The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal is a potent inducer of the SOS response

Nanoscale battery cathode materials induce DNA damage in bacteria

The increasing use of nanoscale lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li x Ni y Mn z Co1-y-z O2, NMC) as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries poses risk to the environment. Learning toxicity mechanisms on molecular levels is critical to promote proactive risk assessment of these complex nanomaterials and inform their sustainable development. We focused on DNA damage as a toxicity mechanism and profiled in depth chemical and biological changes linked to DNA damage in two environmentally relevant bacteria upon nano-NMC exposure. DNA damage occurred in both bacteria, characterized by double-strand breakage and increased levels of many putative chemical modifications on bacterial DNA bases related to direct oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, measured by cutting-edge DNA adductomic techniques. Chemical probes indicated elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species and transition metal ions, in agreement with DNA adductomics and gene expression analysis. By integrating multi-dimensional datasets from chemical and biological measurements, we present rich mechanistic insights on nano-NMC-induced DNA damage in bacteria, providing targets for biomarkers in the risk assessment of reactive materials that may be extrapolated to other nano-bio interactions.

Opposing roles of Y-family DNA polymerases in lipid peroxide mutagenesis at the hisG46 target in the Ames test

DNA polymerases play a key role in mutagenesis by performing translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). The Y-family of DNA polymerases comprises several evolutionarily conserved families, specializing in TLS of different DNA adducts. Exocyclic etheno and propano DNA adducts are among the most common endogenous DNA lesions induced by lipid peroxidation reactions triggered by oxidative stress. We have investigated the participation of two enterobacterial representatives of the PolIV and PolV branches of Y-family DNA polymerases in mutagenesis by two model lipid peroxidation derived genotoxins, glyoxal and crotonaldehyde. Mutagenesis by the ethano adduct (glyoxal-derived) and the propano adduct (crontonaldehyde-derived) at the GC target in the Ames test depended exclusively on PolV type DNA polymerases such as PolRI. In contrast, PolIV suppressed glyoxal and, even more, crotonaldehyde mutagenesis, as detected by enzyme overexpression and gene knockout approaches. We propose that DNA polymerase IV, which is the mammalian DNA polymerase κ ortholog, acts as a housekeeper protecting the genome from lipoxidative stress.

Genotoxicity of lipid oxidation compounds

Lipid peroxidation, the oxidative degradation of membrane lipids by reactive oxygen species generates a large variety of breakdown products such as alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, furans and others. Due to their reactivity aldehydes (alkanals, 2-alkenals, 2,4-alkadienals, 4-hydroxyalkenals) received a lot of attention, in particular because they can diffuse from the site of formation and interact with proteins and nucleic acids thus acting as second toxic messengers. The major aldehydic peroxidation product of membrane lipids is 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Since HNE and other 4-hydroxyalkenals are strong alkylating agents they have therefore been considered to be the biologically most important peroxidation products. Although initially research focused on the toxicological potential of these compounds it is now well known that they play also a crucial role in cell signaling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Thus, it is obvious that the biological effects will be determined by the intracellular concentrations which can trigger adaptation, DNA damage and cell death. This review will not cover all these aspects but will concentrate on the genotoxic properties of selected lipid oxidation products important in the context of pathophysiological developments together with a chapter on epigenetic modifications.

Radiation induced bystander effects in the spleen of cranially-irradiated rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the radiation-induced abscopal effect in terms of oxidative stress, apoptosis and DNA damage in the spleen cells following cranial X-rays irradiation of rats.

METHODS

Rats were cranially irradiated using 2 Gy X-rays. Another group was whole-body irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays and a third group was exposed to scattered radiation (measured to be 3 mGy). 24 hours following irradiation, sections from the spleen of the rats were dissected as well as plasma samples. The samples were examined for the desired endpoints.

RESULTS

The cranially irradiated animals showed a significant increase in the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase with no significant change in the lipid peroxidation product in the spleen cells with a significant increase in the C-reactive protein level the plasma. Apoptotic cell death in the spleen cells was demonstrated as indicated by the decrease of Bcl-2; the increase of p53, Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-8 and induction of DNA damage in the spleen in both of the cranially irradiated rats and whole body exposed rats. The exposure to 3 mGy scattered radiation increased the plasma level of C-RP and also induced apoptosis in the spleen cells.

CONCLUSION

Cranial irradiation-induced abscopal effect in distant spleen cells. Very low doses of radiation can induce apoptosis in the spleen cells. Advances in knowledge: This paper provides an evidence on the incidence of radiation abscopal effect. Also, the results shed light of the effect very low doses of radiation as low as 3 mGy.

Lipid peroxidation in face of DNA damage, DNA repair and other cellular processes

Exocyclic adducts to DNA bases are formed as a consequence of exposure to certain environmental carcinogens as well as inflammation and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Complex family of LPO products gives rise to a variety of DNA adducts, which can be grouped in two classes: (i) small etheno-type adducts of strong mutagenic potential, and (ii) bulky, propano-type adducts, which block replication and transcription, and are lethal lesions. Etheno-DNA adducts are removed from the DNA by base excision repair (BER), AlkB and nucleotide incision repair enzymes (NIR), while substituted propano-type lesions by nucleotide excision repair (NER) and homologous recombination (HR). Changes of the level and activity of several enzymes removing exocyclic adducts from the DNA was reported during carcinogenesis. Also several beyond repair functions of these enzymes, which participate in regulation of cell proliferation and growth, as well as RNA processing was recently described. In addition, adducts of LPO products to proteins was reported during aging and age-related diseases. The paper summarizes pathways for exocyclic adducts removal and describes how proteins involved in repair of these adducts can modify pathological states of the organism.

Mutagenicity of ω-3 fatty acid peroxidation products in the Ames test

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) represent one of the main building blocks of cellular membranes and their varying composition impacts lifespan as well as susceptibility to cancer and other degenerative diseases. Increased intake of ω-3 PUFA is taught to compensate for the abundance of ω-6 PUFA in modern human diet and prevent cardiocirculatory diseases. However, highly unsaturated PUFA of marine and seed origin easily oxidize to aldehydic products which form DNA adducts. With increased PUFA consumption it is prudent to re-evaluate ω-3 PUFA safety and the genotoxic hazards of their metabolites. We have used the standard Ames test to examine the mutagenicity of 2 hexenals derived from lipid peroxidation of the common ω-3 PUFA in human diet and tissues. Both 4-hydroxyhexenal and 2-hexenal derived from the ω-3 docosahexaenoic and α-linolenic acid, respectively, induced base substitutions in the TA104 and TA100 Ames strains in a dose dependent manner. Their mutagenicity was dependent on the Y-family DNA polymerase RI and they did not induce other types of mutations such as the -2 and -1 frameshifts in the TA98 and TA97 strains. Our results expand previous findings about the mutagenicity of related ω-3 peroxidation product 4-oxohexenal and raise alert that overuse of ω-3 rich oils may have adverse effect on genome stability.

