and growth-promoting neurohumoral agonists might exert their effects by stimulating production of ROS. The authors review the principal growth-promoting intracellular signaling pathways that are activated by ROS in cardiac myocytes, namely the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and p38-mitogen-activated protein kinases) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Possible mechanisms are discussed by which these pathways are activated by ROS, including the oxidation of active site cysteinyl residues of protein and lipid phosphatases with their consequent inactivation, the potential involvement of protein kinase C or the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, and the current models for the activation of the guanine nucleotide binding protein Ras.

Response of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation to steady-state oxygen tension: implications for hypoxic cell signaling

Mitochondria are proposed to play an important role in hypoxic cell signaling. One currently accepted signaling paradigm is that the mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases in hypoxia. This is paradoxical, because oxygen is a substrate for ROS generation. Although the response of isolated mitochondrial ROS generation to [O(2)] has been examined previously, such investigations did not apply rigorous control over [O(2)] within the hypoxic signaling range. With the use of open-flow respirometry and fluorimetry, the current study determined the response of isolated rat liver mitochondrial ROS generation to defined steady-state [O(2)] as low as 0.1 microM. In mitochondria respiring under state 4 (quiescent) or state 3 (ATP turnover) conditions, decreased ROS generation was always observed at low [O(2)]. It is concluded that the biochemical mechanism to facilitate increased ROS generation in response to hypoxia in cells is not intrinsic to the mitochondrial respiratory chain alone but may involve other factors. The implications for hypoxic cell signaling are discussed.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by lysophosphatidylcholine-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation in endothelial cells

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) evokes diverse biological responses in vascular cells including Ca(2+) mobilization, production of reactive oxygen species, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, but the mechanisms linking these events remain unclear. Here, we provide evidence that the response of mitochondria to the lysoPC-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) leads to activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase through a redox signaling mechanism in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. ERK activation was attenuated by inhibitors of the electron transport chain proton pumps (rotenone and antimycin A) and an uncoupler (carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone), suggesting that mitochondrial inner membrane potential plays a key role in the signaling pathway. ERK activation was also selectively attenuated by chain-breaking antioxidants and by vitamin E targeted to mitochondria, suggesting that transduction of the mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide signal is mediated by a lipid peroxidation product. Inhibition of ERK activation with MEK inhibitors (PD98059 or U0126) diminished induction of the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1. Taken together, these data suggest a role for mitochondrially generated reactive oxygen species and Ca(2+) in the redox cell signaling path-ways, leading to ERK activation and adaptation of the pathological stress mediated by oxidized lipids such as lysoPC.

Feed efficiency and mitochondrial function

Studies have been conducted in our laboratory to assess differences in mitochondrial function and biochemistry in male broilers with high and low feed efficiency (FE) from the same genetic line and fed the same diet. Mitochondria obtained from broilers with low FE exhibited greater uncoupling of the electron transport chain (ETC) that was apparently due to site-specific defects in electron transport resulting in higher amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with high FE mitochondria. Higher amounts of ROS production in Low FE mitochondria were likely responsible for higher protein carbonyl levels, indicative of higher protein oxidation compared with High FE mitochondria and tissue. In turn, higher protein damage in Low FE mitochondria may have contributed to lower activity of electron transport chain complexes relative to values observed in high FE mitochondria. Low FE mitochondria did not exhibit a compromised ability to carryout oxidative phosphorylation, and although there were differences in expression of certain electron transport chain proteins, there was nothing that would indicate that differences in coupling and respiratory chain activity could be due to a general decrease in protein expression between low and high FE mitochondria. The results of these studies provide insight into understanding cellular mechanisms associated with the phenotypic expression of feed efficiency in broilers.

Proteomics-based generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human liver mitochondrial proteins

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have the potential to be a very powerful tool in proteomics research to determine protein expression, quantification, localization and modification, as well as protein-protein interactions, especially when combined with microarray technology. Thus, a large amount of well-characterized and highly qualified antibodies are needed in proteomics. Purified antigen, which is not always available, has proven to be one of the rate-limiting steps in mAb large-scale generation. Here we describe our strategies to establish a murine hybridoma cell bank for human liver mitochondria using unknown native proteins as the immunogens. The antibody-recognized mitochondrial proteins were identified by MS following immunoprecipitation (IP), and by screening of human liver cDNA expression library. We found that the established antibodies reacted specifically with a number of important enzymes in mitochondria. The subcellular localization of these antigens in mitochondria was further confirmed by immunohistocytochemistry. A panel of antibodies was also tested for their ability to capture and deplete the targeting proteins and complexes from the total mitochondrial proteins. We believe these well-characterized antibodies would be useful in various applications for Human Liver Proteome Project (HLPP) when the scale of this hybridoma cell bank is enlarged significantly in the near future.

