Alteration of cellular phenotype and responses to oxidative stress by manganese superoxide dismutase and a superoxide dismutase mimic in RWPE-2 human prostate adenocarcinoma cells

GPCR-Gα13 Involvement in Mitochondrial Function, Oxidative Stress, and Prostate Cancer

Gα13 and Gα12, encoded by the GNA13 and GNA12 genes, respectively, are members of the G12 family of Gα proteins that, along with their associated Gβγ subunits, mediate signaling from specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Advanced prostate cancers have increased expression of GPCRs such as CXC Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4), lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR), and protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). These GPCRs signal through either the G12 family, or through Gα13 exclusively, often in addition to other G proteins. The effect of Gα13 can be distinct from that of Gα12, and the role of Gα13 in prostate cancer initiation and progression is largely unexplored. The oncogenic effect of Gα13 on cell migration and invasion in prostate cancer has been characterized, but little is known about other biological processes such as mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Current knowledge on the link between Gα13 and oxidative stress is based on animal studies in which GPCR-Gα13 signaling decreased superoxide levels, and the overexpression of constitutively active Gα13 promoted antioxidant gene activation. In human samples, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) correlates with prostate cancer risk and prognostic Gleason grade. However, overexpression of SOD2 in prostate cancer cells yielded conflicting results on cell growth and survival under basal versus oxidative stress conditions. Hence, it is necessary to explore the effect of Gα13 on prostate cancer tumorigenesis, as well as the effect of Gα13 on SOD2 in prostate cancer cell growth under oxidative stress conditions.

Bioinformatics and System Biology Approach to Reveal the Interaction Network and the Therapeutic Implications for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With COVID-19

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the leading cause of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), is an emerging global health crisis. Lung cancer patients are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. With the increasing number of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with COVID-19, there is an urgent need of efficacious drugs for the treatment of COVID-19/NSCLC.

Methods: Based on a comprehensive bioinformatic and systemic biological analysis, this study investigated COVID-19/NSCLC interactional hub genes, detected common pathways and molecular biomarkers, and predicted potential agents for COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Results: A total of 122 COVID-19/NSCLC interactional genes and 21 interactional hub genes were identified. The enrichment analysis indicated that COVID-19 and NSCLC shared common signaling pathways, including cell cycle, viral carcinogenesis, and p53 signaling pathway. In total, 10 important transcription factors (TFs) and 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in regulations of 21 interactional hub genes. In addition, 23 potential candidates were predicted for the treatment of COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Conclusion: This study increased our understanding of pathophysiology and screened potential drugs for COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles

BACKGROUND

Iron (Fe)-induced oxidative stress leads to reactive oxygen species that damage biomembranes, with this mechanism being involved in the activity of some anti-cancer chemotherapeutics.

METHODS

Herein, we compared the effect of Fe complexes of the ligand, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), or the potential ligand, Emodin, on lipid peroxidation in cell membrane models (micelles and bicelles). These studies were performed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the absence or presence of ascorbate.

RESULTS

In the absence of ascorbate, Fe(II)/Emodin mixtures incubated with H₂O₂ demonstrated slight pro-oxidant properties on micelles versus Fe(II) alone, while the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex exhibited marked antioxidant properties. Examining more physiologically relevant phospholipid-containing bicelles, the Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-Dp44mT complexes demonstrated antioxidant activity without ascorbate. Upon adding ascorbate, there was a significant increase in the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles in the presence of unchelated Fe(II) and H₂O₂. The addition of ascorbate to Fe(III)-Dp44mT substantially increased the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles, with the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex being reduced by ascorbate to the Fe(II) state, explaining the increased reactivity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated ascorbyl radical anion generation after mixing ascorbate and Emodin, with signal intensity being enhanced by H₂O₂. This finding suggested Emodin semiquinone radical formation that could play a role in its reactivity via ascorbate-driven redox cycling. Examining cultured melanoma cells in vitro, ascorbate at pharmacological levels enhanced the anti-proliferative activity of Dp44mT and Emodin.

CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Ascorbate-driven redox cycling of Dp44mT and Emodin promotes their anti-proliferative activity.

Riding the tiger - physiological and pathological effects of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide generated in the mitochondrial matrix

Elevated mitochondrial matrix superoxide and/or hydrogen peroxide concentrations drive a wide range of physiological responses and pathologies. Concentrations of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in the mitochondrial matrix are set mainly by rates of production, the activities of superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2) and peroxiredoxin-3 (PRDX3), and by diffusion of hydrogen peroxide to the cytosol. These considerations can be used to generate criteria for assessing whether changes in matrix superoxide or hydrogen peroxide are both necessary and sufficient to drive redox signaling and pathology: is a phenotype affected by suppressing superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production; by manipulating the levels of SOD2, PRDX3 or mitochondria-targeted catalase; and by adding mitochondria-targeted SOD/catalase mimetics or mitochondria-targeted antioxidants? Is the pathology associated with variants in SOD2 and PRDX3 genes? Filtering the large literature on mitochondrial redox signaling using these criteria highlights considerable evidence that mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide drive physiological responses involved in cellular stress management, including apoptosis, autophagy, propagation of endoplasmic reticulum stress, cellular senescence, HIF1α signaling, and immune responses. They also affect cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and the cell cycle. Filtering the huge literature on pathologies highlights strong experimental evidence that 30-40 pathologies may be driven by mitochondrial matrix superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. These can be grouped into overlapping and interacting categories: metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurological diseases; cancer; ischemia/reperfusion injury; aging and its diseases; external insults, and genetic diseases. Understanding the involvement of mitochondrial matrix superoxide and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in these diseases can facilitate the rational development of appropriate therapies.

Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase: What the Established, the Intriguing, and the Novel Reveal About a Key Cellular Redox Switch

Significance: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are now widely recognized as central mediators of cell signaling. Mitochondria are major sources of ROS. Recent Advances: It is now clear that mitochondrial ROS are essential to activate responses to cellular microenvironmental stressors. Mediators of these responses reside in large part in the cytosol. Critical Issues: The primary form of ROS produced by mitochondria is the superoxide radical anion. As a charged radical anion, superoxide is restricted in its capacity to diffuse and convey redox messages outside of mitochondria. In addition, superoxide is a reductant and not particularly efficient at oxidizing targets. Because there are many opportunities for superoxide to be neutralized in mitochondria, it is not completely clear how redox cues generated in mitochondria are converted into diffusible signals that produce transient oxidative modifications in the cytosol or nucleus. Future Directions: To efficiently intervene at the level of cellular redox signaling, it seems that understanding how the generation of superoxide radicals in mitochondria is coupled with the propagation of redox messages is essential. We propose that mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is a major system converting diffusion-restricted superoxide radicals derived from the electron transport chain into highly diffusible hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This enables the coupling of metabolic changes resulting in increased superoxide to the production of H₂O₂, a diffusible secondary messenger. As such, to determine whether there are other systems coupling metabolic changes to redox messaging in mitochondria as well as how these systems are regulated is essential.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Normal Versus Malignant

SIGNIFICANCE

The long-term hematopoietic stem cell (LT-HSC) demonstrates characteristics of self-renewal and the ability to manage expansion of the hematopoietic compartment while maintaining the capacity for differentiation into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) and terminal subpopulations. Deregulation of the HSPC redox environment results in loss of signaling that normally controls HSPC fate, leading to a loss of HSPC function and exhaustion. The characteristics of HSPC exhaustion via redox stress closely mirror phenotypic traits of hematopoietic malignancies and the leukemic stem cell (LSC). These facets elucidate the HSC/LSC redox environment as a druggable target and a growing area of cancer research. Recent Advances: Although myelosuppression and exhaustion of the hematopoietic niche are detrimental side effects of classical chemotherapies, new agents that modify the HSPC/LSC redox environment have demonstrated the potential for protection of normal HSPC function while inducing cytotoxicity within malignant populations.

CRITICAL ISSUES

New therapies must preserve, or only slightly disturb normal HSPC redox balance and function, while simultaneously altering the malignant cellular redox state. The cascade nature of redox damage makes this a critical and delicate line for the development of a redox-based therapeutic index.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Recent evidence demonstrates the potential for redox-based therapies to impact metabolic and epigenetic factors that could contribute to initial LSC transformation. This is balanced by the development of therapies that protect HSPC function. This pushes toward therapies that may alter the HSC/LSC redox state but lead to initiation cell fate signaling lost in malignant transformation while protecting normal HSPC function. Antioxid. Redox Signal.

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer with Pharmacological Ascorbate

The prognosis for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer remains dismal, with less than 3% survival at 5 years. Recent studies have demonstrated that high-dose, intravenous pharmacological ascorbate (ascorbic acid, vitamin C) induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress selectively in pancreatic cancer cells vs. normal cells, suggesting a promising new role of ascorbate as a therapeutic agent. At physiologic concentrations, ascorbate functions as a reducing agent and antioxidant. However, when pharmacological ascorbate is given intravenously, it is possible to achieve millimolar plasma concentration. At these pharmacological levels, and in the presence of catalytic metal ions, ascorbate can induce oxidative stress through the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated ascorbate oxidation occurs extracellularly, generating H2O2 flux into cells resulting in oxidative stress. Pharmacologic ascorbate also inhibits the growth of pancreatic tumor xenografts and displays synergistic cytotoxic effects when combined with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Phase I trials of pharmacological ascorbate in pancreatic cancer patients have demonstrated safety and potential efficacy. In this chapter, we will review the mechanism of ascorbate-induced cytotoxicity, examine the use of pharmacological ascorbate in treatment and assess the current data supporting its potential as an adjuvant in pancreatic cancer.

Uncaging a catalytic hydrogen peroxide generator through the photo-induced release of nitric oxide from a {MnNO}6 complex

A photo-caged catalytic generator of hydrogen peroxide.

