Menadione-induced cytotoxicity effects on human erythrocyte membranes studied by electron paramagnetic resonance

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of lipid and protein membrane components of erythrocytes oxidized with hydrogen peroxide

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H(2)O(2) (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H(2)O(2) (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.

Structural alterations of erythrocyte membrane components induced by exhaustive exercise

Physical exercise was used as a model of the physiological modulator of free radical production to examine the effects of exercise-induced oxidative modifications on the physico-biochemical properties of erythrocyte membrane. The aim of our work was to investigate conformational changes of erythrocyte membrane proteins, membrane fluidity, and membrane susceptibility to disintegration. Venous blood was taken before, immediately after, and 1 h after an exhaustive incremental cycling test (30 W·min–1ramp), performed by 11 healthy untrained males on balanced diets (mean age, 22 ± 2 years; mean body mass index, 25 ± 4.5 kg·m–2). In response to this exercise, individual maximum heart rate was 195 ± 12 beats·min–1and maximum wattage was 292 ± 27 W. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to investigate alterations in membrane proteins and membrane dynamics, and to measure production of radical species. The reducing potential of plasma (RPP) was measured using the reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric-reducing ability of plasma. Exercise induced decreases in erythrocyte membrane fluidity in the polar region (p < 0.0001) and alterations in the conformational state of membrane proteins (p < 0.05). An increase in RPP was observed immediately after exercise (p < 0.001), with a further increase 1 h postexercise (p < 0.0001). Supporting measurements of lipid peroxidation showed an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances immediately after exercise (p < 0.05) and at 1 h of recovery (p < 0.001); however, free radicals were not detected. Results indicate the existence of early postexercise mild oxidative stress after single-exercise performance, which induced structural changes in erythrocyte membrane components (protein aggregation) and in the membrane organization (lipids rigidization) that followed lipid peroxidation but did not lead to cellular hemolysis.

Alterations of erythrocyte structure and cellular susceptibility in patients with chronic renal failure: effect of haemodialysis and oxidative stress

The aim of this study was to investigate erythrocytes rheological behaviour, membrane dynamics and erythrocytes susceptibility to disintegration upon strong oxidative stress induced by dialysis or by external H(2)O(2) among patients with CRF. EPR spectrometry was used to investigate alterations in physical state of cellular components. Generated ROS production induced: (1) significant increase of membrane fluidity in CRF erythrocytes treated with H(2)O(2) (p<0.005) and at 60 min of haemodialysis (p<0.05), (2) significant decrease of cytoskeletal protein-protein interactions (p<0.005) and (3) cellular osmotic fragility (p<0.0005). H(2)O(2) exacerbated these changes. Erythrocytes from CRF patients have changed rheological behaviour and present higher susceptibility to disintegration. Erythrocytes membrane characteristics indicate that CRF patients possess younger and more flexible cells, which are more susceptible to oxidative stress. This may contribute to the shortened survival of young erythrocytes in CRF patients.

Nitric oxide induced oxidative changes in erythrocyte membrane components

The effects of NO in its environment may vary considerably depending on various factors. This study shows oxidative mechanism of cellular membrane alterations, which is not associated with triggering of ONOOH generation but is induced by pure NO. Our investigation examined the influence of low concentration of NO (0.1; 0.2 mmol/l) on the qualitative changes of structure and dynamics of erythrocyte membrane. NO causes a statistically significant increase in membrane fluidity on different depths of lipid bilayer that is correlated with increase of lipids peroxidation. Statistically significant changes in the conformational state of cytoskeleton proteins were also detected. NO can be considered as a molecule responsible for determining rheological properties of erythrocytes membrane. Therefore, we propose that NO acts as pro-oxidant molecule at concentrations for which membrane appeared to be the first target before it entered the cytosol.

