Enhancement of DMNQ-induced hepatocyte toxicity by cytochrome P450 inhibition

Microglial inflammatory reactions regulated by oxidative stress

Microglia are immune cells in the brain that can respond to endogenous and exogenous substrates to elicit inflammatory reactions. The transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B induces proinflammatory gene expression in response to foreign matter via pattern recognition receptors; thus, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B is a master regulator of inflammation. During the inflammatory process, very large amounts of reactive oxygen species are generated and promote the onset and progression of inflammation. Interestingly, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B drives the transcription of superoxide dismutase 2 in many types of cells, including microglia. Superoxide dismutase 2 is an antioxidative enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anions into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Of note, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B can initiate inflammation to elicit proinflammatory gene expression, while its transcription product superoxide dismutase 2 can suppress inflammation. In this review, we use recent knowledge to describe the interaction between oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B and discuss the complicated role of microglial superoxide dismutase 2 in inflammation.

Chemokine expression in human 3-dimensional cultured epidermis exposed to PM2.5 collected by cyclonic separation

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure has a risk of inducing several health problems, especially in the respiratory tract. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is therefore the primary target of PM2.5. In this study, we examined the effects of PM2.5 on the skin using a human 3-dimensional cultured epidermis model. PM2.5 was collected by cyclonic separation in Yokohama, Japan. Global analysis of 34 proteins released from the epidermis revealed that the chemokines, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) and interleukin 8 (IL-8), were significantly increased in response to PM2.5 exposure. These chemokines stimulated neutrophil chemotaxis in a C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2-dependent manner. The oxidative stress and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathways may be involved in the increased expression of CXCL1 and IL-8 in the human epidermis model. Interestingly, in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line, PM2.5 did not affect chemokine expression but did induce IL-6 expression, suggesting a different effect of PM2.5 between the epidermis model and HaCaT cells. Overall, PM2.5 could induce the epidermis to release chemokines, followed by neutrophil activation, which might cause an unregulated inflammatory reaction in the skin.

Iron deficiency aggravates DMNQ-induced cytotoxicity via redox cycling in kidney-derived cells

Iron, an essential element for most of living organisms, participates in many biological functions. Since iron is redox-active transition metal, it is known that excessive levels stimulate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exacerbate cytotoxicity. An iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world (about 30% of the population) and is more common than cases of iron overload. However, the effects of iron deficiency on ROS-induced cytotoxicity and the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis are not fully understood. The present study reports on an evaluation of the effects of iron deficiency on cytotoxicity induced by several ROS generators. In contrast to hydrogen peroxide and erastin, the cytotoxicity of 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ), a redox cycling agent that induces intracellular superoxide anion formation, was exacerbated by iron deficiency. Cytochrome b₅ reductase was identified as a candidate enzyme responsible for the redox cycling of DMNQ under conditions of iron depletion. Moreover, the DMNQ-induced intracellular accumulation of ROS and a decrease in NADH/NAD⁺ ratios were enhanced by an iron deficiency. These negative changes were found to be ameliorated by overexpressing NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in kidney-derived cells that originally showed a very low expression of NQO1. These results indicate that NQO1 plays a protective role against redox cycling quinone-mediated cytotoxicity under iron-depleted conditions. This is because NQO1 generates less-toxic hydroquinones via the two-electron reduction of quinones. The collective findings reported herein demonstrate that not only an iron overload but also an iron deficiency exacerbates ROS-mediated cytotoxicity.

XJB-5-131 Is a Mild Uncoupler of Oxidative Phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria (MT) are energy "powerhouses" of the cell and the decline in their function from oxidative damage is strongly correlated in many diseases. To suppress oxygen damage, we have developed and applied XJB-5-131 as a targeted platform for neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly in MT. Although the beneficial activity of XJB-5-131 is well documented, the mechanism of its protective effects is not yet fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we elucidate the mechanism of protection for XJB-5-131, a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant and electron scavenger.

METHODS

The Seahorse Flux Analyzer was used to probe the respiratory states of isolated mouse brain mitochondria treated with XJB-5-131 compared to controls.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, there is no direct impact of XJB-5-131 radical scavenger on the electron flow through the electron transport chain. Rather, XJB-5-131 is a mild uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. The nitroxide moiety in XJB-5-131 acts as a superoxide dismutase mimic, which both extracts or donates electrons during redox reactions. The electron scavenging activity of XJB-5-131 prevents the leakage of electrons and reduces formation of superoxide anion, thereby reducing ROS.

