Hydrogen peroxide activates calcium influx in human neutrophils

Photocatalytic manipulation of Ca2+ signaling for regulating cellular and animal behaviors via MOF-enabled H2O2 generation

The in situ generation of H2O2 in cells in response to external stimulation has exceptional advantages in modulating intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, including high controllability and biological safety, but has been rarely explored. Here, we develop photocatalyst-based metal-organic frameworks (DCSA-MOFs) to modulate Ca2+ responses in cells, multicellular spheroids, and organs. By virtue of the efficient photocatalytic oxygen reduction to H2O2 without sacrificial agents, photoexcited DCSA-MOFs can rapidly trigger Ca2+ outflow from the endoplasmic reticulum with single-cell precision in a repeatable and controllable manner, enabling the propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves (ICW) over long distances in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell cultures. After photoexcitation, ICWs induced by DCSA-MOFs can activate neural activities in the optical tectum of tadpoles and thighs of spinal frogs, eliciting the corresponding motor behaviors. Our study offers a versatile optical nongenetic modulation technique that enables remote, repeatable, and controlled manipulation of cellular and animal behaviors.

How filopodia respond to calcium in the absence of a calcium-binding structural protein: non-channel functions of TRP

Background

For many cell types, directional locomotion depends on their maintaining filopodia at the leading edge. Filopodia lack any Ca²⁺-binding structural protein but respond to store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE).

Methods

SOCE was induced by first replacing the medium with Ca²⁺-free salt solution with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). This lowers Ca²⁺ in the ER and causes stromal interacting molecule (STIM) to be translocated to the cell surface. After this priming step, CPA was washed out, and Ca²⁺ influx restored by addition of extracellular Ca²⁺. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were measured by calcium orange fluorescence. Regulatory mechanisms were identified by pharmacological treatments. Proteins mediating SOCE were localized by immunofluorescence and analyzed after image processing.

Results

Depletion of the ER Ca²⁺ increased filopodia prevalence briefly, followed by a spontaneous decline that was blocked by inhibitors of endocytosis. Intracellular Ca²⁺ increased continuously for ~ 50 min. STIM and a transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) protein were found in separate compartments, but an aquaporin unrelated to SOCE was present in both. STIM1- and TRPC1-bearing vesicles were trafficked on microtubules. During depletion, STIM1 migrated to the surface where it coincided with Orai in punctae, as expected. TRPC1 was partially colocalized with Vamp2, a rapidly releasable pool marker, and with phospholipases (PLCs). TRPC1 retreated to internal compartments during ER depletion. Replenishment of extracellular Ca²⁺ altered the STIM1 distribution, which came to resemble that of untreated cells. Vamp2 and TRPC1 underwent exocytosis and became homogeneously distributed on the cell surface. This was accompanied by an increased prevalence of filopodia, which was blocked by inhibitors of TRPC1/4/5 and endocytosis.

Conclusions

Because the media were devoid of ligands that activate receptors during depletion and Ca²⁺ replenishment, we could attribute filopodia extension to SOCE. We propose that the Orai current stimulates exocytosis of TRPC-bearing vesicles, and that Ca²⁺ influx through TRPC inhibits PLC activity. This allows regeneration of the substrate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2), a platform for assembling proteins, e. g. Enabled and IRSp53. TRPC contact with PLC is required but is broken by TRPC dissemination. This explains how STIM1 regulates the cell’s ability to orient itself in response to attractive or repulsive cues.

