Evidence for the induction of an oxidative stress in rat hepatic mitochondria by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)

Synergistic cellular effects including mitochondrial destabilization, autophagy and apoptosis following low-level exposure to a mixture of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants

Humans are exposed to multiple exogenous environmental pollutants. Many of these compounds are parts of mixtures that can exacerbate harmful effects of the individual mixture components. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), is primarily produced via industrial processes including incineration and the manufacture of herbicides. Both endosulfan and TCDD are persistent organic pollutants which elicit cytotoxic effects by inducing reactive oxygen species generation. Sublethal concentrations of mixtures of TCDD and endosulfan increase oxidative stress, as well as mitochondrial homeostasis disruption, which is preceded by a calcium rise and, in fine, induce cell death. TCDD+Endosulfan elicit a complex signaling sequence involving reticulum endoplasmic destalilization which leads to Ca2+ rise, superoxide anion production, ATP drop and late NADP(H) depletion associated with a mitochondrial induced apoptosis concomitant early autophagic processes. The ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-cysteine, blocks both the mixture-induced autophagy and death. Calcium chelators act similarly and mitochondrially targeted anti-oxidants also abrogate these effects. Inhibition of the autophagic fluxes with 3-methyladenine, increases mixture-induced cell death. These findings show that subchronic doses of pollutants may act synergistically. They also reveal that the onset of autophagy might serve as a protective mechanism against ROS-triggered cytotoxic effects of a cocktail of pollutants in Caco-2 cells and increase their tumorigenicity.

Dioxin-induced acute cardiac mitochondrial oxidative damage and increased activity of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in Wistar rats

The environmental dioxin 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen and teratogenic agent. We hypothesize that TCDD-induced oxidative stress may also interfere with mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mitoKATP), which are known to regulate and to be regulated by mitochondrial redox state. We investigated the effects of an acute treatment of male Wistar rats with TCDD (50 μg/kg i.p.) and measured the regulation of cardiac mitoKATP. While the function of cardiac mitochondria was slightly depressed, mitoKATP activity was 52% higher in animals treated with TCDD. The same effects were not observed in liver mitochondria isolated from the same animals. Our data also shows that regulation of mitochondrial ROS production by mitoKATP activity is different in both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that TCDD increases mitoKATP activity in the heart, which may counteract the increased oxidative stress caused by the dioxin during acute exposure.

Effects of quercetin and chrysin on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The objective of current study is to investigate the effects of the administration of chrysin (CH) and quercetin (Q) on rat liver in which oxidative and histological damage had been induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Rats were randomly divided into six equal groups. TCDD was orally administered at the dose of 2 μg/kg/week, and Q and CH were orally administered at the doses of 20 mg/kg day and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively, by gavages dissolved in corn oil. The liver samples to be analyzed for the determination of oxidative and histological alternations were taken from rats at 60 days. The results indicated that although 2,3,7,8-TCDD significantly induced (P ≤ 0.01) lipid peroxidation (increase of MDA levels), it positively affected oxidant/antioxidant system (a decline in the levels of GSH, CAT, GSH-Px, and CuZn-SOD) in rats significantly. The histological changes observed in the liver correlated with the biochemical findings. However, these effects of TCDD on oxidative and histological changes were eliminated by Q and CH treatment. In conclusion, TCDD caused an adverse effect on rat's liver. When Q and CH were given together with TCDD, they prevented hepatotoxicty induced by TCDD. Thus, it is thought that Q and CH may be useful as a new category of anti-TCDD toxicity agent.

Ameliorating effects of quercetin and chrysin on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of the quercetin (Q) and chrysin (CH) against nephrotoxicity induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD), a persistent environmental contaminant, in rats. Rats were divided randomly into six equal groups. TCDD, Q and CH were administered by gavages dissolved in corn oil at the doses of 2 µg/kg/week, 20 mg/kg/day and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively. The kidney samples were taken from all rats on day 60 for the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels by spectrophotometric method. The results indicated that TCDD significantly induced lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant activities in rats. In contrast, Q and CH significantly prevented toxic effects of TCDD via increased GSH, CAT, GPx and SOD levels but decreased formation of TBARS. Also, it was determined that exposure to TCDD leads to significant histological damage in kidney tissue, and these effects can be eliminated with Q and CH treatment. In conclusion, the current study showed that exposure to TCDD can exert nephrotoxicity in rats. When Q and CH were given together with TCDD, they prevented nephrotoxic effects of TCDD. Their preventive effect lends more support to the role of oxidative and histological damage in the overall toxicity of TCDD.

