Heme oxygenase activity as measured by carbon monoxide production

Update on heme biosynthesis, tissue-specific regulation, heme transport, relation to iron metabolism and cellular energy

Heme is a primordial macrocycle upon which most aerobic life on Earth depends. It is essential to the survival and health of nearly all cells, functioning as a prosthetic group for oxygen-carrying proteins and enzymes involved in oxidation/reduction and electron transport reactions. Heme is essential for the function of numerous hemoproteins and has numerous other roles in the biochemistry of life. In mammals, heme is synthesised from glycine, succinyl-CoA, and ferrous iron in a series of eight steps. The first and normally rate-controlling step is catalysed by 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), which has two forms: ALAS1 is the housekeeping form with highly variable expression, depending upon the supply of the end-product heme, which acts to repress its activity; ALAS2 is the erythroid form, which is regulated chiefly by the adequacy of iron for erythroid haemoglobin synthesis. Abnormalities in the several enzymes of the heme synthetic pathway, most of which are inherited partial enzyme deficiencies, give rise to rare diseases called porphyrias. The existence and role of heme importers and exporters in mammals have been debated. Recent evidence established the presence of heme transporters. Such transporters are important for the transfer of heme from mitochondria, where the penultimate and ultimate steps of heme synthesis occur, and for the transfer of heme from cytoplasm to other cellular organelles. Several chaperones of heme and iron are known and important for cell health. Heme and iron, although promoters of oxidative stress and potentially toxic, are essential cofactors for cellular energy production and oxygenation.

Water-Soluble Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecules (CORMs)

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) are promising candidates for producing carbon monoxide in the mammalian body for therapeutic purposes. At higher concentrations, CO has a harmful effect on the mammalian organism. However, lower doses at a controlled rate can provide cellular signaling for mandatory pharmacokinetic and pathological activities. To date, exploring the therapeutic implications of CO dose as a prodrug has attracted much attention due to its therapeutic significance. There are two different methods of CO insertion, i.e., indirect and direct exogenous insertion. Indirect exogenous insertion of CO suggests an advantage of reduced toxicity over direct exogenous insertion. For indirect exogenous insertion, researchers are facing the issue of tissue selectivity. To solve this issue, developers have considered the newly produced CORMs. Herein, metal carbonyl complexes (MCCs) are covalently linked with CO molecules to produce different CORMs such as CORM-1, CORM-2, and CORM-3, etc. All these CORMs required exogenous CO insertion to achieve the therapeutic targets at the optimized rate under peculiar conditions or/and triggering. Meanwhile, the metal residue was generated from i-CORMs, which can propagate toxicity. Herein, we explain CO administration, water-soluble CORMs, tissue accumulation, and cytotoxicity of depleted CORMs and the kinetic profile of CO release.

Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Activities of Fluorescein-A Diagnostic Angiography Dye

Fluorescein is a fluorescent dye used as a diagnostic tool in various fields of medicine. Although fluorescein itself possesses low toxicity, after photoactivation, it releases potentially toxic molecules, such as singlet oxygen (1O2) and, as we demonstrate in this work, also carbon monoxide (CO). As both of these molecules can affect physiological processes, the main aim of this study was to explore the potential biological impacts of fluorescein photochemistry. In our in vitro study in a human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cell line, we explored the possible effects on cell viability, cellular energy metabolism, and the cell cycle. We observed markedly lowered cell viability (≈30%, 75-2400 μM) upon irradiation of intracellular fluorescein and proved that this decrease in viability was dependent on the cellular oxygen concentration. We also detected a significantly decreased concentration of Krebs cycle metabolites (lactate and citrate < 30%; 2-hydroxyglutarate and 2-oxoglutarate < 10%) as well as cell cycle arrest (decrease in the G2 phase of 18%). These observations suggest that this photochemical reaction could have important biological consequences and may account for some adverse reactions observed in fluorescein-treated patients. Additionally, the biological activities of both 1O2 and CO might have considerable therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of cancer.

Influence between NO and CO in guinea pig stomach fundus

The interaction between carbon monoxide and nitric oxide and their role in modulation of stomach fundus excitability was studied. The presence and colocalization of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was verified in myentheric ganglia by immunohistochemistry. The role of inducible heme oxygenase isoenzyme was investigated after in vivo treatment of animals with CoCl2 (80 mg kg-1 b.w.) injected subcutaneously 24 hours before euthanasia. This treatment resulted in positive staining for the inducible isoform in stomach smooth muscle.

Low-dose lipopolysaccharide exposure can increase in vivo bilirubin production rates in newborn mice

AIM

Neonatal haemolysis increases bilirubin production rates, which can then lead to severe hyperbilirubinaemia and bilirubin neurotoxicity. During haemolysis, haem is degraded by haem oxygenase (HO), which can be induced under stress conditions. It is known that neonatal sepsis is a risk factor for haemolysis and severe hyperbilirubinaemia. Here, we evaluated whether an exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce sepsis can upregulate HO-1, further increasing in vivo bilirubin production rates in mouse pups under haem loads.

METHODS

Three-day-old pups were given LPS (1250 μg/kg) or saline (controls). Liver HO enzyme activity, HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein were measured post-LPS exposure. We then assessed the effects of LPS treatment on in vivo bilirubin production rates after haem loading.

RESULTS

Liver HO activity significantly increased (142%) over controls 24 hours after treatment with LPS (1250 μg/kg) without mortality. Liver HO-1 mRNA was significantly upregulated 2.47-fold at 24 hours post-LPS administration, while liver HO-1 protein increased 1.29-fold 24 hours post-LPS treatment. After haem loading, pups exposed to LPS had significantly higher bilirubin production rates (1.30-fold) compared with age-matched, saline-treated controls.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose LPS treatment can upregulate liver HO-1 expression and may underlie the severe hyperbilirubinaemia seen in septic infants, particularly when undergoing haemolysis.

Spectrophotometric Assessment of Heme Oxygenase-1 Activity in Leishmania-infected Macrophages

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress responsive enzyme that metabolizes heme and releases free iron, carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin (BV), which rapidly undergoes conversion to bilirubin (BL). Estimation of bilirubin is the basis of HO-1 assay. HO-1 activity is widely employed to determine antioxidant response of cells under different physiological stress environment. Intra-macrophage infection often acts as such a stress inducer and measurement of HO-1 activity in infected cells indicates the ability of pathogens towards modulating oxidative response of host. The present protocol describes analysis of HO-1 activity in infected macrophages by spectrophotometric method, which is much less complex and therefore advantageous over other methods like high-performance liquid chromatography, radiochemical methods and detection of CO by gas chromatography. The main steps include: (1) Preparation of macrophage microsomal fraction containing HO-1 (2) Isolation of rat liver cytosolic fraction containing biliverdin reductase and (3) Assessment of heme oxygenase-1 activity by spectrophotometric detection of bilirubin. This method provides a simple and sensitive approach to measure cellular antioxidant response under infected condition.