Redox-Mediated Carbamylation As a Hapten Model Applied to the Origin of Antibodies to Modified Proteins in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Significance: The production of antibodies to posttranslationally modified antigens is a hallmark in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, the presence of citrullination-associated antibodies, targeting both citrullinating enzymes (the peptidylarginine deiminases [PADs]) and citrullinated antigens (anticitrullinated protein antibodies [ACPAs]), has suggested that dysregulated citrullination is relevant for disease pathogenesis. Antibodies to other protein modifications with physicochemical similarities to citrulline, such as carbamylated-lysine and acetylated-lysine, have also gained interest in RA, but their mechanistic relation to ACPAs remains unclear. Recent Advances: Recent studies using RA-derived monoclonal antibodies have found that ACPAs are cross-reactive to carbamylated and acetylated peptides, challenging our understanding of the implications of such cross-reactivity. Critical Issues: Analogous to the classic antibody response to chemically modified proteins, we examine the possibility that antibodies to modified proteins in RA are more likely to resemble antihapten antibodies rather than autoantibodies. This potential shift in the autoantibody paradigm in RA offers the opportunity to explore new mechanisms involved in the origin and cross-reactivity of pathogenic antibodies in RA. In contrast to citrullination, carbamylation is a chemical modification associated with oxidative stress, it is highly immunogenic, and is considered in the group of posttranslational modification-derived products. We discuss the possibility that carbamylated proteins are antigenic drivers of cross-reacting antihapten antibodies that further create the ACPA response, and that ACPAs may direct the production of antibodies to PAD enzymes. Future Directions: Understanding the complexity of autoantibodies in RA is critical to develop tools to clearly define their origin, identify drivers of disease propagation, and develop novel therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 389-409.

Risk Compounds, Preclinical Toxicity Evaluation, and Potential Mechanisms of Chinese Materia Medica-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Chinese materia medica (CMM) has been applied for the prevention and treatment of diseases for thousands of years. However, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and other cardiac adverse reactions during CMM application were gradually reported. CMM-induced cardiotoxicity has aroused widespread attention. Our review aimed to summarize the risk compounds, preclinical toxicity evaluation, and potential mechanisms of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity. All relevant articles published on the PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for the latest twenty years were searched and manually extracted. The risk substances of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity are relatively complex. A single CMM usually contains various risk compounds, and the same risk substance may exist in various CMM. The active and risk substances in CMM may be transformed into each other under different conditions, such as drug dosage, medication methods, and body status. Generally, the risk compounds of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity can be classified into alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, heavy metals, organic acids, toxic proteins, and peptides. Traditional evaluation methods of chemical drug-induced cardiotoxicity primarily include cardiac function monitoring, endomyocardial biopsy, myocardial zymogram, and biomarker determination. In the preclinical stage, CMM-induced cardiotoxicity should be systematically evaluated at the overall, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels, including cardiac function, histopathology, cytology, myocardial zymogram, and biomarkers. Thanks to the development of systematic biology, the higher specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers, such as genes, proteins, and metabolic small molecules, are gradually applied for evaluating CMM-induced cardiotoxicity. Previous studies on the mechanisms of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity focused on a single drug, monomer or components of CMM. The interaction among ion homeostasis (sodium, potassium, and calcium ions), oxidative damage, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis and autophagy, and metabolic disturbance is involved in CMM-induced cardiotoxicity. Clarification on the risk compounds, preclinical toxicity evaluation, and potential mechanisms of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity must be beneficial to guide new CMM development and post-marketed CMM reevaluation.

Hydrogen peroxide inhibits Ca2+ efflux through plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase in mouse parotid acinar cells

Intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization is closely linked with the initiation of salivary secretion in parotid acinar cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to be related to a variety of oxidative stress-induced cellular disorders and believed to be involved in salivary impairments. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on cytosolic Ca²⁺ accumulation in mouse parotid acinar cells. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were slowly elevated when 1 mM H₂O₂ was perfused in the presence of normal extracellular Ca²⁺. In a Ca²⁺-free medium, 1 mM H₂O₂ still enhanced the intracellular Ca²⁺ level. Ca²⁺ entry tested using manganese quenching technique was not affected by perfusion of 1 mM H₂O₂. On the other hand, 10 mM H₂O₂ induced more rapid Ca²⁺ accumulation and facilitated Ca²⁺ entry from extracellular fluid. Ca²⁺ refill into intracellular Ca²⁺ store and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1 µM)-induced Ca²⁺ release from Ca²⁺ store was not affected by 1 mM H₂O₂ in permeabilized cells. Ca²⁺ efflux through plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA) was markedly blocked by 1 mM H₂O₂ in thapsigargin-treated intact acinar cells. Antioxidants, either catalase or dithiothreitol, completely protected H₂O₂-induced Ca²⁺ accumulation through PMCA inactivation. From the above results, we suggest that excessive production of H₂O₂ under pathological conditions may lead to cytosolic Ca²⁺ accumulation and that the primary mechanism of H₂O₂-induced Ca²⁺ accumulation is likely to inhibit Ca²⁺ efflux through PMCA rather than mobilize Ca²⁺ ions from extracellular medium or intracellular stores in mouse parotid acinar cells.

