Effect of superoxide dismutase on the autoxidation of substituted hydro- and semi-naphthoquinones

Naphthoquinones Oxidize H2S to Polysulfides and Thiosulfate, Implications for Therapeutic Applications

1,4-Napththoquinones (NQs) are clinically relevant therapeutics that affect cell function through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and formation of adducts with regulatory protein thiols. Reactive sulfur species (RSS) are chemically and biologically similar to ROS and here we examine RSS production by NQ oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) using RSS-specific fluorophores, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, UV-Vis absorption spectrometry, oxygen-sensitive optodes, thiosulfate-specific nanoparticles, HPLC-monobromobimane derivatization, and ion chromatographic assays. We show that NQs, catalytically oxidize H2S to per- and polysulfides (H2Sn, n = 2−6), thiosulfate, sulfite and sulfate in reactions that consume oxygen and are accelerated by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inhibited by catalase. The approximate efficacy of NQs (in decreasing order) is, 1,4-NQ ≈ juglone ≈ plumbagin > 2-methoxy-1,4-NQ ≈ menadione >> phylloquinone ≈ anthraquinone ≈ menaquinone ≈ lawsone. We propose that the most probable reactions are an initial two-electron oxidation of H2S to S0 and reduction of NQ to NQH2. S0 may react with H2S or elongate H2Sn in variety of reactions. Reoxidation of NQH2 likely involves a semiquinone radical (NQ·−) intermediate via several mechanisms involving oxygen and comproportionation to produce NQ and superoxide. Dismutation of the latter forms hydrogen peroxide which then further oxidizes RSS to sulfoxides. These findings provide the chemical background for novel sulfur-based approaches to naphthoquinone-directed therapies.

Human superoxide dismutase 1 attenuates quinoneimine metabolite formation from mefenamic acid

Mefenamic acid (MFA), one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sometimes causes liver injury. Quinoneimines formed by cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated oxidation of MFA are considered to be causal metabolites of the toxicity and are detoxified by glutathione conjugation. A previous study reported that NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) can reduce the quinoneimines, but NQO1 is scarcely expressed in the human liver. The purpose is to identify enzyme(s) responsible for the decrease in MFA-quinoneimine formation in the human liver. The formation of MFA-quinoneimine by recombinant CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 was significantly decreased by the addition of human liver cytosol, and the extent of the decrease in the metabolite formed by CYP1A2 was larger than that by CYP2C9. By column chromatography, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was identified from the human liver cytosol as an enzyme decreasing MFA-quinoneimine formation. Addition of recombinant SOD1 into the reaction mixture decreased the formation of MFA-quinoneimine from MFA by recombinant CYP1A2. By a structure-activity relationship study, we found that SOD1 decreased the formation of quinoneimines from flufenamic acid and tolfenamic acid, but did not affect those produced from acetaminophen, amodiaquine, diclofenac, and lapatinib. Thus, SOD1 may selectively decrease the quinoneimine formation from fenamate-class NSAIDs. To examine whether SOD1 can attenuate cytotoxicity caused by MFA, siRNA for SOD1 was transfected into CYP1A2-overexpressed HepG2 cells. The leakage of lactate dehydrogenase caused by MFA treatment was significantly increased by knockdown of SOD1. In conclusion, we found that SOD1 can serve as a detoxification enzyme for quinoneimines to protect from drug-induced toxicity.

Predicting reduction rates of energetic nitroaromatic compounds using calculated one-electron reduction potentials

The evaluation of new energetic nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) for use in green munitions formulations requires models that can predict their environmental fate. Previously invoked linear free energy relationships (LFER) relating the log of the rate constant for this reaction (log(k)) and one-electron reduction potentials for the NAC (E1NAC) normalized to 0.059 V have been re-evaluated and compared to a new analysis using a (nonlinear) free-energy relationship (FER) based on the Marcus theory of outer-sphere electron transfer. For most reductants, the results are inconsistent with simple rate limitation by an initial, outer-sphere electron transfer, suggesting that the linear correlation between log(k) and E1NAC is best regarded as an empirical model. This correlation was used to calibrate a new quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) using previously reported values of log(k) for nonenergetic NAC reduction by Fe(II) porphyrin and newly reported values of E1NAC determined using density functional theory at the M06-2X/6-311++G(2d,2p) level with the COSMO solvation model. The QSAR was then validated for energetic NACs using newly measured kinetic data for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), and 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN). The data show close agreement with the QSAR, supporting its applicability to other energetic NACs.

FSH-induced p38-MAPK-mediated dephosphorylation at serine 727 of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 decreases Cyp1b1 expression in mouse granulosa cells

Most mammalian follicles undergo atresia at various stages before ovulation, and granulosa cell apoptosis is a major cause of antral follicular atresia. Estradiol is an essential mitogen for granulosa cell proliferation in vivo and inhibition of apoptosis. The estradiol-producing capacity and metabolism levels are important for follicle health, and sufficient estradiol is necessary for follicle development and ovulation. Cyp1b1, a member of the cytochrome P450 1 subfamily, is responsible for the metabolism of a wide variety of halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in diverse tissues. In mouse follicles, Cyp1b1 converts estradiol to 4-hydroxyestradiol. We investigated mouse granulosa cells (MGCs) in vivo and in vitro and found that Cyp1b1 played a crucial role in estradiol metabolism in dominant follicles. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased estrogen metabolism by reducing Cyp1b1 mRNA and protein levels in MGCs. Furthermore, FSH regulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), a significant transcription factor of Cyp1b1, by mediating the dephosphorylation of STAT1 on serine 727 (Ser(727)) in MGCs. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) may be involved in the FSH-induced dephosphorylation of STAT1 on Ser(727) in MGCs. These results suggested that FSH functions via p38 MAPK-induced dephosphorylation at Ser(727) of STAT1 to downregulate Cyp1b1 expression and maintain the estradiol levels in mouse dominant follicles.

Thermodynamic and kinetic considerations for the reaction of semiquinone radicals to form superoxide and hydrogen peroxide

The quinone/semiquinone/hydroquinone triad (Q/SQ(*-)/H(2)Q) represents a class of compounds that has great importance in a wide range of biological processes. The half-cell reduction potentials of these redox couples in aqueous solutions at neutral pH, E degrees ', provide a window to understanding the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of this triad and their associated chemistry and biochemistry in vivo. Substituents on the quinone ring can significantly influence the electron density "on the ring" and thus modify E degrees' dramatically. E degrees' of the quinone governs the reaction of semiquinone with dioxygen to form superoxide. At near-neutral pH the pK(a)'s of the hydroquinone are outstanding indicators of the electron density in the aromatic ring of the members of these triads (electrophilicity) and thus are excellent tools to predict half-cell reduction potentials for both the one-electron and two-electron couples, which in turn allow estimates of rate constants for the reactions of these triads. For example, the higher the pK(a)'s of H(2)Q, the lower the reduction potentials and the higher the rate constants for the reaction of SQ(*-) with dioxygen to form superoxide. However, hydroquinone autoxidation is controlled by the concentration of di-ionized hydroquinone; thus, the lower the pK(a)'s the less stable H(2)Q to autoxidation. Catalysts, e.g., metals and quinone, can accelerate oxidation processes; by removing superoxide and increasing the rate of formation of quinone, superoxide dismutase can accelerate oxidation of hydroquinones and thereby increase the flux of hydrogen peroxide. The principal reactions of quinones are with nucleophiles via Michael addition, for example, with thiols and amines. The rate constants for these addition reactions are also related to E degrees'. Thus, pK(a)'s of a hydroquinone and E degrees ' are central to the chemistry of these triads.

