STUDIES ON CHROMATED ERYTHROCYTES. EFFECT OF SODIUM CHROMATE ON ERYTHROCYTE GLUTATHIONE REDUCTASE

Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Reprogramming in Cr(VI) Carcinogenesis

Cr(VI)-containing compounds are well-established lung carcinogens. Chronic exposure of the normal human epithelial cells is able to induce malignant cell transformation, the first stage of metal carcinogenesis. These Cr(VI)-transformed cells exhibit increased level of antioxidants, reduced capacity of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and development of apoptosis resistance, promoting tumorigenesis of Cr(VI)-transformed cells, the second stage of metal carcinogenesis. The mechanism of Cr(VI) induced carcinogenesis is still under investigation. Recent studies indicate that ROS play a positive role in the first stage while a negative role in the second stage. Transformed cells adapt metabolism to support tumor initiation and progression. Altered metabolic activities directly participate in the process of cell transformation or support a large requirement for nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids for tumor growth. In malignantly Cr(VI)-transformed cells, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is defective, and pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, and glutaminolysis are upregulated. These metabolic reprogramming supports rapid cell proliferation and contributes to tumorigenesis of Cr(VI)-transformed cells. This article summarizes the current progress in the studies of metabolic reprogramming and Cr(VI) carcinogenesis with emphasis on the metabolic enzymes and oxidative stress related major oncogenic pathways.

Interference of chromium with biological systems in yeasts and fungi: a review

This paper deals with the interactions of chromium (Cr) with biological systems, focusing in particular on yeasts and fungi. These interactions are analysed with primarily regard to biochemical functions, but higher levels of organization are also considered. Thus, the morphological and cytological characteristics of selected microorganisms in response to exposure to chromium ions are evaluated. The different oxidation states of chromium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in redox reactions with chromium ions are presented and characterized. The interactions of the most exposed subcellular structures, including the cell wall, plasma membrane and nuclei, have been deeply investigated in recent years, for two major reasons. The first is the toxicity of chromium ions and their strong impact on the metabolism of many species, ranging from microbes to humans. The second is the still disputed usefulness of chromium ions, and in particular trivalent chromium, in the glucose and fat metabolisms. Chromium pollution is still an important issue in many regions of the world, and various solutions have been proposed for the bioremediation of soil and water with selected microbial species. Yeasts and especially moulds have been most widely investigated from this aspect, and the biosorption and bioaccumulation of chromium for bioremediation purposes have been demonstrated. Accordingly, the mechanisms of chromium tolerance or resistance of selected microbes are of particular importance in both bioremediation and waste water treatment technologies. The mechanisms of chromium toxicity and detoxification have been studied extensively in yeasts and fungi, and some promising results have emerged in this area.

pH-Specific Synthesis and Spectroscopic, Structural, and Magnetic Studies of a Chromium(III)−Citrate Species. Aqueous Solution Speciation of the Binary Chromium(III)−Citrate System

In an attempt to understand the aqueous interactions of Cr(III) with the low-molecular-mass physiological ligand citric acid, the pH-specific synthesis in the binary Cr(III)-citrate system was explored, leading to the complex (NH4)4[Cr(C6H4O7)(C6H5O7)].3H2O (1). 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a, with a = 19.260(10) A, b = 10.006(6) A, c = 23.400(10) A, beta = 100.73(2) degrees , V = 4431(4) A3, and Z = 8. 1 was characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic, structural, thermal, and magnetic susceptibility studies. Detailed aqueous speciation studies in the Cr(III)-citrate system suggest the presence of a number of species, among which is the mononuclear [Cr(C6H4O7)(C6H5O7)]4- complex, optimally present around pH approximately 5.5. The structure of 1 reveals a mononuclear octahedral complex of Cr(III) with two citrate ligands bound to it. The two citrate ligands have different deprotonation states, thus signifying the importance of the mixed deprotonation state in the coordination sphere of the Cr(III) species in aqueous speciation. The latter reveals the distribution of numerous species, including 1, for which the collective structural, spectroscopic, and magnetic data point out its physicochemical profile in the solid state and in solution. The importance of the synthetic efforts linked to 1 and the potential ramifications of Cr(III) reactivity toward both low- and high-molecular-mass biotargets are discussed in light of (a) the quest for well-characterized soluble Cr(III) species that could be detected and identified in biologically relevant fluids, (b) ongoing efforts to delineate the aqueous speciation of the Cr(III)-citrate system and its link to biotoxic Cr(III) manifestations, and (c) the synthetic utility of convenient Cr(III) precursors in the synthesis of advanced materials.