Riboflavin and pyrroloquinoline quinone generate carbon monoxide in the presence of tissue microsomes or recombinant human cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase: implications for possible roles in gasotransmission

Carbon monoxide (CO), an endogenously produced gasotransmitter, regulates inflammation and vascular tone, suggesting that delivery of CO may be therapeutically useful for pathologies like preeclampsia where CO insufficiency is implicated. Our strategy is to identify chemicals that increase the activity of endogenous CO-producing enzymes, including cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase (CPR). Realizing that both riboflavin and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) are relatively nontoxic, even at high doses, and that they share chemical properties with toxic CO activators that we previously identified, our goal was to determine whether riboflavin or PQQ could stimulate CO production. Riboflavin and PQQ were incubated in sealed vessels with rat and human tissue extracts and CO generation was measured with headspace-gas chromatography. Riboflavin and PQQ increased CO production ∼60% in rat spleen microsomes. In rat brain microsomes, riboflavin and PQQ increased respective CO production approximately fourfold and twofold compared to baseline. CO production by human placenta microsomes increased fourfold with riboflavin and fivefold with PQQ. In the presence of recombinant human CPR, CO production was threefold greater with PQQ than with riboflavin. These observations demonstrate for the first time that riboflavin and PQQ facilitate tissue-specific CO production with significant contributions from CPR. We propose a novel biochemical role for these nutrients in gastransmission.

Cobalt protoporphyrin IX increases endogenous G-CSF and mobilizes HSC and granulocytes to the blood

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is used in clinical practice to mobilize cells from the bone marrow to the blood; however, it is not always effective. We show that cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) increases plasma concentrations of G‐CSF, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 in mice, triggering the mobilization of granulocytes and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Compared with recombinant G‐CSF, CoPP mobilizes higher number of HSPC and mature granulocytes. In contrast to G‐CSF, CoPP does not increase the number of circulating T cells. Transplantation of CoPP‐mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) results in higher chimerism and faster hematopoietic reconstitution than transplantation of PBMC mobilized by G‐CSF. Although CoPP is used to activate Nrf2/HO‐1 axis, the observed effects are Nrf2/HO‐1 independent. Concluding, CoPP increases expression of mobilization‐related cytokines and has superior mobilizing efficiency compared with recombinant G‐CSF. This observation could lead to the development of new strategies for the treatment of neutropenia and HSPC transplantation.

CO-Releasing Materials: An Emphasis on Therapeutic Implications, as Release and Subsequent Cytotoxicity Are the Part of Therapy

The CO-releasing materials (CORMats) are used as substances for producing CO molecules for therapeutic purposes. Carbon monoxide (CO) imparts toxic effects to biological organisms at higher concentration. If this characteristic is utilized in a controlled manner, it can act as a cell-signaling agent for important pathological and pharmacokinetic functions; hence offering many new applications and treatments. Recently, research on therapeutic applications using the CO treatment has gained much attention due to its nontoxic nature, and its injection into the human body using several conjugate systems. Mainly, there are two types of CO insertion techniques into the human body, i.e., direct and indirect CO insertion. Indirect CO insertion offers an advantage of avoiding toxicity as compared to direct CO insertion. For the indirect CO inhalation method, developers are facing certain problems, such as its inability to achieve the specific cellular targets and how to control the dosage of CO. To address these issues, researchers have adopted alternative strategies regarded as CO-releasing molecules (CORMs). CO is covalently attached with metal carbonyl complexes (MCCs), which generate various CORMs such as CORM-1, CORM-2, CORM-3, ALF492, CORM-A1 and ALF186. When these molecules are inserted into the human body, CO is released from these compounds at a controlled rate under certain conditions or/and triggers. Such reactions are helpful in achieving cellular level targets with a controlled release of the CO amount. However on the other hand, CORMs also produce a metal residue (termed as i-CORMs) upon degradation that can initiate harmful toxic activity inside the body. To improve the performance of the CO precursor with the restricted development of i-CORMs, several new CORMats have been developed such as micellization, peptide, vitamins, MOFs, polymerization, nanoparticles, protein, metallodendrimer, nanosheet and nanodiamond, etc. In this review article, we shall describe modern ways of CO administration; focusing primarily on exclusive features of CORM's tissue accumulations and their toxicities. This report also elaborates on the kinetic profile of the CO gas. The comprehension of developmental phases of CORMats shall be useful for exploring the ideal CO therapeutic drugs in the future of medical sciences.

Isolated Silymarin Flavonoids Increase Systemic and Hepatic Bilirubin Concentrations and Lower Lipoperoxidation in Mice

Bilirubin is considered to be one of the most potent endogenous antioxidants in humans. Its serum concentrations are predominantly affected by the activity of hepatic bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1). Our objective was to analyze the potential bilirubin-modulating effects of natural polyphenols from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a hepatoprotective herb. Human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells were exposed to major polyphenolic compounds isolated from milk thistle. Based on in vitro studies, 2,3-dehydrosilybins A and B were selected as the most efficient compounds and applied either intraperitoneally or orally for seven days to C57BL/6 mice. After, UGT1A1 mRNA expression, serum, intrahepatic bilirubin concentrations, and lipoperoxidation in the liver tissue were analyzed. All natural polyphenols used increased intracellular concentration of bilirubin in HepG2 cells to a similar extent as atazanavir, a known bilirubinemia-enhancing agent. Intraperitoneal application of 2,3-dehydrosilybins A and B (the most efficient flavonoids from in vitro studies) to mice (50 mg/kg) led to a significant downregulation of UGT1A1 mRNA expression (46 ± 3% of controls, p < 0.005) in the liver and also to a significant increase of the intracellular bilirubin concentration (0.98 ± 0.03vs.1.21 ± 0.02 nmol/mg, p < 0.05). Simultaneously, a significant decrease of lipoperoxidation (61 ± 2% of controls, p < 0.005) was detected in the liver tissue of treated animals, and similar results were also observed after oral treatment. Importantly, both application routes also led to a significant elevation of serum bilirubin concentrations (125 ± 3% and 160 ± 22% of the controls after intraperitoneal and oral administration, respectively, p < 0.005 in both cases). In conclusion, polyphenolic compounds contained in silymarin, in particular 2,3-dehydrosilybins A and B, affect hepatic and serum bilirubin concentrations, as well as lipoperoxidation in the liver. This phenomenon might contribute to the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin.

Pravastatin improves fetal survival in mice with a partial deficiency of heme oxygenase-1

INTRODUCTION

Statins induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in vitro and in vivo. Low HO-1 expression is associated with pregnancy complications, e.g. preeclampsia and recurrent miscarriages. Here, we investigated the effects of pravastatin on HO-1 expression, placental development, and fetal survival in mice with a partial HO-1 deficiency.

METHODS

At E14.5, untreated pregnant wild-type (WT, n=13-18), untreated HO-1^+/- (Het, n=6-9), and Het mice treated with pravastatin (Het+Pravastatin, n=12-14) were sacrificed. Numbers of viable fetuses/resorbed concepti were recorded. Maternal livers and placentas were harvested for HO activity. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and CD31 immunohistochemical staining were performed on whole placentas.