Cell signalling by oxidized lipids and the role of reactive oxygen species in the endothelium

The controlled formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) is now known to be critical in cellular redox signalling. As with the more familiar phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction pathways, control of protein function is mediated by the post-translational modification at specific amino acid residues, notably thiols. Two important classes of oxidant-derived signalling molecules are the lipid oxidation products, including those with electrophilic reactive centres, and decomposition products such as lysoPC (lysophosphatidylcholine). The mechanisms can be direct in the case of electrophiles, as they can modify signalling proteins by post-translational modification of thiols. In the case of lysoPC, it appears that secondary generation of ROS/RNS, dependent on intracellular calcium fluxes, can cause the secondary induction of H2O2 in the cell. In either case, the intracellular source of ROS/RNS has not been defined. In this respect, the mitochondrion is particularly interesting since it is now becoming apparent that the formation of superoxide from the respiratory chain can play an important role in cell signalling, and oxidized lipids can stimulate ROS formation from an undefined source. In this short overview, we describe recent experiments that suggest that the cell signalling mediated by lipid oxidation products involves their interaction with mitochondria. The implications of these results for our understanding of adaptation and the response to stress in cardiovascular disease are discussed.

Cell signalling by oxidized lipids and the role of reactive oxygen species in the endothelium

The controlled formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) is now known to be critical in cellular redox signalling. As with the more familiar phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction pathways, control of protein function is mediated by the post-translational modification at specific amino acid residues, notably thiols. Two important classes of oxidant-derived signalling molecules are the lipid oxidation products, including those with electrophilic reactive centres, and decomposition products such as lysoPC (lysophosphatidylcholine). The mechanisms can be direct in the case of electrophiles, as they can modify signalling proteins by post-translational modification of thiols. In the case of lysoPC, it appears that secondary generation of ROS/RNS, dependent on intracellular calcium fluxes, can cause the secondary induction of H2O2 in the cell. In either case, the intracellular source of ROS/RNS has not been defined. In this respect, the mitochondrion is particularly interesting since it is now becoming apparent that the formation of superoxide from the respiratory chain can play an important role in cell signalling, and oxidized lipids can stimulate ROS formation from an undefined source. In this short overview, we describe recent experiments that suggest that the cell signalling mediated by lipid oxidation products involves their interaction with mitochondria. The implications of these results for our understanding of adaptation and the response to stress in cardiovascular disease are discussed.

Regulation of homocysteine-induced MMP-9 by ERK1/2 pathway

Homocysteine (Hcy) induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs). We hypothesized that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway is involved in Hcy-mediated MMP-9 expression. In cultured MVECs, Hcy induced activation of ERK, which was blocked by PD-98059 and U0126 (MEK inhibitors). Pretreatment with BAPTA-AM, staurosporine (PKC inhibitor), or Gö6976 (specific inhibitor for Ca(2+)-dependent PKC) abrogated ERK phosphorylation, suggesting the role of Ca(2+) and Ca(2+)-dependent PKC in Hcy-induced ERK activation. ERK phosphorylation was suppressed by pertussis toxin (PTX), suggesting the involvement of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in initiating signal transduction by Hcy and leading to ERK activation. Pretreatment of MVECs with genistein, BAPTA-AM, or thapsigargin abrogated Hcy-induced ERK activation, suggesting the involvement of the PTK pathway in Hcy-induced ERK activation, which was mediated by intracellular Ca(2+) pool depletion. ERK activation was attenuated by preincubation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and SOD, suggesting the role of oxidation in Hcy-induced ERK activation. Pretreatment with an ERK1/2 blocker (PD-98059), staurosporine, folate, or NAC modulated Hcy-induced MMP-9 activation as measured using zymography. Our results provide evidence that Hcy triggers the PTX-sensitive ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which is involved in the regulation of MMP-9 in MVECs.

Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain and NAD(P)H Oxidase Are Targets for theAntiproliferative Effect of Carbon Monoxide in Human Airway SmoothMuscle

Carbon monoxide (CO), one of the end products of heme oxygenase activity, inhibits smooth muscle proliferation by decreasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression, a signaling pathway that is known to be modulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Two important sources of ROS involved in cell signaling are the membrane NAD(P)H oxidase and the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Thus, that CO could modulate redox signaling in ASMCs by interacting with the heme moiety of NAD(P)H oxidase and/or the respiratory chain is a plausible hypothesis. Here we show that a recently identified carbon monoxide-releasing molecule, [Ru(CO)3Cl2]2 (or CORM-2) 1) inhibits NAD(P)H oxidase cytochrome b558 activity, 2) increases oxidant production by the mitochondria, and 3) inhibits ASMC proliferation and phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase and expression of cyclin D1, two critical pathways involved in muscle proliferation. No such effects were observed with the negative control (Ru(Me2SO)4Cl2), which does not contain CO groups. Because both diphenylene iodinium or apocynin (inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase) and rotenone (a molecule that increases mitochondrial ROS production by blocking the respiratory chain) mimicked the effect of CORM-2 on cyclin D1 expression and ASMC proliferation, the antiproliferative effect of CORM-2 is probably related to inhibition of cytochromes on both NAD(P)H oxidase and the respiratory chain. The involvement of increased mitochondria-derived oxidants is substantiated by the findings showing that the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine partially inhibited the effects of CORM-2. This study provides a new mechanism to explain redox signaling by CO.

Menadione protects gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced ulcers

Previous studies have shown a definite role of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and epidermal growth factors (EGF) in the maintenance and repair of gastric mucosa. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of menadione, an activator of MAPK pathway, on gastric acid secretion and experimentally induced gastric ulcer in rats. Acid secretion studies were undertaken using pylorus-ligated rats pretreated with menadione (5 - 45 mg/kg, i.p.). The effect of orally administered menadione on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers was also examined. The level of gastric wall mucus, non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured in the glandular stomach of rats following ethanol-induced gastric lesions. There was a significant inhibition of gastric acid secretion in the menadione treated rats. Pretreatment of rats with menadione significantly protected gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced gastric lesion. A significant attenuation of ethanol-induced reduction of gastric wall mucus, depletion of NP-SH and increase in gastric MPO activity was also observed in menadione treated rats. In conclusion, this study clearly showed acid antisecretory and antiulcer activity of menadione. Further studies are warranted to determine the mechanism of antiacid and gastroprotective effect of menadione.

In vivo adenosine receptor preconditioning reduces myocardial infarct size via subcellular ERK signaling

The protective effects of adenosine receptor acute preconditioning (PC) are well known; however, the signaling mechanism mediating this effect has not been determined in in vivo models. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in mediating adenosine PC in in vivo rat myocardium. Open-chest rats were submitted to 25 min of coronary artery occlusion and 2 h of reperfusion. ERK activation was assessed by measuring total and dually phosphorylated p44/42 ERK isoforms in nuclear and/or myofilament, mitochondrial, cytosolic, and membrane fractions. Adenosine receptor PC with the A1/A2a agonist 1S-[1a,2b,3b,4a(S*)]-4-[7-[[2-(3-chloro-2-thienyl)-1-methylpropyl]amino]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridyl-3-yl]cyclopentane carboxamide (AMP-579) reduced infarct size from 49 +/- 3% to 29 +/- 3%, an effect that was blocked by the mitogen-activated protein kinase-ERK inhibitor U-0126. ERK isoforms were present in all fractions, with the greatest expression in the cytosolic fraction and the least in the mitochondrial fraction. AMP-579 treatment increased preischemic p44/42 ERK phosphorylation in all fractions 2.7- to 6.9-fold. Reperfusion increased ERK isoform activation in all fractions, but there were no differences between control and AMP-579 hearts. Preischemic increases in phospo-p44/p42 ERK with AMP-579 were blunted by U-0126, although only in mitochondrial and membrane compartments. The PC effects of AMP-579 on infarct size and ERK were blunted by both the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine and, surprisingly, the A2a antagonist ZM-241385. These results indicate that the unique adenosine receptor agonist AMP-579 exerts its beneficial effects in vivo via both A1 and A2a receptor modulation of subcellular ERK isoform signaling.