Damage of DNA and proteins by major lipid peroxidation products in genome stability

Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (LPO) accompanying infections and chronic inflammation may induce several human cancers. LPO products are characterized by carbohydrate chains of different length, reactive aldehyde groups and double bonds, which make these molecules reactive to nucleic acids, proteins and cellular thiols. LPO-derived adducts to DNA bases form etheno-type and propano-type exocyclic rings, which have profound mutagenic potential, and are elevated in several cancer-prone diseases. Adducts of long chain LPO products to DNA bases inhibit transcription. Elimination from DNA of LPO-induced lesions is executed by several repair systems: base excision repair (BER), direct reversal by AlkB family proteins, nucleotide excision repair (NER) and recombination. Modifications of proteins with LPO products may regulate cellular processes like apoptosis, cell signalling and senescence. This review summarizes consequences of LPO products' presence in cell, particularly 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, in terms of genomic stability.

Replication bypass of the trans-4-Hydroxynonenal-derived (6S,8R,11S)-1,N(2)-deoxyguanosine DNA adduct by the sulfolobus solfataricus DNA polymerase IV

trans-4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is the major peroxidation product of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in vivo. Michael addition of the N(2)-amino group of dGuo to HNE followed by ring closure of N1 onto the aldehyde results in four diastereomeric 1,N(2)-dGuo (1,N(2)-HNE-dGuo) adducts. The (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo adduct was incorporated into the 18-mer templates 5'-d(TCATXGAATCCTTCCCCC)-3' and d(TCACXGAATCCTTCCCCC)-3', where X = (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo adduct. These differed in the identity of the template 5'-neighbor base, which was either Thy or Cyt, respectively. Each of these templates was annealed with either a 13-mer primer 5'-d(GGGGGAAGGATTC)-3' or a 14-mer primer 5'-d(GGGGGAAGGATTCC)-3'. The addition of dNTPs to the 13-mer primer allowed analysis of dNTP insertion opposite to the (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo adduct, whereas the 14-mer primer allowed analysis of dNTP extension past a primed (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo:dCyd pair. The Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) belongs to the Y-family of error-prone polymerases. Replication bypass studies in vitro reveal that this polymerase inserted dNTPs opposite the (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo adduct in a sequence-specific manner. If the template 5'-neighbor base was dCyt, the polymerase inserted primarily dGTP, whereas if the template 5'-neighbor base was dThy, the polymerase inserted primarily dATP. The latter event would predict low levels of Gua → Thy mutations during replication bypass when the template 5'-neighbor base is dThy. When presented with a primed (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo:dCyd pair, the polymerase conducted full-length primer extension. Structures for ternary (Dpo4-DNA-dNTP) complexes with all four template-primers were obtained. For the 18-mer:13-mer template-primers in which the polymerase was confronted with the (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo adduct, the (6S,8R,11S)-1,N(2)-dGuo lesion remained in the ring-closed conformation at the active site. The incoming dNTP, either dGTP or dATP, was positioned with Watson-Crick pairing opposite the template 5'-neighbor base, dCyt or dThy, respectively. In contrast, for the 18-mer:14-mer template-primers with a primed (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo:dCyd pair, ring opening of the adduct to the corresponding N(2)-dGuo aldehyde species occurred. This allowed Watson-Crick base pairing at the (6S,8R,11S)-HNE-1,N(2)-dGuo:dCyd pair.

Role of damage-specific DNA polymerases in M13 phage mutagenesis induced by a major lipid peroxidation product trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal

One of the major lipid peroxidation products trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), forms cyclic propano- or ethenoadducts bearing six- or seven-carbon atom side chains to G>C≫A>T. To specify the role of SOS DNA polymerases in HNE-induced mutations, we tested survival and mutation spectra in the lacZα gene of M13mp18 phage, whose DNA was treated in vitro with HNE, and which was grown in uvrA(-)Escherichia coli strains, carrying one, two or all three SOS DNA polymerases. When Pol IV was the only DNA SOS polymerase in the bacterial host, survival of HNE-treated M13 DNA was similar to, but mutation frequency was lower than in the strain containing all SOS DNA polymerases. When only Pol II or Pol V were present in host bacteria, phage survival decreased dramatically. Simultaneously, mutation frequency was substantially increased, but exclusively in the strain carrying only Pol V, suggesting that induction of mutations by HNE is mainly dependent on Pol V. To determine the role of Pol II and Pol IV in HNE induced mutagenesis, Pol II or Pol IV were expressed together with Pol V. This resulted in decrease of mutation frequency, suggesting that both enzymes can compete with Pol V, and bypass HNE-DNA adducts in an error-free manner. However, HNE-DNA adducts were easily bypassed by Pol IV and only infrequently by Pol II. Mutation spectrum established for strains expressing only Pol V, showed that in uvrA(-) bacteria the frequency of base substitutions and recombination increased in relation to NER proficient strains, particularly mutations at adenine sites. Among base substitutions A:T→C:G, A:T→G:C, G:C→A:T and G:C→T:A prevailed. The results suggest that Pol V can infrequently bypass HNE-DNA adducts inducing mutations at G, C and A sites, while bypass by Pol IV and Pol II is error-free, but for Pol II infrequent.