L-selenomethionine does not protect against testosterone plus 17β-estradiol-induced oxidative stress and preneoplastic lesions in the prostate of NBL rats

Previous animal studies examining dietary selenium effects on prostatic carcinogenesis did not show preventive benefit, including 1 study in a rat model involving testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2)-induced prostatic oxidative stress. Here, we examined modulation of T + E2-induced prostatic oxidative stress, dysplasia, and inflammation by L-selenomethionine at 1.5 or 3.0 mg selenium/kg in NIH-07 diet in Noble (Nbl)/Crl rats treated with T + E2 for 16 wk. Hormone treatment increased immunohistochemical staining for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the prostatic sites of T + E2-induced preneoplasia (P < 0.05), but selenomethionine did not attenuate 8-OHdG staining and dysplasia in the lateral prostate. Glutathione-peroxidase activity (P < 0.05) and mRNA expression were induced by T + E2 (P < 0.0001) but not changed by selenomethionine. Selenomethionine did not cause significant responses in expression and activity of glutathione-peroxidase and MnSOD, except for a reduction of MnSOD protein expression in the lateral prostate (P < 0.01). The absence of reduction of oxidative stress and dysplasia and the minimal effects on antioxidant enzymes caused by selenomethionine are consistent with the null effects observed in selenium supplementation animal studies and clinical trials. Significant (P < 0.01) opposite apoptosis/cell proliferation balance responses to selenomethionine and to T + E2 occurred in the lateral and dorsal prostate, explaining why T + E2 induces lesions selectively in the lateral lobe of NBL rats.

Mimic of manganese superoxide dismutase induces apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukemia cells

Abstract Increasing manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression can suppress the malignant phenotype in various cancer cell lines and suppress tumor formation in xenograft and transgenic mouse models. A mimic of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSODm), synthesized by a chemical method, has been shown to possess antitumor properties. However, the anticancer activity of MnSODm in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still obscure. In this study, we investigated the effects of MnSODm on the apoptosis of human leukemia HL-60 cells. Results showed that MnSODm significantly reduced the proliferation of HL-60 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. By flow cytometric analysis, we found that MnSODm treatment resulted in increased apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Further analysis demonstrated involvement of activation of the caspase cascade, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and release of cytochrome c in MnSODm-induced apoptosis. The results also showed that the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bid were dose-dependently decreased, whereas the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax protein was increased. Thus, MnSODm induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells via mitochondria-mediated, caspase-dependent pathways. MnSODm inhibition of Akt phosphorylation may contribute to MnSODm-mediated acute myeloid leukemia cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction.

Ascorbic acid: chemistry, biology and the treatment of cancer

Since the discovery of vitamin C, the number of its known biological functions is continually expanding. Both the names ascorbic acid and vitamin C reflect its antiscorbutic properties due to its role in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissues. Ascorbate acts as an electron-donor keeping iron in the ferrous state thereby maintaining the full activity of collagen hydroxylases; parallel reactions with a variety of dioxygenases affect the expression of a wide array of genes, for example via the HIF system, as well as via the epigenetic landscape of cells and tissues. In fact, all known physiological and biochemical functions of ascorbate are due to its action as an electron donor. The ability to donate one or two electrons makes AscH(-) an excellent reducing agent and antioxidant. Ascorbate readily undergoes pH-dependent autoxidation producing hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). In the presence of catalytic metals this oxidation is accelerated. In this review, we show that the chemical and biochemical nature of ascorbate contribute to its antioxidant as well as its prooxidant properties. Recent pharmacokinetic data indicate that intravenous (i.v.) administration of ascorbate bypasses the tight control of the gut producing highly elevated plasma levels; ascorbate at very high levels can act as prodrug to deliver a significant flux of H(2)O(2) to tumors. This new knowledge has rekindled interest and spurred new research into the clinical potential of pharmacological ascorbate. Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of action of pharmacological ascorbate bring a rationale to its use to treat disease especially the use of i.v. delivery of pharmacological ascorbate as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer.

Carmustine enhances the anticancer activity of selenite in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells

Apoptosis is one of the major mechanisms targeted in the development of therapies against various cancers, including prostate cancer. Resistance to chemotherapy poses a significant problem for the effective treatment of androgen-independent (hormone-refractory) prostate cancer. Although high concentrations of sodium selenite exert strong anticarcinogenic effects in several cell culture systems and animal models, the therapeutic potential of selenite in patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is extremely limited by the genotoxicity of high-dose selenite. We examined the ability of nontoxic concentrations of selenite to promote apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in carmustine-sensitized androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells. Androgen-dependent LNCaP cells exhibited a significant decrease in cell viability when exposed to nontoxic concentrations of selenite, whereas androgen-independent PC-3 and DU145 cells showed a significant decrease in cell viability only at higher concentrations. Treatment of PC-3 cells with a combination of nontoxic selenite and carmustine resulted in greater increases in cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species generation, growth inhibition, apoptosis, and DNA double-strand breaks, with concomitant decreases in DNA synthesis, glutathione, glutathione reductase, and antiapoptotic proteins. Combination treatment with carmustine and selenite triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis in PC-3 cells, which was not apparent when these cells were treated with selenite or carmustine alone. Genotoxicity in normal prostate epithelial cells was completely absent in the combination treatment of carmustine and selenite. In addition, carmustine decreased the induction of DNA double strand breaks by high-dose selenite in normal prostate epithelial cells. This is the first study to demonstrate that a nontoxic dose of selenite, in combination with carmustine, significantly induces apoptosis and growth inhibition in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells without causing undesirable genotoxicity in normal prostate epithelial cells, suggesting that this combination therapy may be a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Metalloporphyrin synergizes with ascorbic acid to inhibit cancer cell growth through fenton chemistry

