On the pH-dependent yield of hydroxyl radical products from peroxynitrite

Plasma treatment causes structural modifications in lysozyme, and increases cytotoxicity towards cancer cells

Bacterial and mammalian proteins, such as lysozyme, are gaining increasing interest as anticancer drugs. This study aims to modify the lysozyme structure using cold atmospheric plasma to boost its cancer cell killing effect. We investigated the structure at acidic and neutral pH using various experimental techniques (circular dichroism, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry) and molecular dynamics simulations. The controlled structural modification of lysozyme at neutral pH enhances its activity, while the activity was lost at acidic pH at the same treatment conditions. Indeed, a larger number of amino acids were oxidized at acidic pH after plasma treatment, which results in a greater distortion of the lysozyme structure, whereas only limited structural changes were observed in lysozyme after plasma treatment at neutral pH. We found that the plasma-treated lysozyme significantly induced apoptosis to the cancer cells. Our results reveal that plasma-treated lysozyme could have potential as a new cancer cell killing drug.

The effects of neutrophil-generated hypochlorous acid and other hypohalous acids on host and pathogens

Neutrophils are predominant immune cells that protect the human body against infections by deploying sophisticated antimicrobial strategies including phagocytosis of bacteria and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which neutrophils kill exogenous pathogens before we focus on one particular weapon in their arsenal: the generation of the oxidizing hypohalous acids HOCl, HOBr and HOSCN during the so-called oxidative burst by the enzyme myeloperoxidase. We look at the effects of these hypohalous acids on biological systems in general and proteins in particular and turn our attention to bacterial strategies to survive HOCl stress. HOCl is a strong inducer of protein aggregation, which bacteria can counteract by chaperone-like holdases that bind unfolding proteins without the need for energy in the form of ATP. These chaperones are activated by HOCl through thiol oxidation (Hsp33) or N-chlorination of basic amino acid side-chains (RidA and CnoX) and contribute to bacterial survival during HOCl stress. However, neutrophil-generated hypohalous acids also affect the host system. Recent studies have shown that plasma proteins act not only as sinks for HOCl, but get actively transformed into modulators of the cellular immune response through N-chlorination. N-chlorinated serum albumin can prevent aggregation of proteins, stimulate immune cells, and act as a pro-survival factor for immune cells in the presence of cytotoxic antigens. Finally, we take a look at the emerging role of HOCl as a potential signaling molecule, particularly its role in neutrophil extracellular trap formation.

On the Anti-Cancer Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and the Possible Role of Catalase-Dependent Apoptotic Pathways

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising new agent for (selective) cancer treatment, but the underlying cause of the anti-cancer effect of CAP is not well understood yet. Among different theories and observations, one theory in particular has been postulated in great detail and consists of a very complex network of reactions that are claimed to account for the anti-cancer effect of CAP. Here, the key concept is a reactivation of two specific apoptotic cell signaling pathways through catalase inactivation caused by CAP. Thus, it is postulated that the anti-cancer effect of CAP is due to its ability to inactivate catalase, either directly or indirectly. A theoretical investigation of the proposed theory, especially the role of catalase inactivation, can contribute to the understanding of the underlying cause of the anti-cancer effect of CAP. In the present study, we develop a mathematical model to analyze the proposed catalase-dependent anti-cancer effect of CAP. Our results show that a catalase-dependent reactivation of the two apoptotic pathways of interest is unlikely to contribute to the observed anti-cancer effect of CAP. Thus, we believe that other theories of the underlying cause should be considered and evaluated to gain knowledge about the principles of CAP-induced cancer cell death.

Mitochondria: Central Organelles for Melatonin's Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Actions

Melatonin, along with its metabolites, have long been known to significantly reduce the oxidative stress burden of aging cells or cells exposed to toxins. Oxidative damage is a result of free radicals produced in cells, especially in mitochondria. When measured, melatonin, a potent antioxidant, was found to be in higher concentrations in mitochondria than in other organelles or subcellular locations. Recent evidence indicates that mitochondrial membranes possess transporters that aid in the rapid uptake of melatonin by these organelles against a gradient. Moreover, we predicted several years ago that, because of their origin from melatonin-producing bacteria, mitochondria likely also synthesize melatonin. Data accumulated within the last year supports this prediction. A high content of melatonin in mitochondria would be fortuitous, since these organelles produce an abundance of free radicals. Thus, melatonin is optimally positioned to scavenge the radicals and reduce the degree of oxidative damage. In light of the "free radical theory of aging", including all of its iterations, high melatonin levels in mitochondria would be expected to protect against age-related organismal decline. Also, there are many age-associated diseases that have, as a contributing factor, free radical damage. These multiple diseases may likely be deferred in their onset or progression if mitochondrial levels of melatonin can be maintained into advanced age.

Conjugation of nitrated acetaminophen to Der p1 amplifies peripheral blood monocyte response to Der p1

BACKGROUND

An association of acetaminophen use and asthma was observed in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood study. However there are no clear mechanisms to explain an association between acetaminophen use and immunologic pathology. In acidic conditions like those in the stomach and inflamed airway, tyrosine residues are nitrated by nitrous and peroxynitrous acids. The resulting nitrotyrosine is structurally similar to 2,4-dinitrophenol and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, known haptens that enhance immune responses by covalently binding proteins. Nitrated acetaminophen shares similar molecular structure.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized the acetaminophen phenol ring undergoes nitration under acidic conditions, producing 3-nitro-acetaminophen which augments allergic responses by acting as a hapten for environmental allergens.

METHODS

3-nitro-acetaminophen was formed from acetaminophen in the presence of acidified nitrite, purified by high performance liquid chromatography, and assayed by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry. Purified 3-nitro-acetaminophen was reacted with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1) and analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify the modification site. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation response was measured in response to 3-nitro-acetaminophen and to 3-nitro-acetaminophen-modified Der p1.

