Is There an Answer?

Manganese-based superoxide dismutase mimics modify both acute and long-term outcome severity in a Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia

AIMS

The goal of this study was to use two manganese (Mn)-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics to test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species contribute to both acute and long-term outcomes in a galactose-1P uridylyltransferase (GALT)-null Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia.

RESULTS

We tested the impact of each of two Mn porphyrin SOD mimics, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP(5+), and MnTE-2-PyP(5+), (i) on survival of GALT-null Drosophila larvae reared in the presence versus absence of dietary galactose and (ii) on the severity of a long-term movement defect in GALT-null adult flies. Both SOD mimics conferred a significant survival benefit to GALT-null larvae exposed to galactose but not to controls or to GALT-null larvae reared in the absence of galactose. One mimic, MnTE-2-PyP(5+), also largely rescued a galactose-independent long-term movement defect otherwise seen in adult GALT-null flies. The survival benefit of both SOD mimics occurred despite continued accumulation of elevated galactose-1P in the treated animals, and studies of thiolated proteins demonstrated that in both the presence and absence of dietary galactose MnTE-2-PyP(5+) largely prevented the elevated protein oxidative damage otherwise seen in GALT-null animals relative to controls.

INNOVATION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm oxidative stress as a mediator of acute galactose sensitivity in GALT-null Drosophila larvae and demonstrate for the first time that oxidative stress may also contribute to galactose-independent adult outcomes in GALT deficiency. Finally, our results demonstrate for the first time that both MnTnBuOE-2-PyP(5+) and MnTE-2-PyP(5+) are bioavailable and effective when administered through an oral route in a D. melanogaster model of classic galactosemia.

Oxidative damage and carcinogenesis

Oxygen is an essential element to conduct life processes but some of the metabolic byproducts e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS), are toxic for living organisms. Endogenous ROS are produced e.g. reduction of dioxygen; some exogenous sources of radicals also exist, including nicotine and ionizing radiation. Reactive oxygen species include superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid.

Carcinogenesis is a multistep process. The exact reasons for the development of cancer are still unknown. Many factors contribute to the development of carcinogenesis, one of which is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between oxidizing agents (pro-oxidants) and antioxidants, agents that protect biomolecules against injury by pro-oxidants. When reactive oxygen species are overproduced it can damage nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. ROS are considered as a significant class of carcinogens participating in cancer initiation, promotion and progression.

Mitochondria and reactive oxygen species. Which role in physiology and pathology?

Oxidative stress is among the major causes of toxicity due to interaction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) with cellular macromolecules and structures and interference with signal transduction pathways. The mitochondrial respiratory chain, specially from Complexes I and III, is considered the main origin of ROS particularly under conditions of high membrane potential, but several other sources may be important for ROS generation, such as mitochondrial p66(Shc), monoamine oxidase, α-ketoglutarate dehydogenase, besides redox cycling of redox-active molecules. ROS are able to oxidatively modify lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids in mitochondria and to activate/inactivate signalling pathways by oxidative modification of redox-active factors. Cells are endowed with several defence mechanisms including repair or removal of damaged molecules, and antioxidant systems, either enzymatic or non-enzymatic. Oxidative stress is at the basis of ageing and many pathological disorders, such as ischemic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer, although the underlying mechanisms are not always completely understood.