CONCLUSION

We show here that XJB-5-131 is a mild uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in MT. The mild uncoupling property of XJB-5-131 arises from its redox properties, which exert a protective effect by reducing ROS-induced damage without sacrificing energy production. Because mitochondrial decline is a common and central feature of toxicity, the favorable properties of XJB-5-131 are likely to be useful in treating Huntington's disease and a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases for which oxidative damage is a key component. The mild uncoupling properties of XJB-5-131 suggest a valuable mechanism of action for the design of clinically effective antioxidants.

Involvement of the Microglial Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Neuroinflammation and Vasogenic Edema after Ischemic Stroke

Microglia are activated after ischemic stroke and induce neuroinflammation. The expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has recently been reported to elicit cytokine expression. We previously reported that microglial activation mediates ischemic edema progression. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of AhR in inflammation and edema after ischemia using a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. MCAO upregulated AhR expression in microglia during ischemia. MCAO increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and then induced edema progression, and worsened the modified neurological severity scores, with these being suppressed by administration of an AhR antagonist, CH223191. In THP-1 macrophages, the NADPH oxidase (NOX) subunit p47phox was significantly increased by AhR ligands, especially under inflammatory conditions. Suppression of NOX activity by apocynin or elimination of superoxide by superoxide dismutase decreased TNFα expression, which was induced by the AhR ligand. AhR ligands also elicited p47phox expression in mouse primary microglia. Thus, p47phox may be important in oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation. In MCAO model mice, P47phox expression was upregulated in microglia by ischemia. Lipid peroxidation induced by MCAO was suppressed by CH223191. Taken together, these findings suggest that AhR in the microglia is involved in neuroinflammation and subsequent edema, after MCAO via p47phox expression upregulation and oxidative stress.

Retinoid X receptor-mediated neuroprotection via CYP19 upregulation and subsequent increases in estradiol synthesis

Increasing evidence has shown that one of the major neurosteroids, estradiol, has potent neuroprotective actions. We have reported that estradiol synthesis was enhanced when retinoic acid was added into rat hippocampal slice culture. In this study, we investigated the effects of a potent retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist, bexarotene, on estrogen synthesis and neuroprotective action in hippocampal slices. Treatment with bexarotene increased estradiol levels as well as estrogen-synthesizing enzymes and CYP19 expression in hippocampal slice cultures. Bexarotene significantly suppressed neuronal cell death induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation. RXR agonists other than bexarotene, such as CD3254, also suppressed neuronal cell death accompanied by OGD/reoxygenation. The RXR antagonists HX531 and UVI3003 and the CYP19 inhibitor letrozole abolished the neuroprotection elicited by bexarotene, indicating that estradiol produced by RXR stimulation protects neurons from ischemic insult. The human brain-specific CYP19 promoter had 6 RXR half sites, and 2 of 6 half sites were responsible for CYP19 expression induced by bexarotene. Bexarotene increased the expression of catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 and inhibited lipid peroxidation elicited by OGD/reoxygenation, suggesting that the antioxidative property of estrogen contributes to RXR-mediated neuroprotection. Bexarotene also suppressed neuronal injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in the hippocampal slices. Taken together, RXR stimulation can protect neurons via enhanced synthesis of estradiol with antioxidative mechanisms. The RXR-estrogen axis might be a novel mechanism-based strategy to prevent or ameliorate ischemic and/or inflammatory neuronal disorders.

Kinetics of Flavoenzyme-Catalyzed Reduction of Tirapazamine Derivatives: Implications for Their Prooxidant Cytotoxicity

Derivatives of tirapazamine and other heteroaromatic N-oxides (ArN→O) exhibit promising antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and tumoricidal activities. Their action is typically attributed to bioreductive activation and free radical generation. In this work, we aimed to clarify the mechanism(s) of aerobic mammalian cell cytotoxicity of ArN→O performing the parallel studies of their reactions with NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase (P-450R), adrenodoxin reductase/adrenodoxin (ADR/ADX), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1); we found that in P-450R and ADR/ADX-catalyzed single-electron reduction, the reactivity of ArN→O (n = 9) increased with their single-electron reduction midpoint potential (E¹₇), and correlated with the reactivity of quinones. NQO1 reduced ArN→O at low rates with concomitant superoxide production. The cytotoxicity of ArN→O in murine hepatoma MH22a and human colon adenocarcinoma HCT-116 cells increased with their E¹₇, being systematically higher than that of quinones. The cytotoxicity of both groups of compounds was prooxidant. Inhibitor of NQO1, dicoumarol, and inhibitors of cytochromes P-450 α-naphthoflavone, isoniazid and miconazole statistically significantly (p < 0.02) decreased the toxicity of ArN→O, and potentiated the cytotoxicity of quinones. One may conclude that in spite of similar enzymatic redox cycling rates, the cytotoxicity of ArN→O is higher than that of quinones. This is partly attributed to ArN→O activation by NQO1 and cytochromes P-450. A possible additional factor in the aerobic cytotoxicity of ArN→O is their reductive activation in oxygen-poor cell compartments, leading to the formation of DNA-damaging species similar to those forming under hypoxia.