RESULTS

Acetaminophen was modified by nitrous acid forming 3-nitro-acetaminophen over a range of different acidic conditions consistent with airway inflammation and stomach acidity. The Der p1 protein-hapten adduct creation was confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry proteomics modifying cysteine 132. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to 3-nitro-acetaminophen-modified Der p1 had increased proliferation and cytokine production compared to acetaminophen and Der p1 alone (n = 7; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data suggests 3-nitro-acetaminophen formation and reaction with Der p1 provides a mechanism by which stomach acid or infection-induced low airway pH in patients could enhance the allergic response to proteins such as Der p1.

Hyaluronan and Hyaluronan Fragments

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) is a key component of the microenvironment surrounding cells. In healthy tissues, HA molecules have extremely high molecular mass and consequently large hydrodynamic volumes. Tethered to the cell surface by clustered receptor proteins, HA molecules crowd each other, as well as other macromolecular species. This leads to severe nonideality in physical properties of the biomatrix, because steric exclusion leads to an increase in effective concentration of the macromolecules. The excluded volume depends on both polymer concentration and hydrodynamic volume/molecular mass. The biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, tissue hydration, receptor clustering, and receptor-ligand interactions are strongly affected by the presence of HA and by its molecular mass. In inflammation, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species fragment the HA chains. Depending on the rate of chain degradation relative to the rates of new synthesis and removal of damaged chains, short fragments of the HA molecules can be present at significant levels. Not only are the physical properties of the extracellular matrix affected, but the HA fragments decluster their primary receptors and act as endogenous danger signals. Bioanalytical methods to isolate and quantify HA fragments have been developed to determine profiles of HA content and size in healthy and diseased biological fluids and tissues. These methods have potential use in medical diagnostic tests. Therapeutic agents that modulate signaling by HA fragments show promise in wound healing and tissue repair without fibrosis.

S-nitrosylation of endogenous protein tyrosine phosphatases in endothelial insulin signaling

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts its biological function through S-nitrosylation of cellular proteins. Due to the labile nature of this modification under physiological condition, identification of S-nitrosylated residue in enzymes involved in signaling regulation remains technically challenging. The present study investigated whether intrinsic NO produced in endothelium-derived MS-1 cells response to insulin stimulation might target endogenous protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). For this, we have developed an approach using a synthetic reagent that introduces a phenylacetamidyl moiety on S-nitrosylated Cys, followed by detection with anti-phenylacetamidyl Cys (PAC) antibody. Coupling with sequential blocking of free thiols with multiple iodoacetyl-based Cys-reactive chemicals, we employed this PAC-switch method to show that endogenous SHP-2 and PTP1B were S-nitrosylated in MS-1 cells exposed to insulin. The mass spectrometry detected a phenylacetamidyl moiety specifically present on the active-site Cys463 of SHP-2. Focusing on the regulatory role of PTP1B, we showed S-nitrosylation to be the principal Cys reversible redox modification in endothelial insulin signaling. The PAC-switch method in an imaging format illustrated that a pool of S-nitrosylated PTP1B was colocalized with activated insulin receptor to the cell periphery, and that such event was endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-dependent. Moreover, ectopic expression of the C215S mutant of PTP1B that mimics the active-site Cys215 S-nitrosylated form restored insulin responsiveness in eNOS-ablated cells, which was otherwise insensitive to insulin stimulation. This work not only introduces a new method that explores the role of physiological NO in regulating signal transduction, but also highlights a positive NO effect on promoting insulin responsiveness through S-nitrosylation of PTP1B's active-site Cys215.

Cromoglycate, not ketotifen, ameliorated the injured effect of warm ischemia/reperfusion in rat liver: role of mast cell degranulation, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine, and inducible nitric oxide synthase

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (ISCH/REP) is a major clinical problem that is considered to be the most common cause of postoperative liver failure. Recently, mast cells have been proposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of ISCH/REP in many organs. In contrast, the role played by mast cells during ISCH/REP-induced liver damage has remained an issue of debate. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of mast cells in order to search for an effective therapeutic agent that could protect against fatal ISCH/REP-induced liver damage. A model of warm ISCH/REP was induced in the liver of rats. Four groups of rats were used in this study: Group I: SHAM (normal saline, intravenously [iv]); Group II: ISCH/REP; Group III: sodium cromoglycate + ISCH/REP (CROM + ISCH/REP), and Group IV: ketotifen (KET) + ISCH/REP (KET + ISCH/REP). Liver damage was assessed both histopathologically and biochemically. Mast cell degranulation was assessed histochemically. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the formation of nitric oxide (NO), and the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were determined. The results of this study revealed increased mast cell degranulation in the liver during the acute phase of ISCH/REP. Moreover, CROM, but not KET, decreased the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactic dehydrogenase and maintained normal liver tissue histology. Both CROM and KET protected against mast cell degranulation in the liver. In addition, both CROM and KET decreased IL-6 and TNF-α. However, CROM, but not KET, decreased MDA formation and increased GSH. Furthermore, KET, but not CROM, increased both NO formation and iNOS expression. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated mast cell degranulation in warm ISCH/REP in the liver of rats. More importantly, CROM, but not KET, ameliorated the effect of ISCH/REP-induced injury in rat liver. CROM may protect the liver through mast cell stabilization, inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, and iNOS and increased GSH. KET may maintain ISCH/REP-induced liver injury through the NO/iNOS pathway.

