Specificity of the ferrous oxidation of xylenol orange assay: analysis of autoxidation products of cholesteryl arachidonate

Verteporfin induces lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has extremely poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 11 %. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a major downstream effector of the Hippo-YAP pathway and plays a pivotal role in regulation of cell proliferation and organ regeneration and tumorigenesis. Activation of YAP signaling has been associated with PDAC progression and drug resistance. Verteporfin (VP) is a photosensitizer used for photodynamic therapy and previous work showed that it can function as a YAP inhibitor. The efficacy of VP on human cancer are being tested in several trials. In this study, we examined the effect of VP on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in pancreatic cancer cells, by using fluorescent molecular probes and by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde, a metabolic byproduct and marker of lipid peroxidation. We found that VP causes rapid increase of both overall ROS and lipid peroxide levels, independent of light activation. These effects were not dependent on YAP, as knockdown of YAP did not cause ROS or lipid peroxidation or enhance VP-induced ROS production. Temoporfin, another photodynamic drug, did not show similar activities. In addition, VP treatment led to loss of cell membrane integrity and reduction of viability. Notably, the activity of VP to induce lipid peroxidation was neutralized by ferroptosis inhibitors ferrostatin-1 or liproxstatin-1. VP treatment also reduced the levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an enzyme that protects against lipid peroxidation. These results indicate that VP can induce lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in the absence of light activation. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which VP inhibits tumor growth and provide insights into development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Guidelines for measuring reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage in cells and in vivo

Multiple roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their consequences for health and disease are emerging throughout biological sciences. This development has led researchers unfamiliar with the complexities of ROS and their reactions to employ commercial kits and probes to measure ROS and oxidative damage inappropriately, treating ROS (a generic abbreviation) as if it were a discrete molecular entity. Unfortunately, the application and interpretation of these measurements are fraught with challenges and limitations. This can lead to misleading claims entering the literature and impeding progress, despite a well-established body of knowledge on how best to assess individual ROS, their reactions, role as signalling molecules and the oxidative damage that they can cause. In this consensus statement we illuminate problems that can arise with many commonly used approaches for measurement of ROS and oxidative damage, and propose guidelines for best practice. We hope that these strategies will be useful to those who find their research requiring assessment of ROS, oxidative damage and redox signalling in cells and in vivo.

Recent development on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of oxidized lipids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the cellular membrane can be oxidized by various enzymes or reactive oxygen species (ROS) to form many oxidized lipids. These metabolites are highly bioactive, participating in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Mass spectrometry (MS), coupled with Liquid Chromatography, has been increasingly recognized as an indispensable tool for the analysis of oxidized lipids due to its excellent sensitivity and selectivity. We will give an update on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to generation of various oxidized lipids and recent progress on the development of LC-MS in the detection of these bioactive lipids derived from fatty acids, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the formation mechanisms and technological advances in LC-MS for the study of oxidized lipids in human diseases, and to shed new light on the potential of using oxidized lipids as biomarkers and mechanistic clues of pathogenesis related to lipid metabolism. The key technical problems associated with analysis of oxidized lipids and challenges in the field will also discussed.

Nonenzymatic β-Carotene Degradation in Provitamin A-Biofortified Crop Plants

Provitamin A biofortification, the provision of provitamin A carotenoids through agriculture, is regarded as an effective and sustainable intervention to defeat vitamin A deficiency, representing a global health problem. This food-based intervention has been questioned in conjunction with negative outcomes for smokers and asbestos-exposed populations of the CARET and ATBC trials in which very high doses of β-carotene were supplemented. The current notion that β-carotene cleavage products (apocarotenoids) represented the harmful agents is the basis of the here-presented research. We quantitatively analyzed numerous plant food items and concluded that neither the amounts of apocarotenoids nor β-carotene provided by plant tissues, be they conventional or provitamin A-biofortified, pose an increased risk. We also investigated β-carotene degradation pathways over time. This reveals a substantial nonenzymatic proportion of carotene decay and corroborates the quantitative relevance of highly oxidized β-carotene polymers that form in all plant tissues investigated.