RESULTS

Compared with WT, HO activity in Het livers (65±18%, P<0.001) and placentas (74±7%, P<0.001) were significantly decreased. Number of viable fetuses per dam was significantly lower in Untreated Het dams (6.0±2.2) compared with WT (9.1±1.4, P<0.01), accompanied by a higher relative risk (RR) for concepti resorption (17.1, 95% CI 4.0-73.2). In Hets treated with pravastatin, maternal liver and placental HO activity increased, approaching levels of WT controls (to 83±7% and 87±14%, respectively). The number of viable fetuses per dam increased to 7.7±2.5 with a decreased RR for concepti resorption (2.7, 95% CI 1.2-5.9). In some surviving Untreated Het placentas, there were focal losses of cellular architecture and changes suggestive of reduced blood flow in the labyrinth. These findings were absent in Het+Pravastatin placentas.

DISCUSSION

Pravastatin induces maternal liver and placental HO activity, may affect placental function and improve fetal survival in the context of a partial deficiency of HO-1.

Therapeutic Aspects of Carbon Monoxide in Cardiovascular Disease

Carbon monoxide (CO) is being increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic with important signaling functions in various diseases. Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) show anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects on the tissues of organisms, thus contributing to tissue homeostasis. An increase in reactive oxygen species production from the mitochondria after exposure to CO is also considered one of the underlying mechanisms of cardioprotection, although mitochondrial inhibition is the main toxic mechanism of CO poisoning. This review highlights the mechanism of the biological effects of CO and its potential application as a therapeutic in clinical settings, including in cardiovascular diseases. This review also discusses the obstacles and limitations of using exogenous CO or CORMs as a therapeutic option, with respect to acute CO poisoning.

Chlorophyll-Mediated Changes in the Redox Status of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Are Associated with Its Anticancer Effects

Nutritional factors which exhibit antioxidant properties, such as those contained in green plants, may be protective against cancer. Chlorophyll and other tetrapyrrolic compounds which are structurally related to heme and bilirubin (a bile pigment with antioxidant activity) are among those molecules which are purportedly responsible for these effects. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess both the antiproliferative and antioxidative effects of chlorophylls (chlorophyll a/b, chlorophyllin, and pheophytin a) in experimental pancreatic cancer. Chlorophylls have been shown to produce antiproliferative effects in pancreatic cancer cell lines (PaTu-8902, MiaPaCa-2, and BxPC-3) in a dose-dependent manner (10–125 μmol/L). Chlorophylls also have been observed to inhibit heme oxygenase (HMOX) mRNA expression and HMOX enzymatic activity, substantially affecting the redox environment of pancreatic cancer cells, including the production of mitochondrial/whole-cell reactive oxygen species, and alter the ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione. Importantly, chlorophyll-mediated suppression of pancreatic cancer cell viability has been replicated in in vivo experiments, where the administration of chlorophyll a resulted in the significant reduction of pancreatic tumor size in xenotransplanted nude mice. In conclusion, this data suggests that chlorophyll-mediated changes on the redox status of pancreatic cancer cells might be responsible for their antiproliferative and anticancer effects and thus contribute to the decreased incidence of cancer among individuals who consume green vegetables.

Heme oxygenase activity increases after exercise in healthy volunteers

Heme oxygenase (HO) is an essential, rate-limiting protein which catalyses the breakdown of heme to iron, carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin. The alpha methene bridge of the heme is eliminated as CO which can be measured as blood carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb). Using blood concentrations of COHb as a measure reflecting HO activity, we tested the postulate that the activity of HO changes with exercise. Ten healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (5 females and 5 males with a mean age ± standard deviation of 25.7 ± 3.2 years), lifetime nonsmokers with no history of respiratory diseases and not taking any medication, were included in the study. Subjects were exposed to filtered air for 2 hrs while alternating exercise for 15 minutes on a cycle ergometer with rest for 15 minutes. Workload was adjusted so that subjects breathed at a ventilatory rate, normalised for body surface area, of 25 L/m²/minute. Immediately before, immediately after, and the day following exercise, blood was drawn by standard venipuncture technique. COHb was determined using the interleukin (IL) 682 Co-Oximeter (Instrumentation Laboratory, Bedford, MA). COHb increased in each participant during the exercise session with the mean value (± standard deviation) almost doubling (1.1 ± 1.6 to 2.1 ± 1.6%) and returned to baseline by the following day (1.3 ± 1.3%). We conclude that exercise increases HO activity.

Spin-Forbidden Excitation: A New Approach for Triggering Photopharmacological Processes with Low-Intensity NIR Light

Exposure to low-intensity radiation in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region matching the optically transparent "phototherapeutic window" of biological tissues can be applied to directly populate spin-restricted excited states of light-responsive compounds. This unconventional and unprecedented approach is introduced herein as a new strategy to overcome some of the major unresolved problems observed in the rapidly emerging fields of photopharmacology and molecular photomedicine, where practical applications in living cells and organisms are still limited by undesired side reactions and insufficient light penetration. Water-soluble and biocompatible metal complexes with a significant degree of spin-orbit coupling were identified as target candidates for testing our new hypothesis. As a first example, a dark-stable manganese carbonyl complex acting as a visible-light-triggered CO-releasing molecule (Photo-CORM) is shown to be photoactivated by NIR radiation, although apparently no spectroscopically evident absorption bands are detectable in this low-energy region. This quite remarkable effect is ascribed to a strongly restricted, but obviously not completely forbidden optical population of the lowest triplet excited state manifold of the diamagnetic complex from the singlet ground state.

Differential inhibition of rat and mouse microsome heme oxygenase by derivatives of imidazole and benzimidazole

Metalloporphyrin heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors have made an important contribution to elucidating the role of HO in physiological processes. Nevertheless, their off-target effects have drawn substantial criticism, which prompted us to develop non-porphyrin, azole-based inhibitors of HO. These second-generation HO inhibitors were evaluated using spleen and brain microsomes from rats as native sources of HO-1 and HO-2, respectively. Recently, the use of azole-based inhibitors of HO has been extended to other mammalian species and, as a consequence, it will be important to characterize the inhibitors in these species. The goal of this study was to compare the inhibitory profile of imidazole- and benzimidazole-based inhibitors of HO in a breast-cancer-implanted mouse to that of an untreated rat. For spleen and brain microsomes from both species, HO protein expression was determined by Western blotting and concentration-response curves for imidazole- and benzimidazole-derivative inhibition of HO activity were determined using a headspace gas-chromatographic assay. It was found that the effects on HO activity by imidazole and benzimidazole derivatives were different between the 2 species and were not explained by differences in HO expression. Thus, the HO inhibitory profile should be determined for azole derivatives before they are used in mammalian species other than rats.