Mitochondrial signals initiate the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by hypoxia-reoxygenation

C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family of signaling pathways that are induced in response to extracellular stimuli. JNK is primarily a stress-response pathway and can be activated by proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors coupled to membrane receptors or through non-receptor pathways by stimuli such as heat shock, UV irradiation, protein synthesis inhibitors, and conditions that elevate the levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). The molecular initiators of MAPKs by non-receptor stimuli have not been described. Ischemia followed by reperfusion or hypoxia with reoxygenation represents a condition of high oxidative stress where JNK activation is associated with elevated ROI. We show here that the activation of JNK by this condition is initiated in the mitochondria and requires coupled electron transport, ROI generation, and calcium flux. These signals cause the selective, sequential activation of the calcium-dependent, proline-rich kinase Pyk2 and the small GTP binding factors Rac-1 and Cdc42. Interruption of these interactions with inactivated dominant negative mutant proteins, blocking calcium flux, or inhibiting electron transport through mitochondrial complexes II, III, or IV prevents JNK activation and results in a proapoptotic phenotype that is characteristic of JNK inhibition in this model of ischemia-reperfusion. The signaling pathway is unique for the reoxygenation stimulus and provides a framework for other non-receptor-mediated pathways of MAPK activation.

Redox regulation of p38 MAPK activation and expression of ICAM-1 and heme oxygenase-1 in human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells

We have explored the potential role of redox events in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and their relevance to the inducible expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in A549 cells. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) both activated p38, but only TNFalpha activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (20 mM) inhibited both H2O2- and TNFalpha-induced p38 phosphorylation (14 +/- 7 and 37 +/- 4% of control, respectively). The mitochondrial complex I and III inhibitors, rotenone and antimycin A, and allopurinol partially inhibited H2O2- but not TNFalpha-induced p38 activation. However, rotenone and antimycin A augmented intracellular oxidative stress measured by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. TNFalpha, but not H2O2, induced ICAM-1 in A549 cells, which was attenuated by a proteasome inhibitor, but not by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. In contrast, hemin and hemoglobin, but neither TNFalpha nor H2O2, caused efficient HO-1 expression. However, hemin had no effect on p38 activation and SB203580 did not influence hemin-induced HO-1 protein expression. Collectively, these data suggest that p38 is a cytokine- and oxidative stress-responsive pathway in A549 cells. Whereas NF-kappaB appears crucial in ICAM-1 induction, p38 activation itself is not sufficient to confer HO-1 expression and may not be involved in HO-1 and ICAM-1 induction in A549 cells.

Kinase signaling cascades in the mitochondrion: a matter of life or death

In addition to powering energy needs of the cell, mitochondria function as pivotal integrators of cell survival/death signals. In recent years, numerous studies indicate that each of the major kinase signaling pathways can be stimulated to target the mitochondrion. These include protein kinase A, protein kinase B/Akt, protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Although most studies focus on phosphorylation of pro- and antiapoptotic proteins (BAD, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL), kinase-mediated regulation of complex I activity, anion and cation channels, metabolic enzymes, and Mn-SOD mRNA has also been reported. Recent identification of a number of scaffold proteins (AKAP, PICK, Sab) that bring specific kinases to the cytoplasmic surface of mitochondria further emphasizes the importance of mitochondrial kinase signaling. Immunogold electron microscopy, subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence studies demonstrate the presence of kinases within subcompartments of the mitochondrion, following diverse stimuli and in neurodegenerative diseases. Given the sensitivity of these signaling pathways to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, in situ activation of mitochondrial kinases may represent a potent reverse-signaling mechanism for communication of mitochondrial status to the rest of the cell.

Ischemia/reperfusion induces the recruitment of leukocytes from whole blood under flow conditions

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) occurs in a number of pathological conditions, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and organ transplantation. During the reperfusion phase, leukocytes are recruited into affected tissues, where they can cause tissue damage and organ failure. Various in vitro models have been developed to study the role of adhesion molecules in I/R-mediated leukocyte recruitment. These models traditionally use isolated leukocytes and static conditions and, therefore, may not recapitulate the in vivo situation. We developed two novel in vitro models of I/R-mediated leukocyte recruitment in which leukocyte recruitment was examined using whole blood under shear conditions. Chemical treatments were used to mimic I/R in the first model, while sequential exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was used to mimic I/R in the second model. We found that leukocytes were recruited from whole blood under shear conditions to endothelial cells treated with chemically induced I/R or H/R. In both models, mRNA for intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin was upregulated. The role of adhesion molecules in leukocyte recruitment differed slightly between the two models, with E-selectin and VCAM-1 playing approximately equal roles in leukocyte recruitment in the chemically induced I/R model and VCAM-1 being a central mediator of leukocyte recruitment in the H/R model.