Pro-oxidative vs antioxidative properties of ascorbic acid in chromium(VI)-induced damage: an in vivo and in vitro approach

The effect of antioxidant ascorbic acid (vitamin C) pretreatment on chromium(VI)-induced damage was investigated using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. The objective of this study was to pretreat yeast cells with the antioxidant ascorbic acid in an effort to increase cell tolerance against reactive chromium intermediates and reactive oxygen species formed during chromium(VI) reduction. Intracellular oxidation was estimated using the fluorescence indicators dihidro-2,7-dichlorofluorescein, dihydroethidium and dihydrorhodamine 123. The role of ascorbic acid pretreatment on chromium(VI) toxicity was determined by measuring mitotic gene conversion, reverse mutations, 8-OHdG, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion and chromium(V) formation. The chromium content in the biomass was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In the absence of chromium, ascorbic acid effectively protected the cells against endogenous reactive oxygen species formed during normal cellular metabolism. In vitro measurements employing EPR and the results of supercoiled DNA cleavage revealed that the pro-oxidative action of ascorbic acid during Cr(VI) reduction was concentration-dependent and that harmful hydroxyl radical and Cr(V) had formed following Cr(VI) reduction. However, the in vivo results highlighted the important role of increased cytosol reduction capacity related to modification of Cr(V) formation, increased chromium accumulation, better scavenging ability of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, and consequently decreased cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in ascorbic acid pretreated cells. Ascorbic acid influenced Cr(VI) toxicity both as a reducing agent, by decreasing Cr(V) persistence, and as an antioxidant, by decreasing intracellular superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide formation and by quenching free radicals formed during Cr(VI) to Cr(III) reduction. Increased 8-OHdG and decreased reduced glutathione in ascorbic acid-treated cells might induce an endogenous antioxidant defense system and thus increase cell tolerance against subsequent Cr-induced stress.

Effect of genotoxic exposure to chromium among electroplating workers in Taiwan

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between chromium (Cr) concentrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) formation in Cr workers and to assess the effects of susceptible genes (glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1) on the frequency of deletion and SCE/cell. Urinary Cr concentration was significantly elevated in Cr workers (3.67 +/- 3.89 microg/g creatinine) compared to control group (1.21 +/- 1.16 microg/g creatinine, P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference of superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels between Cr workers (6.86 +/- 0.80 U/mg Hb) and controls (7.16 +/- 0.53 U/mg Hb, P < 0.01). The frequencies of SCE and high frequency cells (HFC) were significantly correlated with smoking habits and with duration of exposure to Cr. A significantly higher percentage (50%) of Cr workers had both the null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype as compared to 10% of the controls (P < 0.01). However, the chromosomal DNA damage effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes, individually or in combination, was not revealed in Cr exposed workers.

Cytogenetic study of workers exposed to chromium compounds

The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), high SCE frequency cells (HFCs), and genetic polymorphism of genotypes glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 were analyzed in peripheral lymphocytes of 35 workers occupationally exposed to chromium (Cr) and 35 matched control group. Results showed that workers exposed to Cr showed 6.07 SCE/cell, as compared to 4.76 SCE/cell for the control group (p<0.01). Smokers showed a statistically significant higher frequency of SCE than non-smokers in both groups. The work duration of Cr workers was an important factor. Workers exposed for more than 5 years showed a significantly higher level of SCEs (p<0.05). Workers exposed to Cr for 5 or more years had higher HFC rates (51.4%) than those exposed for less than 5 years (22.9%), with an odds ratio of 4.5 times than those exposed for less than 5 years. In HFC analysis, Cr workers who smoked showed a higher level of HFC (60%) than the control group (5.7%) and also had a higher odds ratio (60.4) compared with the control group. Among non-smokers, the odds ratio was 9.0. Another objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between SCE and genetic polymorphisms of GST M1 and T1 in Cr workers. The results showed that the incidence of GSTM1 null genotype was 60% in the control group and 77.1% in Cr workers, and percentages of GSTT1 deletion were 42.9% and 62.9% in control and exposed individuals, respectively. There was a slightly increased frequency of SCE among Cr workers with GSTM1 null genotype as opposed to non-null genotype individuals. A similar result was seen among the control group; however, there were no statistically significant differences. In conclusion, the current study found the positive induction of SCE in workers who smoked or/and were exposed to Cr. However, different GST genotypes did not influence the level of cytogenetic damage between groups. Despite slight variation in numbers, they all appear to be not different.