Tyrosine oxidation and nitration in transmembrane peptides is connected to lipid peroxidation

Tyrosine nitration is an oxidative post-translational modification that can occur in proteins associated to hydrophobic bio-structures such as membranes and lipoproteins. In this work, we have studied tyrosine nitration in membranes using a model system consisting of phosphatidylcholine liposomes with pre-incorporated tyrosine-containing 23 amino acid transmembrane peptides. Tyrosine residues were located at positions 4, 8 or 12 of the amino terminal, resulting in different depths in the bilayer. Tyrosine nitration was accomplished by exposure to peroxynitrite and a peroxyl radical donor or hemin in the presence of nitrite. In egg yolk phosphatidylcholine liposomes, nitration was highest for the peptide with tyrosine at position 8 and dramatically increased as a function of oxygen levels. Molecular dynamics studies support that the proximity of the tyrosine phenolic ring to the linoleic acid peroxyl radicals contributes to the efficiency of tyrosine oxidation. In turn, α-tocopherol inhibited both lipid peroxidation and tyrosine nitration. The mechanism of tyrosine nitration involves a "connecting reaction" by which lipid peroxyl radicals oxidize tyrosine to tyrosyl radical and was fully recapitulated by computer-assisted kinetic simulations. Altogether, this work underscores unique characteristics of the tyrosine oxidation and nitration process in lipid-rich milieu that is fueled via the lipid peroxidation process.

PrxQ B from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a monomeric, thioredoxin-dependent and highly efficient fatty acid hydroperoxide reductase

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is the intracellular bacterium responsible for tuberculosis disease (TD). Inside the phagosomes of activated macrophages, M. tuberculosis is exposed to cytotoxic hydroperoxides such as hydrogen peroxide, fatty acid hydroperoxides and peroxynitrite. Thus, the characterization of the bacterial antioxidant systems could facilitate novel drug developments. In this work, we characterized the product of the gene Rv1608c from M. tuberculosis, which according to sequence homology had been annotated as a putative peroxiredoxin of the peroxiredoxin Q subfamily (PrxQ B from M. tuberculosis or MtPrxQ B). The protein has been reported to be essential for M. tuberculosis growth in cholesterol-rich medium. We demonstrated the M. tuberculosis thioredoxin B/C-dependent peroxidase activity of MtPrxQ B, which acted as a two-cysteine peroxiredoxin that could function, although less efficiently, using a one-cysteine mechanism. Through steady-state and competition kinetic analysis, we proved that the net forward rate constant of MtPrxQ B reaction was 3 orders of magnitude faster for fatty acid hydroperoxides than for hydrogen peroxide (3×10⁶vs 6×10³M^-1s^-1, respectively), while the rate constant of peroxynitrite reduction was (0.6-1.4) ×10⁶M^-1s^-1 at pH 7.4. The enzyme lacked activity towards cholesterol hydroperoxides solubilized in sodium deoxycholate. Both thioredoxin B and C rapidly reduced the oxidized form of MtPrxQ B, with rates constants of 0.5×10⁶ and 1×10⁶M^-1s^-1, respectively. Our data indicated that MtPrxQ B is monomeric in solution both under reduced and oxidized states. In spite of the similar hydrodynamic behavior the reduced and oxidized forms of the protein showed important structural differences that were reflected in the protein circular dichroism spectra.

A randomized clinical trial of ascorbic acid in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Background

Open AAA repair is associated with ischaemia-reperfusion injury where systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction can lead to multiple organ injury including acute lung injury. Oxidative stress plays a role that may be inhibited by ascorbic acid.

Methods

A double blind, allocation concealed, randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed to test the hypothesis that a single bolus dose (2g) of intra-operative parenteral ascorbic acid would attenuate biomarkers of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing elective open AAA repair.

