Interaction of butylated hydroxyanisole with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

Prescription Drugs and Mitochondrial Metabolism

Mitochondria are central to the physiology and survival of nearly all eukaryotic cells and house diverse metabolic processes including oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species buffering, metabolite synthesis/exchange, and Ca2+ sequestration. Mitochondria are phenotypically heterogeneous and this variation is essential to the complexity of physiological function among cells, tissues, and organ systems. As a consequence of mitochondrial integration with so many physiological processes, small molecules that modulate mitochondrial metabolism induce complex systemic effects. In the case of many common prescribed drugs, these interactions may contribute to drug therapeutic mechanisms, induce adverse drug reactions, or both. The purpose of this article is to review historical and recent advances in the understanding of the effects of prescription drugs on mitochondrial metabolism. Specific 'modes' of xenobiotic-mitochondria interactions are discussed to provide a set of qualitative models that aid in conceptualizing how the mitochondrial energy transduction system may be affected. Findings of recent in vitro high-throughput screening studies are reviewed, and a few candidate drug classes are chosen for additional brief discussion (i.e. antihyperglycemics, antidepressants, antibiotics, and antihyperlipidemics). Finally, recent improvements in pharmacokinetic models that aid in quantifying systemic effects of drug-mitochondria interactions are briefly considered.

Cytotoxic effects of psychotropic benzofuran derivatives, N-methyl-5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran and its N-demethylated derivative, on isolated rat hepatocytes

The novel psychoactive compounds derived from amphetamine have been illegally abused as recreational drugs, some of which are known to be hepatotoxic in humans and experimental animals. The cytotoxic effects and mechanisms of 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) and N-methyl-5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-MAPB), both of which are benzofuran analogues of amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) were studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. 5-MAPB caused not only concentration-dependent (0-4.0 mm) and time-dependent (0-3 h) cell death accompanied by the depletion of cellular ATP and reduced glutathione and protein thiol levels, but also accumulation of oxidized glutathione. Of the other analogues examined at a concentration of 4 mm, 5-MAPB/5-APB-induced cytotoxicity with the production of reactive oxygen species and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was greater than that induced by MDMA. In isolated rat liver mitochondria, the benzofurans resulted in a greater increase in the rate of state 4 oxygen consumption than did MDMA, with a decrease in the rate of state 3 oxygen consumption. Furthermore, the benzofurans caused more of a rapid mitochondrial swelling dependent on the mitochondrial permeability transition than MDMA. 5-MAPB at a weakly toxic level (1 mm) was metabolized slowly: levels of 5-MAPB and 5-APB were approximately 0.9 mm and 50 μm, respectively, after 3 h incubation. Taken collectively, these results indicate that mitochondria are target organelles for the benzofuran analogues and MDMA, which elicit cytotoxicity through mitochondrial failure, and the onset of cytotoxicity may depend on the initial and/or residual concentrations of 5-MAPB rather than on those of its metabolite 5-APB. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Diabetes, and Aging: Top-Down Analysis Using the Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) Rat as a Model

In the present study we investigated the changes in the oxidative phosphorylation system of liver mitochondria, isolated from diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and Wistar (control) rats with different ages (6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks). We used a kinetic approach known as "top-down" analysis, which conceptually divides the oxidative phosphorylation system into two subsystems: one producing the protonmotive force (Deltap) and another that consumes Deltap. The overall response of the Deltap generators to Deltap was obtained from an uncoupler titration of respiration rate versus Deltap, while the overall response of Deltap consumers to Deltap was obtained from an inhibitor titration of respiration rate versus Deltap. Our results showed that GK liver mitochondrial preparations presented an increase in Deltap production and phosphorylative subsystems (using succinate as respiratory substrate). The alterations observed may suggest the existence of biochemical compensatory mechanisms to type 2 diabetes mellitus in GK rats during their first year of life, in order to reduce the injury associated with the disease. Furthermore, we observed that liver metabolic efficiency of mitochondrial respiration declined with age, this decrease in respiratory activity being visible both in control and diabetic rats.

