Glutathione S-transferase omega in the lung and sputum supernatants of COPD patients

Anti-glutathione S-transferase omega 1-1 (GSTO1-1) antibodies are increased during acute and chronic inflammation in humans

Glutathione S-transferase omega-1 (GSTO1-1) is a cytosolic enzyme involved in the modulation of critical inflammatory pathways as well as in cancer progression. Auto-antibodies against GSTO1-1 were detected in the serum of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and were proposed as potential biomarkers in the early detection of the disease. Our findings show that anti-GSTO1-1 antibodies can be found in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis, infectious SARS-CoV-2, and trichinellosis. Our findings strongly suggest that anti-GSTO1-1 antibodies may be a marker of tissue damage/inflammation rather than a specific tumor-associated biomarker.

GSTO1, GSTO2 and ACE2 Polymorphisms Modify Susceptibility to Developing COVID-19

Based on the close relationship between dysregulation of redox homeostasis and immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infection, we proposed a possible modifying role of ACE2 and glutathione transferase omega (GSTO) polymorphisms in the individual propensity towards the development of clinical manifestations in COVID-19. The distribution of polymorphisms in ACE2 (rs4646116), GSTO1 (rs4925) and GSTO2 (rs156697) were assessed in 255 COVID-19 patients and 236 matched healthy individuals, emphasizing their individual and haplotype effects on disease development and severity. Polymorphisms were determined by the appropriate qPCR method. The data obtained showed that individuals carrying variant GSTO1*AA and variant GSTO2*GG genotypes exhibit higher odds of COVID-19 development, contrary to ones carrying referent alleles (p = 0.044, p = 0.002, respectively). These findings are confirmed by haplotype analysis. Carriers of H2 haplotype, comprising GSTO1*A and GSTO2*G variant alleles were at 2-fold increased risk of COVID-19 development (p = 0.002). Although ACE2 (rs4646116) polymorphism did not exhibit a statistically significant effect on COVID-19 risk (p = 0.100), the risk of COVID-19 development gradually increased with the presence of each additional risk-associated genotype. Further studies are needed to clarify the specific roles of glutathione transferases omega in innate immune response and vitamin C homeostasis once the SARS-CoV-2 infection is initiated in the host cell.

Loss of GSTO2 contributes to cell growth and mitochondria function via the p38 signaling in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Glutathione S-transferase omega 2 (GSTO2) lacks any appreciable GST activity, but it exhibits thioltransferase activity. The significance of GSTO2 in lung function has been reported; however, the precise expression and molecular function of GSTO2 in the lungs remain unclear. In the present study, we found that GSTO2 is expressed in airway basal cells, non-ciliated, columnar Clara cells, and type II alveolar cells, which have self-renewal capacity in the lungs. Contrastingly, no GSTO2 expression was observed in 94 lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) samples. When human LSCC cell lines were treated with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, a DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor, GSTO2 transcription was induced, suggesting that aberrant GSTO2 hypermethylation in LSCC is the cause of its downregulation. Forced GSTO2 expression in LSCC cell lines inhibited cell growth and colony formation in vitro. In a subcutaneous xenograft model, GSTO2-transfected cells formed smaller tumors in nude mice than mock-transfected cells. Upon intravenous injection into nude mice, the incidence of liver metastasis was lower in mice injected with GSTO2-transfected cells than in those injected with mock-transfected cells. In addition, GSTO2 induction suppressed the expression of β-catenin and the oxygen consumption rate, but it did not affect the extracellular acidification rate. Furthermore, GSTO2-transfected cells displayed lower mitochondrial membrane potential than mock-transfected cells. When GSTO2-transfected cells were treated with a p38 inhibitor, β-catenin expression and mitochondrial membrane potential were recovered. Our study indicated that the loss of GSTO2 via DNA hypermethylation contributes to the growth and progression of LSCC, probably by modulating cancer metabolism via the p38/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Airways glutathione S-transferase omega-1 and its A140D polymorphism are associated with severity of inflammation and respiratory dysfunction in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Glutathione S-transferase omega-1 (GSTO1-1) is a cytosolic enzyme that modulates the S-thiolation status of intracellular factors involved in cancer cell survival or in the inflammatory response. Studies focusing on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have demonstrated that GSTO1-1 is detectable in alveolar macrophages, airway epithelium and in the extracellular compartment, where its functions have not been completely understood. Moreover GSTO1-1 polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk to develop COPD. Against this background, the aim of this study was to evaluate GSTO1-1 levels and its polymorphisms in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

METHODS

Clinical samples from a previous study published by our groups were analyzed for GSTO1-1 levels and polymorphisms. For comparison, a model of lung inflammation in CFTR-knock out mice was also used.

RESULTS

Our data document that soluble GSTO1-1 can be found in the airways of CF patients and correlates with inflammatory parameters such as neutrophilic elastase and the chemokine IL-8. A negative correlation was found between GSTO1-1 levels and the spirometric parameter FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Additionally, the A140D polymorphism of GSTO1-1 was associated with lower levels of the antiinflammatory mediators PGE2 and 15(S)-HETE, and with lower values of the FEV1/FVC ratio in CF subjects with the homozygous CFTR ΔF508 mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that extracellular GSTO1-1 and its polymorphysms could have a biological and clinical significance in CF. Pathophysiological functions of GSTOs are far from being completely understood, and more studies are required to understand the role(s) of extracellular GSTO1-1 in inflamed tissues.

Pro-inflammatory effects of crystalline- and nano-sized non-crystalline silica particles in a 3D alveolar model

BACKGROUND

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are among the most widely manufactured and used nanoparticles. Concerns about potential health effects of SiNPs have therefore risen. Using a 3D tri-culture model of the alveolar lung barrier we examined effects of exposure to SiNPs (Si10) and crystalline silica (quartz; Min-U-Sil) in the apical compartment consisting of human alveolar epithelial A549 cells and THP-1-derived macrophages, as well as in the basolateral compartment with Ea.hy926 endothelial cells. Inflammation-related responses were measured by ELISA and gene expression.

RESULTS

Exposure to both Si10 and Min-U-Sil induced gene expression and release of CXCL8, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a concentration-dependent manner. Cytokine/chemokine expression and protein levels were highest in the apical compartment. Si10 and Min-U-Sil also induced expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and E-selectin in the apical compartment. In the basolateral endothelial compartment we observed marked, but postponed effects on expression of all these genes, but only at the highest particle concentrations. Geneexpressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the metalloproteases (MMP-1 and MMP-9) were less affected. The IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), markedly reduced effects of Si10 and Min-U-Sil exposures on gene expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules, as well as cytokine-release in both compartments.

CONCLUSIONS

Si10 and Min-U-Sil induced gene expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines/adhesion molecules at both the epithelial/macrophage and endothelial side of a 3D tri-culture. Responses in the basolateral endothelial cells were only induced at high concentrations, and seemed to be mediated by IL-1α/β released from the apical epithelial cells and macrophages.

Identification of dynamic signatures associated with smoking-related squamous cell lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for the development of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to identify early diagnosis biomarkers for lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) in COPD patients and to determine the potential pathogenetic mechanisms. The GSE12472 data set was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially co‐expressed links (DLs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both COPD and normal tissues, or in both SQCC + COPD and COPD samples were used to construct a dynamic network associated with high‐risk genes for the SQCC pathogenetic process. Enrichment analysis was performed based on Gene Ontology annotations and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. We used the gene expression data and the clinical information to identify the co‐expression modules based on weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). In total, 205 dynamic DEGs, 5034 DLs and one pathway including CDKN1A, TP53, RB1 and MYC were found to have correlations with the pathogenetic progress. The pathogenetic mechanisms shared by both SQCC and COPD are closely related to oxidative stress, the immune response and infection. WGCNA identified 11 co‐expression modules, where magenta and black were correlated with the “time to distant metastasis.” And the “surgery due to” was closely related to the brown and blue modules. In conclusion, a pathway that includes TP53, CDKN1A, RB1 and MYC may play a vital role in driving COPD towards SQCC. Inflammatory processes and the immune response participate in COPD‐related carcinogenesis.

Glibenclamide impairs responses of neutrophils against Burkholderia pseudomallei by reduction of intracellular glutathione

The major risk factor for melioidosis, an infectious disease caused by B. pseudomallei, is diabetes mellitus. More than half of diabetic melioidosis patients in Thailand were prescribed glibenclamide. Recent evidence demonstrates that glibenclamide reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) of diabetic individuals in response to this bacterial infection. However, the mechanisms by which glibenclamide affects cytokine production are unknown. We found that PMNs from glibenclamide-treated diabetic individuals infected with live B. pseudomallei in vitro showed lower free glutathione (GSH) levels compared with those of healthy individuals. Glibenclamide decreased GSH levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) of PMNs after exposed to live B. pseudomallei. Moreover, glibenclamide reduced cytokine production and migration capacity of infected PMNs, whereas GSH could restore these functions. Taken together, our data show a link between the effect of glibenclamide on GSH and PMN functions in response to B. pseudomallei that may contribute to the susceptibility of diabetic individuals to B. pseudomallei infection.

Reactive oxygen species and fibrosis: further evidence of a significant liaison

Age-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease and cardiomyopathy are frequently associated with fibrosis. Work within the last decade has improved our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to fibrosis development. In particular, oxidative stress and the antioxidant system appear to be crucial modulators of processes such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signalling, metabolic homeostasis and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which play important roles in fibrosis development and persistence. In the current review, we discuss the connections between reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzymes and TGF-β1 signalling, together with functional consequences, reflecting a concept of redox-fibrosis that can be targeted in future therapies.

Graphical abstract

Attenuation of lung fibrosis in mice with a clinically relevant inhibitor of glutathione-S-transferase π

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating lung disease characterized by excessive collagen production and fibrogenesis. Apoptosis in lung epithelial cells is critical in IPF pathogenesis, as heightened loss of these cells promotes fibroblast activation and remodeling. Changes in glutathione redox status have been reported in IPF patients. S-glutathionylation, the conjugation of glutathione to reactive cysteines, is catalyzed in part by glutathione-S-transferase π (GSTP). To date, no published information exists linking GSTP and IPF to our knowledge. We hypothesized that GSTP mediates lung fibrogenesis in part through FAS S-glutathionylation, a critical event in epithelial cell apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that GSTP immunoreactivity is increased in the lungs of IPF patients, notably within type II epithelial cells. The FAS-GSTP interaction was also increased in IPF lungs. Bleomycin- and AdTGFβ-induced increases in collagen content, α-SMA, FAS S-glutathionylation, and total protein S-glutathionylation were strongly attenuated in Gstp-/- mice. Oropharyngeal administration of the GSTP inhibitor, TLK117, at a time when fibrosis was already apparent, attenuated bleomycin- and AdTGFβ-induced remodeling, α-SMA, caspase activation, FAS S-glutathionylation, and total protein S-glutathionylation. GSTP is an important driver of protein S-glutathionylation and lung fibrosis, and GSTP inhibition via the airways may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IPF.

Glutathione S-transferase pi modulates NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells

Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor family critical in the activation of pro- inflammatory responses. The NF-κB pathway is regulated by oxidant-induced post-translational modifications. Protein S-glutathionylation, or the conjugation of the antioxidant molecule, glutathione to reactive cysteines inhibits the activity of inhibitory kappa B kinase beta (IKKβ), among other NF-κB proteins. Glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP) is an enzyme that has been shown to catalyze protein S-glutathionylation (PSSG) under conditions of oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to determine whether GSTP regulates NF-κB signaling, S-glutathionylation of IKK, and subsequent pro-inflammatory signaling. We demonstrated that, in unstimulated cells, GSTP associated with the inhibitor of NF-κB, IκBα. However, exposure to LPS resulted in a rapid loss of association between IκBα and GSTP, and instead led to a protracted association between IKKβ and GSTP. LPS exposure also led to increases in the S-glutathionylation of IKKβ. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of GSTP decreased IKKβ-SSG, and enhanced NF-κB nuclear translocation, transcriptional activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TLK117, an isotype-selective inhibitor of GSTP, also enhanced LPS-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, suggesting that the catalytic activity of GSTP is important in repressing NF-κB activation. Expression of both wild-type and catalytically-inactive Y7F mutant GSTP significantly attenuated LPS- or IKKβ-induced production of GM-CSF. These studies indicate a complex role for GSTP in modulating NF-κB, which may involve S-glutathionylation of IKK proteins, and interaction with NF-κB family members. Our findings suggest that targeting GSTP is a potential avenue for regulating the activity of this prominent pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory transcription factor.

Structure, function and disease relevance of Omega-class glutathione transferases

The Omega-class cytosolic glutathione transferases (GSTs) have distinct structural and functional attributes that allow them to perform novel roles unrelated to the functions of other GSTs. Mammalian GSTO1-1 has been found to play a previously unappreciated role in the glutathionylation cycle that is emerging as significant mechanism regulating protein function. GSTO1-1-catalyzed glutathionylation or deglutathionylation of a key signaling protein may explain the requirement for catalytically active GSTO1-1 in LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory signaling through the TLR4 receptor. The observation that ML175 a specific GSTO1-1 inhibitor can block LPS-stimulated inflammatory signaling has opened a new avenue for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs that could be useful in the treatment of toxic shock and other inflammatory disorders. The role of GSTO2-2 remains unclear. As a dehydroascorbate reductase, it could contribute to the maintenance of cellular redox balance and it is interesting to note that the GSTO2 N142D polymorphism has been associated with multiple diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, age-related cataract and breast cancer.

Redox-fibrosis: Impact of TGFβ1 on ROS generators, mediators and functional consequences

Fibrosis is one of the most prevalent features of age-related diseases like obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, or cardiomyopathy and affects millions of people in all countries. Although the understanding about the pathophysiology of fibrosis has improved a lot during the recent years, a number of mechanisms still remain unknown. Although TGF-β1 signaling, loss of metabolic homeostasis and chronic low-grade inflammation appear to play important roles in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, recent evidence indicates that oxidative stress and the antioxidant system may also be crucial for fibrosis development and persistence. These findings point to a concept of a redox-fibrosis where the cellular oxidant and antioxidant system could be potential therapeutic targets. The current review aims to summarize the existing links between TGF-β1 signaling, generation and action of reactive oxygen species, expression of antioxidative enzymes, and functional consequences including epigenetic redox-mediated responses during fibrosis.

GSTO1-1 modulates metabolism in macrophages activated through the LPS and TLR4 pathway

Macrophages mediate innate immune responses that recognise foreign pathogens, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recruits a signalling pathway through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). LPS activation also skews the metabolism of macrophages towards a glycolytic phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that the LPS-triggered glycolytic switch is significantly attenuated in macrophages deficient for glutathione transferase omega-1 (GSTO1, note that GSTO1-1 refers to the dimeric molecule with identical type 1 subunits). In response to LPS, GSTO1-1-deficient macrophages do not produce excess lactate, or dephosphorylate AMPK, a key metabolic stress regulator. In addition, GSTO1-1-deficient cells do not induce HIF1α, which plays a key role in maintaining the pro-inflammatory state of activated macrophages. The accumulation of the TCA cycle intermediates succinate and fumarate that occurs in LPS-treated macrophages was also blocked in GSTO1-1-deficient cells. These data indicate that GSTO1-1 is required for LPS-mediated signalling in macrophages and that it acts early in the LPS–TLR4 pro-inflammatory pathway.

Identification of glutathione S-transferase omega 1 (GSTO1) protein as a novel tumor-associated antigen and its autoantibody in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the main form of esophageal malignancy. The approach for early diagnosis of this malignancy is very limited. In the present study, we first evaluated glutathione S-transferase omega 1 (GSTO1), a protein related to metabolism, as a tumor-associated antigen in ESCC, and we also evaluated its autoantibody as a potential biomarker in early detection of ESCC. First, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of GSTO1 protein expression in esophageal tissues showed that the percentage of positive staining of GSTO1 in ESCC tissues was 87.5% while there was no positive staining in adjacent tissues or normal tissues, indicating that overexpression of GSTO1 is closely related to ESCC. Then, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the frequency of detectable autoantibody against GSTO1 in patients' sera totals 44.8%. In contrast, the frequency of detectable autoantibody was only 6.7% in normal human sera (p < 0.01). To further evaluate our ELISA results, western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were also performed. The results were consistent with the data from ELISA. In conclusion, the current study has demonstrated that GSTO1 protein is overexpressed in ESCC and can induce a detectable autoantibody response, which may serve as a potential biomarker in the early detection of ESCC.

Glutathione transferase omega 1 is required for the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated induction of NADPH oxidase 1 and the production of reactive oxygen species in macrophages

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of macrophages and inflammation via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway through NF-κΒ generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα. Because glutathione transferase Omega 1-1 (GSTO1-1) can catalyze redox reactions such as the deglutathionylation of proteins and has also been implicated in the release of IL-1β we investigated its role in the development of LPS-mediated inflammation. Our data show that shRNA knockdown of GSTO1-1 in macrophage-like J774.1A cells blocks the expression of NADPH oxidase 1 and the generation of ROS after LPS stimulation. Similar results were obtained with a GSTO1-1 inhibitor. To maintain high ROS levels during an inflammatory response, LPS stimulation causes the suppression of enzymes such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase that protect against oxidative stress. The knockdown of GSTO1-1 also attenuates this response. Our data indicate that GSTO1-1 needs to be catalytically active and mediates its effects on the LPS/TLR4 inflammatory pathway upstream of NF-κΒ. These data suggest that GSTO1-1 is a novel target for anti-inflammatory intervention.

Local and systemic oxidative stress status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have indicated that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

OBJECTIVES

To study local and systemic oxidative stress status in COPD patients, and to clarify the relationship between local and systemic oxidative stress.

METHODS

Lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels in induced sputum and plasma, as well as glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels in peripheral blood leukocytes were examined in 43 acute exacerbation of COPD patients (group A), 35 patients with stable COPD (group B) and 28 healthy controls (14 smokers [group C]; 14 nonsmokers [group D]).

RESULTS

MDA levels in induced sputum and plasma decreased progressively in groups A to D, with significant differences between any two groups (P<0.001). GSH, SOD and GSH-PX levels in both induced sputum and plasma increased progressively in groups A to D, with significant differences between any two groups (P<0.001). GR levels in peripheral blood leukocytes decreased progressively in groups D to A (all comparisons P<0.001). Pearson analysis revealed strong correlations between MDA, GSH, SOD and GSH-PX levels in plasma and induced sputum. The activity of SOD in plasma and sputum were both positively correlated with GR levels (partial correlation coefficients 0.522 and 0.574, respectively [P<0.001]).

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress levels were elevated in COPD patients. There was a correlation between local and systemic oxidative status in COPD, and between decreased SOD activity and decreased GR levels in COPD patients.

GST-omega genes interact with environmental tobacco smoke on adult level of lung function

BACKGROUND

Lung growth in utero and lung function loss during adulthood can be affected by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Both ETS exposure and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Omega genes have been associated with the level of lung function. This study aimed to assess if GSTO SNPs interact with ETS exposure in utero and during adulthood on the level of lung function during adulthood.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data of 8,128 genotyped participants from the LifeLines cohort study. Linear regression models (adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, current smoking, ex-smoking and packyears smoked) were used to analyze the associations between in utero, daily and workplace ETS exposure, GSTO SNPs, the interaction between ETS and GSTOs, and level of lung function (FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC). Since the interactions between ETS and GSTOs may be modified by active tobacco smoking we additionally assessed associations in never and ever smokers separately. A second sample of 5,308 genotyped LifeLines participants was used to verify our initial findings.

RESULTS

Daily and workplace ETS exposure was associated with significantly lower FEV(1)levels. GSTO SNPs (recessive model) interacted with in utero ETS and were associated with higher levels of FEV(1), whereas the interactions with daily and workplace ETS exposure were associated with lower levels of FEV(1), effects being more pronounced in never smokers. The interaction of GSTO2 SNP rs156697 with in utero ETS associated with a higher level of FEV(1) was significantly replicated in the second sample. Overall, the directions of the interactions of in utero and workplace ETS exposure with the SNPs found in the second (verification) sample were in line with the first sample.

CONCLUSIONS

GSTO genotypes interact with in utero and adulthood ETS exposure on adult lung function level, but in opposite directions.

A role for glutathione transferase Omega 1 (GSTO1-1) in the glutathionylation cycle

The glutathionylation of intracellular protein thiols can protect against irreversible oxidation and can act as a redox switch regulating metabolic pathways. In this study we discovered that the Omega class glutathione transferase GSTO1-1 plays a significant role in the glutathionylation cycle. The catalytic activity of GSTO1-1 was determined in vitro by assaying the deglutathionylation of a synthetic peptide by tryptophan fluorescence quenching and in T47-D epithelial breast cancer cells by both immunoblotting and the direct determination of total glutathionylation. Mutating the active site cysteine residue (Cys-32) ablated the deglutathionylating activity of GSTO1-1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the expression of GSTO1-1 in T47-D cells that are devoid of endogenous GSTO1-1 resulted in a 50% reduction in total glutathionylation levels. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation identified β-actin as a protein that is specifically deglutathionylated by GSTO1-1 in T47-D cells. In contrast to the deglutathionylation activity, we also found that GSTO1-1 is associated with the rapid glutathionylation of cellular proteins when the cells are exposed to S-nitrosoglutathione. The common A140D genetic polymorphism in GSTO1 was found to have significant effects on the kinetics of both the deglutathionylation and glutathionylation reactions. Genetic variation in GSTO1-1 has been associated with a range of diseases, and the discovery that a frequent GSTO1-1 polymorphism affects glutathionylation cycle reactions reveals a common mechanism where it can act on multiple proteins and pathways.

Genetic programs expressed in resting and IL-4 alternatively activated mouse and human macrophages: similarities and differences

The molecular repertoire of macrophages in health and disease can provide novel biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Th2-IL-4–activated macrophages (M2) have been associated with important diseases in mice, yet no specific markers are available for their detection in human tissues. Although mouse models are widely used for macrophage research, translation to the human can be problematic and the human macrophage system remains poorly described. In the present study, we analyzed and compared the transcriptome and proteome of human and murine macrophages under resting conditions (M0) and after IL-4 activation (M2). We provide a resource for tools enabling macrophage detection in human tissues by identifying a set of 87 macrophage-related genes. Furthermore, we extend current understanding of M2 activation in different species and identify Transglutaminase 2 as a conserved M2 marker that is highly expressed by human macrophages and monocytes in the prototypic Th2 pathology asthma.

Strategies to decrease ongoing oxidant burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, and its development is mainly associated with tobacco/biomass smoke-induced oxidative stress. Hence, targeting systemic and local oxidative stress with agents that can balance the antioxidant/redox system can be expected to be useful in the treatment of COPD. Preclinical and clinical trials have revealed that antioxidants/redox modulators can detoxify free radicals and oxidants, control expression of redox and glutathione biosynthesis genes, chromatin remodeling and inflammatory gene expression; and are especially useful in preventing COPD exacerbations. In this review, various novel approaches and problems associated with these approaches in COPD are reviewed.

Pathogenesis of inflammation and repair in advanced COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by an abnormal persistent inflammatory response to noxious environmental stimuli, most commonly cigarette smoke. Although cigarette smoking elicits airway inflammation in all of those who smoke, persistent inflammation and clinically significant COPD occurs in only a minority of smokers. The pathogenesis of COPD involves the recruitment and regulation of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes to the lung, as well as the induction of oxidative stress, all of which result in lung parenchymal destruction and airway remodeling. Recent research has generated a greater understanding of the mechanisms responsible for COPD development, including new concepts in T cell biology and the increasing recognition that the processes governing lung cell apoptosis are upregulated. We are also starting to understand the reasons for continued inflammation even after smoking cessation, which accelerates the rate of lung function decline in COPD. Herein we review our current knowledge of the inflammatory pathways involved in COPD pathogenesis, as well as newer concepts that have begun to unfold in recent years.

The impact of surfactant protein-A on ozone-induced changes in the mouse bronchoalveolar lavage proteome

Background

Ozone is a major component of air pollution. Exposure to this powerful oxidizing agent can cause or exacerbate many lung conditions, especially those involving innate immunity. Surfactant protein-A (SP-A) plays many roles in innate immunity by participating directly in host defense as it exerts opsonin function, or indirectly via its ability to regulate alveolar macrophages and other innate immune cells. The mechanism(s) responsible for ozone-induced pathophysiology, while likely related to oxidative stress, are not well understood.

Methods

We employed 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), a discovery proteomics approach, coupled with MALDI-ToF/ToF to compare the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) proteomes in wild type (WT) and SP-A knockout (KO) mice and to assess the impact of ozone or filtered air on the expression of BAL proteins. Using the PANTHER database and the published literature most identified proteins were placed into three functional groups.

Results

We identified 66 proteins and focused our analysis on these proteins. Many of them fell into three categories: defense and immunity; redox regulation; and protein metabolism, modification and chaperones. In response to the oxidative stress of acute ozone exposure (2 ppm; 3 hours) there were many significant changes in levels of expression of proteins in these groups. Most of the proteins in the redox group were decreased, the proteins involved in protein metabolism increased, and roughly equal numbers of increases and decreases were seen in the defense and immunity group. Responses between WT and KO mice were similar in many respects. However, the percent change was consistently greater in the KO mice and there were more changes that achieved statistical significance in the KO mice, with levels of expression in filtered air-exposed KO mice being closer to ozone-exposed WT mice than to filtered air-exposed WT mice.

Conclusion

We postulate that SP-A plays a role in reactive oxidant scavenging in WT mice and that its absence in the KO mice in the presence or absence of ozone exposure results in more pronounced, and presumably chronic, oxidative stress.

Glutathione-S-transferases in lung and sputum specimens, effects of smoking and COPD severity

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress plays a potential role in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) detoxify toxic compounds in tobacco smoke via glutathione-dependent mechanisms. Little is known about the regulation and expression of GSTs in COPD lung and their presence in airway secretions.

METHODS

GST alpha, pi and mu were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 72 lung tissue specimens and by Western analysis in total lung homogenates and induced sputum supernatants from non-smokers, smokers and patients with variable stages of COPD severity.

RESULTS

GST alpha was expressed mainly in the airway epithelium. The percentage of GST alpha positive epithelial cells was lower in the central airways of patients with very severe (Stage IV) COPD compared to mild/moderate COPD (p = 0.02). GST alpha by Western analysis was higher in the total lung homogenates in mild/moderate COPD compared to cases of very severe disease (p < 0.001). GST pi was present in airway and alveolar epithelium as well as in alveolar macrophages. GST mu was expressed mainly in the epithelium. Both GST alpha and pi were detectable in sputum supernatants especially in patients with COPD.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates the presence of GST alpha and pi especially in the epithelium and sputum supernatants in mild/moderate COPD and low expression of GST alpha in the epithelium in cases of very severe COPD. The presence of GSTs in the airway secretions points to their potential protective role both as intracellular and extracellular mediators in human lung.

The secretory omega-class glutathione transferase OvGST3 from the human pathogenic parasite Onchocerca volvulus

Onchocerciasis or river blindness, caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, is the second leading cause of blindness due to infectious diseases. The protective role of the omega-class glutathione transferase 3 from O. volvulus (OvGST3) against intracellular and environmental reactive oxygen species has been described previously. In the present study, we continue our investigation of the highly stress-responsive OvGST3. Alternative splicing of two exons and one intron retention generates five different transcript isoforms that possess a spliced leader at their 5'-end, indicating that the mechanism of mature mRNA production involves alternative-, cis- and trans-splicing processes. Interestingly, the first two exons of the ovgst3 gene encode a signal peptide before sequence identity to other omega-class glutathione transferases begins. Only the recombinant expression of the isoform that encodes the longest deduced amino acid sequence (OvGST3/5) was successful, with the purified enzyme displaying modest thiol oxidoreductase activity. Significant IgG1 and IgG4 responses against recombinantly expressed OvGST3/5 were detected in sera from patients with the generalized as well as the chronic hyperreactive form of onchocerciasis, indicating exposure of the secreted protein to the human host's immune system and its immunogenicity. Immunohistological localization studies performed at light and electron microscopy levels support the extracellular localization of the protein. Intensive labeling of the OvGST3 was observed in the egg shell at the morula stage of the embryo, indicating extremely defined, stage-specific expression for a short transient period only.

Genetic variation and gene expression in antioxidant related enzymes and risk of COPD: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Observational epidemiological studies of dietary antioxidant intake, serum antioxidant concentration and lung outcomes suggest that lower levels of antioxidant defences are associated with decreased lung function. Another approach to understanding the role of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is to investigate the role of genetic variation in antioxidant enzymes, and indeed family based studies suggest a heritable component to lung disease. Many studies of the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes have considered COPD or COPD related outcomes, and a systematic review is needed to summarise the evidence to date, and to provide insights for further research.

METHODS

Genetic association studies of antioxidant enzymes and COPD/COPD related traits, and comparative gene expression studies with disease or smoking as the exposure were systematically identified and reviewed. Antioxidant enzymes considered included enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism, in the thioredoxin system, superoxide dismutases (SOD) and catalase.

RESULTS

A total of 29 genetic association and 15 comparative gene expression studies met the inclusion criteria. The strongest and most consistent effects were in the genes GCL, GSTM1, GSTP1 and SOD3. This review also highlights the lack of studies for genes of interest, particularly GSR, GGT and those related to TXN. There were limited opportunities to evaluate the contribution of a gene to disease risk through synthesis of results from different study designs, as the majority of studies considered either association of sequence variants with disease or effect of disease on gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Network driven approaches that consider potential interaction between and among genes, smoke exposure and antioxidant intake are needed to fully characterise the role of oxidant/antioxidant balance in pathogenesis.

Airway biomarkers of the oxidant burden in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: current and future perspectives

The pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been claimed to be attributable to increased systemic and local oxidative stress. Detection of the oxidant burden and evaluation of their progression and phenotypes by oxidant biomarkers have proved challenging and difficult. A large number of asthmatics are cigarette smokers and smoke itself contains oxidants complicating further the use of oxidant biomarkers. One of the most widely used oxidant markers in asthma is exhaled nitric oxide (NO), which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma and disease monitoring. Another oxidant marker that has been widely investigated in COPD is 8-isoprostane, but it is probably not capable of differentiating asthma from COPD, or even sensitive in the early assessment of these diseases. None of the current biomarkers have been shown to be better than exhaled NO in asthma. There is a need to identify new biomarkers for obstructive airway diseases, especially their differential diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation of oxidant markers and their combinations will be presented in this review. In brief, it seems that additional analyses utilizing powerful tools such as genomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics will be required to improve the specificity and sensitivity of the next generation of biomarkers.