Results

Thirty one patients completed the study; 18 received placebo and 13 ascorbic acid. Groups were comparable demographically. Open AAA repair caused an increase in urinary Albumin:Creatinine Ratio (ACR) as well as plasma IL-6 and IL-8. There was a decrease in exhaled breath pH and oxygenation. Lipid hydroperoxides were significantly higher in the ascorbic acid group following open AAA repair. There were no other differences between the ascorbic acid or placebo groups up to 4 hours after removal of the aortic clamping.

Conclusions

Open AAA repair caused an increase in markers of systemic endothelial damage and systemic inflammation. Administration of 2g parenteral ascorbic acid did not attenuate this response and with higher levels of lipid hydroperoxides post-operatively a pro-oxidant effect could not be excluded.

Trial registration

ISRCTN27369400

The "New Polyethylene Glycol Dilemma": Polyethylene Glycol Impurities and Their Paradox Role in mAb Crystallization

Polyethylene glycols (PEG) represent the most successful and frequently applied class of excipients used for protein crystallization. PEG auto-oxidation and formation of impurities such as peroxides and formaldehydes that foster protein drug degradation is known. However, their effect on mAb crystallization has not been studied in detail before. During the present study, a model IgG1 antibody (mAb1) was crystallized in PEG solutions. Aggregate formation was observed during crystallization and storage that was ascribed to PEG degradation products. Reduction of peroxide and formaldehyde levels prior to crystallization by vacuum and freeze-drying was investigated for its effect on protein degradation. Vacuum drying was superior in removal of peroxides but inferior in reducing formaldehyde residues. Consequently, double purification allowed extensive removal of both impurities. Applying of purified PEG led to 50% lower aggregate fractions. Surprisingly, PEG double purification or addition of methionine prior to crystallization prevented crystal formation. With increased PEG concentration or spiking with peroxides and formaldehydes, crystal formation could be recovered again. With these results, we demonstrate that minimum amounts of oxidizing impurities and thus in consequence chemically altered proteins are vital to initiate mAb1 crystallization. The present study calls PEG as good precipitant for therapeutic biopharmaceuticals into question.

Evaluation of the interplay among the charge of porphyrinic photosensitizers, lipid oxidation and photoinactivation efficiency in Escherichia coli

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a simple and controllable method to destroy microorganisms based on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (e.g., free radicals and singlet oxygen), which irreversibly oxidize microorganism's vital constituents resulting in lethal damage. This process requires the combined action of oxygen, light and a photosensitizer (PS), which absorbs and uses the energy from light to produce ROS. For a better understanding of the photoinactivation process, the knowledge on how some molecular targets are affected by PDI assumes great importance. The aim of this work was to study the relation between the number and position of positive charges on porphyrinic macrocycles and the changes observed on bacterial lipids. For that, five porphyrin derivatives, bearing one to four positive charges, already evaluated as PS on Escherichia coli inactivation, have been tested on lipid extracts from this bacterium, and also on a simple liposome model. The effects were evaluated by the quantification of lipid hydroperoxides and by analysis of the variation of fatty acyl profiles. E. coli suspensions and liposomes were irradiated with white light in the presence of each PS (5.0 μM). Afterwards, total E. coli lipids were extracted and quantified by phosphorus assay. Lipid oxidation on bacteria and on liposomes was quantified by ferrous oxidation in xylenol orange (FOX2 assay) and the analysis of the fatty acid profile was done by gas chromatography (GC). As previously observed for E. coli viability, an overall increase in the lipid hydroperoxides content, depending on the PS charge and on its distribution on the macrocycle, was observed. Analysis of the fatty acid profile has shown a decrease of the unsaturated fatty acids, corroborating the relation between lipid oxidation and PDI efficiency. Bacterial membrane phospholipids are important molecular targets of photoinactivation and the number of charges of the PS molecule, as well as their distribution, have a clear effect on the lipid oxidation and on the efficiency of PDI. The distinct extent of the formation of lipid hydroperoxy derivatives, depending on the PS used, is a good indicator of this process. The FOX2 assay allowed the detection of lipid peroxidation of E. coli membrane after PDI with all the five porphyrins, however, it was not the most appropriated method to quantify the relative lipid oxidation caused by PS with different efficiencies. The fatty acid analysis used to quantify the extent of lipid oxidation by the different PS provided better results. The same results were observed for the liposome model. Consequently, the model system based on liposomes is a fast and simple method that can be used for the screening of the efficiency of new PS, before proceeding with the more complex studies on bacterial models.