Heteroaryl-susbstituted phenols as potential antioxidants

A series of O-heteroaryl phenols have been synthesised and structurally characterised. Photo-Fries rearrangement of these compounds represents a useful way to access the corresponding C-heteroaryl derivatives. The activity of the new phenolic compounds as radical scavengers towards the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS+•) has been evaluated. 2-tert-Butyl-4-(4-phenyl-isoxazol-3-ylmethoxy)-phenol (compound 3c) showed the highest scavenger activity (IC50 value (i.e. the concentration that scavenged 50% of the radicals) 3.17 × 10−6 M), which was one order of magnitude greater than that of the corresponding lead compound tert-butylhydroxy-anisole (BHA) (IC50 1.04 × 10−5 M). In further experiments, compound 3c showed dose-dependent inhibition of the oxidation of linoleic acid, as well as methaemoglobin formation, promoted by the presence of the radical generator 2,2′-azobis(amidino-propane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and it was markedly more potent than BHA in these assays.

Cytotoxic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-alkylamphetamines, MDMA and its analogues, on isolated rat hepatocytes

The amphetamine-derived designer drugs have been illegally used worldwide as recreational drugs, some of which are known to be hepatotoxic in humans. To compare their cytotoxic effects, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) and its related analogues, N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (MBDB), 3,4-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine (BDB) and 2-methylamino-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propane-1-one (methylone) were studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. MBDB caused not only concentration (0-4.0 mM)- and time (0-2 h)-dependent cell death accompanied by the formation of cell blebs, and the loss of cellular ATP and adenine nucleotide pools, and reduced glutathione levels, but also the accumulation of oxidized glutathione. Of the other analogues examined, the cytotoxicity of MBDB and BDB was greater than that of MDMA and methylone, suggesting that hepatotoxicity is generally induced by these drugs. In addition, DNA damage and the induction of reactive oxygen species were greater after the incubation of hepatocytes with MBDB (2 and 4 mM) than after that with MDMA. In isolated liver mitochondria, MBDB/BDB resulted in a greater increase in the rate of state 4 oxygen consumption than did MDMA/methylone, indicating an uncoupling effect and a decrease in the rate of state 3 oxygen consumption in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, MBDB resulted in mitochondrial swelling dependent on the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT); the effect of MDMA was less than that of MBDB. Taken collectively, these results suggest that (1) the onset of cytotoxicity caused by designer drugs such as MBDB and MDMA is linked to mitochondrial failure dependent upon the induction of the MPT accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization and depletion of ATP through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in rat hepatocytes, and (2) MBDB and MDMA elicit DNA damage, suggesting that nuclei as well as mitochondria are target sites of these compounds.

Endocannabinoids, sperm functions and energy metabolism

Cannabinoids, the main active components of marijuana, have been shown to exert different adverse effects on male reproduction both in vertebrates and invertebrates. The main effects of endocannabinoids, a particular group of endogenously produced cannabinoids, in sperm are the inhibition of motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction, all fundamental processes necessary for oocyte penetration, whose alteration leads to the inhibition of sperm fertilizing ability. These inhibitory effects are mediated by the direct action of endocannabinoids on sperm through the activation of the cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 that has been shown to be expressed in mature sperm. In many different cell types it has been demonstrated that endocannabinoids negatively influence mitochondrial activity. In the present paper it will be briefly reviewed the role of endocannabinoids, on sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction with particular attention on the possible interference of endocannabinoids with sperm mitochondrial activity.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants do not prevent tumour necrosis factor-induced necrosis of L929 cells

Mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is widely reported as a central effector during TNF-induced necrosis. The effect of a family of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants on TNF-induced necrosis of L929 cells was studied. While the commonly used lipid-soluble antioxidant BHA effectively protected cells from TNF-induced necrosis, the mitochondria-targeted antioxidants MitoQ(3), MitoQ(5), MitoQ(10) and MitoPBN had no effect on TNF-induced necrosis. Since BHA also acts as an uncoupler of mitochondrial membrane potential, two additional uncouplers were tested. FCCP and CCCP both provided dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-induced necrosis. In conclusion, the generation of mitochondrial ROS may not be necessary for TNF-induced necrosis. Instead, these results suggest alternative mitochondrial functions, such as a respiration-dependent process, are critical for necrotic death.