Drug-enhanced carbon monoxide production from heme by cytochrome P450 reductase

Carbon monoxide (CO) formed endogenously is considered to be cytoprotective, and the vast majority of CO formation is attributed to the degradation of heme by heme oxygenases-1 and -2 (HO-1, HO-2). Previously, we observed that brain microsomes containing HO-2 produced many-fold more CO in the presence of menadione and its congeners; herein we explored these observations further. We determined the effects of various drugs on CO production of rat brain microsomes and recombinant human cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR); CO was measured by gas chromatography with reductive detection. Brain microsomes of Sprague-Dawley rats or recombinant human cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) were incubated with NADPH and various drugs in closed vials in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 and 37°C. After 15 minutes, the reaction was stopped by cooling in dry ice, and the headspace gas was analyzed for CO production using gas chromatography with reductive (mercuric oxide) detection. We observed drug-enhanced CO production in the presence of both microsomes and recombinant CPR alone; the presence of HO was not required. A range of structurally diverse drugs were capable of amplifying this CO formation; these molecules had structures consistent with redox cycling capability. The addition of catalase to a reaction mixture, that contained activating drugs, inhibited the production of CO. Drug-enhanced CO formation can be catalyzed by CPR. The mechanism of CPR activation was not through classical drug-receptor mediation. Redox cycling may be involved in the drug-induced amplification of CO production by CPR through the production of reactive oxygen species.

Heme Oxygenase Activity and Heme Binding in a Neonatal Mouse Model

BACKGROUND

Severe hemolytic disease of the newborn leads to the release of pro-oxidative free heme (FH). Heme oxygenase (HO) is primarily responsible for detoxifying FH.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects of HO in a model of heme overload.

METHODS

For in vitro studies, NIH3T3 HO-1-luc cells were incubated with 10, 30, or 60 µM FH or methemalbumin (MHA). HO-1 promoter activity was assessed 3, 6, and 24 h after treatment. Cell survival was indexed by viability assays. For in vivo studies, 1- and 5-week-old wild-type (Wt) or HO-1-heterozygous (Het, HO-1+/-) mice were given 60 µmol FH or MHA/kg intraperitoneally. After 24 h, plasma aspartate aminotransferease (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) and hemopexin, liver HO activity, and lipid peroxidation (LP) were determined.

RESULTS

In HO-1-luc cells, HO-1 promoter activity peaked 6 h after incubation with 30 µM FH (1.6-fold) or 60 µM MHA (2.1-fold) over baseline. Twenty-four hours after exposure to 60 µM FH, a decrease in viability of 80% was found, compared with no decrease after exposure to 60 µM MHA. In 1-week-old Wt and HO-1 Het pups given 60 µmol FH/kg, HO activity significantly increased 3.5- and 3.1-fold, respectively. No changes in LP or AST/ALT levels were observed. In adult Wt and HO-1 Het mice, HO activity increased (3.0- and 2.6-fold, respectively). LP and AST levels significantly increased 28.4- and 2.7-fold, respectively, in adult HO-1 Het mice. Hemopexin levels at baseline were higher in adults compared with newborns for both Wt and Het mice. In addition, FH induced hemopexin levels in both adults and newborns, but to a lesser degree in newborns.

CONCLUSIONS

FH is highly toxic in vitro, but its toxicity is abolished when bound to albumin. Newborns appear to be protected from the pro-oxidative effects of FH, which may be mediated by heme binding and a higher absolute HO activity at baseline and after FH-mediated induction.

Heme oxygenase is not involved in the anti-proliferative effects of statins on pancreatic cancer cells

Background

Pancreatic cancer is recognized as one of the most fatal tumors due to its aggressiveness and resistance to therapy. Statins were previously shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells via various signaling pathways. In healthy tissues, statins activate the heme oxygenase pathway, nevertheless the role of heme oxygenase in pancreatic cancer is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether anti-proliferative effects of statins in pancreatic cancer cells are mediated via the heme oxygenase pathway.

Methods

In vitro effects of various statins and hemin, a heme oxygenase inducer, on cell proliferation were evaluated in PA-TU-8902, MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The effect of statins on heme oxygenase activity was assessed and heme oxygenase-silenced cells were used for pancreatic cancer cell proliferation studies. Cell death rate and reactive oxygen species production were measured in PA-TU-8902 cells, followed by evaluation of the effect of cerivastatin on GFP-K-Ras trafficking and expression of markers of invasiveness, osteopontin (SPP1) and SOX2.

Results

While simvastatin and cerivastatin displayed major anti-proliferative properties in all cell lines tested, pravastatin did not affect the cell growth at all. Strong anti-proliferative effect was observed also for hemin. Co-treatment of cerivastatin and hemin increased anti-proliferative potential of these agents, via increased production of reactive oxygen species and cell death compared to individual treatment. Heme oxygenase silencing did not prevent pancreatic cancer cells from the tumor-suppressive effect of cerivastatin or hemin. Cerivastatin, but not pravastatin, protected Ras protein from trafficking to the cell membrane and significantly reduced expressions of SPP1 (p < 0.05) and SOX2 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Anti-proliferative effects of statins and hemin on human pancreatic cancer cell lines do not seem to be related to the heme oxygenase pathway. While hemin triggers reactive oxygen species-induced cell death, cerivastatin targets Ras protein trafficking and affects markers of invasiveness.

Escherichia coli heme oxygenase modulates host innate immune responses

Induction of mammalian heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and exposure of animals to carbon monoxide (CO) ameliorates experimental colitis. When enteric bacteria, including Escherichia coli, are exposed to low iron conditions, they express an HO-like enzyme, chuS, and metabolize heme into iron, biliverdin and CO. Given the abundance of enteric bacteria residing in the intestinal lumen, our postulate was that commensal intestinal bacteria may be a significant source of CO and those that express chuS and other Ho-like molecules suppress inflammatory immune responses through release of CO. According to real-time PCR, exposure of mice to CO results in changes in enteric bacterial composition and increases E. coli 16S and chuS DNA. Moreover, the severity of experimental colitis correlates positively with E. coli chuS expression in IL-10 deficient mice. To explore functional roles, E. coli were genetically modified to overexpress chuS or the chuS gene was deleted. Co-culture of chuS-overexpressing E. coli with bone marrow-derived macrophages resulted in less IL-12p40 and greater IL-10 secretion than in wild-type or chuS-deficient E. coli. Mice infected with chuS-overexpressing E. coli have more hepatic CO and less serum IL-12 p40 than mice infected with chuS-deficient E. coli. Thus, CO alters the composition of the commensal intestinal microbiota and expands populations of E. coli that harbor the chuS gene. These bacteria are capable of attenuating innate immune responses through expression of chuS. Bacterial HO-like molecules and bacteria-derived CO may represent novel targets for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory conditions.

Heme Oxygenase Activity Correlates with Serum Indices of Iron Homeostasis in Healthy Nonsmokers

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the breakdown of heme to carbon monoxide, iron, and biliverdin. While the use of genetically altered animal models in investigation has established distinct associations between HO activity and systemic iron availability, studies have not yet confirmed such participation of HO in iron homeostasis of humans. Carbon monoxide produced through HO activity will bind to hemoglobin in circulating erythrocytes, and therefore, blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) can be used as an index of HO activity. Using the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we tested the postulate that HO activity correlates with serum indices of iron homeostasis in healthy nonsmokers. The investigation included 844 lifetime nonsmokers (586 females) 18 years of age and older in the study population. Significant correlations were demonstrated between COHb and several indices of iron homeostasis including serum levels of both ferritin and iron and percentage iron saturation of transferrin. There was no significant association between COHb and hemoglobin, the largest repository of heme in the human body, which functions as the substrate for HO. We conclude that HO activity contributes to human iron homeostasis with significant correlations between COHb and serum ferritin and iron levels and percentage iron saturation of transferrin.

Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression Affects Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation, is a cytoprotective enzyme upregulated in the vasculature by increased flow and inflammatory stimuli. Human genetic data suggest that a diminished HO-1 expression may predispose one to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. In addition, heme is known to strongly induce HO-1 expression. Utilizing the porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) model of AAA induction in HO-1 heterozygous (HO-1^+/-, HO-1 Het) mice, we found that a deficiency in HO-1 leads to augmented AAA development. Peritoneal macrophages from HO-1^+/- mice showed increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including MCP-1, TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, and IL-6, but decreased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta. Furthermore, treatment with heme returned AAA progression in HO-1 Het mice to a wild-type profile. Using a second murine AAA model (Ang II-ApoE^-/-), we showed that low doses of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor rosuvastatin can induce HO-1 expression in aortic tissue and suppress AAA progression in the absence of lipid lowering. Our results support those studies that suggest that pleiotropic statin effects might be beneficial in AAA, possibly through the upregulation of HO-1. Specific targeted therapies designed to induce HO-1 could become an adjunctive therapeutic strategy for the prevention of AAA disease.

Inhibition of heme oxygenase activity using a microparticle formulation of zinc protoporphyrin in an acute hemolytic newborn mouse model

BACKGROUND

Increased bilirubin production due to hemolysis can lead to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Inhibition of heme oxygenase (HO), the rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism, by metalloporphyrins (Mps) may be an ideal preventive strategy for neonatal hemolytic disease. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) is a naturally occurring Mp, potent, not phototoxic, with minimal HO-1 upregulation, but is not orally absorbed. Recently, we designed a lipid-based ZnPP formulation (ZnPP-Lipid), which is orally absorbed by newborn mice. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of ZnPP-Lipid in heme-loaded newborn mice, a model analogous to hemolytic infants.

METHODS

After 24 h of heme administration (30 µmol/kg s.c.), 4-d-old mice were given 30 µmol ZnPP-Lipid/kg via intragastric injections. After 3 h, liver and brain HO activity were measured. HO-1 upregulation was assessed by determinations of HO-1 protein, promoter activity, and mRNA by Western blot, in vivo bioluminescence imaging, and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

After heme loading, liver HO activity significantly increased ~1.6-fold, which was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by ZnPP-Lipid. A dose of 30 µmol/kg returned activity to control levels. Brain HO activity was not inhibited. No significant increases in liver and brain HO-1 protein, promoter activity, and mRNA were observed.

CONCLUSION

ZnPP-Lipid is effective and thus has potential for treating neonatal hyperbilirubinemia due to hemolysis.

CO-releasing molecule (CORM) conjugate systems

To try to advance CORMs toward medical applications, they are covalently bound to peptides, polymers, nanoparticles, dendrimers, and protein cages or are incorporated into non-wovens, tablets, or metal–organic frameworks.

Synthesis of oxime-based CO-releasing molecules, CORMs and their immobilization on maghemite nanoparticles for magnetic-field induced CO release

Labile and intensely colored CORMs are stabilized in alginate–dextran composites.

Transition-Metal-Free CO-Releasing BODIPY Derivatives Activatable by Visible to NIR Light as Promising Bioactive Molecules

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) are chemical agents used to administer CO as an endogenous, biologically active molecule. A precise spatial and temporal control over the CO release is the major requirement for their applications. Here, we report the synthesis and properties of a new generation of transition-metal-free carbon monoxide-releasing molecules based on BODIPY chromophores (COR-BDPs) activatable by visible-to-NIR (up to 730 nm) light. We demonstrate their performance for both in vitro and in vivo experimental settings, and we propose the mechanism of the CO release based on steady-state and transient spectroscopy experiments and quantum chemical calculations.

Heme Degradation by Heme Oxygenase Protects Mitochondria but Induces ER Stress via Formed Bilirubin

Heme oxygenase (HO), in conjunction with biliverdin reductase, degrades heme to carbon monoxide, ferrous iron and bilirubin (BR); the latter is a potent antioxidant. The induced isoform HO-1 has evoked intense research interest, especially because it manifests anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects relieving acute cell stress. The mechanisms by which HO mediates the described effects are not completely clear. However, the degradation of heme, a strong pro-oxidant, and the generation of BR are considered to play key roles. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of BR on vital functions of hepatocytes focusing on mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The affinity of BR to proteins is a known challenge for its exact quantification. We consider two major consequences of this affinity, namely possible analytical errors in the determination of HO activity, and biological effects of BR due to direct interaction with protein function. In order to overcome analytical bias we applied a polynomial correction accounting for the loss of BR due to its adsorption to proteins. To identify potential intracellular targets of BR we used an in vitro approach involving hepatocytes and isolated mitochondria. After verification that the hepatocytes possess HO activity at a similar level as liver tissue by using our improved post-extraction spectroscopic assay, we elucidated the effects of increased HO activity and the formed BR on mitochondrial function and the ER stress response. Our data show that BR may compromise cellular metabolism and proliferation via induction of ER stress. ER and mitochondria respond differently to elevated levels of BR and HO-activity. Mitochondria are susceptible to hemin, but active HO protects them against hemin-induced toxicity. BR at slightly elevated levels induces a stress response at the ER, resulting in a decreased proliferative and metabolic activity of hepatocytes. However, the proteins that are targeted by BR still have to be identified.

Carbon monoxide: a critical quantitative analysis and review of the extent and limitations of its second messenger function

Endogenously produced carbon monoxide (CO) is commonly believed to be a ubiquitous second messenger involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological responses. The major evidence supporting this concept is that CO is produced endogenously via heme oxygenase-catalyzed breakdown of heme and that experimental exposure to CO alters tissue function. However, it remains to be conclusively demonstrated that there are specific receptors for CO and that endogenous CO production is sufficient to alter tissue function. Unlike other signaling molecules, CO is not significantly metabolized, and it is removed from cells solely via rapid diffusion into blood, which serves as a near infinite sink. This non-metabolizable nature of CO renders the physiology of this gas uniquely susceptible to quantitative modeling. This review analyzes each of the steps involved in CO signaling: 1) the background CO partial pressure (PCO) and the blood and tissue CO binding; 2) the affinity of the putative CO receptors; 3) the rate of endogenous tissue CO production; and 4) the tissue PCO that results from the balance between this endogenous CO production and diffusion to the blood sink. Because existing data demonstrate that virtually all endogenous CO production results from the routine "housekeeping" turnover of heme, only a small fraction can play a signaling role. The novel aspect of the present report is to demonstrate via physiological modeling that this small fraction of CO production is seemingly insufficient to raise intracellular PCO to the levels required for the conventional, specific messenger receptor activation. It is concluded that the many physiological alterations observed with exogenous CO administration are probably produced by the non-specific CO inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase activity, with release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that this ROS signaling pathway is a potential effector mechanism for endogenously produced CO.

Protective effect of heme oxygenase induction in ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis

Estrogen-induced cholestasis is characterized by impaired hepatic uptake and biliary bile acids secretion because of changes in hepatocyte transporter expression. The induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), the inducible isozyme in heme catabolism, is mediated via the Bach1/Nrf2 pathway, and protects livers from toxic, oxidative and inflammatory insults. However, its role in cholestasis remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of HMOX1 induction by heme on ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis and possible underlying mechanisms. Wistar rats were given ethinylestradiol (5 mg/kg s.c.) for 5 days. HMOX1 was induced by heme (15 μmol/kg i.p.) 24 hrs prior to ethinylestradiol. Serum cholestatic markers, hepatocyte and renal membrane transporter expression, and biliary and urinary bile acids excretion were quantified. Ethinylestradiol significantly increased cholestatic markers (P ≤ 0.01), decreased biliary bile acid excretion (39%, P = 0.01), down-regulated hepatocyte transporters (Ntcp/Oatp1b2/Oatp1a4/Mrp2, P ≤ 0.05), and up-regulated Mrp3 (348%, P ≤ 0.05). Heme pre-treatment normalized cholestatic markers, increased biliary bile acid excretion (167%, P ≤ 0.05) and up-regulated hepatocyte transporter expression. Moreover, heme induced Mrp3 expression in control (319%, P ≤ 0.05) and ethinylestradiol-treated rats (512%, P ≤ 0.05). In primary rat hepatocytes, Nrf2 silencing completely abolished heme-induced Mrp3 expression. Additionally, heme significantly increased urinary bile acid clearance via up-regulation (Mrp2/Mrp4) or down-regulation (Mrp3) of renal transporters (P ≤ 0.05). We conclude that HMOX1 induction by heme increases hepatocyte transporter expression, subsequently stimulating bile flow in cholestasis. Also, heme stimulates hepatic Mrp3 expression via a Nrf2-dependent mechanism. Bile acids transported by Mrp3 to the plasma are highly cleared into the urine, resulting in normal plasma bile acid levels. Thus, HMOX1 induction may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis.

Identification of heme oxygenase-1 stimulators by a convenient ELISA-based bilirubin quantification assay

The upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has proven to be a useful tool for fighting inflammation. In order to identify new HO-1 inducers, an efficient screening method was developed which can provide new lead structures for drug research. We designed a simple ELISA-based HO-1 enzyme activity assay, which allows for the screening of 12 compounds in parallel in the setting of a 96-well plate. The well-established murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 is used and only about 26µg of protein from whole cell lysates is needed for the analysis of HO-1 activity. The quantification of HO-1 activity is based on an indirect ELISA using the specific anti-bilirubin antibody 24G7 to quantify directly bilirubin in the whole cell lysate, applying a horseradish peroxidase-tagged antibody together with ortho-phenylenediamine and H2O2 for detection. The bilirubin is produced on the action of HO enzymes by converting their substrate heme to biliverdin and additional recombinant biliverdin reductase together with NADPH at pH 7.4 in buffer. This sensitive assay allows for the detection of 0.57-82pmol bilirubin per sample in whole cell lysates. Twenty-three small molecules, mainly natural products with an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl unit such as polyphenols, including flavonoids and chalcones, terpenes, an isothiocyanate, and the drug oltipraz were tested at typically 6 or 24h incubation with RAW264.7 cells. The activity of known HO-1 inducers was confirmed, while the chalcones cardamonin, flavokawain A, calythropsin, 2',3,4'-trihydroxy-4-methoxychalcone (THMC), and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxychalcone (DHDMC) were identified as new potent HO-1 inducers. The highest inductive power after 6h incubation was found at 10µM for DHDMC (6.1-fold), carnosol (3.9-fold), butein (3.1-fold), THMC (2.9-fold), and zerumbone (2.5-fold). Moreover, the time dependence of HO-1 protein production for DHDMC was compared to its enzyme activity, which was further evaluated in the presence of lipopolysaccharide and the specific HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX. Taken together, we developed a convenient and highly sensitive ELISA-based HO-1 enzyme activity assay, allowing the identification and characterization of molecules potentially useful for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Introduction of water into the heme distal side by Leu65 mutations of an oxygen sensor, YddV, generates verdoheme and carbon monoxide, exerting the heme oxygenase reaction

The globin-coupled oxygen sensor, YddV, is a heme-based oxygen sensor diguanylate cyclase. Oxygen binding to the heme Fe(II) complex in the N-terminal sensor domain of this enzyme substantially enhances its diguanylate cyclase activity which is conducted in the C-terminal functional domain. Leu65 is located on the heme distal side and is important for keeping the stability of the heme Fe(II)-O2 complex by preventing the entry of the water molecule to the heme complex. In the present study, it was found that (i) Escherichia coli-overexpressed and purified L65N mutant of the isolated heme-bound domain of YddV (YddV-heme) contained the verdoheme iron complex and other modified heme complexes as determined by optical absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry; (ii) CO was generated in the reconstituted system composed of heme-bound L65N and NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase as confirmed by gas chromatography; (iii) CO generation of heme-bound L65N in the reconstituted system was inhibited by superoxide dismutase and catalase. In a concordance with the result, the reactive oxygen species increased the CO generation; (iv) the E. coli cells overexpressing the L65N protein of YddV-heme also formed significant amounts of CO compared to the cells overexpressing the wild type protein; (v) generation of verdoheme and CO was also observed for other mutants at Leu65 as well, but to a lesser extent. Since Leu65 mutations are assumed to introduce the water molecule into the heme distal side of YddV-heme, it is suggested that the water molecule would significantly contribute to facilitating heme oxygenase reactions for the Leu65 mutants.

Spirulina platensis and phycocyanobilin activate atheroprotective heme oxygenase-1: a possible implication for atherogenesis

Spirulina platensis, a water blue-green alga, has been associated with potent biological effects, which might have important relevance in atheroprotection. We investigated whether S. platensis or phycocyanobilin (PCB), its tetrapyrrolic chromophore, can activate atheroprotective heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox1), a key enzyme in the heme catabolic pathway responsible for generation of a potent antioxidant bilirubin, in endothelial cells and in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. In vitro experiments were performed on EA.hy926 endothelial cells exposed to extracts of S. platensis or PCB. In vivo studies were performed on ApoE-deficient mice fed a cholesterol diet and S. platensis. The effect of these treatments on Hmox1, as well as other markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, was then investigated. Both S. platensis and PCB markedly upregulated Hmox1 in vitro, and a substantial overexpression of Hmox1 was found in aortic atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-deficient mice fed S. platensis. In addition, S. platensis treatment led to a significant increase in Hmox1 promoter activity in the spleens of Hmox-luc transgenic mice. Furthermore, both S. platensis and PCB were able to modulate important markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, such as eNOS, p22 NADPH oxidase subunit, and/or VCAM-1. Both S. platensis and PCB activate atheroprotective HMOX1 in endothelial cells and S. platensis increased the expression of Hmox1 in aortic atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-deficient mice, and also in Hmox-luc transgenic mice beyond the lipid lowering effect. Therefore, activation of HMOX1 and the heme catabolic pathway may represent an important mechanism of this food supplement for the reduction of atherosclerotic disease.