Method for the simultaneous determination of free/protein malondialdehyde and lipid/protein hydroperoxides

A simple and sensitive method is presented for the simultaneous quantification (spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric) of the main lipid and protein peroxidation products after their initial fractionation: free malondialdehyde (FrMDA), protein-bound malondialdehyde (PrMDA), total hydroperoxides (LOOH), and protein hydroperoxides (PrOOH). FrMDA and PrMDA (released from proteins by alkaline hydrolysis) are measured after the reaction of MDA with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) under acidic conditions, by the specific fluorimetric quantification of the resulting MDA-(TBA)2 adduct chromophore. The measurement of LOOH and PrOOH is based on the reaction of Fe(3+) (resulting from the reaction of LOOH and PrOOH with Fe(2+)) with xylenol orange (XO) and the photometric quantification of the resulting XO-Fe complex. The sensitivity of the assays for FrMDA/PrMDA and LOOH/PrOOH is 20 and 100pmol, respectively. The method was applied successfully on human plasma and can be used for the evaluation of oxidative stress in both basic and clinical research.

Estimation of Lipid Hydroperoxide Levels in Tropical Marine Macroalgae

The incipient levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LHPOs) were determined in selected green, brown, and red macroalgae by the FOX assay using hydroperoxy HPLC mix. The LHPOs contents varied between the investigated species and showed relatively low values in this study. Among the greens, it varied from 12 ± 6.2 μg · g(-1) (Codium sursum) to 31.5 ± 2.8 μg · g(-1) (Ulva lactuca), whereas in reds, from 5.7 ± 1.6 μg · g(-1) (Gracilaria corticata) to 46.2 ± 6 μg · g(-1) (Sarconema filiforme), and in browns, from 4.6 ± 4.4 μg · g(-1) (Dictyota bartayresiana) to 79 ± 5.0 μg · g(-1) (Sargassum tenerrimum), on fresh weight basis. These hydroperoxides represented a minor fraction of total lipids and ranged from 0.04% (S. swartzii) to 1.1% (S. tenerrimum) despite being a rich source of highly unsaturated fatty acids. The susceptibility of peroxidation was assessed by specific lipid peroxidazibility (SLP) values for macroalgal tissues. The LHPO values were found to be independent of both the PUFAs contents and their degree of unsaturation (DBI), as evident from the PCA analysis. SLP values were positively correlated with the LHPOs and negatively with DBI. The FOX assay gave ≥20-fold higher values for LHPOs as compared to the TBARS method for all the samples investigated in this study. Furthermore, U. lactuca cultured in artificial seawater (ASW) enriched with nutrients (N, P, and NP) showed a sharp decline in LHPOs contents relative to those cultured in ASW alone P ≤ 0.05. It is inferred from this study that the FOX assay is an efficient, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive technique for detecting the incipient lipid peroxidation in macroalgal tissues.

Overexpression of the pepper antimicrobial protein CaAMP1 gene regulates the oxidative stress- and disease-related proteome in Arabidopsis