Ascorbic acid (AA) has been reported to inhibit tumor cell growth through the generation of extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). However, the clinical utility of AA has been limited by relatively low potency and in vivo efficacy. This study reports that the metalloporphyrin, Mn(III) tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin(5+) (MnTMPyP), has a potent synergistic cytotoxic effect when combined with AA in a variety of cancer cell lines. In the presence of MnTMPyP, the concentration of AA required to inhibit cancer cell growth was markedly reduced. In vitro (cell-free) experiments demonstrated that AA alone enhanced the Fenton reaction that produces cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (HO(*)); however, this reaction was limited by the low rate by which AA generates H(2)O(2) (Fenton reaction substrate) from O(2). MnTMPyP catalyzed H(2)O(2) generation through the AA-facilitated Mn(II <--> III)TMPyP redox cycle and thereby markedly potentiated the Fenton reaction. Accordingly, MnTMPyP and AA resulted in increased cellular levels of H(2)O(2) and HO(*) in cancer cells, which mediate the synergistic cytotoxicity of this combined treatment. This effect was inhibited by cellular enzymes that metabolize H(2)O(2), such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase, suggesting that selective killing of cancer cells deficient in such enzymes can be achieved in vivo.

Diet and prostate cancer: mechanisms of action and implications for chemoprevention

As one of the most prevalent cancers, prostate cancer has enormous public health significance and prevention strategies would attenuate its economic, emotional, physical and social impact. Until recently, however, we have had only modest information about risk factors for this disease, apart from the well-established characteristics of age, family history and place of birth. The large worldwide variation in the incidence of prostate cancer and the increased risk in migrants who move from low-risk to high-risk countries provide strong support for modifiable environmental factors, particularly diet, in its etiology. Thus, dietary agents have gained considerable attention as chemopreventive agents against prostate cancer. Dietary fat, red and processed meat, vitamin E, selenium, tomatoes, cruciforms and green tea have all been linked with the development and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, through a range of molecular mechanisms. The direction of future clinical trials lies in clarifying the effects of these agents and exploring the biological mechanisms responsible for the prevention of prostate cancer. However, owing to the short time period between diagnosis and treatment, conventional dietary intervention techniques are not always realistic. Until large randomized trials confirm the benefit of chemopreventive and dietary modifications, patients can be advised to pursue a diet and lifestyle that enhances overall health.

Partial attenuation of cytotoxicity and apoptosis by SOD1 in ischemic renal epithelial cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute significantly to apoptosis in renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, however the exact mechanisms are not well understood. We used novel lentiviral vectors to over-express superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in proximal tubular epithelial (LLC-PK(1)) cells and determined effects of SOD1 following ATP depletion-recovery, used as a model to simulate renal IR. SOD1 over-expression partially protected against cytotoxicity (P < 0.001) and decreased superoxide (O(2) (*-)) in ATP depleted cells. The ATP depletion-mediated increase in nuclear fragmentation, an index of apoptosis and activation of caspase-3 was also partially blocked by SOD1 (P < 0.05). However, SOD1 over-expression was insufficient to completely attenuate caspase-3, indicating that ROS other than cytoplasmic O(2) (*-) are involved in ATP depletion mediated injury. To test the contribution of hydrogen peroxide, a subset of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and SOD1 (serum free and injured) cells were treated with polyethylene glycol-catalase (PEG-catalase). As expected there was 50% reduction in cytotoxicity and caspase-3 in SOD1 cells compared to EGFP cells; catalase treatment decreased both indices by an additional 28% following ATP depletion. To test the role of mitochondrial derived superoxide, we also treated a subset of LLC-PK(1) cells with the mitochondrial antioxidant, MitoTEMPO. Treatment with MitoTEMPO also decreased ATP depletion induced cytotoxicity in LLC-PK(1) cells in a dose dependant manner. These studies indicate that both SOD1 dependent and independent pathways are integral in protection against ATP depletion-recovery mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis, however more studies are needed to delineate the signaling mechanisms involved.

Mitochondrial gateways to cancer

Mitochondria are required for cellular survival, yet can also orchestrate cell death. The peculiar biochemical properties of these organelles, which are intimately linked to their compartmentalized ultrastructure, provide an optimal microenvironment for multiple biosynthetic and bioenergetic pathways. Most intracellular ATP is generated by mitochondrial respiration, which also represents the most relevant source of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Mitochondria participate in a plethora of anabolic pathways, including cholesterol, cardiolipin, heme and nucleotide biosynthesis. Moreover, mitochondria integrate numerous pro-survival and pro-death signals, thereby exerting a decisive control over several biochemical cascades leading to cell death, in particular the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Therefore, it is not surprising that cancer cells often manifest the deregulation of one or several mitochondrial functions. The six classical hallmarks of cancer (i.e., limitless replication, self-provision of proliferative stimuli, insensitivity to antiproliferative signals, disabled apoptosis, sustained angiogenesis, invasiveness/metastatic potential), as well as other common features of tumors (i.e., avoidance of the immune response, enhanced anabolic metabolism, disabled autophagy) may directly or indirectly implicate deregulated mitochondria. In this review, we discuss several mechanisms by which mitochondria can contribute to malignant transformation and tumor progression.