Formation of a N2-dG:N2-dG carbinolamine DNA cross-link by the trans-4-hydroxynonenal-derived (6S,8R,11S) 1,N2-dG adduct

Michael addition of trans-4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) to deoxyguanosine yields diastereomeric 1,N²-dG adducts in DNA. When placed opposite dC in the 5′-CpG-3′ sequence, the (6S,8R,11S) diastereomer forms a N²-dG:N²-dG interstrand cross-link [Wang, H.; Kozekov, I. D.; Harris, T. M.; Rizzo, C. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2003, 125, 5687–5700]. We refined its structure in 5′-d(G¹C²T³A⁴G⁵C⁶X⁷A⁸G⁹T¹⁰C¹¹C¹²)-3′·5′-d(G¹³G¹⁴A¹⁵C¹⁶T¹⁷C¹⁸Y¹⁹C²⁰T²¹A²²G²³C²⁴)-3′ [X⁷ is the dG adjacent to the C6 carbon of the cross-link or the α-carbon of the (6S,8R,11S) 1,N²-dG adduct, and Y¹⁹ is the dG adjacent to the C8 carbon of the cross-link or the γ-carbon of the HNE-derived (6S,8R,11S) 1,N²-dG adduct; the cross-link is in the 5′-CpG-3′ sequence]. Introduction of ¹³C at the C8 carbon of the cross-link revealed one ¹³C8→H8 correlation, indicating that the cross-link existed predominantly as a carbinolamine linkage. The H8 proton exhibited NOEs to Y¹⁹ H1′, C²⁰ H1′, and C²⁰ H4′, orienting it toward the complementary strand, consistent with the (6S,8R,11S) configuration. An NOE was also observed between the HNE H11 proton and Y¹⁹ H1′, orienting the former toward the complementary strand. Imine and pyrimidopurinone linkages were excluded by observation of the Y¹⁹N²H and X⁷ N1H protons, respectively. A strong H8→H11 NOE and no ³J(¹³C→H) coupling for the ¹³C8–O–C11–H11 eliminated the tetrahydrofuran species derived from the (6S,8R,11S) 1,N²-dG adduct. The (6S,8R,11S) carbinolamine linkage and the HNE side chain were located in the minor groove. The X⁷N² and Y¹⁹N² atoms were in the gauche conformation with respect to the linkage, maintaining Watson–Crick hydrogen bonds at the cross-linked base pairs. A solvated molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the anti conformation of the hydroxyl group with respect to C6 of the tether minimized steric interaction and predicted hydrogen bonds involving O8H with C²⁰O² of the 5′-neighbor base pair G⁵·C²⁰ and O11H with C¹⁸O² of X⁷·C¹⁸. These may, in part, explain the stability of this cross-link and the stereochemical preference for the (6S,8R,11S) configuration.

Chemistry and structural biology of DNA damage and biological consequences

The formation of adducts by the reaction of chemicals with DNA is a critical step for the initiation of carcinogenesis. The structural analysis of various DNA adducts reveals that conformational and chemical rearrangements and interconversions are a common theme. Conformational changes are modulated both by the nature of adduct and the base sequences neighboring the lesion sites. Equilibria between conformational states may modulate both DNA repair and error-prone replication past these adducts. Likewise, chemical rearrangements of initially formed DNA adducts are also modulated both by the nature of adducts and the base sequences neighboring the lesion sites. In this review, we focus on DNA damage caused by a number of environmental and endogenous agents, and biological consequences.

Chemistry and biochemistry of lipid peroxidation products

Oxidative stress and resulting lipid peroxidation is involved in various and numerous pathological states including inflammation, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review is focused on recent advances concerning the formation, metabolism and reactivity towards macromolecules of lipid peroxidation breakdown products, some of which being considered as 'second messengers' of oxidative stress. This review relates also new advances regarding apoptosis induction, survival/proliferation processes and autophagy regulated by 4-hydroxynonenal, a major product of omega-6 fatty acid peroxidation, in relationship with detoxication mechanisms. The use of these lipid peroxidation products as oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation biomarkers is also addressed.

DNA cross-link induced by trans-4-hydroxynonenal

Trans-4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is a peroxidation product of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Michael addition of HNE to deoxyguanosine yields four diastereomeric 1,N(2)-dG adducts. The adduct of (6S,8R,11S) stereochemistry forms interstrand N(2)-dG:N(2)-dG cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' sequence. It has been compared with the (6R,8S,11R) adduct, incorporated into 5'-d(GCTAGCXAGTCC)-3' . 5'-d(GGACTCGCTAGC)-3', containing the 5'-CpG-3' sequence (X = HNE-dG). Both adducts rearrange in DNA to N(2)-dG aldehydes. These aldehydes exist in equilibrium with diastereomeric cyclic hemiacetals, in which the latter predominate at equilibrium. These cyclic hemiacetals mask the aldehydes, explaining why DNA cross-linking is slow compared to related 1,N(2)-dG adducts formed by acrolein and crotonaldehyde. Both the (6S,8R,11S) and (6R,8S,11R) cyclic hemiacetals are located within the minor groove. However, the (6S,8R,11S) cyclic hemiacetal orients in the 5'-direction, while the (6R,8S,11R) cyclic hemiacetal orients in the 3'-direction. The conformations of the diastereomeric N(2)-dG aldehydes, which are the reactive species involved in DNA cross-link formation, have been calculated using molecular mechanics methods. The (6S,8R,11S) aldehyde orients in the 5'-direction, while the (6R,8S,11R) aldehyde orients in the 3'-direction. This suggests a kinetic basis to explain, in part, why the (6S,8R,11S) HNE adduct forms interchain cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' sequence, whereas (6R,8S,11R) HNE adduct does not. The presence of these cross-links in vivo is anticipated to interfere with DNA replication and transcription, thereby contributing to the etiology of human disease.

Impact of alpha-hydroxy-propanodeoxyguanine adducts on DNA duplex energetics: opposite base modulation and implications for mutagenicity and genotoxicity

Acrolein is an alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde that is a major environmental pollutant, as well as a product of cellular metabolism. DNA bases react with acrolein to form two regioisomeric exocyclic guanine adducts, namely gamma-hydroxy-propanodeoxyguanosine (gamma-OH-PdG) and its positional isomer alpha-hydroxy-propanodeoxyguanosine (alpha-OH-PdG). The gamma-OH-PdG isomer adopts a ring-opened conformation with minimal structural perturbation of the DNA host duplex. Conversely, the alpha-OH-PdG isomer assumes a ring-closed conformation that significantly disrupts Watson-Crick base-pair alignments within the immediate vicinity of the damaged site. We have employed a combination of calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques to characterize the thermodynamic origins of these lesion-induced structural alterations. Specifically, we have assessed the energetic impact of alpha-OH-PdG centered within an 11-mer duplex by hybridizing the adduct-containing oligonucleotide with its complementary strand harboring a central base N [where N = C or A], yielding a pair of duplexes containing the nascent lesion (alpha-OH-PdG.C) or mismatched adduct (alpha-OH-PdG.A), respectively. Our data reveal that the nascent lesion is highly destabilizing, whereas its mismatched counterpart partially ameliorates alpha-OH-PdG-induced destabilization. Collectively, our data provide energetic characterizations of the driving forces that modulate error-free versus error-prone DNA translesion synthesis. The biological implications of our findings are discussed in terms of energetically probing acrolein-mediated mutagenicity versus adduct-induced genotoxicity.