Sexual dimorphism in oxidant-induced adaptive homeostasis in multiple wild-type D. melanogaster strains

Sexual dimorphism includes the physical and reproductive differences between the sexes, including differences that are conserved across species, ranging from the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to humans. Sex-dependent variations in adaptive homeostasis, and adaptive stress responses may offer insight into the underlying mechanisms for male and female survival differences and into differences in chronic disease incidence and severity in humans. Earlier work showed sex-specific differences in adaptive responses to oxidative stressors in hybrid laboratory strains of D. melanogaster. The present study explored whether this phenomenon is also observed in wild-type D. melanogaster strains Oregon-R (Or-R) and Canton-S (Ca-S), as well as the common mutant reference strain w[1118], in order to better understand whether such findings are descriptive of D. melanogaster in general. Flies of each strain were pretreated with non-damaging, adaptive concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or of different redox cycling agents (paraquat, DMNQ, or menadione). Adaptive homeostasis, and changes in the expression of the Proteasome and overall cellular proteasomal proteolytic capacity were assessed. Redox cycling agents exhibited a male-specific adaptive response, whereas H₂O₂ exposure provoked female-specific adaptation. These findings demonstrate that different oxidants can elicit sexually dimorphic adaptive homeostatic responses in multiple fly strains. These results (and those contained in a parallel study [1]) highlight the need to address sex as a biological variable in fundamental science, clinical research, and toxicology.

A CRISPR screen identifies a pathway required for paraquat-induced cell death

Paraquat, a herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes cell death. Because the source of paraquat-induced ROS production remains unknown, we conducted a CRISPR-based positive-selection screen to identify metabolic genes essential for paraquat-induced cell death. Our screen uncovered three genes, POR (cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase), ATP7A (copper transporter), and SLC45A4 (sucrose transporter), required for paraquat-induced cell death. Furthermore, our results revealed POR as the source of paraquat-induced ROS production. Thus, our study highlights the use of functional genomic screens for uncovering redox biology.

Involvement of reactive oxygen species derived from mitochondria in neuronal injury elicited by methylmercury

Methylmercury induces oxidative stress and subsequent neuronal injury. However, the mechanism by which methylmercury elicits reactive oxygen species (ROS) production remains under debate. In this study, we investigated the involvement of mitochondrial ROS in methylmercury-induced neuronal cell injury using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y-derived ρ⁰ cells, which have a deletion of mitochondrial DNA and thus decreased respiratory activity. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured for 60 days in the presence of ethidium bromide to produce ρ⁰ cells. Our ρ⁰ cells showed decreases in the cytochrome c oxidase expression and activity as well as oxygen consumption compared with original SH-SY5Y cells. Methylmercury at a concentration of 1 µM induced cell death with oxidative stress in original SH-SY5Y cells, but not ρ⁰ cells, indicating that ρ⁰ cells are resistant to methylmercury-induced oxidative stress. ρ⁰ cells also showed tolerance against hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion, suggesting that ρ⁰ cells are resistant to total ROS. These data indicate that mitochondrial ROS are clearly involved in oxidative stress and subsequent cell death induced by methylmercury. Considering that the dominant mechanism of ROS generation elicited by methylmercury is due to direct antioxidant enzyme inhibition, mitochondria might play a role in amplifying ROS in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity.

Zinc induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human lung cancer H460 cells via superoxide anion-dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to be a crucial enhancing mechanism in the process of cancer metastasis, as it increases cancer cell capabilities to migrate, invade and survive in circulating systems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of essential element zinc on EMT characteristics in lung cancer cells.

METHODS

The effect of zinc on EMT was evaluated by determining the EMT behaviors using migration, invasion and colony formation assay. EMT markers were examined by western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by specific fluorescence dyes and flow cytometry. All results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by individual comparisons with post hoc test.