Metal ions, not metal-catalyzed oxidative stress, cause clay leachate antibacterial activity

Aqueous leachates prepared from natural antibacterial clays, arbitrarily designated CB-L, release metal ions into suspension, have a low pH (3.4–5), generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H₂O₂, and have a high oxidation-reduction potential. To isolate the role of pH in the antibacterial activity of CB clay mixtures, we exposed three different strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to 10% clay suspensions. The clay suspension completely killed acid-sensitive and acid-tolerant E. coli O157:H7 strains, whereas incubation in a low-pH buffer resulted in a minimal decrease in viability, demonstrating that low pH alone does not mediate antibacterial activity. The prevailing hypothesis is that metal ions participate in redox cycling and produce ROS, leading to oxidative damage to macromolecules and resulting in cellular death. However, E. coli cells showed no increase in DNA or protein oxidative lesions and a slight increase in lipid peroxidation following exposure to the antibacterial leachate. Further, supplementation with numerous ROS scavengers eliminated lipid peroxidation, but did not rescue the cells from CB-L-mediated killing. In contrast, supplementing CB-L with EDTA, a broad-spectrum metal chelator, reduced killing. Finally, CB-L was equally lethal to cells in an anoxic environment as compared to the aerobic environment. Thus, ROS were not required for lethal activity and did not contribute to toxicity of CB-L. We conclude that clay-mediated killing was not due to oxidative damage, but rather, was due to toxicity associated directly with released metal ions.

Foliar oxidative stress and insect herbivory: Primary compounds, secondary metabolites, and reactive oxygen species as components of induced resistance

Oxidative responses of plants to pathogens and other environmental stresses have received considerable recent attention. We propose that an oxidative response also occurs following attack by herbivores. Our data strongly indicate a shift in the oxidative status of soybean following herbivory by the insectHelicoverpa zea. Herbivory caused significant increases in lipid peroxidation and ·OH radical formation. The activity of several oxidative enzymes including lipoxygenases, peroxidase, diamine oxidase, ascorbate oxidase, and NADH oxidase I increased after herbivory on soybean. The enhanced production of phenolic compounds is indicated by an increase in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase in wounded tissues. On the other hand, the level of soybean foliar antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, nonprotein thiols, and catalase decreased significantly following herbivory. These results implicate primary compounds (e.g., ascorbic acid, proteins), secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolics), and reactive oxygen species (e.g., hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide) as multiple components of induced resistance. The oxidative changes in the host plant correspond with increased oxidative damage in the midgut of insects feeding on previously wounded plants. Decreases in nonprotein thiols and reduced ascorbic acid occurred in midgut epithelial tissue from insects feeding on wounded plants compared to the insects on control plants. In contrast, midgut hydroperoxides and dehydroascorbic acid concentrations were greater in insects on wounded plants compared to their counterparts on control plants. We conclude that oxidative responses in soybean may have both positive and negative effects upon the host plant: a decrease in herbivory and an increase in oxidative damage to the plant. The salient benefit to the plant, in terms of insect resistance, is the relative balance between these opposing effects.

S-nitrosylation: specificity, occupancy, and interaction with other post-translational modifications

SIGNIFICANCE

S-nitrosylation (SNO) has been identified throughout the body as an important signaling modification both in physiology and a variety of diseases. SNO is a multifaceted post-translational modification, in that it can either act as a signaling molecule itself or as an intermediate to other modifications.

RECENT ADVANCES AND CRITICAL ISSUES

Through extensive SNO research, we have made progress toward understanding the importance of single cysteine-SNO sites; however, we are just beginning to explore the importance of specific SNO within the context of other SNO sites and post-translational modifications. Additionally, compartmentalization and SNO occupancy may play an important role in the consequences of the SNO modification.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In this review, we will consider the context of SNO signaling and discuss how the transient nature of SNO, its role as an oxidative intermediate, and the pattern of SNO, should be considered when determining the impact of SNO signaling.

Reactive nitrogen species reactivities with nitrones: theoretical and experimental studies

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as nitrogen dioxide ((•)NO(2)), peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), and nitrosoperoxycarbonate (ONOOCO(2)(-)) are among the most damaging species present in biological systems due to their ability to cause modification of key biomolecular systems through oxidation, nitrosylation, and nitration. Nitrone spin traps are known to react with free radicals and nonradicals via electrophilic and nucleophilic addition reactions and have been employed as reagents to detect radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and as pharmacological agents against oxidative stress-mediated injury. This study examines the reactivity of cyclic nitrones such as 5,5-dimethylpyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) with (•)NO(2), ONOO(-), ONOOCO(2)(-), SNAP, and SIN-1 using EPR. The thermochemistries of nitrone reactivity with RNS and isotropic hfsc's of the addition products were also calculated at the PCM(water)/B3LYP/6-31+G**//B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory with and without explicit water molecules to rationalize the nature of the observed EPR spectra. Spin trapping of other RNS such as azide ((•)N(3)), nitrogen trioxide ((•)NO(3)), amino ((•)NH(2)) radicals and nitroxyl (HNO) were also theoretically and experimentally investigated by EPR spin trapping and mass spectrometry. This study also shows that other spin traps such as 5-carbamoyl-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide, 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide, and 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide can react with radical and nonradical RNS, thus making spin traps suitable probes as well as antioxidants against RNS-mediated oxidative damage.

