Inactivation of rat small intestinal brush-border membrane alkaline phosphatase by oxygen free radicals

Protective effect of carnosine and N-acetylcysteine against sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat intestine

The widespread use of sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) as food preservative, rampant use of nitrogenous fertilizers for agricultural practices, and improper disposal of nitrogenous wastes have drastically increased human exposure to high nitrite levels causing various health disorders and death. In the present study, the protective effect of carnosine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against NaNO₂-induced intestinal toxicity in rats was investigated. Animals were given a single acute oral dose of NaNO₂ at 60 mg/kg body weight with or without prior administration of either carnosine at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 7 days or NAC at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 days. Rats were killed after 24 h, and intestinal preparations were used for the evaluation of biochemical alterations and histological abrasions. Administration of NaNO₂ alone decreased the activities of intestinal brush border membrane and metabolic enzymes and significantly weakened the anti-oxidant defense system. DNA damage was also evident as observed by increased DNA-protein crosslinking and fragmentation. However, prior administration of carnosine or NAC significantly ameliorated NaNO₂-induced damage in intestinal cells. Histological studies support these biochemical results, showing intestinal damage in NaNO₂-treated animals and reduced tissue injury in the combination groups. The intrinsic anti-oxidant properties of carnosine and NAC must have contributed to the observed mitigation of nitrite-induced metabolic alterations and oxidative damage. Based on further validation from clinical trials, carnosine and NAC can potentially be used as chemo-preventive agents against NaNO₂ toxicity.

Caffeic acid inhibits chromium(VI)-induced oxidative stress and changes in brush border membrane enzymes in rat intestine

We have previously shown that a single oral dose of potassium dichromate results in a decrease in the activities of several brush border membrane enzymes, produces oxidative stress, and alters the activities of several antioxidant enzymes in the small intestine of rats. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of treatment with the dietary antioxidant caffeic acid on potassium dichromate-induced biochemical changes in the rat intestine. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, potassium dichromate alone, caffeic acid alone, and potassium dichromate + caffeic acid. Administration of a single oral dose of potassium dichromate alone (100 mg/kg body mass) led to a decrease in the activities of brush border membrane enzymes, increase in lipid peroxidation, decrease in sulfhydryl groups, and changes in the activities of several antioxidant enzymes. Two oral doses of caffeic acid (each of 250 mg/kg body mass) greatly attenuated the potassium dichromate-induced changes in all these parameters, but the administration of caffeic acid alone had no effect. Thus, caffeic acid is an effective agent in reducing the effects of potassium dichromate on the intestine and could prove to be useful in alleviating the toxicity of chromium(VI) compounds.

Conjugated linoleic acid protects against gliadin-induced depletion of intestinal defenses

SCOPE

The involvement of oxidative stress in gluten-induced toxicity has been evidenced in vitro and in clinical studies but has never been examined in vivo. We recently demonstrated the protective activity of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which functions by the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor for the synthesis of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes (phase 2). Here, we evaluate the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 in gliadin-mediated toxicity in human Caco-2 intestinal cells and in gliadin-sensitive human leukocyte antigen-DQ8 transgenic mice (DQ8) and the protective activity of CLA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Gliadin effects in differentiated Caco-2 cells and in DQ8 mice, fed with a gliadin-containing diet with or without CLA supplementation, were evaluated by combining enzymatic, immunochemical, immunohistochemical, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. Gliadin toxicity was accompanied by downregulation of phase 2 and elevates proteasome-acylpeptide hydrolase activities in vitro and in vivo. Notably, gliadin was unable to generate severe oxidative stress extent or pathological consequences in DQ8 mice intestine comparable to those found in celiac patients and the alterations produced were hampered by CLA.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of CLA against the depletion of crucial intestinal cytoprotective defenses indicates a novel nutritional approach for the treatment of intestinal disease associated with altered redox homeostasis.

Ethanol-induced changes in lipid peroxidation of enterocytes across the crypt-villus axis in rats

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the turnover of epithelial cells in the rat intestine. The metabolism of ethanol generates ROS, which are implicated in cellular injury, but the levels of lipid peroxidation in intestine in chronic alcoholism are unknown.

AIM

To investigate the effects of ethanol ingestion on lipid peroxidation, and anti- and pro-oxidant enzyme systems in enterocytes across the crypt-villus axis in intestine.

