Direct evidence for inhibition of free radical formation from Cu(I) and hydrogen peroxide by glutathione and other potential ligands using the EPR spin-trapping technique

Effective antibacterial agents in modern wound dressings: a review

Wound infections are a significant concern in healthcare, leading to long healing times. Traditional approaches for managing wound infections rely heavily on systemic antibiotics, which are associated with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, the development of alternative antibacterial materials for wound care has gained considerable attention. In today's world, new generations of wound dressing are commonly used to heal wounds. These new dressings keep the wound and the area around it moist to improve wound healing. However, this moist environment can also foster an environment that is favorable for the growth of bacteria. Excessive antibiotic use poses a significant threat to human health and causes bacterial resistance, so new-generation wound dressings must be designed and developed to reduce the risk of infection. Wound dressings using antimicrobial compounds minimize wound bacterial colonization, making them the best way to avoid open wound infection. We aim to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in antibacterial materials for wound management.

UV irradiation induced simultaneous reduction of Cu(II) and degradation of EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA in wastewater containing Cu(II)-EDTA

Decomplexation of Cu(II)-EDTA followed by chemical precipitation of free Cu(II) ions can effectively degrade EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA and remove Cu(II), but requires large precipitant dosage and inevitably produces a large amount of copper-containing sludge that is difficult to deal with. Herein, we demonstrated that simultaneous reduction of Cu(II) and degradation of EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA can be achieved by UV irradiation of wastewater containing Cu(II)-EDTA without adding reagent. 93.65% of Cu(II) was reduced to Cu(0) with a high purity of 99.93 wt%, which can be recycled, thus avoiding the generation of copper-containing sludge. 96.67% of EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA was degraded, and the final products were HCHO, NH4+, NO3- and low-molecular acids. In depth, the dominant degradation mechanism of EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA was photo-induced successive decarboxylation through homolysis of C-O and C-C bond of -CH2-COOH group, followed by ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) and hydrolysis reactions. The minor degradation mechanism of EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA was successive decarboxylation by •OH radicals. Simultaneously, Cu(II) was reduced to Cu(0) by H• and eaq- produced by UV irradiation of Cu(II)-EDTA. This study provided an approach of simultaneous removal of heavy metals and degradation of EDTA in Cu(II)-EDTA in wastewater containing heavy metal-EDTA complex.

Unravelling the Mechanistic Understanding of Metal Nanoparticle-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Formation: Insights from a Cu Nanoparticle Study

Humans can be exposed to engineered and nonintentionally formed metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (Me NPs) in occupational settings, in public transportation areas, or by means of contact with different consumer products. A critical factor in the toxic potency of Me NPs is their ability to induce oxidative stress. It is thus essential to assess the potential reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation properties of Me NPs. A common way to assess the relative extent of ROS formation in vitro is to use fluorescence spectroscopy with the DCFH-DA (2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate) probe, with and without HRP (horseradish peroxidase). However, this method does not provide any information about specific ROS species or reaction mechanisms. This study investigated the possibility of using complementary techniques to obtain more specific information about formed ROS species, both the type and reaction mechanisms. Cu NPs in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) were chosen as a test system to have the simplest (least interference from other components) aqueous solution with a physiologically relevant pH. ROS formation was assessed using fluorescence by means of the DCFH-DA method (information on relative amounts of oxygen radicals without selectivity), the Ghormley's triiodide method using UV-vis spectrophotometry (concentrations of H2O2), and electron paramagnetic resonance with DMPO as the spin-trap agent (information on specific oxygen radicals). This approach elucidates that Cu NPs undergo ROS-generating corrosion reactions, which previously have not been assessed in situ. In the presence of H2O2, and based on the type of oxygen radical formed, it was concluded that released copper participates in Haber-Weiss and/or Fenton reactions rather than in Fenton-like reactions. The new combination of techniques used to determine ROS induced by Me NPs provides a way forward to gain a mechanistic understanding of Me NP-induced ROS formation, which is important for gaining crucial insight into their ability to induce oxidative stress.

Excess copper catalyzes protein disulfide bond formation in the bacterial periplasm but not in the cytoplasm

Copper avidly binds thiols and is redox active, and it follows that one element of copper toxicity may be the generation of undesirable disulfide bonds in proteins. In the present study, copper oxidized the model thiol N-acetylcysteine in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) requires disulfide bonds for activity, and copper activated reduced AP both in vitro and when it was expressed in the periplasm of mutants lacking their native disulfide-generating system. However, AP was not activated when it was expressed in the cytoplasm of copper-overloaded cells. Similarly, this copper stress failed to activate OxyR, a transcription factor that responds to the creation of a disulfide bond. The elimination of cellular disulfide-reducing systems did not change these results. Nevertheless, in these cells, the cytoplasmic copper concentration was high enough to impair growth and completely inactivate enzymes with solvent-exposed [4Fe-4S] clusters. Experiments with N-acetylcysteine determined that the efficiency of thiol oxidation is limited by the sluggish pace at which oxygen regenerates copper(II) through oxidation of the thiyl radical-Cu(I) complex. We conclude that this slow step makes copper too inefficient a catalyst to create disulfide stress in the thiol-rich cytoplasm, but it can still impact the few thiol-containing proteins in the periplasm. It also ensures that copper accumulates intracellularly in the Cu(I) valence.

Chalcogen Elements in Regulating the Local Electron Density of Cu2X for an Efficient Heterogeneous Fenton-like Process

In this work, a novel strategy for Fenton activity improvement of Cu₂X was reported, in which the local electron density of Cu sites was regulated via manipulation of simple chalcogen elements (O, S, and Se). Among them, Cu₂Se catalysts show excellent catalytic activity to activate H₂O₂ for the complete removal of ofloxacin (10 mg/L) at an initial pH of 6.5 within 120 min. Radical scavenger experiments and electron spin resonance spectroscopy confirm that ^•OH radicals are the primary oxygen reactive species to drive ofloxacin degradation. In addition, density functional theory calculations further proved that electrons would migrate from X and accumulate on Cu active sites in the order Se > S > O. Compared with Cu₂O and Cu₂S, the highly concentrated electron density of Cu atoms in Cu₂Se not only decreased the activation energy of the Fenton-like reaction but also boosted the Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ cycle with the generation of more ^•OH radicals (18-66 μm) and the maintenance of high stability of catalysts, leading to excellent catalytic activity and application potential. We believe this work will lay the foundation for designing excellent Fenton catalysts for practical applications since developing a heterogeneous Fenton system with the highest oxidation efficiency has always been the long-term goal in this field.

