Attenuation of leukocyte-endothelium interaction by antioxidant enzymes

Research Progress of Antioxidants in Oxidative Stress Therapy after Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious problem in the central nervous system resulting in high disability and mortality with complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Oxidative stress is one of the main secondary reactions of SCI, and its main pathophysiological marker is the production of excess reactive oxygen species. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species and insufficient antioxidant capacity lead to the occurrence of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and the dysregulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation leads to further aggravation of damage. Oxidative stress can initiate a variety of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, and targeted antioxidant therapy can greatly reduce oxidative stress and reduce neuroinflammation, which has a certain positive effect on rehabilitation and prognosis in SCI. This article reviewed the research on different types of antioxidants and related treatments in SCI, focusing on the mechanisms of oxidative stress.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates glucolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats

AIMS

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MAIN METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into six groups. The control group received a conventional diet. The diabetic group received a high-sucrose high-fat (HSHF) diet for 4 weeks and then was fasted and injected with streptozotocin (STZ); subsequently, the rats received a HSHF diet for another 4 weeks to develop diabetes. The four treatment groups were diabetic rats that received intragastric metformin (500 mg/kg/day) or EGCG (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. All groups except the control group received a HSHF diet throughout the experiment. Several biochemical parameters such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, fasting serum insulin (FSI), homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids (FFA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess the effects of EGCG on glycemic control, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, oxidative stress in pancreatic islet β cells was detected by dihydroethidium staining.

KEY FINDINGS

A HSHF diet and STZ injection induced T2DM, as indicated by changed blood glucose and body weight, which was accompanied by insulin resistance, an altered lipid profile, and oxidative stress. Interestingly, EGCG treatment dose-dependently recovered these indexes.

SIGNIFICANCE

EGCG successfully ameliorated glycemic control and insulin sensitivity while reducing the lipid profile and oxidative stress in a T2DM rat model.

Malnutrition impairs mitochondrial function and leukocyte activation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial function in a disease-related malnutrition (DRM) outpatient population.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, a total of 83 subjects were included and clustered in 3 groups: 34 with normonutrition (NN), 21 with DRM without inflammation (DRM-I) and 28 with DRM and inflammation (DRM + I). Nutritional diagnosis was conducted for all subjects according to ASPEN. Biochemical parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species production, glutathione, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption, adhesion molecules and leukocyte-endothelium interactions were evaluated.

RESULTS

DRM + I patients showed lower albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and retinol-binding protein levels with respect to the NN group (p < 0.05), differences that were less noticeable in the DRM-I group. DRM + I was associated with a significant increase in hsCRP and IL6 vs the NN and DRM-I groups, and TNFα was increased in both DRM vs NN. DRM was characterised by increased oxidative stress, which was marked by a significant increase in ROS levels and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in the DRM + I group. An evident reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and glutathione concentration was observed in both DRM groups, and was accompanied by increased leukocyte adhesion and adhesion molecules and decreased rolling velocity in the DRM + I group. Furthermore, percentage of weight loss was negatively correlated with albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, O₂ consumption, glutathione and leukocyte rolling velocity, and positively correlated with hsCRP, IL6, TNFα, ROS, leukocyte adhesion, and VCAM-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that DRM is associated with oxidative stress and an inflammatory state, with a deterioration of endothelial dysfunction in the DRM + I population.

Systems Approach to Study Associations between OxLDL and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Although abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common vascular disease and is associated with high mortality, the full pathogenesis of AAA remains unknown to researchers. Abdominal aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis are strongly related. Currently, it is more often suggested that development of AAA is not a result of atherosclerosis, however, individual factors can act independently or synergistically with atherosclerosis. One of such factors is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its oxidized form (oxLDL). It is known that oxLDL plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thus, we decided to examine oxLDL impact on the development of AAA by creating two models using Petri-nets. The first, full model, contains subprocess of LDL oxidation and all subprocesses in which it participates, while the second, reduced model, does not contain them. The analysis of such models can be based on t-invariants. They correspond to subprocesses which do not change the state of the modeled system. Moreover, the knockout analysis has been used to estimate how crucial a selected transition (representing elementary subprocess) is, based on the number of excluded subprocesses as a result of its knockout. The results of the analysis of our models show that oxLDL affects 55.84% of subprocesses related to AAA development, but the analysis of the nets based on knockouts and simulation has shown that the influence of oxLDL on enlargement and rupture of AAA is negligible.