In vitro and in vivo generation of heterophil extracellular traps after Salmonella exposure

The release of extracellular traps (ETs) by granulocytes is a unique strategy to stop the dissemination of microbial pathogens. This study was undertaken to elucidate the potential of avian granulocytes (heterophils) to form ETs that can arrest and kill Salmonella organisms. After in vitro exposure of isolated heterophils and in vivo infection of day-old chicks with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars Infantis (SI) or Enteritidis (SE), the generation of ETs as well as the trapping and survivability of Salmonella organisms in the ET meshwork were determined by means of microscopy and spectrophotometry. In vitro, heterophils were able to form ETs within 15min after SE and SI inoculation. At 120min and with a multiplicity of infection of 1 and 5, SI induced significantly more ETs and DNA release than SE. Both SE and SI were found to be associated with the ET structures. Live-dead staining showed most of the microorganisms within the extracellular scaffold alive. In vivo, heterophils were detected in cecal lumen of SE-, but not SI-infected chicks. In cecum of the SE-exposed chicks, ET formations were scarcely detected whereas intact heterophils with phagocytosed bacteria were frequently found. The results evidence the capability of heterophils to generate ETs after SE and SI exposure in vitro. However, an infection of chicks with Salmonella did not significantly induce the formation of ET structures in cecum. Thus, the process to form ETs (ETosis) seems not to be of special relevance for Salmonella defense within the cecal lumen of young chicks.

Hydrogen peroxide attenuates refilling of intracellular calcium store in mouse pancreatic acinar cells

Intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) oscillation is an initial event in digestive enzyme secretion of pancreatic acinar cells. Reactive oxygen species are known to be associated with a variety of oxidative stress-induced cellular disorders including pancreatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on intracellular Ca²⁺ accumulation in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Perfusion of H₂O₂ at 300 µM resulted in additional elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and termination of oscillatory Ca²⁺ signals induced by carbamylcholine (CCh) in the presence of normal extracellular Ca²⁺. Antioxidants, catalase or DTT, completely prevented H₂O₂-induced additional Ca²⁺ increase and termination of Ca²⁺ oscillation. In Ca²⁺-free medium, H₂O₂ still enhanced CCh-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and thapsigargin (TG) mimicked H₂O₂-induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ increase. Furthermore, H₂O₂-induced elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels was abolished under sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase-inactivated condition by TG pretreatment with CCh. H₂O₂ at 300 µM failed to affect store-operated Ca²⁺ entry or Ca²⁺ extrusion through plasma membrane. Additionally, ruthenium red, a mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter blocker, failed to attenuate H₂O₂-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ elevation. These results provide evidence that excessive generation of H₂O₂ in pathological conditions could accumulate intracellular Ca²⁺ by attenuating refilling of internal Ca²⁺ stores rather than by inhibiting Ca²⁺ extrusion to extracellular fluid or enhancing Ca²⁺ mobilization from extracellular medium in mouse pancreatic acinar cells.