Nonenzymatic displacement of chlorine and formation of free radicals upon the reaction of glutathione with PCB quinones

The reactions of glutathione (GSH) with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) quinones having different degrees of chlorination on the quinone ring were examined. EPR spectroscopy and MS revealed 2 types of reactions yielding different products: (i) a nonenzymatic, nucleophilic displacement of chlorine on the quinone ring yielding a glutathiylated conjugated quinone and (ii) Michael addition of GSH to the quinone, a 2-electron reduction, yielding a glutathiylated conjugated hydroquinone. The pK(a) of parent hydroquinone decreased by 1 unit as the degree of chlorination increased. This resulted in a corresponding increase in the oxidizability of these chlorinated hydroquinones. The reaction with oxygen appears to be first-order each in ionized hydroquinone and dioxygen, yielding hydrogen peroxide stoichiometrically. The generation of semiquinone radicals, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals was observed by EPR; however, the mechanisms and yields vary depending on the degree of the chlorination of hydroquinone/quinone and the presence or absence of GSH. Our discovery that chlorinated quinones undergo a rapid, nonenzymatic dechlorination upon reaction with GSH opens a different view on mechanisms of metabolism and the toxicity of this class of compounds.

Induction of extracellular hydroxyl radical production by white-rot fungi through quinone redox cycling

A simple strategy for the induction of extracellular hydroxyl radical (OH) production by white-rot fungi is presented. It involves the incubation of mycelium with quinones and Fe(3+)-EDTA. Succinctly, it is based on the establishment of a quinone redox cycle catalyzed by cell-bound dehydrogenase activities and the ligninolytic enzymes (laccase and peroxidases). The semiquinone intermediate produced by the ligninolytic enzymes drives OH production by a Fenton reaction (H(2)O(2) + Fe(2+) --> OH + OH(-) + Fe(3+)). H(2)O(2) production, Fe(3+) reduction, and OH generation were initially demonstrated with two Pleurotus eryngii mycelia (one producing laccase and versatile peroxidase and the other producing just laccase) and four quinones, 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), 2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (MBQ), 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ), and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione [MD]). In all cases, OH radicals were linearly produced, with the highest rate obtained with MD, followed by DBQ, MBQ, and BQ. These rates correlated with both H(2)O(2) levels and Fe(3+) reduction rates observed with the four quinones. Between the two P. eryngii mycelia used, the best results were obtained with the one producing only laccase, showing higher OH production rates with added purified enzyme. The strategy was then validated in Bjerkandera adusta, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Phlebia radiata, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, and Trametes versicolor, also showing good correlation between OH production rates and the kinds and levels of the ligninolytic enzymes expressed by these fungi. We propose this strategy as a useful tool to study the effects of OH radicals on lignin and organopollutant degradation, as well as to improve the bioremediation potential of white-rot fungi.

Naphthoquinone-dependent generation of superoxide radicals by quinone reductase isolated from the plasma membrane of soybean

Using a tetrazolium-based assay, a NAD(P)H oxidoreductase was purified from plasma membranes prepared from soybean (Glycine max) hypocotyls. The enzyme, a tetramer of 85 kD, produces O2(.-) by a reaction that depended on menadione or several other 1,4-naphthoquinones, in apparent agreement with a classification as a one-electron-transferring flavoenzyme producing semiquinone radicals. However, the enzyme displayed catalytic and molecular properties of obligatory two-electron-transferring quinone reductases of the DT-diaphorase type, including insensitivity to inhibition by diphenyleneiodonium. This apparent discrepancy was clarified by investigating the pH-dependent reactivity of menadionehydroquinone toward O2 and identifying the protein by mass spectrometry and immunological techniques. The enzyme turned out to be a classical NAD(P)H:quinone-acceptor oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.5.2, formerly 1.6.99.2) that reduces menadione to menadionehydroquinone and subsequently undergoes autoxidation at pH > or = 6.5. Autoxidation involves the production of the semiquinone as an intermediate, creating the conditions for one-electron reduction of O2. The possible function of this enzyme in the generation of O2(.-) and H2O2 at the plasma membrane of plants in vivo is discussed.

Effect of group II metal cations on catecholate oxidation

The unexpected effects of Ca(2+) on the free-radical chain reactions of dopamine, norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and pyrocatechol oxidation are studied using oxygen consumption measurements, EPR-spectroscopy, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, and by potentiometric titration. It is found that the formation of Ca(2+)-catecholate complexes is accompanied by an increase in the dissociation constants (K(ai) ) of their phenolic hydroxyls. At pH>pK(ai) and in the presence of alkaline-earth metal cations, the rate of catecholate oxidation increases (Ca(2+), Mg(2+)> Sr(2+), Ba(2+)), whereas on addition of Zn ions the rate decreases. The effects of Group II metal cations on catecholate autoxidation are concomitant with a transient increase of the EPR signal for metal-semiquinonate complexes. Therefore, the effects of Ca(2+) and other alkaline-earth metal cations on catecholate autoxidation can be defined as 1) additional deprotonation of catechol OH-groups involved in the formation of M(2+)-catecholate complexes, the latter exceeding catechols in the susceptibility to dioxygen-induced oxidation and 2) formation of relatively stable free-radical intermediates responsible for chain propagation.

Ethyl-2-amino-6-bromo-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H- chromene-3-carboxylate (HA 14-1), a Prototype Small-Molecule Antagonist against Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins, Decomposes To Generate Reactive Oxygen Species That Induce Apoptosis

Overexpressing antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins to suppress apoptosis is one major mechanism via which cancer cells acquire drug resistance against cancer therapy. Ethyl-2-amino-6-bromo-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4 H-chromene-3-carboxylate (HA 14-1) is one of the earliest small-molecule antagonists against antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Since its discovery, HA 14-1 has been shown to be able to synergize a variety of anticancer agents. HA 14-1 also could selectively eliminate tumor cells with elevated level of Bcl-2 protein. HA 14-1, therefore, is being intensely investigated as a potential anticancer agent. Previous reports of HA 14-1 implied that it may not be stable, raising the question of whether HA 14-1 is a suitable drug candidate. The potential stability also raised the concern about whether HA 14-1 is the bioactive species. In this report, we confirm that HA 14-1 is not stable under physiological conditions: it rapidly decomposes in RPMI cell culture medium with a half-life of 15 min. This decomposition process also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). To identify the actual candidate(s) for the observed bioactivity of HA 14-1, we characterized the structures, quantified the amount, and evaluated the bioactivities of the decomposed products. We also used ROS scavengers to explore the function of ROS. From these studies, we established that none of the decomposition products could account for the bioactivity of HA 14-1. ROS generated during the decomposition process, however, are critical for the in vitro cytotoxicity and the apoptosis induced by HA 14-1. This study demonstrates that HA 14-1 is not stable under physiological conditions and that HA 14-1 can generate ROS through its decomposition, independent of Bcl-2 antagonism. Because of its intrinsic tendency to decompose and to generate ROS, caution should be taken in using HA 14-1 as a qualified antagonist against antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins.