In Situ-Generated CuI Catalytic System for Oxidative N-Formylation of N-Heterocycles and Acyclic Amines with Methanol

The development of a sustainable and simple catalytic system for N-formylation of N-heterocycles with methanol by direct coupling remains a challenge, owing to many competing side reactions, given the sensitivity of N-heterocycles to many catalytic oxidation or dehydrogenation systems. This work concerns the development of an in situ-generated Cu^I catalytic system for oxidative N-formylation of N-heterocycles with methanol that is based on the case study of a more typical 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline as substrate. Aside from N-heterocycles, some acyclic amines are also transformed into the corresponding N-formamides in moderate yields. Furthermore, a probable reaction mechanism and reaction pathway are proposed and extension of work based on some findings leads to a demonstration that the formed ⋅O₂ ^- and ⋅OOH radicals in the catalytic system is related to the formation of undesired tar-like products.

The Boundary between Two Modes of Gas Evolution: Oscillatory (H2 and O2) and Conventional Redox (O2 Only), in the Hydrocarbon/H2O2/Cu(II)/CH3CN System

During the oxidation of hydrocarbons using hydrogen peroxide solutions, the evolution of gaseous oxygen is a side and undesirable process, in which the consumption of the oxidizer is not associated with the formation of target products. Therefore, no attention is paid to the systematic study of the chemical composition of the gas and the mechanisms of its formation. Filling this gap, the authors discovered a number of new, previously unidentified, interesting facts concerning both gas evolution and the oxidation of hydrocarbons. In a 33% H2O2/Cu2Cl4·2DMG/CH3CN system, where DMG is dimethylglyoxime (Butane-2,3-dione dioxime), and is at 50 °C, evidence of significant evolution of gaseous hydrogen, along with the evolution of gaseous oxygen was found. In the authors’ opinion, which requires additional verification, the ratio of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen in the discussed catalytic system can reach up to 1:1. The conditions in which only gaseous oxygen is formed are selected. Using a number of oxidizable hydrocarbons with the first adiabatic ionization potentials (AIPs) of a wide range of values, it was found that the first stage of such a process of evolving only gaseous oxygen was the single electron transfer from hydrogen peroxide molecules to trinuclear copper clusters with the formation, respectively, of hydrogen peroxide radical cations H2O2•+ and radical anions Cu3Cl5•− (AIP = 5 eV). When the conditions for the implementation of such a single electron transfer mechanism are exhausted, the channel of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide molecules into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen is switched on, which is accompanied by the transition of the system to an oscillatory mode of gas evolution. In some cases, the formation of additional amounts of gaseous products is provided by the catalytically activated decomposition of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen after the complete consumption of hydrogen peroxide molecules in the reaction of gaseous oxygen evolution. The adiabatic electron affinity of various forms of copper molecules involved in chemical processes is calculated by the density functional theory method.

Oxidative stress, apoptosis and serotonergic system changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) gills after long-term exposure to microplastics and copper

Fish gills are in direct contact with the surrounding pollutants, and thus, potentially more vulnerable to microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term exposure effects of MPs and copper (Cu) in the gills of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). To this end, zebrafish were exposed to MPs (2 mg/L), Cu (Cu25, 25 μg/L) and their mixture (Cu25 + MPs) for 30 days, and then oxidative stress, detoxification, antioxidant, metabolic and neurotoxicity enzymes/genes, as well serotonergic system and apoptosis genes, were evaluated in gills. In the mixture group, ROS levels were increased, while CAT and GPx activities were inhibited, indicating the induction of oxidative stress in zebrafish gills. This was followed by an increase of LPO levels and potential oxidative damage in zebrafish gills. The tryptophan hydroxylase 1a (tph1a) and caspase-3 (casp3) genes were significantly upregulated in Cu25 + MPs group, indicating a potential dysregulation of serotonin synthesis and apoptosis pathways, respectively. Overall, the present study contributes to improving the knowledge about the response of aquatic organisms to MPs and the potential ecological risk that these particles represent to the ecosystems.

Do glutathione and copper interact to modify Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder first described in 1906 that is currently estimated to impact ∼40 million people worldwide. Extensive research activities have led to a wealth of information on the pathogenesis, hallmarks, and risk factors of AD; however, therapeutic options remain extremely limited. The large number of pathogenic factors that have been reported to potentially contribute to AD include copper dyshomeostasis as well as increased oxidative stress, which is related to alterations to molecular antioxidants like glutathione (GSH). While the individual roles of GSH and copper in AD have been studied by many research groups, their interactions have received relatively little attention, although they appear to interact and affect each other's regulation. Existing knowledge on how GSH-copper interactions may affect AD is sparse and lacks focus. This review first highlights the most relevant individual roles that GSH and copper play in physiology and AD, and then collects and assesses research concerning their interactions, in an effort to provide a more accessible and understandable picture of the role of GSH, copper, and their interactions in AD.

Hydroxyl Radical Generation by the H2O2/CuII/Phenanthroline System under Both Neutral and Alkaline Conditions: An EPR/Spin-Trapping Investigation

The copper–phenanthroline complex CuI(Phen)2 was the first artificial nuclease studied in biology. The mechanism responsible for this activity involves CuII(Phen)2 and H2O2. Even if H2O2/Cu systems have been extensively studied in biology and oxidative chemistry, most of these studies were carried out at physiological pH only, and little information is available on the generation of radicals by the H2O2/CuII-Phen system. In the context of paper pulp bleaching to improve the bleaching ability of H2O2, this system has been investigated, mostly at alkaline pH, and more recently at near-neutral pH in the case of dyed cellulosic fibers. Hence, this paper aims at studying the production of radicals with the H2O2/CuII-Phen system at near-neutral and alkaline pHs. Using the EPR/spin-trapping method, HO• formation was monitored to understand the mechanisms involved. DMPO was used as a spin-trap to form DMPO–OH in the presence of HO•, and two HO• scavengers were compared to identify the origin of the observed DMPO–OH adduct, as nucleophilic addition of water onto DMPO leads to the same adduct. H2O2 decomposition was enhanced by the addition of CuII–Phen (and only slightly by addition of CuSO4), reaching a level similar to the Fenton reagent at near-neutral pH. This evidences the role of Phen, which improves the effect of CuII by tuning the electronic structure and structural properties of the corresponding CuII complexes.