METHODS

Wistar rats (90-100 g) were administered 1 mL of 30% ethanol daily for 39 days. Intestinal epithelial cells were isolated in fractions. Malondialdehyde levels, and activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were determined in various cell fractions. Incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA of enterocytes was also determined.

RESULTS

Lipid peroxidation was elevated by two- to three-folds in both villus and crypt cells in ethanol-fed animals compared to controls. The activities of GST and GR were four- to six-folds higher in villus tip cells compared to crypt base cells. The activities of SOD and catalase were five- to seven-fold higher in crypt base cells compared to villus tip cells. Ethanol feeding elevated the activities of SOD (76-190%) and catalase (20-150%) in enterocytes all along the crypt-villus axis compared to the controls. H3 thymidine incorporation into DNA of enterocytes was reduced by half in ethanol-fed rats compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a gradient in the concentration of lipid peroxides in enterocytes across the crypt-villus axis, being high at the villus tip and low at the crypt base in the rat intestine. Ethanol feeding enhanced lipid peroxidation in both villus and crypt cells.

Effect of fat feeding on pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant enzyme systems in rat intestine: possible role in the turnover of enterocytes

Immature epithelial cells generated in the crypt base undergo differentiation while progressing to the villus tip, where the cells upon apoptosis are detached from the underlying muscular tissue. We previously reported that lipid peroxidation might be involved in the turnover of enterocytes across the crypt-villus axis in rat intestine (Dig Dis Sci 52:1840-1844, 2007). To examine whether long-term feeding of fat with different fatty-acid composition influences this process, in the present study we investigated the effect of feeding fish oil (n - 3) and corn oil (n - 6) polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid per-oxidation and anti-oxidant systems in different epithelial cell fractions isolated in rat intestine. Feeding fish oil or corn oil markedly enhanced lipid per-oxidation levels of enterocytes throughout villus height compared with control, but there was no difference in the distribution profile of pro- and anti-oxidant enzyme systems and lipid per-oxidation across the crypt-villus axis under these conditions. Analysis of lipid peroxidation levels in different cell fractions revealed that the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were 9- to 11-fold higher at the villus tip compared with at the crypt base. The activities of glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase were 2- to 5-fold higher in villus tip compared to the crypt region. However, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were 6- to 8-fold high at the crypt base compared with at villus tip cells. Immunocytolocalization of superoxide dismutase showed high staining in crypt base compared with that in villus, tip cells. These findings further suggest that generation of reactive oxygen species in enterocytes across the crypt-villus axis may be involved in turnover of enterocytes across the crypt-villus unit in rat intestine.

Dietary Fat Feeding Alters Lipid Peroxidation in Surfactant-like Particles Secreted by Rat Small Intestine

Background

Long-term feeding of fish oil (n-3) and corn oil (n-6) markedly enhances levels of lipid peroxidation within isolated rat enterocytes. The effect is 10-fold greater at the villus tip than in the crypt region, correlating with the distribution of deleterious oxidative systems (glutathione reductase) in the tip and beneficial systems (superoxide dismutase) at the base of the villus. Because of this vertical gradient of peroxidation, the process was thought to play a role in apoptosis of enterocytes at the villus tip. Surfactant-like particles (SLPs) are membranes secreted by the enterocyte and a component of these membranes is directed to the intestinal surface overlying villus tips. One suggested role for SLPs has been to protect the mucosal surface from the harsh luminal conditions that might enhance apoptotic loss of enterocytes. The hypothesis to be tested was whether SLP lipids, like those in enterocytes, were also peroxidized, although they were external to the cellular processes that seem to oxidize enterocyte lipids, or whether SLP were immune to these biological processes. Feeding with groundnut oil (n-9) was compared with fish oil (n-3) and corn oil (predominantly n-6) to determine whether oils with various lipid composition would affect peroxidation in both SLP and enterocytes.

Methods

After an overnight fast, Wistar rats were fed 2 mL of dietary oil by gavage. Five hours later SLPs and underlying microvillus membranes (MVM) were isolated and analyzed for generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and for hydrolase activities, at baseline and after addition of an Fe⁺²/ascorbate system to induce peroxidation.

Results

In vitro lipid peroxidation using the Fe²⁺/ascorbate system produced greater peroxidation than in MVM. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), sucrase and lactase activities were decreased in SLPs, but were unaltered in MVM except for IAP. The activities of maltase, trehalase, Leucine aminopeptidase and γ–glutamyltranspeptidase, were unaffected both in SLPs and MVM under these conditions.

