Effect of acrolein and glutathione depleting agents on thioredoxin

Electrophile versus oxidant modification of cysteine residues: Kinetics as a key driver of protein modification

Humans have widespread exposure to both oxidants, and soft electrophilic compounds such as alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and quinones. Electrophilic motifs are commonly found in a drugs, industrial chemicals, pollutants and are also generated via oxidant-mediated degradation of biomolecules including lipids (e.g. formation of 4-hydroxynonenal, 4-hydroxyhexenal, prostaglandin J2). All of these classes of compounds react efficiently with Cys residues, and the particularly the thiolate anion, with this resulting in Cys modification via either oxidation or adduct formation. This can result in deleterious or beneficial effects, that are either reversible (e.g. in cell signalling) or irreversible (damaging). For example, acrolein is a well-established toxin, whereas dimethylfumarate is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. This short review discusses the targets of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, and particularly two prototypic cases, acrolein and dimethylfumarate, and the factors that control the selectivity and kinetics of reaction of these species. Comparison is made between the reactivity of oxidants versus soft electrophiles. These rate constants indicate that electrophiles can be significant thiol modifying agents in some situations, as they have rate constants similar to or greater than species such as H₂O₂, can be present at higher concentrations, and are less efficiently removed by protective systems when compared to H₂O₂. They may also induce similar or higher levels of modification than highly reactive oxidants, due to the very low concentrations of oxidants formed in most in vivo situations.

Dual Substance Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Alcohol

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are a modern nicotine delivery system that rapidly grew in widespread use, particularly in younger populations. Given the long history of the comorbidity of alcohol and nicotine use, the rising prevalence of ECs raises the question as to their role in the consumption of alcohol. Of the numerous models of ECs available, JUUL is the most popular. This narrative review aims to determine current trends in literature regarding the relationship between EC and alcohol dual use, as well as hypothesize potential pathogenic tissue damage and summarize areas for future study, including second-hand vapor exposure and calling for standardization among studies. In summary, EC users are more likely to participate in hazardous drinking and are at higher risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). We surmise the pathogenic damage of dual use may exhibit an additive effect, particularly in pathogen clearance from the lungs, increased inflammation and decreased immune response, physical damage to epithelial cells, and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-like illnesses. A better understanding of pathogenic damages is critical to understand the risks placed on dual users when exposed to respiratory pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

4-hydroxynonenal regulates mitochondrial function in human small airway epithelial cells

Prolonged exposure to oxidative stress causes Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and significantly impairs pulmonary function. Previously we have demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction is a key pathological factor in hyperoxic ALI. While it is known that hyperoxia induces the production of stable, but toxic 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) molecule, it is unknown how the reactive aldehyde disrupts mitochondrial function. Our previous in vivo study indicated that exposure to hyperoxia significantly increases 4-HNE-Protein adducts, as well as levels of MDA in total lung homogenates. Based on the in vivo studies, we explored the effects of 4-HNE in human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs). Human SAECs treated with 25 μM of 4-HNE showed a significant decrease in cellular viability and increased caspase-3 activity. Moreover, 4-HNE treated SAECs showed impaired mitochondrial function and energy production indicated by reduced ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and aconitase activity. This was followed by a significant decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and depletion of the reserve capacity. The direct effect of 4-HNE on the mitochondrial respiratory chain was confirmed using Rotenone. Furthermore, SAECs treated with 25 μM 4-HNE showed a time-dependent depletion of total Thioredoxin (Trx) proteins and Trx activity. Taken together, our results indicate that 4-HNE induces cellular and mitochondrial dysfunction in human SAECs, leading to an impaired endogenous antioxidant response.

Redox proteomics analysis to decipher the neurobiology of Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration: overlaps in Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease brain

Accumulation of oxidative damage is a common feature of neurodegeneration that, together with mitochondrial dysfunction, point to the fact that reactive oxygen species are major contributors to loss of neuronal homoeostasis and cell death. Among several targets of oxidative stress, free-radical-mediated damage to proteins is particularly important in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In the majority of cases, oxidative-stress-mediated post-translational modifications cause non-reversible modifications of protein structure that consistently lead to impaired function. Redox proteomics methods are powerful tools to unravel the complexity of neurodegeneration, by identifying brain proteins with oxidative post-translational modifications that are detrimental for protein function. The present review discusses the current literature showing evidence of impaired pathways linked to oxidative stress possibly involved in the neurodegenerative process leading to the development of Alzheimer-like dementia. In particular, we focus attention on dysregulated pathways that underlie neurodegeneration in both aging adults with DS (Down's syndrome) and AD (Alzheimer's disease). Since AD pathology is age-dependent in DS and shows similarities with AD, identification of common oxidized proteins by redox proteomics in both DS and AD can improve our understanding of the overlapping mechanisms that lead from normal aging to development of AD. The most relevant proteomics findings highlight that disturbance of protein homoeostasis and energy production are central mechanisms of neurodegeneration and overlap in aging DS and AD. Protein oxidation affects crucial intracellular functions and may be considered a 'leitmotif' of degenerating neurons. Therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing/reducing multiple components of processes leading to accumulation of oxidative damage will be critical in future studies.