Protocatechuic acid prevents reproductive damage caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in male rats

In this study, it was aimed to determinate beneficial effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against reproductive toxicity caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an environmental contaminant. For this purpose, 28 rats were equally divided into four groups (control, TCDD 2 μg kg(-1) per week, PCA 100 mg kg(-1) per day and TCDD + PCA group), and compounds were orally administered for 45 days. The results indicated that TCDD induced oxidative stress via an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels and a decrease in reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidise and SOD levels in male rats. In contrast, PCA treatment prevented toxic effects of TCDD in terms of oxidative stress. Additionally, sperm motility, sperm concentration and serum testosterone levels significantly decreased, and pathologic testicular damage increased with TCDD exposure. However, these effects of TCDD on sperm characteristics, histopathological changes and hormone levels were reversed by PCA treatment. In conclusion, it was found that TCDD exposure induced reproductive toxicity (oxidative, hormonal, histopathological and spermatological alternations) in male rats and PCA treatment could prevent toxic effects of TCDD. Thus, PCA may be useful for the prevention and treatment of reproductive toxicity caused by TCDD.

Quercetin prevents 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced testicular damage in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Twenty-two rats were equally divided into four groups; first group was kept as control and given corn oil as carrier. In second group, TCDD was orally administered at the dose of 2 μ (kg week)(-1) for 60 days. In third group, quercetin was orally administered at the dose of 20 mg (kg day)(-1) by gavages, and in fourth group TCDD and quercetin were given together at the same doses. Although TCDD increased the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly, it caused a significant decline in the levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), GSH-Px and CuZn-Superoxide Dismutase (CuZn-SOD) in rats. In contrast, quercetin significantly increased the GSH, CAT, GSH-Px and CuZn-SOD levels but decreased the formation of TBARS. In addition, sperm motility, sperm concentration and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased but abnormal sperm rate and testicular damage were increased with TCDD treatment. However, these effects of TCDD on sperm parameters, histological changes and hormone levels were eliminated by quercetin treatment. Our results show that administration of TCDD induces testicular damage (oxidative stress, testes tissue damage, serum hormone level and sperm parameters), and quercetin prevents TCDD-induced testicular damage in rats. Thus, quercetin may be useful for the prevention and treatment of TCDD-induced testicular damage.

Mechanisms of tumor promotion by reactive oxygen species

This review analyzes the available information concerning mechanisms of non-genotoxic action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during tumor promotion and pathways of their generation under the influence of chemical compounds. Special attention is given to the ability of ROS to induce pseudohypoxia through inhibition of prolyl oxidase, which is an oxygen sensor in the cell. Functions of HIF-1alpha as a main contributor to the ROS-induced promotion are analyzed. Data suggest that an unregulated high level of HIF-1alpha in the cell could induce the development of tumors. Hypothetical possibilities of ROS production under the influence of different environmental pollutants, which are promoters of tumorigenesis, include functioning of cytochrome P450 during oxidation of substrates, functioning of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and action of peroxisome proliferators.

Endocrine disruptor, dioxin (TCDD)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in human trophoblast-like JAR cells

The endocrine disruptor 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been demonstrated to disrupt hormone signalling, reduce fertility, interfere with embryo development and cause spontaneous miscarriage in humans. The precise mechanisms of its effects on early implantation in humans are still unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between mitochondrial function and dioxin-induced toxicity in JAR cells, a human trophoblast-like cell line. Several experiments were performed to address the effects of TCDD on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative damage (indicated by the presence of lipoperoxides and oxidized DNA bases), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, ATP content, mtDNA mutations and the protein levels of p53, Bax, Bcl2, cytochrome c and caspase 3. Increased oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in TCDD-treated trophoblast-like cells was demonstrated. A 2.58-fold increase in lipid peroxides was detected in cells treated with 2 nM TCDD for 4 h. The oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was significantly increased by TCDD treatment in a time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, reductions in mtDNA copy number and ATP content and an increase in mtDNA deletions were found. Furthermore, we observed increased apoptosis, p53 accumulation, Bax overexpression, cytochrome c release and sequential caspase 3 activation after TCDD exposure. These results indicate that oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction may be responsible for the apoptotic effects of TCDD.