Nucleotide excision repair and recombination are engaged in repair of trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal adducts to DNA bases in Escherichia coli

One of the major products of lipid peroxidation is trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). HNE forms highly mutagenic and genotoxic adducts to all DNA bases. Using M13 phage lacZ system, we studied the mutagenesis and repair of HNE treated phage DNA in E. coli wild-type or uvrA, recA, and mutL mutants. These studies revealed that: (i) nucleotide excision and recombination, but not mismatch repair, are engaged in repair of HNE adducts when present in phage DNA replicating in E. coli strains; (ii) in the single uvrA mutant, phage survival was drastically decreased while mutation frequency increased, and recombination events constituted 48 % of all mutations; (iii) in the single recA mutant, the survival and mutation frequency of HNE-modified M13 phage was slightly elevated in comparison to that in the wild-type bacteria. The majority of mutations in recA^- strain were G:C → T:A transversions, occurring within the sequence which in recA⁺ strains underwent RecA-mediated recombination, and the entire sequence was deleted; (iv) in the double uvrA recA mutant, phage survival was the same as in the wild-type although the mutation frequency was higher than in the wild-type and recA single mutant, but lower than in the single uvrA mutant. The majority of mutations found in the latter strain were base substitutions, with G:C → A:T transitions prevailing. These transitions could have resulted from high reactivity of HNE with G and C, and induction of SOS-independent mutations.

Chemistry and biology of DNA containing 1,N(2)-deoxyguanosine adducts of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and 4-hydroxynonenal

The α,β-unsaturated aldehydes (enals) acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and trans-4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) are products of endogenous lipid peroxidation, arising as a consequence of oxidative stress. The addition of enals to dG involves Michael addition of the N²-amine to give N²-(3-oxopropyl)-dG adducts, followed by reversible cyclization of N1 with the aldehyde, yielding 1,N²-dG exocyclic products. The 1,N²-dG exocyclic adducts from acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and 4-HNE exist in human and rodent DNA. The enal-induced 1,N²-dG lesions are repaired by the nucleotide excision repair pathway in both Escherichia coli and mammalian cells. Oligodeoxynucleotides containing structurally defined 1,N²-dG adducts of acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and 4-HNE were synthesized via a postsynthetic modification strategy. Site-specific mutagenesis of enal adducts has been carried out in E. coli and various mammalian cells. In all cases, the predominant mutations observed are G→T transversions, but these adducts are not strongly miscoding. When placed into duplex DNA opposite dC, the 1,N²-dG exocyclic lesions undergo ring opening to the corresponding N²-(3-oxopropyl)-dG derivatives. Significantly, this places a reactive aldehyde in the minor groove of DNA, and the adducted base possesses a modestly perturbed Watson−Crick face. Replication bypass studies in vitro indicate that DNA synthesis past the ring-opened lesions can be catalyzed by pol η, pol ι, and pol κ. It also can be accomplished by a combination of Rev1 and pol ζ acting sequentially. However, efficient nucleotide insertion opposite the 1,N²-dG ring-closed adducts can be carried out only by pol ι and Rev1, two DNA polymerases that do not rely on the Watson−Crick pairing to recognize the template base. The N²-(3-oxopropyl)-dG adducts can undergo further chemistry, forming interstrand DNA cross-links in the 5′-CpG-3′ sequence, intrastrand DNA cross-links, or DNA−protein conjugates. NMR and mass spectrometric analyses indicate that the DNA interstand cross-links contain a mixture of carbinolamine and Schiff base, with the carbinolamine forms of the linkages predominating in duplex DNA. The reduced derivatives of the enal-mediated N²-dG:N²-dG interstrand cross-links can be processed in mammalian cells by a mechanism not requiring homologous recombination. Mutations are rarely generated during processing of these cross-links. In contrast, the reduced acrolein-mediated N²-dG peptide conjugates can be more mutagenic than the corresponding monoadduct. DNA polymerases of the DinB family, pol IV in E. coli and pol κ in human, are implicated in error-free bypass of model acrolein-mediated N²-dG secondary adducts, the interstrand cross-links, and the peptide conjugates.

Conformational interconversion of the trans-4-hydroxynonenal-derived (6S,8R,11S) 1,N(2)-deoxyguanosine adduct when mismatched with deoxyadenosine in DNA

The (6S,8R,11S) 1,N(2)-HNE-dGuo adduct of trans-4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) was incorporated into the duplex 5'-d(GCTAGCXAGTCC)-3'.5'-d(GGACTAGCTAGC)-3' [X = (6S,8R,11S) HNE-dG], in which the lesion was mismatched opposite dAdo. The (6S,8R,11S) adduct maintained the ring-closed 1,N(2)-HNE-dG structure. This was in contrast to when this adduct was correctly paired with dCyd, conditions under which it underwent ring opening and rearrangement to diastereomeric minor groove cyclic hemiacetals [ Huang , H. , Wang , H. , Qi , N. , Lloyd , R. S. , Harris , T. M. , Rizzo , C. J. , and Stone , M. P. ( 2008 ) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130 , 10898 - 10906 ]. The (6S,8R,11S) adduct exhibited a syn/anti conformational equilibrium about the glycosyl bond. The syn conformation was predominant in acidic solution. Structural analysis of the syn conformation revealed that X(7) formed a distorted base pair with the complementary protonated A(18). The HNE moiety was located in the major groove. Structural perturbations were observed at the neighbor C(6).G(19) and A(8).T(17) base pairs. At basic pH, the anti conformation of X(7) was the major species. The 1,N(2)-HNE-dG intercalated and displaced the complementary A(18) in the 5'-direction, resulting in a bulge at the X(7).A(18) base pair. The HNE aliphatic chain was oriented toward the minor groove. The Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding of the neighboring A(8).T(17) base pair was also disrupted.