Overexpression of Catalase Enhances Benzo(a)pyrene Detoxification in Endothelial Microsomes

We previously reported that overexpression of catalase upregulated xenobiotic- metabolizing enzyme (XME) expression and diminished benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) intermediate accumulation in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the most active organelle involved in BaP metabolism. To examine the involvement of ER in catalase-induced BaP detoxification, we compared the level and distribution of XMEs, and the profile of BaP intermediates in the microsomes of wild-type and catalase transgenic endothelial cells. Our data showed that endothelial microsomes were enriched in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, CYP1B1 and epoxide hydrolase 1 (EH1), and contained considerable levels of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferase-pi (GSTP). Treatment of wild-type MAECs with 1μM BaP for 2 h increased the expression of microsomal CYP1A1, 1B1 and NQO1 by ~300, 64 and 116%, respectively. However, the same treatment did not significantly alter the expression of EH1 and GSTP. Overexpression of catalase did not significantly increase EH1, but upregulated BaP-induced expression of microsomal CYP1A1, 1B1, NQO1 and GSTP in the following order: 1A1>NQO1>GSTP>1B1. Overexpression of catalase did not alter the distribution of each of these enzymes in the microsomes. In contrast to our previous report showing lower level of BaP phenols versus BaP diols/diones in the whole-cell, this report demonstrated that the sum of microsomal BaP phenolic metabolites were ~60% greater than that of the BaP diols/diones after exposure of microsomes to BaP. Overexpression of catalase reduced the concentrations of microsomal BaP phenols and diols/diones by ~45 and 95%, respectively. This process enhanced the ratio of BaP phenol versus diol/dione metabolites in a potent manner. Taken together, upregulation of phase II XMEs and CYP1 proteins, but not EH1 in the ER might be the mechanism by which overexpression of catalase reduces the levels of all the BaP metabolites, and enhances the ratio of BaP phenolic metabolites versus diol/diones in endothelial microsomes.

A Subregion of Reelin Suppresses Lipoprotein-Induced Cholesterol Accumulation in Macrophages

Activation of apolipoprotein E receptor-2 (apoER2) and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) inhibits foam cell formation. Reelin is a ligand of these receptors. Here we generated two reelin subregions containing the receptor binding domain with or without its C-terminal region (R5-6C and R5-6, respectively) and studied the impact of these peptides on macrophage cholesterol metabolism. We found that both R5-6C and R5-6 can be secreted by cells. Purified R5-6 protein can bind apoER2 and VLDLR. Overexpression of apoER2 in macrophages increased the amount of R5-6 bound to the cell surface. Treatment of macrophages with 0.2 μg/ml R5-6 elevated ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) protein level by ~72% and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux by ~39%. In addition, the medium harvested from cells overexpressing R5-6 or R5-6C (R5-6- and R5-6C-conditioned media, respectively) also up-regulated ABCA1 protein expression, which was associated with accelerated cholesterol efflux and enhanced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and specificity protein-1 (Sp1) in macrophages. The increased ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux by R5-6- and R5-6C-conditioned media were diminished by Sp1 or PI3K inhibitors mithramycin A and LY294002. Further, the cholesterol accumulation induced by apoB-containing, apoE-free lipoproteins was significantly less in macrophages incubated with R5-6- or R5-6C-conditioned medium than in those incubated with control conditioned medium. Knockdown of apoER2 or VLDLR attenuated the inhibitory role of R5-6-conditioned medium against lipoprotein-induced cholesterol accumulation. These results suggest that the reelin subregion R5-6 can serve as a tool for studying the role of apoER2 and VLDLR in atherogenesis.

High-density lipoprotein-mediated transcellular cholesterol transport in mouse aortic endothelial cells

Accumulation of unesterified cholesterol-rich lipid vesicles in the subendothelial space contributes to atherogenesis. Transport of cholesterol from the subendothelial intima back to the circulating blood inhibits atherosclerosis development; however, the mechanism for this process has not been fully defined. Using cultured mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs), we observed that unesterified cholesterol can be transported across the endothelial cell monolayer from the basolateral to the apical compartment. Administration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) to the apical compartment enhanced transendothelial cholesterol transport in a concentration-dependent manner. Knockdown of ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) or scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B1), or inhibition of SR-B1 diminished HDL-induced transendothelial cholesterol transport; while knockdown of ABCA1 reduced apoAI-mediated cholesterol transport. HDL enhanced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt in MAECs. However, inhibition of PI3K or Akt did not reduce HDL-induced transendothelial cholesterol transport. These results suggest that HDL enhances transendothelial cholesterol transport by activation of a mechanism involving ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-B1 but not involving PI3K and Akt.