Human erythrocytes are protected against chromate-induced peroxidation

In previous studies performed in this laboratory it was realized that in a broad concentration range (0.5-8 mM) dichromate does not induced red blood cell (RBC) peroxidation. To investigate the reasons behind RBC protection against chromate-induced peroxidation, the effects of 8 mM dichromate on white ghost and RBC peroxidation, RBC antioxidant system and hemoglobin status, as well as RBC osmotic fragility and morphology, were studied in more detail. It was observed that the peroxidation level induced by dichromate on RBCs is practically negligible when compared with the peroxidation induced in white ghosts. Furthermore, the osmotic fragility of RBCs exposed to dichromate is not altered, but the cells undergo echinocytic transformation, probably due to chromate-induced structural RBC membrane modifications. The activities of catalase, gluthatione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase of RBCs exposed to dichromate were similar to those observed in controls, but the gluthatione reductase and GSH levels were significantly reduced (P<0. 05). Concomitantly, GSSG and methemoglobin levels increased and NADH-methemoglobin reductase activity decreased. These results indicate that chromate does not induce RBC peroxidation, but does promote echinocytic shape transformation, oxidation of hemoglobin and GSH, and inhibition of gluthatione reductase and methemoglobin reductase. The enzymatic antioxidant defense system and hemoglobin oxidation are probably involved in the mechanism of RBC proctection against chromate-induced peroxidation, as is discussed.

Mechanisms of chromium carcinogenicity and toxicity

Chromium, like many transition metal elements, is essential to life at low concentrations yet toxic to many systems at higher concentrations. In addition to the overt symptoms of acute chromium toxicity, delayed manifestations of chromium exposure become apparent by subsequent increases in the incidence of various human cancers. Chromium is widely used in numerous industrial processes, and as a result is a contaminant of many environmental systems. Chromium, in its myriad chemical forms and oxidation states, has been well studied in terms of its general chemistry and its interactions with biological molecules. However, the precise mechanisms by which chromium is both an essential metal and a carcinogen are not yet fully clear. The following review does not seek to embellish upon the proposed mechanisms of the toxic and carcinogenic actions of chromium, but rather provides a comprehensive review of these theories. The chemical nature of chromium compounds and how these properties impact upon the interactions of chromium with cellular and genetic targets, including animal and human hosts, are discussed.

Preservation of metabolic activity in lyophilized human erythrocytes

Normal human erythrocytes (RBC) were freeze-dried under conditions that caused minimal modification in normal RBC metabolic activities. Because of the known effects of long-term storage on metabolic activities, we studied the effects of our lyophilization process on RBC metabolism. Of all the metabolic enzymes studied, only triosephosphate isomerase (D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate ketol-isomerase, EC 5.3.1.1), enolase (2-phospho-D-glyceratehydro-lyase, EC 4.2.1.11), and pyruvate kinase (ATP:pyruvate O2-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) were decreased when compared with fresh control nonlyophilized RBC. The activities of these enzymes did not differ significantly from those of blood bank RBC. Concentrations of high-energy intermediates, ATP, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, along with lactate and ATP production were decreased in lyophilized RBC. No enzymes of the pentose phosphate shunt were altered during lyophilization. In addition, our data show that lyophilized RBC possess an intact capacity to (i) synthesize adenine nucleotides and (ii) reduce MetHb to Hb and, thus, maintain the Hb in a functional physiologic state similar to fresh nonlyophilized RBC. The present study demonstrates the possibility of lyophilizing RBC in a manner that maintains normal metabolic and enzymatic function upon rehydration.

Role of physiological antioxidants in chromium(VI)-induced cellular injury

Chromium(VI) compounds are well known to be potent toxic and carcinogenic agents. Because chromium(VI) is easily taken up by cells and is subsequently reduced to the trivalent form, the formation of chromium(III) or other intermediate oxidation states such as chromium(V) and (IV) is believed to play a role in the adverse biological effects of chromium(VI) compounds. Recent in vitro studies have shown that this reduction process generates free radical species such as active oxygen radicals. Furthermore, physiological antioxidants are reported to modify the genotoxic and toxic effects of chromate. This article reviewed the recent in vitro and in vivo studies of the effects of antioxidants including active oxygen scavengers; glutathione; vitamins B2, E, and C, on chromate-induced injury such as DNA lesions; lipid peroxidation; enzyme inhibition; cytotoxicity; mutation; and so on. In addition, the mechanism of action of these antioxidants was discussed with respect to the formation of active oxygen radicals and paramagnetic chromium such as chromium(V) and (III). Such studies may help elucidate the mechanism of chromium(VI) toxicity as well as the mechanism of protection.