Protein alkylation by the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde acrolein. A reversible mechanism of electrophile signaling?

Acrolein, a reactive aldehyde found in cigarette smoke, is thought to induce its biological effects primarily by irreversible adduction to cellular nucleophiles such as cysteine thiols. Here, we demonstrate that acrolein rapidly inactivates the seleno-enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in human bronchiolar epithelial HBE1 cells, which recovered over 4-8h by a mechanism depending on the presence of cellular GSH and thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), and corresponding with reversal of protein-acrolein adduction. Our findings indicate that acrolein-induced protein alkylation is not necessarily a feature of irreversible protein damage, but may reflect a reversible signaling mechanism that is regulated by GSH and Trx1.

A direct and continuous assay for the determination of thioredoxin reductase activity in cell lysates

Thioredoxin reductase (TR) is an oxidoreductase responsible for maintaining thioredoxin in the reduced state, thereby contributing to proper cellular redox homeostasis. The C-terminal active site of mammalian TR contains the rare amino acid selenocysteine, which is essential to its activity. Alterations in TR activity due to changes in cellular redox homeostasis are found in clinical conditions such as cancer, viral infection, and various inflammatory processes; therefore, quantification of thioredoxin activity can be a valuable indicator of clinical conditions. Here we describe a new direct assay, termed the SC-TR assay, to determine the activity of TR based on the reduction of selenocystine, a diselenide-bridged amino acid. Rather than being an end-point assay as in older methods, the SC-TR assay directly monitors the continuous consumption of NADPH at 340 nm by TR as it reduces selenocystine. The SC-TR assay can be used in a cuvette using traditional spectrophotometry or as a 96-well plate-based format using a plate reader. In addition, the SC-TR assay is compatible with the use of nonionic detergents, making it more versatile than other methods using cell lysates.

Bifunctional electrophiles cross-link thioredoxins with redox relay partners in cells

Thioredoxin protects cells against oxidative damage by reducing disulfide bonds in improperly oxidized proteins. Previously, we found that the baker's yeast cytosolic thioredoxin Trx2 undergoes cross-linking to form several protein-protein complexes in cells treated with the bifunctional electrophile divinyl sulfone (DVSF). Here, we report that the peroxiredoxin Tsa1 and the thioredoxin reductase Trr1, both of which function in a redox relay network with thioredoxin, become cross-linked in complexes with Trx2 upon DVSF treatment. Treatment of yeast with other bifunctional electrophiles, including diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DAD), mechlorethamine (HN2), and 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB), resulted in the formation of similar cross-linked complexes. Cross-linking of Trx2 and Tsa1 to other proteins by DVSF and DAD is dependent on modification of the active site Cys residues within these proteins. In addition, the human cytosolic thioredoxin, cytosolic thioredoxin reductase, and peroxiredoxin 2 form cross-linked complexes to other proteins in the presence of DVSF, although each protein shows different susceptibilities to modification by DAD, HN2, and DEB. Taken together, our results indicate that bifunctional electrophiles potentially disrupt redox homeostasis in yeast and human cells by forming cross-linked complexes between thioredoxins and their redox partners.

Acrolein-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling is mediated by alkylation of thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin 1