4-Hydroxyestradiol induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in human mammary epithelial cells: possible protection by NF-kappaB and ERK/MAPK

Catechol estrogens, the hydroxylated metabolites of 17beta-estradiol (E2), have been considered to be implicated in estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. 4-Hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2), an oxidized metabolite of E2 formed preferentially by cytochrome P450 1B1, reacts with DNA to form depurinating adducts thereby exerting genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. 4-OHE2 undergoes 2-electron oxidation to quinone via semiquinone, and during this process, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated to cause DNA damage and cell death. In the present study, 4-OHE2 was found to elicit cytotoxicity in cultured human mammary epithelial (MCF-10A) cells, which was blocked by the antioxidant trolox. MCF-10A cells treated with 4-OHE2 exhibited increased intracellular ROS accumulation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine formation, and underwent apoptosis as determined by poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage and disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) was transiently activated by 4-OHE2 treatment. Cotreatment of MCF-10A cells with the NF-kappaB inhibitor, L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone, exacerbated 4-OHE2-induced cell death. 4-OHE2 also caused transient activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) involved in transmitting cell survival or death signals. A pharmacological inhibitor of ERK aggravated the 4-OHE2-induced cytotoxicity, supporting the pivotal role of ERK in protecting against catechol estrogen-induced oxidative cell death.

Echinochrome, a naturally occurring iron chelator and free radical scavenger in artificial and natural membrane systems

Echinochrome, or 6-ethyl-2,3,5,7,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, possesses cardioprotective activity, and diminishes the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury that is known to be accompanied by free-radical oxidative damage and calcium overload. In this study, we investigated the lipophilicity of echinochrome, its ability to inhibit free-radical oxidation both in the bulk organic phase and in an artificial membrane system (liposomes), and to prevent the ferrous/ascorbate-induced leakage of calcium from the isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of rabbit skeletal muscle. The experimentally-determined octanol/water partition coefficient (LogP) of echinochrome was +3.11, and the distribution coefficient (LogD) was +2.58 at pH 6.0 and -0.15 at pH 8.0. Echinochrome displayed high scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with a stoichiometry of about 1:7. Echinochrome was more effective in inhibiting the phosphatidyl choline liposome peroxidation induced by Fe2+/ascorbate than that induced by hemin. The iron chelating ability of echinochrome was estimated spectrophotometrically. In isolated SR, echinochrome protected the ATP-dependent Ca2+-pump system from damage by Fe2+/ascorbate. It was concluded that iron chelation predominates in the overall antioxidant potential of echinochrome.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1: role as a superoxide scavenger

Experiments using purified recombinant human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) revealed that the auto-oxidation of fully reduced protein resulted in a 1:1 stoichiometry of oxygen consumption to NADH oxidation with the production of hydrogen peroxide. The rate of auto-oxidation of fully reduced NQO1 was markedly accelerated in the presence of superoxide (O(2)(*)(-)), whereas the addition of superoxide dismutase greatly inhibited the rate of auto-oxidation. The ability of reduced NQO1 to react with O(2)(*)(-) suggested a role for NQO1 in scavenging O(2)(*)(-), and this hypothesis was tested using established methods for O(2)(*)(-) production and detection. The addition of NQO1 in combination with NAD(P)H resulted in inhibition of dihydroethidium oxidation, pyrogallol auto-oxidation, and elimination of a potassium superoxide-generated ethoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-1-oxide:O(2)(*)(-) adduct signal (electron spin resonance). Kinetic parameters for the reduction of O(2)(*)(-) by NQO1 were estimated using xanthine/xanthine oxidase as the source of O(2)(*)(-) and after NQO1-dependent NADH oxidation at 340 nm. The ability of NQO1 to scavenge O(2)(*)(-) was also examined using cell sonicates prepared from isogenic cell lines containing no NQO1 activity (NQO1(-)) or very high levels of NQO1 activity (NQO1(+)). We demonstrated that addition of NAD(P)H and cell sonicate from NQO1(+) but not NQO1(-) cells resulted in an increased level of O(2)(*)(-) scavenging could be inhibited by 5-methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-3-[(4-nitrophenoxy)methyl]indole-4,7-dione (ES936), a mechanism-based inhibitor of NQO1. NQO1 can generate hydroquinones that are redox active, and the O(2)(*)(-) scavenging activity of NQO1 may allow protection against O(2)(*)(-) at the site of hydroquinone generation. In addition, the O(2)(*)(-) scavenging activity of NQO1 may provide an additional level of protection against O(2)(*)(-) induced toxicity.

How do calcium ions induce free radical oxidation of hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone? Ca2+ stabilizes the naphthosemiquinone anion-radical of echinochrome A

A surprising effect is the direct action of Ca(2+) on redox reactions of ortho-quinoid compounds. The effect of Ca(2+) on oxidation of the sea urchin pigment 6-ethyl-2,3,5,7,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (echinochrome A) has been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, by UV/VIS absorbance spectroscopy, and by measurement of oxygen consumption. Echinochrome A per se reacted with dioxygen only in an alkaline solution; 2,3-semiquinone anion-radical of echinochrome A and superoxide anion-radical were the intermediates of the oxidation. Addition of calcium ions sharply increased the rate of echinochrome A autooxidation at alkaline pH and provoked oxidation at neutral pH. To explain this phenomenon we have focused on changes of the acid-base properties of echinochrome A in the presence of calcium and on stabilization of 2,3-semiquinone anion-radical of echinochrome A by Ca(2+). Dissociation constants (pK(a1), pK(a2), and pK(a3)) of echinochrome A determined by potentiometric titration were 5.20, 6.78, and >10 in calcium-free solution and 5.00, 6.10, and 7.15 in the presence of Ca(2+). We have found that Ca(2+) forms an insoluble adduct with the 2,3-semiquinone anion-radical. Thus, the effect of redox-inert calcium on the free radical reactions could be explained (i) by additional deprotonation of echinochrome A and (ii) by formation of a Ca(2+)-naphtho-2,3-semiquinone complex (calcium semiquinonate). Additionally, we have shown that the dried red spines from Strongylocentrotus intermedius possess paramagnetic properties; the EPR signal of the natural spines was similar to that of calcium semiquinonate obtained in our artificial chemical system.