Proteomics facilitates our understanding of cellular processes and network functions in the plant defense response during abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we demonstrate that the ectopic expression of the Capsicum annuum antimicrobial protein CaAMP1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana confers enhanced tolerance to methyl viologen (MV)-induced oxidative stress, which is accompanied by lower levels of lipid peroxidation. Quantitative comparative proteome analyses using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry identified some of the oxidative stress- and disease-related proteins that are differentially regulated by CaAMP1 overexpression in Arabidopsis leaves. Antioxidant- and defense-related proteins, such as 2-cys peroxiredoxin, L-ascorbate peroxidase, peroxiredoxin, glutathione S-transferase and copper homeostasis factor, were up-regulated in the CaAMP1 transgenic leaf tissues. In contrast, GSH-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase and WD-40 repeat family protein were down-regulated by CaAMP1 overexpression. In addition, CaAMP1 overexpression enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 infection and also H(2)O(2) accumulation in Arabidopsis. The identified antioxidant- and defense-related genes were differentially expressed during MV-induced oxidative stress and Pst DC3000 infection. Taken together, we conclude that CaAMP1 overexpression can regulate the differential expression of defense-related proteins in response to environmental stresses to maintain reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis.

Ascorbic acid partly antagonizes resveratrol mediated heme oxygenase-1 but not paraoxonase-1 induction in cultured hepatocytes - role of the redox-regulated transcription factor Nrf2

BACKGROUND

Both resveratrol and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are frequently used in complementary and alternative medicine. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms for potential health benefits of resveratrol and its interactions with ascorbic acid.

METHODS

The antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 and paraoxonase-1 were analysed for their mRNA and protein levels in HUH7 liver cells treated with 10 and 25 μmol/l resveratrol in the absence and presence of 100 and 1000 μmol/l ascorbic acid. Additionally the transactivation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and paraoxonase-1 were determined by reporter gene assays.

RESULTS

Here, we demonstrate that resveratrol induces the antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 and paraoxonase-1 in cultured hepatocytes. Heme oxygenase-1 induction by resveratrol was accompanied by an increase in Nrf2 transactivation. Resveratrol mediated Nrf2 transactivation as well as heme oxygenase-1 induction were partly antagonized by 1000 μmol/l ascorbic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike heme oxygenase-1 (which is highly regulated by Nrf2) paraoxonase-1 (which exhibits fewer ARE/Nrf2 binding sites in its promoter) induction by resveratrol was not counteracted by ascorbic acid. Addition of resveratrol to the cell culture medium produced relatively low levels of hydrogen peroxide which may be a positive hormetic redox-signal for Nrf2 dependent gene expression thereby driving heme oxygenase-1 induction. However, high concentrations of ascorbic acid manifold increased hydrogen peroxide production in the cell culture medium which may be a stress signal thereby disrupting the Nrf2 signalling pathway.

New techniques to detect oxidative stress markers: mass spectrometry-based methods to detect isoprostanes as the gold standard for oxidative stress in vivo

Free radical-induced lipid oxidation under oxidative stress has been implicated in a number of human diseases. Isoprostanes (IsoPs), isomers of prostaglandins, are one of the major classes of oxidation products derived from this oxidation process. Measurement of the levels of IsoPs by Mass Spectrometry-based methods has become the "gold standard" biomarker of oxidative stress in vivo. Significant advances have been made in understanding this important pathway of lipid peroxidation since the discovery of IsoP formation in vivo 18 years ago. Studies from our laboratory and others are discussed that have provided insights into the mechanism of formation. Furthermore, new independent studies have demonstrated that IsoPs are the most reliable available marker of lipid peroxidation in vivo, and recent work examining IsoP formation has provided valuable information about the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases. Thus, the complexity of the IsoP pathway has expanded, providing novel insights into mechanisms of lipid peroxidation in vivo and allowing investigators to explore the role of oxidative stress in human disease.