Nrf2-dependent induction of NQO1 in mouse aortic endothelial cells overexpressing catalase

Overexpression of catalase has been shown to accelerate benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) detoxification in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) is an enzyme that catalyzes BaP-quinone detoxification. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) are transcription factors that control NQO1 expression. Here, we investigated the effects of catalase overexpression on NQO1, Nrf2, and AhR expression. The levels of NQO1 mRNA and protein were comparable in MAECs isolated from wild-type and transgenic mice that overexpress human catalase (hCatTg). BaP treatment increased NQO1 mRNA and protein levels in both groups, with a significantly greater induction in hCatTg MAECs than in wild-type cells. BaP-induced NQO1 promoter activity was dramatically higher in hCatTg MAECs than in wild-type cells. Our data also showed that the basal level of AhR and the BaP-induced level of Nrf2 were significantly higher in hCatTg MAECs than in wild-type cells. Inhibition of specificity protein-1 (Sp1) binding to the AhR promoter region by mithramycin A reversed the enhancing effect of catalase overexpression on AhR expression. Knockdown of AhR by RNA interference diminished BaP-induced expression of Nrf2 and NQO1. Knockdown of Nrf2 significantly decreased NQO1 mRNA and protein levels in cells with or without BaP treatment. NQO1 promoter activity was abrogated by mutation of the Nrf2-binding site in this promoter. In contrast, mutation of the AhR-binding site in the NQO1 promoter did not affect the promoter activity. These results suggest that catalase overexpression upregulates BaP-induced NQO1 expression by enhancing the Sp1-AhR-Nrf2 signaling cascade.

Transcriptional regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 expression by a novel signaling pathway

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane-bound protein that regulates the efflux of cholesterol derived from internalized lipoproteins. Using a mouse macrophage cell line, this report studied the impact of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) on ABCA1 expression and the signaling pathway responsible for lipoprotein-induced ABCA1 expression. Our data demonstrated that treatment of macrophages with LDL increased ABCA1 mRNA and protein levels 4.3- and 3.5-fold, respectively. LDL also induced an ∼2-fold increase in macrophage surface expression of ABCA1 and a 14-fold-increase in apolipoprotein AI-mediated cholesterol efflux. In addition, LDL significantly increased the level of phosphorylated specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and the amount of Sp1 bound to the ABCA1 promoter without alteration in total Sp1 protein level. Mutation of the Sp1 binding site in the ABCA1 promoter and inhibition of Sp1 DNA binding with mithramycin A suppressed the ABCA1 promoter activity and reduced the ABCA1 expression level induced by LDL. LDL treatment also elevated protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ) phosphorylation and induced PKC-ζ binding with Sp1. Inhibition of PKC-ζ with kinase inhibitors or overexpression of kinase-dead PKC-ζ attenuated Sp1 phosphorylation and ABCA1 expression induced by LDL. These results demonstrate for the first time that activation of the PKCζ-Sp1 signaling cascade is a mechanism for regulation of LDL-induced ABCA1 expression.

Dietary rice protein isolate attenuates atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice by upregulating antioxidant enzymes

Rice-based diets may have been reported to protect against the development of atherosclerosis; however, the underlying mechanism(s) for this protection remains unknown. In this report, the mechanism(s) contributing to the atheroprotective effects of rice-based diet was addressed using the apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice fed rice protein isolate (RPI) or casein (CAS). Reduced atherosclerotic lesions were observed in aortic sinus and enface analyses of the descending aorta in RPI-fed apoE-/- mice compared with CAS-fed mice. Plasma total- and HDL-cholesterol levels were not different amongst the two groups, suggesting alternative mechanism(s) could have contributed to the atheroprotective effect of rice-based diets. Plasma oxLDL and anti-oxLDL IgG levels were significantly decreased in RPI-fed compared to CAS-fed animals. Plasma and aortic tissue GSH levels and GSH:GSSG ratio were higher in RPI-fed mice compared to CAS-fed group. Interestingly, RPI feeding increased mRNA and protein expression of superoxide dismutase, and mRNA expression of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, key antioxidant enzymes implicated inhibiting oxidative stress leading to atherosclerosis. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the reduction in atherosclerotic lesions observed in mice fed the rice-based diet is mediated in part by inhibiting oxidative stress and subsequent oxLDL generation that could result in reduced foam cell formation, an early event during atherogenesis.