Biotransformation and cytotoxicity of a brominated flame retardant, tetrabromobisphenol A, and its analogues in rat hepatocytes

The metabolism and cytotoxic effects of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a phenolic flame retardant, and its analogues were studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and isolated hepatic mitochondria, respectively. The exposure of hepatocytes to TBBPA caused not only concentration (0.25-1.0 mM)- and time- (0-3 h) dependent cell death accompanied by the loss of cellular ATP, adenine nucleotide pools, reduced glutathione, and protein thiols, but also the accumulation of oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde, indicating lipid peroxidation. TBBPA at a weakly toxic level (0.25 mM) was metabolized to monoglucuronide and monosulfate conjugates: the amounts of glucuronide rather than sulfate conjugate predominantly increased, accompanied by a loss of the parent compound, with time. In comparative effects based on cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and some toxic parameters, bisphenol A (BPA) was less toxic than TBBPA and tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA), which are not significant differences in these parameters. In mitochondria isolated from rat liver, TBBPA and TCBPA caused an increase in the rate of State 4 oxygen consumption in the presence of succinate, indicating an uncoupling effect and a decrease in the rate of State 3 oxygen consumption in a concentration-dependent manner (5-25 microM). Taken collectively, our results indicate that (i) mitochondria are target organelles for TBBPA, which elicits cytotoxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction related to oxidative phosphorylation at an early stage and subsequently lipid peroxidation at a later stage; and (ii) the toxicity of TBBPA and TCBPA is greater than that of BPA, suggesting the participation of halogen atoms such as bromine and chlorine in the toxicity.

N-Nitrosofenfluramine induces cytotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in isolated rat hepatocytes

The cytotoxic effects of fenfluramine, an appetite suppressant, and its N-nitroso derivative, N-nitrosofenfluramine, have been studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and isolated hepatic mitochondria. Exposure of hepatocytes to N-nitrosofenfluramine caused not only concentration (0.25-1.0 mmol L(-1)) and time (0-3 h)-dependent cell death accompanied by the loss of cellular ATP, adenine nucleotide pools, reduced glutathione (GSH), and protein thiols, but also the accumulation of oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating lipid peroxidation. There was a time lag for the onset of the accumulation of MDA after the rapid depletion of ATP. Supplementation of the hepatocyte suspensions with N-acetylcysteine (4 mmol L(-1)), a precursor of intracellular GSH, partially inhibited N-nitrosofenfluramine (1 mmol L(-1))-induced cytotoxicity. In comparative effects based on cell viability and rhodamine 123 retention, an index of mitochondrial membrane potential, fenfluramine was less toxic than N-nitrosofenfluramine. In mitochondria isolated from rat liver, N-nitrosofenfluramine caused an increase in the rate of state-4 oxygen consumption, indicating an uncoupling effect, and a decrease in the rate of state-3 oxygen consumption in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that (a) mitochondria are target organelles for N-nitrosofenfluramine, which elicits cytotoxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction related to membrane potential and/or oxidative phosphorylation at an early stage and subsequently lipid peroxidation at a later stage; and (b) the toxicity of N-nitrosofenfluramine is greater than that of fenfluramine, suggesting participation of the nitroso group in the toxicity.