Plasma selenium, manganese superoxide dismutase, and intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer

PURPOSE

In vitro, in vivo, and epidemiologic studies support a role for selenium in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Our group previously demonstrated a strong interaction between plasma selenium and the manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) gene and incident prostate cancer risk. We now hypothesized that SOD2 modifies the association between selenium level and risk of aggressive prostate cancer at diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed SOD2 variants and plasma selenium in 489 patients with localized/locally advanced prostate cancer from an ongoing retrospective cohort. Cross-sectional associations with aggressive prostate cancer (ie, stage T2b-3, prostate-specific antigen > 10 ng/mL, or biopsy Gleason score > or = 7) were evaluated using the chi(2) test, Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and estimations of relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

SOD2 genotype alone was not associated with disease aggressiveness, whereas higher versus lower selenium levels were associated with a slightly increased likelihood of presenting with aggressive disease (RR = 1.35; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.84). There was evidence of an interaction between SOD2 and selenium levels such that among men with the AA genotype, higher selenium levels were associated with a reduced risk of presenting with aggressive disease (RR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.12), whereas among men with a V allele, higher selenium levels were associated with an increased risk of aggressive disease (for VV or VA men, RR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.61; P for interaction = .007).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the relationship between circulating selenium levels at diagnosis and prognostic risk of prostate cancer is modified by SOD2 genotype and indicate caution against broad use of selenium supplementation for men with prostate cancer.

JunD mediates androgen-induced oxidative stress in androgen dependent LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Numerous and compelling evidence shows that high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in prostate cancer occurrence, recurrence and progression. The molecular mechanism of ROS overproduction in the prostate gland, however, remains mostly unknown. Unique AP-1 transcription factor JunD has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation, promote differentiation and mediate stress responses in a variety of eukaryotic cells. We previously reported that androgen-androgen receptor induced ROS production in androgen-dependent LNCaP human prostate cancer cells is associated with increased JunD level/AP-1 transcriptional activity.

METHODS

LNCaP cells constitutively overexpressing a functionally inactive form of JunD (JunDDeltaTA) or stably transfected with JunD siRNA (siJunD) to suppress JunD protein expression were established. Overexpression of JunD in LNCaP cells using transient transfection method was applied to assess the induction of ROS production in LNCaP cells. DCF assay was used to measure the ROS concentrations in the transfected as well as non-transfected control cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to confirm silencing or overexpression of JunD in the transfected cells.

RESULTS

In the absence of androgen, LNCaP cells transiently transfected with a JunD overexpressing vector have relatively enhanced cellular ROS levels as compared to LNCaP cells transfected with a vector control. LNCaP cells that fail to express functional JunD (JunDDeltaTA or siJunD) do not exhibit any increase in ROS production in response to androgen.

CONCLUSION

Based on these data, we conclude that JunD is an essential mediator of the androgen-induced increase in ROS levels in LNCaP cells.

Sodium selenite induces apoptosis by generation of superoxide via the mitochondrial-dependent pathway in human prostate cancer cells

PURPOSE

Studies have demonstrated that selenium supplementation reduces the incidence of cancer, particularly prostate cancer. Evidence from experimental studies suggests that apoptosis is a key event in cancer chemoprevention by selenium and reactive oxygen species play a role in induction of apoptosis by selenium compounds. The current study was designed to investigate the role of superoxide and mitochondria in selenite-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

LNCaP cells were transduced with adenoviral constructs to overexpress four primary antioxidant enzymes: manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), or glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1). Cell viability, apoptosis, and superoxide production induced by sodium selenite were analyzed by the MTT assay, chemiluminescence, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, and Hoechst 33342 staining following overexpression of these antioxidant enzymes.

RESULTS

Our study shows the following results: (1) selenite induced cancer cell death and apoptosis by producing superoxide radicals; (2) selenite-induced superoxide production, cell death, and apoptosis were inhibited by overexpression of MnSOD, but not by CuZnSOD, CAT, or GPx1; and (3) selenite treatment resulted in a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, and activation of caspases 9 and 3, events that were suppressed by overexpression of MnSOD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that selenite induces cell death and apoptosis by production of superoxide in mitochondria and activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and MnSOD plays an important role in protection against prooxidant effects of superoxide from selenite. The data suggest that superoxide production in mitochondria is, at least in part, a key event in selenium-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

Molecular consequences of SOD2 expression in epigenetically silenced pancreatic carcinoma cell lines

Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is an enzyme that catalyses the dismutation of superoxide in the mitochondria, leading to reduced levels of reactive oxygen species. Reduced expression levels of SOD2 have been shown to result in increased DNA damage and sod2 heterozygous mice have increased incidences of cancer. It has also been shown that SOD2 expression is lost in pancreatic cell lines, with reintroduction of SOD2 resulting in decreased rate of proliferation. The mechanism of decreased SOD2 expression in pancreatic carcinoma has not been previously determined. We demonstrate, through sodium bisulphite sequencing, that the sod2 locus is methylated in some pancreatic cell lines leading to a corresponding decrease in SOD2 expression. Methylation can be reversed by treatment with zebularine, a methyltransferase inhibitor, resulting in restored SOD2 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that sensitivity of pancreatic carcinoma cell lines to 2-methoxyestradiol correlates with SOD2 expression and SOD2 modulation can alter the sensitivity of these cells. Using both genomics and proteomics, we also identify molecular consequences of SOD2 expression in MIA-PaCa2 cells, including dephosphorylation of VEGFR2 and the identification of both SOD2-regulated genes and transcription factors with altered binding activity in response to SOD2 expression.

Apoptosis induced by selenomethionine and methioninase is superoxide mediated and p53 dependent in human prostate cancer cells

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is the chemical form or major component of selenium used for cancer chemoprevention in several clinical trials. However, evidence from experimental studies indicates that SeMet has weaker anticancer effects than most other forms of selenium. Recent studies showed that the anticancer activity of SeMet can be enhanced by methioninase (METase), indicating that SeMet metabolites are responsible for its anticancer activity. In the present study, we showed that wild-type p53-expressing LNCaP human prostate cancer cells were more sensitive to cotreatment with SeMet and METase than p53-null PC3 human prostate cancer cells. SeMet and METase cotreatment significantly increased levels of superoxide and apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Cotreatment with SeMet and METase resulted in increased levels of phosphorylated p53 (Ser15), total p53, Bax, and p21(Waf1) proteins. LNCaP cells treated with SeMet and METase also showed p53 translocation to mitochondria, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release into the cytosol, and activation of caspase-9. The effects of SeMet and METase were suppressed by pretreatment with a synthetic superoxide dismutase mimic or by knockdown of p53 via RNA interference. Reexpression of wild-type p53 in PC3 cells resulted in increases in superoxide production, apoptosis, and caspase-9 activity and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential following cotreatment with SeMet and METase. Our study shows that apoptosis induced by SeMet plus METase is superoxide mediated and p53 dependent via mitochondrial pathway(s). These results suggest that superoxide and p53 may play a role in cancer chemoprevention by selenium.

Differential involvement of reactive oxygen species in apoptosis induced by two classes of selenium compounds in human prostate cancer cells

Selenium is a promising chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer, possibly via an induction of apoptosis. Earlier studies have shown that selenite induces DNA single strand breaks (SSBs), reactive oxygen species (ROS), p53 Ser-15 phosphorylation and caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis, whereas a methylselenol precursor methylseleninic acid (MSeA) induces caspase-mediated apoptosis regardless of p53 status. Here we address three main questions: What types of ROS are induced by selenite vs. MSeA in LNCaP (p53 wild type, androgen-responsive) and DU145 (mutant p53, androgen-independent) prostate cancer cells? Does ROS generation depend on androgen signaling? What are the relationships among ROS, DNA SSBs, p53 and caspases? We show that selenite (5 microM) induced superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in LNCaP cells much more than in DU145 cells and the ROS generation was not affected by physiological androgen stimulation. MSeA (10 microM) induced apoptosis without either type of ROS in both cell lines. In LNCaP cells, we established superoxide as a primary mediator for selenite-induced DNA SSBs, p53 activation and caspase-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore a p53-dominant negative mutant attenuated selenite-induced ROS, leading to a proportionate protection against apoptosis. The results support the p53-mitochondria axis in a feedback loop for sustaining superoxide production to lead to efficient caspase-mediated apoptosis by selenite. In contrast, caspase-mediated apoptosis induced by MSeA does not involve ROS induction. Since p53 is frequently mutated or deleted in prostate cancer and many other cancers, our results suggest that genotoxic vs. nongenotoxic classes of selenium may exert differential apoptosis efficacy depending on the p53 status of the cancer cells.

Colostrinin delays the onset of proliferative senescence of diploid murine fibroblast cells

Colostrinin (CLN), a uniform mixture of low-molecular weight, proline-rich polypeptides, induces neurite outgrowth of pheochromocytoma cells and inhibits beta amyloid-induced apoptosis. Moreover, its administration to patients with Alzheimer's disease resulted in improved cognitive functions. In this study, we investigated the impact of CLN on the lifespan of murine diploid fibroblast cells (MDF), an in vitro model for cellular aging. Here, we show that CLN significantly decelerates the senescence of cultured MDF and increases their population doubling levels. This action of CLN is associated with a decrease in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, which may be due to senescence-associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These data suggest that CLN may delay the development of cellular aging at the level of the organism. Thus, CLN may be used in the prevention and/or therapy of diseases associated with aging processes.