Mechanistic overview of reactive species-induced degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury

Endothelial cells are covered by a delicate meshwork of glycoproteins known as the glycocalyx. Under normophysiological conditions the glycocalyx plays an active role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by deterring primary and secondary hemostasis and leukocyte adhesion and by regulating vascular permeability and tone. During (micro)vascular oxidative and nitrosative stress, which prevails in numerous metabolic (diabetes), vascular (atherosclerosis, hypertension), and surgical (ischemia/reperfusion injury, trauma) disease states, the glycocalyx is oxidatively and nitrosatively modified and degraded, which culminates in an exacerbation of the underlying pathology. Consequently, glycocalyx degradation due to oxidative/nitrosative stress has far-reaching clinical implications. In this review the molecular mechanisms of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species-induced destruction of the endothelial glycocalyx are addressed in the context of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury as a model disease state. Specifically, the review focuses on (i) the mechanisms of glycocalyx degradation during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, (ii) the molecular and cellular players involved in the degradation process, and (iii) its implications for hepatic pathophysiology. These topics are projected against a background of liver anatomy, glycocalyx function and structure, and the biology/biochemistry and the sources/targets of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The majority of the glycocalyx-related mechanisms elucidated for hepatic ischemia/reperfusion are extrapolatable to the other aforementioned disease states.

Biochemistry of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) a free radical having both cytoprotective as well as tumor promoting agent is formed from l-arginine by converting it to l-citrulline via nitric oxide synthase enzymes. The reaction product of nitric oxide with superoxide generates potent oxidizing agent, peroxynitrite which is the main mediator of tissue and cellular injury. Peroxynitrite is reactive towards many biomolecules which includes amino acids, nucleic acid bases; metal containing compounds, etc. NO metabolites may play a key role in mediating many of the genotoxic/carcinogenic effects as DNA damage, protein or lipid modification, etc. The basic reactions of nitric oxide can be divided as direct effect of the radical where it alone plays a role in either damaging or protecting the cell milieu and an indirect effect in which the byproducts of nitric oxide formed by convergence of two independent radical generating pathways play the role in biological reactions which mainly involve oxidative and nitrosative stress. Nitric oxide is also capable of directly interacting with mitochondria through inhibition of respiration or by permeability transition. Reaction of nitric oxide with metal ions include its direct interaction with the metals or with oxo complexes thereby reducing them to lower valent state. Excessive production of nitric oxide can be studied by inhibiting the synthetic pathway of nitric oxide using both selective or specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor or non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor with respect to isoforms of nitric oxide.

Phototransformation of selected organophosphorus pesticides: roles of hydroxyl and carbonate radicals

The phototransformation of two organophosphorus pesticides, parathion and chlorpyrifos, by hydroxyl radicals and carbonate radicals in aqueous solution were studied. Addition of hydrogen peroxide increased the UV degradation rates of both pesticides and data were simulated through kinetic modeling. The second-order rate constants of parathion and chlorpyrifos with hydroxyl radical were determined to be 9.7 +/- 0.5 x 10(9) and 4.9 +/- 0.1 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The presence of bi/carbonate ions reduced the pesticide degradation rates via scavenging of hydroxyl radical but the formation of carbonate radical also contributed to the degradation of the pesticides with second-order reaction rate constants of 2.8 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) and 8.8 +/- 0.4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for parathion and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The dual roles of bicarbonate ion in UV/H2O2 treatment systems, i.e., scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and formation of carbonate radicals, were examined and discussed using a simulative kinetic model. The transformation of pesticides by carbonate radicals at environmentally relevant bi/carbonate concentrations was shown to be a significant contributor to the environmental fate of the pesticides and it reshaped the general phototransformation kinetics of both pesticides in UV/H2O2 systems.

Differential effects of nitric oxide synthesis on pulmonary vascular function during lung ischemia-reperfusion injury

Lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury causes alveolar, epithelial and endothelial cell dysfunction which often results in decreased alveolar perfusion, characteristic of an acute respiratory distress syndrome. Nitric oxide (NO) from endothelium-derived NO synthase (eNOS) helps maintain a low pulmonary vascular resistance. Paradoxically, during acute lung injury, overproduction of NO via inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and oxidative stress lead to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) formation and vascular dysfunction. RNS potentiate vascular and cellular injury by oxidation, by decreasing NO bioavailability, and by regulating NOS isoforms. RNS potentiate their own production by uncoupling NO production through eNOS by oxidation and disruption of Akt-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS. This review focuses on effects of NO which cause vascular dysfunction in the unique environment of the lung and presents a hypothesis for interplay between eNOS and iNOS activation with implications for development of new strategies to treat vascular dysfunction associated with IR.

Free radical stress-mediated loss of Kcnj10 protein expression in stria vascularis contributes to deafness in Pendred syndrome mouse model

Pendred syndrome is due to loss-of-function mutations of Slc26a4, which codes for the HCO(3)(-) transporter pendrin. Loss of pendrin causes deafness via a loss of the K(+) channel Kcnj10 in stria vascularis and consequent loss of the endocochlear potential. Pendrin and Kcnj10 are expressed in different cell types. Here, we report that free radical stress provides a link between the loss of Kcnj10 and the loss of pendrin. Studies were performed using native and cultured stria vascularis from Slc26a4(+/-) and Slc26a4(-/-) mice as well as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells. Kcnj10, oxidized proteins, and proteins involved in iron metabolism were quantified by Western blotting. Nitrated proteins were quantified by ELISA. Total iron was measured by ferrozine spectrophotometry and gene expression was quantified by qRT-PCR. At postnatal day 10 (P10), stria vascularis from Slc26a4(+/-) and Slc26a4(-/-) mice expressed similar amounts of Kcnj10. Slc26a4(-/-) mice lost Kcnj10 expression during the next 5 days of development. In contrast, stria vascularis, obtained from P10 Slc26a4(-/-) mice and kept in culture for 5 days, maintained Kcnj10 expression. Stria vascularis from Slc26a4(-/-) mice was found to suffer from free radical stress evident by elevated amounts of oxidized and nitrated proteins and other changes in protein and gene expression. Free radical stress induced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine-N-ethylcarbamide was found to be sufficient to reduce Kcnj10 expression in CHO-K1 cells. These data demonstrate that free radical stress provides a link between loss of pendrin and loss of Kcnj10 in Slc26a4(-/-) mice and possibly in human patients suffering from Pendred syndrome.