Autoxidation of extracellular hydroquinones is a causative event for the cytotoxicity of menadione and DMNQ in A549-S cells

Cytotoxicity of 1,4-naphthoquinones has been attributed to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through one-electron-reductase-mediated redox cycling and to arylation of cellular nucleophiles. Here, however, we report that in a subclone of lung epithelial A549 cells (A549-S previously called A549-G4S (Watanabe, et al., Am. J. Physiol. 283 (2002) L726-736), the mechanism of ROS generation by menadione and by 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ), and therefore that of cytotoxicity, differs from the paradigm. Ninety percent of H(2)O(2) generation by both the quinones can be prevented by dicumarol, an inhibitor of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), at the submicromolar level, regardless of the quinone concentrations. Exogenous SOD also inhibits H(2)O(2) production at low but not high concentrations of the quinones, especially DMNQ. Thus, at low quinone concentrations, superoxide-driven hydroquinone autoxidation accounts for more than half of H(2)O(2) generation by both quinones, whereas at high quinone concentrations, especially for DMNQ, comproportionation-driven hydroquinone autoxidation becomes the predominant mechanism. Hydroquinone autoxidation appears to occur predominantly in the extracellular environment than in the cytosol as extracellular catalase can dramatically attenuate quinone-induced cytotoxicity throughout the range of quinone concentrations, whereas complete inactivation of endogenous catalase or complete depletion of intracellular glutathione has only a marginal effect on their cytotoxicity. Finally, we show evidence that ROS production is a consequence of the compensatory defensive role of NQO1 against quinone arylation.

Why does SOD overexpression sometimes enhance, sometimes decrease, hydrogen peroxide production? A minimalist explanation

Toxic effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) overexpression are commonly attributed to increased hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production. Still, published experiments yield contradictory evidence on whether SOD overexpression increases or decreases H(2)O(2) production. We analyzed this issue using a minimal mathematical model. The most relevant mechanisms of superoxide consumption are treated as pseudo first-order processes, and both superoxide production and the activity of enzymes other than SOD were considered constant. Even within this simple framework, SOD overexpression may increase, hold constant, or decrease H(2)O(2) production. At normal SOD levels, the outcome depends on the ratio between the rate of processes that consume superoxide without forming H(2)O(2) and the rate of processes that consume superoxide with high (>/= 1) H(2)O(2) yield. In cells or cellular compartments where this ratio is exceptionally low (< 1), a modest decrease in H(2)O(2) production upon SOD overexpression is expected. Where the ratio is higher than unity, H(2)O(2) production should increase, but at most linearly, with SOD activity. The results are consistent with the available experimental observations. According to the minimal model, only where most superoxide is eliminated through H(2)O(2)-free processes does SOD activity have the moderately large influence on H(2)O(2) production observed in some experiments.

Concerted action of DT-diaphorase and superoxide dismutase in preventing redox cycling of naphthoquinones: an evaluation

It has been suggested that the enzymes DT-diaphorase and superoxide dismutase act in concert to prevent redox cycling of naphthoquinones and thus protect against the toxic effects of such substances. Little is known, however, about the scope of this process or the conditions necessary for its operation. In the presence of low levels of DT-diaphorase, 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone was found to undergo redox cycling. This was very effectively inhibited by SOD, and in the presence of both enzymes the hydroquinone was maintained in the reduced form. The inhibitory effect of the enzyme combination was overcome, however, at high concentrations of the quinone, or by small increases in pH. Furthermore, redox cycling was re-established by addition of haemoproteins such as cytochrome c and methaemoglobin. DT-diaphorase and SOD strongly inhibited redox cycling by 2,3-dimethyl- and 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, but not that of 2-hydroxy-, 5-hydroxy- or 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone. Inhibition of redox cycling by a combination of DT-diaphorase and SOD is therefore not applicable to all naphthoquinone derivatives, and when it does occur, it may be overwhelmed at high quinone concentrations, and it may not operate under slightly alkaline conditions or in the presence of tissue components capable of initiating hydroquinone autoxidation.

The Oxidation of 3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid by Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase: Mechanism and Possible Consequences

Cu,Zn SOD, but not Mn SOD, catalyzes the oxidation of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HA) under aerobic conditions. In the absence of O2, the Cu(II) of the enzyme is reduced by 3-HA. One plausible mechanism involves the reduction of the active site Cu(II) to Cu(I), which is then reoxidized by the O2- generated by autoxidation of the anthranilyl or other radicals on the pathway to cinnabarinate. We may call this the superoxide reductase, or SOR, mechanism. Another possibility invokes direct reoxidation of the active site Cu(I) by the anthranilyl, or other organic radicals, or by the peroxyl radicals generated by addition of O2 to these organic radicals. Such oxidations catalyzed by Cu,Zn SOD could account for the deleterious effects of the mutant Cu,Zn SODs associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and of the overproduction or overadministration of wild-type Cu,Zn SOD.

Persuasive evidence that quinone reductase type 1 (DT diaphorase) protects cells against the toxicity of electrophiles and reactive forms of oxygen

An extensive body of evidence supports the conclusion that by catalyzing obligatory two-electron reductions of quinones to hydroquinones, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (QR1) protects cells against the deleterious effects of redox cycling of quinones, their ability to deplete glutathione, and to produce neoplasia. The effects of elevation of QR1 levels by various enzyme inducers, inhibition of the enzyme by dicumarol, and genetic deletion of the enzyme (knockout mouse) are all consistent with the proposed protective functions. Measurement of QR1 activity in murine hepatoma cells grown in 96-well microtiter plates has provided a rapid and quantitative method for detecting inducer activity and determining inducer potency. This constitutes a strategy for the identification of potential chemoprotectors against cancer. Epidemiological studies show that humans who are genetically deficient in QR1 are more susceptible to the hematological toxicity and carcinogenicity of benzene exposure, and may be more susceptible to the development of a number of malignant tumors.

Redox cycling of 2-(x'-mono, -di, -trichlorophenyl)- 1, 4-benzoquinones, oxidation products of polychlorinated biphenyls

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) preparations are complete liver carcinogens in rodents and efficacious promoters in two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis. Cytochrome P450 isozymes catalyze the oxidation of PCBs to mono- and dihydroxy metabolites. The potential for further enzymatic or nonenzymatic oxidation of ortho- and para-dihydroxy PCB metabolites to (semi)quinones raises the possibility that redox cycling involving reactive oxygen species may be involved in PCB toxicity. Seven synthetic 2-(x'-chlorophenyl)-1, 4-benzoquinones (containing one to three chlorines) were investigated for their participation in oxidation-reduction reactions by following the oxidation of NADPH. These observations were made: (i) NADPH alone directly reduced all quinones but only 2-(2'-chlorophenyl)- and 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone supported NADPH consumption beyond that required to quantitatively reduce the quinone. (ii) For all quinones, superoxide dismutase increased NADPH oxidation in excess of the amount of quinone, demonstrating the participation of the superoxide radical. (iii) The presence of microsomal enzymes from rat liver increased the rate of NADPH consumption, but only 2-(2'-chlorophenyl)- and 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone autoxidized. (iv) The combination of superoxide dismutase with microsomal enzymes accelerated autoxidation from 1.6- to 6.8-fold higher than that found in the absence of microsomal protein. These data support the concept that in the absence of microsomal protein, there occurs a two-electron reduction of the quinone by NADPH to the corresponding hydroquinone that comproportionates with the large reservoir of quinone to initiate autoxidation. In the presence of microsomes, enzymatic one-electron reduction generates a semiquinone radical whose autoxidation with oxygen propagates the redox cycle. These results show the potential of some 2-(x'-chlorophenyl)-1, 4-benzoquinones to initiate the wasteful loss of NADPH.