The influence of rich-in-cholesterol diet and fluoride ions contained in potable water upon the concentration of malondialdehyde and the activity of selected antioxidative enzymes in rabbit liver

Two experiments have been carried out, each on 18 (male) rabbits of the New Zealand breed. In each of them, animals were divided into three groups of six: control group, cholesterol group (CH), and cholesterol + fluoride group (CH+F). Experimental hypercholesterolemia has been induced in the animals with the diet enriched with 0.5 and 2 g% of cholesterol/100 g of fodder/24 h. The rabbits from CH+F groups have also been administered fluoride ions contained in drinking water (3 mg F(-)/kg of body mass/24 h). The influence of fluoride ions upon the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), mitochondrial enzyme (MnSOD), cytoplasmatic enzyme (ZnCuSOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), has been examined in liver of rabbits. An increase (in comparison with cholesterol groups) in the concentration of MDA in both (CH+F) groups in rabbit liver has been noted. Moreover, a decrease (statistically significant) of SOD and MnSOD has been found in cholesterol groups, as well as in groups (CH+F) in comparison with control group. Furthermore, a decrease in the activity of SOD under the influence of F(-) together with increased activity of MnSOD (statistically significant in comparison with cholesterol groups) have been observed. The activity of ZnCuSOD increased in statistically significant manner in (CH) groups vs control group and decreased (statistically significantly in relation to cholesterol groups) under the influence of F(-).

The stereochemistry of trans-4-hydroxynonenal-derived exocyclic 1,N2-2'-deoxyguanosine adducts modulates formation of interstrand cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' sequence

The trans-4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-derived exocyclic 1, N(2)-dG adduct with (6S,8R,11S) stereochemistry forms interstrand N(2)-dG-N(2)-dG cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' DNA sequence context, but the corresponding adduct possessing (6R,8S,11R) stereochemistry does not. Both exist primarily as diastereomeric cyclic hemiacetals when placed into duplex DNA [Huang, H., Wang, H., Qi, N., Kozekova, A., Rizzo, C. J., and Stone, M. P. (2008) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130, 10898-10906]. To explore the structural basis for this difference, the HNE-derived diastereomeric (6S,8R,11S) and (6R,8S,11R) cyclic hemiacetals were examined with respect to conformation when incorporated into 5'-d(GCTAGC XAGTCC)-3' x 5'-d(GGACTCGCTAGC)-3', containing the 5'-CpX-3' sequence [X = (6S,8R,11S)- or (6R,8S,11R)-HNE-dG]. At neutral pH, both adducts exhibited minimal structural perturbations to the DNA duplex that were localized to the site of the adduction at X(7) x C(18) and its neighboring base pair, A(8) x T(17). Both the (6S,8R,11S) and (6R,8S,11R) cyclic hemiacetals were located within the minor groove of the duplex. However, the respective orientations of the two cyclic hemiacetals within the minor groove were dependent upon (6S) versus (6R) stereochemistry. The (6S,8R,11S) cyclic hemiacetal was oriented in the 5'-direction, while the (6R,8S,11R) cyclic hemiacetal was oriented in the 3'-direction. These cyclic hemiacetals effectively mask the reactive aldehydes necessary for initiation of interstrand cross-link formation. From the refined structures of the two cyclic hemiacetals, the conformations of the corresponding diastereomeric aldehydes were predicted, using molecular mechanics calculations. Potential energy minimizations of the duplexes containing the two diastereomeric aldehydes predicted that the (6S,8R,11S) aldehyde was oriented in the 5'-direction while the (6R,8S,11R) aldehyde was oriented in the 3'-direction. These stereochemical differences in orientation suggest a kinetic basis that explains, in part, why the (6S,8R,11S) stereoisomer forms interchain cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' sequence whereas the (6R,8S,11R) stereoisomer does not.

Rearrangement of the (6S,8R,11S) and (6R,8S,11R) exocyclic 1,N2-deoxyguanosine adducts of trans-4-hydroxynonenal to N2-deoxyguanosine cyclic hemiacetal adducts when placed complementary to cytosine in duplex DNA

trans-4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is a peroxidation product of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Michael addition of deoxyguanosine to HNE yields four diastereomeric exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adducts. The corresponding acrolein- and crotonaldehyde-derived exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adducts undergo ring-opening to N(2)-dG aldehydes, placing the aldehyde functionalities into the minor groove of DNA. The acrolein- and the 6R-crotonaldehyde-derived exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adducts form interstrand N(2)-dG:N(2)-dG cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' sequence context. Only the HNE-derived exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adduct of (6S,8R,11S) stereochemistry forms interstrand N(2)-dG:N(2)-dG cross-links in the 5'-CpG-3' sequence context. Moreover, as compared to the exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adducts of acrolein and crotonaldehyde, the cross-linking reaction is slow (Wang, H.; Kozekov, I. D.; Harris, T. M.; Rizzo, C. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003, 125, 5687-5700). Accordingly, the chemistry of the HNE-derived exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adduct of (6S,8R,11S) stereochemistry has been compared with that of the (6R,8S,11R) adduct, when incorporated into 5'-d(GCTAGCXAGTCC)-3'.5'-d(GGACTCGCTAGC)-3', containing the 5'-CpG-3' sequence (X = HNE-dG). When placed complementary to dC in this duplex, both adducts open to the corresponding N(2)-dG aldehydic rearrangement products, suggesting that the formation of the interstrand cross-link by the exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adduct of (6S,8R,11S) stereochemistry, and the lack of cross-link formation by the exocyclic 1,N(2)-dG adduct of (6R,8S,11R) stereochemistry, is not attributable to inability to undergo ring-opening to the aldehydes in duplex DNA. Instead, these aldehydic rearrangement products exist in equilibrium with stereoisomeric cyclic hemiacetals. The latter are the predominant species present at equilibrium. The trans configuration of the HNE H6 and H8 protons is preferred. The presence of these cyclic hemiacetals in duplex DNA is significant as they mask the aldehyde species necessary for interstrand cross-link formation.

Interstrand DNA cross-links induced by alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation and environmental sources

Significant levels of the 1, N(2)-gamma-hydroxypropano-dG adducts of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and 4-hydroxy-2E-nonenal (HNE) have been identified in human DNA, arising from both exogenous and endogenous exposures. They yield interstrand DNA cross-links between guanines in the neighboring C.G and G.C base pairs located in 5'-CpG-3' sequences, as a result of opening of the 1,N(2)-gamma-hydroxypropano-dG adducts to form reactive aldehydes that are positioned within the minor groove of duplex DNA. Using a combination of chemical, spectroscopic, and computational methods, we have elucidated the chemistry of cross-link formation in duplex DNA. NMR spectroscopy revealed that, at equilibrium, the acrolein and crotonaldehyde cross-links consist primarily of interstrand carbinolamine linkages between the exocyclic amines of the two guanines located in the neighboring C.G and G.C base pairs located in 5'-CpG-3' sequences, that maintain the Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding of the cross-linked base pairs. The ability of crotonaldehyde and HNE to form interstrand cross-links depends upon their common relative stereochemistry at the C6 position of the 1,N(2)-gamma-hydroxypropano-dG adduct. The stereochemistry at this center modulates the orientation of the reactive aldehyde within the minor groove of the double-stranded DNA, either facilitating or hindering the cross-linking reactions; it also affects the stabilities of the resulting diastereoisomeric cross-links. The presence of these cross-links in vivo is anticipated to interfere with DNA replication and transcription, thereby contributing to the etiology of human disease. Reduced derivatives of these cross-links are useful tools for studying their biological processing.