Selective iNOS inhibition reduces renal damage induced by cisplatin

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of several cancer tumors; however, nephrotoxicity has restricted its use. Reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite, which is formed by the reaction between superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO*), are implicated in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In contrast, both toxic and beneficial effects of NO* have been suggested in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, nowadays the role of NO* in this experimental model remains controversial. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the role of NO* in cisplatin-induced renal damage using N-[3-(aminomethyl)benzyl]acetamidine (1400W), a selective and irreversible inhibitor of iNOS. The mRNA levels of iNOS were increased in cisplatin-treated rats. The administration of 1400W reduced the cisplatin induced histological damage, renal dysfunction (increase in proteinuria and kidney injury molecule expression and decrease in creatinine clearance), tubulointerstitial infiltration, oxidative stress (increase in renal malondialdehyde and inmmunostaining for 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) and nitrosative stress (immunostaining for 3-nitrotyrosine). In addition, the administration of 1400W was unable to modify systolic blood pressure in control rats. Our data demonstrate that selective iNOS inhibition reduces the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and nitrosative stress which strongly suggest that in this experimental model (1) the NO* production is toxic and (2) iNOS is the main source of NO*.

Catalytic antioxidants to treat amyotropic lateral sclerosis

Catalytic antioxidants are comprised of specialised classes of organometallic complexes that can catalyse the decomposition of injurious biological oxidants. These complexes have been shown to prevent the formation of several oxidative markers in spinal cord of G93A amyotropic lateral sclerosis mice and markedly extend survival, even when administered at symptom onset; however, it is now clear that some complexes lacking in antioxidant activity are also protective. New proteomics data suggest that these complexes also induce a broad spectrum of endogenous cellular defense mechanisms. The combination of antioxidant and adaptive resistance effects may explain the remarkable potency of these compounds and may also suggest wide applicability for them in a number of neurodegenerative diseases.

A role for nitric oxide-mediated peroxynitrite formation in a model of endotoxin-induced shock

The aim of the present study was to assess the relative contributions of peroxynitrite formation following induction of nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) in the pathophysiology of endotoxin-induced shock in the rat. To this end, we used a selective inhibitor of iNOS, N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W), and a peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato iron III chloride (FeTTPs). Intravenous (i.v.) administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4 mg/kg) elicited a time-dependent fall in mean arterial pressure as well as liver, renal, and pancreatic tissue damage. 1400W (3-10 mg/kg i.v.) administered 30 min before LPS delayed the development of hypotension but did not improve survival. On the other hand, FeTTPs administered (10-100 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited in a dose-dependent manner LPS-induced hypotension, tissue injury, and improved mortality rate. In separate experiments, rats were treated with LPS (4 mg/kg) or saline for control, and their aortas were isolated and placed in organ baths 2 h later. Tissues from LPS-treated rats had significant inhibition of contractile activity to phenylephrine as well as a significantly impaired relaxation response to acetylcholine. FeTPPs, when administered (100 mg/kg i.v.) 1 h before LPS, prevented the LPS-induced aortic contractile and endothelial dysfunction. These results demonstrate that nitric oxide-derived peroxynitrite formation plays an important role in this model of endotoxemia. Our results also suggest that use of an iNOS inhibitor in this setting has little beneficial effect in part because, in the presence of a failing eNOS system, some NO is needed to maintain adequate organ function.

Peroxynitrite-derived carbonate and nitrogen dioxide radicals readily react with lipoic and dihydrolipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) may have a role as antioxidants against nitric oxide-derived oxidants. We previously reported that peroxynitrite reacts with LA and DHLA with second-order rate constants of 1400 and 500 M(-1) s(-1), respectively, but indicated that these direct reactions are not fast enough to protect against peroxynitrite-mediated damage in vivo. Moreover, the mechanism of the reaction of peroxynitrite with LA has been recently challenged (J. Biol. Chem.279:9693-9697; 2004). Pulse radiolysis studies indicate that LA and DHLA react with peroxynitrite-derived nitrogen dioxide (*NO2) (k2 = 1.3 x 10(6) and 2.9 x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1), respectively) and carbonate radicals (CO(3-)) (k2 = 1.6 x 10(9) and 1.7 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1), respectively). Carbonate radical-mediated oxidation of LA led to the formation of the potent one-electron oxidant LA radical cation. LA inhibited peroxynitrite-mediated nitration of tyrosine and of a hydrophobic tyrosine analog, N-t-BOC L-tyrosine tert-butyl ester (BTBE), incorporated into liposomes but enhanced tyrosine dimerization. Moreover, while LA competitively inhibited the direct oxidation of glutathione by peroxynitrite, it was poorly effective against the radical-mediated thiol oxidation. The mechanisms of reaction defined herein allow to rationalize the biochemistry of peroxynitrite based on direct and free radical-mediated processes and contribute to the understanding of the antioxidant actions of LA and DHLA.