RESULTS

The present study has revealed for the first time that the zinc could induce EMT and related metastatic behaviors in lung cancer cells. Results showed that treatment of the cells with zinc resulted in the significant increase of EMT markers N-cadherin, vimentin, snail and slug and decrease of E-cadherin proteins. Zinc-treated cells exhibited the mesenchymal-like morphology and increased cancer cell motility with significant increase of activated FAK, Rac1, and RhoA. Also, tumorigenic abilities of lung cancer cells could be enhanced by zinc. Importantly, the underlying mechanism was found to be caused by the ability of zinc to generate intracellular superoxide anion. Zinc was shown to induce cellular superoxide anion generation and the up-regulation of EMT markers and the induced cell migration and invasion in zinc-treated cells could be attenuated by the treatment of MnTBAP, a specific superoxide anion inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge gains from this study may highlight the roles of this important element in the regulation of EMT and cancer metastasis and fulfill the understanding in the area of cancer cell biology.

Enriching the drinking water of rats with extracts of Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris increases their resistance to oxidative stress

Nature is an attractive source of therapeutic compounds. In comparison to the artificial drugs, natural compounds cause less adverse side effects and are suitable for current molecularly oriented approaches to drug development and their mutual combining. Medicinal plants represent one of the most available remedy against various diseases. Proper examples are Salvia officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L. which are known aromatic medicinal plants. They are very popular and frequently used in many countries. The molecular mechanism of their biological activity has not yet been fully understood. The aim of this study was to ascertain if liver cells of experimental animals drinking extracts of sage or thyme will manifest increased resistance against oxidative stress. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups. They drank sage or thyme extracts for 2 weeks. At the end of the drinking period, blood samples were collected for determination of liver biochemical parameters and hepatocytes were isolated to analyze (i) oxidatively generated DNA damage (conventional and modified comet assay), (ii) activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and (iii) content of glutathione. Intake of sage and thyme had no effect either on the basal level of DNA damage or on the activity of SOD in rat hepatocytes and did not change the biochemical parameters of blood plasma. Simultaneously, the activity of GPx was significantly increased and the level of DNA damage induced by oxidants was decreased. Moreover, sage extract was able to start up the antioxidant protection expressed by increased content of glutathione. Our results indicate that the consumption of S.officinalis and T.vulgaris extracts positively affects resistency of rat liver cells against oxidative stress and may have hepatoprotective potential.

Dual role of superoxide dismutase 2 induced in activated microglia: oxidative stress tolerance and convergence of inflammatory responses

Microglia are activated quickly in response to external pathogens or cell debris and clear these substances via the inflammatory response. However, excessive activation of microglia can be harmful to host cells due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is reportedly induced under various inflammatory conditions in the central nervous system. We herein demonstrated that activated microglia strongly express SOD2 and examined the role of SOD2, focusing on regulation of the microglial activity and the susceptibility of microglia to oxidative stress. When rat primary microglia were treated with LPS, poly(I:C), peptidoglycan, or CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, respectively, the mRNA and protein levels of SOD2 largely increased. However, an increased expression of SOD2 was not detected in the primary neurons or astrocytes, indicating that SOD2 is specifically induced in microglia under inflammatory conditions. The activated microglia showed high tolerance to oxidative stress, whereas SOD2 knockdown conferred vulnerability to oxidative stress. Interestingly, the production of proinflammatory cytokines was increased in the activated microglia treated with SOD2 siRNA compared with that observed in the control siRNA-treated cells. Pretreatment with NADPH oxidase inhibitors, diphenylene iodonium and apocynin, decreased in not only reactive oxygen species generation but also the proinflammatory cytokine expression. Notably, SOD2 knockdown largely potentiated the nuclear factor κB activity in the activated microglia. Taken together, increased SOD2 conferred tolerance to oxidative stress in the microglia and decreased proinflammatory cytokine production by attenuating the nuclear factor κB activity. Therefore, SOD2 might regulate neuroinflammation by controlling the microglial activities.

Protective actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone on oxidative neuronal injury induced by organometallic compounds

Steroid hormones synthesized in and secreted from peripheral endocrine glands pass through the blood-brain barrier and play a role in the central nervous system. In addition, the brain possesses an inherent endocrine system and synthesizes steroid hormones known as neurosteroids. Increasing evidence shows that neuroactive steroids protect the central nervous system from various harmful stimuli. Reports show that the neuroprotective actions of steroid hormones attenuate oxidative stress. In this review, we summarize the antioxidative effects of neuroactive steroids, especially 17β-estradiol and progesterone, on neuronal injury in the central nervous system under various pathological conditions, and then describe our recent findings concerning the neuroprotective actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone on oxidative neuronal injury induced by organometallic compounds, tributyltin, and methylmercury.