Progressive apoptotic cell death triggered by transient oxidative insult in H9c2 rat ventricular cells: a novel pattern of apoptosis and the mechanisms

Many pathophysiological processes are associated with oxidative stress and progressive cell death. Oxidative stress is an apoptotic inducer that is known to cause rapid cell death. Here we show that a brief oxidative insult (5-min exposure to 400 microM H(2)O(2)), although it did not kill H9c2 rat ventricular cells during the exposure, triggered an intracellular death cascade leading to delayed time-dependent cell death starting from 1 h after the insult had been withdrawn, and this post-H(2)O(2) cell death cumulated gradually, reaching a maximum level 8 h after H(2)O(2) withdrawal. By comparison, sustained exposure to H(2)O(2) caused complete cell death within a narrow time frame (2 h). The time-dependent post-H(2)O(2) cell death was typical of apoptosis, both morphologically (cell shrinkage and nuclear condensation) and biochemically (DNA fragmentation, extracellular exposure of phosphatidylserines, and caspase-3 activation). A dichlorofluorescein fluorescent signal showed a time-dependent endogenous increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was almost abolished by inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Application of antioxidants (vitamin E or DTT) before H(2)O(2) addition or after H(2)O(2) withdrawal prevented the H(2)O(2)-triggered progressive ROS production and apoptosis. Sequential appearance of events associated with activation of the mitochondrial death pathway was found, including progressive dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, and late activation of caspase-3. In conclusion, transient oxidative stress triggers an intrinsic program leading to self-sustained apoptosis in H9c2 cells via cumulative production of mitochondrial ROS and subsequent activation of the mitochondrial death pathway. This pattern of apoptosis may contribute to the progressive and long-lasting cell loss in some degenerative diseases.

Antioxidants in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: therapeutic potential and basic mechanisms

Oxidative stress is a constant threat to all living organisms and an immense repertoire of cellular defense systems is being employed by most pro- and eukaryotic systems to eliminate or to attenuate oxidative stress. Ischemia and reperfusion is characterized by both a significant oxidative stress and characteristic changes in the antioxidant defense. By focusing on this antioxidant response of the cardiovascular system in the setting of ischemia-reperfusion injury, the aim of this review was threefold. First, based on recent animal experiments and clinical studies we shall discuss how endogenous antioxidants respond to oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion injury and highlight the results of recent trials on the ability of antioxidants to modulate ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this aspect, we will particularly focus on the emerging concept that various lines of antioxidant defenses do not act individually but are linked to each other in a systematic relationship as part of an antioxidant network. It is well known that enzymatic mechanisms are important components of the endogenous antioxidant repertoire; however, the relative importance of the different enzyme systems and isoforms has been much debated. The second part will focus on recent suggestions attributing a potentially key role of mitochondrial MnSOD in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. Finally, the third part of the review will critically examine how endogenous antioxidants might regulate the complex signal transduction pathways of cellular activation with particular attention to the NF-kappaB and MAPK systems that appears to determine outcome of injury, survival, and adaptation.

Ischemic preconditioning alters real-time measure of O2 radicals in intact hearts with ischemia and reperfusion

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are believed to be involved in triggering cardiac ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Decreased formation of ROS on reperfusion after prolonged ischemia may in part underlie protection by IPC. In heart models, these contentions have been based either on the effect of ROS scavengers to abrogate IPC-induced preservation or on a measurement of oxidation products on reperfusion. Using spectrophotofluorometry at the left ventricular wall and the fluorescent probe dihydroethidium (DHE), we measured intracellular ROS superoxide (O(2)(-).) continuously in isolated guinea pig heart and tested the effect of IPC and the O(2)(-). scavenger manganese(III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP) on O(2)(-). formation throughout the phases of preconditioning (PC), 30-min ischemia and 60-min reperfusion (I/R). IPC was evidenced by improved contractile function and reduced infarction; MnTBAP abrogated these effects. Brief PC pulses increased O(2)(-). during the ischemic but not the reperfusion phase. O(2)(-). increased by 35% within 1 min of ischemia, increased further to 95% after 20 min of ischemia, and decreased slowly on reperfusion. In the IPC group, O(2)(-). was not elevated over 35% during index ischemia and was not increased at all on reperfusion; these effects were abrogated by MnTBAP. Our results directly demonstrate how intracellular ROS increase in intact hearts during IPC and I/R and clarify the role of ROS in triggering and mediating IPC.