Overexpression of antioxidant enzymes upregulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression via increased Sp1 DNA-binding activity

We previously reported upregulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression as a mechanism by which overexpression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and/or catalase accelerates benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) detoxification in mouse aorta endothelial cells (MAECs). The objective of this study was to investigate the regulatory role of specificity protein-1 (Sp1) in AhR expression in MAECs that overexpress Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase. Our data demonstrated comparable levels of nuclear Sp1 protein in the transgenic and wild-type MAECs; however, binding of Sp1 protein to the AhR promoter region was more than 2-fold higher in MAECs overexpressing Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase than in wild-type cells. Inhibition of Sp1 binding to the AhR promoter by mithramycin A reduced AhR expression and eliminated the differences between wild-type MAECs and three lines of transgenic cells. Functional promoter analysis indicated that AhR promoter activity was significantly higher in MAECs overexpressing catalase than in wild-type cells. Mutation of an AhR promoter Sp1-binding site or addition of hydrogen peroxide to the culture medium reduced AhR promoter activity, and decreased the differences between wild-type MAECs and transgenic cells overexpressing catalase. These results suggest that increased Sp1 binding to the AhR promoter region is an underlying mechanism for upregulation of AhR expression in MAECs that overexpress Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase.

Overexpression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and/or catalase accelerates benzo(a)pyrene detoxification by upregulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mouse endothelial cells

A reduction in endogenously generated reactive oxygen species in vivo delays benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-accelerated atherosclerosis, as revealed in hypercholesterolemic mice overexpressing Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and/or catalase. To understand the molecular events involved in this protective action, we studied the effects of Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase overexpression on BaP detoxification and on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression and its target gene expression in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). Our data demonstrate that overexpression of Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase leads to an 18- to 20-fold increase in the expression of AhR protein in MAECs. After BaP exposure, the amount of AhR binding to the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 promoter was significantly greater, and the concentrations of BaP reactive intermediates were significantly less in MAECs overexpressing Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase than in wild-type cells. In addition, the BaP-induced CYP1A1 and 1B1 protein levels and BaP-elevated glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were significantly higher in these transgenic cells, in parallel with elevated GSTp1, CYP1A1, and CYP1B1 mRNA levels, compared to wild-type MAECs. Moreover, knockdown of AhR with RNA interference diminished the Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase enhancement of CYP1A1 expression, GST activity, and BaP detoxification. These data demonstrate that overexpression of Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase is associated with upregulation of AhR and its target genes, such as xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

Overexpression of catalase delays G0/G1- to S-phase transition during cell cycle progression in mouse aortic endothelial cells

Although it is understood that hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) promotes cellular proliferation, little is known about its role in endothelial cell cycle progression. To assess the regulatory role of endogenously produced H(2)O(2) in cell cycle progression, we studied the cell cycle progression in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) obtained from mice overexpressing a human catalase transgene (hCatTg), which destroys H(2)O(2). The hCatTg MAECs displayed a prolonged doubling time compared to wild-type controls (44.0 +/- 4.7 h versus 28.6 +/- 0.8 h, p<0.05), consistent with a diminished growth rate and H(2)O(2) release. Incubation with aminotriazole, a catalase inhibitor, prevented the observed diminished growth rate in hCatTg MAECs. Inhibition of catalase activity with aminotriazole abrogated catalase overexpression-induced antiproliferative action. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the prolonged doubling time was principally due to an extended G(0)/G(1) phase in hCatTg MAECs compared to the wild-type cells (25.0 +/- 0.9 h versus 15.9 +/- 1.4 h, p< 0.05). The hCatTg MAECs also exhibited decreased activities of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) complexes responsible for G(0)/G(1)- to S-phase transition in the cell cycle, including the cyclin D-Cdk4 and cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes. Moreover, the reduction in cyclin-Cdk activities in hCatTg MAECs was accompanied by increased protein levels of two Cdk inhibitors, p21 and p27, which inhibit the Cdk activity required for the G(0)/G(1)- to S-phase transition. Knockdown of p21 and/or p27 attenuated the antiproliferative effect of catalase overexpression in MAECs. These results, together with the fact that catalase is an H(2)O(2) scavenger, suggest that endogenously produced H(2)O(2) mediates MAEC proliferation by fostering the transition from G(0)/G(1) to S phase.