In vivo nephrotoxicity induced in mice by chromium(VI). Involvement of glutathione and chromium(V)

The role of glutathione (GSH) and chromium (V) in chromium (VI)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice was investigated at 24 h after K2Cr(VI)2O7 ip injection. Nephrotoxicity was assessed by measurements of relative kidney weight and serum urea nitrogen. Cr(VI) nephrotoxicity was accompanied by decreased renal GSH and glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) levels. Pretreatment with buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, enhanced Cr(VI)-induced nephrotoxicity, and remarkably diminished kidney GSH and GSSG-R levels. In contrast, pretreatment with glutathione methyl ester, a GSH-supplying agent, prevented Cr(VI) from exerting a harmful effect on mouse kidney and restored kidney GSH level. Administration of a Cr(V) compound, K3Cr(V)O8, induced much higher toxicity in mouse kidney than Cr(VI), but it failed to diminish renal GSH level. Another Cr(V) compound, Cr(V)-GSH complex, and Cr(III) nitrate did not cause a nephrotoxic effect in mice. The mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced nephrotoxicity was explained using GSH and Cr(V).

Possible role of glutathione in chromium(VI) metabolism and toxicity in rats

The effect of Cr(VI) on liver, kidney, and lung glutathione (GSH) levels and the effect of GSH depletion on Cr(VI)-induced nephrotoxicity were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g). GSH levels, measured as nonprotein sulfhydryls, were determined between 0.5 and 26 hr after intraperitoneal injection of the maximum non-toxic dose of sodium dichromate (10 mg/kg). While Cr(VI) at this dose did not significantly change hepatic, renal, or pulmonary GSH levels, there appeared to be an initial decrease of hepatic GSH followed by an increase to approximately 120% of control between 5 and 12.5 hr after Cr(VI) treatment. The increase in hepatic GSH levels was significant 5 hr after treatment with 20 mg/kg sodium dichromate, was manifested as an increase in both non-protein sulfhydryls and total glutathione, and was prevented by L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) pretreatment. In rats pretreated with 4.0 mmol/kg BSO to deplete GSH, subsequent treatment with Cr(VI) further reduced hepatic GSH levels 2 hr after Cr(VI) treatment and inhibited weight gain in the first 24 hr after treatment. Intraperitoneal injection of Cr(VI) did not inhibit hepatic glutathione reductase activity, even at toxic doses. Depletion of renal GSH to approximately 25% of control with BSO potentiated the acute nephrotoxicity of 30 mg/kg sodium dichromate as measured by serum urea nitrogen levels and relative kidney weight. However, GSH depletion with BSO did not appear to affect the incidence of glucosuria, haematuria, or lysozymuria over a range of Cr(VI) doses, nor did it affect renal uptake of Cr. Taken together, these data show that GSH protects against the acute nephrotoxicity of Cr(VI), although it is not clear whether GSH is directly involved in the intracellular metabolism of Cr(VI) at non-toxic doses.

Effects of vitamins on chromium(VI)-induced damage

The effects of vitamin E and vitamin B2 on DNA damage and cellular reduction of chromium(VI) were investigated using Chinese hamster V-79 cells. Pretreatment with alpha-tocopherol succinate (vitamin E) resulted in a decrease of DNA single-strand breaks produced by Na2CrO4, while similar treatment with riboflavin (vitamin B2) enhanced levels of DNA breaks. In contrast, levels of DNA-protein crosslinks induced by Na2CrO4 were unaffected by these vitamins. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies showed that incubation of cells with Na2CrO4 resulted in the formation of both chromium(V) and chromium(III) complexes, and cellular pretreatment with vitamin E reduced the level of the chromium(V) complex, whereas pretreatment with vitamin B2 enhanced the level of this intermediate. However, the levels of chromium(III) were unchanged by these vitamins. The uptake of chromate was not affected by vitamin E or vitamin B2, nor were the levels of glutathione or glutathione reductase activity, which are both capable of reducing chromate. ESR studies demonstrated that a chromium(V) species was formed by the reaction of Na2CrO4 with vitamin B2 and that vitamin B2 enhanced the formation of hydroxyl radicals during the reaction of Na2CrO4 and hydrogen peroxide. Treatment cells with Na2CrO4 resulted in a decrease of glutathione reductase activity, and pretreatment with vitamin E restored the enzyme activity suppressed by this metal. However, pretreatment with vitamin B2 enhanced the inhibition of this enzyme by Na2CrO4. Using a colony-forming assay, pretreatment with vitamin E dramatically decreased the cytotoxicity of Na2CrO4, while pretreatment with vitamin B2 was found to result in only a decrease of cell lethality of this metal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

One-electron reduction of chromate by NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase

Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements provide evidence for the formation of Cr(V) intermediates in the enzymatic reduction of Cr(VI) by glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) in the presence of NADPH, indicating an initial single-electron transfer step in the reduction mechanism. Depending on the pH, at least two different Cr(V) species are generated which are relatively long-lived. In addition, we have detected the hydroxyl (.OH) radical formation during the GSSG-R catalyzed reduction of Cr(VI) by spin trapping, employing 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) and alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (4-POBN) as spin traps. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) causes only a minor effect on the .OH radical and Cr(V) formation, indicating that the O2- is not significantly involved in the reaction mechanism. Catalase enhances the Cr(V) formation and substantially inhibits the .OH radical formation, indicating the involvement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the reaction mechanism. Addition of H2O2 suppresses Cr(V) and enhances the .OH radical formation. Measurements involving N-ethylmaleimide show that the Cr(V) species, produced enzymatically by the reduction of Cr(VI) by GSSG-R, react with H2O2 to generate .OH radicals, which might participate in the initiation of Cr(VI) carcinogenicity.

Influence of metyrapone and phenobarbital on sodium dichromate nephrotoxicity in developing rats

After the administration of equal doses of sodium dichromate, chromium concentrations in the kidney were lower in young than in adult rats. To test the age-dependent sensitivity to the nephrotoxicity of dichromate, young and adult rats were given doses to achieve identical chromium concentrations in the kidney. At equal renal concentrations, young rats had less functional and morphological damage than adult rats. As phenobarbital treatment in young rats enhanced the symptoms of nephrotoxicity and metyrapone treatment in adult rats decreased the symptoms of nephrotoxicity, age-dependent differences in chromate nephrotoxicity may be linked to an increase in the enzymatic reduction of Cr(VI) with age.

Mechanisms of chromium toxicity in mitochondria

The oxygen consumption of isolated rat heart mitochondria was potently depressed in presence of 10-50 microM Na2CrO4 when NAD-linked substrates were oxidized. The succinate stimulated respiration and the oxidation of exogeneous NADH in sonicated mitochondria were not affected by chromate at this concentration range. A rapid and persistent drop (40% in 2 min) in the mitochondrial NADH level was observed after chromate addition (30 microM) under conditions which generally should promote regeneration of NADH. Experiments with bis-(2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutyrato)oxochromate(V) and vanadyl induced reduction of Cr(VI) in presence of excess NADH were performed. These experiments indicated that NADH may be directly oxidized by Cr(V) at physiological pH. The activity of 10 different enzymes were measured after lysis of intact mitochondria pretreated with chromate (1-100 microM). Na2CrO4 at a very low level (3-5 microM) was sufficient for 50% inhibition of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. Higher concentrations (20-70 microM) was necessary for similar effect on beta-hydroxybutyrate and pyruvate dehydrogenase. The other enzymes tested were unaffected. Thus, the chromate toxicity in mitochondria may be due to NADH depletion as a result of direct oxidation by Cr(V) as well as reduced formation of NADH due to specific enzyme inhibition.

Chromium (V) and hydroxyl radical formation during the glutathione reductase-catalyzed reduction of chromium (VI)

Electron spin resonance measurements provide evidence for the formation of long-lived Cr(V) intermediates in the reduction of Cr(VI) by glutathione reductase in the presence of NADPH and for the hydroxyl radical formation during the glutathione reductase catalyzed reduction of Cr(VI). Hydrogen peroxide suppresses Cr(V) and enhances the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Thus Cr(V) intermediates catalyze generation of hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide through a Fenton-like reaction. Thus the mechanism of Cr(VI) toxicity might involve the interaction between macromolecules and the hydroxyl radicals.

Metabolic reduction of chromium, as related to its carcinogenic properties

At variance with Cr(III), Cr(VI) compounds easily cross cell membranes and exert genotoxic effects. No metabolic oxidation of Cr(III) could be detected, whereas Cr(VI) reduction was observed in the presence of body fluids and subcellular fractions of various tissues from several animal species. The differential efficiency of this process may account for the selection of target tissues in Cr(VI) carcinogenesis. For instance, reduction by saliva and gastric juice may explain a lack of carcinogenicity by the oral route; reduction inside erythrocytes may explain a lack of carcinogenicity at a distance from administration sites; reduction by the epithelial-lining fluid of terminal airways and by alveolar macrophages may be consistent with the occurrence of thresholds in lung carcinogenesis. Liver preparations displayed the top efficiency in reducing Cr(VI), whereas skeletal muscle, i.e., a typical target in experimental Cr(VI) carcinogenesis, had no detectable activity. Bronchial tree and peripheral lung parenchyma preparations from almost 100 individuals reduced Cr(VI) to a variable extent. The efficiency of lung parenchyma and of isolated alveolar macrophages was enhanced in cigarette smokers. In rats, Cr(VI) reduction by lung preparations was significantly stimulated by the repeated i.t. instillation of Cr(VI) itself. Among the electron donors (chiefly GSH) and enzymatic mechanisms responsible for the intracellular Cr(VI) reduction, such as cytochrome P-450 reductase, glutathione reductase, and aldehyde oxidase, an important role can be ascribed to cytosolic DT diaphorase activity, usually catalyzing a 2-electron reduction.