Benzo[a]Pyrene, 3-Methylcholanthrene and ß-Naphthoflavone Induce Oxidative Stress in Hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 Cells by an AHR-dependent Pathway

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been shown to cause oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo in various animal models but the mechanisms by which these compounds produce oxidative stress are unknown. In the current study we have investigated the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by its cognate ligands and the consequent effect on cyp1a1 activity, mRNA and protein expressions. For this purpose, Hepa 1c1c7 cells wild-type (WT) and C12 mutant cells, which are AHR-deficient, were incubated with increasing concentrations of the AHR-ligands, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, 0.25-25 microM), 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC, 0.1-10 microM) and beta-naphthoflavone (betaNF, 1-50 microM). The studied AHR-ligands dose-dependently increased lipid peroxidation in WT but not in C12 cells. However, only B[a]P and betaNF, at the highest concentrations tested, significantly increased H2O2 production in WT but not C12 cells. The increase in lipid peroxidation and H2O2 production by AHR-ligands were accompanied by a decrease in the cyp1a1 catalytic activity but not mRNA or protein expressions, which were significantly induced in a dose-dependent manner by all AHR-ligands, suggesting a post-translational mechanism is involved in the decrease of cyp1a1 activity. The AHR-ligand-mediated decrease in cyp1a1 activity was reversed by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Our results show that the AHR-ligands induce oxidative stress by an AHR-dependent pathway.

Molecular Mechanisms of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin Cardiovascular Embryotoxicity

2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are widespread environmental contaminants and potent developmental toxicants. Hallmarks of embryonic exposure include edema, hemorrhage, and mortality. Recent studies in zebrafish and chicken have revealed direct impairment of cardiac muscle growth that may underlie these overt symptoms. TCDD toxicity is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, but downstream targets remain unclear. Oxidative stress and growth factor modulation have been implicated in TCDD cardiovascular toxicity. Gene expression profiling is elucidating additional pathways by which TCDD might act. We review our understanding of the mechanism of TCDD embryotoxicity at morphological and molecular levels.

Analysis of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced proteome changes in 5L rat hepatoma cells reveals novel targets of dioxin action including the mitochondrial apoptosis regulator VDAC2

As part of a comprehensive survey of the impact of the environmental pollutant and hepatocarcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the proteome of hepatic cells, we have performed a high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis study on the rat hepatoma cell line 5L. 78 protein species corresponding to 73 different proteins were identified as up- or down-regulated following exposure of the cells to 1 nm TCDD for 8 h. There was an overlap of only nine proteins with those detected as altered by TCDD in our recent study using the non-gel-based isotope-coded protein label method (Sarioglu, H., Brandner, S., Jacobsen, C., Meindl, T., Schmidt, A., Kellermann, J., Lottspeich, F., and Andrae, U. (2006) Quantitative analysis of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced proteome alterations in 5L rat hepatoma cells using isotope-coded protein labels. Proteomics 6, 2407-2421) indicating a strong complementarity of the two approaches. For the majority of the altered proteins, an effect of TCDD on their abundance or posttranslational modifications had not been known before. Several observations suggest that a sizable fraction of the proteins with altered abundance was induced as an adaptive response to TCDD-induced oxidative stress that was demonstrated using the fluorescent probe dihydrorhodamine 123. A prominent group of these proteins comprised various enzymes for which there is evidence that their expression is regulated via the Keap1/Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway. Other proteins included several involved in the maintenance of mitochondrial energy production and the regulation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. A particularly intriguing finding was the up-regulation of the mitochondrial outer membrane pore protein, voltage-dependent anion channel-selective protein 2 (VDAC2), which was dependent on the presence of a functional aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The regulatability of VDAC2 protein abundance has not been described previously. In view of the recently discovered central role of VDAC2 as an inhibitor of the activation of the proapoptotic protein BAK and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, the present data point to a hitherto unrecognized mechanism by which TCDD may affect cellular homeostasis and survival.