Overexpression of antioxidant enzymes in ApoE-deficient mice suppresses benzo(a)pyrene-accelerated atherosclerosis

The carcinogenic polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), has been shown to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. To assess the causal role of BaP-generated ROS in this process, we evaluated atherosclerotic metrics in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice with or without overexpression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and/or catalase. Without BaP, aortic atherosclerotic lesions were smaller in ApoE(-/-) mice overexpressing catalase or both Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase than in those overexpressing neither or Cu/Zn-SOD only. After treating with BaP or vehicle for 24 weeks, mean lesion sizes in the aortic tree and aortic root of ApoE(-/-) mice were increased by approximately 60% and 40%, respectively. BaP also increased the levels of oxidized lipids in the aortic tree of ApoE(-/-) mice and increased the frequency of advanced lesions. In contrast, BaP did not significantly alter lipid peroxidation levels or atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas of ApoE(-/-) mice overexpressing Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase. Overexpression of Cu/Zn-SOD and/or catalase also inhibited BaP-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in aortas and endothelial cells, and reduced BaP-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. These observations, together with the functions of catalase and Cu/Zn-SOD to scavenge hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions, implicate a causal role of ROS in the pathogenesis of BaP-induced atherosclerosis.

Suppression of atherogenesis by overexpression of glutathione peroxidase-4 in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Accumulation of oxidized lipids in the arterial wall contributes to atherosclerosis. Glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx4) is a hydroperoxide scavenger that removes oxidative modifications from lipids such as free fatty acids, cholesterols, and phospholipids. Here, we set out to assess the effects of GPx4 overexpression on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice. The results revealed that atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic tree and aortic sinus of ApoE(-/-) mice overexpressing GPx4 (hGPx4Tg/ApoE(-/-)) were significantly smaller than those of ApoE(-/-) control mice. GPx4 overexpression also diminished signs of advanced lesions in the aortic sinus, as seen by a decreased occurrence of fibrous caps and acellular areas among hGPx4Tg/ApoE(-/-) animals. This delay of atherosclerosis in hGPx4Tg/ApoE(-/-) mice correlated with reduced aortic F(2)-isoprostane levels (R(2)=0.75, p<0.01). In addition, overexpression of GPx4 lessened atherogenic events induced by the oxidized lipids lysophosphatidylcholine and 7-ketocholesterol, including upregulated expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, as well as endothelial necrosis and apoptosis. These results suggest that overexpression of GPx4 inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by decreasing lipid peroxidation and inhibiting the sensitivity of vascular cells to oxidized lipids.

Lack of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase-1 accelerates atherosclerosis in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

BACKGROUND

Recent clinical studies have suggested a major protective role for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. We induced diabetes in mice deficient for both GPx1 and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) to determine whether this is merely an association or whether GPx1 has a direct effect on diabetes-associated atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ApoE-deficient (ApoE-/-) and ApoE/GPx1 double-knockout (ApoE-/- GPx1-/-) mice were made diabetic with streptozotocin and aortic lesion formation, and atherogenic pathways were assessed after 10 and 20 weeks of diabetes. Aortic proinflammatory and profibrotic markers were determined by both quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis after 10 weeks of diabetes and immunohistochemical analysis after 10 and 20 weeks of diabetes. Sham-injected nondiabetic counterparts served as controls. Atherosclerotic lesions within the aortic sinus region, as well as arch, thoracic, and abdominal lesions, were significantly increased in diabetic ApoE-/- GPx1-/- aortas compared with diabetic ApoE-/- aortas. This increase was accompanied by increased macrophages, alpha-smooth muscle actin, receptors for advanced glycation end products, and various proinflammatory (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and profibrotic (vascular endothelial growth factor and connective tissue growth factor) markers. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed increased expression of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor. Nitrotyrosine levels were significantly increased in diabetic ApoE-/- GPx1-/- mouse aortas. These findings were observed despite upregulation of other antioxidants.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of functional GPx1 accelerates diabetes-associated atherosclerosis via upregulation of proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways in ApoE-/- mice. Our study provides evidence of a protective role for GPx1 and establishes GPx1 as an important antiatherogenic therapeutic target in patients with or at risk of diabetic macrovascular disease.