Conclusions

SLPs are more susceptible to oxidative damage than are the underlying MVMs. This may reflect results of a hostile luminal environment. It is not clear whether SLPs are acting as a lipid ‘sink’ to protect the MVM from greater oxidation, or are providing an initial stimulus for apoptosis of villus tip enterocytes, or both.

The profile of antioxidant systems and lipid peroxidation across the crypt-villus axis in rat intestine

The distribution of lipid peroxiation and profile of antioxidant-pro-oxidant enzyme systems have been studied in rat intestinal enterocyte across the length of villi. The MDA levels estimated as a measure of lipid peroxidation, under induced or uninduced in vitro conditions, indicated markedly high levels at villus tip cells compared to that in the crypt base. The activities of glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase were three- to sixfold higher in villus tip cells compared to that in the crypt base. However the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase showed a reverse pattern, being high in the crypt base and lowest in the villus tip region. Feeding coconut oil, sunflower oil, or groundnut oil did not modify the distribution pattern of these systems across crypt-villus unit in rat intestine. These findings suggest that the large amount of free radicals generated in villus tip cells may be responsible for the release of enterocytes from the villus tip as a consequence of apoptosis.

Surgical stress-induced alterations in retinoid metabolism in the small intestine: role of oxygen free radicals

Oxidative stress in the small intestine can result in altered cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation of villus-crypt cells. Retinoid metabolism is recognized as an important mediator of cellular differentiation in the intestine. This study examined the effect of oxidative stress in retinoid metabolism in a surgical stress model. Surgical stress was performed by handling the intestine as done during laparotomy. Villus-crypt cells were isolated at different time periods and various retinoid concentrations in the cell homogenate and the retinoic acid forming enzymes were quantitated using HPLC. Surgical stress resulted in altered retinoid levels in various cell populations in the small intestine at 1 and 12h. The activity of alkaline phosphatase and retinal oxidase was also altered at these time points and all these changes were prevented by inhibiting superoxide generation using xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol. These studies suggest that alterations seen in enterocytes during surgical stress may be mediated by changes in retinoid metabolism.

Regional variations in intestinal brush border membrane fluidity and function during diabetes and the role of oxidative stress and non-enzymatic glycation

The physical state (fluidity) of lipids modulates the activities of several membrane bound enzymes and transport proteins. Alteration of brush border membrane (BBM) fluidity is one of the several changes exhibited by the small intestine during diabetes. In the present study, an investigation of the diabetes induced regional changes in fluidity, oxidative damage, non-enzymatic glycation as well as the activities and the kinetic parameters of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was carried out on the intestinal BBM. At the end of 6 weeks of diabetes, significant increases in the extent of both oxidative damage and non-enzymatic glycation were observed along the length of the intestine along with a simultaneous decrease in membrane fluidity. A significant correlation between the decrease in BBM fluidity and increase in non-enzymatic glycation was observed in the duodenum and jejunum. Additionally regional variations in the activities and kinetic parameters of both the enzymes were observed.

Combined impact of mucosal damage and of cystic fibrosis on the small intestinal brush border enzyme activities

In 61 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, the small intestinal mucosa was studied at the time of diagnosis before starting therapy. In 19 out of 61 patients, partial villous atrophy on light microscopy and shortened villi on stereomicroscopic examination were seen. On the biopsy specimens, maltase, sucrase, lactase and alkaline phosphatase activities were studied. Comparison of the enzymatic activities in CF patients having damaged mucosa and a group of patients having similar mucosal lesions of unspecified origin (UTID), reveals a significantly more pronounced decrease of the alkaline phosphatase activity (p < 0.005) in the CF patients. This is in agreement with previous reported results in CF patients with normal mucosa. The abnormal mucosal findings could be due to the decreased neutralization of the gastric content delivered into the duodenum, the early inflammatory reaction present in the CF mucosa and/or to the impaired synthesis of membrane glycoproteins and enzymes secondary to the CFTR mutation.

