Relation between redox potentials and rate constants in reactions coupled with the system oxygen-superoxide

Concentrate and degrade PFOA with a photo-regenerable composite of In-doped TNTs@AC

"Concentrate-and-degrade" is an effective strategy to promote mass transfer and degradation of pollutants in photocatalytic systems, yet suitable and cost-effective photocatalysts are required to practice the new concept. In this study, we doped a post-transition metal of Indium (In) on a novel composite adsorptive photocatalyst, activated carbon-supported titanate nanotubes (TNTs@AC), to effectively degrade perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). In/TNTs@AC exhibited both excellent PFOA adsorption (>99% in 30 min) and photodegradation (>99% in 4 h) under optimal conditions (25 °C, pH 7, 1 atm, 1 g/L catalyst, 0.1 mg/L PFOA, 254 nm). The heterojunction structure of the composite facilitated a cooperative adsorption mode of PFOA, i.e., binding of the carboxylic head group of PFOA to the metal oxide and attachment of the hydrophobic tail to AC. The resulting side-on adsorption mode facilitates the electron (e^‒) transfer from the carboxylic head to the photogenerated hole (h⁺), which was the major oxidant verified by scavenger tests. Furthermore, the presence of In enables direct electron transfer and facilitates the subsequent stepwise defluorination. Finally, In/TNTs@AC was amenable to repeated uses in four consecutive adsorption-photodegradation runs. The findings showed that adsorptive photocatalysts can be prepared by hybridization of carbon and photoactive semiconductors and the enabled "concentrate-and-degrade" strategy is promising for the removal and degradation of trace levels of PFOA from polluted waters.

Determination and Environmental Implications of Aqueous-Phase Rate Constants in Radical Reactions

Interests in the kinetics of radical-induced reactions in aqueous solution have grown remarkably due to their water engineering significance (e.g., advanced oxidation processes). Although compilations of the rate constants (k) for various radicals have been documented, surprisingly a systematic review has yet to be reported on the development of reliable methods for determining k values. A knowledge gap exists to critically evaluate and screen the various methods to measure them. In this review, we summarize the direct and indirect methods under steady-state and non-steady-state conditions, followed by critical evaluations on their advantages and disadvantages. The radicals of ·OH, [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and Cl· were chosen based on their significant aquatic environmental relevance. MS excel spreadsheets that demonstrate the determination processes were provided allowing one to reproduce the data and/or to analyze the unprocessed raw data as a "template". We formulated a standard operation procedure for the k determination, although there is simply no "versatile" method fitting for all radical reactions. Finally, existing challenges and future research focus are discussed. This is the first review covering methodological approaches and considerations, aiming to provide a holistic and fundamental basis to choose an appropriate method for determining the k values for bimolecular reactions between target compounds and radicals in the aqueous phase.

A concentrate-and-destroy technique for degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid in water using a new adsorptive photocatalyst

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as a major concern in aquatic systems worldwide due to their widespread applications and health concerns. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most-detected PFAS. Yet, a cost-effective technology has been lacking for the degradation of PFAS due to their resistance to conventional treatment processes. To address this challenge, we prepared a novel adsorptive photocatalyst, referred to Fe/TNTs@AC, based on low-cost commercial activated carbon (AC) and TiO₂. The composite material exhibited synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic activity and enabled a novel "concentrate-&-destroy" strategy for rapid and complete degradation of PFOA in water. Fe/TNTs@AC was able to adsorb PFOA within a few minutes, thereby effectively concentrating the target contaminant on the photoactive sites. Subsequently, Fe/TNTs@AC was able to degrade >90% of PFOA that was preconcentrated on the solid in 4 h under UV irradiation (254 nm, 21 mW cm^‒2), of which 62% was completely mineralized to F^-. The efficient photodegradation also regenerated Fe/TNTs@AC, eliminating the need for expensive chemical regenerants, and after six cycles of adsorption/photodegradation, the material showed no significant drop in adsorption capacity or photocatalytic activity. Simulations based on the density functional theory (DFT) revealed that Fe/TNTs@AC adsorbs PFOA in the side-on parallel mode, facilitating the subsequent photocatalytic degradation of PFOA. According to the DFT analysis, scavenger tests, and analysis of degradation intermediates, PFOA decomposition is initiated by direct hole oxidation, which activates the molecule and leads to a series of decarboxylation, C-F bond cleavage, and chain shortening reactions. The innovative "concentrate-&-destroy" strategy may significantly advance conventional adsorption or photochemical treatment of PFAS-contaminated water and holds the potential to degrade PFOA, and potentially other PFAS, more cost-effectively.

Molecular mechanism of metabolic NAD(P)H-dependent electron-transfer systems: The role of redox cofactors

NAD(P)H-dependent electron-transfer (ET) systems require three functional components: a flavin-containing NAD(P)H-dehydrogenase, one-electron carrier and metal-containing redox center. In principle, these ET systems consist of one-, two- and three-components, and the electron flux from pyridine nucleotide cofactors, NADPH or NADH to final electron acceptor follows a linear pathway: NAD(P)H → flavin → one-electron carrier → metal containing redox center. In each step ET is primarily controlled by one- and two-electron midpoint reduction potentials of protein-bound redox cofactors in which the redox-linked conformational changes during the catalytic cycle are required for the domain-domain interactions. These interactions play an effective ET reactions in the multi-component ET systems. The microsomal and mitochondrial cytochrome P450 (cyt P450) ET systems, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isozymes, cytochrome b₅ (cyt b₅) ET systems and methionine synthase (MS) ET system include a combination of multi-domain, and their organizations display similarities as well as differences in their components. However, these ET systems are sharing of a similar mechanism. More recent structural information obtained by X-ray and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis provides more detail for the mechanisms associated with multi-domain ET systems. Therefore, this review summarizes the roles of redox cofactors in the metabolic ET systems on the basis of one-electron redox potentials. In final Section, evolutionary aspects of NAD(P)H-dependent multi-domain ET systems will be discussed.

Sensing Mechanisms in the Redox-Regulated, [2Fe-2S] Cluster-Containing, Bacterial Transcriptional Factor SoxR

Bacteria possess molecular biosensors that enable responses to a variety of stressful conditions, including oxidative stress, toxic compounds, and interactions with other organisms, through elaborately coordinated regulation of gene expression. In Escherichia coli and related bacteria, the transcription factor SoxR functions as a sensor of oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO). SoxR protein contains a [2Fe-2S] cluster essential for its transcription-enhancing activity, which is regulated by redox changes in the [2Fe-2S] cluster. We have explored the mechanistic and structural basis of SoxR proteins function and determined how the chemistry at the [2Fe-2S] cluster causes the subsequent regulatory response. In this Account, I describe our recent achievements in three different areas using physicochemical techniques, primarily pulse radiolysis. First, redox-dependent conformational changes in SoxR-bound DNA were studied by site-specifically replacing selected bases with the fluorescent probes 2-aminopurine and pyrrolocytosine. X-ray analyses of the DNA-SoxR complex in the oxidized state revealed that the DNA structure is distorted in the center regions, resulting in local untwisting of base pairs. However, the inactive, reduced state had remained uncharacterized. We found that reduction of the [2Fe-2S] cluster in the SoxR-DNA complex weakens the fluorescence intensity within a region confined to the central base pairs in the promoter region. Second, the reactions of NO with [2Fe-2S] clusters of E. coli SoxR were analyzed using pulse radiolysis. The transcriptional activation of SoxR in E. coli occurs through direct modification of [2Fe-2S] by NO to form a dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC). The reaction of NO with [2Fe-2S] cluster of SoxR proceeded nearly quantitatively with concomitant reductive elimination of two equivalents S⁰ atoms. Intermediate nitrosylation products, however, were too unstable to observe. We found that the conversion proceeds through at least two steps, with the faster phase being the first reaction of the NO molecule with the [2Fe-2S] cluster. The slower reaction with the second equivalent NO molecule, however, was important for the formation of DNIC. Third, to elucidate the differences between the distinct responses of SoxR proteins from two different species, we studied the interaction of E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa SoxR with superoxide anion using a mutagenic approach. Despite the homology between E. coli SoxR and P. aeruginosa SoxR, the function of P. aeruginosa SoxR differs from that of E. coli. The substitution of E. coli SoxR lysine residues, located close to [2Fe-2S] clusters, into P. aeruginosa SoxR dramatically affected the reaction with superoxide anion.

Binding of promoter DNA to SoxR protein decreases the reduction potential of the [2Fe-2S] cluster

The [2Fe-2S] transcriptional factor SoxR, a member of the MerR family, functions as a sensor of oxidative stress in Escherichia coli. The transcriptional activity of SoxR is regulated by the reversible oxidation and reduction of [2Fe-2S] clusters. Electrochemistry measurements on DNA-modified electrodes have shown a dramatic shift in the reduction potential of SoxR from -290 to +200 mV with the promoter DNA-bound [ Gorodetsky , A. A. , Dietrich , L. E. P. , Lee , P. E. , Demple , B. , , Newman , D. K. , and Barton , J. K. ( 2008 ) DNA binding shifts the reduction potential of the transcription factor SoxR , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105 , 3684 - 3689 ]. To determine the change of the SoxR reduction potential using the new condition, the one-electron oxidation-reduction properties of [2Fe-2S] cluster in SoxR were investigated in the absence and presence of the DNA. The [2Fe-2S] cluster of SoxR was completely reduced by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-cytochrome P450 reductase (CRP) in the presence of a NADPH generating system (glucose 6-dehydrogenase and glucose-6 phosphate), indicating that CRP can serve as an NADPH-dependent electron carrier for SoxR. The reduction potential of SoxR was measured from equilibrium data coupled with NADPH and CRP in the presence of electron mediators. The reduction potentials of DNA-bound and DNA-free states of SoxR were -320 and -293 mV versus NHE (normal hydrogen electrode), respectively. These results indicate that DNA binding causes a moderate shift in the reduction potential of SoxR.

Photochemistry for pollution abatement

Sunlight is a clean, cheap, and abundant reagent. Many light-initiated reactions can be carried out in water, making photochemistry an ideal tool for pollution abatement and/or elimination. We studied the photoreactivity of different families of common organic micropollutants: light-initiated processes in the absence or presence of co-oxidants, and photocatalyzed reactions using different photocatalysts and composites. Based on the experimental evidences found, detailed transformation mechanisms have been proposed that help understand the reactivity of organic micropollutants and predict their environmental fate. Our approach includes the study of the photophysics for each family of compounds, its reactivity upon direct photolysis, adsorption onto photocatalysts, photocatalytic reactivity, thermodynamics, and kinetics of the processes involved (pKa, Eº, rate constants, etc.), product analysis, and ecotoxicological assessment. Different commonly overlooked problems, related to the kinetics of the process, are reported, and a model is proposed that includes the possibility of adsorption on different types of active sites, leading to different reactivities.

Direct oxidation of the [2Fe-2S] cluster in SoxR protein by superoxide: distinct differential sensitivity to superoxide-mediated signal transduction

The [2Fe-2S] transcription factor SoxR is activated by reversible one-electron oxidation of its [2Fe-2S] cluster, leading to enhanced production of various antioxidant proteins through induction of the soxRS regulon in Escherichia coli. Recently, there has been considerable debate about whether superoxide (O(2)(•)) activates SoxR directly. To elucidate the underlying activation mechanism, we investigated SoxR interaction with O(2)(•) using pulse radiolysis. Radiolytically generated hydrated electrons reduced the oxidized form of the [2Fe-2S] cluster of SoxR within 2 μs. A subsequent increase in absorption in the visible region corresponding to reoxidation of the [2Fe-2S] cluster was observed on a time scale of milliseconds. Addition of human copper/zinc superoxide dismutase inhibited this delayed oxidation in a concentration-dependent fashion (I(50) = 1.0 μm), indicating that O(2)(•) oxidized the reduced form of SoxR directly. The second-order rate constant of this process was estimated to be 5 × 10(8) m(-1) s(-1). A similar result was observed after pulse radiolysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa SoxR. However, superoxide dismutase inhibited the oxidation of reduced SoxR much more effectively in P. aeruginosa, even at a lower concentration (I(50) = 80 nm), indicating that the soxRS response is much more sensitive to O(2)(•) in E. coli than in P. aeruginosa. These results suggest that SoxR proteins play a distinct regulatory role in the activation of O(2)(•).

The fate of benzene-oxide

Metabolism is a prerequisite for the development of benzene-mediated myelotoxicity. Benzene is initially metabolized via cytochromes P450 (primarily CYP2E1 in liver) to benzene-oxide, which subsequently gives rise to a number of secondary products. Benzene-oxide equilibrates spontaneously with the corresponding oxepine valence tautomer, which can ring open to yield a reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde, trans-trans-muconaldehyde (MCA). Further reduction or oxidation of MCA gives rise to either 6-hydroxy-trans-trans-2,4-hexadienal or 6-hydroxy-trans-trans-2,4-hexadienoic acid. Both MCA and the hexadienal metabolite are myelotoxic in animal models. Alternatively, benzene-oxide can undergo conjugation with glutathione (GSH), resulting in the eventual formation and urinary excretion of S-phenylmercapturic acid. Benzene-oxide is also a substrate for epoxide hydrolase, which catalyzes the formation of benzene dihydrodiol, itself a substrate for dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, producing catechol. Finally, benzene-oxide spontaneously rearranges to phenol, which subsequently undergoes either conjugation (glucuronic acid or sulfate) or oxidation. The latter reaction, catalyzed by cytochromes P450, gives rise to hydroquinone (HQ) and 1,2,4-benzene triol. Co-administration of phenol and HQ reproduces the myelotoxic effects of benzene in animal models. The two diphenolic metabolites of benzene, catechol and HQ undergo further oxidation to the corresponding ortho-(1,2-), or para-(1,4-)benzoquinones (BQ), respectively. Trapping of 1,4-BQ with GSH gives rise to a variety of HQ-GSH conjugates, several of which are hematotoxic when administered to rats. Thus, benzene-oxide gives rise to a cascade of metabolites that exhibit biological reactivity, and that provide a plausible metabolic basis for benzene-mediated myelotoxicity. Benzene-oxide itself is remarkably stable, and certainly capable of translocating from its primary site of formation in the liver to the bone marrow. However, therein lies the challenge, for although there exists a plethora of information on the metabolism of benzene, and the fate of benzene-oxide, there is a paucity of data on the presence, concentration, and persistence of benzene metabolites in bone marrow. The major metabolites in bone marrow of mice exposed to 50 ppm [(3)H]benzene are muconic acid, and glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugates of phenol, HQ, and catechol. Studies with [(14)C/(13)C]benzene revealed the presence in bone marrow of protein adducts of benzene-oxide, 1,4-BQ, and 1,4-BQ, the relative abundance of which was both dose and species dependent. In particular, histones are bone marrow targets of [(14)C]benzene, although the identity of the reactive metabolite(s) giving rise to these adducts remain unknown. Finally, hematotoxic HQ-GSH conjugates are present in the bone marrow of rats receiving the HQ/phenol combination. In summary, although the fate of benzene-oxide is known in remarkable detail, coupling this information to the site, and mechanism of action, remains to be established.

Hydroquinone: an evaluation of the human risks from its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties

The toxicology of hydroquinone has been reviewed on a number of previous occasions. This review targets its potential for carcinogenicity and possible modes of carcinogenic action. The evaluation made by IARC (1999) of its carcinogenic risk to humans was that hydroquinone is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). This evaluation was based on inadequate evidence in humans and limited evidence in experimental animals. The epidemiological information comes from four cohort studies involving occupational exposures. A cohort of lithographers, some of whom had worked with hydroquinone, had an excess of malignant melanoma based on five cases, but only two of the cases had reported exposure to hydroquinone. In a study of photographic processors the number of exposed individuals was uncertain and the numbers of cases of individual cancer sites were small. In view of the statistical power limitations of these studies for individual diagnostic categories of cancers, they are not considered to be informative with regard to the carcinogenicity of hydroquinone. A cohort of workers with definite and lengthy exposure to hydroquinone, during either its manufacture or its use, had low cancer rates compared with two comparison populations; the reason for the lower than expected rates is unclear. In a motion picture film processing cohort there were significant excess malignancies of the respiratory system among workers engaged in developing, where there was exposure to hydroquinone as well as other chemicals. There was no information on tobacco smoking habits and no dose-response relationship. Hydroquinone has been shown reproducibly to induce benign neoplasms in the kidneys of male F344 rats dosed orally either by gavage (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) or diet (0.8%). The gavage study has been evaluated in considerable detail. This evaluation showed that all renal tubule adenomas and all cases of renal tubule atypical hyperplasia occurred in areas of severe or end-stage chronic progressive nephropathy and that the neoplasms were not otherwise confined to any particular part of the kidney. It is likely that the mode of carcinogenic action of hydroquinone is exacerbation of this natural disease process. Hydroquinone is mutagenic in vitro and in vivo, having caused genotoxicity or chromosomal aberrations in rodent bone-marrow cells. At least a portion, if not all, of the chromosomal effects are caused by interference by hydroquinone or its metabolites with chromosomal segregation, probably due to interaction with mitotic spindle proteins. However, the dose routes used to demonstrate these effects in almost all of the studies in vivo were intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection, which were considered inappropriate. There were five studies by the oral route. These included a mouse bone-marrow cell micronucleus test in which a weak, marginally positive response was obtained following a single oral dose of 80 mg/kg body weight. The remaining oral route studies all showed no significant effect. They included a mouse bone-marrow cell micronucleus test in which there was no genotoxic activity after exposure to a diet containing 0.8% hydroquinone for 6 days; two (32)P-post-labeling assays, one with targets of Zymbal gland, liver, and spleen in Sprague-Dawley rats, the other with the kidney as target in F344 rats; and the last oral assay was for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine adducts in F344 rat kidney DNA. Thus, the evidence (and the database) for any genotoxic effect in vivo is sparse and none has been observed in kidney. While glutathione conjugates could be responsible for the tumor induction, careful histology seems to show that the most actively toxic of several glutathione compounds tested, 2,3,5-triglutathion-S-yl hydroquinone, targets a very specific region of the kidney, the outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM), whereas hydroquinone-associated adenomas are more randomly distributed and occur in the cortex as well as the medulla. A nongenotoxic mode of action that involves exacerbation of a spontaneously occurring rodent renal disease, chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN), is proposed and evaluated. This disease is particularly prominent in male rats and the evidence is consistent with an absence of any human counterpart; therefore, the increased incidence of renal tubule adenomas in hydroquinone-dosed male rats is without human consequence.

Molecular mechanism of phase I and phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes: implications for detoxification

Enzymes that catalyze the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics are generally referred to as drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs). DMEs can be classified into two main groups: oxidative or conjugative. The NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R)/cytochrome P450 (P450) electron transfer systems are oxidative enzymes that mediate phase I reactions, whereas the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are conjugative enzymes that mediate phase II enzymes. Both enzyme systems are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where a number of drugs are sequentially metabolized. DMEs, including P450s and UGTs, generally have a highly plastic active site that can accommodate a wide variety of substrates. The P450 and UGT genes constitute a supergene family, in which UGT proteins are encoded by distinct genes and a complex gene. Both the P450 and UGT genes have evolved to diversify their functions. This chapter reviews advances in understanding the structure and function of the P450R/P450 and UGT enzyme systems. In particular, the coordinate biotransformation of xenobiotics by phase I and II enzymes in the ER membrane is examined.

A new paradigm: manganese superoxide dismutase influences the production of H2O2 in cells and thereby their biological state

The principal source of hydrogen peroxide in mitochondria is thought to be from the dismutation of superoxide via the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). However, the nature of the effect of SOD on the cellular production of H(2)O(2) is not widely appreciated. The current paradigm is that the presence of SOD results in a lower level of H(2)O(2) because it would prevent the non-enzymatic reactions of superoxide that form H(2)O(2). The goal of this work was to: a) demonstrate that SOD can increase the flux of H(2)O(2), and b) use kinetic modelling to determine what kinetic and thermodynamic conditions result in SOD increasing the flux of H(2)O(2). We examined two biological sources of superoxide production (xanthine oxidase and coenzyme Q semiquinone, CoQ(*-) that have different thermodynamic and kinetic properties. We found that SOD could change the rate of formation of H(2)O(2) in cases where equilibrium-specific reactions form superoxide with an equilibrium constant (K) less than 1. An example is the formation of superoxide in the electron transport chain (ETC) of the mitochondria by the reaction of ubisemiquinone radical with dioxygen. We measured the rate of release of H(2)O(2) into culture medium from cells with differing levels of MnSOD. We found that the higher the level of SOD, the greater the rate of accumulation of H(2)O(2). Results with kinetic modelling were consistent with this observation; the steady-state level of H(2)O(2) increases if K<1, for example CoQ(*-)+O(2)-->CoQ+O(2)(*-). However, when K>1, e.g. xanthine oxidase forming O(2)(*-), SOD does not affect the steady state-level of H(2)O(2). Thus, the current paradigm that SOD will lower the flux of H(2)O(2) does not hold for the ETC. These observations indicate that MnSOD contributes to the flux of H(2)O(2) in cells and thereby is involved in establishing the cellular redox environment and thus the biological state of the cell.

Chemiluminescence of CdTe Nanocrystals Induced by Direct Chemical Oxidation and Its Size-Dependent and Surfactant-Sensitized Effect

CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA) were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. The chemiluminescence (CL) of CdTe NCs induced by directly chemical oxidation and its size-depended and surfactant-sensitized effect in aqueous solution were then investigated. It was found that oxidants, especially hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate, could directly oxidize CdTe NCs to produce strong CL emission in basic conditions. The oxidized CL of CdTe NCs displayed size-dependent effect and its intensity increased along with increasing the sizes of the NCs. Moreover, the CL intensity could, if surfactants CTAB or beta-cyclodextrin were added to the above CL system, be sensitized to some degree. The sensitized CL induced by CTAB and beta-cyclodextrin is mainly contributing to the formation of aggregate nanostructure and the micellar micronanoenvironment, respectively. The possible oxidized CL mechanisms were further examined by means of photoluminescence spectra, CL spectra, and transmission electron microscopy studies. The CL properties of CdTe NCs not only will be helpful to study physical chemistry properties of semiconductor nanocrystals but also are expected to find use in many fields such as luminescence devices, bioanalysis, and multicolor labeling probes.

NADH-Ubiquinone oxidoreductase: substrate-dependent oxygen turnover to superoxide anion as a function of flavin mononucleotide

Bovine heart mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) catalyzed NADH- and ubiquinone-1-dependent oxygen (O2) turnover to hydrogen peroxide that was stimulated by piericidin A and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but was insensitive to antimycin A, myxothiazol, and potassium cyanide. The extent of O2 consumption as a function of ubiquinone-1 did not correlate with piericidin A-sensitive rates of ubiquinone reduction. Decylubiquinone did not stimulate O2 consumption, but did initiate an SOD-sensitive cytochrome c reduction when complex I was isolated away from ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase. Rates and extent of O2 turnover (ROS production) and ubiquinone reduction were higher than previously reported for submitochondrial particles (SMP) and isolated complex I. This ROS production was shown to co-isolate with complex I flavin.

Characterization of the monophenolase activity of tyrosinase on betaxanthins: the tyramine-betaxanthin/dopamine-betaxanthin pair

Tyrosinase or polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1) is the key enzyme responsible for melanin biosynthesis and for the enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables. Although the function of tyrosinase in the secondary metabolism of plants remains unclear, it has been proposed that the enzyme plays a role in the betalain biosynthetic pathway. Betalains are an important class of water-soluble pigments, characteristic of plants belonging to the order Caryophyllales. In the present work, the betaxanthins tyramine-betaxanthin (miraxanthin III) and dopamine-betaxanthin (miraxanthin V) are reported as new natural substrates for tyrosinase. The result of the diphenolase activity of the enzyme on dopamine-betaxanthin was a series of products identified by HPLC and ESI-MS as quinone-derivatives. Data indicate that dopamine-betaxanthin-quinone is obtained and evolves to more stable species by intramolecular cyclization. The kinetic parameters evaluated for the diphenolase activity were V(m) = 74.4 microM min(-1), K(m) = 94.7 microM. Monophenolase activity on tyramine-betaxanthin yielded the same compounds in the absence of a reducing agent, but when ascorbic acid was present enzymatic conversion to dopamine-betaxanthin could be found. For the first time, kinetic characterization of the monophenolase activity of tyrosinase on betaxanthins is provided (V(m) = 10.4 microM min(-1) and K(m) = 126.9 microM) and a lag period is described and analyzed according to the mechanism of action of the enzyme. The high affinity shown by tyrosinase for these substrates may be indicative of a previously unconsidered physiological role in betalain metabolism. A possible mechanism for the formation of 2-descarboxy-betacyanins from tyramine-betaxanthin by tyrosinase is also discussed.

Tunable DNA Photocleavage by an Acridine−Imidazole Conjugate

We report the synthesis and characterization of photonucleases N,N'-bis[2-[bis(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)amino]ethyl]-3,6-acridinediamine (7) and N-[2-[bis(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)amino]ethyl]-3,6-acridinediamine (10), consisting of a central 3,6-acridinediamine chromophore attached to 4 and 2 metal-coordinating imidazole rings, respectively. In DNA reactions employing 16 metal salts, photocleavage of pUC19 plasmid is markedly enhanced when compound 7 is irradiated in the presence of either Hg(II), Fe(III), Cd(II), Zn(II), V(V), or Pb(II) (low-intensity visible light, pH 7.0, 22 degrees C, 8-50 microM 7). We also show that DNA photocleavage by 7 can be modulated by modifying buffer type and pH. Evidence of metal complex formation is provided by EDTA experiments and by NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectral data. Sodium azide, sodium benzoate, superoxide dismutase, and catalase indicate the involvement of type I and II photochemical processes in the metal-assisted DNA photocleavage reactions. Thermal melting studies show that compound 7 increases the Tm of calf thymus DNA by 10 +/- 1 degrees C at pH 7.0 and that the Tm is further increased upon the addition of either Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), or Pb(II). In the case of Fe(III) and V(V), a colorimetric assay demonstrates that compound 7 sensitizes one electron photoreduction of these metals to Fe(II) and V(IV), likely accelerating the production of type I reactive oxygen species. Our data collectively indicate that buffer, pH, Hg(II), Fe(III), Cd(II), Zn(II), V(V), Pb(II), and light can be used to "tune" DNA cleavage by compound 7 under physiologically relevant conditions. The 3,6-acridinediamine acridine orange has demonstrated great promise for use as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy. In view of the distribution of iron in living cells, compound 7 and other metal-binding acridine-based photonucleases should be expected to demonstrate excellent photodynamic action in vivo.

Nature of the FeO2 bonding in myoglobin and hemoglobin: A new molecular paradigm

The iron(II)-dioxygen bond in myoglobin and hemoglobin is a subject of wide interest. Studies range from examinations of physical-chemical properties dependent on its electronic structure, to investigations of the stability as a function of oxygen supply. Among these, stability properties are of particular importance in vivo. Like all known dioxygen carriers synthesized so far with transition metals, the oxygenated forms of myoglobin and hemoglobin are known to be oxidized easily to their ferric met-forms, which cannot bind molecular oxygen and are therefore physiologically inactive. The mechanistic details of this autoxidation reaction, which are of clinical, as well as of physical-chemical, interest, have long been investigated by a number of authors, but a full understanding of the heme oxidation has not been reached so far. Recent kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the stability of oxymyoglobin (MbO2) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) have revealed new features in the FeO2 bonding. In vivo, the iron center is always subject to a nucleophilic attack of the water molecule or hydroxyl ion, which can enter the heme pocket from the surrounding solvent and thereby irreversibly displace the bound dioxygen from MbO2 or HbO2 in the form of O2- so that the iron is converted to the ferric met-form. Since the autoxidation reaction of MbO2 or HbO2 proceeds through a nucleophilic displacement following one-electron transfer from iron(II) to the bound O2, this reaction may be viewed as a meeting point of the stabilization and the activation of molecular oxygen performed by hemoproteins. Along with these lines of evidence, we finally discuss the stability property of human HbO2 and provide with the most recent state of hemoglobin research. The HbA molecule contains two types of alphabeta contacts and seems to differentiate them quite properly for its functional properties. The alpha1beta2 or alpha2beta1 contact is associated with the cooperative oxygen binding, whereas the alpha1beta1 or alpha2beta2 contact is used for controlling the stability of the bound O2. We can thus form a unified picture for hemoglobin function by closely integrating the cooperative and the stable binding of molecular oxygen with iron(II) in aqueous solvent. These new views on the nature of FeO2 bonding and the possible role of globin moiety in stabilizing MbO2 and HbO2 are of primary importance, not only for a full understanding of various hemoprotein reactions with O2, but also for planning new molecular designs for synthetic oxygen carriers which may be able to function in aqueous solvent and at physiological temperature.

Betaxanthins as substrates for tyrosinase. An approach to the role of tyrosinase in the biosynthetic pathway of betalains

Tyrosinase or polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1) is the key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis and in the enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables. The role of tyrosinase in the secondary metabolism of plants still remains unclear, but its implication in betalain biosynthesis has been proposed. Betalains are an important class of water-soluble pigments, characteristic of plants belonging to the order Caryophyllales. In this article, the betaxanthins, tyrosine-betaxanthin (portulacaxanthin II) and dopaxanthin, are reported to be physiological substrates for tyrosinase. The direct activity of tyrosinase on selected betaxanthins is characterized in depth, and conversion of tyrosine-betaxanthin to dopaxanthin and its further oxidation to a series of compounds are described. Identity of the reaction products was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Masses determined for the reaction products were the same in all cases, 389 m/z ([M + H]+) and equal to that determined for betanidin. Data indicate that dopaxanthin-quinone is obtained and evolves to more stable species by intramolecular cyclization. Kinetic parameters for tyrosinase acting on dopaxanthin were evaluated, showing a high affinity for this substrate (K(m) = 84.3 microM). The biosynthetic scheme of betalains is reviewed and a branch is proposed based on the description of physiological substrates for tyrosinase. Lampranthus productus, Glottiphylum oligocarpum, and Glottiphylum pigmaeum are described as sources of stereopure (2S/S)-dopaxanthin.

Human haemoglobin: a new paradigm for oxygen binding involving two types of alphabeta contacts

This review summarizes the most recent state of haemoglobin (Hb) research based on the literature and our own results. In particular, an attempt is made to form a unified picture for haemoglobin function by reconciling the cooperative oxygen binding with the stabilization of the bound dioxygen in aqueous solvent. The HbA molecule contains two types of alphabeta contacts. One type is the alpha1beta2 or alpha2beta1 contacts, called sliding contacts, and these are strongly associated with the cooperative binding of O2 to the alpha2beta2 tetramer. The other type is the alpha1beta1 or alpha2beta2 contacts, called packing contacts, but whose role in Hb function was not clear until quite recently. However, detailed pH-dependence studies of the autoxidation rate of HbO2 have revealed that the alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta2 interfaces are used for controlling the stability of the bound O2. When the alpha1beta1 or alpha2beta2 contact is formed, the beta chain is subjected to a conformational constraint which causes the distal (E7) histidine to be tilted slightly away from the bound dioxygen, preventing the proton-catalysed nucleophilic displacement of O2- from the FeO2 by an entering water molecule. This is one of the most characteristic features of HbO2 stability. Finally we discuss the role of the alpha1beta1 or alpha2beta2 contacts by providing some examples of unstable haemoglobin mutants. These pathological mutations are found mostly on the beta chain, especially in the alpha1beta1 contact regions. In this way, HbA seems to differentiate two types of alphabeta contacts for its functional properties.

Oxidation of hydroquinones by the versatile ligninolytic peroxidase from Pleurotus eryngii. H2O2 generation and the influence of Mn2+

Formation of H2O2 during the oxidation of three lignin-derived hydroquinones by the ligninolytic versatile peroxidase (VP), produced by the white-rot fungus Pleurotus eryngii, was investigated. VP can oxidize a wide variety of phenols, including hydroquinones, either directly in a manner similar to horseradish peroxidase (HRP), or indirectly through Mn3+ formed from Mn2+ oxidation, in a manner similar to manganese peroxidase (MnP). From several possible buffers (all pH 5), tartrate buffer was selected to study the oxidation of hydroquinones as it did not support the Mn2+-mediated activity of VP in the absence of exogenous H2O2 (unlike glyoxylate and oxalate buffers). In the absence of Mn2+, efficient hydroquinone oxidation by VP was dependent on exogenous H2O2. Under these conditions, semiquinone radicals produced by VP autoxidized to a certain extent producing superoxide anion radical (O2*-) that spontaneously dismutated to H2O2 and O2. The use of this peroxide by VP produced quinone in an amount greater than equimolar to the initial H2O2 (a quinone/H2O2 molar ratio of 1 was only observed under anaerobic conditions). In the presence of Mn2+, exogenous H2O2 was not required for complete oxidation of hydroquinone by VP. Reaction blanks lacking VP revealed H2O2 production due to a slow conversion of hydroquinone into semiquinone radicals (probably via autooxidation catalysed by trace amounts of free metal ions), followed by O2*- production through semiquinone autooxidation and O2*- reduction by Mn2+. This peroxide was used by VP to oxidize hydroquinone that was mainly carried out through Mn2+ oxidation. By comparing the activity of VP to that of MnP and HRP, it was found that the ability of VP and MnP to oxidize Mn2+ greatly increased hydroquinone oxidation efficiency.

Autoredox Interconversion of Two Galactose Oxidase Forms GOaseox and GOasesemi with and without Dioxygen

Solutions of galactose oxidase stored in air give in 3-4 h a mix of GOase(ox)(Cu(II)-Tyr(*)) and GOase(semi)(Cu(II)-Tyr), as a result of processes involving the formation and decay of the Cu(II)-coordinated tyrosyl radical (Tyr(*)). In this work the two reactions have been studied by UV-vis spectrophotometry and separate rate laws defined. The first involves the "spontaneous" autoreduction of GOase(ox) to GOase(semi), which in air-free conditions is 100% complete. Rate constants (k(red)) are dependent on pH, and previously defined acid dissociation constants pK(1a) = 5.7 (exogenous H(2)O ligand), and pK(2a) = 8.0 (axial H(+)Tyr-495) apply. Values of k(red)(25 degrees C) range from 1.55 x 10(-4) s(-1) (pH 5.5) to 2.69 x 10(-4) s(-1) (pH 8.6), I = 0.100 M (NaCl). No reaction occurs with N(3)(-) or NCS(-) present in amounts sufficient to give >98% binding at the substrate binding (exogenous) site, while CH(3)CO(2)(-) and phosphate (less extensively bound) also inhibit the reaction. From such inhibition studies K(25 degrees C) is 161 M(-1) at pH 6.4 for acetate (previous value 140 M(-)(1)) and 46 M(-1) at pH 7.0 for phosphate. No reaction occurs when the disulfide Cys515-Cys518 (10.2 A from the Cu) is chemically modified with HSPO(3)(2-), and electron transfer via the disulfide and exogenous position is proposed (source of the electron not established). The conversion of GOase(semi) to GOase(ox) only occurs with O(2) present, when a first-order dependence on [O(2)] is observed, giving k(ox)(25 degrees C) = 0.021 M(-1) s(-1) at pH 7.5. This process is unaffected by NCS(-) or N(3)(-) bound at the exogenous site, and a mechanism involving outer-sphere reaction of O(2) to O(2)(-) followed by a fast step O(2) to H(2)O(2) is proposed. As GOase(ox) is formed, autoreduction back to GOase(semi) occurs, and at pH 7.5 with O(2) in large excess (1.13 mM) the maximum conversion to GOase(ox) is 69%. The k(ox) reaction proceeds to completion with >98% N(3)(-) bound at the exogenous site.

Oxidative stress: free radical production in neural degeneration

It is not yet established whether oxidative stress is a major cause of cell death or simply a consequence of an unknown pathogenetic factor. Concerning chronic diseases, as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease are assumed to be, it is possible that a gradual impairment of cellular defense mechanisms leads to cell damage because of toxic substances being increasingly formed during normal cellular metabolism. This point of view brings into consideration the possibility that, besides exogenous factors, the pathogenetic process of neurodegeration is triggered by endogenous mechanisms, either by an endogenous toxin or by inherited metabolic disorders, which become progressively more evident with aging. In the following review, we focus on the oxidative stress theory of neurodegeneration, on excitotoxin-induced cell damage and on impairment of mitochondrial function as three major noxae being the most likely causes of cell death either independently or in connection with each other. First, having discussed clinical, pathophysiological, pathological and biochemical features of movement and cognitive disorders, we discuss the common features of these biochemical theories of neurodegeneration separately. Second, we attempt to evaluate possible biochemical links between them and third, we discuss experimental findings that confirm or rule out the involvement of any of these theories in neurodegeneration. Finally, we report some therapeutic strategies evolved from each of these theories.

Formation of the semiquinone anion radical from tert-butylquinone and from tert-butylhydroquinone in rat liver microsomes

The tert-butylsemiquinone anion radical is formed from tert-butylhydroquinone and from tert-butylquinone in rat liver microsomes. In the presence of oxygen, the quinone and, less extensively, the hydroquinone induce excess production of superoxide in microsomes. It is concluded that autoxidation of the semiquinone formed from the quinone by microsomal enzyme activity is responsible for superoxide formation and that the hydroquinone enters the redox cycle via autoxidation. tert-Butylquinone induces injury of the hepatocyte plasma membrane. tert-Butylhydroquinone and tert-butylquinone are metabolites of the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole. The semiquinone-dependent superoxide formation may contribute to the toxic actions of butylated hydroxyanisole.

Xanthine oxidase-catalyzed reduction of estrogen quinones to semiquinones and hydroquinones

Metabolic redox cycling between the stilbene estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) and diethylstilbestrol-4',4"-quinone (DES Q) has been demonstrated previously. The xanthine and xanthine oxidase-catalyzed reduction of estrogen quinone has been studied in this work to understand the role of metabolic redox cycling in estrogen metabolism. Xanthine and xanthine oxidase catalyzed the reduction of DES Q to 44% Z-DES and 9% E-DES. This reaction was inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase or by a lack of oxygen (under anaerobic conditions). DES Q was also reduced in a non-enzymatic reaction by superoxide radicals generated by potassium superoxide and crown ether. The reaction between the O2-. and DES Q was also investigated by an electron spin resonance spin-trapping technique. The superoxide anion generated in an oxygen-saturated xanthine and xanthine oxidase system was detected as 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide-superoxide adduct. The addition of DES Q or 2,3-estradiol quinone totally inhibited the formation of this adduct. The reduction of DES Q by superoxide radicals was taken as evidence that this reaction was one possible mechanism of xanthine and xanthine oxidase-mediated reduction. In addition, reduction of DES Q by direct electron transfer to quinone by the enzyme may also occur. The intermediate formation of semiquinone free radicals in the reduction is implied by the nature of the single electron transfer reactions and, in addition, has been demonstrated for the catechol estrogen by electron spin resonance measurements. It is concluded that the reduction of estrogen quinones to their hydroquinones by xanthine oxidase occurs by both one electron transfer to the quinone and by formation of superoxide which then reduces the quinone.

Superoxide radical as electron donor for oxidative phosphorylation of ADP

When isolated rat heart mitochondria are subject to xanthine/xanthine oxidase generated free radicals, nmol quantities of ADP are phosphorylated to ATP. This effect is proportional to xanthine oxidase concentration, and is relatively independent of ADP concentration. Exogenous superoxide dismutase partially suppresses the phosphorylation. Micromolar concentrations of iron salts completely eliminate the phosphorylation. Catalase has no effect. The likely electron source, then, is superoxide radicals. The reduced minus oxidised spectra of superoxide-bombarded mitochondria show that superoxide enters the electron transport chain by reducing cytochrome c and complex IV. Mitochondria retain their ability to phosphorylate ADP in more traditional ways under the experimental conditions described. Superoxide under physiological conditions in vivo may be a source of electrons for the oxidative phosphorylation of ADP.

On the mechanism of one-electron reduction of quinones by microsomal flavin enzymes: the kinetic analysis between cytochrome B5 and menadione

Univalent oxidation-reduction reactions coupled with the menadione (MK)/menadione semiquinone (MK.-) system were investigated by using microsomal flavin enzymes. NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase gave a dynamic equilibrium of oxidation-reduction of cytochrome b5 in the presence of menadione (MK), the level of which depended on the concentration of O2 and superoxide dismutase. The data suggest that the superoxide and menadione radicals are involved as an active intermediate in this system. The overall reaction at steady state appears to be composed of four main reactions, eqs. 2-5, and eqs. 2 and 4 are in equilibrium.

Evidence for a peroxidatic oxidation of norepinephrine, a catecholamine, by lactoperoxidase

The electron spin resonance-spin stabilization technique has been applied to identify the o-semiquinone intermediate produced during the lactoperoxidase-catalyzed oxidation of the catecholamine norepinephrine. The results of a rapid scan and spectrophotometric investigation of the reaction clearly indicate a normal peroxidatic pathway of catecholamine degradation.

Metabolic activation of hydroquinone by macrophage peroxidase

Lysates from macrophages, cells involved in hematopoiesis and immunological responses, catalyzed the metabolic activation of the benzene metabolite, hydroquinone, to protein-binding compounds and to free 1,4-benzoquinone. This reaction is mediated by a peroxidase since activation was dependent upon H2O2 and was prevented by the inhibitors aminotriazole and azide. Activation of hydroquinone was independent of HO. radicals since protein binding occurred in the presence of the HO. scavengers mannitol and dimethyl sulfoxide. In reactions with macrophage lysates, phenol, another hepatic metabolite of benzene, stimulated the production of 1,4-benzoquinone as well as the amount of hydroquinone equivalents bound to protein in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of cysteine to incubations with macrophage lysates resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in hydroquinone equivalents bound to protein. At 100 microM cysteine, protein binding was inhibited by 63% and this decrease was recovered as the monocysteine-hydroquinone conjugate. Macrophages catalyzed the arachidonic acid-mediated activation of hydroquinone to metabolites which bound to cellular macromolecules. This activation was inhibited by indomethacin indicating the action of prostaglandin synthase in hydroquinone metabolism by macrophages. The results of these experiments demonstrate that macrophage peroxidase catalyzes the metabolic oxidation of hydroquinone to 1,4-benzoquinone and that 1,4-benzoquinone and/or its semiquinone intermediate are binding to protein and cysteine. Hydroquinone activation by macrophages and subsequent macromolecular binding may be associated with the immunologic and hematopoietic toxicity of benzene.

The oxidation of tetrachloro-1,4-hydroquinone by microsomes and purified cytochrome P-450b. Implications for covalent binding to protein and involvement of reactive oxygen species

The enzymatic oxidation of tetrachloro-1,4-hydroquinone (1,4-TCHQ), resulting in covalent binding to protein of tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-TCBQ), was investigated, with special attention to the involvement of cytochrome P-450 and reactive oxygen species. 1,4-TCBQ itself reacted very rapidly and extensively with protein (58% of the 10 nmol added to 2 mg of protein, in a 5-min incubation). Ascorbic acid and glutathione prevented covalent binding of 1,4-TCBQ to protein, both when added directly and when formed from 1,4-TCHQ by microsomes. In microsomal incubations as well as in a reconstituted system containing purified cytochrome P-450b, 1,4-TCHQ oxidation and subsequent protein binding was shown to be completely dependent on NADPH. The reaction was to a large extent, but not completely, dependent on oxygen (83% decrease in binding under anaerobic conditions). Inhibition of cytochrome P-450 by metyrapone, which is also known to block the P-450-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species, gave a 80% decrease in binding, while the addition of superoxide dismutase prevented 75% of the covalent binding, almost the same amount as found in anerobic incubations. A large part of the conversion of 1,4-TCHQ to 1,4-TCBQ is apparently not catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 itself, but is mediated by superoxide anion formed by this enzyme. The involvement of this radical anion is also demonstrated by microsomal incubations without NADPH but including the xantine/xantine oxidase superoxide anion generating system. These incubations resulted in a 1.6-fold binding as compared to the binding in incubations with NADPH but without xantine/xantine oxidase. 1,4-TCHQ was shown to stimulate the oxidase activity of microsomal cytochrome P-450. It is thus not unlikely that 1,4-TCHQ enhances its own microsomal oxidation.