Chlorpropham induces mitochondrial dysfunction in rat hepatocytes

The metabolism and action of chlorpropham (isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl)carbamate; CIPC, a post-harvest agent) and its metabolites were studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and isolated rat hepatic mitochondria, respectively. The exposure of hepatocytes to CIPC caused a concentration (0.25-1.0 mM)- and time (0-3h)-dependent cell death accompanied by loss of cellular ATP and adenine nucleotides. CIPC at a weakly toxic level (0.5 mM) was metabolized to isopropyl N-(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamate (4OH-CIPC) and subsequently to its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates (major metabolites) or alternatively to a minor metabolite 3-chloroaniline (3CA). The addition of SKF-525A (50 microM), an inhibitor of microsomal monooxygenase, enhanced the CIPC (0.5 mM)-induced cytotoxicity accompanied by loss of ATP and 4OH-CIPC and inhibited the decrease in the concentration of the parent compound. CIPC led to a strong decrease in cellular ATP content compared to its metabolites, 4OH-CIPC and 3CA. On the other hand, the exposure of isolated hepatic mitochondria to CIPC reduced State 3 respiration with a FAD-linked substrate (succinate plus rotenone) and/or with a NAD+ -linked substrate (pyruvate plus malate), whereas State 3 respiration with ascorbate plus tetramethyl-p-phenylendiamine (cytochrome oxidase-linked respiration) was not affected markedly by CIPC. Further, the addition of CIPC caused an increase in the rate of State 4 oxygen consumption, indicating an uncoupling effect, and a decrease in the rate of State 3 oxygen consumption in a concentration-dependent manner, respectively. In contrast, the addition of neither 4OH-CIPC nor 3CA markedly affected the rate of states 3 and/or 4 oxygen consumption. These results indicate that CIPC-induced cytotoxicity is mediated by the parent compound rather than by its metabolites such as 4OH-CIPC and 3CA, and that the toxicity is associated with a rapid depletion of ATP via impairment of mitochondrial function related to oxidative phosphorylation.

Molecular Mechanism of Cell Death Induced by the Antioxidant tert-Butylhydroxyanisole in Human Monocytic Leukemia U937 Cells

A phenolic antioxidant 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a widely used food additive. BHA had cytotoxicity in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells. BHA at 0.75 mM caused nuclear condensation and fragmentation, structural damage in mitochondria, decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and internucleosomal DNA cleavage. It induced the activities of caspase-3 and/or -7, -6, -8 and -9, especially high when DEVD-MCA was the substrate (caspase-3 and/or -7). DEVDase activity increased in time- and dose-dependent manner and high activity was observed in lysates of cells treated for 3 h at 0.75 mM. Addition of GSH (reduced glutathione) during the treatment of cells with BHA inhibited the induction of DEVDase activity, and the intracellular GSH level decreased as the concentration of BHA was raised. Intracellular ATP levels decreased in time- and dose-dependent manner when the cells were treated with BHA in the presence or absence of glucose. Enzyme activities involved in the respiratory chain were assayed with the mitochondrial fraction prepared from U937 cells. BHA distinctly inhibited NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) at low concentrations. Succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex II) was also inhibited, but to somewhat less extent. Without mitochondrial enzymes, BHA stimulated the ubiquinol-dependent reduction of cytochrome c (complex III), but it might have some detrimental effects on the mitochondrial enzyme reaction of complex III. The inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation might corroborate the mechanistic evidence for apoptosis of leukemia cells by BHA. Cell death induced by BHA is primarily ascribable to apoptosis.

Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts mitochondrial function and cell energetics

We have observed rapid and extensive depletion of cellular energy stores by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the pulmonary transformed cell line A549. ATP levels declined dose dependently with an IC(50) of 7.5 microg/ml of THC after 24-h exposure. Cell death was observed only at concentrations >10 microg/ml. Studies using JC-1, a fluorescent probe for mitochondrial membrane potential, revealed diminished mitochondrial function at THC concentrations as low as 0.5 microg/ml. At concentrations of 2.5 or 10 microg/ml of THC, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed as early as 1 h after THC exposure. Mitochondrial function remained diminished for at least 30 h after THC exposure. Flow cytometry studies on cells exposed to particulate smoke extracts indicate that JC-1 red fluorescence was fivefold lower in cells exposed to marijuana smoke extract relative to cells exposed to tobacco smoke extract. Comparison with a variety of mitochondrial inhibitors demonstrates that THC produced effects similar to that of carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, suggesting uncoupling of electron transport. Loss of red JC-1 fluorescence by THC was suppressed by cyclosporin A, suggesting mediation by the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This disruption of mitochondrial function was sustained for at least 24 h after removal of THC by extensive washing. These results suggest that exposure of the bronchopulmonary epithelium to THC may have important health and physiological consequences.