2,2,5,5-Tetramethylpyrroline-based compounds in prevention of oxyradical-induced myocardial damage

Reactive oxygen species have been known to play a major role in a wide variety of pathophysiologic processes. A new compound, H-2545, based on a 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-3-carboxamide structure, has been reported to exhibit antiarrhythmic function as well as favorable antioxidant properties. Studies were performed in an isolated rat heart model to measure the efficacy of H-2545 and its metabolite, H-2954, in preventing ischemia-reperfusion and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative myocardial damage: lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, activity of respiratory complexes, NAD, and high-energy phosphate metabolism. The cardioprotective effects of examined compounds were compared with that of a well-known water-soluble vitamin E analog, Trolox. To determine whether the antioxidant property of H-2545 is due to the pyrroline ring, the scavenger effects of mexiletine and HO-2434 (mexiletine substituted with a pyrroline group) were compared. The results showed that H-2545 decreased significantly the ischemia-reperfusion-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation, the protein oxidation and ssDNA break formation in perfused rat hearts. H-2545 decreased the NAD loss in postischemic hearts. The activity of respiratory complexes, myocardial energy metabolism, and functional myocardial recovery were also improved during reperfusion by adding H-2545 to the perfusion medium. H-2954 exerted significantly lower protection against ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury than H-2545, and it was comparable to that of Trolox. Both H-2545 and H-2954 are highly effective against H O -induced oxidative myocardial cell damage. The findings show that substitution of mexiletine with a 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrroline group (HO-2434) increased its antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. In conclusion, these results suggest that sterically hindered pyrroline derivatives accumulating in membranes can be highly effective at preventing oxidative myocardial cell damage.

Mitochondria: regulators of signal transduction by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

The functional role of mitochondria in cell physiology has previously centered around metabolism, with oxidative phosphorylation playing a pivotal role. Recently, however, this perspective has changed significantly with the realization that mitochondria are active participants in signal transduction pathways, not simply the passive recipients of injunctions from the rest of the cell. In this review the emerging role of the mitochondrion in cell signaling is discussed in the context of cytochrome c release, hydrogen peroxide formation from the respiratory chain, and the nitric oxide-cytochrome c oxidase signaling pathway.

Mitochondrial K(ATP) channel openers activate the ERK kinase by an oxidant-dependent mechanism

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are key regulatory proteins that mediate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play a role in activation of the ERK pathway. Because mitochondria are a major source of ROS, we investigated whether mitochondria-derived ROS play a role in ERK activation. Diazoxide, a potent mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel opener, is known to depolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential and cause a reversible oxidation of respiratory chain flavoproteins, thus increasing mitochondrial ROS production. Using THP-1 cells as a model, we postulated that opening mitochondrial K(ATP) channels would increase production of ROS and, thereby, regulate the activity of the ERK kinase. We found that opening mitochondrial K(ATP) channels by diazoxide induced production of ROS as determined by an increased rate of dihydroethidium and dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. This increased production of ROS was associated with increased phosphorylation of ERK kinase in a time-dependent fashion. The MEK inhibitors PD-98059 and U-0126 blocked ERK activation mediated by diazoxide. N-acetylcysteine, but not diphenyleneiodonium, attenuated ERK activation mediated by diazoxide. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase, which is expressed in mitochondria, decreased the rate of dihydroethidium oxidation as well as ERK activation. We conclude that mitochondrial K(ATP) channel openers trigger ERK activation via mitochondria-derived ROS.