Genotoxicity of crotonaldehyde in the bone marrow and germ cells of laboratory mice

Genotoxicity of crotonaldehyde was evaluated by employing bone marrow and spermatocyte chromosomal aberration and dominant lethal mutation assays in Swiss albino mice. For bone marrow chromosomal aberration assay, animals were treated with 0.2ml olive oil containing 8, 16 and 32microl kg b.w. of crotonaldehyde for 6, 12 and 24h through single intraperitoneal injection. Treatment induced dose-dependent and statistically significant decrease in mitotic index and increase in chromosome aberrations per cell (CAs/cell excluding gaps and stickiness and pulverizations) and percent aberrant metaphase (excluding gaps) in the bone marrow cells at 6, 12 and 24h after treatment. For spermatocyte chromosomal aberration assay, male mice were treated with 8, 16 and 32microl/kg b.w. of crotonaldehyde for 24h through single intraperitoneal injection. The percentage of the induced chromosome aberrations in diakinesis-metaphase-I cells showed dose-dependent increase. For dominant lethal mutation assay, adult male mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.2ml olive oil containing crotonaldehyde at the rate of 8, 16 and 32microl/kg b.w. for 5 consecutive days. The negative control animals received 0.2ml olive oil as above. In the dominant lethal mutation assay after the last dose, the treated males were allowed to mate with untreated virgin females. The mating continued for 5 consecutive weeks. At pregnancy days 14-16, the females were killed and uterine contents were examined for live and dead implants. Treatment of mice resulted in statistically significant decrease in the fertility indices and total number of implants per female. Statistically significant decrease in the number of live implants per female and increase in the number of dead implants per female were recorded in females mated with males during 8-14 and 15-21 and 22-28 days post-treatment mating. Crotonaldehyde treatment of males induced appreciably higher frequencies of dominant lethal mutation during 8-14, 15-21 and 22-28 days post-treatment mating periods. Percent dominant lethal mutation increased concomitantly with the dose. Dominant lethality was maximum in females mated with males treated with 5x32microl/kg b.w. during the 15-21 days post-treatment mating. The overall result suggests a positive dose-response relationship between treatment and induction of chromosomal aberrations in the somatic and germ cells and dominant lethal mutation in the germ cells.

In vivo evaluation of induction of abnormal sperm morphology in mice by an unsaturated aldehyde crotonaldehyde

Crotonaldehyde, a highly reactive unsaturated aldehyde is used for the manufacture of sorbic acid, synthesis of butyl alcohol, butylaldehyde, quinaldine, thiophenes, pyridines, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, rubber antioxidants, chemical warfare agents, etc. and also occurs naturally in meat, fish, in many fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, milk, beer, wine and liquors. Human exposure to crotonaldehyde occurs from both man-made and natural sources. No human data was located describing carcinogenicity associated with crotonaldehyde exposure. In the present study we have evaluated whether or not exposure to crotonaldehyde results in a significant increase in the frequency of abnormal sperm heads in male Swiss albino mice. Adult male mice were treated with 8, 16 and 32 microl/kg b.w. of crotonaldehyde as a single intraperitoneal injection. The animals were killed 1, 3 and 5 weeks after treatment. Five animals were sacrificed per dose and time tested. Crotonaldehyde induced dose related increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm heads. Statistically significant increase in percentage of abnormal sperm heads was recoded at 16 and 32 microl/kg b.w. after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment and only at 32 microl/kg b.w. after 5 weeks of treatment.

Multiple bystander effect of irradiated megacolonies of melanoma cells on non-irradiated neighbours

The multicellular megacolonies of human melanoma Me45 line growing on one part of the bottom of culture flasks were irradiated with 5 Gy (60Co), whereas megacolonies growing on the second part of the bottom were shielded. The bystander effect of radiation-traversed cells on non-traversed cells was studied during postradiation co-cultivation. Activity of superoxide dismutase (Mn and CuZn subunits), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Pox) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a biochemical markers of bystander effect were monitored for a period of 72 h. The DNA damage was measured by the comet assay. Micronucleus induction, mitotic index and cellular death as apoptosis or necrosis were simultaneously estimated, based on morphologic criteria. The bystander effect of irradiated cells on their neighbours was observed as a slight increase of MDA concentration, comparable decrease of GSH-Pox activity, and some fluctuation of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic isoenzymes of SOD. DNA strand breaks and rejoining measured by comet assay as mean tail length, demonstrated clearly the bystander effect for nontraversed radiation cells, additionally verified by tail moment. There was also a significant increase of micronucleation and apoptosis generated by radiation traversed cells in shielded neighbours. Furthermore, significantly higher increase of necrosis in shielded neighbour cells compared to radiation traversed cells was observed. Proliferative activity showed a suppression in both, radiation traversed and shielded neighbour cells in all measured time points. The behaviour of used parameters points to the radical nature of modificators secreted by radiation traversed cells inducing bystander toxic damage in shielded neighbour cells.

Oxidative damage to DNA, p53 gene expression and p53 protein level in the process of aging in rat brain

Levels of 8-oxo2'dG (HPLC), p53 mRNA (PCR) and p53 protein (Western Blot) were estimated in four structures of rat brain, including grey matter (GM) of cerebral cortex, cerebral white matter (WM), cerebellum (C) and medulla oblongata (MO) of control (3.0-3.5-month-old) rats, 12- and 24-month-old rats. The level of oxidative DNA was statistically significantly higher in C of 24-month-old animals. Expression of p53 gene increased in C and also in the all other investigated brain parts, while the protein level of p53 was enhanced only in GM of 24-month-old rats. These data indicated that DNA oxidative damage and p53 gene expression increased significantly in aged brain. The higher expression of p53 gene in aged brain may suggest the activation of DNA repair processes.