Evaluation of Hydroperoxides in Common Pharmaceutical Excipients

While the physical properties of pharmaceutical excipients have been well characterized, impurities that may influence the chemical stability of formulated drug product have not been well studied. In this work, the hydroperoxide (HPO) impurity levels of common pharmaceutical excipients are measured and presented for both soluble and insoluble excipients. Povidone, polysorbate 80 (PS80), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were found to contain substantial concentrations of HPOs with significant lot-to-lot and manufacturer-to-manufacturer variation. Much lower HPO levels were found in the common fillers, like microcrystalline cellulose and lactose, and in high molecular weight PEG, medium chain glyceride (MCG), and poloxamer. The findings are discussed within the context of HPO-mediated oxidation and formulating drug substance sensitive to oxidation. Of the four excipients with substantial HPO levels, povidone, PEG 400, and HPC contain a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and organic HPOs while PS80 contains predominantly organic HPOs. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to the known manufacturing processes and chemistry of HPO reactivity and degradation kinetics. Defining critical HPO limits for excipients should be driven by the chemistry of a specific drug substance or product and can only be defined within this context.

Novel n-3 fatty acid oxidation products activate Nrf2 by destabilizing the association between Keap1 and Cullin3

Consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can mitigate the progression of diseases in which oxidative stress represents a common underlying biochemical process. Nrf2-regulated gene expression regulates detoxification of reactive oxygen species. EPA and DHA were subjected to an in vitro free radical oxidation process that models in vivo conditions. Oxidized n-3 fatty acids reacted directly with the negative regulator of Nrf2, Keap1, initiating Keap1 dissociation with Cullin3, thereby inducing Nrf2-directed gene expression. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses of oxidized EPA demonstrated the presence of novel cyclopentenone-containing molecules termed J3-isoprostanes in vitro and in vivo and were shown to induce Nrf2-directed gene expression. These experiments provide a biochemical basis for the hypothesis that formation of J-ring compounds generated from oxidation of EPA and DHA in vivo can reach concentrations high enough to induce Nrf2-based cellular defense systems.

Mechanism of the Solution Oxidation of Rofecoxib Under Alkaline Conditions

PURPOSE

The rapid oxidation of rofecoxib under alkaline conditions has been previously reported. The oxidation was reported to involve gamma-lactone ring opening to an alcohol, which further oxidized to a dicarboxyclic acid. The oxidation was suspected to be mediated by peroxy radicals. This work further investigates the mechanism of oxidation under the alkaline solution conditions.

METHODS

The pH dependence of the oxidation reaction was determined in 50% acetonitrile/50% aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 9-12). The oxidation reaction products were also examined at early timepoints (from 40 s to several minutes) with only 5% water content. The evolution of hydrogen peroxide by the oxidation reaction was quantitatively followed by reaction with triphenylphosphine (TPP) and high-pressure liquid chromatography determination of the resultant triphenylphosphine oxideformed. Rofecoxib was exposed to the alkaline pH conditions in the presence of formaldehyde, and the primary reaction product was isolated and characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and proton 1D, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), gradient heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (gHMBC), and carbon 1D nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Transient reaction products were examined for hydroperoxide groups by reaction with TPP.

RESULTS

The oxidation reaction occurs only near pH 11 and above. In the presence of excess formaldehyde, oxidation products are no longer observed but a new product is observed in which two formaldehyde molecules have added to the methylene carbon atom of the gamma-lactone ring. The evolution of hydrogen peroxide corresponds quantitatively to the molar amount of the (minor) aldehyde oxidation product formed. It is demonstrated that the rofecoxib anhydride species is actually the primary product of the oxidation reaction. The existence of a transient hydroperoxide species is shown by reaction with TPP and concomitant conversion to a previously identified alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

The oxidation of rofecoxib under these high pH conditions is mediated by rofecoxib enolate ion formation. The enolate ion reacts with either formaldehyde or dissolved oxygen at the C5 position. In the case of oxygen, a transient hydroperoxide species is formed. The major and minor products of the oxidation derive from competitive routes of decomposition of this hydroperoxide. The major route involves a second enolate ion formation, which decomposes with heterolytic cleavage of the RO-OH bond to give the rofeocoxib anhydride and hydroxide ion. The anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed under the alkaline conditions to give the observed rofecoxib dicarboxylate product. The minor hydroxy-furanone product is formed from hydroxide ion attack on the hydroperoxide intermediate.