Acetaminophen and low-flow myocardial ischemia: efficacy and antioxidant mechanisms

In the current study, the cardioprotective efficacy of 0.35 mmol/l acetaminophen administered 10 min after the onset of a 20-min period of global, low-flow myocardial ischemia was investigated. Matched control hearts were administered an equal volume of Krebs-Henseleit physiological buffer solution (vehicle). In separate groups of hearts, the concentration-dependent, negative inotropic properties of hydrogen peroxide and the ability of acetaminophen to attenuate these actions, as well as the effects of acetaminophen on ischemia-reperfusion-mediated protein oxidation, were studied. Acetaminophen-treated hearts regained a significantly greater fraction of baseline, preischemia control function during reperfusion than vehicle-treated hearts. For example, contractility [rate of maximal developed pressure in the left ventricle (+/-dP/dt(max))] after 10 min of reperfusion was 109 +/- 24 and 42 +/- 9 mmHg/s (P < 0.05), respectively, in the two groups. The corresponding pressure-rate products were 1,840 +/- 434 vs. 588 +/- 169 mmHg*beats*min(-1) (P < 0.05). Acetaminophen attenuated peroxynitrite-mediated chemiluminescence in the early minutes of reperfusion (e.g., at 6 min, corresponding values for peak light production were approximately 8 x 10(6) counts/min for vehicle vs. <4 x 10(6) counts/min for acetaminophen, P < 0.05) and the negative inotropic effects of exogenously administered hydrogen peroxide (e.g., at 0.4 mmol/l hydrogen peroxide, pressure-rate products were approximately 1.0 x 10(4) and 3.8 x 10(3) mmHg*beats*min(-1) in acetaminophen- and vehicle-treated hearts, respectively, P < 0.05). Ischemia-mediated protein oxidation was reduced by acetaminophen. The ability of acetaminophen to attenuate the damaging effects of peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide and to limit protein oxidation suggest antioxidant mechanisms are responsible for its cardioprotective properties during postischemia-reperfusion.

Menadione mimics the infarct-limiting effect of preconditioning in isolated rat hearts

The role of mitochondrial free radicals in the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning was examined in isolated buffer-perfused rat hearts. Infarct size in control rat hearts subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion was 32.6 +/- 3.4% of the risk zone. Ischemic preconditioning (3 cycles of 5-min global ischemia/5-min reperfusion) before the same regional ischemia and reperfusion protocol significantly reduced infarct size to 2.6 +/- 0.8% of the risk zone. Perfusion with menadione (3.0 microM), a generator of mitochondrial free radicals, in lieu of preconditioning ischemia significantly reduced infarction to 10.9 +/- 2.7%. N-2-mercaptopropionylglycine (1.0 mM), a free radical scavenger, blocked the protection of menadione, significantly increasing infarction to 23.5 +/- 1.1%. Myxothiazol (0.6 microM), a site III mitochondrial inhibitor, blocked the protection of menadione and significantly increased infarction to 25.2 +/- 3.8%. The infarct-limiting effect of menadione was attenuated to 19.7 +/- 1.5% of the risk zone by 10 microM SB203580, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. Furthermore, menadione significantly increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation to a level 5.6-fold over basal. These results indicate that free radicals that originate within mitochondria can activate p38 MAPK and protect hearts against infarction.

Mechanisms of cell signaling by nitric oxide and peroxynitrite: from mitochondria to MAP kinases

Many of the biological and pathological effects of nitric oxide (NO) are mediated through cell signaling pathways that are initiated by NO reacting with metalloproteins. More recently, it has been recognized that the reaction of NO with free radicals such as superoxide and the lipid peroxyl radical also has the potential to modulate redox signaling. Although it is clear that NO can exert both cytotoxic and cytoprotective actions, the focus of this overview are those reactions that could lead to protection of the cell against oxidative stress in the vasculature. This will include the induction of antioxidant defenses such as glutathione, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in response to blood flow, and modulation of mitochondrial function and its impact on apoptosis. Models are presented that show the increased synthesis of glutathione in response to shear stress and inhibition of cytochrome c release from mitochondria. It appears that in the vasculature NO-dependent signaling pathways are of three types: (i) those involving NO itself, leading to modulation of mitochondrial respiration and soluble guanylate cyclase; (ii) those that involve S-nitrosation, including inhibition of caspases; and (iii) autocrine signaling that involves the intracellular formation of peroxynitrite and the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases. Taken together, NO plays a major role in the modulation of redox cell signaling through a number of distinct pathways in a cellular setting.