Protection against nonylphenol-induced cell death by DJ-1 in cultured Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) cells

The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) has been used to investigate diverse aspects of toxicology, genetics and developmental biology and to monitor biological changes caused by endocrine disruptors. In this study, we analyzed a medaka homolog of human DJ-1 (meDJ-1) in cultured medaka cells into which nonylphenol (NP) was added. Like human DJ-1, meDJ-1 was found to be oxidized by treatment with H(2)O(2) and its pI was shifted to acidic points. NP was found to induce cell death with kinetics similar to that of H(2)O(2) in cultured medaka OLHE-13 cells. After OLHE-13 cells had been treated with sub-lethal concentrations of H(2)O(2) and NP, production of reactive oxygen species and oxidation of meDJ-1 were observed. meDJ-1 knockdown by short interfering RNA rendered OLHE-13 cells susceptible to H(2)O(2) and NP-induced cell death, suggesting a protective role of DJ-1 against oxidative stress-induced cell death in medaka cells. These results suggest that meDJ-1 is a suitable biomarker for oxidative stress reactions in medaka.

Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species by Bisphenol A and Abrogation of Bisphenol A-Induced Cell Injury by DJ-1

DJ-1 was first identified as an activated ras-dependent oncogene. DJ-1 is related to male fertility, and its expression in sperm decreases in response to exposure to a number of reproductive toxicants. DJ-1 has been associated with the onset of familial Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans, and has been found to have activity against oxidative damage by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated the role of DJ-1 in oxidative stresses by administration of bisphenol A (BPA), which has been reported to induce oxidative stress in rodents, to male mice and cultured cells. In male mice, we found that BPA significantly increased the expression level of DJ-1 in the sperm and brain. In cultured Neuro2a and GC1 cells, we found that BPA induced ROS production and significantly compromised mitochondrial function concomitant with elevated expression and oxidization of DJ-1. DJ-1 was found to maintain the complex I activity against BPA-induced oxidative stress after the localization in mitochondria. The results showed that DJ-1 plays a role in the prevention of mitochondrial injury-induced cell death.

Glutathione Redox State Regulates Mitochondrial Reactive OxygenProduction

Oxidative stress induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin) is poorly understood. Following one dose of TCDD (5 microg/kg body weight), mitochondrial succinate-dependent production of superoxide and H2O2 in mouse liver doubled at 7-28 days, then subsided by day 56; concomitantly, levels of GSH and GSSG increased in both cytosol and mitochondria. Cytosol displayed a typical oxidative stress response, consisting of diminished GSH relative to GSSG, decreased potential to reduce protein-SSG mixed disulfide bonds (type 1 thiol redox switch) or protein-SS-protein disulfide bonds (type 2 thiol redox switch), and a +10 mV change in GSSG/2GSH reduction potential. In contrast, mitochondria showed a rise in reduction state, consisting of increased GSH relative to GSSG, increases in type 1 and type 2 thiol redox switches, and a -25 mV change in GSSG/2GSH reduction potential. Comparing Ahr(-/-) knock-out and wild-type mice, we found that TCDD-induced thiol changes in both cytosol and mitochondria were dependent on the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). GSH was rapidly taken up by mitochondria and stimulated succinate-dependent H2O2 production. A linear dependence of H2O2 production on the reduction potential for GSSG/2GSH exists between -150 and -300 mV. The TCDD-stimulated increase in succinate-dependent and thiol-stimulated production of reactive oxygen paralleled a four-fold increase in formamidopyrimidine DNA N-glycosylase (FPG)-sensitive cleavage sites in mitochondrial DNA, compared with a two-fold increase in nuclear DNA. These results suggest that TCDD produces an AHR-dependent oxidative stress in mitochondria, with concomitant mitochondrial DNA damage mediated, at least in part, by an increase in the mitochondrial thiol reduction state.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen production is dependent on the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin; TCDD) is a pervasive environmental contaminant that induces hepatic and extrahepatic oxidative stress. We have previously shown that dioxin increases mitochondrial respiration-dependent reactive oxygen production. In the present study we examined the dependence of mitochondrial reactive oxygen production on the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), proteins believed to be important in dioxin-induced liver toxicity. Congenic Ahr(-/-), Cyp1a1(-/-) and Cyp1a2(-/-) knockout mice, and C57BL/6J inbred mice as their Ahr/Cyp1a1/Cyp1a2(+/+) wild-type (wt) counterparts, were injected intraperitoneally with dioxin (15 microg/kg body weight) or corn-oil vehicle on 3 consecutive days. Liver mitochondria were examined 1 week following the first treatment. The level of mitochondrial H(2)O(2) production in vehicle-treated Ahr(-/-) mice was one fifth that found in vehicle-treated wt mice. Whereas dioxin caused a rise in succinate-stimulated mitochondrial H(2)O(2) production in the wt, Cyp1a1(-/-), and Cyp1a2(-/-) mice, this increase did not occur with the Ahr(-/-) knockout. The lack of H(2)O(2) production in Ahr(-/-) mice was not due to low levels of Mn(2+)-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) as shown by Western immunoblot analysis, nor was it due to high levels of mitochondrial glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) activity. Dioxin decreased mitochondrial aconitase (an enzyme inactivated by superoxide) by 44% in wt mice, by 26% in Cyp1a2(-/-) mice, and by 24% in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice; no change was observed in Ahr(-/-) mice. Dioxin treatment increased mitochondrial glutathione levels in the wt, Cyp1a1(-/-), and Cyp1a2(-/-) mice, but not in Ahr(-/-) mice. These results suggest that both constitutive and dioxin-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen production is associated with a function of the AHR, and these effects are independent of either CYP1A1 or CYP1A2.