Cigarette smoking remains a major health concern worldwide, and many of the adverse effects of cigarette smoke (CS) can be attributed to its abundant electrophilic aldehydes, such as acrolein (2-propenal). Previous studies indicate that acrolein readily reacts with thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), a critical enzyme involved in regulation of thioredoxin (Trx)-mediated redox signaling, by alkylation at its selenocysteine (Sec) residue. Because alkylation of Sec within TrxR1 has significant implications for its enzymatic function, we explored the potential importance of TrxR1 alkylation in acrolein-induced activation or injury of bronchial epithelial cells. Exposure of human bronchial epithelial HBE1 cells to acrolein (1–30 μM) resulted in dose-dependent loss of TrxR thioredoxin reductase activity, which coincided with its alkylation, as determined by biotin hydrazide labeling, and was independent of initial GSH status. To test the involvement of TrxR1 in acrolein responses in HBE1 cells, we suppressed TrxR1 using siRNA silencing or augmented TrxR1 by cell supplementation with sodium selenite. Acrolein exposure of HBE1 cells induced dose-dependent activation of the MAP kinases, extracellular regulated1 kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, and activation of JNK was markedly enhanced after selenite-mediated induction of TrxR1, and was associated with increased alkylation of TrxR1. Conversely, siRNA silencing of TrxR1 significantly suppressed the ability of acrolein to activate JNK, and also appeared to attenuate acrolein-dependent activation of ERK and p38. Alteration of initial TrxR1 levels by siRNA or selenite supplementation also affected initial Trx1 redox status and acrolein-mediated alkylation of Trx1, but did not significantly affect acrolein-mediated activation of HO-1 or cytotoxicity. Collectively, our findings indicate that alkylation of TrxR1 and/or Trx1 may contribute directly to acrolein-mediated activation of MAP kinases such as JNK, and may therefore be important in acrolein-induced alterations in airway epithelial function, as a contributing mechanism in tobacco-related respiratory disease.

Oxidative modification of lipoic acid by HNE in Alzheimer disease brain

Alzheimer disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of three pathological hallmarks: synapse loss, extracellular senile plaques (SP) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). The major component of SP is amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), which has been shown to induce oxidative stress. The AD brain shows increased levels of lipid peroxidation products, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). HNE can react covalently with Cys, His, or Lys residues on proteins, altering structure and function of the latter. In the present study we measured the levels of the HNE-modified lipoic acid in brain of subjects with AD and age-matched controls. Lipoic acid is a key co-factor for a number of proteins including pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, key complexes for cellular energetics. We observed a significant decrease in the levels of HNE-lipoic acid in the AD brain compared to that of age-matched controls. To investigate this phenomenon further, the levels and activity of lipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH) were measured in AD and control brains. Additionally, LADH activities were measured after in-vitro HNE-treatment to mice brains. Both LADH levels and activities were found to be significantly reduced in AD brain compared to age-matched control. HNE-treatment also reduced the LADH activity in mice brain. These data are consistent with a two-hit hypothesis of AD: oxidative stress leads to lipid peroxidation that, in turn, causes oxidative dysfunction of key energy-related complexes in mitochondria, triggering neurodegeneration. This study is consonant with the notion that lipoic acid supplementation could be a potential treatment for the observed loss of cellular energetics in AD and potentiate the antioxidant defense system to prevent or delay the oxidative stress in and progression of this devastating dementing disorder.

The effects of acrolein on the thioredoxin system: implications for redox-sensitive signaling

The reactive aldehyde acrolein is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and is also generated endogenously. It is a strong electrophile and reacts rapidly with nucleophiles including thiolates. This review focuses on the effects of acrolein on thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin (Trx), which are major regulators of intracellular protein thiol redox balance. Acrolein causes irreversible effects on TrxR and Trx, which are consistent with the formation of covalent adducts to selenocysteine and cysteine residues that are key to their activity. TrxR and Trx are more sensitive than some other redox-sensitive proteins, and their prolonged inhibition could disrupt a number of redox-sensitive functions in cells. Among these effects are the oxidation of peroxiredoxins and the activation of apoptosis signal regulating kinase (ASK1). ASK1 promotes MAP kinase activation, and p38 activation contributes to apoptosis and a number of other acrolein-induced stress responses. Overall, the disruption of the TrxR/Trx system by acrolein could be significant early and prolonged events that affect many aspects of redox-sensitive signaling and oxidant stress.

Acrolein induces apoptosis through the death receptor pathway in A549 lung cells: role of p53This review is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue on Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease

Acrolein, a highly reactive α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, is an omnipresent environmental pollutant. Chronic and acute human exposures occur through exogenous and endogenous sources, including food, vapors of overheated cooking oil, house and forest fires, cigarette smoke, and automobile exhaust. Acrolein is a toxic byproduct of lipid peroxidation, which has been implicated in pulmonary, cardiac, and neurodegenerative diseases. This study shows that p53 is an initiating factor in acrolein-induced death receptor activation during apoptosis in A549 human lung cells. Exposure of cells to acrolein (0–50 µmol/L) mainly caused apoptosis, which was manifested by execution phase events such as condensation of nuclear chromatin, phosphatidylserine externalization, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Levels of necrosis (~5%) were low. Acrolein triggered the death receptor pathway of apoptosis, causing elevation of Fas ligand (FasL) and translocation of adaptor protein Fas-associated death domain to the plasma membrane. Acrolein caused activation of caspase-8, caspase-2, caspase-7, and the cross-talk pathway mediated by Bid cleavage. Activation of p53 and increased expression of p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) occurred in response to acrolein. FasL upregulation and caspase-8 activation were decreased by p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α and antioxidant polyethylene glycol catalase. These findings increase our knowledge about the induction of cell death pathways by acrolein, which has important implications for human health.