Genotoxicity of HNE

Since previous investigations on the genotoxicity of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) were carried out with prokaryotic systems or eukaryotic cell lines which may not adequately reflect the response of cells in vivo due to differences in the metabolism, the genotoxic potential of HNE was further evaluated in primary cells (hepatocytes) and cell clones of cerebral endothelial cells expressing specific functions, i.e. blood-brain barrier (BBB) and capillary formation associated phenotypes. Treatment of hepatocytes with HNE induced statistically significant levels of SCE at concentrations >/=0.1 microM, micronuclei at concentrations >/=1 microM and chromosomal aberrations at a concentration of 10 microM. Treatment of cloned cerebral microvascular endothelial cells induced significantly elevated levels of chromosomal aberrations at concentrations >/=1 microM and micronuclei at concentrations >/=10 microM in both cEC phenotypes, compared to the controls. Additionally, cytotoxicity was observed at a concentration of 50 microM HNE and was significantly higher in type II cells. These results indicate that cells expressing differentiated functions representative for the in vivo situation react more sensitive to HNE than cell lines, and may reflect the sensitivity of the target cells. The different response with respect to the endpoints of genotoxicity tested most probably depends on the different metabolizing capacities and thus the action of different metabolites of HNE.

Site-specific synthesis and reactivity of oligonucleotides containing stereochemically defined 1,N2-deoxyguanosine adducts of the lipid peroxidation product trans-4-hydroxynonenal

trans-4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is a major peroxidation product of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The reaction of HNE with DNA gives four diastereomeric 1,N(2)-gamma-hydroxypropano adducts of deoxyguanosine; background levels of these adducts have been detected in animal tissue. Stereospecific syntheses of these four adducts at the nucleoside level have been accomplished. In addition, a versatile strategy for their site-specific incorporation into oligonucleotides has been developed. These adducts are destabilizing as measured by melting temperature when compared to an unadducted strand. The thermal destablization of the adducted 12-mers ranged from 5 to 16 degrees C and is dependent on the absolute stereochemistry of the adduct. The HNE adducts were also examined for their ability to form interstrand DNA-DNA cross-links when incorporated into a CpG sequence. We find that only one of the HNE stereoisomers formed interstrand DNA-DNA cross-links.

Stereocontrolled syntheses of all four stereoisomeric 1,N2-deoxyguanosine adducts of the lipid peroxidation product trans-4-hydroxynonenal

[structure: see text]. trans-4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) is a unique product from the peroxidation of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The major reaction of racemic 4-HNE with DNA is with deoxyguanosine to give four stereoisomeric exocyclic propano adducts. The stereospecific syntheses of these four adducts has been achieved at the nucleoside level. The synthetic approach is amenable to the synthesis of structurally defined oligonucleotides containing these endogenous genotoxins.

Adduct formation, mutagenesis and nucleotide excision repair of DNA damage produced by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation product

Reactive oxygen species are formed constantly in living organisms, as products of the normal metabolism, or as a result of many different environmental influences. Here we review the knowledge of formation of DNA damage, the mutations caused by reactive oxygen species and the role of the excision repair processes, that protect the organism from oxidative DNA damage. In particular, we have focused on recent studies that demonstrate the important role of nucleotide excision repair. We propose two major roles of nucleotide excision repair as 1) a backup when base excision repair of small oxidative lesions becomes saturated, and as 2) a primary repair pathway for DNA damage produced by lipid peroxidation products.

Glutathione S-transferases and prevention of cellular free radical damage

This paper describes the intervention of glutathione-dependent enzymes, in particular the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), in both the detoxication of electrophilic decomposition products resulting from the attack of oxygen radicals on lipids and DNA; and the prevention of oxygen toxicity generated by redox cycling catecholamine derivatives. The continuing growth of our knowledge of the glutathione S-transferase polygene family is described in terms of the increase in members of known gene families, the discovery of new ones and our increasing knowledge of their activities towards endogenous substrates.

Characterization of Lactococcus lactis UV-sensitive mutants obtained by ISS1 transposition

Studies of cellular responses to DNA-damaging agents, mostly in Escherichia coli, have revealed numerous genes and pathways involved in DNA repair. However, other species, particularly those which exist under different environmental conditions than does E. coli, may have rather different responses. Here, we identify and characterize genes involved in DNA repair in a gram-positive plant and dairy bacterium, Lactococcus lactis. Lactococcal strain MG1363 was mutagenized with transposition vector pG+host9::ISS1, and 18 mutants sensitive to mitomycin and UV were isolated at 37 degrees C. DNA sequence analyses allowed the identification of 11 loci and showed that insertions are within genes implicated in DNA metabolism (polA, hexB, and deoB), cell envelope formation (gerC and dltD), various metabolic pathways (arcD, bglA, gidA, hgrP, metB, and proA), and, for seven mutants, nonidentified open reading frames. Seven mutants were chosen for further characterization. They were shown to be UV sensitive at 30 degrees C (the optimal growth temperature of L. lactis); three (gidA, polA, and uvs-75) were affected in their capacity to mediate homologous recombination. Our results indicate that UV resistance of the lactococcal strain can be attributed in part to DNA repair but also suggest that other factors, such as cell envelope composition, may be important in mediating resistance to mutagenic stress.

Stimulation of cell proliferation and inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication by linoleic acid

The effect of linoleic acid (LA) on gap-junction permeability, connexin 43 mRNA level, protein level, and phosphorylation, and the numbers of gap-junctional membrane plaques were studied in the rat liver epithelial cell line WB-F344 to determine whether changes in these parameters correlated with the enhanced cell growth and the inhibition of gap-junction function. When cultured in a medium with low serum (1%), these cells exhibited a slower growth rate than in the high serum medium (7%). Addition of linoleic acid (0.01-3 mg/ml) to the low serum medium increased the growth rate and inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in a dose-dependent manner. In a comparison of short-term and long-term treatments with LA, GJIC in short-term treated (1 h) WB cells was inhibited at 3 mg/ml LA but readily recovered by washing and removing LA from cells, whereas GJIC in long-term treated (6 days) WB cells did not recover by washing and removing LA from WB cells. Western blot analysis of connexin 43 showed that a short-term incubation with linoleic acid increased the relative amount of unphosphorylated connexin 43 protein, but a long-term incubation with linoleic acid decreased the amount of unphosphorylated connexin 43 protein and increased the relative amount of hyperphosphorylated connexin 43 protein. Connexin 43 and p53 mRNA levels decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in linoleic acid-treated cells. These results suggest that growth stimulation and gap junctional intercellular communication inhibition of rat liver epithelial cells by linoleic acid may be mediated in part through modulation of p53 expression and function.