Structural changes of the erythrocyte as a marker of non-insulin-dependent diabetes: protective effects of N-acetylcysteine

Prooxidant-antioxidant imbalance was considered as a hallmark of age-associated, non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDD). The aim of this ex vivo study was to investigate possible implications of oxidative stress in the integrity and function of red blood cells (RBCs) from NIDD patients. Morphometric and analytical cytology studies were conducted. The results showed: (i) significant alterations of RBC ultrastructure; (ii) relevant changes of spectrin cytoskeleton; (iii) altered insulin receptor distribution; and (iv) that treatment with the antioxidizing drug N-acetylcysteine was capable of significantly counteracting these changes. These results suggest a reconsideration of RBC integrity as a possible progression marker in NIDD.

Elevated oxidative stress in models of normal brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

Age-associated neurodegenerative disorders are becoming more prevalent as the mean age of the population increases in the United States over the next few decades. Both normal brain aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with oxidative stress. Our laboratory has used a wide variety of physical and biochemical methods to investigate free radical oxidative stress in several models of aging and AD. Beta-amyloid (A beta), the peptide that constitutes the central core of senile plaques in AD brain, is associated with free radical oxidative stress and is toxic to neurons. This review summarizes some of our studies in aging and A beta-associated free radical oxidative stress and on the modulating effects of free radical scavengers on neocortical synaptosomal membrane damage found in aging and A beta-treated systems.

Effect of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants on 3-nitropionic acid-induced in vivo oxidative stress and striatal lesions: insights into Huntington's disease

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is an irreversible inhibitor of complex II in the mitochondria. 3-NP toxicity has gained acceptance as an animal model of Huntington's disease (HD). In the present study, we confirmed that rats injected with 3-NP (20 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 4 days) exhibit increased oxidative stress in both striatum and cortical synaptosomes as well as lesions in the striatum. Synaptosomal membrane proteins from rats injected with 3-NP exhibited a decrease in W/S ratio, the relevant electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameter used to determine levels of protein oxidation, and western blot analysis for protein carbonyls revealed direct evidence of increased synaptosomal protein oxidation. Treatment of rats with the brain-accessible free radical spin trap 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DEPMPO; 30 mg/kg, i.p., daily 2 h before 3-NP injection) or with N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 100 mg/kg, i.p., daily 2 h before 3-NP injection), a known glutathione precursor, before 3-NP treatments protects against oxidative damage induced by 3-NP as measured by EPR and western blot analysis for protein carbonyls. Furthermore, both DEMPMPO and NAC treatments before 3-NP administration significantly reduce striatal lesion volumes. These data suggest oxidative damage is a prerequisite for striatal lesion formation and that antioxidant treatment may be a useful therapeutic strategy against 3-NP neurotoxicity and perhaps against HD as well.

Protection of mitochondrial integrity from oxidative stress by the triaminopyridine derivative flupirtine

The suitability of the triaminopyridine derivative flupirtine, an analgesic drug with antioxidative property [Gassen, M., Pergande, G. and Youdim, M.B.H. (1998) Biochem. Pharmacol. 56, 1323-1329], for the preservation of mitochondrial integrity from oxidative stress-induced damage was studied. Rat liver mitochondria were exposed to strong oxidative stress as generated by Fe(2+) plus ascorbate. Peroxidation damage of membrane lipids was followed by the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Protein oxidation was estimated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, after labeling of the 'peroxidized' mitochondria with 4-maleimido-2, 2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl. We found that (i) low concentrations of flupirtine (10 microM) protect lipids and also proteins (with lesser efficiency) from attacks of reactive oxygen species; (ii) flupirtine remarkably delayed the decline of complex mitochondrial functions, such as the respiratory control or the Ca(2+) retention capacity of mitochondria, under oxidative stress; and (iii) the ADP/ATP antiporter (ANT), a main component of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery as well as a core component of the permeability transition pore complex, seems to be a membrane protein particularly protected by flupirtine. In conclusion, the preservation of the Ca(2+) buffer capacity of mitochondria and of the ANT activity against oxidative stress supports an antiapoptotic application of flupirtine.

3-nitropropionic acid induced in vivo protein oxidation in striatal and cortical synaptosomes: insights into Huntington's disease

3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) administered systemically daily for 4 days to rats inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and induces selective lesions in the striatum in a manner reminiscent of Huntington's disease (HD). To investigate the potential oxidative nature of these lesions, rats were injected with 3-NP (20 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 4 days) and subsequently isolated brain synaptosomal membranes were examined for evidence of oxidative stress. Brain synaptosomal membrane proteins from rats injected with 3-NP exhibited a decreased in W/S ratio, the relevant electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameter used to determine levels of protein oxidation (76% of control), and Western blot analysis for protein carbonyls revealed direct evidence of increased synaptosomal membrane protein oxidation (248% of control). Similar results were obtained in synaptosomes isolated from striatum and from cerebral cortex, demonstrating that the oxidative changes are not restricted to the lesion site. Moreover, increased oxidative stress was evident prior to the appearance of morphological lesions. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that 3-NP-induced striatal lesions, and perhaps those in HD, are associated with oxidative processes.

A beta (25-35) peptide displays H2O2-like reactivity towards aqueous Fe2+, nitroxide spin probes, and synaptosomal membrane proteins

Amyloid beta peptides (A beta s) are found in abnormally high accumulations in brains of persons with Alzheimer's disease, and are believed to contribute to cognitive decline in this disorder. Synthetic A beta and its peptide fragment 25-35 [A beta (25-35)] are toxic to cells in culture; however, the exact mechanism of amyloid peptide toxicity is not known. An emerging hypothesis contends that A beta toxicity results from peptide-mediated free radical reactions and generation of reactive oxygen species. Recently, we reported that reactivity of A beta toward the oxidation-sensitive enzyme glutamine synthetase is related to the peptide's reactivity toward the spin trap phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN). Neuronal damage may be due, in part, to oxidative processes initiated by amyloid-derived free radicals species. This work presents evidence from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin labeling techniques and spectrophotometric assays that a portion of synthetic A beta (25-35) demonstrates hydrogen peroxide-like reactivity toward Fe2+, nitroxide spin probes, and neocortical synaptasomal membrane proteins. These results are discussed with reference to free radical membrane damage and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.

Oxidants differentially regulate the heat shock response

Cells, animals, and humans respond to hyperthermia through the synthesis of a family of proteins termed heat shock proteins (HSPs). Because hyperthermic stress may also result in mitochondrial uncoupling and the generation of reactive oxygen species, we wondered whether oxidant stress was sufficient to increase cellular levels of HSP70. HSP70 was detected in cells heated or treated with menadione but not in those treated with hydrogen peroxide or xanthine/xanthine oxidase. We speculate that oxidant stress from menadione exposure is qualitatively different from exposure from hydrogen peroxide or xanthine/xanthine oxidase.

Effect of 2-cyclohexene-1-one-induced glutathione diminution on ischemia/reperfusion-induced alterations in the physical state of brain synaptosomal membrane proteins and lipids

Glutathione is able to protect membrane proteins from oxidative stress. In ischemia/reperfusion injury, free radicals cause synaptosomal membrane protein and lipid oxidation that is prevented by the free radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (Hall N. C. et al. (1995) Neuroscience 64, 81-89; 69, 591-600). We wondered if diminution of glutathione would lead to further membrane alterations. Accordingly, the effects of glutathione depletion, by intraperitoneal administration of 2-cyclohexene-1-one, on the physical state of cortical synaptosomal membrane proteins and lipids, with and without global ischemia/reperfusion, were studied in vivo and in vitro in adult and aged gerbils utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry. 2-Cyclohexene-1-one (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min prior to 10-min ischemia followed by 1 or 14 h reperfusion. This glutathione reduction agent was also administered to gerbils under the same temporal schedule in the absence of ischemia and compared to untreated controls. Synaptosomal membranes were labeled with a protein-specific spin label, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-maleimidopiperidine-1-oxyl, or a lipid-specific spin probe, 5-doxylstearic acid. There were no significant changes in the physical state of the lipid portion of synaptosomal membranes when comparing ischemia reperfusion and 2-cyclohexene-1-one-treated ischemia reperfusion in either the adult or aged gerbils. However, glutathione depletion without ischemia/reperfusion caused significant changes in the physical state of the protein portion of cortical synaptosomal membranes in both the adult and aged models. Glutathione depletion, without ischemia/reperfusion, in the adult model showed a maximum change at 3 h that returned to control values by 14 h. In contrast, the aged model showed significant changes at 1 h reperfusion, which did not return to control values by 14 h reperfusion. Glutathione depletion combined with ischemia/reperfusion caused initial protein change in both adult and aged models at 1 h reperfusion, which did not return toward control values by 14 h reperfusion. The results of this study suggest that glutathione depletion increases the severity of membrane protein damage associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Free radical oxidation of brain proteins in accelerated senescence and its modulation by N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone

According to the free radical theory of aging, reactive oxygen species cause oxidative damage, proposed to be an underlying factor of the aging process. In the current study, we have used electron paramagnetic resonance spin labeling, measurements of protein carbonyl content, an index of protein oxidation, and determination of the activity of glutamine synthetase (an oxidatively sensitive enzyme) to report that cortical synaptosomal membranes from the senescence accelerated-prone (SAMP8) mouse showed structural characteristics of free radical oxidative stress relative to the senescence accelerated-resistant (SAMR1) mouse. The SAMP8 mouse exhibited a decrease in the relevant EPR parameter consistent with oxidative stress (P < 0.002), a decreased glutamine synthetase activity (P < 0.05), and an increased protein carbonyl content (P < 0.01) compared with these parameters in the SAMR1 mouse. Further, because free radical trapping compounds have been demonstrated to extend maximum life span and improve cognition in SAMP8 mice, we investigated the protective nature of the known free radical scavenger, N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN), on the physical state of cortical synaptosomal membrane proteins. For 14 days, SAMR1 and SAMP8 mice were injected with 30 mg/kg PBN while the controls were injected with the corresponding volume of saline. Characteristic of less oxidized systems, cortical synaptosomal membranes from the PBN-injected SAMP8 mouse exhibited a return toward normal values of the relevant EPR parameter [the M1 = +1 low-field weakly immobilized line/M1 = +1 low-field strongly immobilized line (W/S) ratio of a protein-specific spin label] (P < 0.001) compared with that from saline-injected SAMP8 mice. In SAMR1 mice, in contrast to SAMP8, there was no significant change in the conformation of membrane proteins or protein carbonyl content of cortical synaptosomal membranes from the PBN-injected and saline-injected SAMR1 mice, showing that PBN itself did not induce conformational changes in cortical synaptosomal membrane proteins. The results are discussed with reference to the use of free radical scavengers as potential anti-aging agents.

Effect of peroxynitrite on erythrocytes

The action of peroxynitrite on human erythrocytes and erythrocyte membranes was studied. Peroxynitrite (0.1-2 mM) induced a transient decrease of intracellular reduced glutathione, oxidized membrane protein -SH groups, initiated membrane lipid peroxidation and inactivated erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase and ATPase activities. Membranes exposed to peroxynitrite showed aggregation and nitration of proteins and changes in protein organization detectable with a maleimide spin label.

Antioxidant survey to assess antagonism to redox stress using a prokaryotic and an eukaryotic system

Using a prokaryote (Escherichia coli) and a metazoa-resembling eukaryote (Ochromonas danica), we surveyed antioxidants which might overcome redox stress imposed by menadione sodium bisulphite (MD) and buthionine sulphoximine (BSO). BSO oxidant stress was evident only in O. danica; MD oxidant stress was evident in both organisms. Glutathione, its precursors, e.g. cysteine, homocysteine, and 2-oxo-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid, and red blood cells, emerged as prime antioxidants for relieving BSO and MD oxidant stress. BSO and MD oxidant activity and antioxidant-annulling effect in O. danica were judged comparable to those found in animal cells whereas the results E. coli were not entirely equivalent. The O. danica system emerged as a practical, rapid, and useful system for pinpointing oxidant stressors and antioxidants, and shows promise for studies with mammalian systems.