Enhancement of quinone hepatotoxicity by cytochrome P450 inhibition

Quinones are widely distributed in nature, and some quinone compounds are used as therapeutic agents such as anti-cancer, anti-malarial or anti-bacterial drugs. However, their therapeutic use is limited in some cases because the use of most quinones is accompanied by adverse effects derived from their cytotoxicity, especially for hepatocytes. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain quinone toxicity: oxidative stress via redox cycle and the arylation/alkylation of intracellular nucleophiles. A drug metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450 is closely involved in the hepatotoxicity of therapeutic agents in general, but quinone hepatotoxicity has been considered not to contribute to cytochrome P450 because the structure of quinone is not modified by cytochrome P450 and thus quinone compounds are thought to be metabolized mainly via a conjugation process. However, we have recently shown that quinone hepatotoxicity is enhanced under conditions of cytochrome P450 inhibition, indicating clearly the involvement of cytochrome P450 in quinone hepatotoxicity. Here, we revisit the generally accepted mechanisms of quinone hepatotoxicity and propose the importance of cytochrome P450 systems in quinone-induced hepatotoxicity on the basis of our recent work.

[A pathophysiological role of cytochrome p450 involved in production of reactive oxygen species]

Dysregulation of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) determines cellular function. Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) regulates ROS production and contributes to the process of cell death. This review summarizes our recent findings, focusing on the involvement of CYPs in pathophysiology induced by ROS. 1. Quinone toxicity in hepatocytes: CYPs require electrons supplied from NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (NPR) during the process of metabolism. NPR also provides electrons to quinone compounds, which compete with CYPs over electrons. Inhibition of CYPs shifts NPR's electron flow more to quinones, which accelerates the redox cycle to enhance ROS production and quinone toxicity. 2. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: Reperfusion of blood flow after coronary artery occlusion induces cell damage, as evident by the extension of myocardial infarct size and caspase-independent cell apoptosis. CYP2C6 appears to be a source for ROS production, since sulfaphenazole, a selective inhibitor of CYP2C6, reduces this damage. ROS produced by CYP2C6 during the reperfusion causes translational activation of Noxa and BimEL, as well as the suppression of caspase activation, resulting in caspase-independent apoptosis. 3. Primary hepatocyte apoptosis: Inhibition of catalase and glutathione peroxidase increases intracellular ROS and elicits caspase-independent hepatocyte apoptosis. SKF-525A, a pan-CYP inhibitor, suppresses these ROS increases and hepatocyte apoptosis. Increased ROS activates ERK and AP-1 by inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase, and inhibits BimEL degradation by proteasome. These results in the accumulation of mitochondrial BimEL, which then induces the release of cytochrome c and endonuclease G (EndoG). Increased ROS also keeps caspases inactivated. As a result, EndoG executes nucleosomal DNA fragmentation.

Suppressive effects of 17β-estradiol on tributyltin-induced neuronal injury via Akt activation and subsequent attenuation of oxidative stress

AIMS

Neuroactive steroids are reported to protect neurons from various harmful compounds; however, the protective mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we examined the suppressive effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on tributyltin (TBT)-induced neurotoxicity.

MAIN METHODS

Organotypic hippocampal slices were prepared from neonatal rats and then cultured. Cell death was assayed by propidium iodide uptake. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by dihydroethidium staining. Protein phosphorylation was evaluated by immunoblotting.

KEY FINDINGS

Pretreatment of the slices with E2 dose-dependently attenuated the neuronal injury induced by TBT. An estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI182,780 abrogated these neuroprotective effects. The de novo protein synthesis inhibitors actinomycin D and cycloheximide showed no effects on the neuroprotective mechanism, indicating that a nongenomic pathway acting via the estrogen receptor may be involved in the neuroprotection conferred by E2. E2 suppressed the ROS production and lipid peroxidation induced by TBT, and these effects were almost completely canceled by ICI182,780. TBT decreased Akt phosphorylation, and this reduction was suppressed by E2. An Akt inhibitor, triciribine, attenuated the decreases in both the ROS production and neuronal injury mediated by E2.

SIGNIFICANCE

E2 enhances the phosphorylation of Akt, thereby attenuating the oxidative stress and subsequent neuronal injury induced by TBT.