Autoxidation of naphthohydroquinones: effects of pH, naphthoquinones and superoxide dismutase

The rates of autoxidation of a number of pure naphthohydroquinones have been determined, and the effects of pH, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and of the parent naphthoquinone on the oxidation rates have been investigated. Most compounds were slowly oxidised in acid solution with the rates increasing with increasing pH, although 2-hydroxy-, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl- and 2-amino-1,4-naphthohydroquinone were rapidly oxidised at pH 5 and the rates of oxidation of these substances were comparatively unresponsive to changes in pH. At pH 7.4, autoxidation rates decreased in the order 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthohydroquinone > 5-hydroxy > 2-bromo > 2-hydroxy-3-methyl > 2-amino > 2-hydroxy > 2-methoxy > 2,3-dimethoxy > 2,3-dimethyl > 2-methyl > unsubstituted hydroquinone. The autoxidation rates of the alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy and amino derivatives were decreased in the presence of SOD, but this enzyme had no effect on the rate of autoxidation of the 2,3-dichloro and 2-bromo derivatives while that of the 5-hydroxy derivative was increased. The rates of autoxidation of all compounds except the halogen derivatives and 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthohydroquinone were increased by addition of the parent naphthoquinone, and quinone addition partially or completely overcame the inhibitory effect of SOD. There is evidence that the reduction of quinones to hydroquinones in vivo may lead either to detoxification or to activation. This may be due to differences in the rate or mechanism of autoxidation of the hydroquinones that are formed, and the data gained in this study will provide a framework for testing this possibility.

Oxygen activation during oxidation of methoxyhydroquinones by laccase from Pleurotus eryngii

Oxygen activation during oxidation of the lignin-derived hydroquinones 2-methoxy-1,4-benzohydroquinone (MBQH(2)) and 2, 6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzohydroquinone (DBQH(2)) by laccase from Pleurotus eryngii was examined. Laccase oxidized DBQH(2) more efficiently than it oxidized MBQH(2); both the affinity and maximal velocity of oxidation were higher for DBQH(2) than for MBQH(2). Autoxidation of the semiquinones produced by laccase led to the activation of oxygen, producing superoxide anion radicals (Q(*-) + O(2) <--> Q + O(2)(*-)). As this reaction is reversible, its existence was first noted in studies of the effect of systems consuming and producing O(2)(*-) on quinone formation rates. Then, the production of H(2)O(2) in laccase reactions, as a consequence of O(2)(*-) dismutation, confirmed that semiquinones autoxidized. The highest H(2)O(2) levels were obtained with DBQH(2), indicating that DBQ(*-) autoxidized to a greater extent than did MBQ(*-). Besides undergoing autoxidation, semiquinones were found to be transformed into quinones via dismutation and laccase oxidation. Two ways of favoring semiquinone autoxidation over dismutation and laccase oxidation were increasing the rate of O(2)(*-) consumption with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and recycling of quinones with diaphorase (a reductase catalyzing the divalent reduction of quinones). These two strategies made the laccase reaction conditions more natural, since O(2)(*-), besides undergoing dismutation, reacts with Mn(2+), Fe(3+), and aromatic radicals. In addition, quinones are continuously reduced by the mycelium of white-rot fungi. The presence of SOD in laccase reactions increased the extent of autoxidation of 100 microM concentrations of MBQ(*-) and DBQ(*-) from 4.5 to 30.6% and from 19.6 to 40.0%, respectively. With diaphorase, the extent of MBQ(*-) autoxidation rose to 13.8% and that of DBQ(*-) increased to 39.9%.

Inhibition of 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone auto-oxidation by copper and by superoxide dismutase

2,3-Dimethyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone undergoes auto-oxidation to the corresponding quinone at pH 7.4, with stoichiometric consumption of oxygen and formation of hydrogen peroxide. In an unpurified buffer, the rate of oxidation was low, but it increased nearly 9-fold when trace metals were removed from the buffer by treatment with Chelex resin. A similar increase in rate was achieved by addition of DTPA or bathophenanthroline sulfonate to unpurified buffer, whereas EDTA and desferal were less effective. Addition of copper to purified buffer led to inhibition of oxidation, with a 50% decrease in rate being observed at a metal concentration of 7.1 nM, and it is likely that the low auto-oxidation rate recorded in unpurified buffer was due to copper contamination of the latter. The auto-oxidation of 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone was exceptionally sensitive to inhibition by superoxide dismutase, with a concentration of only 4.5 ng/ml being sufficient for a 50% decrease in rate, and the inhibitory effect of copper may be due to the ability of this metal to catalyse the dismutation of superoxide. Previous studies have shown that the rates of auto-oxidation of 1,4-naphthohydroquinone and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone are influenced by copper contamination of buffer and the present study shows that this is also true for a di-substituted naphthohydroquinone. For accurate assessment of rates of naphthohydroquinone auto-oxidation, it is important that purified buffers or appropriate chelating agents, are employed.

The reaction of nitric oxide with ubiquinol: kinetic properties and biological significance

The reaction of nitric oxide (*NO) with ubiquinol-0 and ubiquinol-2, short-chain analogs of coenzyme Q, was examined in anaerobic and aerobic conditions in terms of formation of intermediates and stable molecular products. The chemical reactivity of ubiquinol-0 and ubiquinol-2 towards *NO differed only quantitatively, the reactions of ubiquinol-2 being slightly faster than those of ubiquinol-0. The ubiquinol/*NO reaction entailed oxidation of ubiquinol to ubiquinone and reduction of *NO to NO-, the latter identified by its reaction with metmyoglobin to form nitroxylmyoglobin and indirectly by measurement of nitrous oxide (N2O) by gas chromatography. Both the rate of ubiquinone accumulation and *NO consumption were linearly dependent on ubiquinol and *NO concentrations. The stoichiometry of *NO consumed per either ubiquinone formed or ubiquinol oxidized was 1.86 A 0.34. The reaction of *NO with ubiquinols proceeded with intermediate formation of ubisemiquinones that were detected by direct EPR. The second order rate constants of the reactions of ubiquinol-0 and ubiquinol-2 with *NO were 0.49 and 1.6 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1), respectively. Studies in aerobic conditions revealed that the reaction of *NO with ubiquinols was associated with O2 consumption. The formation of oxyradicals - identified by spin trapping EPR- during ubiquinol autoxidation was inhibited by *NO, thus indicating that the O2 consumption triggered by *NO could not be directly accounted for in terms of oxyradical formation or H2O2 accumulation. It is suggested that oxyradical formation is inhibited by the rapid removal of superoxide anion by *NO to yield peroxynitrite, which subsequently may be involved in the propagation of ubiquinol oxidation. The biological significance of the reaction of ubiquinols with *NO is discussed in terms of the cellular O2 gradients, the steady-state levels of ubiquinols and *NO, and the distribution of ubiquinone (largely in its reduced form) in biological membranes with emphasis on the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Quinone toxicity in DT-diaphorase-efficient and -deficient colon carcinoma cell lines