Mechanisms of the deleterious effects of tamoxifen on mitochondrial respiration rate and phosphorylation efficiency

Tamoxifen (TAM), the widely prescribed drug in the prevention and therapy of breast cancer, is a well-known modulator of estrogen receptor (ER) that also inhibits the proliferation of different cell types that lack the ER. However, the ER-independent action mechanisms of TAM and its side effects have not been yet clarified. Mitochondria are essential in supporting the energy-dependent regulation of cell functions. Changes in mitochondria result in bioenergetic deficits leading to the loss of vital functions to cell survival. Therefore, this study describes the effects of TAM on mitochondrial bioenergetics, contributing to a better understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying the multiple antiproliferative and toxic effects of this drug. TAM at concentrations above 20 nmol/mg protein, preincubated with isolated rat liver mitochondria at 25 degrees C for 3 min, significantly depresses, in a dose-dependent manner, the phosphorylation efficiency of mitochondria as inferred from the decrease in the respiratory control and ADP/O ratios, the perturbations in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi), the fluctuations associated with mitochondrial energization, and the phosphorylative cycle induced by ADP. Furthermore, TAM at up to 40 nmol/mg protein stimulates the rate of state 4 respiration and at higher concentrations it strongly inhibits state 3 and uncouples the mitochondrial respiration. The stimulation of state 4 respiration parallels the decrease of DeltaPsi as a consequence of proton permeability. The TAM-stimulatory action of ATPase is also observed in intact mitochondria, suggesting that TAM promotes extensive permeability to protons due to destructive effects in the structural integrity of the mitochondrial inner membrane. These multiple effects of TAM on mitochondrial bioenergetic functions, causing changes in the respiration, phosphorylation efficiency, and membrane structure, may explain the cell death induced by this drug in different cell types, its anticancer activity in ER-negative cells, and its side effects.

How understanding the control of energy metabolism can help investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction, regulation and pharmacology

Understanding the control of mitochondrial energy metabolism is central to knowing how mitochondria function within cells. Metabolic control analysis is the best approach available for studying the control of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Here I outline how metabolic control analysis has been used to help understand mitochondrial regulation, damage and pharmacology.

On the mechanisms of the antispasmodic action of some hindered phenols in rat aorta rings

The antispasmodic effects of 3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) and some structurally related compounds were investigated in endothelium-intact rat aorta rings. Nordihydroguaieretic acid (NDGA), BHA, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (DTBHA), 2,6-di-isopropyl phenol (propofol) and 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3'-di-t-butyl-5, 5'-dimethoxydiphenyl (DIBHA) did not cause relaxation when added at the plateau of phenylephrine-evoked contraction, nor did they affect the concentration-relaxation curve for acetylcholine in precontracted rings. In rings depolarised with physiological salt solution (PSS) containing 40 mM K(+), NDGA, BHA, DTBHA, 2, 5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ), propofol and nifedipine, but not DIBHA, inhibited the contraction induced by cumulative addition of Ca(2+) (0.05-10 mM) in a concentration-dependent manner; this inhibition was inversely related to the Ca(2+) concentration. In 40 mM K(+) PSS, 25 nM nifedipine blocked the 1 mM Ca(2+)-induced contraction, whereas 50 microM DTBHA, NDGA, BHA, BHQ and propofol significantly antagonised it by 84.4%, 73.0%, 52.8%, 45.6% and 35.7%, respectively. In the presence of 1 microM methyl-1,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylate (Bay K 8644), the response to Ca(2+) did not differ from control values with nifedipine and BHQ, was partially restored with DTBHA and NDGA, and was not affected with BHA and propofol. Nifedipine markedly inhibited (85.2%) the Ba(2+)-induced contraction and this effect was totally reversed by Bay K 8644. BHA and DTBHA showed antispasmodic activity (45.3% and 43.1%, respectively) which was partly reversed by Bay K 8644. In contrast, Bay K 8644 did not affect the inhibition exerted by BHQ, NDGA and propofol (69.5%, 53. 3% and 46.1%, respectively). Nifedipine, BHA, DTBHA, propofol and NDGA inhibited the contractile response to 1 mM Ca(2+) of aorta rings depolarised with 40 or 80 mM K(+) PSS to a similar extent. Cromakalim inhibited the Ca(2+)-evoked contraction only in 30 mM K(+) PSS and BHQ only in 80 mM K(+) PSS. DIBHA had no effect on this model. Cromakalim, but not BHA, stimulated 86Rb(+) efflux from ring preparations. In 80 mM K(+) PSS containing 1 microM nifedipine, only papaverine affected the phenylephrine-induced contraction. Moreover, when the rings were preincubated with 1 mM Ni(2+), the response to phenylephrine in the presence of BHQ was significantly reduced. In conclusion, we propose that BHA may non-specifically inhibit Ca(2+) influx at the plasmalemma level rather than affect the function of K(+) channels, Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores or endothelium-dependent relaxation.