Improvement of an experimental colitis in rats by lactic acid bacteria producing superoxide dismutase

The use of superoxide dismutases (SODs) in inflammatory diseases is hampered by their short circulatory half-life. To determine whether a bacterial supply of SOD into the colon might improve an experimental colitis, the effects of oral treatment with live recombinant lactic acid bacteria producing different amounts of SOD and those of colonic infusion of SOD were compared. Wistar rats were fitted with a catheter in the proximal colon through which TNBS was administered to induce colitis. Animals received a continuous intracolonic infusion of bovine SOD (40 U per rat per day) for 4 days after TNBS or were treated orally with live recombinant Lactococcus lactis or Lactobacillus plantarum strains (10 colony-forming units (CFU)/d), producing or not producing SOD, for 4 days before and after TNBS. SOD activity of bacterial extracts was 0, 26, 74, and 624 units/10 CFU for L. plantarum, L. lactis, L. lactis SOD, and L. plantarum SOD, respectively. Four days after TNBS, macroscopic and microscopic damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and nitrotyrosine immunostaining were evaluated. TNBS induced macroscopic and microscopic damages, an increase in MPO activity, and intense immunostaining for nitrotyrosine. Macroscopic damage and MPO activity were reduced by bovine SOD. These parameters and microscopic damages also were reduced by L. lactis, L. lactis SOD, and L. plantarum SOD, but not by L. plantarum. Nitrotyrosine immunostaining was attenuated after treatment with the 4 bacterial strains. Although not all of the anti-inflammatory effects could be attributed directly to SOD, our results suggest that SOD-producing lactic acid bacteria open a novel approach in inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

Edaravone reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury mediators in rat liver

BACKGROUND

In hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, oxidative stress both directly injures the liver and promotes an inflammatory reaction by up-regulating various inflammatory mediators. We investigated whether edaravone, a new hydroxy radical scavenger, could reduce hepatic I/R injury including expression of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and adhesion molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min of partial hepatic pedicle clamping (70%) followed by reperfusion. Just after initiation of reperfusion and again 1 h later, edaravone was administered intraportally. After reperfusion hepatic lipid peroxidation was measured by thiobarbituric acid assay, and hepatic injury was quantified by measuring hepatic enzymes in plasma. We serially quantified hepatic expression of mRNAs for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and E-selectin, and histologically examined E-selectin expression and neutrophil accumulation.

RESULTS

In the edaravone group, hepatic lipid peroxidation and hepatic enzyme leakage were significantly less than in the saline group. Hepatic expression of TNF-alpha and E-selectin mRNAs was significantly lower in the edaravone than the saline group, at 2 h after initiation of reperfusion. Histologically, E-selectin immunoreactivity and neutrophil accumulation were less evident in hepatic sections from the edaravone group.

CONCLUSIONS

Edaravone reduced hepatic I/R injury by minimizing oxidative stress, and inhibited subsequent injurious inflammation by reducing expression of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules.

Different cytotoxic injuries induced by lysophosphatidylcholine and 7-ketocholesterol in mouse endothelial cells

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) are two key components of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and have been shown to injure endothelial cells derived from various species. This report examines LPC- and 7-KC-induced cell death in mouse aorta endothelial cells (MAECs). The presence and the mechanism of cell death were assessed with morphological criteria, Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide fluorescence staining, and caspase-3 activity. The authors observed that 7-KC induced cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and caspase-3 activity. In contrast, LPC induced membrane rupture, nuclear expansion, and cell lysis. In addition, 7-KC induced a transient increase, whereas LPC induced a sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidants and calcium antagonists attenuated both 7-KC- and LPC-induced cell death. These findings suggest that 7-KC and LPC injure MAECs through differential mechanisms; LPC induces necrosis, 7-KC induces apoptosis, and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels and production of ROS are common mechanisms for these cytotoxic injuries.

Antioxidants and endothelium protection

The endothelium is a complex organ system that controls the homeostasis of the vasculature by integrating signals between the vascular wall and the vessel lumen. Under physiological conditions, it maintains a normal vascular tone and blood fluidity by elaborating a variety of factors, such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin and endothelin. However, in pathological situations the endothelium can also modify its phenotype facilitating vasoconstriction, inflammation, and thrombotic events. These abnormal responses manifest in different clinical settings, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and occur in the absence of any morphological change of the vessel. The etiology of these altered endothelial functions is multi-factorial, and the mechanisms underlying them are complex and not yet fully elucidated. Today, there is substantial evidence that many endothelial functions are sensitive to the presence of reactive oxygen species and subsequent oxidative stress. Here, I will review the increasing number of studies showing that exogenous antioxidants can modulate the endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses, the homeostatic endothelium-leukocyte interactions, the balance between pro- and anti-thrombotic properties, and the vascular apoptotic responses. Finally, the non-antioxidant activities of some antioxidant will also be described.