Overexpression of glutathione peroxidase with two isoforms of superoxide dismutase protects mouse islets from oxidative injury and improves islet graft function

Primary nonfunction of transplanted islets results in part from their sensitivity to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during the isolation and transplantation process. Our aim was to examine whether coexpression of antioxidant enzymes to detoxify multiple ROS increased the resistance of mouse islets to oxidative stress and improved the initial function of islet grafts. Islets from transgenic mice expressing combinations of human copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD), extracellular SOD, and cellular glutathione peroxidase (Gpx-1) were subjected to oxidative stress in vitro. Relative viability after hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase treatment was as follows: extracellular SOD + Gpx-1 + Cu/Zn SOD > extracellular SOD + Gpx-1 > extracellular SOD > wild type. Expression of all three enzymes was the only combination protective against hypoxia/reoxygenation. Islets from transgenic or control wild-type mice were then transplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic recipients in a syngeneic marginal islet mass model, and blood glucose levels were monitored for 7 days. In contrast to single- and double-transgenic grafts, triple-transgenic grafts significantly improved control of blood glucose compared with wild type. Our results indicate that coexpression of antioxidant enzymes has a complementary beneficial effect and may be a useful approach to reduce primary nonfunction of islet grafts.

New insights regarding the autoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Free radical-initiated autoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been implicated in numerous human diseases, including atherosclerosis and cancer. This review covers the free radical mechanisms of lipid oxidation and recent developments of analytical techniques to analyze the lipid oxidation products. Autoxidation of PUFAs generates hydroperoxides as primary oxidation products, and further oxidation leads to cyclic peroxides as secondary oxidation products. Characterization of these oxidation products is accomplished by several mass spectrometric techniques. Ag+ coordination ion spray mass spectrometry has proven to be a powerful tool to analyze the intact lipid peroxides. Monocyclic peroxides, bicyclic endoperoxides, serial cyclic peroxides, and a novel class of endoperoxides (dioxolane-isoprostane peroxides) have been identified from the oxidation of arachidonate. Electron capture atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry has been applied to study lipid oxidation products after derivatization. All eight possible diastereomeric isoprostanes are observed from the oxidation of a single hydroperoxide precursor. 5- and 15-series isoprostanes are more abundant than the 8- and 12-series because the precursors that lead to 8- and 12-series compounds can undergo further oxidation and form dioxolane-isoprostane peroxides. Furthermore, formation of isoprostanes from 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoate occurs from beta-fragmentation of the corresponding peroxyl radical to generate a pentadienyl radical rather than a "dioxetane" intermediate, as previously suggested.

Identification of a novel class of endoperoxides from arachidonate autoxidation

Free radical-initiated lipid autoxidation in low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Oxidation of the lipid components of LDL leads to a complex mixture of hydroperoxides, bicyclic endoperoxides, monocyclic peroxides, and serial cyclic peroxides. The oxidation compounds and/or their decomposition products can modify protein components, which may lead to various diseases. A novel class of peroxides (termed dioxolane-isoprostanes) having a bicyclic endoperoxide moiety characteristic of the isoprostanes and a dioxolane peroxide functionality in the same molecule was identified in the product mixture formed from in vitro autoxidation of cholesteryl arachidonate. The same products are also detected in in vitro oxidized LDL. Various mass spectrometric techniques have been applied to characterize these new peroxides. The structure of these compounds has also been confirmed by independent synthesis. We reason, based on the free radical mechanism of the transformation, that only the 12- and 8-peroxyl radicals (those leading to 12-HPETE and 8-HPETE) of arachidonate can form these new peroxides. We also suggest that the formation of these peroxides provides a rationale to explain the fact that 5- and 15-series isoprostanes are formed in preference to 8- and 12-series. Furthermore, series of other isoprostanes, such as dioxolane A(2), D(2), E(2), etc., can be derived from the dioxolane-isoprostane peroxides. These findings offer further insights into the oxidation products of arachidonate and the opportunity to study their potential biological relevance.