Hindlimb unloading decreases thioredoxin-related antioxidant proteins and increases thioredoxin-binding protein-2 in rat skeletal muscle

To investigate role(s) of thioredoxin-related antioxidant proteins in disuse muscle atrophy, we examined the levels of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1), peroxiredoxin-3/SP-22 (Prx-3) and thioredoxin-binding protein-2 (TBP-2) in rat soleus muscle subjected to hindlimb unloading (HU) for 2, 4, 7 or 14 days. The muscle weight loss was initially observed on day 4. The increases in aclorein- and malondialdehyde-modified proteins, and the decreases in the levels of Trx-1, Prx-3 and Mn-SOD were observed in the late phase of muscle atrophy, whereas, the increase in mRNA expression of TBP-2, a negative regulator of thioredoxin, preceded muscle atrophy. These findings suggest that the decrease of those antioxidant proteins, particularly a marked decrease of Trx-1, may be responsible for the enhanced oxidative damage during the late phase of disuse muscle atrophy. Furthermore, the increase in TBP-2 preceding the muscle atrophy may suppress the thioredoxin-mediated redox signaling, which can be an initial trigger leading to disuse muscle atrophy.

Acrolein, a ubiquitous pollutant and lipid hydroperoxide product, inhibits antiviral activity of interferon-alpha: relevance to hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease. The current FDA-approved treatment for HCV (pegylated interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) with ribavirin) is effective in only about 50% of patients. Epidemiological evidence suggests that obesity, alcohol, smoking, and environmental pollutants may contribute to resistance to IFNalpha therapy in HCV. Acrolein, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and major component of cigarette smoke, is also generated endogenously by cellular metabolism and lipid peroxidation. This study examines the effects of acrolein on (i) IFNalpha-mediated signaling and antiviral gene expression in cultured and primary human hepatocytes and (ii) HCV replication in an HCV-replicon system. Our data demonstrate that nontoxic concentrations of acrolein significantly inhibited IFNalpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of both cytoplasmic and nuclear STAT1 and STAT2, without altering the total levels. Also, acrolein down-regulated IFNalpha-stimulated gene transcription, resulting in reduced expression of antiviral genes. Importantly, acrolein abolished the IFNalpha-mediated down-regulation of HCV viral expression in the HCV-replicon system. This study defines mechanisms involved in resistance to IFNalpha and identifies the pathogenic role of acrolein, and potentially other environmental pollutants, in suppressing IFNalpha antiviral activity and establishes their adverse impact on HCV therapy.

Acrolein health effects

Acrolein is a chemical used as an intermediate reactive aldehyde in chemical industry. It is used for synthesis of many organic substances, methionine production, and methyl chloride refrigerant. The general population is exposed to acrolein via smoking, second-hand smoke, exposure to wood and plastic smoke. Firefighters and population living or working in areas with heavy automotive traffic may expose to higher level of acrolein via inhalation of smoke or automotive exhaust. Degradation of acrolein in all environmental media occurs rapidly, therefore, environmental accumulation is not expected. Acrolein degrade in 6A days when applied to surface water, and it has not been found as a contaminant in municipal drinking water. Acrolein vapor may cause eye, nasal and respiratory tract irritations in low level exposure. A decrease in breathing rate was reported by volunteers acutely exposed to 0.3A ppm of acrolein. At similar level, mild nasal epithelial dysplasia, necrosis, and focal basal cell metaplasia have been observed in rats. The acrolein effects on gastrointestinal mucosa in the animals include epithelial hyperplasia, ulceration, and hemorrhage. The severity of the effects is dose dependent. Acrolein induces the respiratory, ocular, and gastrointestinal irritations by inducing the release of peptides in nerve terminals innervating these systems. Levels of acrolein between 22 and 249 ppm for 10 min induced a dose-related decrease in substance P (a short-chain polypeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator).