Borneol administration protects primary rat hepatocytes against exogenous oxidative DNA damage

Experimental evidences suggest that most essential oils possess a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities that may protect tissues against oxidative damage. In this study, we investigated DNA-protective effect of borneol, a component of many essential oils, against oxidative DNA damage induced in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Borneol was added to drinking water of Sprague-Dawley rats and DNA resistance against oxidative agents was compared in hepatocytes originated from control and borneol-treated rats. Oxidative stress induced by visible light-excited methylene blue (MB/VL) or 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquionone (DMNQ) resulted in increased levels of DNA lesions measured by the modified single cell gel electrophoresis. Borneol (17 or 34 mg/kg body weight) added to drinking water of rats for 7 days reduced the level of oxidative DNA lesions induced in their hepatocytes by MB/VL or DMNQ. To explain the increased resistance of DNA towards oxidative stress, we measured the base-excision repair (BER) capacity in liver cell extracts of control and borneol-supplemented rats on DNA substrate of HepG2 cells containing oxidative damage. Our results showed that administration of borneol in drinking water had no effect on incision activity of hepatocytes isolated from supplemented rats. The spectrophotometric assessment of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and the flow cytometric assessment of total intracellular glutathione (iGSH) in primary hepatocytes of borneol-supplemented rats showed no changes in SOD and GPx activities but higher iGSH content particularly in hepatocytes of higher borneol dose (34 mg/kg) supplemented rats in comparison to control animals. Despite the fact that borneol had no effect either on BER of oxidative DNA damage or on the levels of antioxidant enzymes and manifested no reducing power and radicals scavenging activity, it increased significantly the level of non-enzymatic antioxidant iGSH which could reduce the oxidative DNA lesions induced by MB/VL or DMNQ.

Contribution of reductase activity to quinone toxicity in three kinds of hepatic cells

Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain quinone cytotoxicity: oxidative stress via the redox cycle, and the arylation of intracellular nucleophiles. The redox cycle is catalyzed by intracellular reductases, and therefore the toxicity of redox cycling quinone is considered to be closely associated with the reductase activity. This study examined the relationship between quinone toxicity and the intracellular reductase activity using 3 kinds of hepatic cells; rat primary hepatocytes, HepG2 and H4IIE. The intracellular reductase activity was; primary hepatocyte >>HepG2>H4IIE. The three kinds of cells showed almost the same vulnerability to an arylating quinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ). However, the susceptibility to a redox cycling quinone, 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) was; primary hepatocyte>HepG2>H4IIE. In addition, the cytotoxicity elicited by DMNQ was significantly attenuated in HepG2 cells and almost completely suppressed in primary hepatocytes by diphenyleneiodonium chloride, a reductase inhibitor. These data suggest that cells with a high reductase activity are susceptible to redox cycling quinones. This study provides essential evidence to assess the toxicity of quinone-based drugs during their developmental processes.

Tributyltin induces oxidative stress and neuronal injury by inhibiting glutathione S-transferase in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures

Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as a heat stabilizer, agricultural pesticide and antifouling agents on ships, boats and fish-farming nets; however, the neurotoxicity of TBT has recently become a concern. TBT is suggested to stimulate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cells. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of neuronal oxidative injury induced by TBT using rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. The treatment of rat hippocampal slices with TBT induced ROS production, lipid peroxidation and cell death. Pretreatment with antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase or trolox, suppressed the above phenomena induced by TBT, indicating that TBT elicits oxidative stress in hippocampal slices, which causes neuronal cell death. TBT dose-dependently inhibited glutathione S-transferase (GST), but not glutathione peroxidase or glutathione reductase in the cytosol of rat hippocampus. The treatment of hippocampal slices with TBT decreased the GST activity. Pretreatment with reduced glutathione attenuated the reduction of GST activity and cell death induced by TBT, indicating that the decrease in GST activity by TBT is involved in hippocampal cell death. When hippocampal slices were treated with sulforaphane, the expression and activity of GST were increased. Notably, TBT-induced oxidative stress and cell death were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with sulforaphane. These results indicate that GST inhibition could contribute, at least in part, to the neuronal cell death induced by TBT in hippocampal slices. This study is the first report to show the link between neuronal oxidative injury and the GST inhibition elicited by TBT.

Redox-proteomics of the effects of homogentisic acid in an in vitro human serum model of alkaptonuric ochronosis

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare inborn error of metabolism associated with a deficient activity of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGO), an enzyme involved in tyrosine and phenylalanine metabolism. Such a deficiency leads to the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) and its oxidized/polymerized products in connective tissues, where melanin-like pigments accumulate (ochronosis). Ochronosis involves especially joints, where an ochronotic arthropathy develops. Little is known on the molecular mechanisms leading to ochronosis and ochronotic arthropathy in AKU. Previous works of ours showed that HGA in vitro propagates oxidative stress through its conversion into benzoquinone acetate (BQA). We hence used an in vitro model consisting of human serum treated with HGA and evaluated the activities of glutathione related anti-oxidant enzymes and levels of compounds indexes of oxidative stress. Proteomics and redox-proteomics were used to identify oxidized proteins and proteins more likely able to bind BQA. Overall, we found that the production of ochronotic pigment in HGA-treated serum is accompanied by lipid peroxidation, decreased activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and massive depletion of thiol groups, together with increased protein carbonylation and thiol oxidation. We also found that BQA was likely to bind carrier proteins and naturally abundant serum proteins, eventually altering their chemico-physical properties. Concluding, our work points towards a critical importance of thiol compounds in counteracting HGA- and BQA- mediated stress in AKU, so that future research for disease biomarkers and pharmacological treatments for AKU and ochronosis will be more easily addressed.