Chemical Behavior of the Biradicaloid (HO···ONO) Singlet States of Peroxynitrous Acid. The Oxidation of Hydrocarbons, Sulfides, and Selenides

Various high levels of theory have been applied to the characterization of two higher lying biradicaloid metastable singlet states of peroxynitrous acid. A singlet minimum (cis-2) was located that had an elongated O-O distance (2.17 A) and was only 12.2 kcal/mol [UB3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p)+ZPVE] higher in energy than its ground-state precursor. A trans-metastable singlet (trans-2) was 10.9 kcal/mol higher in energy than ground-state HO-ONO. CASSCF(12,10)/6-311+G(d,p) calculations predict the optimized geometries of these cis- and trans-metastable singlets to be close to those obtained with DFT. Optimization of cis- and trans-2 within the COSMO solvent model suggests that both exist as energy minima in polar media. Both cis- and trans-2 exist as hydrogen bonded complexes with several water molecules. These collective data suggest that solvated forms of cis-2.3H(2)O and trans-2.3H(2)O represent the elusive higher lying biradicaloid minima that were recently (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003, 125, 16204) advocated as the metastable forms of peroxynitrous acid (HOONO). The involvement of metastable trans-2 in the gas phase oxidation of methane and isobutane is firmly established to take place on the unrestricted [UB3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)] potential energy surface (PES) with classical activations barriers for the hydrogen abstraction step that are 15.7 and 5.9 kcal/mol lower than the corresponding activation energies for producing products methanol and tert-butyl alcohol formed on the restricted PES. The oxidation of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl selenide, two-electron oxidations, proceeds by an S(N)2-like attack of the heteroatom lone pair on the O-O bond of ground-state peroxynitrous acid. No involvement of metastable forms of HO-ONO was discernible.

Cross-compartment protection by SOD1

The absence of SOD1 in yeast has been found to result in inactivation of Lys4p. This [4Fe-4S]-containing dehydratase is in the pathway of biosynthesis of lysine, hence the oxygen-dependent lysine auxotrophy seen in this case. O(2)(-) is known to oxidize and thus destabilize the [Fe-4S] clusters of dehydratases; hence, this would make perfect sense were it not for the fact that SOD1 localizes to the cytosol and the intermembrane space of mitochondria, whereas Lys4p localizes to the mitochondrial matrix. How could SOD1 in one compartment protect against O(2)(-) attack in a different compartment? We suggest that the relatively high levels of O(2)(-) in the cytosol and intermembrane space of the SOD1 mutant may react with endogenous NO, forming HOONO that can diffuse into the mitochondrial matrix and there inactivate Lys4p and other [4Fe-4S]-containing dehydratases.

Acid stress in the pathology of asthma

Although alteration of airway pH may serve an innate host defense capacity, it also is implicated in the pathophysiology of obstructive airway diseases. Acid-induced asthma appears in association with gastroesophageal reflux after accidental inhalation of acid (fog, pollution, and workplace exposure) and in the presence of altered airway pH homeostasis. Endogenous and exogenous exposures to acids evoke cough, bronchoconstriction, airway hyperreactivity, microvascular leakage, and heightened production of mucous, fluid, and nitric oxide. Abnormal acidity of the airways is reflected in exhaled breath assays. The intimate mechanisms of acid-induced airway obstruction are dependent on activation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves. Protons activate these nerves with the subsequent release of tachykinins (major mediators of this pathway) that, in conjunction with kinins, nitric oxide, oxygen radicals, and proteases, modulate diverse aspects of airway dysfunction and inflammation. The recognition that acid stress might initiate or exacerbate airway obstructive symptomatology has prompted the consideration of new therapies targeting pH homeostasis.

Kinetics and Mechanism of Octacyanomolybdate(IV) Oxidation by Peroxynitrite

A kinetic study of the oxidation of octacyanomolybdate(IV) by peroxynitrite has been performed using a stopped-flow technique. The variation of kobs with the concentration of Mo(CN)48-, pH and temperature have been investigated. A reaction mechanism that involves homolysis of HOONO to form •OH and •NO2 radicals is proposed. Octacyanomolybdate(IV) is oxidised by HOONO (direct oxidation) and by the aforementioned radicals (indirect oxidation). The rate constants for HOONO homolysis ( k1) and direct oxidation ( k2) have been obtained along with the activation parameters of these steps.

Theoretical Analysis of Peroxynitrous Acid: Characterization of Its Elusive Biradicaloid (HO···ONO) Singlet States

Various high levels of theory (DFT, QCISD, BD(TQ), and CASSCF) have been applied to the characterization of two higher-lying biradicaloid singlet states of peroxynitrous acid. A singlet minimum (cis-2) was located that had an elongated O-O distance of 2.17 A and was only 14.4 kcal/mol [UB3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p)] higher in energy than its cis-peroxynitrous acid ground-state precursor. A trans metastable higher-lying singlet (trans-2) was 12.8 kcal/mol higher in energy than ground-state HO-ONO. Complete active space calculations [CAS(12,10)/6-311+G(d,p)] predicted the optimized geometries of these cis and trans metastable singlets to be quite close to those obtained with the DFT method. Geometry optimization of both cis- and trans-2 within the COSMO solvent model suggest that both exist as energy minima in polar media with elongated O-O distances of 2.14 and 2.09 A. Both cis- and trans-2 exist as hydrogen-bonded complexes with several water molecules. These collective data suggest that solvated forms of cis-2.3H2O and trans-2.3H2O represent the elusive higher-lying biradicaloid minima that have been previously advocated (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 3125) as the metastable forms of peroxynitrous acid (HOONO*).

Peroxynitrite-dependent modifications of tyrosine residues in hemoglobin. Formation of tyrosyl radical(s) and 3-nitrotyrosine

Although peroxynitrite is believed to be one of the most efficient tyrosine-nitrating species of biological relevance so far identified, its nitration efficiency is nevertheless limited. In fact, the nitrating species formed through peroxynitrite decay are caged radicals ((*)OH/(*)NO(2) or, in the presence of carbon dioxide, CO(3)(*-)/(*)NO(2)) and the fraction that escapes from the solvent cage does not exceed 30-35%. One exception may be represented by metal-containing compounds that can enhance the formation of nitrotyrosine through a bimolecular reaction with peroxynitrite. Moreover, if the metal is also regenerated in the reaction, the compound is considered a nitration catalysts and the yield of tyrosine nitration enhanced several fold. Examples of peroxynitrite-dependent nitration catalysts are the Mn-superoxide dismutase, some cytochromes and several metalloporphyrins. On the contrary, it has been claimed that some hemoproteins are scavengers of peroxynitrite and play a role in limiting its biodamaging and bioregulatory activity. In this review, we discuss the case of hemoglobin, which is probably the major target of peroxynitrite in blood. This protein has been reported to protect intracellular and extracellular targets from peroxynitrite-mediated tyrosine nitration. This property is shared with myoglobin and cytochrome c. The possible mechanisms conferring to these proteins a peroxynitrite scavenging role are discussed.