Comparison between the chromate inhibition test and a cytochemical method for the determination of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in erythrocytes

The sensitivity and specificity of the chromate inhibition test for the determination of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in erythrocytes were compared with a cytochemical staining method. Fifty blood samples were used in a double blind study. The samples were selected from 600 blood samples on the basis of two biochemical criteria, viz. either G6PD activity less than 4.8 IU/g Hb as analysed spectrophotometrically and/or G6PD activity less than glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) activity. The cytochemical assay was taken as reference because it has been proved to be sensitive and specific for the detection of heterozygous and homo/hemizygous forms of deficiency. Cytochemically, one hemizygously deficient patient, 19 heterozygotes and 30 normals were detected. When applying the chromate inhibition test a somewhat different result was obtained with the same samples: one of the 30 normals was classified as heterozygously deficient (3% false positives) and 5 of the 19 heterozygously deficient patients were classified as normal (26% false negatives). It is concluded that the chromate inhibition test is a more sensitive biochemical test than the fluorescence spot test or spectrophotometric assays. However, it is less reliable than the cytochemical test for the detection of heterozygously G6PD deficient patients.

Chromate reduction by rabbit liver aldehyde oxidase

Chromate was reduced during the oxidation of 1-methylnicotinamide chloride by partially purified rabbit liver aldehyde oxidase. In addition to 1-methylnicotinamide, several other electron donor substrates for aldehyde oxidase were able to support the enzymatic chromate reduction. The reduction required the presence of both enzyme and the electron donor substrate. The rate of the chromate reduction was retarded by inhibitors of aldehyde oxidase but was not affected by substrates or inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. These results are consistent with the involvement of aldehyde oxidase in the reduction of chromate by rabbit liver cytosolic enzyme preparations.

Red cell enzyme activity during blood storage and reactivation of phosphofructokinase

Activities of 21 red cell enzymes were measured in 15 units of CPD-Al anticoagulated blood before and after 35 days of storage. Paired t-tests revealed that five of the enzyme activities decreased significantly after 35 days of storage (P less than 0.05) while four increased significantly after storage (P less than 0.05). The most striking change was in phosphofructokinase (PFK), which decreased an average of 33% (P less than 0.005). Mean lactate dehydrogenase activity increased to 128% of its zero-day activity (P less than 0.005). Percent red cell survival, determined by reinfusion of a 51Cr-tagged aliquot of stored blood into the autologous donor, was highly correlated with 35-day ATP levels (r = 0.97; P less than 0.001). No significant relationships between two measures of red cell survival and any of the nine significantly altered enzymes were found. Studies of reactivation of PFK in hemolysates using 4 mM concentrations of numerous compounds indicate that the compounds or combinations of compounds used which reactivate PFK significantly all contain at least one high-energy phosphate group. These data suggest that loss of PFK activity during storage may be due to loss of organic phosphates. Whether the changes described have an important role in blood transfusion remains to be determined.

Uptake of 51Cr-chromate by human erythrocytes-a role of glutathione

Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI), as Na2CrO4 in an aqueous solution, was reduced rapidly ot the trivalent form (Cr-III) in the presence of glutathione, GSH (0.3-3.0 mM). Such GSH-dependent reduction Cr-VI can take place in the cytosolic space of Cr-VI-exposed cells, since GSH is found in reactive concentrations in this compartment. The reduction makes chromium essentially impermeable through the cell membrane, explaining the observation that Cr-VI, when added to red cell suspensions, is bound quantitatively intracellularly after a few hours. Diethylmaleate conjugation of the SH-group of the intracellular GSH preventing the oxidation to GSSG, lowered the chromium-uptake significantly, showing that reduced GSH plays a role for the chromium binding. In healthy red cells chromium is partially bound to haemoglobin and partially to small molecular weight substances, probably in the trivalent form. This intracellular chromium cannot be removed to the extracellular space by addition of chelating agents as long as the cell membrane is intact.