New applications of bacterial systems to problems in toxicology

Bacterial systems have long been of use in toxicology. In addition to providing general models of enzymes and paradigms for biochemistry and molecular biology, they have been adapted to practical genotoxicity assays. More recently, bacteria also have been used in the production of mammalian enzymes of relevance to toxicology. Escherichia coli has been used to express cytochrome P450, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, flavin-containing monooxygenase, glutathione S-transferase, quinone reductase, sulfotransferase, N-acetyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase, and epoxide hydrolase enzymes from humans and experimental animals. The expressed enzymes have been utilized in a variety of settings, including coupling with bacterial genotoxicity assays. Another approach has involved expression of mammalian enzymes directly in bacteria for use in genotoxicity systems. Particularly with Salmonella typhimurium. Applications include both the reversion mutagenesis assay and a system using a chimera with an SOS-response indicator and a reporter.

Fish oil, lipid peroxidation and mammary tumor growth

There is evidence that the level and especially the type of dietary fat can be an important determinant of mammary tumor development and growth. Diets containing high levels of fish oil have been shown to inhibit or suppress mammary tumor growth. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain this modulatory activity of dietary fish oil or fats in general on tumor growth; of special interest is lipid peroxidation. The oxidation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids present in fish oil, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can produce an array of secondary products of lipid oxidation that may possess a cytostatic or cytolytic capacity.

Mutagenesis resulting from DNA damage by lipid peroxidation in the supF gene of Escherichia coli

In vitro incubation of rat microsomal lipids with NADPH and Fe3+ in the presence of cytochrome P450 reductase produces lesions in double-stranded pZ189 plasmid DNA, the mutagenic potential of which was analyzed after transfection into Escherichia coli host cells that had been induced for SOS functions by ultraviolet irradiation. The extent of lipid peroxidation, when monitored by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reaction substances, was increased with increased addition of lipids in the reaction mixture. Mutagenesis was determined with the forward mutation assay using the supF gene of pZ189 as a target. When treated pZ189 DNA was used to transfect host cells, a seven-fold increase in mutation frequency for SOS uninduced hosts and a 12-fold increase in mutation frequency for SOS induced hosts was observed at 50% survival compared to that observed with untreated DNA. Sequence analysis shows that incubation of pZ189 DNA in the lipid peroxidation reaction mixture results mostly in single base substitutions, the most frequent base change being G:C-->C:G transversion, followed by G:C-->T:A transversion. The fact that, in the SOS induced hosts, the spectrum obtained by lipid peroxidation is similar to that of hydrogen peroxide suggests the possible involvement for mutagenesis of superoxide produced during lipid peroxidation, but not lipid peroxidation end products such as aldehyde or alkane. Treatment of pZ189 DNA with increasing extents of lipid peroxidation did not yield increasing formation of 8-hydroxyguanine. The results suggest that the origins of G:C-->C:G and G:C-->T:A transversions may be (an) as yet unidentified lesion(s) generated by lipid peroxidation.

Genotoxic properties of 4-hydroxyalkenals and analogous aldehydes

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), one of the major products of lipid peroxidation, has been demonstrated to induce genotoxic effects in the micromolar range. HNE has too structural domains, a lipophilic tail and a polar head with three functional groups: the aldehyde and hydroxy groups and the trans CC double bond. To evaluate their relative importance, the genotoxic effects of HNE were compared with those of the homologous aldehydes 4-hydroxyhexenal and 4-hydroxyundecenal (different lengths of the lipophilic tail), and the analogous aldehydes 2-trans-nonenal (lacking the OH group) and nonanal (lacking the OH group and the trans CC double bond). This investigation was carried out on primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes in order to further determine the influence of biotransformation- and/or detoxification reactions. A 3-h treatment with HNE induces statistically significant levels of SCE at concentrations > or = 0.1 microM, micronuclei at concentrations > or = 1 microM and chromosomal aberrations at a concentration of 10 microM. Compared to HNE the homologous aldehydes induced a significant genotoxic effect at higher concentrations. Statistically significant increases in SCE frequency were obtained at concentrations > or = 1 microM for 4-hydroxyundecenal and at a concentration of 10 microM for 4-hydroxyhexenal. The induction of chromosomal aberrations was significantly elevated at concentrations of > or = 10 microM and 10 microM for 4-hydroxyhexenal and 4-hydroxyundecenal, respectively. Except for a 4-hydroxyhexenal concentration of 1 microM, both aldehydes did not induce statistically significant levels of micronuclei. The HNE analogous aldehydes 2-trans-nonenal and nonanal induced statistically significant frequencies of SCE at concentrations of > or = 1 microM (nonanal) and > or = 10 microM (2-trans-nonenal). No significant induction of chromosomal aberrations or micronuclei could be demonstrated. The structure of the aldehydes investigated appears to influence the cyto- and genotoxic potential in the following ways. (1) The length of the lipophilic tail has no influence on chromosomal aberration induction, but appears to determine the yield of SCE and micronuclei, and the cytotoxic potential. (2) The lack of the OH group (2-trans-nonenal) reduces the SCE-inducing potential of the aldehyde shifting the dose-effect curve to higher concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Stimulation of HeLa cell growth by physiological concentrations of 4-hydroxynonenal

The aim of this study was to analyze the growth response of HeLa cells over a prolonged period of time to a single exposure of physiological and supraphysiological concentrations of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a peroxidation product of omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the growth modulating effect of serum factors, particularly albumin, on the growth pattern was examined. The effects of HNE on the growth rate and viability of the cells, as well as on the incorporation of labelled amino acids were monitored daily over a period of four days. Fetal calf serum not only had a growth stimulating effect but also modulated the action of HNE. In neither respect was albumin able to substitute for serum indicating that the influence of serum was not exerted via an albumin-HNE conjugate. HNE had a clear dose-dependent effect and a distinction could be made between a supraphysiological concentration (100 microM), which was primarily cytotoxic and a physiological range (below 10 microM) which showed growth modulatory effects. These effects consisted of a transient inhibition in the initial phase of the cell growth, which under optimal conditions (in presence of serum) was followed by a period of increased proliferation, compared to untreated control cultures, until confluence was attained. It is suggested that HNE is not only a toxic product of lipid peroxidation, but a physiological growth regulating factor as well.