Age-related increase in mitochondrial proton leak and decrease in ATP turnover reactions in mouse hepatocytes

Age-related changes in mitochondria, including decreased respiratory control ratios and altered mitochondrial inner membrane lipid composition, led us to study oxidative phosphorylation in hepatocytes from old (30 mo) and young (3 mo) male C57BL/J mice. Top-down metabolic control analysis and its extension, elasticity analysis, were used to identify changes in the control and regulation of the three blocks of reactions constituting the oxidative phosphorylation system: substrate oxidation, mitochondrial proton leak, and the ATP turnover reactions. Resting oxygen consumption of cells from old mice was 15% lower (P < 0.05) than in young cells. This is explained entirely by a decrease in oxygen consumption supporting ATP turnover reactions. At all values of mitochondrial membrane potential assessed, the proportion of total oxygen consumption used to balance the leak was greater in the old cells than in the young cells. Metabolic control coefficients indicate a shift in control over respiration and phosphorylation away from substrate oxidation toward increased control by leak and by ATP turnover reactions. Control of the actual number of ATP molecules synthesized by mitochondria for each oxygen atom consumed by the ATP turnover and leak reactions was greater in old than in young cells, showing that efficiency in older cells is more sensitive to changes in these two blocks of reactions than in young cells.

Interactions of 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

The effects of DDE (2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene), the major metabolite of DDT (2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane), on rat liver mitochondrial bioenergetic activities were examined. The approach developed by M. D. Brand (Biochim Biophys Acta 1018: 128-133, 1990) was used to assess the effects of DDE because it is possible to discriminate the sites of action of compounds having pleiotypic effects on oxidative phosphorylation. Data were further confirmed using a "classical" approach, including measurements of transmembrane potential, respiratory indexes, enzymatic activities and membrane permeability to protons. DDE up to 40 nmol/mg protein affected the proton motive force generating system. In fact, DDE interacted with succinate dehydrogenase (complex II), decreasing respiration and membrane potential. In this concentration range, the permeability of the inner membrane to protons remained intact. Only higher concentrations (> or = 80 nmol/mg) increased permeability to protons, uncoupling oxidation from phosphorylation. The phosphorylative system was not affected because the rate of ATP synthesis was unchanged. In addition, data from carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone-uncoupled rotenone-inhibited preparations or submitochondrial particles indicated that F0F1 ATPase activity is not affected by DDE. Therefore, DDE inhibition of complex II and putative inhibition of succinate translocation explain the depression of mitochondrial respiration. The use of appropriate substrates and assay conditions indicates that complexes I, III and IV were not affected by DDE. The uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation at high concentrations (> 80 nmol DDE/mg protein) was probably related to deleterious effects on the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane. We confirmed that the technique originally proposed by Brand is useful for characterizing the effects of xenobiotics on oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, data provided by this technique closely agree with data from classical studies.

On the mechanisms of 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole- and its metabolites-induced cytotoxicities in isolated rat hepatocytes