Effects of vitamin E on reactive oxygen species-mediated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodi-benzo-p-dioxin toxicity in rat testis

This study was undertaken to investigate whether treatment with vitamin E protects rat testis from oxidative stress induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Male rats of Wistar strain were administered TCDD at doses of 1, 10 and 100 ng kg(-1) body wt. day(-1) for 45 days. Other groups of animals were co-administered TCDD (1, 10 and 100 ng kg(-1) body wt. day(-1)) and vitamin E (20 mg kg(-1) body wt. day(-1)) for 45 days. Animals administered TCDD and those co-administered TCDD and vitamin E did not show any significant change in body weight. Administration of TCDD decreased the weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate. The daily sperm production decreased in the animals administered TCDD from the control values of 22.19 +/- 2.67 to 13.10 +/- 3.16 x 10(6). There was a significant decline in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase with concomitant increased levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation. Co-administration of TCDD and vitamin E did not show any significant changes in the weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate. The daily sperm production remained unchanged in the animals co-administered TCDD and vitamin E. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation did not change in the animals co-administered TCDD and vitamin E. The results suggested that administration of TCDD induces oxidative stress in testis, and vitamin E could impart a protective effect against TCDD-induced oxidative stress.

The effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the antioxidant system in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of rat testis

The ability of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to induce oxidative stress in hepatic and some extrahepatic tissues of animals has been reported. The precise nature and mechanism of action of TCDD on the male reproductive system is not clear. In the present study, we have investigated the induction of oxidative stress in the testis of rat after exposure to low doses of TCDD. TCDD (1, 10, and 100 ng/kg body weight per day) was administered orally to the rat for 45 days. After 24 h of the last treatment the rats were killed using anesthetic ether. The weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate decreased while the body weight remained unchanged in the rats administered with TCDD. Mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of the testis were obtained by the method of differential centrifugation. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in the animals treated with TCDD in a dose-dependent manner in the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of rat testis. The levels of hydrogen peroxide generation (H(2)O(2)) and lipid peroxidation increased in mitochondrial, and microsomal fractions of the testis. The results suggested that the low doses of TCDD elicit depletion of antioxidant enzymes and concomitant increase in the levels of H(2)O(2) and lipid peroxidation differentially in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of rat testis. In conclusion the adverse effect of TCDD on male reproduction could be due to induction of oxidative stress.

Dioxin increases reactive oxygen production in mouse liver mitochondria

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; TCDD) causes an oxidative stress response in liver and several extrahepatic tissues. The subcellular sources and underlying mechanisms of dioxin-induced reactive oxygen, however, are not well understood. In this study, we examined whether mitochondria, organelles that consume the majority of cellular oxygen, might be a source of dioxin-induced reactive oxygen. Female C57BL/6 mice were treated with dioxin (15 microg/kg body wt ip) on 3 consecutive days, and liver mitochondria were examined at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after the first treatment. Mitochondrial aconitase activity, an enzyme inactivated by superoxide, was decreased by 44% at 1 week, 22% at 4 weeks, and returned to control levels at 8 weeks. Dioxin elevated succinate-stimulated mitochondrial H2O2 production twofold at 1 and 4 weeks; H2O2 production remained significantly elevated at 8 weeks. The enhanced H2O2 production was due to neither increased Mn-superoxide dismutase activity nor decreased mitochondrial glutathione peroxidase activity. Dioxin treatment augmented mitochondrial glutathione, but not glutathione disulfide levels, a result that might be explained by increased mitochondrial glutathione reductase activity. Liver ATP levels were significantly lowered at 1 and 4 weeks, the peak times of mitochondrial reactive oxygen production. Increased dioxin-stimulated reactive oxygen at 1 and 4 weeks did not appear to be related to the observed decrease in cytochrome oxidase activity, since State 3 and State 4 respiration were not diminished. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that dioxin increases mitochondrial respiration-dependent reactive oxygen production, which may play an important role in dioxin-induced toxicity and disease.