Synthesis, crystal structure, photoluminescence and catalytic properties of a novel cuprous complex with 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid ligands

A copper (I) polymer, [Cu2Mg(pzdc)2(H2O)5•2H2O]n (pzdc = 2,3-Pyrazinedicarboxylic acid), was synthesized by solvothermal method. The complex was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and element analysis. X-ray crystal structure analysis reveals that the complex is a two-dimensional coordination polymer. The photophysical and luminescent properties of the complex were investigated. At room temperature, the complex exhibits reversible double strands cyclic voltammogram and displays efficient blue emission with peak maxima at 468 nm. Catalytic liquid phase oxidation of dyes and glyphosate was carried out using the copper (I) polymer as catalyst and H2O2 as oxidant. Degradation efficiencies were evaluated by varying the reaction conditions (i.e. illumination and oxidant). In the degradation reactions, the polymer exhibits high degradation efficiency within a short reaction time under the optimum reaction conditions. Furthermore, the reusability of the catalyst is excellent, showing no activity loss in four repeated cycles. The possible reaction mechanism catalyzed by the polymer was inferred on the basis of the results of electron spin resonance (ESR), electrochemical and ion chromatography analyses (IC).

Factors that determine thione(thiol)-disulfide interconversion in a bis(thiosemicarbazone) copper(ii) complex

Solvent-, acidity-, and redox-responsive thione(thiol)-disulfide interconversion were achieved by a dinuclear copper(ii) complex bearing a bis(thiosemicarbazone) (bTSC) ligand. The role of copper(ii) ion coordination was rationalized by parallel comparison with a bare bTSC ligand and zinc(ii) bTSC complexes under identical reaction conditions.

Hematoxylin assay of cupric chelation can give false positive results

Some compounds without apparent chelation sites have been shown to chelate cupric ions using the hematoxylin assay. Since these compounds also have reduction potential (direct antioxidant effect), the aim of this study was to determine the possible interference of reducing agents with the hematoxylin assay. Four different known reducing agents (hydroxylamine, vitamin C, trolox - a water-soluble form of vitamin E and reduced glutathione /GSH/) were selected for the study together with oxidized glutathione (GSSG) for comparison. All tested compounds behaved as cupric chelators in the spectrophotometric mildly competitive hematoxylin assay. In-depth analysis however showed that only GSH and GSSG were able to form complexes with both cupric and cuprous ions and only GSSG partly retained copper in its complexes in the more competitive bathocuproine assay. Further experiments showed that with the exception of GSSG, all other compounds reduce Cu²⁺ ions. Conclusion: Compounds reducing copper such as antioxidants can give false positive results in the hematoxylin-screening assay. GSSG is a stronger Cu chelator than GSH and does not reduce Cu, in contrast to the latter and thus may be a protective element after oxidation of GSH.

Chitosan as an antioxidant alternative to sulphites in oenology: EPR investigation of inhibitory mechanisms

The efficacy against oxidative degradation in model and sulphite-free white wines of two commercial, insoluble chitosans (one being approved for winemaking) were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Both compounds at various doses significantly inhibited the formation of α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-t-butylnitrone (4-POBN)-1-hydroxyethyl adducts under normal wine storage conditions. Pre-incubation with 2 g/L chitosan followed by filtration had a better effect than adding 50 mg/L sulphur dioxide to the experimental Chardonnay wine on the release of 4-POBN adducts after 6 days of incubation with 100 μM iron(II). In a relevant photooxidative system acetaldehyde formation was significantly reduced after 6 days of incubation. Parallel EPR tests were performed to assess the importance of metal chelation (iron and copper) versus direct scavenging of hydroxyl radicals on the effect of chitosan. The present data support the potentiality of using biocompatible chitosan as a healthier complement and/or alternative to sulphur dioxide against white wine oxidative spoilage.

African Herbal Remedies with Antioxidant Activity: A Potential Resource Base for Wound Treatment

The use of traditional herbal remedies as alternative medicine plays an important role in Africa since it forms part of primary health care for treatment of various medical conditions, including wounds. Although physiological levels of free radicals are essential to the healing process, they are known to partly contribute to wound chronicity when in excess. Consequently, antioxidant therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of such wounds. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at least, part of the therapeutic value of herbals may be explained by their antioxidant activity. This paper reviews African herbal remedies with antioxidant activity with the aim of indicating potential resources for wound treatment. Firstly, herbals with identified antioxidant compounds and, secondly, herbals with proven antioxidant activity, but where the compound(s) responsible for the activity has not yet been identified, are listed. In the latter case it has been attempted to ascribe the activity to a compound known to be present in the plant family and/or species, where related activity has previously been documented for another genus of the species. Also, the tests employed to assess antioxidant activity and the potential caveats thereof during assessment are briefly commented on.

Graphene Quantum Dots Protect against Copper Redox-Mediated Free Radical Generation and Cardiac Cell Injury

In this work, we investigated the effects of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on copper redox-mediated free radical generation and cell injury. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry in conjunction with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) as a spin trap, we found that GQDs at a concentration as low as 1 μg/ml significantly inhibited Cu(II)/H₂O₂-mediated hydroxyl radical formation. GQDs also blocked Cu(II)-catalyzed nucleophilic addition of H₂O to DMPO to form a DMPO-OH adduct in the absence of H₂O₂, suggesting a potential for GQDs to inhibit copper redox activity. Indeed, we observed that the presence of GQDs prevented H₂O₂-mediated reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) though GQDs themselves also caused the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). To further investigate the effects of GQDs on copper redox activity, we employed the Cu(II)/hydroquinone system in which copper redox activity plays an essential role in the oxidation of hydroquinone to semiquinone radicals with consequent oxygen consumption. Using oxygen polarography as well as EPR spectrometry, we demonstrated that the presence of GQDs drastically blocked the oxygen consumption and semiquinone radical formation resulting from the reaction of Cu(II) and hydroquinone. These results suggested that GQDs suppressed free radical formation via inhibiting copper redox activity. Lastly, using cultured human cardiomyocytes, we demonstrated that the presence of GQDs also protected against Cu(II)/H₂O₂-mediated cardiac cell injury as indicated by morphological changes (e.g., cell shrinkage and degeneration). In conclusion, our work shows, for the first time, the potential for using GQDs to counteract copper redox-mediated biological damage.

Copper or/and arsenic induce oxidative stress-cascaded, nuclear factor kappa B-dependent inflammation and immune imbalance, trigging heat shock response in the kidney of chicken

Excessive amount of copper (Cu) and inorganic arsenic (iAs) coexists in drinking water in many regions, this is associated with high risk of nephropathy, defined as chronic structural and functional disorders of the kidney. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, a total of 72 day-old Hy-line chickens were exposed to 300 mg/kg copper sulphate or/and 30 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 12 weeks. Indicators of oxidative stress, inflammation and heat shock proteins (HSPs) production were analyzed in kidney. The results showed that, when the toxicant was administrated alone, there is an antagonism between redox homeostasis during the first 4 weeks, which follows a collapse of antioxidant system manifested by damaged biomembrane structure. What's worse, oxidative damage-cascaded histopathological lesions were accompanied by increases of proinflammatory mediators and an imbalance of "Th1/Th2 drift" (Th, helper T cell) regulated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Simultaneously, intense heat shock response went with the organism. The above-mentioned renal lesions and indicators changes were time-dependent, more complex and deteriorated effects were observed in Cu/iAs combined groups compared with the others. This study supports Cu and iAs have a synergistic type on the nephro-toxicological process additively. In conclusion, oxidative stress and inflammatory induced by Cu or/and iAs are potential mechanisms in their nephrotoxicity, increased heat shock response may play a renoprotection function in tissues damage.