EDTA bis-(methyl tyrosinate): a chelating peptoid peroxynitrite scavenger

Conjugation of ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to methyl tyrosinate generates a chelating peptoid EDTA bis-(methyl tyrosinate), (EBMT). Peroxynitrite-mediated nitration was studied for the free peptoid and its ferric and cupric complexes. The nitration products were monitored by electronic absorption spectroscopy at lambda(max) of 420 nm (mono-nitrated) and 440 nm (di-nitrated). Peak deconvolution was effected by pH manipulation as the mono-nitrated analogue of tyrosine exhibited a bathochromic shift from 365 nm (below its pK(a) of 6.8) to 420 nm. Rates of nitration were: free peptoid <Cu(II) complex <<Fe(III) complex. These results demonstrate the potential of EBMT to act as a radical scavenging chelating peptoid antioxidant.

Expression of nitrergic system and protein nitration in adult rat brains submitted to acute hypobaric hypoxia

Changes in the nitric oxide (NO) system of the rat cerebral cortex were investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and NO synthase (NOS) activity assays in adult rats submitted for 30 min to hypoxia, in a hypobaric chamber at a simulated altitude of 38,000 ft (11000 m) (154.9 mm Hg). The cerebral cortex was studied after different survival times, 0 and 24 h, 5, 8, 15, and 30 days of reoxygenation. This situation led to morphological alterations in the large type I interneurons, as well as immunoreactive changes in the appearance and number of the small neurons (type II), both containing neuronal NOS (nNOS). Some of these small neurons showed immunoreactive cytoplasm and short processes; others, the more numerous during all reoxygenation periods, contained the immunoreactive product mainly related to a perinuclear ring. Ultrastructurally, these small neurons exhibited changes in nuclear structures as in the shape of the nuclear membrane, in the distribution of heterochromatin, and in the nucleolar morphology. The reaction product for nitrotyrosine, as a marker of protein nitration, showed modifications in distribution of the immunoreactive product. No expression was found for inducible NOS (iNOS). All these modifications were accompanied by increased nNOS and nitrotyrosine production as demonstrated by Western blotting and calcium-dependent activity, returning to control conditions after 30 days of reoxygenation, suggesting a reversible NO mechanism of action.

Chain scission of hyaluronan by peroxynitrite

The reaction of peroxynitrite with the biopolymer hyaluronan has been studied using stopped-flow techniques combined with detection of molecular weight changes using the combination of gel permeation chromatography and multiangle laser light scattering. From the effect of peroxynitrite on the yield of hyaluronan chain breaks, it was concluded that the chain breaks were caused by hydroxyl radicals which escape a cage containing the *OH NO*(2) radical pair. The yield of free hydroxyl radicals was determined as 5+/-1% (as a proportion of the total peroxynitrite concentration). At high peroxynitrite concentrations, it was observed that the yield of chain breaks leveled out, an effect largely attributable to the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals by nitrite ions present in the peroxynitrite preparation. These experiments also provided some support for a previous proposal that the adduct formed between ONOOH and ONOO(-) might itself produce hydroxyl radicals. The rate of this reaction would have to be of the order of 0.05 s(-1) to produce hydroxyl radical yields that would account quantitatively for chain break yields at high peroxynitrite concentrations. By carrying out experiments at higher hyaluronan concentrations, it was also concluded that an additional yield of chain breaks was produced by the bimolecular reaction of the polymer with ONOOH at a rate constant of about 10 dm(3)mol(-1)s(-1). At 5.3 x 10(-3)mol dm(-3) hyaluronan, this amounted to 3.5% chain breaks (per peroxynitrite concentration). These conclusions support the proposal that the yield of hydroxyl radicals arising from the isomerization of ONOOH to nitrate ions is relatively low.

Alternatively spliced FGFR-1 isoform signaling differentially modulates endothelial cell responses to peroxynitrite

Mounting experimental evidence has suggested that the trophic environment of cells in culture is an important determinant of their vulnerability to the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxidants such as peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). However, acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1)-induced signaling renders some cells more sensitive and others resistant to the cytotoxic effects of ONOO(-). To determine whether alternatively spliced fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR-1) isoforms are responsible for this differential response, we have stably transfected FGFR-negative rat brain-derived resistant vessel endothelial cells (RVEC) with human cDNA sequences encoding either FGFR-1 alpha or FGFR-1 beta. FGF-1 treatment of RVEC(R-1 alpha) transfectants enhanced ONOO(-)-mediated cell death in a manner dependent upon FGFR-1 tyrosine kinase, MEK/Erk 1/2 kinase, and p38 MAP kinase activities and independent of Src-family kinase (SFK) activity. FGF-1 treatment of RVEC(R-1 beta) transfectants inhibited the cytotoxic effects of ONOO(-) in a manner dependent upon FGFR-1 tyrosine kinase, MEK/Erk 1/2 kinase, and SFK activities and independent of p38 MAP kinase activity. FGF-1-induced preactivation of both FGFR-1 tyrosine and Erk 1/2 kinases was detected in both RVEC(R-1 alpha) and RVEC(R-1 beta) transfectants. FGF-1-induced preactivation of p38 MAPK was restricted to RVEC(R-1 alpha) transfectants, whereas, ligand-induced preactivation of SFK was limited to RVEC(R-1 beta) transfectants. Collectively, these results both reemphasize the role of extracellular trophic factors and their receptor-mediated signaling pathways during cellular responses to oxidant stress and provide a first indication that the alternatively spliced FGFR-1 isoforms induce differential signal transduction pathways.