The role of metals in carcinogenesis: biochemistry and metabolism

The oxyanions of vanadium, chromium, molybdenum, arsenic, and selenium are stable forms of these elements in high oxidation states which cross cell membranes using the normal phosphate and/or sulfate transport systems of the cell. Once inside the cell, these oxyanions may sulfuryl transfer reactions. Often the oxyanions serve as alternate enzyme substrates but form ester products which are hydrolytically unstable compared with the sulfate and phosphate esters and, therefore, decompose readily in aqueous solution. Arsenite and selenite are capable of reacting with sulfhydryl groups in proteins. Some cells are able to metabolize redox active oxyanions to forms of the elements in other stable oxidation states. Specific enzymes may be involved in the metabolic processes. The metabolites of these elements may form complexes with small molecules, proteins and nucleic acids which inhibit their ability to function properly. The divalent ions of beryllium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead are stable forms of these elements which may mimic essential divalent ions such as magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, or zinc. These ions may complex small molecules, enzymes, and nucleic acids in such a way that the normal activity of these species is altered. Free radicals may be produced in the presence of these metal ions which damage critical cellular molecules.

Nonrecessively transmitted nonspherocytic hereditary haemolytic anaemia associated with increased red cell glutathione

Hereditary haemolytic anaemia not associated with spherocytosis, ovalocytosis, stomatocytosis or haemoglobinopathy was observed in three members of a kindred. There were no demonstrable abnormalities of enzymes of the Embden-Myerhof pathway, the hexosemonophosphate shunt, or of a variety of non-glycolytic enzymatic activities assayed in patient erythrocytes. In each case, red cell glutathione was increased in concentration three to six standard deviations above our normal mean. Erythrocyte glutathione was normally stable and all sulfhydryl reacting material was shown by specific enzyme assays to represent either reduced (97%) or oxidized (3%) glutathione. No abnormality in active transport of oxidized glutathione was demonstrable in the red cells. This syndrome of unknown actiology was transmitted in autosomally dominant fashion or, alternatively, as a possibly x-chromosome linked disorder. Existing data did not permit the differentiation of these two possibilities.

Interaction between cadmium and selenium in rat plasma

The metabolism of (75)Se-labeled SeO(3) (2-) and its conversion by intact rat erythrocytes in vitro to a form which complexes with Cd and plasma proteins were studied. By utilizing both excess SeO(3) (2-) and N-ethylmaleimide to lower erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations, it was shown that the uptake and metabolism of SeO(3) (2-) were GSH-dependent, the probable intermediate being glutathione selenotrisulfide (GSSeSG). Secondary release of selenium by rat erythrocytes had no relation to the erythrocyte transport of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). While fluoride depressed and chromate increased GSSG transport, chromate, a glutathione reductase inhibitor, decreased selenium release. This release appeared to be secondary to a reaction catalyzed by glutathione reductase. The similarity of I(50) values for chromate's inhibition of glutathione reductase and for the inhibition of selenium release further suggested a relationship between these two events. H(2)Se or a similar product of GSSeSG reduction is proposed to be the active product of SeO(3) (2-) metabolism by rat erythrocytes. By use of gel-filtration and ion-exchange methods it was noted that the incubation of H(2)Se with cadmium and plasma produced a Cd-Se complex indistinguishable from that produced by incubation of Cd, SeO(3) (2-), plasma, and erythrocytes in vitro, or that noted following the administration of Cd and SeO(3)in vivo. A mechanism whereby the tissue distribution and toxicity of cadmium are altered by selenium is suggested.

The metabolism of selenite by intact rat erythrocytes in vitro

75Se-labeled selenite was used to study its metabolism by intact rat erythrocytes in vitro. Utilizing both N-ethylmaleimide and excess selenite to lower erythrocyte GSH concentrations it was shown that the uptake and subsequent metabolism of selenite was dependent upon GSH. The secondary release of Se by rat erythrocytes had no relation to the erythrocyte transport of GSSG. While fluoride depressed and chromate increased GSSG transport, chromate, a glutathione reductase inhibitor, decreased Se release. This was consistent with the concept that the release was secondary to a reaction catalyzed by gluthathione reductase. The similarity of the I50 values for chromates' irreversible inhibition of glutathione reductase and for the inhibition of Se release further suggested a relationship between these two events. These results supported the hypothesis that H2Se or a similar product of GSSeSG reduction by glutathione reductase was the final product of selenite metabolism by rat erythrocytes.

Congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia associated with glucosephosphate isomerase deficiency: variant Paderborn

The deficient red cell enzyme glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) was characterized in a patient of German origin who had already been described, with congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, and in his heterozygous parents. The variant enzyme differs from the known GPI variant enzyme differs from the known GPI variants by the electrophoretic mobility, the thermal stability, and the leukocyte activity. No differences are found between normal GPI and the variant regarding the affinity to fructose-6-phosphate, the pH optimum and the thermal optimum. Since the electrophoretic pattern and the properties of the parenteral GPI are identical the propositus seems to be homozygous for an abnormal allele and not double-heterozygous as some other cases with GPI deficiency are. Recently, immunological studies have shown that the variant differs from other similar variants. According to the birthplace of the patient the variant is called "Paderborn".

Lead poisoning: association with hemolytic anemia, basophilic stippling, erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase deficiency, and intraerythrocytic accumulation of pyrimidines

Lead intoxication is accompanied by an acquired deficiency of erythrocyte pryimidine-specific, 5'-nucleotidase. Genetically determined deficiency of this enzyme is associated with chronic hemolysis, marked basophilic stippling of erythrocytes on stained blood films, and unique intraerythrocytic accumulations of pyrimidine-containing nucleotides. The present report documents that lead-induced deficiency when sufficiently severe gives rise to findings similar to the hereditary disorder. Whereas pyrimidine-containing nucleotides are virutally absent in the erythrocytes of normal and reticulocyte-rich blood, 12% of erythrocyte nucloetides in the blood of a patient with lead intoxication contained cytidine. Nucleotidase activity was about 25% that in normal erythrocytes and 15% or less of that expected in comparable reticulocyte-rich blood. The distribution of nucleotidase activity in patient erythrocytes is unknown, and much more severe deficiency could have been present in subsets of the cell populations analyzed. The findings indicate that the hemolytic anemia and increased basophilic stippling characteristic of certain cases of lead intoxication may share a common etiology with essentially identical features of the genetically determined disorder.

Congenital stomatocytosis and chronic haemolytic anaemia

A new case of congenital stomatocytosis associated with haemolytic anaemia, increased autohaemolysis, abnormalities in the erythrocyte metabolism, increased osmotic fragility and shortened erythrocyte survival is described. Intracellular cation concentrations are abnormal: Red cell sodium is high, and potassium is low. The pump rate for monovalent cations is increased.

Effects of low-level lead exposure on pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase and other erythrocyte enzymes. Possible role of pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase in the pathogenesis of lead-induced anemia

Similarities between lead-induced anemia and a new hereditary erythorenzymopathy involving pyrimidine-specific 5'-nucleotidase prompted studies of the effects of lead on this and other erythrocyte enzymes. In vitro incubations of normal mature erythrocytes demonstrated that significant inhibition of pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase occurred in the presence of lead at concentrations that had minimal effects on many other erythrocyte enzymes assayed simultaneously. Similarly, subjects with chronic lead intoxication secondary to industrial exposure exhibited substantial and consistent impairment of erythrocyte pyrimidine-5'-nucleotidase activity. Results suggest that lead-induced deficiency of this enzyme in maturing erythroid elements could, if sufficiently severe, result in induction of basophilic stippling and premature erythrocyte hemolysis analogous to that encountered in the genetically induced enzyme-deficiency syndrome.

Hereditary hemolytic anemia with human erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase deficiency

A severe deficiency of a red cell pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase was found to be associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia in four members of three kindreds. The syndrome was characterized by marked increases above normal in red cell basophilic stippling, total nucleotides, and GSH and by a fairly severe deficiency of ribosephosphate pyrophosphokinase (EC 2.7.6.1.). Patient erythrocytes uniquely contained large amounts of pyrimidine 5'-ribonucleotides. In earlier studies, these were erroneously considered to be adenosine phosphates, since all previous investigations of the nucleotides of human red cells and reticulocytes have shown 97% or more to contain adenine. Total nucleotides in patient cells were present in amounts 3-6 times greater than normal, and approximately 80% contained pyrimidine. The ultraviolet spectral curves of deproteinized red cell extracts exhibited a shift in maximum absorbance from the usual 256-257 nm to approximately 266-270 nm, and absorbance at 250, 270, 280, and 290 nm, expressed as a ratio of that at 260 nm, differed greatly from normal. The spectral characteristics of extracts provide the basis of a readily performed screening procedure, which does not require enzyme assay. The nucleotidase activity in deficient red cells assayed less than 14%, and usually less than 10%, of normal and much less in terms of reticulocyte-rich blood, where it was consistently found to be increased. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 7.5-8.0, is inhibited by EDTA, and does not utilize purine 5'-ribonucleotides or beta-glycerophosphate as substrates. While comparatively few family members have been available thus far for study, initial data are compatible with an autosomal, recessive mode of transmission of the deficiency. The pyrimidine 5'-ribonucleotides are presumably derived from RNA degradation and, not being diffusible, accumulate when the enzyme catalyzing their dephosphorylation is deficient. It is postulated that the prominent basophilic stippling results from retarded ribosomal RNA degradation secondary to accumulation of degradation products, namely pyrimidine 5'-ribonucleotides. Ribosephosphate pyrophosphokinase deficiency is considered to be an epiphenomenon. The mechanism responsible for increased red cell GSH is unknown.