The effects of acrolein on peroxiredoxins, thioredoxins, and thioredoxin reductase in human bronchial epithelial cells

Inhalation is a common form of exposure to acrolein, a toxic reactive volatile aldehyde that is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Bronchial epithelial cells would be directly exposed to inhaled acrolein. The thioredoxin (Trx) system is essential for the maintenance of cellular thiol redox balance, and is critical for cell survival. Normally, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) maintains the cytosolic (Trx1) and mitochondrial (Trx2) thioredoxins in the reduced state, and the thioredoxins keep the peroxiredoxins (Prx) reduced, thereby supporting their peroxidase function. The effects of acrolein on TrxR, Trx and Prx in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells were determined. A 30-min exposure to 5 microM acrolein oxidized both Trx1 and Trx2, although significant effects were noted for Trx1 at even lower acrolein concentrations. The effects on Trx1 and Trx2 could not be reversed by treatment with disulfide reductants. TrxR activity was inhibited 60% and >85% by 2.5 and 5 microM acrolein, respectively. The endogenous electron donor for TrxR, NADPH, could not restore its activity, and activity did not recover in cells during a 4-h acrolein-free period in complete medium. The effects of acrolein on TrxR and Trx therefore extend beyond the duration of exposure. While there was a strong correlation between TrxR inhibition and Trx1 oxidation, the irreversible effects on Trx1 suggest direct effects of acrolein rather than loss of reducing equivalents from TrxR. Trx2 did not become oxidized until > or = 90% of TrxR was inhibited, but irreversible effects on Trx2 also suggest direct effects of acrolein. Prx1 (cytosolic) and Prx3 (mitochondrial) shifted to a largely oxidized state only when >90 and 100% of their respective Trxs were oxidized. Prx oxidation was readily reversed with a disulfide reductant, suggesting that Prx oxidation resulted from lack of reducing equivalents from Trx and not direct reaction with acrolein. The effects of acrolein on the thioredoxin system and peroxiredoxins could have important implications for cell survival, redox-sensitive cell signaling, and tolerance to other oxidant insults.

Identification of thioredoxin-2 as a regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition

Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) is a multifunctional, mitochondria-specific protein, which inhibits cell death. The mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is a distinct mechanism for cell death activated by oxidants and linked to both necrotic and apoptotic morphologies. We studied mitochondria from Trx2 transgenic mice to determine whether Trx2 protects against oxidant-induced MPT. All experiments were performed in isolated mitochondria. Results showed that Trx2 protected against MPT induced by exogenously added peroxide. Unexpectedly, Trx2 also protected against the MPT induced by Ca(2+) in the absence of added peroxide. The results indicate that in addition to protecting against oxidative stress, Trx2 is an endogenous regulator of the MPT.

Increased mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 potentiates N-ethylmaleimide-induced cytotoxicity

Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) is a mitochondrially localized antioxidant and antiapoptotic protein, whose functions are mainly dependent on the conserved cysteines at its redox active center. In the current study, we showed by mass spectrometry that a thiol alkylating agent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), alkylated a single cysteine residue in the active center of Trx2. The interaction between NEM and Trx2 in intact cells was confirmed by redox Western analysis. Overexpression of Trx2 in cultured 143B osteosarcoma cells caused increased sensitivity to NEM. Covalent modification by NEM resulted in a dominant-negative effect and increased the interaction between Trx2 and peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3). Our data suggest that the alkylation of the essential thiol(s) of Trx2 has profound impact on the mitochondrial redox circuitry and that such effects are distinct from the responses to agents causing reversible disulfide bond formation between the vicinal dithiols in the active center.

Reactive aldehyde modification of thioredoxin-1 activates early steps of inflammation and cell adhesion

Several lines of evidence suggest that an increase in aldehyde-modified proteins is associated with development of atherosclerosis. Acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) are reactive aldehydes generated during active inflammation as a consequence of lipid peroxidation; both react with protein thiols, including thioredoxin-1 (Trx1), a protein recently found to regulate antioxidant function in endothelial cells. The present study examined whether acrolein or HNE modification of Trx1 could potentiate monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, an early event of atherosclerosis. We examined the function of acrolein and HNE-modified Trx1 in the regulation of the early events of atherosclerosis using cultured aortic endothelial cells as a vascular model system, for in vitro enzymatic assay, and in mass spectrometry analysis. Our data show that acrolein and HNE at 1:1 ratios with Trx1 modified Cys-73 and inhibited activity. In endothelial cells, adducts were detected at concentrations as low as 1 mumol/L including conditions in which there was no detectable change in glutathione. Acrolein and HNE modification of Trx1 was associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species. Microinjection of acrolein- and HNE-modified Trx1 into endothelial cells stimulated monocyte adhesion. Chemical modification of Trx1 by common environmental and endogenously generated reactive aldehydes can contribute to atherosclerosis development by interfering with antioxidant and redox signaling functions of Trx1.