Expression and activity of pH-regulatory glutaminase in the human airway epithelium

Fluid condensed from the breath of patients with acute asthma is acidic. Several features of asthma pathophysiology can be initiated by exposure of the airway to acid. In renal tubular epithelium, glutaminase produces ammonia to buffer urinary acid excretion. We hypothesized that human airway epithelium could also express glutaminase. Here, we demonstrate that human airway epithelial cells in vitro have biochemical evidence for glutaminase activity and express mRNA for two glutaminase isoforms (KGA and GAC). Glutaminase activity increased in response to acidic stress (media pH 5.8) and was associated with both increased culture medium pH and improved cell survival. In contrast, activity was inhibited by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Glutaminase protein was expressed in the human airway in vivo. Further, ammonia levels in the breath condensate of subjects with acute asthma were low (30 microM [range: 0-233], n = 18, age 23 +/- 2.5 yr) compared with control subjects (327 microM [14-1,220], n = 24, age 24 +/- 2.4 yr, p < 0.001), and correlated with condensate pH (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). These data demonstrate that glutaminase is expressed and active in the human airway epithelium and may be relevant both to the regulation of airway pH and to the pathophysiology of acute asthmatic airway inflammation.

Oxidant species trigger late preconditioning against myocardial stunning in conscious rabbits

Conscious rabbits underwent six 4-min occlusion and 4-min reperfusion cycles for 3 consecutive days (day 1, 2, and 3); on day 1, rabbits received intravenous vehicle [preconditioning (PC)] (group I, n = 6), superoxide dismutase (SOD; group II, n = 5), catalase (group III, n = 6), or the hydroxyl radical (. OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-)) scavenger N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG [group IV], n = 6). In the PC group, the recovery of systolic wall thickening (WTh) after the sixth reperfusion was markedly improved on days 2 and 3 compared with day 1 and the total deficit of WTh was correspondingly reduced, indicating a late PC effect against myocardial stunning. Neither SOD nor catalase had any significant effect on the severity of stunning on day 1 or on the development of late PC on days 2 and 3, despite high plasma levels. In contrast, MPG markedly attenuated the severity of stunning on day 1 and prevented the development of late PC on day 2. Two additional groups of rabbits received an intracoronary infusion of vehicle (group V, n = 4) or the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating solution [cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH, group VI, n = 7)] on day 0, and were then subjected to the six occlusion/reperfusion cycles on days 1, 2, and 3. In group VI, infusion of CuOOH elicited a late PC effect 24 h later (on day 1). Taken together, these results demonstrate that oxidant species play an essential role in triggering the development of late PC against stunning in conscious rabbits. The fact that late PC was blocked by MPG and mimicked by CuOOH implicate ONOO- and/or .OH as the oxygen species responsible for the initiation of this phenomenon. In addition, the finding that exogenous ROS (CuOOH) reproduced the phenotype of late PC indicates that ROS are not only necessary but also sufficient to trigger this defensive adaptation of the heart to stress.

Catalase catalyzes nitrotyrosine formation from sodium azide and hydrogen peroxide

Sodium azide (NaN3) is known as an inhibitor of catalase, and a nitric oxide (NO) donor in the presence of catalase and H2O2. We showed here that catalase-catalyzed oxidation of NaN3 can generate reactive nitrogen species which contribute to tyrosine nitration in the presence of H2O2. The formation of free-tyrosine nitration and protein-bound tyrosine nitration by the NaN3/catalase/H2O2 system showed a maximum level at pH 6.0. Free-tyrosine nitration induced by peroxynitrite was inhibited by ethanol and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and augmented by superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, free-tyrosine nitration induced by the NaN3/catalase/H2O2 system was not affected by ethanol, DMSO and SOD. NO2- and NO donating agents did not affect free-tyrosine nitration by the NaN3/catalase/H2O2 system. The reaction of NaN3 with hydroxyl radical generating system showed free-tyrosine nitration, but no formation of nitrite and nitrate. The generation of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) by the NaN3/catalase/H2O2 system was maximal at pH 5.0. These results suggested that the oxidation of NaN3 by the catalase/H2O2 system generates unknown peroxynitrite-like reactive nitrogen intermediates, which contribute to tyrosine nitration.

Oxidative and nitrosative stress in acute renal ischemia

First Published July 12, 2001; 10.1152/ajprenal.0071.2001.—Generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in hypoxia-reperfusion injury may form a cytotoxic metabolite, peroxynitrite, which is capable of causing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. This study was designed to examine the contribution of oxidative and nitrosative stress to the renal damage in ischemic acute renal failure (iARF). iARF was initiated in rats by 45-min renal artery clamping. This resulted in lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and nitrotyrosine modification confirmed both by Western and immunohistochemical analyses. Three groups of animals were randomly treated with an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS),l- N 6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (l-Nil), cell-permeable lecithinized superoxide dismutase (SOD), or both. Each treatment resulted in amelioration of renal dysfunction, as well as reduced nitrotyrosine formation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage, thus suggesting that peroxynitrite rather than superoxide anion is responsible for lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Therefore, in a separate series of experiments, a scavenger of peroxynitrite, ebselen, was administered before the reperfusion period. This treatment resulted in a comparable degree of amelioration of iARF. In conclusion, the present study provides the first attempt to elucidate the role of peroxynitrite in initiation of the cascade of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage to ischemic kidneys. The results demonstrate that l-Nil , lecithinized SOD, and ebselen treatments improve renal function due to their suppression of peroxynitrite production or its scavenging, consequently preventing lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage.