Photochemical degradation of flavins. IV. Studies of the anaerobic photolysis of riboflavin

Elimination of a Retinal Riboflavin Binding Protein Exacerbates Degeneration in a Model of Cone-Rod Dystrophy

Purpose

Riboflavin and its cofactors are essential for cellular energy generation, responses to oxidative stress, and overall homeostasis. Retbindin is a novel retina-specific riboflavin binding protein essential for the maintenance of retinal flavin levels, but its function remains poorly understood. To further elucidate the function of retbindin in retinal health and disease, we evaluated its role in retinal degeneration in a cone-rod dystrophy model associated with the R172W mutation in the photoreceptor tetraspanin Prph2.

Methods

We performed structural, functional, and biochemical characterization of R172W-Prph2 mice with and without retbindin (Rtbdn-/-/Prph2R172W).

Results

Retbindin is significantly upregulated during degeneration in the R172W model, suggesting that retbindin plays a protective role in retinal degenerative diseases. This hypothesis was supported by our findings that R172W mice lacking retbindin (Rtbdn-/-/Prph2R172W) exhibit functional and structural defects in rods and cones that are significantly worse than in controls. Retinal flavin levels were also altered in the Rtbdn-/-/Prph2R172W retina. However, in contrast to the Rtbdn-/- retina which has reduced flavin levels compared to wild-type, Rtbdn-/-/Prph2R172W retinas exhibited elevated levels of riboflavin and the flavin cofactor FMN.

Conclusions

These results indicate that retbindin plays a protective role during retinal degeneration, but that its function is more complex than previously thought, and suggest a possible role for retbindin in protecting the retina from phototoxicity associated with unbound flavins. This study highlights the essential role of precisely regulated homeostatic mechanisms in photoreceptors, and shows that disruption of this metabolic balance can contribute to the degenerative process associated with other cellular defects.

Photochemical regeneration of flavoenzymes - An Old Yellow Enzyme case-study

Direct, NAD(P)H-independent regeneration of Old Yellow Enzymes represents an interesting approach for simplified reaction schemes for the stereoselective reduction of conjugated C=C-double bonds. Simply by illuminating the reaction mixtures with blue light in the presence of sacrificial electron donors enables to circumvent the costly and unstable nicotinamide cofactors and a corresponding regeneration system. In the present study, we characterise the parameters determining the efficiency of this approach and outline the current limitations. Particularly, the photolability of the flavin photocatalyst and the (flavin-containing) biocatalyst represent the major limitation en route to preparative application.

Retbindin Is Capable of Protecting Photoreceptors from Flavin-Sensitized Light-Mediated Cell Death In Vitro

Retbindin (Rtbdn) is a novel protein of unknown function found exclusively in the retina. Recently, our group has suggested, from in silico analysis of the peptide sequence and in vitro binding data, that Rtbdn could function to bind riboflavin (RF) and its derivatives flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), collectively known as flavins. Here we confirm that Rtbdn is capable of flavin binding and that this characteristic can protect photoreceptors from flavin-sensitized light damage.

Photoenzymatic epoxidation of styrenes

Photochemical reduction of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) enables the direct, non-enzymatic regeneration of styrene monooxygenase for enantiospecific epoxidation reactions.

Photo-induced proton-coupled electron transfer and dissociation of isolated flavin adenine dinucleotide mono-anions

The intrinsic optical absorption spectrum and photo-dissociation pathways of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) mono-anions isolated in vacuo are probed using photo-induced dissociation (PID) action spectroscopy. The main photo-products are lumichrome and formylmethylflavin. Evidence is presented that the dissociation pathway leading to these products is non-statistical i.e. occurs during the excited state lifetime. This suggests that the stacking of the adenine and alloxazine chromophores, which enables ultra-fast quenching of the flavin excited state by photo-induced electron transfer in aqueous solution, is inhibited in vacuo. These results provide firm experimental confirmation that lumichrome formation from flavins proceeds via photo-induced, intra-molecular proton-coupled electron transfer.

Solvent Effect on the Photolysis of Riboflavin

The kinetics of photolysis of riboflavin (RF) in water (pH 7.0) and in organic solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, ethyl acetate) has been studied using a multicomponent spectrometric method for the assay of RF and its major photoproducts, formylmethylflavin and lumichrome. The apparent first-order rate constants (k obs) for the reaction range from 3.19 (ethyl acetate) to 4.61 × 10(-3) min(-1) (water). The values of k obs have been found to be a linear function of solvent dielectric constant implying the participation of a dipolar intermediate along the reaction pathway. The degradation of this intermediate is promoted by the polarity of the medium. This indicates a greater stabilization of the excited-triplet states of RF with an increase in solvent polarity to facilitate its reduction. The rate constants for the reaction show a linear relation with the solvent acceptor number indicating the degree of solute-solvent interaction in different solvents. It would depend on the electron-donating capacity of RF molecule in organic solvents. The values of k obs are inversely proportional to the viscosity of the medium as a result of diffusion-controlled processes.

Stability-Indicating Photochemical Method for the Assay of Riboflavin: Lumichrome Method

A stability-indicating photochemical method for the assay of riboflavin (RF) in photodegraded samples and aged vitamin preparations has been developed. It is based on photochemical conversion of RF to lumichrome (LC) in alkaline solution under controlled conditions of light intensity, temperature, pH, time of exposure, and distance. Under these conditions about two-thirds of RF is converted to LC and on the basis of the RF : LC ratio the concentration of RF can be determined in degraded solutions. The method involves the extraction of photolyzed solutions of RF (pH 2.0) with chloroform and determination of LC along with lumiflavin (LF) by a two-component spectrometric method at 356 and 445 nm. The method has been validated and the results of the assay of RF in photodegraded solutions compare well with those of the standard USP fluorimetric method. The recovery of the method is 99–101% and the precision is within 2%. The method is stability-indicating and can be applied to the assay of RF in photodegraded solutions and aged vitamin preparations. The method is specific compared to that of the USP fluorimetric method in which the degraded LC may interfere with the fluorescence emission of RF.

Photo, thermal and chemical degradation of riboflavin

Riboflavin (RF), also known as vitamin B2, belongs to the class of water-soluble vitamins and is widely present in a variety of food products. It is sensitive to light and high temperature, and therefore, needs a consideration of these factors for its stability in food products and pharmaceutical preparations. A number of other factors have also been identified that affect the stability of RF. These factors include radiation source, its intensity and wavelength, pH, presence of oxygen, buffer concentration and ionic strength, solvent polarity and viscosity, and use of stabilizers and complexing agents. A detailed review of the literature in this field has been made and all those factors that affect the photo, thermal and chemical degradation of RF have been discussed. RF undergoes degradation through several mechanisms and an understanding of the mode of photo- and thermal degradation of RF may help in the stabilization of the vitamin. A general scheme for the photodegradation of RF is presented.

Effect of acetate and carbonate buffers on the photolysis of riboflavin in aqueous solution: a kinetic study

The photolysis of riboflavin (RF) in the presence of acetate buffer (pH 3.8-5.6) and carbonate buffer (pH 9.2-10.8) has been studied using a multicomponent spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous assay of RF and its photoproducts. Acetate and carbonate buffers have been found to catalyze the photolysis reaction of RF. The apparent first-order rate constants for the acetate-catalyzed reaction range from 0.20 to 2.86 × 10(-4) s(-1) and for the carbonate-catalyzed reaction from 3.33 to 15.89 × 10(-4) s(-1). The second-order rate constants for the interaction of RF with the acetate and the carbonate ions range from 2.04 to 4.33 × 10(-4) M(-1) s(-1) and from 3.71 to 11.80 × 10(-4) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The k-pH profile for the acetate-catalyzed reaction is bell shaped and for the carbonate-catalyzed reaction a steep curve. Both HCO3(-) and CO3(2-) ions are involved in the catalysis of the photolysis reaction in alkaline solution. The rate constants for the HCO3(-) and CO3(2-) ions catalyzed reactions are 0.72 and 1.38 × 10(-3) M(-1) s(-1), respectively, indicating a major role of CO3(2-) ions in the catalysis reaction. The loss of RF fluorescence in acetate buffer suggests an interaction between RF and acetate ions to promote the photolysis reaction. The optimum stability of RF solutions is observed in the pH range 5-6, which is suitable for pharmaceutical preparations.

Light-triggered proton and electron transfer in flavin cofactors

The pH dependent behavior of two flavin cofactors, flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), has been characterized using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy for the first time. The flavin excited state was characterized in three states of protonation (Fl(-), Fl, and FlH(+)). We found that Fl and Fl(-) exhibit the same excited state absorption but that the lifetime of Fl(-) is much shorter than that of Fl. The transient absorption spectrum of FlH(+) is significantly different from Fl and Fl(-), suggesting that the electronic properties of the flavin chromophore become appreciably modified by protonation. We further studied the excited state protonation of the flavin and found that the protonation sites of the flavin in the ground and excited state are not equivalent. In the case of FAD, its excited state dynamics are controlled by the two conformations it adopts. At low and high pH, FAD adopts an "open" conformation and behaves the same as FMN. In a neutral pH range, FAD undergoes a fast excited state deactivation due to the "stacked" conformer. The transition from stacked to open conformer occurs at pH ~ 3 (because of adenine protonation) and pH ~ 10 (because of flavin deprotonation).

Correction for irrelevant absorption in multicomponent spectrophotometric assay of riboflavin, formylmethylflavin, and degradation products: kinetic applications

In the spectrophotometric assay of multicomponent systems involved in drug degradation studies, some minor or unknown degradation products may be present. These products may interfere in the assay and thus invalidate the results due to their absorption in the range of analytical wavelengths. This interference may be eliminated by the application of an appropriate correction procedure to obtain reliable data for kinetic treatment. The present study is based on the application of linear and non-linear irrelevant absorption corrections in the multicomponent spectrophotometric assay of riboflavin and formylmethylflavin during the photolysis and hydrolysis studies. The correction procedures take into account the interference caused by minor or unknown products and have shown considerable improvement in the assay data in terms of the molar balance. The treatment of the corrected data has led to more accurate kinetic results in degradation studies.

Stabilizing effect of citrate buffer on the photolysis of riboflavin in aqueous solution

In the present investigation the photolysis of riboflavin (RF) in the presence of citrate species at pH 4.0-7.0 has been studied. A specific multicomponent spectrophotometric method has been used to assay RF in the presence of photoproducts during the reactions. The overall first-order rate constants (k obs ) for the photolysis of RF range from 0.42 to 1.08×10(-2) min(-1) in the region. The values of k obs have been found to decrease with an increase in citrate concentration indicating an inhibitory effect of these species on the rate of reaction. The second-order rate constants for the interaction of RF with total citrate species causing inhibition range from 1.79 to 5.65×10(-3) M(-1) min(-1) at pH 4.0-7.0. The log k-pH profiles for the reactions at 0.2-1.0 M citrate concentration show a gradual decrease in k obs and the value at 1.0 M is more than half compared to that of k 0, i.e., in the absence of buffer, at pH 5.0. Divalent citrate ions cause a decrease in RF fluorescence due to the quenching of the excited singlet state resulting in a decrease in the rate of reaction and consequently leading to the stabilization of RF solutions. The greater quenching of fluorescence at pH 4.0 compared to that of 7.0 is in accordance with the greater concentration of divalent citrate ions (99.6%) at that pH. The trivalent citrate ions exert a greater inhibitory effect on the rate of RF photolysis compared to that of the divalent citrate ions probably as a result of excited triplet state quenching. The values of second-order rate constants for the interaction of divalent and trivalent citrate ions are 0.44×10(-2) and 1.06×10(-3) M(-1) min(-1), respectively, indicating that the trivalent ions exert a greater stabilizing effect, compared to the divalent ions, on RF solutions.

Corneal distribution of riboflavin prior to collagen cross-linking

PURPOSE

To evaluate the distribution of riboflavin in the corneal stroma, under varying concentrations and application time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 54 porcine eyes, the central corneal epithelium was removed, and 0.035, 0.1, or 0.2% riboflavin-5-phosphate (in 20% Dextran T-500) was applied for 10, 20, or 30 min (3 x 6 corneas in each of the 3 groups). Trephined corneal buttons were examined using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Stromal riboflavin distribution and concentration was determined by measuring riboflavin fluorescence in optical sections at 10 microm intervals through the entire cornea. The procedure was repeated in 7 human corneal donor grafts using 0.1% riboflavin-5-phosphate for 20 or 30 min.

RESULTS

In porcine corneas, fluorescence intensity peaked within the first 50 microm followed by a steep decline to baseline. Increasing the riboflavin concentration from 0.1 to 0.2% did not increase stromal depth propagation, although a higher concentration in the anterior 200 microm was observed. Reducing the riboflavin application time from 30 to 20 min had no impact on corneal depth propagation or total riboflavin uptake. However, a 10-min further reduction of the application time caused a significantly reduced riboflavin uptake. In all human corneas, fluorescence peaked within the anterior 50 microm, followed by a steep decline to baseline over the next 200 microm; similar to the observations in porcine corneas. The human corneas imbibed more riboflavin compared to the porcine corneas.

CONCLUSIONS

In human and porcine corneas, riboflavin does not appear to fully load the corneal stroma using the current clinical procedure. Instead, the uptake appears to be limited to the anterior approximately 200 microm. Changes in application time and riboflavin concentration have only little influence on stromal depth diffusion.

Photoinduced interaction between riboflavin and TiO(2) colloid

The adsorption of riboflavin on the surface of TiO(2) colloidal particles and the electron transfer process from its singlet excited state to the conduction band of TiO(2) were examined by absorption and fluorescence quenching measurements. The apparent association constants (K(app)) were determined. The quenching mechanism is discussed involving electron transfer from riboflavin to TiO(2).

Photolysis of formylmethylflavin in aqueous and organic solvents

The photolysis of formylmethylflavin (FMF), a major intermediate in the photodegradation sequence of riboflavin, has been carried out in water (pH 7.0) and in several organic solvents. FMF produces lumichrome (LC) in organic solvents and LC and lumiflavin (LF) in aqueous solution. FMF and its photoproducts have been analysed using a specific multicomponent spectrophotometric method. FMF undergoes a bimolecular redox reaction on photolysis. The second-order rate constants for the reaction range from 0.66 (chloroform) to 2.44 M(-1) s(-1) (water) and are a linear function of the solvent dielectric constant. A plot of ln k against 1/epsilon is linear for the reactions in 1-butanol, 1-propanol, ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile and water (epsilon approximately 17-79) and non-linear in chloroform and dichloroethane (epsilon approximately 5-10) suggesting a change in reaction mechanism in the two regions. This may be explained on the basis of the existence of a dipolar intermediate along the reaction pathway. The rate of photolysis is governed by the solvation of the intermediate and is thus influenced by the dielectric constant of the medium. The solvent effect on the rate of photolysis of FMF has been expressed in terms of the solvent acceptor number. A linear relationship has been found between ln k and the solvent acceptor number.

A study of simultaneous photolysis and photoaddition reactions of riboflavin in aqueous solution

The photodegradation reactions of riboflavin (RF) in the presence of 0.05-2.00 M phosphate (pH 7.0) have been studied using a specific multicomponent spectrophotometric method. The reactions involve simultaneous photolysis (intramolecular photoreduction) and photoaddition (intramolecular photoaddition) leading to lumichrome (LC) and cyclodehydroriboflavin (CDRF), respectively, as major products. The contribution of each reaction in the overall photodegradation depends upon the phosphate concentration, i.e., higher the phosphate concentration higher the extent of photoaddition. The apparent first-order rate constants for the photodegradation of RF and for the formation of LC and CDRF at 0.25-2.00 M phosphate concentration range from 0.65 to 3.03 x 10(-2), and from 0.41 to 0.99 x 10(-2) and 0.12 to 1.63 x 10(-2) min(-1), respectively. The second-order rate constants for the phosphate catalysed photodegradation of RF and for the formation of LC and CDRF are 2.12 x 10(-4) and 0.61 x 10(-4) and 1.41 x 10(-4) M(-1)s (-1), respectively. Since the formation of CDRF by photoaddition is catalysed by HPO(4)(2-) ions, it is suggested that H(2)PO(4)(-) ions may be involved in the formation of LC by photolysis. Thus, both H(2)PO(4)(-) and HPO(4)(2-) ions may catalyse the two major reaction pathways of riboflavin photodegradation, respectively.

Effect of phosphate buffer on photodegradation reactions of riboflavin in aqueous solution

The effect of phosphate buffer on aerobic photodegradation reactions of riboflavin (RF) at pH 7.0 has been studied. The photoproducts of the two major reactions, viz., intramolecular photoreduction and intramolecular photoaddition, have been determined by a specific multicomponent spectrophotometric method. The overall photodegradation of riboflavin in the presence of phosphate buffer involves the participation of both H2PO4-and HPO4(2-) species. The second-order rate constants for the H2PO4(-)-catalysed photodegradation of riboflavin (normal photolysis) to lumichrome (LC) and HPO4(2-)-catalysed photodegradation of riboflavin (photoaddition) to cyclodehydroriboflavin (CDRF) are 0.93 x 10(-4) and 4.0 x 10(-4) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The addition of 0.25-2.00 M phosphate to RF solutions at pH 7.0 gives rise to RF-HPO4(2-) complex and hence the quenching of 4-36% fluorescence, respectively. This results in the suppression of normal photolysis leading to the formation of LC in favour of photoaddition to yield CDRF. The present study shows the involvement of H2PO4- anions in the base-catalysed degradation of riboflavin by normal photolysis vis-a-vis the involvement of HPO42- anions in photoaddition reactions of riboflavin suggested earlier [M. Schuman Jorns, G. Schollnhammer, P. Hemmerich, Intramolecular addition of the riboflavin side chain. Anion-catalysed neutral photochemistry, Eur. J. Biochem. 57 (1975) 35-48].

Photolysis of riboflavin in aqueous solution: a kinetic study

The kinetics of photolysis of aqueous riboflavin solutions on UV and visible irradiation has been studied in the pH range 1-12 using a specific multicomponent spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous determination of riboflavin and its major photoproducts (formylmethylflavin, lumichrome and lumiflavin). The apparent first-order rate constants for the photodegradation reactions in the pH range have been determined. The log k-pH profiles indicate that riboflavin has maximum photostability around pH 5-6, at which the rate of oxidation-reduction of the molecule is lowest. The cationic and anionic forms of riboflavin are non-fluorescent and less susceptible to photolysis than the non-ionised molecule as indicated by the relatively slow rates below pH 3.0 and above pH 10.0. The rate of photolysis is increased up to 80-fold at pH 10.0, compared to that at pH 5.0, due to increase in redox potentials with an increase in pH and consequently the ease with which the molecule is oxidised. The increase in rate at pH 3.0, compared to that at pH 5.0, appears to be due to the involvement of the excited singlet state as well as the triplet state in riboflavin degradation. The apparent first-order rate constants for the photolysis of riboflavin at pH 5.0-10.0 with UV and visible radiation are 0.185 x 10(-2) to 13.182 x 10(-2)min(-1) and 0.098 x 10(-2) to 7.762 x 10(-2)min(-1), respectively.

Multicomponent spectrophotometric assay of riboflavine and photoproducts

A multicomponent spectrophotometric method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of riboflavine, formylmethylflavine and degradation products in photolysed solutions. It is based on partial separation of the photoproducts by chloroform extraction at pH 2.0 in a potassium chloride-hydrochloric acid solution and subsequent determination, in the aqueous phase, of riboflavine and formylmethylflavine at 445 and 385 nm. The chloroform extract containing lumichrome and lumiflavine is evaporated to dryness, the residue dissolved in acetate buffer (pH 4.5) and the products determined at 356 and 445 nm. The reproducibility of the method, based on the analysis of synthetic mixtures, is within +/- 5%. Absorption corrections for minor products and interfering substances have been proposed. Chromatographic, spectrophotometric and distribution coefficient data for riboflavine and photoproducts are reported. The method is specific, rapid and convenient for photodegradation studies of riboflavine and formylmethylflavine.

Spectroscopic studies on the riboflavin-sensitized conformational changes of calf lens alpha-crystallin

The change in conformation of calf lens alpha-crystallin by oxidation in the presence of the photosensitizer riboflavin and light has been investigated. Near-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectrum, absorption spectrum, tryptophan fluorescence yield and fluorescence lifetime of the SH-specific fluorescent probe, N-iodoacetyl-N'-(5-sulfo-1-naphtyl) ethylenediamine (1,5-IAEDANS), were significantly altered by irradiation in the presence of RF. In the initial stages of photolysis (1-2 hr), a slight degradation of the protein to lower molecular weight peptides was observed. Upon increased photolysis, intersubunit cross-linking to dimers and other high molecular weight species was observed. To determine the effects of cross-linking on the accessibility of the cysteine residues of the protein, lifetime quenching studies on the IAEDANS-labeled alpha-crystallin were performed. A decrease in the quenching constant (kappa q) in the photolysed sample indicates that the labeled SH groups are less susceptible to collisional quenching, which requires contact between the quencher and the excited state of the fluorophore, due to steric inhibition in the cross-linked protein. Cross-linking and the rate of loss of tryptophan fluorescence of alpha-crystallin diminished under anaerobic conditions and increased when D2O was used in the medium for irradiation. Use of inhibitors and quenchers of active species of oxygen suggests that photo-oxidation probably occurs via the action of singlet oxygen as well as substrate-sensitizer complexation.

Strong-light response of Micrasterias thomasiana Archer

Prostrate cells of Micrasterias thomasiana Archer were irradiated from above with intensive blue light. Many of the cells reacted by rising to a profile position. During a period of 15 to 90 min the response is linearly dependent on the duration of irradiation, inferred from the number of rising cells. In a range from 10 to 30 μmol m(-2) s(-1) (equalling 2.7-8.0 W m(-2) at a wavelength of 450 nm) and for an irradiation time of 30 min, the rising reaction was linearly dependent on the quantum flux density. Choosing 30 min irradiation time and a quantum flux density of 30 μmol m(-2) s(-1), the reactive number of rising cells was employed in establishing an action spectrum. As a result of this, a flavin is postulated as the light-percepting pigment in the reaction, whereas chlorophylls do not appear to be involved. The rising reaction can be distinguished from other light-induced movements as a strong-light response, resembling in this respect the movement of chloroplasts within cells. The different sensitivity of individual cells and the importance of this strong-light response for the algal cells is discussed.

Photoejection of electrons from flavins in polar media

Riboflavin and 12 of its derivatives have been shown to form solvated electrons under ultraviolet irradiation (253.7 nanometers) in various water-methanol solvent mixtures. The highest quantum yield of solvated electrons (about 0.03) was obtained for flavins containing tyrosine on a side chain in the isoalloxazine N-3 or N-10 position. The splitting of hydrogen atoms from excited flavin molecules was also observed. From the results presented here, it can be determined that the semiquinone transients are formed not only by way of the flavin triplet, as usually suggested, but also by the attack of the electrons and hydrogen atoms on flavin molecules in the ground state. This is important, because the flavin radicals remaining after the electron-ejection or hydrogen-splitting processes must also be considered in the subsequent reaction mechanisms. The electron-ejection process from electronically excited flavins has important implications in the photobiology of these compounds.