Thioredoxin reductase inactivation as a pivotal mechanism of ifosfamide in cancer therapy

Thioredoxin reductase reduces thioredoxin, thereby contributing to multiple cellular events related to carcinogenesis including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell signaling. This selenium-containing oxidoreductase is over-expressed in many malignant cells and has been proposed as a target for cancer therapy. Ifosfamide is an oxazaphosphorine alkylating agent with a broad spectrum of antineoplastic activity. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that anticancer efficacy of ifosfamide may rely on its ability to inhibit thioredoxin reductase in tumor. To inspect the consequence of thioredoxin reductase inhibition by ifosfamide on tumor cell proliferation, mice bearing hepatoma 22 (H22) cells in ascites were injected with 350 mg/kg ifosfamide. Thioredoxin reductase activity was maximally inhibited by half at 6 h, and a subsequent pronounced cellular proliferation inhibition due to cell cycle arrest in G(1) phase was found. Moreover, at 6 h, except thioredoxin reductase inhibition, ifosfamide did not affect cell cycle or other measured antioxidant enzymes activity in the tumor cells. Intriguingly, when these cells were injected into healthy mice, they totally lost the capacity of causing either ascitic or solid tumors. Thioredoxin reductase inhibition could also be found in solid H22 tumor by 62%, bladder by 74% and kidney by 37% at 6 h. Overall, these observations provide direct evidence that inhibition of thioredoxin reductase activity in malignant cells by ifosfamide is highly associated with its anticancer effect and the mechanism of ifosfamide systemic toxicity may be related to multi-organ inhibition of thioredoxin reductase activity.

Acrolein oxidizes the cytosolic and mitochondrial thioredoxins in human endothelial cells

Acrolein is a reactive aldehyde that is a widespread environmental pollutant and can be generated endogenously from lipid peroxidation. The thioredoxin (Trx) system in endothelial cells plays a major role in the maintenance of cellular thiol redox balance, and is critical for cell survival. Normally, cells maintain the cytosolic (Trx1) and mitochondrial (Trx2) thioredoxins largely in the reduced state. In human microvascular endothelial cells, Trx1 was more sensitive than Trx2 to oxidation by acrolein. A 30-min exposure to 2.5 microM acrolein caused partial oxidation of Trx1 but not Trx2. The active site dithiol of Trx1 was essentially completely oxidized by 5 microM acrolein whereas 12.5 microM was required for complete oxidation of Trx2. Partial recovery of the Trx1 redox status was observed over a 4h acrolein-free recovery period, with increases in the reduced form and decreases in the fully oxidized form. For cells treated with 2.5 or 5 microM acrolein the recovery did not require protein synthesis, whereas protein synthesis was required for the return of reduced Trx1 in cells treated with 12.5 microM acrolein. Pretreatment of cells with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) resulted in partial protection of Trx1 from oxidation by acrolein. In cells treated with acrolein for 30 min, followed by a 14- to 16-h acrolein-free period, small but significant cytotoxic effects were observed with 2.5 microM acrolein whereas all cells were adversely affected by >or= 12.5 microM. NAC pretreatment significantly decreased the percentage of stressed cells subsequently exposed to 5 or 12.5 microM acrolein. Given the critical role of the thioredoxins in cell survival, the ability of acrolein to oxidize both thioredoxins should be taken into account for a thorough understanding of its cytotoxic effects.

Acrolein inhibits cytokine gene expression by alkylating cysteine and arginine residues in the NF-kappaB1 DNA binding domain

Cigarette smoke is a potent inhibitor of pulmonary T cell responses, resulting in decreased immune surveillance and an increased incidence of respiratory tract infections. The alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes in cigarette smoke (acrolein and crotonaldehyde) inhibited production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by human T cells but did not inhibit production of IL-8. The saturated aldehydes (acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and butyraldehyde) in cigarette smoke were inactive. Acrolein inhibited induction of NF-kappaB DNA binding activity after mitogenic stimulation of T cells but had no effect on induction of NFAT or AP-1. Acrolein inhibited NF-kappaB1 (p50) binding to the IL-2 promoter in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay by >99%. Using purified recombinant p50 in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we demonstrated that acrolein was 2000-fold more potent than crotonaldehyde in blocking DNA binding to an NF-kappaB consensus sequence. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated that acrolein alkylated two amino acids (Cys-61 and Arg-307) in the DNA binding domain. Crotonaldehyde reacted with Cys-61, but not Arg-307, whereas the saturated aldehydes in cigarette smoke did not react with p50. These experiments demonstrate that aldehydes in cigarette smoke can regulate gene expression by direct modification of a transcription factor.