Effect of oxidants on small intestinal brush border membranes and colonic apical membranes--a comparative study

This study compares composition of the rat small intestinal brush border membranes (BBM) and colonic apical membranes (CAM) and their susceptibility to in vitro exposure to various oxidants. Differences were observed between BBM and CAM in their lipid composition, sugar content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cholesterol/phospholipid ratio. BBM and CAM were exposed to superoxide generated by xanthine+xanthine oxidase (X-XO) or peroxides such as tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and alterations in ALP activity, peroxidation parameters and membrane lipids were analyzed. Exposure of BBM and CAM to superoxide resulted in decrease in ALP activity and increase in peroxidation parameters such as protein carbonyl content, malondialdehyde and conjugated diene. Superoxide exposure also resulted in lipid alterations specifically in certain phospholipids. These alterations were prevented either by superoxide dismutase or by allopurinol. Peroxides did not have any significant effect. These results suggest that both BBM and CAM are susceptible to superoxide, which can bring about peroxidation and degradation of membrane lipids specifically, certain phospholipids.

A synthetic analog of prostaglandin E(1) prevents the production of reactive oxygen species in the intestinal mucosa of methotrexate-treated rats

Administration of methotrexate to rats results in severe enterocolitis and death. Previous our studies showed that a synthetic analog of prostaglandin E(1), OP-1206 [17S, 20-dimethyl-trans-Delta(2)-prostaglandin E(1)] ameliorated the anticancer agent-induced enterocolitis of rats. In the current study, we have focused on the biochemical effect of OP-1206 on the methotrexate-induced intestinal inflammation implicating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methotrexate (15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats once daily for 5 days. OP-1206 (0.5 microg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats twice a day for 5 days. On the 6th day, the chemiluminescence from the jejunum was measured to evaluate the generation of ROS. Spontaneous chemiluminescence from the jejunum of the methotrexate-treated rats increased significantly, compared with the control. Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence from inflamed mucosal scrapings from the jejunum of the methotrexate-treated rats indicated more remarkable enhancement than the control rats. The treatment of OP-1206 with methotrexate showed significantly lower chemiluminescence of both the jejunum and mucosal scrapings than those of the methotrexate-treated rats. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, as a marker of small intestinal differentiation, in the intestinal mucosa of the methotrexate-treated rats decreased remarkably, but that of the methotrexate and OP-1206-treated rats was significantly higher than that of the methotrexate-treated rats. Thus, OP-1206 may possibly help the anticancer chemotherapy by protecting the small intestine from the methotrexate-induced damage.

Potential role of the membrane in the development of intestinal cellular damage after whole-body gamma irradiation of the rat

Our study emphasizes the effect of gamma irradiation on intestinal cell membrane fluidity and addresses the potential relationships existing between radiation-induced lipoperoxidation, membrane fluidity, and changes in membrane protein activities. Male Wistar rats were exposed to an 8-Gy total body irradiation (60Co source) and studied 1, 4, and 7 days after irradiation (D1, D4, and D7). Membrane enzyme activities and fluorescence anisotropy were determined on small intestinal crude membrane preparations. The supernatants of membrane preparations as well as plasma were used for malonedialdehyde (MDA) quantification. The effect of carbamylcholine on electrical parameters was estimated on distal ileum placed in Ussing chambers. We observed a decrease in fluorescence anisotropy for at least 7 days, an increase in membrane production of MDA at D4, a decrease in membrane enzyme activities at D4, but an amplification of carbamylcholine-induced increase in short-circuit current at D4 and D7. Furthermore, correlations were observed between the 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene anisotropy coefficient and sucrase activity and between MDA levels and leucine aminopeptidase activity. Thus, total body irradiation induces changes in intestinal membrane fluidity and an increase in lipoperoxidation. These modifications may have an impact on the activity of membrane proteins involved in intestinal function.

Intestinal mucosal alterations in experimental cirrhosis in the rat: role of oxygen free radicals

Cirrhosis is associated with altered gastrointestinal function, and bacterial translocation from the gut plays an important role in the etiology of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) seen in this condition. Although alterations in gut motility and intestinal permeability are recognized in cirrhosis, the intestinal damage at the cellular and subcellular levels is not well understood. This study looked at the mucosal alterations in experimental cirrhosis and the role of oxygen free radicals in this process. It was shown that cirrhosis results in oxidative stress in the intestine, as seen by increased xanthine oxidase (XO) activity and altered antioxidant status. Cirrhosis also affects enterocyte mitochondrial function, as assessed by respiratory control ratio, swelling, and calcium flux. Increased lipid peroxidation of the brush border membranes (BBMs) was seen along with altered intestinal transport. In conclusion, this study shows that intestinal mucosal alterations are seen in experimental cirrhosis and are possibly mediated by oxidative stress.