Production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the hepatic and brain tissues of rats after subchronic exposure to mixtures of TCDD and its congeners

In this study the induction of oxidative stress in the hepatic and brain tissues of rats after subchronic exposure to various mixtures of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and two of its congeners, namely 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) was investigated. Four mixtures of TCDD and its congeners, corresponding to 10, 22, 46 and 100 ng of toxic equivalence (TEQ) kg(-1) day(-1), were administered to groups of rats for 13 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the exposure period and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs), were determined in the hepatic and brain tissues. All mixtures caused dose-dependent increases in the production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA SSBs in both tissues, with significantly higher damage in the hepatic compared with the brain tissues. The 22 ng TEQ dose level (TEQ = 22) contains TCDD, PeCDF and PCB 126 at levels that correspond to 7.3, 14.5 and 73.3 ng kg(-1) day(-1), respectively, and it produced effects that correspond to ca. 50% of the maximal production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA SSBs in the hepatic and brain tissues of those animals. Relative to the doses that are required to produce 50% of the maximal production of the biomarkers of oxidative stress by the individual congeners in hepatic and brain tissues of rats, the concentrations of the congeners in TEQ = 22 did result in significant interactivity, probably in the form of additive effects in the hepatic but not in brain tissues.

The relative abilities of TCDD and its congeners to induce oxidative stress in the hepatic and brain tissues of rats after subchronic exposure

The abilities of single doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to induce oxidative stress in hepatic and some extra-hepatic tissues of animals, are well documented. In this study we have investigated the induction of oxidative stress in hepatic and brain tissues of rats after subchronic (13 weeks) exposure to TCDD and two of its congeners, namely 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126). TCDD, PeCDF and PCB126 were administered daily to groups of rats at various doses, for 13 weeks, and biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA-single strand breaks (SSBs), were determined in the hepatic and brain tissues at the end of the exposure period. The three congeners caused dose-dependent increases in the production of superoxide anion, lipid proxidation and DNA-SSBs, with maximal effects achieved at doses ranging between 10-100, 20-92, and 300-550 ng/kg per day for TCDD, PeCDF and PCB126, respectively. The doses that produce 50% of maximal responses by each of the xenobiotics in the hepatic and brain tissues were found to be within the ranges of 7-34, 13-32, and 137-400 ng/kg per day for TCDD, PeCDF and PCB126, respectively. The results of the study suggest that subchronic exposures to TCDD, PeCDF and PCB126 induce significant oxidative damage in the hepatic and brain tissues of rats, with more damage observed in the brain as compared to the hepatic tissues. Also, as inducers of oxidative stress in the hepatic and brain tissues, TCDD is the most potent among the three congeners and PCB126 being the least potent.

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls causes endothelial cell dysfunction

Environmental chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), may be atherogenic by disrupting normal functions of the vascular endothelium. To investigate this hypothesis, porcine pulmonary artery-derived endothelial cells were exposed to 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77), 2,3,4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114), or 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) for up to 24 hours. These PCBs were selected for their varying binding avidities with the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor and differences in their induction of cytochrome P450. PCB 77 and PCB 114 significantly disrupted, in a dose-dependent manner, endothelial barrier function by allowing an increase in albumin transfer across endothelial monolayers. These PCBs also contributed markedly to cellular oxidative stress, as measured by 2,7-dichlorofluorescin (DCF) fluorescence and lipid hydroperoxides, and caused a significant increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels. Enhanced oxidative stress and [Ca2+]i in PCB 77- and PCB 114-treated cells were accompanied by increased activity and content of cytochrome P450 1A and by a decrease in the vitamin E content in the culture medium. In contrast to the effects of PCB 77 and PCB 114, cell exposure to PCB 153 had no effect on cellular oxidation, [Ca2+]i, or endothelial barrier function. These results suggest that certain PCBs may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis by causing endothelial cell dysfunction and a decrease in the barrier function of the vascular endothelium. It is possible that interaction of PCBs with the Ah receptor and activation of the cytochrome P450 1A subfamily are involved in this pathology.