Inhibition of androgen receptor signaling by selenite and methylseleninic acid in prostate cancer cells: two distinct mechanisms of action

The development of prostate cancer and its progression to a hormone-refractory state is highly dependent on androgen receptor (AR) expression. Recent studies have shown that the selenium-based compound methylseleninic acid (MSeA) can disrupt AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. We have found that selenite can inhibit AR expression and activity in LAPC-4 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells as well but through a different mechanism. On entering the cell, selenite consumes reduced glutathione (GSH) and generates superoxide radicals. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, a GSH precursor, blocked the down-regulation of AR mRNA and protein expression by selenite and restored AR ligand binding and prostate-specific antigen expression to control levels. MSeA reacts with reduced GSH within the cell; however, N-acetylcysteine did not effect MSeA-induced down-regulation of AR and prostate-specific antigen. The superoxide dismutase mimetic MnTMPyP was also found to prevent the decrease in AR expression caused by selenite but not by MSeA. A Sp1-binding site in the AR promoter is a key regulatory component for its expression. Selenite decreased Sp1 expression and activity, whereas MSeA did not. The inhibition of Sp1 by selenite was reversed in the presence of N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, we have found that selenite and MSeA disrupt AR signaling by distinct mechanisms. The inhibition of AR expression and activity by selenite occurs via a redox mechanism involving GSH, superoxide, and Sp1.

Novel aspects of oxidative stress-associated carcinogenesis

Oxidative stress is associated with carcinogenesis. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species contribute to the accumulation of mutations in the genome, presumably followed by selective processes. Recent data suggest that preferred signaling pathways exist for oxidative stress-associated carcinogenesis. Whether this completely depends on random mutations induced by reactive species or whether instead some fragile genomic loci are sensitive to oxidative damage in association with changes of transcriptional activity or other topologic or nontopologic effects remains to be explored. Reliable markers for oxidative stress as well as for oxidative stress-induced preneoplastic lesions must be established.

Identification of over-expressed proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients by clinical proteomic analysis

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer is a worldwide problem. It is a universal aggressive disease in the population of smoking and drinking. The oral cancer mortality has been ranked 5th place in Taiwan in male cancer patients. A number of protein markers for oral cancer are still not applicable in large populations. Proteomic technologies provide excellent tools for rapid screening of a large number of potential biomarkers in malignant cells.

METHOD

Proteomics and real-time quantitative RT-PCR were used to analyze over-expressed proteins in 10 OSCC patients.

RESULT

Forty-one proteins were identified as commonly over-expressed in OSCC tissues. In OSCC tissues, alphaB-crystallin, tropomyosin 2, myosin light chain 1, heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), stratifin, thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, flavin reductase, vimentin, rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 (rho GDI-2), glutathione S-transferase Pi (GST-pi) and superoxide dismutase [Mn] (MnSOD) were significantly over-expressed (an average of 7.2, 6.0, 5.7, 4.3, 3.6, 3.4, 3.0, 3.0, 2.6, 2.5, 2.1-fold, respectively). In real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis, the gene expressions of alphaB-crystallin, HSP27 and MnSOD were also increased in the cancer tissues, consistent with proteomic results.

CONCLUSION

The identified proteins in this experiment may be used in future studies of carcinogenesis or as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for OSCC.

Expression of p53 enhances selenite-induced superoxide production and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells

Although the anticancer effects of selenium have been shown in clinical, preclinical, and laboratory studies, the underlying mechanism(s) remains unclear. Our previous study showed that sodium selenite induced LNCaP human prostate cancer cell apoptosis in association with production of reactive oxygen species, alteration of cell redox state, and mitochondrial damage. In the present study, we showed that selenite-induced apoptosis was superoxide mediated and p53 dependent via mitochondrial pathways. In addition, we also showed that superoxide production by selenite was p53 dependent. Our study showed that wild-type p53-expressing LNCaP cells were more sensitive to selenite-induced apoptosis than p53-null PC3 cells. Selenite treatment resulted in high levels of superoxide production in LNCaP cells but only low levels in PC3 cells. LNCaP cells also showed sequential increases in levels of phosphorylated p53 (serine 15), total p53, Bax, and p21(Waf1) proteins following selenite treatment. The effects of selenite were suppressed by pretreatment with a synthetic superoxide dismutase mimic or by knockdown of p53 via RNA interference. LNCaP cells treated with selenite also showed p53 translocation to mitochondria, cytochrome c release into the cytosol, and activation of caspase-9. On the other hand, restoration of wild-type p53 expression in PC3 cells increased cellular sensitivity to selenite and resulted in increased superoxide production, caspase-9 activation, and apoptosis following selenite treatment. These results suggest that selenite induces apoptosis by producing superoxide to activate p53 and to induce p53 mitochondrial translocation. Activation of p53 in turn synergistically enhances superoxide production and apoptosis induced by selenite.

Tumor-selective killing by selenite in patient-matched pairs of normal and malignant prostate cells

BACKGROUND

Selenium compounds have been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of human prostate cancer cell lines. However, the effects of selenium have yet to be examined in normal and malignant cells derived from the same individual. Selenite metabolism consumes glutathione (GSH) and produces superoxide. The generation of reactive oxygen species is an important mechanism in selenite-induced apoptosis.