Effect of surgical manipulation of the rat intestine on enterocyte populations

BACKGROUND

The intestine is susceptible to operations at remote locations, and the barrier function is altered during intestinal manipulation, leading to bacterial or endotoxin translocation into the systemic circulation. One of the mainstays for the maintenance of the integrity of the barrier function is epithelial cell proliferation and migration. The present study looked at the effect of gut manipulation after laparotomy on different cell populations of the intestinal epithelium.

METHODS

Surgical manipulation of the gut was performed by opening the abdominal wall and handling the intestine, as is done during laparotomy. Villus and crypt cells were isolated at different time periods after gut manipulation, and mitochondria were prepared from isolated enterocytes. The effects of surgical manipulation on enterocytes and isolated mitochondria were studied.

RESULTS

Mechanical manipulation of the gut resulted in alterations in the intestinal epithelium, as shown by decreased cell viability and yield in the crypt cells. The alterations were associated with actin reorganization, as well as with altered cell proliferation and adenosine deaminase activity. At the mitochondrial level, altered mitochondrial function, such as decreased respiratory control ratio, increased 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction, and induction of permeability transition in the crypt cells, was observed. These alterations were maximal 1 hour after surgical manipulation and partially recovered to normal by 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical manipulation of the gut that occurs during any abdominal operation induces alterations in the intestine, both at the cellular and the subcellular levels. The crypt cells bear the brunt of the damage, and the reversibility of the damage is possibly brought about by increased proliferation and movement of the cells.

Nitric oxide protects the intestine from the damage induced by laparotomy and gut manipulation

BACKGROUND

The intestine is highly susceptible to free radical-induced damage, and our earlier work has shown that surgical stress induces the generation of oxygen free radicals in enterocytes, resulting in intestinal damage along with ultrastructural changes. Since nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of gastrointestinal function, this study looked at the effect of NO on surgical stress-induced intestinal alterations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Control rats and rats pretreated with the NO donor l-arginine were subjected to surgical stress by opening the abdominal wall and handling the intestine as done during laparotomy. Enterocytes were isolated and homogenate prepared, and the protection offered by l-arginine against damage due to surgical stress was determined and compared with normal controls. Protection to structural as well as functional aspects of the intestine was also examined.

RESULTS

Intestinal manipulation affected intestinal structure as assessed by electron microscopy. Functional impairment of the enterocyte was also evident, with increased xanthine oxidase activity resulting in production of superoxide anion. This impairment is more dramatic in the crypt cells. Increased protease activity was also seen following laparotomy and handling. Pretreatment with the NO synthase substrate l-arginine prevented these damaging effects. Arginine protection was abolished in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, indicating the role of NO.

CONCLUSION

Stress in the small intestine due to any surgery can affect enterocyte structure and function. These damaging effects can be prevented by NO, an important modulator of cellular function.

Surgical stress induces phospholipid degradation in the intestinal brush border membrane

BACKGROUND

Surgical stress can lead to translocation of bacteria from the intestine into the systemic circulation. The intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) plays an important role in defense against such invasion by luminal bacteria and endotoxin. Our earlier work has shown the development of oxidative stress in the intestine after surgical stress and since the BBM is sensitive to free radical attack, this study examined the effect of surgical stress on the structure and function of intestinal BBM.

METHODS

Intestinal BBM were isolated from control and after surgical stress and compared for structural and functional alterations. Surgical stress was also carried out following pretreatment with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol or the nitric oxide donor l-arginine, to study the protection offered by these compounds.

RESULTS

Surgical stress affected intestinal BBM structure as well as function. A decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity and alpha-tocopherol content, accompanied by an increase in lipid peroxidation, was seen. Surgical stress induced phospholipid degradation with generation of arachidonic acid. Functional impairment with a decrease in glucose transport ability was also seen. These changes are prevented by inhibition of xanthine oxidase by allopurinol pretreatment but not by NO.

CONCLUSION

Surgical stress in the small intestine causes structural and functional alterations in the BBM through oxidative stress. This damage could affect gut barrier integrity and generation of arachidonic acid might mediate distal organ dysfunction.

Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum-bound cholesterol regulatory enzymes by iron/ascorbate-mediated lipid peroxidation

Mammalian sterol regulatory enzymes are integral membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum. They play a critical role in liver cholesterol homeostasis and the maintenance of overall cholesterol balance in different species. Because lipid peroxidation has been implicated in hepatic dysfunction and atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that its occurrence could alter the composition and properties of the bilayer lipid environment, and thereby affect the functions of these membrane proteins. Preincubation of rat liver microsomes with iron (Fe)/ascorbate (50 microM/200 microM), known to induce peroxidation, resulted in a significant inhibition of (i) the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, HMG-CoA reductase (46%, p < .01), (ii) the crucial enzyme controlling the conversion of cholesterol in bile acids, cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (48%, p < .001), and (iii) the central enzyme for cholesterol esterification: Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT, 80%, p < .0001). The disturbances of these key enzymes took place concomitantly with the high production of malondialdehyde (350%, p < .007) and the loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids (36.19 +/- 1.06% vs. 44.24 +/- 0.41 in controls, p < .0008). While alpha-tocopherol simultaneously neutralized lipid peroxidation, preserved microsomal fatty acid status, and restored ACAT activity, it was not effective in preventing Fe/ascorbate-induced inactivation of both HMG-CoA reductase (44%, p < .01) and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (71%, p < .0001). These results indicate that Fe/ascorbate alters the activity of the rate-determining steps in liver cholesterol metabolism, either directly or via lipid peroxidation, capable of modifying their membrane environment. The present data also suggest that the three regulatory enzymes respond differently when exposed to Fe/ascorbate or antioxidants, which may be due to dissimilar mechanisms.

Decrease in mucosal alkaline phosphatase: a potential marker of intestinal reperfusion injury

Intestinal ischemia necessitates rapid re-establishment of blood flow to prevent irreversible anoxic tissue damage. However, reperfusion results in additional injury as a consequence of the generation of oxygen free radicals. To date, no clear-cut marker to differentiate between ischemia versus reperfusion injury is available. In this regard, previous studies from our laboratory utilizing a rat in vitro lipid peroxidation model demonstrated that the generation of free radicals resulted in the inactivation of only the intestinal brush border alkaline phosphatase enzyme, with no effect on other membrane-bound digestive enzymes. Current studies were designed to assess the possibility of alkaline phosphatase being a specific marker of the reperfusion injury in canine and human ex vivo ischemia/reperfusion models. Small bowels harvested from canines and organ donors were subjected to ischemia followed by reperfusion. Brush border membrane enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, maltase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were assayed in mucosal extracts from intestines with ischemia versus reperfusion. In both experimental models, there was no change in any enzyme activity with warm ischemia alone. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly decreased in both the canine and human reperfusion models, with no change in specific activities of sucrase, maltase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Our data indicate that the alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity may represent a potential marker of intestinal reperfusion injury and may permit quantitative assessments of therapeutic interventions in human intestinal reperfusion injury.

Rapid intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury is suppressed in genetically mast cell-deficient Ws/Ws rats

Ws/Ws rats have a small deletion of the c-kit gene, and are deficient in both mucosal and connective tissue-type mast cells. In this study, the role of mucosal type mast cells (MMC) in the development of intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury was investigated in Ws/Ws rats. Autoperfused segments of the jejunum were exposed to 60 min of ischaemia, followed by reperfusion for various time periods. The epithelial permeability was then assessed by the 51Cr-EDTA clearance rate. In the control (+/+) rats, the maximal increase in mucosal permeability was achieved at 45 min of reperfusion. In contrast, this increase was significantly and potently attenuated in the Ws/Ws rats. Mucosal alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in the control (+/+) rats, but was not altered in the Ws/Ws rats. There were no differences in mucosal myeloperoxidase activity, indicating that granulocytes did not contribute to tissue injury. These results provide direct evidence for the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Ethanol effects on lipid peroxidation and glutathione-mediated defense in rat small intestine: role of dietary fats

The effect of ethanol feeding for 5 weeks on lipid peroxidation status of small intestine was studied in rats maintained on either a rat pellet (RP) or a semisynthetic diet containing coconut oil (CCO), corn oil (CO), or fish oil (FO). Highest rate of iron/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation was observed in intestinal mucosa of FO-fed rats, which was further elevated (p < 0.05) upon ethanol administration. Purified brush borders from all the ethanol-treated dietary groups were more susceptible to iron-induced lipid peroxidation. Level of nonprotein thiols was increased by ethanol feeding to rats given CO or FO. FO-fed rats exhibited increased activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and catalase (Cat). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was the lowest in the CCO group. Ethanol-treated FO group exhibited increased GST and GPx activities compared to controls, whereas in rats fed the RP or CO diet, ethanol feeding significantly decreased GST activity. GR and Cat activities were not affected under these conditions. Thus, ethanol exposes the small intestinal mucosa to oxidative stress. The effects were more pronounced in rats fed n-3 fatty acid-rich (FO) diet. The corresponding rise in GPx and GST levels may reflect the adaptive changes in intestine.

Enterocyte viability and mitochondrial function after graded intestinal ischemia and reperfusion in rats

Ischemia/reperfusion of the small intestine can lead to metabolic and structural alterations in the mucosa. Cellular dysfunction occurs when mitochondrial metabolism is compromised, which may ultimately lead to impaired organ function. The aims of this study were to assess the suppression of cellular and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and involvement of mitochondria in the ischemia/reperfusion injury. The mitochondria were prepared from isolated enterocytes obtained from the small intestine of anesthetized adult rats following different time periods of ischemia and ischemia followed by 5 min reperfusion. Cellular and mitochondrial function were assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) reduction assay. Ischemia of increasing time periods caused a progressive decrease in cellular and mitochondrial MTT reduction in enterocytes and reperfusion showed further decrease of MTT formazan formation. Inclusion of 1 mM succinate, as respiratory substrate, showed reversal of suppression of mitochondrial function in 30-60 min ischemia whereas 90 min ischemia or short time period ischemia followed by 5 min reperfusion indicated an irreversible damage to mitochondria. This study indicated that mitochondria are a sensitive target of damage due to oxygen deficiency and possibly due to sudden burst of oxygen free radicals. Mitochondria can withstand short periods of ischemia whereas long duration ischemia or reperfusion results in irreversible damage to mitochondrial function.

The anti-oxidant properties of 5-aminosalicylic acid

Oxidative damage to biological membranes is an important cause of tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease. 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5ASA) has therapeutic efficacy in Ulcerative colitis, which may be based on its antioxidant properties. We used Parinaric acid as a fluorescent marker of oxidation in an intestinal microvillous brush border membrane preparation. Various concentrations of the antioxidants 5ASA, ascorbate, and tocopherol were added, and oxidation was initiated from within the membrane by 2,2' azobis (2.4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN) and from solution by 2,2' azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH). Tocopherol was able to inhibit oxidation from either source. Ascorbate was only able to inhibit oxidation initiated from solution. 5ASA was able to inhibit oxidation initiated from either site, and was more effective than tocopherol against AAPH, but similarly effective against AMVN. We postulate that water soluble 5ASA preferentially associates with membrane surface, allowing chain-breaking antioxidant activity when peroxidation is initiated within the membrane. Likewise, it is effective against aqueous oxidants because its position allows it to interact with AAPH before lipid peroxidation can be initiated as well as breaking the lipid peroxidation chain once it is initiated. This dual capacity may be important for therapeutic effect of 5ASA and may suggest other candidate antioxidants for clinical trials.

Selective regulation of epithelial gene expression in rabbit Peyer's patch tissue

The physiological mechanisms that regulate epithelial gene expression during enterocyte migration and differentiation are still poorly understood. The present study has used a combination of quantitative in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry and enzyme cytochemistry to examine epithelial cell differentiation in rabbit small intestine. We have measured and compared the levels of mRNA and enzyme activity of the enterocyte brush border markers alkaline phosphatase, amino-peptidase N and lactase in normal villus epithelia and in epithelial cells exposed directly to the Peyer's patch immune environment. All three genes appeared to be expressed in parallel, but in each epithelial population examined, the pattern of gene expression was different. The level of these mRNAs was markedly reduced in Peyer's patch-associated epithelia, this being most pronounced in the follicle-associated epithelium, compared with normal villi. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N approximated the expression of their genes, whereas additional post-transcriptional events were shown to clearly contribute to the level of lactase activity in these tissues. These findings demonstrate that the reduced brush border hydrolase activity in Peyer's patch tissue that has been observed previously, is due to a down-regulation of epithelial gene expression in this location. These observations have been used to discuss epithelial differentiation in Peyer's patch tissue and the possible role of local immune factors in regulating such events.