Differential mechanistic investigation of protective effects from imperatorin and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol against arsenic trioxide-induced cytotoxicity in vitro

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The clinical use of arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is limited due to its severe cardiotoxicity. The possible mechanisms of As₂O₃-induced cardiotoxicity include DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cardiac ion channel changes and apoptosis. The present study is designed to investigate the protective effects of imperatorin and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol and to explore their mechanistic involvement in As₂O₃-induced cytotoxicity.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

Cell viability assay, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining, Caspase-3 activity assay, ROS generation, cellular calcium levels, mRNA expression levels by qRT-PCR and protein expression levels by Western blotting were measured in H9c2 cells in combination with As₂O₃ and imperatorin or sec-O-glucosylhamaudol.

KEY RESULTS

We observed that H9c2 cells treated with imperatorin or sec-O-glucosylhamaudol were more resistant to As₂O₃-induced cell death. Both imperatorin and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol reduced H9c2 cell apoptosis, but both imperatorin and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol had no effects on Caspase-3 activity and intracellular calcium accumulation. Furthermore, imperatorin was capable of suppressing ROS generation, while sec-O-glucosylhamaudol did not show this effect. Moreover, imperatorin and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol triggered Nrf2 activation, which resulted in upregulation of downstream phase II metabolic enzymes and antioxidant protein/enzyme, probably offering cellular protection to As₂O₃-induced cardiotoxicity via the Nrf2 signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Imperatorin and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol can ameliorate As₂O₃-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in H9c2 cells, the mechanisms probably related to antioxidation. As₂O₃ in combination with imperatorin or sec-O-glucosylhamaudol could be considered as a novel strategy to expand the clinical application of As₂O₃.

Elevated Intracellular Ca(2+) Signals by Oxidative Stress Activate Connexin 43 Hemichannels in Osteocytes

Elevated oxidative stress (OS) during aging leads to bone loss. OS increases intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i), resulting in cellular damage and death. We show earlier that Cx43 hemichannels open in response to OS, which serves as a protective mechanism for osteocytes. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we found that treatment with H2O2 increased [Ca(2+)]i in osteocytes with [Ca(2+)]i being primarily derived from an extracellular Ca(2+) source. Hemichannel opening induced by OS was inhibited by the depletion of [Ca(2+)]i with BAPTA-AM, a Ca(2+) chelator, suggesting that [Ca(2+)]i influenced the activity of Cx43 hemichannels. Conversely, blockade of hemichannels had no effect on [Ca(2+)]i. A biotinylation assay showed that cell surface-expressed Cx43 was increased by OS, which could be inhibited by BAPTA-AM, suggesting that [Ca(2+)]i is necessary for Cx43 migration to the cell surface in response to OS. Together, these data suggest that increased hemichannel activity induced by OS was likely to be caused by elevated [Ca(2+)]i through increased Cx43 on the cell surface.

Redox-control of the alarmin, Interleukin-1α

The pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) has recently emerged as a susceptibility marker for a wide array of inflammatory diseases associated with oxidative stress including Alzheimer's, arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer. In the present study, we establish that expression and nuclear localization of IL-1α are redox-dependent. Shifts in steady-state H₂O₂ concentrations (SS-[H₂O₂]) resulting from enforced expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) drive IL-1α mRNA and protein expression. The redox-dependent expression of IL-1α is accompanied by its increased nuclear localization. Both IL-1α expression and its nuclear residency are abrogated by catalase co-expression. Sub-lethal doses of H₂O₂ also cause IL-1α nuclear localization. Mutagenesis revealed IL-1α nuclear localization does not involve oxidation of cysteines within its N terminal domain. Inhibition of the processing enzyme calpain prevents IL-1α nuclear localization even in the presence of H₂O₂. H₂O₂ treatment caused extracellular Ca²⁺ influx suggesting oxidants may influence calpain activity indirectly through extracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. Functionally, as a result of its nuclear activity, IL-1α overexpression promotes NF-kB activity, but also interacts with the histone acetyl transferase (HAT) p300. Together, these findings demonstrate a mechanism by which oxidants impact inflammation through IL-1α and suggest that antioxidant-based therapies may prove useful in limiting inflammatory disease progression.

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Sod2-dependent increases in steady-state H₂O₂ promote IL-1α expression.