Effects of light on metalloporphyrin-treated newborn mice

Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) is a promising metalloporphyrin with sufficient potency, but has poor solubility and is not absorbed well orally. Intragastric administration of ZnPP microparticles (30 μmol/kg) to 3-day-old mice resulted in a twofold increase in potency and no signs of phototoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The use of polymeric particulate delivery systems can improve the stability and enhance intestinal absorption of ZnPP, while retaining HO inhibitory potency without photosensitising effects, and thus is potentially useful in treating neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Real-time measurements of endogenous carbon monoxide production in isolated pig lungs

Ischemia-reperfusion injuries are a critical determinant of lung transplantation success. The endogenous production of carbon monoxide (CO) is triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Our aim was, therefore, to assess the feasibility of exhaled CO measurements during the ex vivo evaluation of lungs submitted to ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Five pigs were euthanized and their lungs removed after pneumoplegia. After cold storage (30 min, 4°C), the lungs were connected to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit, slowly warmed-up, and ventilated. At the end of a 45-min steady state, CO measurements were performed by optical-feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy, a specific laser-based technique for noninvasive and real-time low gas concentration measurements. Exhaled CO concentration from isolated lungs reached 0.45±0.19  ppmv and was above CO concentration in ambient air and in medical gas. CO variations peaked during the expiratory phase. Changes in CO concentration in ambient air did not alter CO concentrations in isolated lungs. Exhaled CO level was also found to be uncorrelated to heme oxygenase (HO-1) gene expression. These results confirm the feasibility of accurate and real-time CO measurement in isolated lungs. The presented technology could help establishing the exhaled CO concentration as a biomarker of ischemia-reperfusion injury in ex vivo lung perfusion.

Expression level and subcellular localization of heme oxygenase-1 modulates its cytoprotective properties in response to lung injury: a mouse model

Premature infants exposed to hyperoxia suffer acute and long-term pulmonary consequences. Nevertheless, neonates survive hyperoxia better than adults. The factors contributing to neonatal hyperoxic tolerance are not fully elucidated. In contrast to adults, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-anchored protein, is abundant in the neonatal lung but is not inducible in response to hyperoxia. The latter may be important, because very high levels of HO-1 overexpression are associated with significant oxygen cytotoxicity in vitro. Also, in contrast to adults, HO-1 localizes to the nucleus in neonatal mice exposed to hyperoxia. To understand the mechanisms by which HO-1 expression levels and subcellular localization contribute to hyperoxic tolerance in neonates, lung-specific transgenic mice expressing high or low levels of full-length HO-1 (cytoplasmic, HO-1-FL(H) or HO-1-FL(L)) or C-terminally truncated HO-1 (nuclear, Nuc-HO-1-TR) were generated. In HO-1-FL(L), the lungs had a normal alveolar appearance and lesser oxidative damage after hyperoxic exposure. In contrast, in HO-1-FL(H), alveolar wall thickness with type II cell hyperproliferation was observed as well worsened pulmonary function and evidence of abnormal lung cell hyperproliferation in recovery from hyperoxia. In Nuc-HO-1-TR, the lungs had increased DNA oxidative damage, increased poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein expression, and reduced poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) hydrolysis as well as reduced pulmonary function in recovery from hyperoxia. These data indicate that low cytoplasmic HO-1 levels protect against hyperoxia-induced lung injury by attenuating oxidative stress, whereas high cytoplasmic HO-1 levels worsen lung injury by increasing proliferation and decreasing apoptosis of alveolar type II cells. Enhanced lung nuclear HO-1 levels impaired recovery from hyperoxic lung injury by disabling PAR-dependent regulation of DNA repair. Lastly both high cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of HO-1 predisposed to long-term abnormal lung cellular proliferation. To maximize HO-1 cytoprotective effects, therapeutic strategies must account for the specific effects of its subcellular localization and expression levels.

The effect of heme oxygenase on ganglioside redistribution within hepatocytes in experimental estrogen-induced cholestasis

Cholestasis is characterized by the elevation of serum total bile acids (TBA), which leads to the production of both free radicals and oxidative stress. Although they do not share the same mechanisms, membrane glycosphingolipids (GSL) and the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) both act against the pro-oxidative effect of TBA. The aim of the study was to assess the role of HMOX on GSL redistribution and composition within hepatocytes in the rat model of estrogen-induced cholestasis. Compared to the controls, an increase of total gangliosides in the liver homogenates of the cholestatic group (P=0.001) was detected; further, it paralleled along with the activation of their biosynthetic b-branch pathway (P<0.01). These effects were partially prevented by HMOX activation. Cholestasis was accompanied by a redistribution of GM1 ganglioside from the cytoplasm to the sinusoids; while HMOX activation led to the retention of GM1 in the cytoplasm (P=0.014). Our study shows that estrogen-induced cholestasis is followed by changes in the synthesis and/or distribution of GSL. These changes are not only triggered by the detergent power of accumulated TBA, but also by their pro-oxidant action. Increases in the antioxidant defenses might represent an important supportive therapeutic measure for patients with cholestatic liver disease.

In vitro Activation of heme oxygenase-2 by menadione and its analogs

BACKGROUND

Previously, we reported that menadione activated rat, native heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) and human recombinant heme oxygenase-2 selectively; it did not activate spleen, microsomal heme oxygenase-1. The purpose of this study was to explore some structure-activity relationships of this activation and the idea that redox properties may be an important aspect of menadione efficacy.

METHODS

Heme oxygenase activity was determined in vitro using rat spleen and brain microsomes as the sources of heme oxygenase-1 and -2, respectively, as well as recombinant, human heme oxygenase-2.

RESULTS

Menadione analogs with bulky aliphatic groups at position-3, namely vitamins K1 and K2, were not able to activate HO-2. In contrast, several compounds with similar bulky but less lipophilic moieties at position-2 (and -3) were able to activate HO-2 many fold; these compounds included polar, rigid, furan-containing naphthoquinones, furan-benzoxazine naphthoquinones, 2-(aminophenylphenyl)-3-piperidin-1-yl naphthoquinones. To explore the idea that redox properties might be involved in menadione efficacy, we tested analogs such as 1,4-dimethoxy-2-methylnaphthalene, pentafluoromenadione, monohalogenated naphthoquinones, α-tetralone and 1,4-naphthoquinone. All of these compounds were inactive except for 1,4-naphthoquinone. Menadione activated full-length recombinant human heme oxygenase-2 (FL-hHO-2) as effectively as rat brain enzyme, but it did not activate rat spleen heme oxygenase.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations are consistent with the idea that naphthoquinones such as menadione bind to a receptor in HO-2 and activate the enzyme through a mechanism that may involve redox properties.