Acrolein induces selective protein carbonylation in synaptosomes

Acrolein, the most reactive of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, is endogenously produced by lipid peroxidation, and has been found increased in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Although it is known that acrolein increases total protein carbonylation and impairs the function of selected proteins, no study has addressed which proteins are selectively carbonylated by this aldehyde. In this study we investigated the effect of increasing concentrations of acrolein (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50 microM) on protein carbonylation in gerbil synaptosomes. In addition, we applied proteomics to identify synaptosomal proteins that were selectively carbonylated by 0.5 microM acrolein. Acrolein increased total protein carbonylation in a dose-dependent manner. Proteomic analysis (two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry) revealed that tropomyosin-3-gamma isoform 2, tropomyosin-5, beta-actin, mitochondrial Tu translation elongation factor (EF-Tu(mt)) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) were significantly carbonylated by acrolein. Consistent with the proteomics studies that have identified specifically oxidized proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, the proteins identified in this study are involved in a wide variety of cellular functions including energy metabolism, neurotransmission, protein synthesis, and cytoskeletal integrity. Our results suggest that acrolein may significantly contribute to oxidative damage in AD brain.

Necrotic pathway in human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cell death induced by chloroacetaldehyde

Chloroacetaldehyde, a metabolite of the anticancer drug ifosfamide, may be responsible for serious adverse effects like encephalopathy in ifosfamide chemotherapy. In this study, we demonstrate that chloroacetaldehyde, but not ifosfamide, induces cell death in human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells and we investigated the mechanism by which this occurs. Chloroacetaldehyde above 30 micromol/l induced significant cell death in a time-dependent manner. Thiol compounds such as N-acetyl cysteine, glutathione and dithiothreitol protected the cells against chloroacetaldehyde-induced cell death, although other nonthiol compounds and the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase did not, suggesting that reactive oxygen species might not mediate cell death. In cells exposed to chloroacetaldehyde, levels of both total thiols and glutathione were significantly reduced. Chloroacetaldehyde also collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential of these cells, induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol and significantly reduced cellular ATP levels during the course of death. The mitochondrial potential collapse was also prevented by thiol compounds. Flow cytometric analyses by means of annexin-V and propidium iodide double staining and immunofluorescence staining of active caspase-3 revealed that cells subjected to a lethal dose of chloroacetaldehyde displayed features characteristic of necrosis and that caspase-3 was not activated in response to chloroacetaldehyde. Taken together, these findings suggest that Saos-2 cells exposed to chloroacetaldehyde die by necrosis resulting from a decrease in intracellular thiols, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the depletion of cellular ATP.

Hydralazine Inhibits Rapid Acrolein-Induced Protein Oligomerization: Role of Aldehyde Scavenging and Adduct Trapping in Cross-Link Blocking and Cytoprotection

Hydralazine strongly suppresses the toxicity of acrolein, a reactive aldehyde that contributes to numerous health disorders. At least two mechanisms may underlie the cytoprotection, both of which involve the nucleophilic hydrazine possessed by hydralazine. Under the simplest scenario, hydralazine directly scavenges free acrolein, decreasing intracellular acrolein availability and thereby suppressing macromolecular adduction. In a second "adduct-trapping" mechanism, the drug forms hydrazones with acrolein-derived Michael adducts in cell proteins, preventing secondary reactions of adducted proteins that may trigger cell death. To identify the most important mechanism, we explored these two pathways in mouse hepatocytes poisoned with the acrolein precursor allyl alcohol. Intense concentration-dependent adduct-trapping in cell proteins accompanied the suppression of toxicity by hydralazine. However, protective concentrations of hydralazine did not alter extracellular free acrolein levels, cellular glutathione loss, or protein carbonylation, suggesting that the cytoprotection is not due to minimization of intracellular acrolein availability. To explore ways whereby adduct-trapping might confer cytoprotection, the effect of hydralazine on acrolein-induced protein cross-linking was examined. Using bovine pancreas ribonuclease A as a model protein, acrolein caused rapid time- and concentration-dependent cross-linking, with dimerized protein detectable within 45 min of commencing protein modification. Lysine adduction in monomeric protein preceded the appearance of oligomers, whereas reductive methylation of protein amine groups abolished both adduction and oligomerization. Hydralazine inhibited cross-linking if added 30 min after commencing acrolein exposure but was ineffective if added after a 90-min delay. Adduct-trapping closely accompanied the inhibition of cross-linking by hydralazine. These findings suggest that cross-link blocking may contribute to hydralazine cytoprotection.