Protective effect of polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase on leukocyte dynamics in rat retinal microcirculation under lipid hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress

The levels of lipid hydroperoxide (LHPs) in vitreous are elevated in a variety of retinal disorders. Recently, we have shown that increased levels of LHPs in the vitreous enhanced leukocyte-endothelium interaction in the retina, which should contribute to the initial disturbance of the retinal microcirculation. Based upon the previous work, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD), one of the important enzyme antioxidants, on leukocyte-endothelial interaction in the retinal microcirculation under LHP-induced oxidative stress. Male Brown-Norway rats weighing approximately 250 g were used. LHP(18:2) was made from linoleic acid (LA) with lipoxygenase and 10 microg of LHP dissolved in 5 microl of sodium borate buffer (SBB, 0.02 m) was slowly injected into the vitreous using a 33-gauge needle. PEG-SOD (5000 units/kg) was given intravenously 5 min before LHP injection. At 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hr after the vitreous injections, we evaluated the number of rolling leukocytes along the major retinal veins and the number of leukocytes that accumulated in the retinal microvasculature with acridine orange digital fluorography. In LHP-treated rats, leukocyte rolling along the major retinal veins was maximal at 6 hr after LHP injection. The number of rolling leukocytes in the PEG-SOD-treated rats was decreased to 5.5% of those in the LHP-treated rats at 6 hr after LHP injection (P<0.01). No rolling leukocytes were observed in either control or vehicle-treated eyes. The number of accumulated leukocytes in LHP-treated eyes started to increase at 12 hr, and peaked at 24 hr which was significantly higher than in both control and vehicle-treated eyes (P<0.01). The number of accumulated leukocytes in the PEG-SOD-treated rats was reduced by 88.0% at 24 hr (P<0.01). Intravenous injection of PEG-SOD significantly inhibited the leukocyte rolling and its accumulation under LHP-induced oxidative stress. These results suggest that PEG-SOD might attenuate various retinal microcirculatory disorders associated with LHP.

Tamoxifen up-regulates catalase production, inhibits vessel wall neutrophil infiltration, and attenuates development of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), similar to estrogens, possess vasoprotective effects by reducing release of reactive oxygen species. Little is known about the potential effects of SERMs on the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This study's objective was to investigate the growth of experimental AAAs in the setting of the SERM tamoxifen.

METHODS

In the first set of experiments, adult male rats underwent subcutaneous tamoxifen pellet (delivering 10 mg/kg/day) implantation (n = 14) or sham operation (n = 16). Seven days later, all animals underwent pancreatic elastase perfusion of the abdominal aorta. Aortic diameters were determined at that time, and aortas were harvested 7 and 14 days after elastase perfusion for immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and zymography. In the second set of experiments, a direct irreversible catalase inhibitor, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT), was administered intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg) daily to tamoxifen-treated (n = 6) and control rats (n = 6), starting on day 7 after elastase perfusion. Aortic diameters were measured on day 14. In a third set of experiments, rats were perfused with catalase (150 mg/kg) after the elastase (n = 5), followed by daily intravenous injections of catalase (150 mg/kg/day) administered for 10 days. A control group of rats (n = 7) received 0.9% NaCl instead of catalase.

RESULTS

Mean AAA diameters were approximately 50% smaller in tamoxifen-treated rats compared with sham rats 14 days after elastase perfusion (P = .002). The tamoxifen-treated group's aortas had a five-fold increase in catalase mRNA expression (P = .02) on day 7 and an eight-fold increase in catalase protein on day 14 (P = .04). Matrix metalloprotroteinase-9 activity was 2.4-fold higher (P = .01) on day 7 in the aortas of the controls compared to the tamoxifen-treated group's aortas. Tamoxifen-treated rats had approximately 40% fewer aortic polymorphonuclear neutrophils compared to controls on day 7 (P = .05). Administration of the direct catalase inhibitor AT to tamoxifen-treated rats partially reversed the aneurysm inhibitory effect of tamoxifen by nearly 30% (P = .02). In contrast, catalase administration inhibited AAA formation by 44% (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen inhibits the development of AAAs in male rats in association with an up-regulation of catalase and inhibition of aortic wall neutrophil infiltration.