Selective labeling of membrane protein sulfhydryl groups with methanethiosulfonate spin label

Electron paramagnetic resonance was used to characterize the first use of a thio-specific spin label in membranes. Procedures for use of the spin-label, 1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-delta 3-pyrroline-3-methyl (methanethiosulfonate MTS) covalently attached to membrane proteins in human erythrocyte membranes are reported. The major findings are: (1) MTS was found to be thiol-specific in membranes as it is for soluble proteins; (2) MTS labels ghost proteins in as few as 30 min at room temperature, providing a distinct advantage when sensitive or fragile membranes are to be used; (3) the distribution of the spin label suggests that the major cytoskeletal protein, spectrin, and the major transmembrane protein (Band 3) incorporate the highest percentage of spin label. This procedure expands the tools with which the researcher can investigate the physical state of membrane proteins and its alteration upon interaction of membrane perturbants or in pathological conditions.

Prevention of ischemia/reperfusion-induced alterations in synaptosomal membrane-associated proteins and lipids by N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone and difluoromethylornithine

Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated the alteration in the physical state of synaptosomal membrane lipids and proteins in ischemia/reperfusion injury using selective spin labels and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy [Hall et al. (1995) Neuroscience 61, 84-89]. Since many investigations have provided evidence for free radical generation during ischemia/reperfusion injury, we investigated whether a free radical scavenger would prevent the membrane damage, in gerbils. Further, experiments to determine if a secondary effect of polyamine generation at 14 h reperfusion could be blocked by this free radical scavenger or by an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase were also carried out. The alterations in synaptosomal membrane integrity observed during ischemia/reperfusion injury were selectively neutralized by treatment with the free radical spin trap N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone or an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, difluoromethylornithine. Administration of N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone prior to ischemia totally abrogated both lipid and protein alterations observed at 1 and 14 h reperfusion. Pretreatment with difluoromethylornithine neutralized only the 14 h change in lipid label motion. Treatment with N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone at 6 h post ischemia showed only a slight attenuation of the 14 h lipid effect and no change in the protein effect. Difluoromethylornithine treatment at 6 h post ischemia negated the 14 h ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced lipid effect and had no effect on the protein change. These data support previous suggestions that free radicals and polyamines play a critical role in neuronal damage and cell loss following ischemia/reperfusion injury and that the polyamine effect is dependent upon free radical generation during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Membrane protein alterations in rodent erythrocytes and synaptosomes due to aging and hyperoxia

We have applied the technique of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) protein-specific spin labeling to the study of membrane protein alterations occurring during age and exposure to isobaric hyperoxia. Cortical synaptosomes and erythrocyte membranes (ghosts) were isolated from young rodents (Fisher 344 rats or mongolian gerbils, 3-4 months of age) and aged rodents (age 22-27 months for rats, greater than 15 months for gerbils). Membrane proteins were spin labeled with the thiol-specific spin label MAL-6 (2,2,6,6,-tetramehtyl-4-maleimido-piperdin-1-oxyl). The relevant EPR spectral parameter of MAL-6 labeled membranes, the W/S ratio, decreased significantly with age of animal in both synaptosomes and ghosts (P < 0.001). As a paradigm for accelerated oxidative stress, young and aged gerbils were exposed to an atmosphere of 90-100% O2 for 0-48 h. In both young and aged gerbils, the W/S ratio decreased significantly with hyperoxic stress (P < 0.003). The W/S ratio of synaptosomes isolated from aged gerbils decreased continually from 0-48 h hyperoxia, whereas the W/S ratio of synaptosomes from young animals demonstrated a pronounced rebound effect from 24-48 h. The results are discussed with reference to membrane protein oxidation in aging.