Protection against photooxidative injury of tobacco leaves by 2-alkenal reductase. Detoxication of lipid peroxide-derived reactive carbonyls

Degradation of lipid peroxides leads to the formation of cytotoxic 2-alkenals and oxenes (collectively designated reactive carbonyls). The novel NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase 2-alkenal reductase (AER; EC 1.3.1.74) from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which is encoded by the gene At5g16970, catalyzes the reduction of the alpha,beta-unsaturated bond of reactive carbonyls, and hence is presumed to function in antioxidative defense in plants. Here we show that Arabidopsis AER (At-AER) has a broad substrate spectrum to biologically relevant reactive carbonyls. Besides 2-alkenals, the enzyme recognized as substrates the lipid peroxide-derived oxenes 9-oxo-octadeca-(10E),(12Z)-dienoic acid and 13-oxo-octadeca-(9E),(11Z)-dienoic acid, as well as the potent genotoxin 4-oxo-(2E)-nonenal, altogether suggesting AER has a key role in the detoxification of reactive carbonyls. To validate this conclusion by in vivo studies, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants that had 100- to 250-fold higher AER activity levels than control plants were generated. The engineered plants exhibited significantly less damage from either (1) the exogenously administered 4-hydroxy-(2E)-nonenal, (2) treatment with methyl viologen plus light, or (3) intense light. We further show that the At-AER protein fused with the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein localizes in cytosol and the nucleus in Bright-Yellow 2 cells. These results indicate that reactive carbonyls mediate photooxidative injury in leaf cells, and At-AER in the cytosol protects the cells by reducing the alpha,beta-unsaturated bond of the photoproduced reactive carbonyls.

Methods for monitoring oxidative stress response in yeasts

Changes in the chemical or physical conditions of the cell that impose a negative effect on growth demand rapid cellular responses, which are essential for survival. Molecular mechanisms induced upon exposure of cells to such adverse conditions are commonly designated as stress responses. Herein, different methods which can be used to monitor oxidative stress response in yeasts are presented including monitoring of oxygen partial pressure during yeast cultivation, cell viability determination, measuring activity of enzymatic and level of nonenzymatic primary antioxidant defense systems, and examination of transcriptome and proteome changes. Additionally, some studies are given as examples of particular method's application for studying oxidative stress response in yeasts.

Development of a Method for Quantification of Acrolein−Deoxyguanosine Adducts in DNA Using Isotope Dilution-Capillary LC/MS/MS and Its Application to Human Brain Tissue

Acrolein is a highly reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde and is known to react with DNA forming exocyclic acrolein-deoxyguanosine adducts (Acro-dG). These aldehyde-DNA lesions may play a role in mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present work, we described the development and evaluation of a highly sensitive and selective capillary liquid chromatography nanoelectrospray isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitatively analyzing Acro-dG in DNA hydrolysates. This was achieved by applying a stable isotope-labeled analogue Acro-dG-13C10,15N5 as an internal standard to the DNA to be analyzed and then hydrolyzing the DNA enzymatically to nucleosides. The acrolein-modified nucleosides were separated from normal nucleosides by capillary liquid chromatography and quantified by a high-capacity ion trap mass spectrometer in the MS/MS mode. The developed method achieved attomole-level sensitivity (limit of detection was 10 fg, 31 amol on column) for detection of pure Acro-dG adduct standards. The limit of quantification of Acro-dG adducts obtained in 10 mug of DNA hydrolysates was 1.5 fmol, which corresponded to 50 adducts/10(9) normal nucleosides. Application of this method to the analysis of Acro-dG adducts in acrolein (10-fold)-treated calf thymus DNA showed approximately 830 lesion/10(6) DNA nucleosides using as low as 50 ng of DNA. Application of this method to DNA samples (1-2 mug) isolated from brain tissues from Alzheimer's disease subjects and age-matched controls demonstrated 2800-5100 Acro-dG adducts/10(9) DNA nucleosides. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in levels of Acro-dG between AD subjects and controls were observed in DNA isolated from the hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus.