Dithiocarbamates trigger differentiation and induction of CD11c gene through AP-1 in the myeloid lineage

Cytotoxic effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in small-cell lung cancer cells, alone and in combination with cisplatin

The cytocidal effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was investigated by focusing on cell viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines (NCI-H196 and NCI-H889). PDTC exhibited a much stronger dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against NCI-H196 compared to NCI-H889, while no such activity was observed in normal human embryonal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. Cell cycle arrest in S phase paralleled with suppression of c-myc expression without accompanying DNA fragmentation was observed in NCI-H196 cells. A transient increase in the intracellular ROS accompanied with an alteration of expression of oxidative stress-related genes was also confirmed in NCI-H196 cells. Furthermore, the addition of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a free radical scavenger, not only abolished PDTC-trigger alterations of expression of these oxidative-related genes, but also almost completely abrogated PDTC-induced reduction in cell viability and morphological changes associated with cell damage. These results thus suggest that PDTC-induced cytotoxicity is attributed to its pro-oxidant activity. PDTC-induced cytotoxicity was further enhanced by CuCl2, however, abolished by bathocuproine disulfonate (BCPS), a non-permeable copper-specific chelator, supporting the plausibility that accumulation of intracellular Cu plays an important role in the cytotoxicity. Importantly, we demonstrated for the first time that PDTC downregulated the expression of ATP7A, known to be responsible for Cu efflux, but did not affect the expression of CTR1, known as a copper uptake transporter. Intriguingly, combination of much lower dose of cisplatin (5 µM) and non-toxic dose of PDTC (0.1 µM) synergistically induced a significant cytotoxicity in NCI-H196 cells. Given that ATP7A plays a critical role in the resistance of platinum-drug (such as cisplatin) representing a first-line treatment for SCLC, PDTC could be a promising candidate of adjunct therapeutic reagent for the patients requiring treatment with platinum-based regimens.

RIAM (Rap1-interacting adaptor molecule) regulates complement-dependent phagocytosis

Phagocytosis mediated by the complement receptor CR3 (also known as integrin αMß2 or Mac-1) is regulated by the recruitment of talin to the cytoplasmic tail of the ß2 integrin subunit. Talin recruitment to this integrin is dependent on Rap1 activation. However, the mechanism by which Rap1 regulates this event and CR3-dependent phagocytosis remains largely unknown. In the present work, we examined the role of the Rap1 effector RIAM, a talin-binding protein, in the regulation of complement-mediated phagocytosis. Using the human myeloid cell lines HL-60 and THP-1, we determined that knockdown of RIAM impaired αMß2 integrin affinity changes induced by stimuli fMLP and LPS. Phagocytosis of complement-opsonized RBC particles, but not of IgG-opsonized RBC particles, was impaired in RIAM knockdown cells. Rap1 activation via EPAC induced by 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP resulted in an increase of complement-mediated phagocytosis that was abrogated by knockdown of RIAM in HL-60 and THP-1 cell lines and in macrophages derived from primary monocytes. Furthermore, recruitment of talin to ß2 integrin during complement-mediated phagocytosis was reduced in RIAM knockdown cells. These results indicate that RIAM is a critical component of the phagocytosis machinery downstream of Rap1 and mediates its function by recruiting talin to the phagocytic complement receptors.

Cytomegalovirus promoter up-regulation is the major cause of increased protein levels of unstable reporter proteins after treatment of living cells with proteasome inhibitors

Fluorescent unstable proteins obtained by the fusion of a fluorescent protein coding sequence with specific amino acid sequences that promote its fast degradation have become popular to gauge the activity of the ubiquitin/proteasome system in living cells. The steady-state levels of expression of these unstable proteins is low in agreement with their short half-lives, and they accumulate in the cell upon treatment with proteasome inhibitors. We show here that this accumulation is mainly due to transcriptional up-regulation of the cytomegalovirus promoter by proteasome inhibitors and mediated, at least in part, by AP1 transactivation. These simple facts put under quarantine conclusions reached about the activity of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway in animal cells in culture or in transgenic mice, where popular cytomegalovirus-driven constructs are used, as transcriptional regulation of the expression of the reporter protein construct and not degradation of the unstable protein by the ubiquitin/proteasome system may contribute significantly to the interpretation of the results observed.

Dithiocarbamates and viral IL-10 collaborate in the immortalization and evasion of immune response in EBV-infected human B lymphocytes

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in the development of a number of human malignancies including several subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) [G. Pallesen, S.J. Hamilton-Dutoit, X. Zhou, The association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with T cell lymphoproliferations and Hodgkin's disease: two new developments in the EBV Field, Adv. Cancer Res. 62 (1993) 179-239]. Lymphoproliferative disease and NHL occurring in severely immunosuppressed individuals almost always involve EBV and have been extensively studied and modeled in vitro. EBV has also been causally associated with some cases of NHL occurring in otherwise immunocompetent individuals. However, a direct role for EBV in the pathogenesis of neoplasms developing in the presence of an otherwise competent immune system has not been established. We investigated potential interactions between dithiocarbamates (DTC), an important class of thiono-sulfur compounds, and EBV leading to immortalization of human B lymphocytes and evasion of cell-mediated immune response in culture. Primary lymphocyte cultures employing wild-type and recombinant EBV mutants were used to assess the respective roles of DTC and viral genes in lymphocyte transformation and survival. Pretreatment of EBV-infected human B lymphocytes with DTC directly enhanced transformation in the absence of T cells (5 nM) and independently increased survival of transformed cells in the presence of competent autologous T cells (10 nM). Both DTC-induced transformation and immortalization of EBV-infected B lymphocytes were dependent on the expression of viral IL-10. These results provide a biological basis for studying collaborations between chemical and virus that alter lymphocyte biology, and provide a rationale for further molecular epidemiology studies to better understand the potential influence of these interactions on the development of NHL and perhaps other viral-associated malignancies.

Enhancing Effects of Areca Nut Extracts on the Production of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

BACKGROUND

The habit of chewing areca quid (AQ) has been implicated in oral pathogenesis, including periodontal disease. Little is understood about the roles of AQ in the cytokine secretion by immune cells. The study examined the effects of areca nut, the major ingredient of AQ, on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the immunocompetent cells. The possible role of oxidative stress of areca nut was also examined.

METHODS

Extracts of ripe areca nut (rANE) and tender areca nut (tANE) were examined for their cytotoxic effects on human PBMC using the trypan blue exclusion test. The production of IL-6 and IL-8 by ANE-treated PBMC was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Effects of an antioxidant, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), on ANE-induced cytokine secretion were also studied.

RESULTS

At the experimental conditions, 20 micro g/ml rANE decreased cell viability significantly, whereas no significant effect of tANE (< or =80 micro g/ml) was observed. Both rANE (< or =20 micro g/ml) and tANE (< or =160 micro g/ml) significantly increased the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by PBMC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The altered mRNA expression of IL-6 by rANE and tANE was also observed. Moreover, the stimulating effects of rANE on cytokine expression in PBMC could be attenuated by PDTC, suggesting that the oxidative stress of rANE may play a role.

CONCLUSIONS

Markedly enhancing effects of ANE on PBMC-released inflammatory cytokines might cause a sustained cytokine-rich inflammatory milieu in oral cavity of AQ chewers. These excessive cytokines from ANE-treated immune cells may impair periodontal health.

Cooperation between antioxidants and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in induction of leukemia HL60 cell differentiation through the JNK/AP-1/Egr-1 pathway

Vitamin D derivatives have demonstrated anti-cancer activity, but their clinical use is precluded by hypercalcemia. Previously, we found that carnosic acid potentiates differentiation of human leukemia cells induced by low concentrations of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3)). In this study, we investigated if this effect is a general property of antioxidants, and whether there is a common mechanism whereby antioxidants potentiate monocytic differentiation. We found that all antioxidants tested enhanced differentiation-related cell cycle arrest induced by a low (1 nM) concentration of 1,25D(3). Addition of antioxidants to 1,25D(3) activated the JNK pathway as indicated by increased phosphorylation of c-jun and ATF-2, although each compound alone had a minimal effect. Antioxidants also enhanced the 1,25D(3)-induced AP-1 DNA binding and transactivation ability. Expression of Egr-1 and c-fos was increased by combinations of antioxidants and 1,25D(3), in parallel with the activation of the JNK pathway. The potentiation of differentiation by antioxidants was inhibited by JNK inhibitor SP600125 and a dominant negative JNK 1/2 construct, and Egr-1 and c-fos expression was proportionally decreased, suggesting that JNK pathway regulates these transcription factors. While potentiating the prodifferentiation effect of 1,25D(3), antioxidants did not promote the elevation of basal levels of intracellular calcium by 1,25D(3). The results indicate that JNK-AP1 pathway has an important role in the potentiation of 1,25D(3)-induced differentiation by antioxidants, and regulates expression of Egr-1 and c-fos. Combinations of antioxidants with 1,25D(3) should be further evaluated for use in cancer chemoprevention and therapy.

Suppression of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice by treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an antioxidant inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB

OBJECTIVE

Proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are prominent mediators of the connective tissue destruction that characterizes abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is a cytokine-responsive transcription factor that promotes macrophage MMP expression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether aneurysmal degeneration is influenced by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-kappaB.

METHODS

Adult male C57BL/6 mice underwent transient elastase perfusion of the abdominal aorta to induce the development of AAAs. Animals were treated every 48 hours by intraperitoneal injection with either saline (n = 34) or PDTC 20 mg/kg (n = 49). Aortic diameter (AD) measurements were used to determine the extent of aortic dilatation before and immediately after elastase perfusion and again at day 14.

RESULTS

All saline-treated mice developed AAAs associated with mononuclear inflammation and destruction of medial elastin (overall increase in AD, mean +/- SEM, 169.1% +/- 7.5%). In contrast, the incidence of AAAs was only 63% in PDTC-treated mice, with a reduction in the overall increase in AD to 109.8% +/- 4.2% ( P < .0001 vs saline), decreased inflammation, and structural preservation of aortic wall connective tissue. Although aneurysm development in saline-treated mice was associated with a marked increase in aortic tissue NF-kappaB and activator protein 1 DNA-binding activities, both activities were substantially reduced in PDTC-treated animals. PDTC-treated mice also exhibited significantly lower serum and aortic wall concentrations of interleukin 1beta and interleukin 6, as well as lower amounts of aortic wall MMP-9, as compared with saline-treated controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with PDTC inhibits elastase-induced experimental AAAs in the mouse, along with suppression of aortic wall NF-kappaB and activator protein 1 transcription factor activities, reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and suppression of MMP-9. NF-kappaB is therefore a potentially important therapeutic target for the suppression of aneurysmal degeneration.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Development and progression of human AAAs is associated with inflammation and enzymatic degradation of connective tissue proteins. MMP-9 is one of the enzymes involved in aneurysm disease, and its production may be induced in part by activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. In this mouse model, treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (a pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-kappaB) acted to suppress MMP-9 and aneurysm development. It is hoped that treatment strategies that target NF-kappaB may eventually be shown to suppress the growth of small aortic aneurysms in patients.

Enhancement by other compounds of the anti-cancer activity of vitamin D(3) and its analogs

Differentiation therapy holds promise as an alternative to cytotoxic drug therapy of cancer. Among compounds under scrutiny for this purpose is the physiologically active form of vitamin D(3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), and its chemically modified derivatives. However, the propensity of vitamin D(3) and its analogs to increase the levels of serum calcium has so far precluded their use in cancer patients except for limited clinical trials. This article summarizes the range of compounds that have been shown to increase the differentiation-inducing and antiproliferative activities of vitamin D(3) and its analogs, and discusses the possible mechanistic basis for this synergy in several selected combinations. The agents discussed include those that have differentiation-inducing activity of their own that is increased by combination with vitamin D(3) or analogs, such as retinoids or transforming growth factor-beta and plant-derived compounds and antioxidants, such as curcumin and carnosic acid. Among other compounds discussed here are dexamethasone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes, for example, ketoconazole. Thus, recent data illustrate that there are extensive, but largely unexplored, opportunities to develop combinatorial, differentiation-based approaches to chemoprevention and chemotherapy of human cancer.

CD11c gene expression in hairy cell leukemia is dependent upon activation of the proto-oncogenes ras and junD

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disease, the cause of which is unknown. Diagnostic of HCL is abnormal expression of the gene that encodes the beta2 integrin CD11c. In order to determine the cause of CD11c gene expression in HCL the CD11c gene promoter was characterized. Transfection of the CD11c promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene indicated that it is sufficient to direct expression in hairy cells. Mutation analysis demonstrated that of predominant importance to the activity of the CD11c promoter is its interaction with the activator protein-1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors. Comparison of nuclear extracts prepared from hairy cells with those prepared from other cell types indicated that hairy cells exhibit abnormal constitutive expression of an AP-1 complex containing JunD. Functional inhibition of AP-1 expressed by hairy cells reduced CD11c promoter activity by 80%. Inhibition of Ras, which represents an upstream activator of AP-1, also significantly inhibited the CD11c promoter. Furthermore, in the hairy cell line EH, inhibition of Ras signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) reduced not only CD11c promoter activity but also reduced both CD11c surface expression and proliferation. Expression in nonhairy cells of a dominant-positive Ras mutant activated the CD11c promoter to levels equivalent to those in hairy cells. Together, these data indicate that the abnormal expression of the CD11c gene characteristic of HCL is dependent upon activation of the proto-oncogenes ras and junD.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine suppresses constitutive expression of CD11a/LFA-1alpha protein in myeloid lineage

We investigated the possible involvement of redox regulation in constitutive expression of CD11a/LFA-1alpha, a leukocyte integrin alpha subunit, in myeloid cells using antioxidants. In unstimulated HL-60 cells, CD11a/LFA-1alpha was highly expressed, however, no expression of CD11b and CD11c proteins was detected. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) markedly down-regulated CD11a/LFA-1alpha expression in a dose-dependent manner. The down-regulated CD11a/LFA-1alpha expression was gradually recovered when NAC was deprived 24h after treatment. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) also suppressed the level of expression CD11a/LFA-1alpha protein, although the effect of PDTC was less potent than NAC. Both NAC and PDTC suppressed NF-kappaB binding activity to consensus DNA probe, and this result was correlated with a suppressive effect to CD11a/LFA-1alpha expression. Furthermore, NAC also down-regulated CD11a/LFA-1alpha expression in both U937 cells and peripheral blood monocytes. These results indicated that the constitutive CD11a/LFA-1alpha expression in the myeloid lineage is implicated in oxidative stress occurring spontaneously, suggesting that alteration of the intracellular redox state using antioxidants may be effective in the modulation of cell adhesion associated with extravasation in leukocytes, at least, in myeloid cells.

Expression of interleukin-8, heme oxygenase-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in DLD-1 colon carcinoma cells exposed to pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate

Interleukin (IL)-8, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appear to be critically involved in immune responses associated with inflammation, infection and tumor growth. Regulation of these mediators was studied in the human colon carcinoma cell line DLD-1. Here we report that pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) not only augmented tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced release of IL-8, but also mediated IL-8 expression as a single stimulus. Mutational analysis of the IL-8 promotor and electrophoretic mobility shift analysis revealed that activation of the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) and a constitutive nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding activity in DLD-1 cells were mandatory for PDTC-induced IL-8 expression. Besides IL-8, PDTC also upregulated the expression of HO-1 and VEGF in these cells. Induction of IL-8 by PDTC was not restricted to DLD-1 cells, but was observed in Caco-2 colon carcinoma cells and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. PDTC is currently advocated for use as a chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of certain malignancies, among them colorectal cancer. Induction of IL-8, HO-1 and VEGF may affect therapeutic applications of this agent.

Cellular redox state and activating protein-1 are involved in ascorbate effect on calcitriol-induced differentiation

Ascorbate has been related to the differentiation of several mesenchymal cells including haematopoietic cells. We have previously demonstrated that ascorbate enhances the activity of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25(OH)2D3) on monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells. Here, we show that ascorbate-mediated modification of cellular redox state and AP-1 (activating protein-1) DNA binding during early phases are related to the enhancing effect of ascorbate on differentiation. Ascorbate, but not its fully oxidized form, dehydroascorbate, or an ascorbate analogue with a low rate of oxidation, ascorbate-2-phosphate, enhanced the differentiation induced by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, modified cytosolic reactive oxygen species levels and mitochondrial redox potential (delta psi m), and modulated AP-1 DNA binding in HL-60 cells. Ascorbate itself increased AP-1 binding to DNA in noninduced cells, whereas it inhibited AP-1 binding in 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-induced cells. However, ascorbate increased the mRNA levels of c-jun, junB, and c-fos in 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-induced cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the enhancing effect of ascorbate on HL-60 differentiation induced by 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3 is related to its effect on the cellular redox state and the modulation of AP-1 activity.

Dithiocarbamates inhibit hematopoiesis via a copper-dependent mechanism

Dithiocarbamates (DTC), an important class of therapeutic and industrial chemicals, have alternatively been reported to be either beneficial or toxic to the hematopoietic and immune systems. In the present study, we investigated the potential of dimethyl- and diethyl-dithiocarbamate to alter clonogenic response of primary human CD34(+) bone marrow cells in vitro. Our results demonstrate that both compounds are potent inhibitors of clonogenic response in human CD34(+) bone marrow cells, suppressing cytokine-induced colony formation at concentrations between 100 and 500 nM. Pretreatment of bone marrow cells for 1 h with very high doses of DTC (30 microM) had no effect on colony formation. DTCs are known inhibitors of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B); however, data presented herein demonstrate that DTC do not inhibit cytokine activation of NF-kappa B in CD34(+) bone marrow cells. Additional experiments demonstrate that DTCs induce a dose-related increase in apoptosis, potentially acting via a cytotoxic mechanism. We further demonstrate that the addition of copper sulfate greatly potentiates the hematotoxicity of DTC and that the addition of a copper-specific chelator completely abrogates DTC clonogenic suppression. These data support a role for copper in DTC-induced hematotoxicity.

Oxidative stress and gene regulation

Reactive oxygen species are produced by all aerobic cells and are widely believed to play a pivotal role in aging as well as a number of degenerative diseases. The consequences of the generation of oxidants in cells does not appear to be limited to promotion of deleterious effects. Alterations in oxidative metabolism have long been known to occur during differentiation and development. Experimental perturbations in cellular redox state have been shown to exert a strong impact on these processes. The discovery of specific genes and pathways affected by oxidants led to the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species serve as subcellular messengers in gene regulatory and signal transduction pathways. Additionally, antioxidants can activate numerous genes and pathways. The burgeoning growth in the number of pathways shown to be dependent on oxidation or antioxidation has accelerated during the last decade. In the discussion presented here, we provide a tabular summary of many of the redox effects on gene expression and signaling pathways that are currently known to exist.

Identification of a functional NF-kappa B site in the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 promoter

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is a type I transmembrane adhesion protein of 130 kDa that belongs to a subgroup of the Ig gene superfamily, characterized by the presence of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs. PECAM-1 is expressed in circulating platelets, monocytes, neutrophils, a selective subgroup of T cells, and in endothelial cells, where it is preferentially located at intercellular junctions and participates in leukocyte transmigratory processes. The identification of two consensus NF-kappa B sites within the PECAM-1 promoter led us to analyze their possible involvement in the PECAM-1 expression regulated by inflammatory stimuli. We found that surface expression and promoter activity of PECAM-1 in myeloid cells are regulated by modulators of NF-kappa B, including TNF-alpha, PMA, and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. Mobility shifts assays identified a specific NF-kappa B-binding element at +110/+120, whose mutation abolished the basal promoter activity of PECAM-1 and decreased NF-kappa B-dependent responses of the PECAM-1 gene promoter. Furthermore, cotransfection experiments with an expression vector encoding the p65 subunit of NF-kappa B showed transactivation of the PECAM-1 promoter. These results demonstrate that NF-kappa B can regulate the transcriptional activity of PECAM-1.

Oxidative stress as a regulator of gene expression in the vasculature

Oxidative stress and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. In excess, ROS and their byproducts that are capable of causing oxidative damage may be cytotoxic to cells. However, it is now well established that moderate amounts of ROS play a role in signal transduction processes such as cell growth and posttranslational modification of proteins. Oxidants, antioxidants, and other determinants of the intracellular reduction-oxidation (redox) state play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Recent insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis suggest that this disease may be viewed as an inflammatory disease linked to an abnormality in oxidation-mediated signals in the vasculature. In this review, we summarize the evidence supporting the notion that oxidative stress and the production of ROS function as physiological regulators of vascular gene expression mediated via specific redox-sensitive signal transduction pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks. Elucidating, at the molecular level, the regulatory processes involved in redox-sensitive vascular gene expression represents a foundation not only for understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases but also for the development of novel therapeutic treatment strategies.

Dual activity of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on kappa B-dependent gene expression in U937 cells: I. Regulation by the phorbol ester TPA

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) has been widely used as an inhibitor of the nuclear factor-kappa B, (NF-kappa B) signalling pathway. Here, we show that kappa B-dependent reporter gene expression induced by low concentrations of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is potentiated by PDTC in the human pro-monocytic U937 cell line. The stimulatory effect of PDTC on kappa B-dependent gene expression was shown with a 4 x kappa B chloramphenicol acetyltransferase construct and required an intact kappa B element in the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat (HIV-1 LTR). Unexpectedly, an HIV-1 LTR construct with a mutation of the activator protein 2 (AP-2) binding site located between the two kappa B elements was unresponsive to the stimulatory effect of PDTC with TPA. The stimulation or inhibition of kappa B-dependent gene expression was dependent on PDTC pre-treatment and the concentration of TPA. No stimulatory effect on HIV-1 LTR activity was observed with the metal chelator dipyridyl or the anti-oxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that PDTC treatment potentiated kappa B-dependent gene expression in a manner dependent on the concentration of TPA.

Antioxidants and AP-1 activation: a brief overview

Activity of the transcription factor AP-1 is controlled by different MAPK cascades that regulate the different AP-1 components at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. Recently, AP-1 has been shown to behave as a redox-sensitive transcription factor that can be induced under both pro-oxidative and antioxidative conditions. In this overview we summarize the signaling pathways that converge on the activation of AP-1 and the components of these pathways that have been shown to be targets of antioxidants. The activation of AP-1 by antioxidants may account for the expression of a number of genes that mediate important functions under physiological conditions.

JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase) is a target for antioxidants in T lymphocytes

AP-1 has been shown to behave as a redox-sensitive transcription factor that can be activated by both oxidant and antioxidant stimuli. However, the mechanisms involved in the activation of AP-1 by antioxidants are largely unknown. In this study we show that the structurally unrelated antioxidant agents pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), butylated hydroxyanisole, and Nacetylcysteine activated JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase) in Jurkat T cells. This activation differed substantially from that mediated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and Ca2+ ionophore or produced by costimulation with antibodies against the T cell receptor-CD3 complex and to CD28. The activation of JNK by classical T cell stimuli was transient, whereas that mediated by PDTC and butylated hydroxyanisole (but not N-acetylcysteine) was sustained. The kinetics of JNK activation correlated with the expression of c-jun which was transient after stimulation with PMA plus ionophore and prolonged in response to PDTC, which also transiently induced c-fos. In addition, JNK activation by PMA plus ionophore was sensitive to inhibitors of signaling pathways involving Ca2+, protein kinase C, and tyrosine phosphorylation, which failed to inhibit the activation mediated by PDTC. Transfection of trans-dominant negative expression vectors of ras and raf, together with AP-1-dependent reporter constructs, as well as Western blot analysis using anti-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) antibodies, indicated that the Ras/Raf/ERK pathway did not appear to mediate the effect of the antioxidant. However, the combined treatment with PDTC and PMA, two agents that synergize on AP-1 activation, resulted in the persistent phosphorylation of ERK-2. In conclusion, our results identify JNK as a target of antioxidant agents which can be regulated differentially under oxidant and antioxidant conditions.

Reactive oxygen species are downstream mediators of p53-dependent apoptosis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as potential modulators of apoptosis. Conversely, experiments under hypoxic conditions have suggested that apoptosis could occur in the absence of ROS. We sought to determine whether a central modulator of apoptosis, p53, regulates the levels of intracellular ROS and whether a rise in ROS levels is required for the induction of p53-dependent apoptosis. We transiently overexpressed wild-type p53, using adenoviral gene transfer, and identified cell types that were sensitive or resistant to p53-mediated apoptosis. Cells sensitive to p53-mediated apoptosis produced ROS concomitantly with p53 overexpression, whereas cells resistant to p53 failed to produce ROS. In sensitive cells, both ROS production and apoptosis were inhibited by antioxidant treatment. These results suggest that p53 acts to regulate the intracellular redox state and induces apoptosis by a pathway that is dependent on ROS production.