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H₂O₂ causes nuclear localization of IL-1α and extracellular Ca²⁺ influx.

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Inhibition of the Ca²⁺ regulated calpain prevents H₂O₂ dependent IL-1α nuclear localization.

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Nuclear IL-1α interacts with p300 and promotes NF-κB activity.

Manganese promotes increased formation of hydrogen peroxide by activated human macrophages and neutrophils in vitro

Although pro-inflammatory mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of manganese (Mn²⁺)-related neurological and respiratory disorders, relatively little is known about the potential of this metal to interact pro-oxidatively with human phagocytes. The primary objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of Mn²⁺ as MnCl₂ (0.5-100 µM) on the generation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hypohalous acids by isolated human blood neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages following activation of these cells with the chemotactic tripeptide, FMLP (1 µM), or the phorbol ester, PMA (25 ng/mL). Generation of ROS was measured using the combination of oxygen consumption, lucigenin/luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, spectrofluorimetric detection of oxidation of 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein, radiometric assessment of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated protein iodination, release of MPO by ELISA, and spectrophotometric measurement of nitrite formation. Treatment of activated neutrophils with either FMLP or PMA resulted in significantly decreased reactivity of superoxide in the setting of increased formation of H₂O₂ and MPO-mediated iodination, with no detectable effects on either oxygen consumption or MPO release. Similar effects of the metal with respect to superoxide reactivity and H₂O₂ formation were observed with activated macrophages, while generation of NO was unaffected. Taken together with the findings of experiments using cell-free ROS-generating systems, these observations are compatible with a mechanism whereby Mn²⁺, by acting as a superoxide dismutase mimetic, increases the formation of H₂O₂ by activated phagocytes. If operative in vivo, this mechanism may contribute to the toxicity of Mn²⁺.

Neutrophil TRPM2 channels are implicated in the exacerbation of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury

AIMS

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) highly expressed in immunocytes is a Ca(2+)-permeable non-selective cation channel activated by oxidative stress. Myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by acute inflammation associated with the augmentation of oxidative stress. We hypothesized that TRPM2 is implicated in the exacerbation of myocardial I/R injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Wild-type (Trpm2(+/+)) and Trpm2 knockout (Trpm2(-/-)) mice were subjected to ligation of the left main coronary artery followed by reperfusion. Myocardial infarction following I/R, but not ischaemia alone, was reduced more in Trpm2(-/-)mice than in Trpm2(+/+) mice and cardiac contractile functions were also improved in Trpm2(-/-)mice. TRPM2 was highly expressed in the polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) rather than in the heart. The number of neutrophils and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the reperfused area following ischaemia was lowered in Trpm2(-/-) mice. When Trpm2(+)(/+) or Trpm2(-/-) PMNs were administered to the Trpm2(-/-) heart ex vivo through the perfusate or in vivo by iv injection, Trpm2(+)(/+) PMNs produced enlargement of the infarct size. Following in vitro regional I/R, a pharmacological inhibitor of TRPM2 reduced the infarct size. The combination of H(2)O(2) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and their adhesion to endothelial cells in Trpm2(+)(/+) but not in Trpm2(-/-)PMNs.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that neutrophil TRPM2 is implicated in the exacerbation of myocardial reperfusion injury. Accumulation of neutrophils in the reperfused area mediated by TRPM2 activation is likely to play a crucial role in myocardial I/R injury.