The human colon carcinoma cell lines Caco-2 and HT-29 were exposed to three structurally related naphthoquinones. Menadione (MEN), 1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ), and 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DIM) redoxcycle at similar rates, NQ is a stronger arylator than MEN, and DIM does not arylate thiols. The Caco-2 cell line was particularly vulnerable to NQ and MEN and displayed moderate toxic effects of DIM. The HT-29 cell line was only vulnerable to NQ and MEN after inhibition of DT-diaphorase (DTD) with dicoumarol, whereas dicoumarol did not affect the toxicity of quinones to Caco-2 cells. DTD activity in the HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines, as estimated by the dicoumarol-sensitive reduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, was 393.7 +/- 46.9 and 6.4 +/- 2.2 nmol NADPH x min(-1) x mg protein(-1), respectively. MEN depleted glutathione to a small extent in the HT-29 cell line, but a rapid depletion similar to Caco-2 cells was achieved when dicoumarol was added. The data demonstrated that the DTD-deficient Caco-2 cell line was more vulnerable to arylating or redoxcycling quinones than DTD-expressing cell lines. Exposure of the Caco-2 cell line to quinones produced a rapid rise in protein disulphides and oxidised glutathione. In contrast to NQ and DIM, no intracellular GSSG was observed with MEN. The relatively higher levels of ATP in MEN-exposed cells may account for the efficient extrusion of intracellular GSSG. The reductive potential of the cell as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction was only increased by MEN and not with NQ and DIM. We conclude that arylation is a major contributing factor in the toxicity of quinones. For this reason, NQ was the most toxic quinone, followed by MEN, and the pure redoxcycler DIM elicited modest toxicity in Caco-2 cells.

Redox cycling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones: metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of catechols bypasses inhibition by superoxide dismutase

Several two-electron quinone reductases catalyze the redox cycling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) o-quinones. When the carbonyl reductase of human placenta catalyzes the cycling of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone in aqueous phosphate buffer, reactive oxygen species are produced. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibits the cycling by more than 90%, but the addition of 1 microM Cu2+ or 15 microM ferricytochrome c (cyt c3+) completely restores the cycling rate to that of the control. Similar results are obtained for 5,6-chrysenequinone, 5,6-benz[a]anthracenequinone, 4,5-benzo[a]pyrenequinone, and 7,8-benzo[a]pyrenequinone in assay mixtures which contain dimethyl sulfoxide. The 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) of human placenta also catalyzes the redox cycling of these quinones, and cycling is inhibited by SOD. Although free metal ions (Cu2+ and Fe3+) inhibit the 17beta-HSD, cyt c3+ does not inhibit the enzyme. If cyt c3+ is added to assay mixtures containing SOD, cycling rates are equal to those of the corresponding controls. These experiments suggest that SOD may not protect cells from the toxic effects of PAH o-quinone cycling if certain metal ions or metal chelates are also present.

Laccase isoenzymes of Pleurotus eryngii: characterization, catalytic properties, and participation in activation of molecular oxygen and Mn2+ oxidation

Two laccase isoenzymes produced by Pleurotus eryngii were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity (42- and 43-fold) with an overall yield of 56.3%. Laccases I and II from this fungus are monomeric glycoproteins with 7 and 1% carbohydrate content, molecular masses (by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of 65 and 61 kDa, and pIs of 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. The highest rate of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) oxidation for laccase I was reached at 65 degrees C and pH 4, and that for laccase II was reached at 55 degrees C and pH 3.5. Both isoenzymes are stable at high pH, retaining 60 to 70% activity after 24 h from pH 8 to 12. Their amino acid compositions and N-terminal sequences were determined, the latter strongly differing from those of laccases of other basidiomycetes. Antibodies against laccase I reacted with laccase II, as well as with laccases from Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, and Pleurotus floridanus. Different hydroxy- and methoxy-substituted phenols and aromatic amines were oxidized by the two laccase isoenzymes from P. eryngii, and the influence of the nature, number, and disposition of aromatic-ring substituents on kinetic constants is discussed. Although both isoenzymes presented similar substrate affinities, the maximum rates of reactions catalyzed by laccase I were higher than those of laccase II. In reactions with hydroquinones, semiquinones produced by laccase isoenzymes were in part converted into quinones via autoxidation. The superoxide anion radical produced in the latter reaction dismutated, producing hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of manganous ion, the superoxide union was reduced to hydrogen peroxide with the concomitant production of manganic ion. These results confirmed that laccase in the presence of hydroquinones can participate in the production of both reduced oxygen species and manganic ions.

Increased transcription of the regulatory subunit of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase in rat lung epithelial L2 cells exposed to oxidative stress or glutathione depletion

gamma-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the glutathione (GSH) de novo synthesis pathway. GCS is composed of a heavy (73-kDa) catalytic subunit and a light (30-kDa) regulatory subunit, which maintains the Km for glutamate near physiologic concentrations. Previous studies have shown that the steady-state mRNA level and gene transcription for the catalytic subunit increased in response to the redox-cycling quinone 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) in rat lung epithelial L2 cells (M. M. Shi, et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269,26512-26517). The ratio of the catalytic to regulatory subunit mRNAs varies among tissues, and the anticancer drug cisplatin appears to induce only the catalytic subunit, suggesting independent gene regulation of the two subunits. Nonetheless, the present study found that the steady-state mRNA level and the transcription rate of the GCS regulatory subunit also increased under DMNQ-induced oxidative stress. Changes in mRNA followed a pattern similar to that for the catalytic subunit. The mRNA levels of the two subunits of GCS also both increased above the baseline levels in cells treated with BSO, an inhibitor of GCS enzymatic activity. These data suggest that, under conditions of oxidative stress or glutathione depletion, the regulatory subunit is upregulated at the level of mRNA transcription. Along with the elevation of the catalytic subunit, this increase in GCS regulatory subunit transcription contributes to increases in GCS enzymatic activity and cellular GSH content.

Quinone redox cycling in the ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus eryngii leading to extracellular production of superoxide anion radical

Quinone redox cycling is generally known as an intracellular process that implies the reduction of quinones (Q) into semiquinones (Q-.) or hydroquinones (QH2), which autoxidize reducing oxygen to superoxide anion radical (O-.2). We demonstrate here for the first time the existence of quinone redox cycling in a ligninolytic fungus, Pleurotus eryngii, showing two particularities: extracellular production of O-.2 and involvement of ligninolytic enzymes. Experiments were performed with P. eryngii cultures, showing laccase activity, and four quinones: 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MeBQ), 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ), and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione, MD). The overall process consisted of cell-bound divalent reduction of quinones, followed by extracellular laccase-mediated oxidation of hydroquinones into semiquinones, which autoxidized to a certain extent producing O-.2 (at the pH values of natural degradation of lignin, some autoxidation of hydroquinones was observed only with DQH2 and MDH2). The existence of a redox cyclic system involving quinones was evidenced by determining the chemical state of quinones along incubation under several conditions (either different O2 concentrations and pH values or laccase amounts). Thus, QH2/Q ratios at system equilibrium decreased as either pH values and oxygen concentration (allowing hydroquinones autoxidation) or the amount of laccase increased. Once the cyclic nature of the system was demonstrated, special attention was paid to the production of O-.2 during hydroquinone oxidation. Except in the case of BQH2, production of O-.2 was found in samples containing hydroquinones and laccase. By the use of agents promoting the autoxidation of semiquinones (superoxide dismutase and Mn2+), production of O-.2 during oxidation of BQH2 could finally be demonstrated.