Protective effects of inhaled carbon monoxide in endotoxin-induced cholestasis is dependent on its kinetics

Carbon monoxide (CO), a product of heme oxygenase (HMOX), has many beneficial biological functions and is a promising therapeutic agent for many pathological conditions. However, the kinetics of inhaled CO and its protective role in endotoxin-induced cholestasis is not fully known. Thus, our objective was to characterize the kinetics of inhaled CO and then investigate its use in early phase experimental endotoxin-induced cholestasis. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: CON (control), LPS (lipopolysaccharide, 6 mg/kg), CO (250 ppm COx1h), and CO + LPS. Rats were sacrificed at 0-12 h after LPS administration. Tissues and blood were collected for liver injury markers and tissue CO distribution measurements. Livers were harvested for measurements of Hmox activity, Hmox1 mRNA expression, cytokines (IL10, IL6, TNF), and bile lipid and pigment transporters. Half-lives of CO in spleen, blood, heart, brain, kidney, liver, and lungs were 2.4 ± 1.5, 2.3 ± 0.8, 1.8 ± 1.6, 1.5 ± 1.2, 1.1 ± 1.1, 0.6 ± 0.3, 0.6 ± 0.2 h, respectively. CO treatment increased liver IL10 mRNA and decreased TNF expression 1 h after LPS treatment and prevented the down-regulation of bile acid and bilirubin hepatic transporters (Slc10a1, Abcb11, and Abcc2, p < 0.05), an effect closely related to the kinetics. The protective effect of CO against cholestatic liver injury persisted even 12 h after CO exposure, as shown by attenuation of serum cholestatic markers in CO-treated animals. CO exposure substantially attenuated endotoxin-induced cholestatic liver injury and was directly related to the kinetics of inhaled CO. This data underscores the importance of the kinetics of inhaled CO for the proper design of experimental and clinical studies of using CO as a treatment strategy.

Carbon monoxide stimulates Ca2+ -dependent big-conductance K channels in the cortical collecting duct

We used the patch-clamp technique to examine the role of carbon monoxide (CO) in regulating Ca(2+)-activated big-conductance K (BK) channels in the principal cell of the cortical collecting duct (CCD). Application of CORM3 or CORM2, a CO donor, activated BK channels in the CCD, whereas adding inactivated CORM2/3 had no effect. Superfusion of the CCD with CO-bubbled bath solution also activated the BK channels in the cell-attached patches. The effect of CO on BK channels was not dependent on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) because the effect of CORM3 was also observed in the CCD treated with l-NAME, an agent that inhibits the NOS. Adding a membrane-permeable cGMP analog, 8-bromo-cGMP, significantly increased the BK channel in the CCD. However, inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase failed to abolish the stimulatory effect of CORM3 on BK channels. Moreover, inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G did not block the stimulatory effect of CORM3 on the BK channels, suggesting that the stimulatory effect of CO on the BK channels was, at least partially, induced by a cGMP-independent mechanism. Western blot demonstrated that heme oxygenase type 1 (HO-1) and HO-2 were expressed in the kidney. Moreover, a high-K (HK) intake increased the expression of HO-1 but not HO-2 in the kidney. A HK intake also increased renal HO activity defined by NADPH-dependent CO generation following addition of heme in the cell lysate from renal cortex and outer medulla. The role of HO in regulating BK channel activity in the CCD was also suggested by experiments in which application of hemin increased the BK channels. The stimulatory effect of hemin on the BK channels was blocked by SnMP, a HO inhibitor. But, adding CORM3 was still able to activate the BK channels in the presence of SnMP. We conclude that CO activates the BK channels, at least partially, through a NO-cGMP-independent pathway and that HO plays a role in mediating the effect of HK intake on the BK channels in the CCD.

Up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 attenuates brain damage after cerebral ischemia via simultaneous inhibition of superoxide production and preservation of NO bioavailability

Cerebral ischemia exacerbates neuronal death and neurological dysfunction. Evidence supports the involvement of oxidative/nitrative stress in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism, possessing potent anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis effects. In transgenic mice, HO-1 overproduction is neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia injury, but by unclear mechanisms. The present study determined whether treatment with adenoviral vector overexpressing HO-1 (Ad-HO-1) attenuates post-ischemic brain damage via reduction of oxidative/nitrative stress. After focal cerebral ischemia, Ad-HO-1 reduced lipid peroxidation and protein nitration, decreased infarct volume, and attenuated neurologic deficits. Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX, a specific HO-1 inhibitor) blocked Ad-HO-1 mediated effects against ischemic brain damage. Although Ad-HO-1 slightly reduced ischemic brain NO concentrations, Ad-HO-1 treatment significantly inhibited cerebral expression of iNOS protein expression, without significant effect upon nNOS or eNOS expression compared to vehicle after focal cerebral ischemia. Ad-HO-1 preserved NO bioavailability by increasing eNOS phosphorylation during ischemia compared to vehicle. Together, our results suggest that Ad-HO-1 attenuates post-ischemic brain damage via simultaneous reduction of oxidative/nitrative stress and preservation of NO bioavailability.

Intracellular accumulation of bilirubin as a defense mechanism against increased oxidative stress

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects have been associated with elevations of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in serum and with the induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the rate-limiting enzyme in UCB synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the intracellular metabolism and antioxidant properties of UCB in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and tissues of Wistar rats exposed to oxidative stressors and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. Intracellular UCB concentrations in HepG2 cells correlated with its levels in culture media (p < 0.001) and diminished lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). Moreover, induction of HO-1 with sodium arsenite led to 2.4-fold (p = 0.01) accumulation of intracellular UCB over basal level while sodium azide-derived oxidative stress resulted in a 60% drop (p < 0.001). This decrease was ameliorated by UCB elevation in media or by simultaneous induction of HO-1. In addition, hyperbilirubinemia and liver HO-1 induction in LPS-treated rats resulted in a 2-fold accumulation of tissue UCB (p = 0.01) associated with enhanced protection against lipid peroxidation (p = 0.02). In conclusion, hyperbilirubinemia and HO-1 induction associated with inflammation and oxidative stress increase intracellular concentrations of UCB, thus enhancing the protection of cellular lipids against peroxidation. Therefore, the previously reported protective effects of hyperbilirubinemia and HO-1 induction are at least in part due to intracellular accumulation of UCB.

Heme oxygenase inhibition by α-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-ω-phenylalkanes: effect of introduction of heteroatoms in the alkyl linker

Several α-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-ω-phenylalkanes were synthesized and evaluated as novel inhibitors of heme oxygenase (HO). These compounds were found to be potent and selective for the stress-induced isozyme HO-1, showing mostly weak activity toward the constitutive isozyme HO-2. The introduction of an oxygen atom in the alkyl linker produced analogues with decreased potency toward HO-1, whereas the presence of a sulfur atom in the linker gave rise to analogues with greater potency toward HO-1 than the carbon-containing analogues. The most potent compounds studied contained a five-atom linker between the imidazolyl and phenyl moieties, whereas the most HO-1-selective compounds contained a four-atom linker between these groups. The compounds with a five-atom linker containing a heteroatom (O or S) were found to be the most potent inhibitors of HO-2; 1-(N-benzylamino)-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane dihydrochloride, with a nitrogen atom in the linker, was found to be inactive.