METHODS

Three patient-matched pairs of primary prostatic epithelial cell cultures from normal and cancer were evaluated for their response to selenite. Apoptosis was measured and the differential response of normal and cancer cells was correlated with the expression of bcl-2, bax, GSH, and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD).

RESULTS

The cancer-derived cells were significantly more sensitive to selenite-induced apoptosis than the corresponding normal cells. Tumor-selective killing was not observed in cells treated with selenomethionine. The ratio of bcl-2:bax was decreased in the cancer-derived cells treated with selenite. Total GSH concentrations were similar in paired normal and cancer cells. Therefore, differences in GSH content do not appear to play a role in tumor-selective killing by selenite. Superoxide is a by-product of selenite metabolism and normal cells showed increased MnSOD expression and SOD activity compared to the cancer-derived cells. Prostate cancer cells treated with the MnSOD mimetic, MnTMPyP, were protected against the cytotoxic effects of selenite.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher MnSOD expression in normal cells may play an important role in eliminating superoxide radicals produced as a result of selenite metabolism and contribute to the tumor-selective killing by selenite in prostate cancer.

Comparative proteomic analysis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Ranking as the fourth commonest cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) represents one of the leading causes of cancer death in China. One of the main reasons for the low survival rate is that neoplasms in esophagus are not detected until they have invaded into surrounding tissues or spread throughout the body at advanced stages. A better understanding of the malignant mechanism and early diagnosis are important for fighting ESCC. In this study, we used proteomics to analyze ESCC tissues, aiming at defining the proteomic features implicated in the multistage progression of esophageal carcinogenesis. Proteins that exhibited significantly different expressions were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting and validated by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The protein changes were then correlated to the different grades of disease differentiation. Compared to those in adjacent normal epitheliums, the expression of 15 proteins including enolase, elongation factor Tu, isocitrate dehydrogenase, tubulin alpha-1 chain, tubulin beta-5 chain, actin (cytoplasmic 1), glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase, tropomyosin isoform 4 (TPM4), prohibitin, peroxiredoxin 1 (PRX1), manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), neuronal protein, and transgelin was up-regulated; and the expression of five proteins including TPM1, squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 (SCCA1), stratifin, peroxiredoxin 2 isoform a, and alpha B crystalline was down-regulated in cancer tissues with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). In addition, the differential expression of SCCA1, PRX1, MnSOD, TPM4, and prohibitin can be observed in precancerous lesions of ESCC. The expression of stratifin, prohibitin, and SCCA1 dropped with increasing dedifferentiation of ESCC. These data may suggest that these proteins contribute to the multistage process of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and invasiveness of ESCC.

The irinotecan/5-fluorouracil combination induces apoptosis and enhances manganese superoxide dismutase activity in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

We examined whether induction of apoptosis and Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) activities were involved in the greater cytotoxicity of the irinotecan (CPT-11)/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination for human colon cancer cells when compared to both drugs alone.

METHODS

HT-29 and SNU-C4 human colon carcinoma cell lines were treated with 5-FU and CPT-11, then apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and SOD activities were determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Enhanced apoptosis of HT-29 cells was observed with all treatments containing 5-FU in SNU-C4 cells; however, in HT-29 cells, apoptosis was enhanced only with the CPT-11/5-FU combination. In the SNU-C4 cell line, none of the treatments exerted a significant effect on Cu,Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD activity. However, in HT-29 cells, the CPT-11/5-FU combination enhanced Mn-SOD activity when compared to cells treated with CPT-11 alone. Nevertheless, the combined treatment did not interfere with Cu,Zn-SOD activity.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with the CPT-11/5-FU combination may promote in HT-29 cell apoptosis by enhancing Mn-SOD activity.

Selenium attenuates expression of MnSOD and uncoupling protein 2 in J774.2 macrophages: molecular mechanism for its cell-death and antiinflammatory activity

Selenium can activate cell death. However, the mechanism of action is not yet fully defined. We hypothesized that selenium may impede mitochondrial superoxide dismutation to H2O2 and O2, leading to cell death in macrophages and that this effect may be relevant to antiinflammatory treatment by selenium. In this study, the mechanism of action of selenium was investigated in nonactivated and activated (immune-stimulated) J774.2 macrophages. Sodium selenite treatment decreased dichlorodihydrofluorescein-reacting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) (mainly peroxides and hydroxyl radicals), with no correlation to glutathione peroxidase activity. However, selenite decreased the transcription and expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This cellular effect was due to inhibition of specificity protein-1 (Sp1) binding to its DNA binding site. Following immune stimulation of macrophages using lipopolysaccharides plus interferon-gamma, MnSOD was up-regulated. Activated macrophages showed higher mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular ROS levels, and cellular resistance to cell death. Selenite treatment attenuated all of these parameters. Selenite prevented nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation as a mechanism of its inhibitory activity on MnSOD expression in the immune-stimulated cells. In addition, overexpression of human MnSOD protected against death induced by selenite treatment. It is therefore concluded that selenium at high nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations shifts the balance between inflammatory response and cell death toward the latter, through a direct effect on the transcription factors Sp1 and NF-kappaB, and down-regulation of MnSOD and UCP2.