Neuroprotection of Ilex latifolia and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives against excitotoxic and hypoxic damage of cultured rat cortical neurons

Ilex latifolia (Aquifoliaceae), one of the primary components of "Ku-ding-cha", has been used in Chinese folk medicine to treat headaches and various inflammatory diseases. A previous study demonstrated that the ethanol extract of I. latifolia could protect against ischemic apoptotic brain damage in rats. The present study investigated the protective activity of I. latifolia against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity using cultured rat cortical neurons in order to explain a possible mechanism related to its inhibitory effect on ischemic brain damage and identified potentially active compounds from it. Exposure of cultured cortical neurons to 500 μM glutamate for 12 h triggered neuronal cell death. I. latifolia (10-100 μg/mL) inhibited glutamate-induced neuronal death, elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the increase of a pro-apoptotic protein, BAX, and the decrease of an anti-apoptotic protein, BcL-2. Hypoxia-induced neuronal cell death was also inhibited by I. latifolia. 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA), 3,5-diCQA, and 3,5-diCQA methyl ester isolated from I. latifolia also inhibited the glutamate-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), generation of ROS, the change of apoptosis-related proteins, and neuronal cell death; and hypoxia-induced neuronal cell death. These results suggest that I. latifolia and its active compounds prevented glutamate-induced neuronal cell damage by inhibiting increase of [Ca(2+)](i), generation of ROS, and resultantly apoptotic pathway. In addition, the neuroprotective effects of I. latifolia on ischemia-induced brain damage might be associated with the anti-excitatory and anti-oxidative actions and could be attributable to these active compounds, CQAs.

Effect of pre-breathing oxygen at different depth on oxidative status and calcium concentration in lymphocytes of scuba divers

AIM

In-water pre-breathing oxygen at various depths reduces decompression-induced bubble formation and platelet activation, but it could induce side effects such as oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in-water pre-breathing oxygen, at different depths, on the oxidative status and intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+) ]i) of peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from six divers. They participated in a 4-diving protocol. Two week recovery time was allowed between successive dives. Before diving, all divers, for 20 min, breathed normally at sea level (dive 1), 100% oxygen at sea level (dive 2), 100% oxygen at 6 msw (dive 3), 100% oxygen at 12 msw (dive 4). Then they dived to 30 msw for 20 min with air tank.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected before and after each dive. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2) ) levels, catalase (CAT) activity, mRNA expression of CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the [Ca(2+) ]i in lymphocytes were measured.

RESULTS

The dives slightly decreased lymphocyte number and significantly reduced lymphocyte H(2) O(2) levels. CAT activity was higher after scuba diving and, dive 3 enhanced mRNA gene expression of CAT, GPx and SOD. The [Ca(2+) ]i was higher after dive 1 and 2 than pre-diving, while was maintained at pre-diving value after dive 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that pre-breathing oxygen, in particular at 12 msw, may enhance lymphocyte antioxidant activity and reduce reactive oxygen species levels. Pre-breathing oxygen in water may also preserve calcium homeostasis, suggesting a protective role in the physiological lymphocyte cell functions.

Calcium induces expression of cytoplasmic gelsolin in SH-SY5Y and HEK-293 cells

Gelsolin plays an important role in the regulation of amyloid beta-protein fibrillogenesis. We report here that calcium ionophore A23187 induces the expression of cytoplasmic gelsolin (c-gelsolin), and that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the up-regulation of c-gelsolin. In the presence of calcium, both SH-SY5Y and HEK-293 cells upon treatment with A23187 showed an increase in c-gelsolin expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Calcium-mediated up-regulation of c-gelsolin was inhibited by cycloheximide (a general inhibitor of protein synthesis). When cells were pretreated with staurosporine (an inhibitor of a variety of protein kinases including PKC), the up-regulation of c-gelsolin induced by A23187 was inhibited. Calphostin C, an inhibitor of PKC, blocked the up-regulation of c-gelsolin induced by A23187, while inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases had no effect on c-gelsolin expression. In addition, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, an activator of PKC, up-regulated c-gelsolin expression. These results suggest that calcium mediates up-regulation of c-gelsolin in a PKC-dependent manner.