The cytotoxic effects of 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) and its metabolites, 3-tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and 3-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydroxyanisole (BHA-OH), were investigated in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. These compounds caused a time-dependent cell death accompanied by loss of intracellular ATP, glutathione (GSH) and protein thiols at concentration of 0.5 mM. Supplementation of the hepatocyte suspension with 5 mM N-acetylcysteine, a precursor of intracellular GSH, significantly delayed the onset of cytotoxicity induced by BHA-OH and tBHQ; the loss of intracellular ATP, GSH and protein thiols was also prevented. Although N-acetylcysteine did not affect BHA disappearance in the cell suspension, disappearance of tBHQ and formation of tBHQ-GSH conjugate were stimulated by N-acetylcysteine. In addition, N-acetylcysteine prevented BHA-OH disappearance and 3-tert-butyl-5-methoxy-1,2-benzoquinone (BHA-Q) formation. In isolated hepatic mitochondria, BHA, tBHQ and BHA-OH impaired respiration related to oxidative phosphorylation; tert-butylquinone (tBQ) and BHA-Q, quinones derived from tBHQ and BHA-OH, resulted in the significant inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. These results indicate that BHA-OH is the most cytotoxic followed by tBHQ and BHA and that protein thiols and mitochondrial respiratory system are important targets for BHA and its intermediates.

Calcium antagonist and antiperoxidant properties of some hindered phenols

1. The calcium antagonist and antioxidant activities of certain synthetic and natural phenols, related to BHA (2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol), were evaluated in rat ileal longitudinal muscle and in lipid peroxidation models respectively. 2. Compounds with a phenol or a phenol derivative moiety, with the exception of 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,-3'-di-t-butyl-5,5'-dimethoxydiphenyl (di-BHA), inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the BaCl2-induced contraction of muscle incubated in a Ca(2+)-free medium. Calculated pIC50 (M) values ranged between 3.32 (probucol) and 4.96 [3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (di-t-BHA)], with intermediate activity shown by khellin < gossypol < quercetin < 3-t-butylanisole < BHA < nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) < 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) and papaverine. 3. The Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644 overcame the inhibition sustained by nifedipine, BHA and BHT, while only partially reversing that of papaverine. 4. BHA, BHT, nifedipine and papaverine also inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion CaCl2 contractions of muscle depolarized by a K(+)-rich medium. This inhibition appeared to be inversely affected by the Ca(2+)-concentration used. 5. The inhibitory effects of nifedipine, papaverine, BHA and BHT were no longer present when muscle contraction was elicited in skinned fibres by 5 microM Ca2+ or 500 microM Ba2+, suggesting a plasmalemmal involvement of target sites in spasmolysis. 6. Comparative antioxidant capability was assessed in two peroxyl radical scavenging assay systems. These were based either on the oxidation of linoleic acid initiated by a heat labile azo compound or on lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes promoted by Fe2+ ions. Across both model systems,di-t-BHA, NDGA, BHT, di-BHA, BHA and quercetin ranked as the most potent inhibitors of lipid oxidation, with calculated pICso (M) values ranging between 7.4 and 5.7.7. Of the 32 compounds studied only 15 phenolic derivatives exhibited both antispasmogenic andantioxidant activity. Within this subgroup a linear and significant correlation was found betweenantispasmogenic activity and antioxidation. These bifunctional compounds were characterized by the presence of at least one hydroxyl group on the aromatic ring and a highly lipophilic area in the molecule.8. Di-t-BHA is proposed as a lead reference compound for future synthesis of new antioxidants combining two potentially useful properties in the prevention of tissue damage after ischaemia reperfusion injury.

Toxic injury to rat gut musculature following intraperitoneal administration of 2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol

The 100-fold increase in toxicity of intraperitoneal (i.p.) rather than orally administered 2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHA) is adduced to the depressive effect which this compound exerts on the contractility of the gut musculature. A structure/activity relation study shows the t-butyl group on the benzene ring as being the major determinant of i.p. BHA toxicity. Contractile activity, elicited by field electrical stimulation, acetylcholine or Ba2+, of the ileum longitudinal muscle preparation from BHA-treated rats was greatly reduced 30 min after i.p. injection, and almost absent during the subsequent 48 h. Electron-microscope examination of ileum longitudinal muscle also showed partial destruction of cell membranes 4 h after BHA administration with subsequent mitochondrial swelling and destruction of cristae, myofibrillar fragmentation and cell necrosis. Comparable suppression of contractile activity and morphological damage were observed in BHA or t-butylbenzene incubated ileum segments where longitudinal smooth muscle contractility was irreversibly depressed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These convergent findings point to the toxic effect of i.p. BHA on gut musculature with consequent impairment of intestinal transit.