Redox cycling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones: reversal of superoxide dismutase inhibition by ascorbate

When redox cycling of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones is catalyzed by the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, autooxidation of the hydroquinone is a free radical chain reaction in which superoxide anion is the propagating species. Superoxide dismutase inhibits the redox cycling of these quinones, and ascorbate reverses this inhibition. Studies of the mechanism, using 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, show that ascorbate competes with superoxide dismutase for the superoxide anion; the ascorbyl radical formed then oxidizes the hydroquinone. In this mechanism, ascorbyl radical participates in chain propagation. The reversal of superoxide dismutase inhibition by ascorbate is observed when other two-electron reductases catalyze the cycling, and it occurs in the absence of metal ions. Although ascorbate is generally thought to be an antioxidant, it behaves as a prooxidant in the experiments reported here.

Autoxidation of naphthohydroquinones: effects of metals, chelating agents, and superoxide dismutase

At neutral pH, 1,4-naphthohydroquinone and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone readily autoxidize to the corresponding quinones. In an unpurified phosphate buffer, the autoxidation of both substances proceeded in a linear fashion after a brief lag phase. Addition of a chelating agent or purification of the buffer decreased the duration of the lag phase of 1,4-naphthohydroquinone autoxidation, but had no effect on the linear rate. In the case of 2-methyl-l,4-naphthohydroquinone, such treatment eliminated the lag phase and greatly increased the linear rate of oxidation. The lag phases and oxidation rates seen in unpurified buffers could be replicated by addition of submicromolar amounts of copper to purified buffer. The effects of low levels of copper were qualitatively similar to those of superoxide dismutase, and it is suggested that the effects of this metal on naphthohydroquinone autoxidation reflects its ability to act as a superoxide dismutase. The relative rates of autoxidation of naphthohydroquinones are important because they may determine the balance between activation and detoxication of naphthoquinones within cells. When measuring such rates, or assessing rates of redox cycling of naphthoquinones, it is important to employ a chelating agent or use highly purified buffers and reagents. Failure to do so may lead to erroneous conclusions concerning the reactivity of naphthohydroquinones and the ability of naphthoquinones to generate "active oxygen" species.

The autoxidation of the reduced forms of EO9

The properties of the semiquinone radical from [3-hydroxy-5-aziridinyl-1-methyl-2-(1H-indole-4,7-indi one)-prop-beta-en-alpha-ol], EO9, have been studied using pulse-radiolysis techniques. The reduction potential of the semiquinone of EO9 at pH7.4, E(EO9/EO9-), is -253 +/- 6 mV and hence this quinone can be readily reduced by one-electron reducing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 reductase and xanthine oxidase. However, the radical is unstable in the presence of oxygen (k = 1.3 +/- 0.15 x 10(8) M-1 s-1). The semiquinone radicals and the hydroquinone are in equilibrium although the formation of the hydroquinone is favoured t physiologically relevant pH. The hydroquinone of EO9 is also unstable in the presence of oxygen and it is predicted that in fully aerated solutions, its half life is 1.5 +/- 0.3 seconds. These results are discussed in view of the selective cytotoxicity of EO9 and its ability to undergo bioreductive activation by one-electron reducing enzymes and DT-diaphorase.

Role of oxidants and antioxidants in the induction of AP-1, NF-kappaB, and glutathione S-transferase gene expression

Transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappaB have been implicated in the inducible expression of a variety of genes in response to oxidative stress. Recently, based on the observation that butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) induce AP-1 binding activity and AP-1-dependent gene expression and assuming that these compounds exert an antioxidant effect, it was claimed that AP-1 is an antioxidant-responsive factor. To determine whether AP-1 can be responsive to both oxidant and antioxidant, we examined the nature of BHA and PDTC inducing activity. Using EPR spectroscopy to detect semiquinone radicals, we demonstrate the autoxidation of BHA metabolite tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) to tert-butylquinone. The kinetics of TBHQ-mediated generation of .OH radicals were monitored in intact hepatoma HepG2 cells by EPR spin trapping technique. Exogenous catalase inhibited the rate and amount of .OH radical formation and the induction of AP-1-mediated glutathione S-transferase (GST) Ya gene expression by BHA and TBHQ, thus indicating the intermediate formation of H2O2 in the metabolism of these chemicals. Furthermore, we show that the induction of AP-1 and NF-kappaB activities and GST Ya gene expression by BHA and TBHQ is due to a pro-oxidant activity, since this induction was inhibited by thiol compounds N-acetyl cysteine and GSH. Similarly, induction of AP-1 and GST Ya gene expression by PDTC was inhibited by N-acetyl cysteine and GSH. The present findings do not support the notion that the induction of AP-1 by BHA, TBHQ, or PDTC is an antioxidant response and demonstrate that both AP-1 and NF-kappaB activities are induced by oxygen radicals.

Influence of DT diaphorase on quinone-mediated genotoxicity in human and fish cell lines

The influence of the quinone-reducing enzyme, DT diaphorase [NAD(P)H: (quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase], on the genotoxicity of quinones was examined in two cell lines, namely a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 and a brown bullhead fibroblast cell line, BB. The quinone-reductive characteristics of these two cell lines were examined using an acetylated cytochrome c reduction assay for enzymatic reductase activity. Subsequently, the influence of DT diaphorase on the genotoxicity of two model quinones, menadione (MND) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) was examined in an alkaline unwinding assay for DNA single-strand breaks. Results revealed that DT diaphorase was the predominant quinone reductase in cytosols of both cell lines, and that levels of specific DT diaphorase activity were generally equivalent in the two species. Despite these similarities, results revealed marked qualitative differences between the two species in terms of the influence of DT diaphorase on quinone-mediated genotoxicity. When pretreated with the DT diaphorase inhibitor, dicoumarol, HepG2 cells exhibited a marked exacerbation of genotoxicity in the presence of either MND or PQ, indicating protective influence of the enzyme. In contrast, quinone genotoxicity in BB cells was not affected by DT diaphorase inhibition, indicating the lack of a protective effect of DT diaphorase. This study illustrates the manner in which functionally analogous enzymes may have markedly distinct influences on xenobiotic toxicity in different cellular systems.

Free radical toxicology and antioxidant defence

1. A large number of compounds that have toxic effects can be metabolized to free radicals and secondary reactive oxygen species. These may be directly damaging or may affect cell function by altering regulatory mechanisms through changing redox status. 2. Protection is provided by an integrated system of antioxidant defences. This includes reduced glutathione, one of the functions of which is to scavenge free radicals. It acts by channelling radicals to superoxide so that the one enzyme, superoxide dismutase, has a major control over radical reactions in the cell.

Enzymic- and thiol-mediated activation of halogen-substituted diaziridinylbenzoquinones: redox transitions of the semiquinone and semiquinone-thioether species

Activation of 2,5-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinones bearing halogen (Cl, Br, or F) substituents at C3 and C6 by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and glutathione nucleophilic substitution was examined in terms of free radical production and DNA strand scission. A semiquinone species was observed by direct ESR in aerobic conditions during: (a) NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-catalyzed reduction of the above quinones. (b) The interaction of these quinones with GSH entailing primarily reactivity of halogen substituents toward sulfur substitution. (c) NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-catalyzed activation of products resulting from the quinone/GSH interaction. The semiquinone ESR signal observed during enzymic catalysis was suppressed by superoxide dismutase and was not affected by catalase. ESR studies in conjunction with the spin trapping technique on the autoxidation of the semiquinones formed by the above reaction pathways indicated the formation of superoxide radicals. In addition, thiyl radicals were formed during the reactions following glutathione necleophilic substitution of the above quinones. The ESR signals of both superoxide and thiyl radicals were abolished by superoxide dismutase. No hydroxyl radicals were formed in solution during the redox transitions of these halogen-containing diaziridinylbenzoquinones. Bioreductive activation of these compounds via NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase or sulfur nucleophilic substitution was associated with the formation of DNA strand breaks. This process was substantially inhibited (74-86%) by superoxide dismutase and to a lesser extent (23-31%) by catalase. It is suggested that DNA strand breakage proceeds in a manner entailing a semiquinone-dependent reduction of metal-ligands bound at the DNA surface and leading to site-specific, hydroxyl radical production.

One- and two-electron reduction of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone bioreductive alkylating agents: kinetic studies, free-radical production, thiol oxidation and DNA-strand-break formation

The one- and two-electron enzymic reduction of the bioreductive alkylating agents 2-methylmethoxynaphthoquinone (quinone I) and 2-chloromethylnaphthoquinone (quinone II) was studied with purified NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and DT-diaphorase respectively, and characterized in terms of kinetic constants, oxyradical production, thiol oxidation and DNA-strand-break formation. The catalytic-centre activity values indicated that DT-diaphorase catalysed the reduction of quinone I far more efficiently than NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, although the Km values of the two enzymes for this quinone were similar (1.2-3.0 microM). The one-electron-transfer flavoenzyme also catalysed the reduction of quinone II, but the behaviour of DT-diaphorase towards this quinone did not permit calculation of kinetic constants. A salient feature of the redox transitions caused by the one- and two-electron catalysis of these quinones was the different contributions of disproportionation and autoxidation reactions respectively. In the former case, about 26% of NADPH consumed was accounted for in terms of autoxidation (as H2O2 formation), whereas in the latter, the autoxidation component accounted for most (98%) of the NADPH consumed. This difference was abrogated by superoxide dismutase, which enhanced autoxidation during NADPH-cytochrome P-450 catalysis to a maximal value. E.s.r. analysis indicated the formation of superoxide radicals, the signal of which was suppressed by superoxide dismutase and unaffected by catalase. The one- and two-electron reduction of these quinones in the presence of GSH was accompanied by formation of thiyl radicals. Although superoxide dismutase suppressed the thiol radical e.s.r. signal in both instances, the enzyme enhanced GSSG accumulation during NADPH-cytochrome P-450 catalysis of quinone I, whereas it inhibited GSSG formation during reduction of the quinone by DT-diaphorase. One- and two-electron reduction of quinone I led to calf thymus DNA-strand-break formation, a process that (a) was substantially decreased in experiments performed with dialysed DNA and in the presence of desferal and (b) was partially sensitive to superoxide dismutase and/or catalase. These findings are rationalized in terms of the occurrence of metal ions ligated to DNA, protecting against the toxic effects of superoxide radicals generated during enzymic reduction of quinones.

Does lung NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (DT-diaphorase) play an antioxidant enzyme role in protection from hyperoxia?

NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, or DT-diaphorase, has been studied primarily in the liver where it appears to function as an antioxidant-like enzyme in the 2-electron reduction of some quinones to less toxic hydroquinones. This property together with new molecular biology evidence that oxidants such as H2O2 can induce gene transcription of DT-diaphorase provide especially intriguing reasons to examine the possibility that lung DT-diaphorase could have an important antioxidant enzyme role versus pulmonary O2 toxicity during exposure to hyperoxia. We found that similar to the 'classical' lung antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) DT-diaphorase activity increased significantly in the late gestational fetal lung; also its activity was altered in the same way as the antioxidant enzymes by prenatal hormonal treatment. Another similarity is that DT-diaphorase activity was induced in the neonatal animal lung during hyperoxia, but not in the adult animal lung. However, using various drug treatments which markedly increased lung DT-diaphorase activity (e.g., 3-methylcholanthrene, butylated hydroxyanisole, methimazole) we found no improved hyperoxic survival in the treated adult rats. Also, dicumarol treatment, which markedly depressed DT-diaphorase activity, did not diminish the hyperoxic survival rate in an O2-tolerant adult rat model. Thus, we conclude that unlike the classical antioxidant enzymes, increased pulmonary DT-diaphorase activity is probably neither necessary nor sufficient to protect against pulmonary O2 toxicity during hyperoxia.

Superoxide as an intracellular radical sink

A pathway is proposed for superoxide to act as a sink for intracellularly generated radicals. A variety of radicals, either directly or via reduced glutathione (GSH) as an intermediate, can transfer their unpaired electron to oxygen to give superoxide. It is proposed that in a cellular environment, superoxide can undergo chain reactions involving GSH with or without another redox cycling agent, converting GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and oxygen to hydrogen peroxide far in excess of the initial radical. This places an oxidative stress on the cell, depleting reducing equivalents and energy reserves. Superoxide dismutase is necessary to prevent this oxidative stress, as well as any direct damage by superoxide. Through this metabolic pathway, GSH and superoxide dismutase can be linked in antioxidant function, and superoxide dismutase, by reacting with superoxide, can provide general protection against radical reactions in the cell. The pathway also provides a mechanism for superoxide and superoxide dismutase to influence the redox state of the cell and regulate functions that are under redox control.

Reduction properties of nitrated naphthalenes: relationship between electrochemical reduction potential and the enzymatic reduction by microsomes or cytosol from rat liver

The nitroreductase activities of rat liver microsomes and cytosol towards various nitrated naphthalenes (1-, 2-mononitro-, 1,3-, 1,5-, 1,7-, 1,8-dinitro-1,3,5- and 1,3,8-trinitronaphthalenes) were characterized as follows. (1) The rates of reduction of nitrated naphthalenes in either microsomal or cytosolic incubation were found to increase in the order of trinitro- > dinitro- > mono-nitronaphthalene, although, in the case of microsomal nitroreduction, trinitronaphthalenes were reduced more rapidly than in cytosol. (2) The effective cofactors, electron donors, in the nitroreduction of nitrated naphthalenes in cytosol were NADH and hypoxanthine, but not NADPH. (3) The nitrated naphthalenes with a nitro group at a beta-position appear to be more easily reduced among the various isomers. The cytosolic nitroreductase activities towards the nitrated naphthalenes were closely related to the single-electron reduction potentials measured by cyclic voltammetry and hence, there was a good relationship between the logarithm of nitroreductase activities and the electrochemical reduction potentials. In microsomes, nitroreductase activities were rather less well related to electrochemical reduction potentials.