Ultrasound and microbubble-induced intra- and intercellular bioeffects in primary endothelial cells

Recent developments in the field of ultrasound (US) contrast agents have demonstrated that these encapsulated microbubbles can not only be used for diagnostic imaging but may also be employed as therapeutic carriers for localized, targeted drug or gene delivery. The exact mechanisms behind increased uptake of therapeutic compounds by US-exposed microbubbles are still not fully understood. Therefore, we studied the effects of stably oscillating SonoVue microbubbles on relevant parameters of cellular and intercellular permeability, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, calcium permeability, F-actin cytoskeleton, monolayer integrity and cell viability using live-cell fluorescence microscopy. US was applied at 1-MHz, 0.1MPa peak-negative pressure, 0.2% duty cycle and 20Hz pulse repetition frequency to primary endothelial cells. We demonstrated increased membrane permeability for calcium ions, with an important role for H(2)O(2). Catalase, an extracellular H(2)O(2) scavenger, significantly blocked the influx of calcium ions. Further changes in ROS homeostasis involved an increase in intracellular H(2)O(2) levels, protein nitrosylation and a decrease in total endogenous glutathione levels. In addition, an increase in the number of F-actin stress fibers and F-actin cytoskeletal rearrangement were observed. Furthermore, US-exposed microbubbles significantly affected endothelial monolayer integrity, but importantly, disrupted cell-cell interactions were restored within 30min. Finally, cell viability was not affected. In conclusion, these data provide more insight in the interactions between US, microbubbles and endothelial cells, which is important for understanding the mechanisms behind US and microbubble-enhanced uptake of drugs or genes.

Vascular and cellular calcium in normal and hypertensive pregnancy

Normal pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes in the cardiovascular system in order to meet the metabolic demands of mother and fetus. These changes include increased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, and vascular remodeling in the uterine and systemic circulation. Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy characterized by proteinuria and hypertension. Several risk factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE including genetic and dietary factors. Ca2+ is an essential dietary element and an important regulator of many cellular processes including vascular function. The importance of adequate dietary Ca2+ intake during pregnancy is supported by many studies. Pregnancy-associated changes in Ca2+ metabolism and plasma Ca2+ have been observed. During pregnancy, changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) have been described in red blood cells, platelets and immune cells. Also, during pregnancy, an increase in [Ca2+](i) in endothelial cells (EC) stimulates the production of vasodilator substances such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. Normal pregnancy is also associated with decreased vascular smooth muscle (VSM) [Ca2+](i) and possibly the Ca2+-sensitization pathways of VSM contraction including protein kinase C, Rho-kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Ca2+-dependent matrix metalloproteinases could also promote extracellular matrix degradation and vascular remodeling during pregnancy. Disruption in the balance between dietary, plasma and vascular cell Ca2+ may be responsible for some of the manifestation of PE including procoagulation, decreased vasodilation, and increased vasoconstriction and vascular resistance. The potential benefits of Ca2+ supplements during pregnancy, and the use of modulators of vascular Ca2+ to reduce the manifestations of PE in susceptible women remain an important area for experimental and clinical research.

Addressing the problem of cationic lipid-mediated toxicity: the magnetoliposome model

The high biocompatibility and versatile nature of liposomes made these particles keystone components in many hot-topic research areas. For transfection and cell labelling purposes, synthetic cationic lipids are often added, but in most studies, little attention has been paid to their cytotoxic effects. In the present work, cationic magnetoliposomes (MLs), i.e. iron oxide cores enwrapped by a phospholipid bilayer (dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine or sphingomyelin) doped with cationic lipids (1,2-distearoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane), serve as a model to examine cationic lipid toxicity. Mechanisms of cytotoxic effects were found to be either dependent or independent of actual particle internalisation according to data obtained in the absence or presence of several endocytosis inhibitors. The former seem to be caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to a Ca2+ influx at high ROS levels. The latter are due to a destabilisation of the cell plasma membrane upon transfer of the cationic lipid from the ML bilayer into the plasma membrane. However, these adverse effects can be diminished by the use of a ROS scavenger, a Ca(2+)-channel blocker or by modulating the liposome size, lipid bilayer constitution or by stabilising the membrane by anchoring it on a solid core. Careful attention must be paid in terms of assessing cell viability as the effects are highly time dependent and the data suggest the incompatibility of using the well-known MTT assay when high levels of ROS species are generated.