Antioxidant properties of rare sugar D-allose: Effects on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production in Neuro2A cells

The anti-oxidative activity of the rare sugar D-allose has recently been reported, but the mechanism is largely unclear. In this study, we evaluated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities of D-allose and then examined the effects of D-allose on ROS production in mitochondria to clarify the antioxidant properties of D-allose. While D-allose did not scavenge hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions, it eliminated hydroxyl radicals to the same extent as D-glucose. Rotenone, an uncoupler of mitochondrial respiratory complex I, induces ROS production in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells in the presence of D-glucose. However, in the presence of D-allose, there was no change in the ROS levels in Neuro2A cells following rotenone treatment. Furthermore, treatment with D-allose attenuated the D-glucose-dependent ROS generation induced by rotenone. Whereas treatment with D-glucose enhanced ATP synthesis in Neuro2A cells, D-allose was less effective in producing intracellular ATP than D-glucose. Treatment with D-allose inhibited the ATP synthesis stimulated by D-glucose. These results suggest that D-allose suppresses ROS production in the mitochondria due to competition with D-glucose at the cellular level.

Increased expression of c-Fos by extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation under sustained oxidative stress elicits BimEL upregulation and hepatocyte apoptosis

We previously reported that the inhibition of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities by treatment with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ) and mercaptosuccinic acid evoked sustained increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in rat primary hepatocytes. Apoptosis was accompanied by increased expression of BimEL, following activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanism underlying hepatocyte apoptosis by identifying the transcription factor that induces BimEL expression. The bim promoter region was cloned into a promoterless-luc vector, and promoter activity was monitored by a luciferase assay. The luciferase activity increased in the presence of ATZ + mercaptosuccinic acid. Pretreatment with a MEK inhibitor, U0126, or an antioxidant, vitamin C, suppressed the promoter activity. Furthermore, ATZ + mercaptosuccinic acid-induced luciferase activity was attenuated by mutation of the activator protein-1 binding site in the bim promoter region. The amounts of total and phosphorylated c-Fos increased over time in the presence of ATZ + mercaptosuccinic acid, whereas the amounts of total and phosphorylated c-Jun remained unchanged. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that both c-Fos and c-Jun localized to the activator protein-1-binding site in the bim promoter region. BimEL expression and hepatocyte apoptosis were suppressed by knockdown of c-Fos and c-Jun, respectively. These results indicate that increases in c-Fos following extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation are critical for BimEL upregulation and apoptosis.

Regulation of lung cancer cell migration and invasion by reactive oxygen species and caveolin-1

The acquired capability of tumor cells to migrate and invade neighboring tissues is associated with high metastatic potential and advanced stage of cancers. Recently, signaling molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caveolin-1 (Cav-1) have been implicated in the aggressive behavior of cancer cells. However, the roles of specific ROS in cancer cell migration and Cav-1 regulation are unclear. We demonstrate here that Cav-1 plays an important role in the migration and invasion of human lung carcinoma H460 cells and that these effects are differentially regulated by cellular ROS. Using various known inhibitors and donors of ROS, we found that different ROS have different effects on Cav-1 expression and cell migration and invasion. Superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide down-regulated Cav-1 expression and inhibited cell migration and invasion, whereas hydroxyl radical up-regulated the Cav-1 expression and promoted cell migration and invasion. The down-regulating effect of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide on Cav-1 is mediated through a transcription-independent mechanism that involves protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These results indicate the essential role of different ROS in cancer cell motility and through Cav-1 expression, which may provide a key mechanism controlling tumor progression and metastasis. The up-regulation of Cav-1 and cell motility by hydroxyl free radical suggests an important role of this ROS as a positive regulator of tumor progression.