The environment and male reproduction: The effect of cadmium exposure on reproductive function and its implication in fertility

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant known as endocrine disruptor. Testis is particularly susceptible to cadmium, and testis injury occurs at high but even low levels of exposure. Cadmium reproductive toxicity is mediated by multiple mechanisms, including structural damage to testis vasculature and blood-testis barrier, inflammation, cytotoxicity on Sertoli and Leydig cells, oxidative stress mainly by means of mimicry and interference with essential ions, apoptosis, interference with selected signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation of genes involved in the regulation of reproductive function, and disturbance of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The current review outlines epidemiological observational findings from environmental and occupational exposure in humans, and reports experimental studies in humans and animals. Lastly, a focus on the pathogenetic mechanisms of cadmium toxicity and on the specific mechanisms of cadmium sensitivity and resistance, particularly assessed in animal models, is included. Despite convincing experimental findings in animals and supporting evidences in humans identifying cadmium as reproductive toxicant, observational findings are controversial, suffering from heterogeneity of study design and pattern of exposure, and from co-exposure to multiple pollutants.

The Effects of Dithiothreitol on DNA

With the novel possibilities for detecting molecules of interest with extreme sensitivity also comes the risk of encountering hitherto negligible sources of error. In life science, such sources of error might be the broad variety of additives such as dithiothreitol (DTT) used to preserve enzyme stability during in vitro reactions. Using two different assays that can sense strand interruptions in double stranded DNA, we here show that DTT is able to introduce nicks in the DNA backbone. DTT was furthermore shown to facilitate the immobilization of fluorescent DNA on an NHS-ester functionalized glass surface. Such reactions may in particular impact the readout from single molecule detection studies and other ultrasensitive assays. This was highlighted by the finding that DTT markedly decreased the signal to noise ratio in a DNA sensor based assay with single molecule resolution.

Detrimental Effects of N-Acetylcysteine Plus Desferoxamine Combination in an Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome Model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and desferoxamine (DFO) administered alone or in combination together in rats with doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotic syndrome, by monitoring oxidative stress parameters and trace elements in renal tissue and erythrocytes. Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were included the study. Equal volume of isotonic saline was injected to control rats. After DOX administration, the animals were divided into four experimental groups: (a) rats given only DOX; (b) rats treated with NAC; (c) rats treated with DFO; (d) rats treated with NAC plus DFO. The combination of N-acetylcysteine and DFO has no beneficial effect on reducing proteinuria in experimentally nephrotic rats, although both of these agents ameliorate the condition when administered separately. It seems likely that detrimental effects of NAC plus DFO could be secondary to its effects on erythrocyte selenium levels demonstrated here. Consequently, the results may propose caution to the use of antioxidant therapeutic strategies such as NAC plus DFO against nephropathy.

The Copper(II)-Catalyzed Oxidation of Glutathione

The kinetics and mechanisms of the copper(II)-catalyzed GSH (glutathione) oxidation are examined in the light of its biological importance and in the use of blood and/or saliva samples for GSH monitoring. The rates of the free thiol consumption were measured spectrophotometrically by reaction with DTNB (5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)), showing that GSH is not auto-oxidized by oxygen in the absence of a catalyst. In the presence of Cu²⁺ , reactions with two timescales were observed. The first step (short timescale) involves the fast formation of a copper-glutathione complex by the cysteine thiol. The second step (longer timescale) is the overall oxidation of GSH to GSSG (glutathione disulfide) catalyzed by copper(II). When the initial concentrations of GSH are at least threefold in excess of Cu²⁺ , the rate law is deduced to be -d[thiol]/dt=k[copper-glutathione complex][O₂ ]^0.5 [H₂ O₂ ]^-0.5 . The 0.5^th reaction order with respect to O₂ reveals a pre-equilibrium prior to the rate-determining step of the GSSG formation. In contrast to [Cu²⁺ ] and [O₂ ], the rate of the reactions decreases with increasing concentrations of GSH. This inverse relationship is proposed to be a result of the competing formation of an inactive form of the copper-glutathione complex (binding to glutamic and/or glycine moieties).

Vitamin C, a Multi-Tasking Molecule, Finds a Molecular Target in Killing Cancer Cells

Early work in the 1970s by Linus Pauling, a twice-honored Nobel laureate, led to his proposal of using high-dose vitamin C to treat cancer patients. Over the past several decades, a number of studies in animal models as well as several small-scale clinical studies have provided substantial support of Linus Pauling's early proposal. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via oxidation of vitamin C appears to be a major underlying event, leading to the selective killing of cancer cells. However, it remains unclear how vitamin C selectively kills cancer cells while sparing normal cells and what the molecular targets of high-dose vitamin C are. In a recent article published in Science (2015 December 11; 350(6266):1391-6. doi: 10.1126/science.aaa5004), Yun et al. reported that vitamin C selectively kills KRAS and BRAF mutant colorectal cancer cells by targeting glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) through an ROS-dependent mechanism. This work by Yun et al. along with other findings advances our current understanding of the molecular basis of high-dose vitamin C-mediated cancer cell killing, which will likely give an impetus to the continued research efforts aiming to further decipher the novel biochemistry of vitamin C and its unique role in cancer therapy.

Enhanced Inactivation of Escherichia coli and MS2 Coliphage by Cupric Ion in the Presence of Hydroxylamine: Dual Microbicidal Effects

The inactivation of Escherichia coli and MS2 coliphage by Cu(II) is found to be significantly enhanced in the presence of hydroxylamine (HA). The addition of a small amount of HA (i.e., 5-20 μM) increased the inactivation efficacies of E. coli and MS2 coliphage by 5- to 100-fold, depending on the conditions. Dual effects were anticipated to enhance the biocidal activity of Cu(II) by the addition of HA, viz. (i) the accelerated reduction of Cu(II) into Cu(I) (a stronger biocide) and (ii) the production of reactive oxidants from the reaction of Cu(I) with dissolved oxygen (evidenced by the oxidative transformation of methanol into formaldehyde). Deaeration enhanced the inactivation of E. coli but slightly decreased the inactivation efficacy of MS2 coliphage. The addition of 10 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) greatly enhanced the MS2 inactivation, whereas the same concentration of H2O2 did not significantly affect the inactivation efficacy of E. coli Observations collectively indicate that different biocidal actions lead to the inactivation of E. coli and MS2 coliphage. The toxicity of Cu(I) is dominantly responsible for the E. coli inactivation. However, for the MS2 coliphage inactivation, the oxidative damage induced by reactive oxidants is as important as the effect of Cu(I).