Retardation of atherosclerosis by overexpression of catalase or both Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and catalase in mice lacking apolipoprotein E

Oxidative stress has been suggested to potentiate atherogenesis. However, studies that have investigated the effect of antioxidants on atherosclerosis showed inconsistent results, ie, atherosclerosis was either retarded or not changed by dietary antioxidants. This report directly examined the effect of overexpressing Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and/or catalase on atherosclerosis and lipid peroxidation in mice lacking apolipoprotein E (ApoE-/-). Based on lipid staining of the en face of the aorta tree and the serial sections of the proximal aorta, ApoE-/- mice overexpressing catalase or both Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase had smaller and relatively early stages of atherosclerotic lesions (eg, foam cells and free lipids) when compared with ApoE-/- mice, who developed more advanced lesions (eg, fibrous caps and acellular areas). In addition, the retarded development of atherosclerosis was correlated with a reduced F2-isoprostanes in the plasma and aortas in ApoE-/- mice overexpressing catalase or both Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase. In contrast, the levels of F2-isoprostanes and atherosclerosis in the ApoE-/- mice overexpressing Cu/Zn-SOD alone were comparable to ApoE-/- control mice. These observations implied that endogenously produced hydrogen peroxide, but not superoxide anions, contributed to the formation of oxidized lipids and the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice.

Gene transfer of extracellular superoxide dismutase improves relaxation of aorta after treatment with endotoxin

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs vascular function, in part by generation of reactive oxygen species. One goal of this study was to determine whether gene transfer of extracellular SOD (ECSOD) improves vascular responsiveness in LPS-treated rats. A second goal was to determine whether effects of ECSOD are dependent on the heparin-binding domain of the enzyme, which facilitates binding of ECSOD to the outside of cells. Adenoviruses containing ECSOD (AdECSOD), ECSOD with deletion of its heparin-binding domain (AdECSOD-HBD), or a control virus (AdLacZ) were injected intravenously into rats. Three days later, vehicle or LPS (10 mg/kg ip) was injected. After 24 h, vascular reactivity was examined in aortic rings in vitro. Maximum relaxation to acetylcholine was 95 +/- 1% (means +/- SE) after AdlacZ plus vehicle and 77 +/- 3% after AdlacZ plus LPS (P < 0.05). Responses to calcium ionophore A-23187 and submaximal concentrations of nitroprusside also were impaired by LPS. Gene transfer of ECSOD, but not AdECSOD-HBD, improved (P < 0.05) relaxation to acetylcholine and A-23187 after LPS. Maximum relaxation to acetylcholine was 88 +/- 3% after LPS plus AdECSOD. Superoxide was increased in aorta after LPS, and the levels were reduced after AdECSOD but not AdECSOD-HBD. LPS-induced adhesion of leukocytes to aortic endothelium was reduced by AdECSOD but not by AdECSOD-HBD. We conclude that after gene transfer in vivo, binding of ECSOD to arteries effectively decreases the numbers of adherent leukocytes and levels of superoxide and improves impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation produced by LPS.

Food restriction attenuates age-related increase in the sensitivity of endothelial cells to oxidized lipids

Age-related endothelial dysfunction has been suggested to play a role in atherogenesis. Food restriction (FR) has been shown to retard the development of atherosclerosis. The goal of this report is to assess the effect of aging and FR on endothelial functions, including the release of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) and the adhesion of mononuclear cells (MNCs) to endothelial cells (ECs). ECs were obtained from the aorta of young mice fed ad libitum (Y-AL), old mice fed ad libitum (O-AL), or a food-restricted diet (O-FR). When compared with those obtained from Y-AL and O-FR mice, ECs obtained from O-AL mice decreased the basal level of NO release and increased the basal level of peroxynitrite, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide. In addition, ECs obtained from O-AL elevated the response to CuSO4-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). For example, incubation with oxLDL reduced NO release approximately 52% in ECs obtained from O-AL mice. In contrast, the same dose of oxLDL reduced NO release only approximately 40% in ECs obtained from Y-AL and O-FR mice. Moreover, the level of oxLDL-induced adhesion of MNCs and oxLDL-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was markedly higher in ECs obtained from O-AL mice as compared with those obtained from Y-AL and O-FR mice. These results suggest that aging increases the sensitivity of ECs in response to oxLDL-reduced endothelial NO release and oxLDL-increased adhesion of MNCs to ECs. FR attenuates age-related increase in the sensitivity of ECs to oxLDL, which might be responsible, at least in part, for the antiatherogenic action of FR.