Crucial role of cytochrome P450 in hepatotoxicity induced by 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone in rats

Quinone toxicity is induced by two principal mechanisms: arylation/alkylation and a redox cycle. We have previously shown that increases in intracellular levels of superoxide anion and cell death induced by 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ), a redox cycling quinone, are enhanced by pretreatment of rat primary hepatocytes with cytochrome P450 inhibitors. This indicates a novel interaction of quinones with cytochrome P450, and is thus worthy of further investigation using an in vivo model. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cytochrome P450 inhibitors on DMNQ-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. When DMNQ was administered intraperitoneally, the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that hepatotoxicity was induced by treatment with DMNQ. Pretreatment with the cytochrome P450 inhibitors SKF-525A (SKF), cimetidine and ketoconazole potentiated the DMNQ-induced hepatotoxicity. The blood concentration of DMNQ was not affected by administration of SKF. Pretreatment with the antioxidant α-tocopherol almost completely attenuated the hepatotoxicity induced by DMNQ and by the combination of DMNQ with SKF. Levels of reduced glutathione in the liver were decreased and levels of oxidized glutathione were increased by treatment with DMNQ. These effects were potentiated by pretreatment with SKF. DMNQ-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver was also enhanced by pretreatment with SKF. Taken together, these results indicate that DMNQ-induced hepatotoxicity is augmented by inhibition of cytochrome P450 and that this augmentation is due to the enhancement of oxidative stress.

The use of hepatocytes to investigate drug toxicity

The liver is very active in metabolizing foreign compounds and the major target for toxicity caused by drugs. Hepatotoxicity may be the result of the drug itself or, more frequently, a result of the bioactivation process and the production of reactive metabolites. Prioritization of compounds based on human hepatotoxicity potential is currently a key unmet need in drug discovery, as it can become a major problem for several lead compounds in later stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Therefore, evaluation of potential hepatotoxicity represents a critical step in the development of new drugs. Cultured hepatocytes are increasingly used by the pharmaceutical industry for the screening of hepatotoxic potential of new molecules. Hepatocytes in culture retain hepatic key functions and constitute a valuable tool to identify chemically induced cellular damage. Their use has notably contributed to the understanding of mechanisms responsible for hepatotoxicity (disruption of cellular energy status, alteration of Ca(2+) homeostasis, inhibition of transport systems, metabolic activation, oxidative stress, covalent binding, etc.). Assessment of current cytotoxicity and hepatic-specific biochemical effects is limited by the inability to measure a wide spectrum of potential mechanistic changes involved in the drug-induced toxic injury. A convenient selection of endpoints allows a multiparametric evaluation of drug toxicity. In this regard, cytomic, proteomic, toxicogenomic and metabonomic approaches help to define patterns of hepatotoxicity for early identification of potential adverse effects of the drug to the liver.

Drug efflux transporters, MRP1 and BCRP, affect the outcome of hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy in HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a flexible multi-target therapeutic approach. One of the main requirements of successful PDT is sufficient intracellular concentration of an applicable photosensitizer. Mechanisms of anticancer drug elimination by tumour cells are mostly linked to the elevated expression and activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and P450 monooxygenases. The interaction of hypericin with this cell drug-defence system is still unclear. We report here for the first time increased activity of MRP1 and BCRP in HT-29 colon cancer cells treated with hypericin per se. On the contrary, pre-treatment with proadifen (SKF525A) affected the function of MRP1 and BCRP leading to increased hypericin content, which might indicate a possible link between proadifen and these ABC transporter proteins. Subsequent enhanced intracellular oxidative stress was accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9 and -3, PARP cleavage and onset of apoptosis. In conclusion, our study suggests that drug efflux transporters MRP1 and BCRP affect the pharmacokinetics of hypericin in HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells, and the action of hypericin-mediated PDT (HY-PDT) should be modulated by pre-treatment with their specific inhibitors.

Sustained contraction and endothelial dysfunction induced by reactive oxygen species in porcine coronary artery

A combination of purine and xanthine oxidase (XOD) dose-dependently elicited sustained contraction of porcine coronary arterial rings and resulted in increased concentrations of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide. These contractile responses appeared, with a delay, after the application of purine and XOD, used as a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating system. Coronary arteries precontracted with prostaglandin F(2alpha) failed to relax in response to substance P after exposing the arterial preparation to this ROS-generating system. The contractile response of the coronary artery to the ROS-generating system was almost completely inhibited by catalase (130 U/ml), and was partially inhibited by superoxide dismutase (60 U/ml), or mannitol (30 mM). A voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist, nicardipine, had no effect on contraction. Dysfunction of endothelial cells was completely prevented by catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase or mannitol. These results suggest that superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals might be involved in eliciting sustained, delayed-onset coronary artery contraction, which is not related to L-type Ca(2+) channels. They also suggest that hydrogen peroxide might play a major role in endothelial dysfunction of the porcine coronary artery.