Redox-implications associated with the formation of complexes between copper ions and reduced or oxidized glutathione

Binding of copper by reduced glutathione (GSH) is generally seen as a mechanism to lower, if not abolish, the otherwise high electrophilicity and redox activity of its free ions. In recent years, however, this concept has been contradicted by new evidence revealing that, rather than stabilizing free copper ions, its binding to GSH leads to the formation of a Cu(I)-[GSH]2 complex capable of reducing molecular oxygen into superoxide. It is now understood that, under conditions leading to the removal of such radicals, the Cu(I)-[GSH]2 complex is readily oxidized into Cu(II)-GSSG. Interestingly, in the presence of a GSH excess, the latter complex is able to regenerate the superoxide-generating capacity of the complex it originated from, opening the possibility that a GSH-dependent interplay exists between the reduced and the oxidized glutathione forms of these copper-complexes. Furthermore, recent evidence obtained from experiments conducted in non-cellular systems and intact mitochondria indicates that the Cu(II)-GSSG complex is also able to function in a catalytic manner as an efficient superoxide dismutating- and catalase-like molecule. Here we review and discuss the most relevant chemical and biological evidence on the formation of the Cu(I)-[GSH]2 and Cu(II)-GSSG complexes and on the potential redox implications associated with their intracellular occurrence.

Hydrogen peroxide formation in a surrogate lung fluid by transition metals and quinones present in particulate matter

Inhaled ambient particulate matter (PM) causes adverse health effects, possibly by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (HOOH), in the lung lining fluid. There are conflicting reports in the literature as to which chemical components of PM can chemically generate HOOH in lung fluid mimics. It is also unclear which redox-active species are most important for HOOH formation at concentrations relevant to ambient PM. To address this, we use a cell-free, surrogate lung fluid (SLF) to quantify the initial rate of HOOH formation from 10 transition metals and 4 quinones commonly identified in PM. Copper, 1,2-naphthoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, and phenanthrenequinone all form HOOH in a SLF, but only copper and 1,2-naphthoquinone are likely important at ambient concentrations. Iron suppresses HOOH formation in laboratory solutions, but has a smaller effect in ambient PM extracts, possibly because organic ligands in the particles reduce the reactivity of iron. Overall, copper produces the majority of HOOH chemically generated from typical ambient PM while 1,2-naphthoquinone generally makes a small contribution. However, measured rates of HOOH formation in ambient particle extracts are lower than rates calculated from soluble copper by an average (±1σ) of 44 ± 22%; this underestimate is likely due to either HOOH destruction by Fe or a reduction in Cu reactivity due to organic ligands from the PM.

The cytotoxicity of the anticancer drug elesclomol is due to oxidative stress indirectly mediated through its complex with Cu(II)

Elesclomol is an anticancer drug that is currently undergoing clinical trials. Elesclomol forms a strong 1:1 complex with Cu(II) and may exert its anticancer activity through the induction of oxidative stress and/or its ability to transport copper into the cell. A UV-vis spectrophotometric titration showed that Cu(I) also formed a 1:1 complex with elesclomol. Ascorbic acid, but not glutathione or NADH, potently reduced the Cu(II)-elesclomol complex to produce hydrogen peroxide. Even though hydrogen peroxide mediated reoxidation of the copper(I) produced by ascorbic acid reduction has the potential to lead to hydroxyl radical formation, electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping experiments, either with or without added hydrogen peroxide, showed that the ascorbic acid-reduced Cu(II)-elesclomol complex could not directly generate damaging hydroxyl radicals. Both Cu(II)-elesclomol and elesclomol potently oxidized dichlorofluorescin in K562 cells. The highly specific copper chelators tetrathiomolybdate and triethylenetetramine were found to greatly reduce the cytotoxicity of both elesclomol and Cu(II)-elesclomol complex towards erythroleukemic K562 cells, consistent with a role for copper in the cytotoxicity of elesclomol. The superoxide dismutating activity of Cu(II)-elesclomol was much lower than that of Cu(II). Depletion of glutathione levels in K562 cells by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine sensitized cells to both elesclomol and Cu(II)-elesclomol. In conclusion, these results showed that elesclomol indirectly inhibited cancer cell growth through Cu(II)-mediated oxidative stress.

DNA cleavage and detection of DNA radicals formed from hydralazine and copper (II) by ESR and immuno-spin trapping

Metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of hydrazine and its derivatives leads to the formation of the hydrazyl radical and subsequently to oxy-radicals in the presence of molecular oxygen. Here, we have examined the role of Cu(2+)-catalyzed oxidation of hydralazine in the induction of DNA damage. Neither 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) nor dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was effective in inhibiting hydralazine-Cu(2+)-induced DNA damage. Singlet oxygen did not appear to participate in this DNA cleavage. The one-electron oxidation of hydralazine also leads to the formation of DNA radicals as confirmed by immuno-spin trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin-trapping studies further confirmed the formation of DNA radicals; predominantly, 2'-deoxyadenosine radical adducts were detected, while some radicals were also detected with other nucleosides. Our results suggest that free hydroxyl radicals may not be the main damaging species causing DNA cleavage and that possibly Cu-peroxide complexes, formed from Cu(+)-H2O2, are responsible for this hydralazine-Cu(2+)-induced DNA cleavage.

Development of immunoblotting techniques for DNA radical detection

Radical damage to DNA has been implicated in cell death, cellular dysfunction, and cancer. A recently developed method for detecting DNA radicals uses the nitrone spin trap DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) to trap radicals. The trapped radicals then decay into stable nitrone adducts detectable with anti-DMPO antibodies and quantifiable by ELISA or dot-blot assay. However, the sequences of DNA that are damaged are likely to be as important as the total level of damage. Therefore, we have developed immunoblotting methods for detection of DNA nitrone adducts on electrophoretically separated DNA, comparable to Western blotting for proteins. These new techniques not only allow the assessment of relative radical adduct levels, but can reveal specific DNA fragments, and ultimately nucleotides, as radical targets. Moreover, we have determined that denaturation of samples into single-stranded DNA enhances the detection of DNA-DMPO adducts in our new blotting methods and also in ELISA.

Dual role of selected antioxidants found in dietary supplements: crossover between anti- and pro-oxidant activities in the presence of copper

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo can result in damage associated with many aging-associated diseases. Defenses against ROS that have evolved include antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutases, peroxidases, and catalases, which can scavenge ROS. In addition, endogenous and dietary antioxidants play an important role in moderating damage associated with ROS. In this study, we use four common dietary antioxidants to demonstrate that, in the presence of copper (cupric sulfate and cupric gluconate) and physiologically relevant levels of hydrogen peroxide, these antioxidants can also act as pro-oxidants by producing hydroxyl radicals. Using electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping techniques, we demonstrate that the level of hydroxyl radical formation is a function of the pH of the medium and the relative amounts of antioxidant and copper. On the basis of the level of hydroxyl radical formation, the relative pro-oxidant potential of these antioxidants is cysteine > ascorbate > EGCG > GSH. It has been reported that copper sequestered by protein ligands, as happens in vivo, loses its redox activity (diminishing/abolishing the formation of free radicals). However, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, cysteine and GSH efficiently react with cupric sulfate sequestered with bovine serum albumin to generate hydroxyl radicals. Overall, the results demonstrate that in the presence of copper, endogenous and dietary antioxidants can also exhibit pro-oxidative activity.

Detection and imaging of the free radical DNA in cells--site-specific radical formation induced by Fenton chemistry and its repair in cellular DNA as seen by electron spin resonance, immuno-spin trapping and confocal microscopy

Oxidative stress-related damage to the DNA macromolecule produces lesions that are implicated in various diseases. To understand damage to DNA, it is important to study the free radical reactions causing the damage. Measurement of DNA damage has been a matter of debate as most of the available methods measure the end product of a sequence of events and provide limited information on the initial free radical formation. We report a measurement of free radical damage in DNA induced by a Cu(II)-H₂O₂ oxidizing system using immuno-spin trapping supplemented with electron paramagnetic resonance. In this investigation, the short-lived radical generated is trapped by the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) immediately upon formation. The DMPO adduct formed is initially electron paramagnetic resonance active, but is subsequently oxidized to the stable nitrone adduct, which can be detected and visualized by immuno-spin trapping and has the potential to be further characterized by other analytical techniques. The radical was found to be located on the 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAdo) moiety of DNA. The nitrone adduct was repaired on a time scale consistent with DNA repair. In vivo experiments for the purpose of detecting DMPO–DNA nitrone adducts should be conducted over a range of time in order to avoid missing adducts due to the repair processes.

Impacts of Antioxidants on Hydroxyl Radical Production from Individual and Mixed Transition Metals in a Surrogate Lung Fluid

Inhalation of ambient particulate matter causes morbidity and mortality in humans. One hypothesized mechanism of toxicity is the particle-induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - including the highly damaging hydroxyl radical ((·)OH) - followed by inflammation and a variety of diseases. While past studies have found correlations between ROS formation and a variety of metals, there are no quantitative measurements of (·)OH formation from transition metals at concentrations relevant to 24-hour ambient particulate exposure. This research reports specific and quantitative measurements of (·)OH formation from 10 individual transition metals (and several mixtures) in a cell-free surrogate lung fluid (SLF) with four antioxidants: ascorbate, citrate, glutathione, and uric acid. We find that Fe and Cu can produce (·)OH under all antioxidant conditions as long as ascorbate is present and that mixtures of the two metals synergistically increase (·)OH production. Manganese and vanadium can also produce (·)OH under some conditions, but given that their ambient levels are typically very low, these metals are not likely to chemically produce significant levels of (·)OH in the lung fluid. Cobalt, chromium, nickel, zinc, lead, and cadmium do not produce (·)OH under any of our experimental conditions. The antioxidant composition of our SLF significantly affects (·)OH production from Fe and Cu: ascorbate is required for (·)OH formation, citrate increases (·)OH production from Fe, and both citrate and glutathione suppress (·)OH production from Cu. MINTEQ ligand speciation modeling indicates that citrate and glutathione affect (·)OH production by changing metal speciation, altering the reactivity of the metals. In the most realistic SLF (i.e., with all four antioxidants), Fe generates approximately six times more (·)OH than does the equivalent amount of Cu. Since levels of soluble Fe in PM are typically higher than those of Cu, our results suggest that Fe dominates the chemical generation of (·)OH from deposited particles in the lungs.

Role of superoxide anions in the redox changes affecting the physiologically occurring cu(i)-glutathione complex

The physiologically occurring copper-glutathione complex, [Cu(I)-[GSH]₂], has the ability to react continually with oxygen, generating superoxide anions (O₂^∙−). We addressed here the effects that superoxide removal has on the redox state of Cu(I) and GSH present in such complex and assessed the formation of Cu(II)-GSSG as a final oxidation product. In addition, we investigated the potential of a source of O₂^∙− external to the Cu(I)-[GSH]₂ complex to prevent its oxidation. Removal of O₂^∙− from a Cu(I)-[GSH]₂-containing solution, whether spontaneous or Tempol-induced, led to time-dependent losses in GSH that were greater than those affecting the metal. The losses in GSH were not accompanied by increments in GSSG but were largely accounted for by the cumulative formation of Cu(II)-GSSG molecules. Notably, the redox changes in Cu(I) and GSH were totally prevented when Cu(I)-[GSH]₂ was coincubated with hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase. Data suggest that the generation of O₂^∙− by Cu(I)-[GSH]₂ implies the obliged formation of an intermediate whose subsequent oxidation into Cu(II)-GSSG or back reduction into Cu(I)-[GSH]₂ is favoured by either the removal or the addition of O₂^∙−, respectively.

An (1)O2 route to γ-hydroxyalkenal phospholipids by vitamin E-induced fragmentation of hydroperoxydiene-derived endoperoxides

Biologically active phospholipids that incorporate an oxidatively truncated acyl chain terminated by a γ-hydroxyalkenal are generated in vivo. The γ-hydroxyalkenal moiety protrudes from lipid bilayers like whiskers that serve as ligands for the scavenger receptor CD36, fostering endocytosis, e.g., of oxidatively damaged photoreceptor cell outer segments by retinal pigmented endothelial cells. They also covalently modify proteins generating carboxyalkyl pyrroles incorporating the ε-amino group of protein lysyl residues. We postulated that γ-hydroxyalkenals could be generated, e.g., in the eye, through fragmentation of hydroperoxy endoperoxides produced in the retina through reactions of singlet molecular oxygen with polyunsaturated phospholipids. Since phospholipid esters are far more abundant in the retina than free fatty acids, we examined the influence of a membrane environment on the fate of hydroperoxy endoperoxides. We now report that linoleate hydroperoxy endoperoxides in thin films and their phospholipid esters in biomimetic membranes fragment to γ-hydroxyalkenals, and fragmentation is stoichiometrically induced by vitamin E. The product distribution from fragmentation of the free acid in the homogeneous environment of a thin film is remarkably different from that from the corresponding phospholipid in a membrane. In the membrane, further oxidation of the initially formed γ-hydroxyalkenal to a butenolide is disfavored. A conformational preference for the γ-hydroxyalkenal, to protrude from the membrane into the aqueous phase, may protect it from oxidation induced by lipid hydroperoxides that remain buried in the lipophilic membrane core.

The toxicity redox mechanisms of cadmium alone or together with copper and zinc homeostasis alteration: its redox biomarkers

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal and can induce and/or promote diseases in humans (cancer, aging diseases, kidney and bone diseases, etc.). Its toxicity involves many mechanisms including the alteration of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) homeostasis leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, either directly or through the inhibition of antioxidant activities. Importantly, ROS can induce oxidative damages in cells. Cadmium, Cu and Zn are also able to induce glutathione (GSH) and metallothioneins (MT) synthesis in a cell-type-dependent manner. As a consequence, the effects induced by these three metals result simultaneously from the inhibition of antioxidant activities and the induction of other factors such as GSH and MT synthesis. MT levels are regulated not only by the p53 protein in a cell-type-dependent manner, or by transcription factors such as metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) and cellular Zn levels but also by cellular GSH level. As described in the literature, DNA damage, GSH and MT levels are sensitive biomarkers used to identify Cd-induced toxicity alone or together with Cu and Zn homeostasis alteration.

Antioxidant and prooxidant effects of polyphenol compounds on copper-mediated DNA damage

Inhibition of copper-mediated DNA damage has been determined for several polyphenol compounds. The 50% inhibition concentration values (IC(50)) for most of the tested polyphenols are between 8 and 480 μM for copper-mediated DNA damage prevention. Although most tested polyphenols were antioxidants under these conditions, they generally inhibited Cu(I)-mediated DNA damage less effectively than Fe(II)-mediated damage, and some polyphenols also displayed prooxidant activity. Because semiquinone radicals and hydroxyl radical adducts were detected by EPR spectroscopy in solutions of polyphenols, Cu(I), and H(2)O(2), it is likely that weak polyphenol-Cu(I) interactions permit a redox-cycling mechanism, whereby the necessary reactants to cause DNA damage (Cu(I), H(2)O(2), and reducing agents) are regenerated. The polyphenol compounds that prevent copper-mediated DNA damage likely follow a radical scavenging pathway as determined by EPR spectroscopy.

Investigation of mechanism(s) of DNA damage induced by 4-monochlorobiphenyl (PCB3) metabolites

4-Monochlorobiphenyl (PCB3) is readily converted by xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes to dihydroxy-metabolites and quinones. The PCB3 hydroquinone (PCB3-HQ; 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-1,4-hydroquinone) induces chromosome loss in Chinese Hamster V79 cells, whereas the para-quinone (PCB3-pQ; 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone) very efficiently induces gene mutations and chromosome breaks. Apparently, each of these two metabolites, which are a redox pair, has a different spectrum of genotoxic effects due to different, metabolite-specific mechanisms. We hypothesized that the HQ requires enzymatic activation by peroxidases with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the ultimate genotoxin, whereas the pQ reacts directly with nucleophilic sites in DNA and/or proteins. To examine this hypothesis, we employed two cell lines with different myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, MPO-rich HL-60 and MPO-deficient Jurkat cells, and measured cytotoxicity, DNA damage (COMET assay), MPO activity, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular free -SH groups (monochlorobimane assay, MCB) and free GSH contents (enzyme recycling method) after treatment with PCB3-HQ and PCB3-pQ. We also examined the modulation of these effects by normal/low temperature, pre-treatment with an MPO inhibitor (succinylacetone, SA), or GSH depletion. PCB3-p-Q increased intracellular ROS levels and induced DNA damage in both HL-60 and Jurkat cells at 37°C and 6°C, indicating a direct, MPO-independent mode of activity. It also strongly reduced intracellular free -SH groups and GSH levels in normal and GSH-depleted cells. Thus the ROS increase could be caused by reduced protection by GSH or non-enzymatic autoxidation of the resulting PCB3-HQ-GSH adduct. PCB3-HQ did not produce a significant reduction of intracellular GSH in HL-60 cells and reduced intracellular free -SH groups only at the highest concentration tested in GSH depleted cells. Moreover, PCB3-HQ induced DNA damage and ROS production only at 37 °C in HL-60 cells, not at 6 °C or in Jurkat cells at either temperature; no significant DNA damage and ROS production was observed in HL-60 cells at 37 °C if MPO activity was inhibited by SA. These studies show that the effects of PCB3-HQ are enzyme dependent, i.e. PCB3-HQ is oxidized by MPO in HL-60 cells with the generation of ROS and induction of DNA damage. However, this is not the case with the PCB3-pQ, which may produce DNA damage by the reactivity of the quinone with the DNA or nuclear proteins, or possibly by indirectly increasing intracellular ROS levels by GSH depletion. These different modes of action explain not only the different types of genotoxicity observed previously, but also suggest different organ specificity of these genotoxins.

Glutathione depletion by buthionine sulfoximine induces oxidative damage to DNA in organs of rabbits in vivo

Glutathione (GSH) exists in mammalian tissues in vivo at high concentrations and plays an important protective role against oxidatively induced damage to biological molecules, including DNA. We investigated oxidatively induced damage to DNA by GSH depletion in different organs of rabbits in vivo. Rabbits were treated subcutaneously with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an effective GSH-depleting compound. GSH levels were measured in heart, brain, liver, and kidney of animals. BSO treatment significantly reduced GSH levels in heart, brain, and liver, but not in kidney. DNA was isolated from these tissues to test whether GSH depletion causes oxidatively induced DNA damage in vivo. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with isotope dilution methods were applied to measure typical products of oxidatively induced damage in isolated DNA samples. Several such products were identified and quantified in all organs. BSO treatment caused significant formation of 8-hydroxyguanine, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, 8-hydroxyadenine, and (5'S)-8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine in DNA of organs of rabbits. Animals were fed with the semiessential amino acid 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine) during BSO treatment. Taurine significantly inhibited GSH depletion and also formation of DNA products. Depletion of GSH correlated well with formation of DNA products, indicating the role of GSH in preventing oxidatively induced DNA damage. Our findings might contribute to the understanding of pathologies associated with DNA damage, oxidative stress, and/or defective antioxidant responses and improve our understanding of the effect of BSO in increasing the efficacy of anticancer therapeutics.

Can nucleotides prevent Cu-induced oxidative damage?

Cu-induced oxidative damage is associated with cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and age related diseases. The quest for Cu-chelators as potential antioxidants spans the past decades. Yet, biocompatible Cu-chelators that do not alter the normal metal-ion homeostasis are still lacking. Here, we explored the potential of natural and synthetic nucleotides and inorganic phosphates as inhibitors of the Cu(I)/(II)-induced ()OH formation via either the Fenton or Haber-Weiss mechanisms. For this purpose, we studied by ESR the modulation of Cu-induced ()OH production, from the decomposition of H(2)O(2), by nucleotides and phosphates. ATP inhibited both Cu(I) and Cu(II) catalyzed reactions (IC(50) 0.11 and 0.04mM, respectively). Likewise, adenosine 5'-beta,gamma-methylene triphosphate (AMP-PCP), adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP-gamma-S), ADP and tripolyphosphate were identified as good inhibitors. However, AMP and adenosine were poor inhibitors in the Cu(I)-H(2)O(2) system, IC(50) ca. 1.2mM, and radical enhancers in the Cu(II)-H(2)O(2) system. The best antioxidant was adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imino] triphosphate (AMP-PNP) (IC(50) 0.05mM at Cu(I)-H(2)O(2) system) which was 15 times more active than the known antioxidant Trolox. ATP and analogues inhibit Cu-induced ()OH formation through an ion chelation rather than a scavenging mechanism. Two phosphate groups are required for making active Fenton-reaction inhibitors. Nucleotides and phosphates triggered a biphasic modulation of the Haber-Weiss reaction, but a monophasic inhibition of the Fenton reaction. We conclude that nucleotides at sub mM concentrations can prevent Cu-induced OH radical formation from H(2)O(2), and hence may possibly prevent oxidative damage.

Molecular cytotoxic mechanisms of catecholic polychlorinated biphenyl metabolites in isolated rat hepatocytes

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and PCB metabolites are highly lipophilic and accumulate easily in the lipid bilayer and fat deposits of the body. The molecular cytotoxic mechanisms of these metabolites are still not understood. The aim of the present study was to compare the cytotoxicity and toxicological properties of six dihydroxylated metabolites using isolated rat hepatocytes. All of the metabolites were more cytotoxic than 4-chlorobiphenyl (4-ClBP) and less cytotoxic than phenyl hydroquinone (PHQ). The order of cytotoxic effectiveness of catecholic metabolites expressed as LC(50) (2h) was 3',4'-diCl-2,3-diOH-biphenyl>PHQ>4'-Cl-2,5-diOH-biphenyl, 4'-Cl-2,3-diOH-biphenyl>2',5'-diCl-3,4-diOH-biphenyl>2',3'-diCl-3,4-diOH-biphenyl>3',4'-diCl-3,4-diOH-biphenyl>4'Cl-3,4-diOH-biphenyl>4'-Cl-biphenyl; showing that the positions of hydroxyl and chlorine groups were important for their hepatotoxicity and that the two 2,3-diOH congeners were the most cytotoxic. Cytotoxicity for 3,4-diOH metabolites correlated with the number and position of chlorine atoms with the more chlorine atoms being more cytotoxic. The cytotoxic order of metabolites with two chlorine atoms being 2',5'>2',3'>3',4'. Borneol, an uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) inhibitor, increased the cytotoxicity of all tested metabolites; suggesting that glucuronidation was a major mechanism of elimination of these compounds. On the other hand entacapone, a catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor, only increased the cytotoxicity of 3',4'-diCl-3,4-diOH-biphenyl, 3',4'-diCl-2,3-diOH-biphenyl and 4'-Cl-2,3-diOH-biphenyl. Hepatocyte GSH was depleted (oxidized and conjugated) by these metabolites before cytotoxicity ensued in a similar order of effectiveness to their cytotoxicity with PHQ being the most effective. Hepatocyte mitochondrial membrane potential also decreased before cytotoxicity ensued with a similar order of effectiveness as their cytotoxicity. These results suggest that catecholic cytotoxicity can be attributed to mitochondrial toxicity and oxidative stress. Semiquinone or benzoquinone species were also important in the cytotoxicity of catecholic metabolites.

Involvement of three mechanisms in the alteration of cytokine responses by sodium methyldithiocarbamate

Sodium methyldithiocarbamate (SMD) is the third most abundantly used conventional pesticide in the U.S. We recently reported that it alters the induction of cytokine production mediated though Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 at relevant dosages in mice. Its chemical properties and evidence from the literature suggest the potential mechanisms of action for this compound. It could either act as a free radical scavenger (by means of its free S(-)group) or promote oxidation by breaking down to form methylisothiocyanate, which can deplete glutathione. It is a potent copper chelator and may affect the availability of copper to a number of copper-dependent enzymes (including some signaling molecules). SMD induces a classical neuroendocrine stress response characterized by elevated serum corticosterone concentrations, which could affect cytokine production. Although each of these mechanisms could potentially contribute to altered cytokine responses, direct evidence is lacking. The present study was conducted to obtain such evidence. The role of redox balance was investigated by pretreating mice with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which increases cellular glutathione concentrations, before administration of SMD. NAC exacerbated the SMD-induced suppression of IL-12 and the SMD-induced enhancement of IL-10 in the serum. The role of copper chelation was investigated by comparing the effects of SMD with an equimolar dose to SMD that was administered in the form of a copper chelation complex. Addition of copper significantly decreased the action of SMD on IL-12 production but not on IL-10 production. The role of the stress response was investigated by pretreating mice with antagonists of corticosterone and catecholamines. This treatment partially prevented the action of SMD on IL-10 and IL-12 in the peritoneal fluid. The results suggest that all of the proposed mechanisms have some role in the alteration of cytokine production by SMD.

Antioxidants to prevent bovine neutrophil-induced mammary epithelial cell damage

Activated neutrophils are able to produce a large quantity of bactericidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species that have been associated with tissue damage in several inflammation models. The protective effects of antioxidants in a context of neutrophil-induced damage to mammary epithelial cells were first evaluated in vitro using a coculture model of activated bovine neutrophils and a bovine mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T cells). Cell damage was determined by quantifying the release of lactate dehydrogenase by MAC-T cells in culture medium. Morphological observation of cells stained with acridine orange was used to visualize the extent of cell damage. When incubated with neutrophils activated by lipopolysaccharides and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, MAC-T cells released large amounts of lactate dehydrogenase indicating significant cell damage. The addition of dimethylthiourea or bathocuproine disulfonic acid did not reduce the damage whereas catechin, deferoxamine or glutathione ethyl ester significantly reduced neutrophil-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of deferoxamine, an iron chelator, on the growth of Escherichia coli and the ability of bovine neutrophils to phagocytose these bacteria were then assessed in vitro. Our data showed that deferoxamine did not interfere with the phagocytic activity of neutrophils but inhibited growth of the bacteria. Overall, our results suggest that antioxidants may be effective tools for protecting mammary tissue against neutrophil-induced oxidative stress during bovine mastitis.