Galectin-3 protects against ischemic stroke by promoting neuro-angiogenesis via apoptosis inhibition and Akt/Caspase regulation

Post-stroke neurological deficits and mortality are often associated with vascular disruption and neuronal apoptosis. Galectin-3 (Gal3) is a potent pro-survival and angiogenic factor. However, little is known about its protective role in the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We have previously shown significant up-regulation of Gal3 in the post-stroke rat brain, and that blocking of Gal3 with neutralizing antibody decreases the cerebral blood vessel density. Our current study demonstrates that intracerebral local delivery of the Gal3 into rat brain at the time of reperfusion exerts neuroprotection. Ischemic lesion volume and neuronal cell death were significantly reduced as compared with the vehicle-treated MCAO rat brains. Gal3 increased vessel density and neuronal survival after I/R in rat brains. Importantly, Gal3-treated groups showed significant improvement in motor and sensory functional recovery. Gal3 increased neuronal cell viability under in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation conditions in association with increased phosphorylated-Akt, decreased phosphorylated-ERK1/2, and reduced caspase-3 activity. Gene expression analysis showed down regulation of pro-apoptotic and inflammatory genes including Fas-ligand, and upregulation of pro-survival and pro-angiogenic genes including Bcl-2, PECAM, and occludin. These results indicate a key role for Gal3 in neuro-vascular protection and functional recovery following ischemic stroke through modulation of angiogenic and apoptotic pathways.

Local and systemic metabolic alterations in brain, plasma, and liver of rats in response to aging and ischemic stroke, as detected by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

Metabolic dysfunction impacts stroke incidence and outcome. However, the intricate association between altered metabolic program due to aging, and focal ischemia in brain, circulation, and peripheral organs is not completely elucidated. Here we identified locally and systemically altered metabolites in brain, liver, and plasma as a result of normal aging, ischemic-stroke, and extended time of reperfusion injury. Comprehensive quantitative metabolic profiling was carried out using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Aging, but healthy rats showed significant metabolic alterations in the brain, but only a few metabolic changes in the liver and plasma as compared to younger rats. But, ischemic stroke altered metabolites significantly in liver and plasma of older rats during early acute phase. Major metabolic changes were also seen in the brains of younger rats following ischemic stroke during early acute phase of injury. We further report that metabolic changes occur sequentially in a tissue specific manner during extended reperfusion time of late repair phase. First metabolic alterations occurred in brain due to local injury. Next, changes in circulating metabolites in plasma occurred during acute-repair phase transition time. Lastly, the delayed systemic effect was seen in the peripheral organ, liver that exhibited significant and persistent changes in selected metabolites during later reperfusion time. The metabolic pathways involved in energy/glucose, and amino acid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress were mainly altered as a result of aging and ischemia/reperfusion. Biomarker analysis revealed citrate, lysine, and tyrosine as potential age-independent blood metabolic biomarkers of ischemia/reperfusion. Overall, our study elucidates the complex network of metabolic events as a function of normal aging and acute stroke. We further provide evidence for a clear transition from local to systemic metabolic dysfunction due to ischemic injury in a time dependent manner, which may altogether greatly impact the post-stroke outcome.

Abstract TP404: A Novel Adipokine DPPIV Induces Inflammation and Apoptosis of Carotid Artery Smooth Muscle Cells: Implications for Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Background: Carotid Atherosclerotic (CA) plaque rupture is associated with ischemic stroke. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) play key role in plaque development. SMC also produce collagen fibers and maintain the fibrous cap thickness and strength, and SMC apoptosis and inflammation can lead to plaque rupture. Molecular mechanisms leading to plaque instability and stroke are not completely understood. Our study has shown that an adipokine dipeptidyl peptidase (DPPIV) is significantly upregulated in post-stroke rat brain, and in the plasma of over 75% of CA patients, suggesting a role for DPPIV in CA and stroke. In this study, we examined the effects of DPPIV on SMC viability, apoptosis, and identified responsible signaling pathways.

Methods: Mouse carotid artery SMC were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Cells were treated with either physiological (200-500 ng/ml) or high (1000-2000 ng/ml) dose of DPPIV. Using transcriptome array, we examined the expression profile of apoptotic and inflammatory pathway specific genes in these cells. DPPIV levels were examined by PCR and immunofluorescence staining. MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. Live/dead cell assay detected apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using tetra-methyl-rhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE).

Results: Ischemia/hypoxia upregulates DPPIV mRNA and protein levels in association with increased pro-apoptotic genes including caspase 7, Nod1, and Gadd45a. Transcriptome array data demonstrated that higher dose of exogenous DPPIV results in significant increase in same pro-apoptotic pathway genes including caspase 3,7, Nod1, Trp63, and Gadd45a. On the other hand, DPPIV decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic genes including Atf5 and Birc3. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL1-beta and Ccl26/Eotaxin were increased in both DPPIV and ischemic SMCs. Higher dose of DPPIV increased apoptosis, decreased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential in SMCs.

Conclusion: Higher levels of DPP4 activates the inflammatory and apoptotic signaling cascade resulting in the apoptosis of SMC. Further research in this area will enhance our understanding of the mechanism of CA progression and may provide clues to efficient therapeutic intervention for CA.

Regulation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in the Post-stroke Rat Brain and In Vitro Ischemia: Implications for Chemokine-Mediated Neural Progenitor Cell Migration and Angiogenesis

Cerebral ischemia evokes abnormal release of proteases in the brain microenvironment that spatiotemporally impact angio-neurogenesis. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), a cell surface and secreted protease, has been implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling by regulating cell adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis through modifying the functions of the major chemokine stromal-derived factor, SDF1. To elucidate the possible association of DPPIV in ischemic brain, we examined the expression of DPPIV in the post-stroke rat brain and under in vitro ischemia by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). We further investigated the effects of DPPIV on SDF1 mediated in vitro chemotactic and angiogenic functions. DPPIV protein and mRNA levels were significantly upregulated during repair phase in the ischemic cortex of the rat brain, specifically in neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. In vitro exposure of Neuro-2a neuronal cells and rat brain endothelial cells to OGD resulted in upregulation of DPPIV. In vitro functional analysis showed that DPPIV decreases the SDF1-mediated angiogenic potential of rat brain endothelial cells and inhibits the migration of Neuro-2a and neural progenitor cells. Western blot analyses revealed decreased levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and AKT in the presence of DPPIV. DPPIV inhibitor restored the effects of SDF1. Proteome profile array screening further revealed that DPPIV decreases matrix metalloproteinase-9, a key downstream effector of ERK-AKT signaling pathways. Overall, delayed induction of DPPIV in response to ischemia/reperfusion suggests that DPPIV may play an important role in endogenous brain tissue remodeling and repair processes. This may be mediated through modulation of SDF1-mediated cell migration and angiogenesis.

Abstract WP257: Metabolic Profiling in the Plasma of Rats in Response to Aging and Ischemic Stroke by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction is a common hallmark of aging, and it influences the neurodegenerative diseases including stroke incidence and outcome. Several metabolomics-based studies have revealed metabolite biomarkers in stroke patients and yet metabolic changes as a result of aging and focal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) time are not completely elucidated. In this study, we examined the dysregulation of metabolites in the plasma as a function of age and cerebral ischemic injury.

Methods: We compared the metabolic pattern in young (3 months) and older rats (12 months) before, and 2 days after I/R injury. Stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. For time course study, plasma samples from younger animals were collected at day 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 21 of I/R (n=3). We used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and compared the metabolite peaks using spectral binning and targeted profiling. The data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering. Pathway enrichment and topological analysis tools were used to identify the age and stroke responsive metabolic pathways.

Results: PCA revealed global differences in plasma of naïve young and old rats, with old rats showing significantly lower glucose levels, and higher formate levels. Also, older animals showed reduced levels of acetate and formate and very high levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate 2 days after I/R. Younger rats showed significant differences starting from day 3 onwards with lower glucose concentration and increased 3-hydroxybutyrate, creatine, formate and glycine concentrations, which remained at a higher level on day 7 of I/R. Interestingly, the metabolic profile of plasma at day 21 of I/R showed similar pattern as that of control naïve animals. Pathway topology analysis revealed enrichment of citric acid cycle and glycine, serine and threonine metabolic pathways in older animals as early as 2 days after I/R. However, younger animals showed a delayed metabolic response after day 3 of I/R.

Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the metabolic profile of plasma is altered as a function of age, ischemic stroke and time of reperfusion. These results suggests an important role for imbalance in metabolites in stroke pathogenesis.

Anti-proliferative effects of tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609) involve ceramide and cell cycle inhibition

Tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609) inhibits phosphatidylcholine (PC)-phospholipase C (PLC) and/or sphingomyelin (SM) synthase (SMS). Inhibiting SMS can increase ceramide levels, which can inhibit cell proliferation. Here, we examined how individual inflammatory and glia cell proliferation is altered by D609. Treatment with 100-μM D609 significantly attenuated the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages, N9 and BV-2 microglia, and DITNC(1) astrocytes, without affecting cell viability. D609 significantly inhibited BrdU incorporation in BV-2 microglia and caused accumulation of cells in G(1) phase with decreased number of cells in the S phase. D609 treatment for 2 h significantly increased ceramide levels in BV-2 microglia, which, following a media change, returned to control levels 22 h later. This suggests that the effect of D609 may be mediated, at least in part, through ceramide increase via SMS inhibition. Western blots demonstrated that 2-h treatment of BV-2 microglia with D609 increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21 and down-regulated phospho-retinoblastoma (Rb), both of which returned to basal levels 22 h after removal of D609. Exogenous C8-ceramide also inhibited BV-2 microglia proliferation without loss of viability and decreased BrdU incorporation, supporting the involvement of ceramide in D609-mediated cell cycle arrest. Our current data suggest that D609 may offer benefit after stroke (Adibhatla and Hatcher, Mol Neurobiol 41:206-217, 2010) through ceramide-mediated cell cycle arrest, thus restricting glial cell proliferation.

Tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609) mechanism of actions: a mini-review of literature

Tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609) is known for its antiviral and antitumor properties. D609 actions are widely attributed to inhibiting phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC). D609 also inhibits sphingomyelin synthase (SMS). PC-PLC and/or SMS inhibition will affect lipid second messengers 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and/or ceramide. Evidence indicates either PC-PLC and/or SMS inhibition affected the cell cycle and arrested proliferation, and stimulated differentiation in various in vitro and in vivo studies. Xanthogenate compounds are also potent antioxidants and D609 reduced Aß-induced toxicity, attributed to its antioxidant properties. Zn²⁺ is necessary for PC-PLC enzymatic activity; inhibition by D609 might be attributed to its Zn²⁺ chelation. D609 has also been proposed to inhibit acidic sphingomyelinase or down-regulate hypoxia inducible factor-1α; however these are down-stream events related to PC-PLC inhibition. Characterization of the mammalian PC-PLC is limited to inhibition of enzymatic activity (frequently measured using Amplex red assay with bacterial PC-PLC as a standard). The mammalian PC-PLC has not been cloned; sequenced and structural information is unavailable. D609 showed promise in cancer studies, reduced atherosclerotic plaques (inhibition of PC-PLC) and cerebral infarction after stroke (PC-PLC or SMS). D609 actions as an antagonist to pro-inflammatory cytokines have been attributed to PC-PLC. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the literature and summarize the findings and relevance to cell cycle and CNS pathologies.

Protection by D609 through cell-cycle regulation after stroke

Expressions of cell-cycle regulating proteins are altered after stroke. Cell-cycle inhibition has shown dramatic reduction in infarction after stroke. Ceramide can induce cell-cycle arrest by up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitors p21 and p27 through activation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609)-increased ceramide levels after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) probably by inhibiting sphingomyelin synthase (SMS). D609 significantly reduced cerebral infarction and up-regulated Cdk inhibitor p21 and down-regulated phospho-retinoblastoma (pRb) expression after tMCAO in rat. Others have suggested bFGF-induced astrocyte proliferation is attenuated by D609 due to an increase in ceramide by SMS inhibition. D609 also reduced the formation of oxidized phosphatidylcholine (OxPC) protein adducts. D609 may attenuate generation of reactive oxygen species and formation of OxPC by inhibiting microglia/macrophage proliferation after tMCAO (please also see note added in proof: D609 may prevent mature neurons from entering the cell cycle at the early reperfusion, however may not interfere with later proliferation of microglia/ macrophages that are the source of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in offering protection). It has been proposed that D609 provides benefit after tMCAO by attenuating hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and Bcl2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 expressions. Our data suggest that D609 provides benefit after stoke through inhibition of SMS, increased ceramide levels, and induction of cell-cycle arrest by up-regulating p21 and causing hypophosphorylation of Rb (through increased protein phosphatase activity and/or Cdk inhibition).

CDP-choline liposomes provide significant reduction in infarction over free CDP-choline in stroke

Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline, Citicoline, Somazina) is in clinical use (intravenous administration) for stroke treatment in Europe and Japan, while USA phase III stroke clinical trials (oral administration) were disappointing. Others showed that CDP-choline liposomes significantly increased brain uptake over the free drug in cerebral ischemia models. Liposomes were formulated as DPPC, DPPS, cholesterol, GM(1) ganglioside; 7/4/7/1.57 molar ratio or 35.8/20.4/35.8/8.0 mol%. GM(1) ganglioside confers long-circulating properties to the liposomes by suppressing phagocytosis. CDP-choline liposomes deliver the agent intact to the brain, circumventing the rate-limiting, cytidine triphosphate:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase in phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Our data show that CDP-choline liposomes significantly ( P < 0.01) decreased cerebral infarction (by 62%) compared to the equivalent dose of free CDP-choline (by 26%) after 1 h focal cerebral ischemia and 24 h reperfusion in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Beneficial effects of CDP-choline liposomes in stroke may derive from a synergistic effect between the phospholipid components of the liposomes and the encapsulated CDP-choline.

Phospholipase A(2), reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation in CNS pathologies

The importance of lipids in cell signaling and tissue physiology is demonstrated by the many CNS pathologies involving deregulated lipid metabolism. One such critical metabolic event is the activation of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), which results in the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids and the release of free fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, a precursor for essential cell-signaling eicosanoids. Reactive oxygen species (ROS, a product of arachidonic acid metabolism) react with cellular lipids to generate lipid peroxides, which are degraded to reactive aldehydes (oxidized phospholipid, 4-hydroxynonenal, and acrolein) that bind covalently to proteins, thereby altering their function and inducing cellular damage. Dissecting the contribution of PLA(2) to lipid peroxidation in CNS injury and disorders is a challenging proposition due to the multiple forms of PLA(2), the diverse sources of ROS, and the lack of specific PLA(2) inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the role of PLA(2) in CNS pathologies, including stroke, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple sclerosis-Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and Wallerian degeneration.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of stroke: therapeutic strategies

Today there exists only one FDA-approved treatment for ischemic stroke; i.e., the serine protease tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). In the aftermath of the failed stroke clinical trials with the nitrone spin trap/radical scavenger, NXY-059, a number of articles raised the question: are we doing the right thing? Is the animal research truly translational in identifying new agents for stroke treatment? This review summarizes the current state of affairs with plasminogen activators in thrombolytic therapy. In addition to therapeutic value, potential side effects of tPA also exist that aggravate stroke injury and offset the benefits provided by reperfusion of the occluded artery. Thus, combinational options (ultrasound alone or with microspheres/nanobubbles, mechanical dissociation of clot, activated protein C (APC), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), neuroserpin and CDP-choline) that could offset tPA toxic side effects and improve efficacy are also discussed here. Desmoteplase, a plasminogen activator derived from the saliva of Desmodus rotundus vampire bat, antagonizes vascular tPA-induced neurotoxicity by competitively binding to low-density lipoprotein related-receptors (LPR) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) interface, minimizing the tPA uptake into brain parenchyma. tPA can also activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of endopeptidases comprised of 24 mammalian enzymes that primarily catalyze the turnover and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs have been implicated in BBB breakdown and neuronal injury in the early times after stroke, but also contribute to vascular remodeling, angiogenesis, neurogenesis and axonal regeneration during the later repair phase after stroke. tPA, directly or by activation of MMP-9, could have beneficial effects on recovery after stroke by promoting neurovascular repair through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, any treatment regimen directed at MMPs must consider their pleiotropic nature and the likelihood of either beneficial or detrimental effects that might depend on the timing of the treatment in relation to the stage of brain injury.

Altered lipid metabolism in brain injury and disorders

Deregulated lipid metabolism may be of particular importance for CNS injuries and disorders, as this organ has the highest lipid concentration next to adipose tissue. Atherosclerosis (a risk factor for ischemic stroke) results from accumulation of LDL-derived lipids in the arterial wall. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1), secretory phospholipase A2 IIA and lipoprotein-PLA2 are implicated in vascular inflammation. These inflammatory responses promote atherosclerotic plaques, formation and release of the blood clot that can induce ischemic stroke. TNF-alpha and IL-1 alter lipid metabolism and stimulate production of eicosanoids, ceramide, and reactive oxygen species that potentiate CNS injuries and certain neurological disorders. Cholesterol is an important regulator of lipid organization and the precursor for neurosteroid biosynthesis. Low levels of neurosteroids were related to poor outcome in many brain pathologies. Apolipoprotein E is the principal cholesterol carrier protein in the brain, and the gene encoding the variant Apolipoprotein E4 is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Parkinson's disease is to some degree caused by lipid peroxidation due to phospholipases activation. Niemann-Pick diseases A and B are due to acidic sphingomyelinase deficiency, resulting in sphingomyelin accumulation, while Niemann-Pick disease C is due to mutations in either the NPC1 or NPC2 genes, resulting in defective cholesterol transport and cholesterol accumulation. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating condition of the CNS. Inhibiting phospholipase A2 attenuated the onset and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The endocannabinoid system is hypoactive in Huntington's disease. Ethyl-eicosapetaenoate showed promise in clinical trials. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes loss of motorneurons. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition reduced spinal neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis transgenic mice. Eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation provided improvement in schizophrenia patients, while the combination of (eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid) provided benefit in bipolar disorders. The ketogenic diet where >90% of calories are derived from fat is an effective treatment for epilepsy. Understanding cytokine-induced changes in lipid metabolism will promote novel concepts and steer towards bench-to-bedside transition for therapies.

Secretory phospholipase A2 IIA is up-regulated by TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha/beta after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rat

Cerebral ischemia initiates an inflammatory response in the brain that is associated with the induction of a variety of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1alpha/beta (IL-1alpha/beta) that contributes to stroke injury. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) resulted in significant increases in TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels. We have previously demonstrated up-regulation of secretory phospholipase A2 IIA (sPLA2 IIA) mRNA and protein expression, increased PLA2 activity, and loss of phosphatidylcholine after 1-h tMCAO and 24-h reperfusion in SHR. Treatment with TNF-alpha antibody or IL-1 receptor antagonist significantly attenuated infarction volume, sPLA2 IIA protein expression, PLA2 activity and significantly restored phosphatidylcholine levels after tMCAO. This suggests that cytokine induction up-regulates sPLA2 IIA protein expression, resulting in altered lipid metabolism that contributes to stroke injury.

Lipids and lipidomics in brain injury and diseases

Lipidomics is systems-level analysis and characterization of lipids and their interacting moieties. The amount of information in the genomic and proteomic fields is greater than that in the lipidomics field, because of the complex nature of lipids and the limitations of tools for analysis. The main innovation during recent years that has spurred advances in lipid analysis has been the development of new mass spectroscopic techniques, particularly the "soft ionization" techniques electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. Lipid metabolism may be of particular importance for the central nervous system, as it has a high concentration of lipids. The crucial role of lipids in cell signaling and tissue physiology is demonstrated by the many neurological disorders, including bipolar disorders and schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Niemann-Pick diseases, that involve deregulated lipid metabolism. Altered lipid metabolism is also believed to contribute to cerebral ischemic (stroke) injury. Lipidomics will provide a molecular signature to a certain pathway or a disease condition. Lipidomic analyses (characterizing complex mixtures of lipids and identifying previously unknown changes in lipid metabolism) together with RNA silencing, using small interfering RNA (siRNA), may provide powerful tools to elucidate the specific roles of lipid intermediates in cell signaling and open new opportunities for drug development.

CDP-choline significantly restores phosphatidylcholine levels by differentially affecting phospholipase A2 and CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase after stroke

Phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) is a major membrane phospholipid, and its loss is sufficient in itself to induce cell death. PtdCho homeostasis is regulated by the balance between hydrolysis and synthesis. PtdCho is hydrolyzed by phospholipase A2 (PLA2), PtdChospecific phospholipase C (PtdCho-PLC), and phospholipase D (PLD). PtdCho synthesis is rate-limited by CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT), which makes CDP-choline. The final step of PtdCho synthesis is catalyzed by CDP-choline:1,2-diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase. PtdCho synthesis in the brain is predominantly through the CDP-choline pathway. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) significantly increased PLA2 activity, secretory PLA2 (sPLA2)-IIA mRNA and protein levels, PtdCho-PLC activity, and PLD2 protein expression following reperfusion. CDP-choline treatment significantly attenuated PLA2 activity, sPLA2-IIA mRNA and protein levels, and PtdCho-PLC activity, but did not affect PLD2 protein expression. tMCAO also resulted in loss of CCT activity and CCTalpha protein, which were partially restored by CDP-choline. No changes were observed in cytosolic PLA2 or calcium-independent PLA2 tMCAO. protein levels after Up-regulation of PLA2, PtdCho-PLC, and PLD and regulation of CCT collectively down-resulted in loss of PtdCho, which was significantly restored by CDP-choline treatment. CDP-choline treatment significantly attenuated the infarction volume by 55 +/- 5% after 1 h of tMCAO and 1 day of reperfusion. Taken together, these results suggest that CDP-choline significantly restores Ptd-Cho levels by differentially affecting sPLA2-IIA, PtdCho-PLC, and CCTalpha after transient focal cerebral ischemia. A hypothetical scheme is proposed integrating results from this study and from other reports in the literature.

Phospholipase A2, reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation in cerebral ischemia

Ischemic stroke is caused by obstruction of blood flow to the brain, resulting in energy failure that initiates a complex series of metabolic events, ultimately causing neuronal death. One such critical metabolic event is the activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), resulting in hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids and release of free fatty acids including arachidonic acid, a metabolic precursor for important cell-signaling eicosanoids. PLA2 enzymes have been classified as calcium-dependent cytosolic (cPLA2) and secretory (sPLA2) and calcium-independent (iPLA2) forms. Cardiolipin hydrolysis by mitochondrial sPLA2 disrupts the mitochondrial respiratory chain and increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid also generates ROS. These two processes contribute to formation of lipid peroxides, which degrade to reactive aldehyde products (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, and acrolein) that covalently bind to proteins/nucleic acids, altering their function and causing cellular damage. Activation of PLA2 in cerebral ischemia has been shown while other studies have separately demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation. To the best of our knowledge no study has directly shown the role of PLA2 in lipid peroxidation in cerebral ischemia. To date, there are very limited data on PLA2 protein by Western blotting after cerebral ischemia, though some immunohistochemical studies (for cPLA2 and sPLA2) have been reported. Dissecting the contribution of PLA2 to lipid peroxidation in cerebral ischemia is challenging due to multiple forms of PLA2, cardiolipin hydrolysis, diverse sources of ROS arising from arachidonic acid metabolism, catecholamine autoxidation, xanthine oxidase activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, activated neutrophils coupled with NADPH oxidase activity, and lack of specific inhibitors. Although increased activity and expression of various PLA2 isoforms have been demonstrated in stroke, more studies are needed to clarify the cellular origin and localization of these isoforms in the brain, their responses in cerebral ischemic injury, and their role in oxidative stress.

Cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) in stroke and other CNS disorders

Brain phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels are regulated by a balance between synthesis and hydrolysis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1alpha/beta) activate phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and PC-phospholipase C (PC-PLC) to hydrolyze PC. PC hydrolysis by PLA(2) releases free fatty acids including arachidonic acid, and lyso-PC, an inhibitor of CTP-phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT). Arachidonic acid metabolism by cyclooxygenases/lipoxygenases is a significant source of reactive oxygen species. CDP-choline might increase the PC levels by attenuating PLA(2) stimulation and loss of CCT activity. TNF-alpha also stimulates proteolysis of CCT. TNF-alpha and IL-1beta are induced in brain ischemia and may disrupt PC homeostasis by increasing its hydrolysis (increase PLA(2) and PC-PLC activities) and inhibiting its synthesis (decrease CCT activity). The beneficial effects of CDP-choline may result by counteracting TNF-alpha and/or IL-1 mediated events, integrating cytokine biology and lipid metabolism. Re-evaluation of CDP-choline phase III stroke clinical trial data is encouraging and future trails are warranted. CDP-choline is non-xenobiotic, safe, well tolerated, and can be considered as one of the agents in multi-drug treatment of stroke.

Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine affects CTP-phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase and lyso-phosphatidylcholine after transient brain ischemia

Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline, also referred as citicoline), the key intermediate in phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) synthesis, provided significant benefit in experimental central nervous system (CNS) injury including cerebral ischemia. CDP-choline is synthesized by CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT), the key rate-limiting enzyme in PtdCho synthesis. Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) hydrolyzes PtdCho to produce free fatty acids and lyso-PtdCho, an inhibitor of CCT. We investigated the status of CCT and lyso-PtdCho after 10-min transient brain ischemia in gerbils with reperfusion up to 2 days. Ischemia with no reperfusion resulted in loss of CCT activity in cytosol (408 +/- 8 pmol/min/mg protein compared to sham 695 +/- 45; P < 0.01) and membrane (383 +/- 61 compared to sham 532 +/- 54; P < 0.05). CCT activity remained low over 24-hr reperfusion, and returned to sham levels at Day 2 in membrane but remained low in cytosol. CDP-choline significantly increased CCT activity in cytosol at 1 hr reperfusion (saline, 339 +/- 35 compared to CDP-choline, 430 +/- 70; P < 0.05) and in membrane at 6 hr (saline, 381 +/- 32 compared to CDP-choline, 489 +/- 50; P < 0.01) and 24 hr (saline, 417 +/- 24 compared to CDP-choline, 594 +/- 45; P < 0.01), but had no effect on CCT activity at Day 2. Lyso-PtdCho increased at 1-hr reperfusion (219 +/- 5 nmol/g tissue compared to sham, 92 +/- 8; P < 0.01), and remained elevated over 2 days. CDP-choline attenuated lyso-PtdCho levels at 1-hr reperfusion (162 +/- 21, P < 0.01 compared to saline). These data indicate that PtdCho synthesis is impaired after brain ischemia, and CDP-choline may increase PtdCho levels by attenuating the loss of CCT activity and lyso-PtdCho formation.

Phospholipase A2, hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxidation in transient cerebral ischemia

Phospholipid degradation is an important promoter of neuronal death after transient cerebral ischemia. Phospholipid hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) after transient cerebral ischemia releases arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid metabolism results in formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxides, and toxic aldehydes (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, and acrolein). Citicoline (cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine), an intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, has undergone 13 phase III clinical trials for stroke, and is being evaluated for treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Here we examined the effect of citicoline on PLA2 activity in relationship to attenuating hydroxyl radical (OH*) generation and lipid peroxidation after transient forebrain ischemia in gerbil. High Ca2+ dependency (millimolar range) of PLA2 activity suggests that secretory PLA2 is the predominant isoform in membrane and mitochondria. Citicoline attenuated the increase in PLA2 activity in both membrane and mitochondrial fractions. In vitro, citicoline and its components choline and cytidine had no effect on the PLA2 activity. Thus, citicoline is not a "direct PLA2 inhibitor." Citicoline also significantly attenuated loss of cardiolipin and arachidonic acid release from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Transient cerebral ischemia resulted in significant formation of OH* and malondialdehyde, and citicoline significantly attenuated their formation. These results suggest that citicoline provides neuroprotection by attenuating the stimulation of PLA2.

Citicoline decreases phospholipase A2 stimulation and hydroxyl radical generation in transient cerebral ischemia

Neuroprotection by citicoline (CDP-choline) in transient cerebral ischemia has been demonstrated previously. Citicoline has undergone several Phase III clinical trials for stroke, and is being evaluated for treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Phospholipid degradation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major factors causing neuronal injury in CNS trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid (released by the action of phospholipases) contributes to ROS generation. We examined the effect of citicoline on phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity in relation to the attenuation of hydroxyl radical (OH.) generation after transient forebrain ischemia of gerbil. PLA(2) activity (requires mM Ca(2+)) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both membrane (50.2 +/- 2.2 pmol/min/mg protein compared to sham 35.9 +/- 3.2) and mitochondrial fractions (77.0 +/- 1.2 pmol/min/mg protein compared to sham 33.9 +/- 1.2) after cerebral ischemia and 2 hr reperfusion in gerbil, which was significantly attenuated (P < 0.01) by citicoline (membrane, 39.9. +/- 2.2 and mitochondria, 41.9 +/- 3.2 pmol/min/mg protein). In vitro, citicoline and its components cytidine and choline had no effect on PLA(2) activity, and thus citicoline as such is not a PLA(2) inhibitor. Ischemia/reperfusion resulted in significant OH. generation (P < 0.01) and citicoline significantly (P < 0.01) attenuated their formation (expressed as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid/salicylate ratio; ischemia/24 hr reperfusion, 6.30 +/- 0.23; sham, 2.56 +/- 0.27; ischemia/24 hr reperfusion + citicoline, 4.85 +/- 0.35). These results suggest that citicoline affects PLA(2) stimulation and decreases OH. generation after transient cerebral ischemia.

Loss of cardiolipin and mitochondria during programmed neuronal death: evidence of a role for lipid peroxidation and autophagy

Cardiolipin, a lipid of the mitochondrial inner membrane, is lost from many types of cells during apoptotic death. Here we show that the cardiolipin content of nerve growth factor (NGF)-deprived rat sympathetic neurons undergoing apoptotic death in cell culture decreased before extensive loss of mitochondria from the cells. By 18-24 h after NGF deprivation, many neurons did not stain with the cardiolipin-specific dye, Nonyl Acridine Orange, suggesting complete loss of cardiolipin. Gas chromatography confirmed the decline of cardiolipin content in NGF-deprived neurons. Electron microscopy and immunoblots for the mitochondrial-specific protein, heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), revealed that there was only a slight decrease in mitochondrial mass at this time. Cardiolipin loss after NGF deprivation was concurrent with increased production of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species [Kirkland, R.A., Franklin, J.L., 2001. J. Neurosci. 21, 1949-1963] and increased lipid peroxidation. Compounds having antioxidant effects blocked peroxidation, loss of cardiolipin, and the decrease of mitochondrial mass in NGF-deprived neurons. These compounds also blocked an increase in the number of lysosomes and autophagosomes in NGF-deprived cells. The findings reported here show that the important mitochondrial inner membrane lipid, cardiolipin, is lost from mitochondria during neuronal apoptosis and that this loss occurs before significant loss of mitochondria from cells. They suggest that the loss of cardiolipin is mediated by free radical oxygen.

Soil health index in remediation of contaminated sites. Approach and application

The soil health index is an approach for assessing the ecological potential of a soil. The index is based on a physical, chemical, and biological characterization and rating of soil conditions. The approach is flexible, permits comparisons amongst soils with widely different properties and contaminant levels, and it can be adapted to site specific conditions. The rationale and development of the index are documented in this report along with sample handling, assessment methods, and quality assurance practices. Standardized reporting formats have also been developed for compiling and presenting the findings. An interpretive guide is included for the reporting formats and how to apply the results to site specific conditions.

Citicoline mechanisms and clinical efficacy in cerebral ischemia

Citicoline, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), has shown beneficial effects in various CNS injury models and neurodegenerative diseases. PtdCho hydrolysis by phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion yields arachidonic acid (ArAc) and lyso-PtdCho. ArAc oxidative metabolism results in formation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides. Lyso-PtdCho could inhibit activity of cytidine triphosphate-phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (the rate-limiting enzyme in PtdCho biosynthesis), resulting in impaired PtdCho synthesis. Citicoline significantly increased glutathione levels and attenuated release of ArAc and the loss of PtdCho, cardiolipin, and sphingomyelin following transient cerebral ischemia. These effects could be explained by an effect of citicoline on PLA(2). Based on these observations, a mechanism has been hypothesized. This Mini-Review summarizes recent experimental data on the effects of citicoline in cerebral ischemia and evaluates several factors that might have hindered efficacy of citicoline in stroke clinical trials in the United States. Clinical stroke trials of citicoline in Europe and Japan have demonstrated beneficial effects. U.S. trials shown only marginal effects, which might be due to the 24 hr time window, the dose and route of administration, and the stringency of the primary outcome parameters. Recent evaluation of U.S. clinical data suggests that reduction of infarct growth may be a more sensitive measure of the citicoline effect than improvement on the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by > or =7 points. The citicoline neuroprotective mechanism has not been clearly identified, and its potential in stroke treatment might still be fully recognized in the United States. The clinical efficacy of citicoline should be examined further in light of the recent phase III stroke clinical trials and experimental data for cerebral ischemia.

Polyamines and central nervous system injury: spermine and spermidine decrease following transient focal cerebral ischemia in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are ubiquitous cellular components, but their specific role in central nervous system (CNS) injury has yet to be characterized. CNS injury results in increased activities of ornithine decarboxylase and spermidine/spermine-N(1)-acetyltransferase, and accumulation of putrescine. The present study determined the polyamine profile in three models of CNS injury, in two different species (gerbil and rat) and two strains of rats (Sprague-Dawley and spontaneously hypertensive): (1) transient focal cerebral ischemia in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR); (2) traumatic brain injury in Sprague-Dawley rats; and (3) transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils. While there was a significant increase in putrescine in all three models, spermine and spermidine levels were unaltered in forebrain ischemia and traumatic brain injury. However, transient focal cerebral ischemia shows depletion of spermine and spermidine levels in injured hemisphere compared to contralateral region. Exogenous spermine significantly restored the spermine as well as spermidine levels in the ipsilateral hemisphere after transient focal cerebral ischemia, but did not alter putrescine levels or the ratio of spermidine to spermine. The loss of spermine in particular, may have several consequences that contribute to ischemic injury, including destabilization of chromatin, decreased mitochondrial Ca(2+) buffering capacity, and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Based on our and other studies, we propose a tentative antioxidant mechanism of spermine neuroprotection.

Identification of new DNA adducts in human bladder epithelia exposed to the proximate metabolite of 4-aminobiphenyl using 32P-postlabeling method

The DNA adducts were analyzed by 32P-postlabeling method following exposure of human uroepithelial cells (HUC) to N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP), the proximate metabolite of the human bladder carcinogen 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP). TLC of the postlabeled products on the first dimension revealed several products, the majority of which stayed close to the origin and were earlier identified as the 3',5' -bisphospho derivatives of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl and N-(deoxyadenosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (Carcinogenesis 13 (1993) 955; Carcinogenesis 16 (1995) 295). Here we report characterization of two additional adducts that amounted to less than 5% of the total adducts. Autoradiography of D1 chromatogram of the postlabeled products of calf thymus DNA chemically interacted with N-OH-ABP under acidic conditions revealed two adducts, #1 and #2, with R(f) values of about 0.2 and 0.3, respectively. Two adducts with D1 thin layer chromatographic properties similar to those of adducts #1 and #2 were obtained on postlabeling analyses of products generated by chemical interaction of N-acetoxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OAc-ABP) with deoxyguanosine-3' -monophosphate (dGp). Based on proton NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses of the synthetic products derived from N-OAc-ABP, the chemical structures of adducts #1 and #2 have been identified as 3-(deoxyguanosin-N(2)-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl, and N-(deoxyguanosin-N(2)-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl, respectively. Both of these adducts were insensitive to digestion with nuclease P1. 32P-Postlabeling analysis of the nuclease P1 enriched DNA hydrolysate of HUC cells treated with N-OH-ABP showed the presence of adduct #2 but not adduct #1. Adduct #2 was also detected in calf thymus DNA incubated with HUC cytosol and N-OH-ABP in the presence of acetyl CoA. These results suggest that in the target cells for ABP carcinogenesis in vivo, N-OH-ABP is bioactivated by acetyl CoA-dependent acyltransferases to reactive arylnitrenium ions that covalently interact at N(2)-position of deoxyguanosine in DNA.

Citicoline: neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia

Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (citicoline or CDP-choline), an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), has shown beneficial effects in a number of CNS injury models and pathological conditions of the brain. Citicoline improved the outcome in several phase-III clinical trials of stroke, but provided inconclusive results in recent clinical trials. The therapeutic action of citicoline is thought to be caused by stimulation of PtdCho synthesis in the injured brain, although the experimental evidence for this is limited. This review attempts to shed some light on the properties of citicoline that are responsible for its effectiveness. Our studies in transient cerebral ischemia suggest that citicoline might enhance reconstruction (synthesis) of PtdCho and sphingomyelin, but could act by inhibiting the destructive processes (activation of phospholipases). Citicoline neuroprotection may include: (i) preserving cardiolipin (an exclusive inner mitochondrial membrane component) and sphingomyelin; (ii) preserving the arachidonic acid content of PtdCho and phosphatidylethanolamine; (iii) partially restoring PtdCho levels; (iv) stimulating glutathione synthesis and glutathione reductase activity; (v) attenuating lipid peroxidation; and (vi) restoring Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. These observed effects of citicoline could be explained by the attenuation of phospholipase A(2) activation. Based on these findings, a singular unifying mechanism has been hypothesized. Citicoline also provides choline for synthesis of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, stimulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity and dopamine release.

Identification of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-azobiphenyl by (32)P-postlabeling analyses of DNA in human uroepithelial cells exposed to proximate metabolites of the environmental carcinogen 4-aminobiphenyl

DNA adducts formed in human uroepithelial cells (HUC) following exposure to N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP), the proximate metabolite of the human bladder carcinogen 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), were analyzed by the (32)P-postlabeling method. Two adducts detected by (32)P-postlabeling were previously identified as the 3',5'-bisphospho derivatives of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-ABP) and N-(deoxyadenosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dA-C8-ABP) (Frederickson S et al. [1992] Carcinogenesis 13: 955-961; Hatcher and Swaminathan [1995b] Carcinogenesis 16: 295-301). In contrast to the dG-C8-ABP adduct, which was 3'-dephosphorylated by nuclease P1, dA-C8-ABP was resistant to nuclease P1, thus providing an enrichment step before postlabeling. Autoradiography of the two-dimensional thin-layer chromatogram of the postlabeled products obtained following nuclease P1 digestion revealed several minor adducts, one of which has been identified in the present study. Postlabeling analyses following nuclease P1 digestion of the products obtained from the reaction of N-acetoxy-4-aminobiphenyl with deoxyguanosine-3'-monophosphate (dGp) demonstrated the presence of this minor adduct. The 3'-monophosphate derivative of the adduct was subsequently chromatographically purified and subjected to spectroscopic analyses. Based on proton NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses of the synthetic product, the chemical structure of the adduct has been identified as N-(deoxyguanosin-N(2)-yl)-4-azobiphenyl (dG-N==N-ABP). (32)P-Postlabeling analysis of the nuclease P1-enriched DNA hydrolysate of HUCs treated with N-OH-ABP or N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OH-AABP) showed the presence of the dG-N==N-ABP adduct. It was also detected in calf thymus DNA incubated with HUC cytosol and N-OH-ABP in the presence of acetyl-CoA, or incubated with HUC microsomes and N-OH-AABP. These results demonstrate that in the target cells for ABP carcinogenesis in vivo, N-OH-ABP and N-OH-AABP are bioactivated by acyltransferases to reactive arylnitrenium ions that covalently interact at the N2 position of deoxyguanosine in DNA.

Ecotoxicological endpoints for contaminated site remediation

Use of chemical criteria in assessing the potential for adverse toxic effects in contaminated sites can under or overestimate the necessary level of site cleanup required. The use of ecotoxicity testing provides a more direct assessment of adverse environmental impact. A multi-trophic level soil ecotoxicity assessment was done on soil contaminated with crude oil distilled into five different fractions based on hydrocarbon chain lengths. Results indicate that the fraction above C26 was not toxic to microbes, plants, and earthworms, when present in concentrations far above the 1000 mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbon criterion. Our ecotoxicity test battery results indicate that weathered heavy crude oils can be much less toxic than lighter, freshly spilled diesel oils, yet using a gross measure of total petroleum hydrocarbons would not detect this differences.

Effects of citicoline on phospholipid and glutathione levels in transient cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (citicoline or CDP-choline) is an essential intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an important component of the neural cell membrane. Citicoline provided significant neuroprotection after transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils. This study was undertaken to examine changes and effects of citicoline on phospholipids and glutathione synthesis after transient cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.

METHODS

Ten-minute transient forebrain ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion in male Mongolian gerbils with reperfusion up to 6 days. Citicoline (500 mg/kg IP in saline) was given to gerbils just after the end of ischemia, at 3-hour reperfusion, and daily thereafter until 1 day before euthanasia. Hippocampal lipids were extracted and analyzed by thin-layer and gas chromatography. Glutathione was measured by using an enzymatic recycling assay. Glutathione reductase activity was determined by measuring NADPH oxidation.

RESULTS

Significant decreases in phospholipids occurred at 1-day reperfusion. Citicoline significantly restored the phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and cardiolipin levels but did not affect phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine at 1 day. The phospholipids returned to sham levels over days 2 to 6 and were unaffected by citicoline. Ceramide levels significantly increased by 3 and 6 days of reperfusion and were unaltered by citicoline. Ischemia resulted in significant decreases in glutathione and glutathione reductase activity over 3 days of reperfusion. Citicoline significantly increased total glutathione and glutathione reductase activity and decreased the glutathione oxidation ratio, an indicator of glutathione redox status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that the effects of citicoline on phospholipids occurred primarily during the first day of reperfusion, with effects on glutathione being important over the 3-day reperfusion period.

Does CDP-choline modulate phospholipase activities after transient forebrain ischemia?

Ten min forebrain ischemia/1-day reperfusion resulted in significant decreases in total phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), and cardiolipin in gerbil hippocampus. CDP-choline restored cardiolipin levels, arachidonic acid content of PtdCho, partially but significantly restored total PtdCho, and had no effect on PtdIns. These data suggest that CDP-choline prevented the activation of phospholipase A(2) (rather than inhibiting phospholipase A(2) activity) but did not affect activities of PtdCho-phospholipases C and/or D, or phosphoinositide-phospholipase C. CDP-choline also provided significant protection for hippocampal CA(1) neurons.

Lipid alterations in transient forebrain ischemia: possible new mechanisms of CDP-choline neuroprotection

We have previously demonstrated that cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline or citicoline) attenuated arachidonic acid (ArAc) release and provided significant protection for the vulnerable hippocampal CA(1) neurons of the cornu ammonis after transient forebrain ischemia of gerbil. ArAc is released by the activation of phospholipases and the alteration of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) synthesis. Released ArAc is metabolized by cyclooxygenases/lipoxygenases to form eicosanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS contribute to neurotoxicity through generation of lipid peroxides and the cytotoxic byproducts 4-hydroxynonenal and acrolein. ArAc can also stimulate sphingomyelinase to produce ceramide, a potent pro-apoptotic agent. In the present study, we examined the changes and effect of CDP-choline on ceramide and phospholipids including PtdCho, phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), sphingomyelin, and cardiolipin (an exclusive inner mitochondrial membrane lipid essential for electron transport) following ischemia/1-day reperfusion. Our studies indicated significant decreases in total PtdCho, PtdIns, PtdSer, sphingomyelin, and cardiolipin and loss of ArAc from PtdEtn in gerbil hippocampus after 10-min forebrain ischemia/1-day reperfusion. CDP-choline (500 mg/kg i.p. immediately after ischemia and at 3-h reperfusion) significantly restored the PtdCho, sphingomyelin, and cardiolipin levels as well as the ArAc content of PtdCho and PtdEtn but did not affect PtdIns and PtdSer. These data suggest multiple beneficial effects of CDP-choline: (1) stabilizing the cell membrane by restoring PtdCho and sphingomyelin (prominent components of outer cell membrane), (2) attenuating the release of ArAc and limiting its oxidative metabolism, and (3) restoring cardiolipin levels.

Neuroprotection by group I metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists in forebrain ischemia of gerbil

Stimulation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR 1 and 5) activates G-protein coupled-phospholipase C (PLC) to release 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and arachidonic acid (ArAc). To elucidate the role of group I mGluR, we tested the effects of (S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxy-phenylglycine (MCPG, mGluR 1 and 5 antagonist), 1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA, mGluR 1a specific antagonist) and 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP, mGluR 5 antagonist) on ArAc release and neuronal survival after transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils. Ischemia resulted in (a) significant release of ArAc at 1-day reperfusion and (b) significant neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 subfield after 6-day reperfusion. MCPG and MPEP decreased ArAc release and also significantly increased neuronal survival. AIDA was less effective in decreasing ArAc release and had no effect on neuronal death. These results suggest that activation of mGluR 5 may be an important pathway in ArAc release and neuronal death after transient ischemia.

Elevated N1-acetylspermidine levels in gerbil and rat brains after CNS injury

The polyamine system is very sensitive to different pathological states of the brain and is perturbed after CNS injury. The main modifications are significant increases in ornithine decarboxylase activity and an increase in tissue putrescine levels. Previously we have shown that the specific polyamine oxidase (PAO) inhibitor N1,N4-bis(2,3-butadienyl)-1,4-butanediamine (MDL 72527) reduced the tissue putrescine levels, edema, and infarct volume after transient focal cerebral ischemia in spontaneously hypertensive rats and traumatic brain injury of Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present study, N1-acetyl-spermidine accumulation was greater in injured brain regions compared with sham or contralateral regions following inhibition of PAO by MDL 72527. This indicates spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) activation after CNS injury. The observed increase in N1-acetylspermidine levels at 1 day after CNS trauma paralleled the decrease in putrescine levels after treatment with MDL 72527. This suggests that the increased putrescine formation at 1 day after CNS injury is mediated by the SSAT/PAO pathway, consistent with increased SSAT mRNA after transient ischemia.

CDP-choline: neuroprotection in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils

CDP-choline is a rate-limiting intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), an important component of the neural cell membrane. The ability of CDP-choline to alter phospholipid metabolism is an important function in the treatment of ischemic injury. Exogenous treatment with CDP-choline stimulates PtdCho synthesis and prevents release of free fatty acids (FFA), especially arachidonic acid (AA), after ischemia/reperfusion. Phase III clinical trials of CDP-choline in the treatment of stroke are currently underway. Here we report the neuroprotection by CDP-choline in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils. CDP-choline significantly attenuated the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction after ischemia with 6-hr reperfusion, and considerably reduced the increase of AA in FFA and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) synthesis at 1 day. Edema was significantly elevated after 1 and 2 days, but attained maximum at 3-day reperfusion. CDP-choline substantially attenuated edema at 3 days. Ischemia resulted in 80 +/- 8% CA(1) hippocampal neuronal death after 6-day reperfusion, and CDP-choline provided 65 +/- 6% neuroprotection. CDP-choline may act by increasing PtdCho synthesis via two pathways: (1) conversion of 1, 2-diacylglycerol to PtdCho, and (2) biosynthesis of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, thus stabilizing the membrane and reducing AA release and metabolism to leukotriene C(4). This would result in decreased toxicity due to AA, leukotrienes, oxygen radicals, lipid peroxidation, and altered glutamate uptake, thus limiting BBB dysfunction, edema and providing neuroprotection.

Arachidonic acid and leukotriene C4: role in transient cerebral ischemia of gerbils

Accumulation of arachidonic acid (AA) is greatest in brain regions most sensitive to transient ischemia. Free AA released after ischemia is either: 1) reincorporated into the membrane phospholipids, or 2) oxidized during reperfusion by lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases, producing leukotrienes (LT), prostaglandins, thromboxanes and oxygen radicals. AA, its metabolite LTC4 and lipid peroxides (generated during AA metabolism) have been implicated in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, edema and neuronal death after ischemia/reperfusion. This report describes the time course of AA release, LTC4 accumulation and association with the physiological outcome during transient cerebral ischemia of gerbils. Significant amount of AA was detected immediately after 10 min ischemia (0 min reperfusion) which returned to sham levels within 30 min reperfusion. A later release of AA occurred after 1 d. LTC4 levels were elevated at 0-6 h and 1 d after ischemia. Increased lipid peroxidation due to AA metabolism was observed between 2-6 h. BBB dysfunction occurred at 6 h. Significant edema developed at 1 and 2 d after ischemia and reached maximum at 3 d. Ischemia resulted in approximately 80% neuronal death in the CA1 hippocampal region. Pretreatment with a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA861 resulted in significant attenuation of LTC4 levels (Baskaya et al. 1996. J. Neurosurg. 85: 112-116) and CA1 neuronal death. Accumulation of AA and LTC4, together with highly reactive oxygen radicals and lipid peroxides, may alter membrane permeability, resulting in BBB dysfunction, edema and ultimately to neuronal death.

Simultaneous assay of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamines after central nervous system injury in gerbil and rat

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is considered the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis. An increase in putrescine (a natural polyamine) synthesis after central nervous system (CNS) injury appears to be involved in blood-brain barrier dysfunction, development of vasogenic edema and neuronal death. An improved method is described to determine the ODC activity as well as polyamine levels from the same brain tissue. The polyamine results showed no significant differences from data obtained with the conventional assay. The advantages of this method are to: (1) minimize the number of animals needed for the study, and (2) eliminate any internal inconsistencies resulting from use of two independent groups of animals for ODC and polyamine measurements. Using this method, ODC activities and polyamine levels were measured in cortices and hippocampi from global transient ischemia of gerbils and traumatic brain injury (TBI) of rats.

Fluorometric assay of nitrite and nitrate in brain tissue after traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is distributed within the brain, and nitric oxide (NO) is felt to be involved in the pathophysiology of deterioration after head injury and cerebral ischemia. This study determined the levels of the stable end products of NOS (NOx=nitrite+nitrate) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and transient cerebral ischemia. A fluorometric assay using nitrate reductase and the NADPH regenerating system was used to quantitate NOx in ultrafiltered (10-kDa cutoff) cortical and hippocampal extracts after reduction of nitrate. In TBI rats, both the plasma and tissue showed a sharp increase in NOx levels 5 min after injury. Plasma NOx returned to control levels by 2 h after injury. Ipsilateral-cortex NOx levels returned to control levels approximately 6 h after injury and remained constant from 6-24 h. Contralateral-cortex returned near to control levels after 1 h. Hippocampus also followed a similar trend. In gerbils, there was a significant elevation in tissue NOx levels immediately after 10 min transient cerebral ischemia, which gradually returned to control levels over 24 h reperfusion. This striking burst of NO synthesis immediately after injury is clearly evident whether the injury is head trauma or ischemia, or whether the measurements were performed on tissue or plasma. It is unknown whether endothelial NOS, neuronal NOS, or both caused the elevation of the NO end products seen after the CNS insults.

Neoplastic transformation and DNA-binding of 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) in SV40-immortalized human uroepithelial cell lines

The tumorigenic transformation of certain occupationally significant chemicals, such as N-hydroxy-4-4'-methylenebis[2-chloroaniline] (N-OH-MOCA), N-hydroxy-ortho-toluidine (N-OH-OT), 2-phenyl-1,4-benzoquinone (PBQ) and N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP) were tested in vitro using the well established SV40-immortalized human uroepithelial cell line SV-HUC.PC. SV-HUC cells were exposed in vitro to varying concentrations of N-OH-MOCA, N-OH-OT, N-OH-ABP and PBQ that caused approximately 25% and 75% cytotoxicity. The carcinogen treated cells were propagated in culture for about six weeks and subsequently injected subcutaneously into athymic nude mice. Two of the fourteen different groups of SV-HUC.PC treated with different concentrations of N-OH-MOCA, and one of the three groups exposed to N-OH-ABP, formed carcinomas in athymic nude mice. 32P-postlabeling analyses of DNA isolated from SV-HUC.PC after exposure to N-OH-MOCA revealed one major and one minor adduct. The major adduct has been identified as the N-(deoxyadenosin-3',5'-bisphospho-8-yl)-4-amino-3-chlorob enz yl alcohol (pdAp-ACBA) and the minor adduct as N-(deoxyadenosin-3',5'-bisphospho-8-yl)-4-amino-3-chlorot oluene (pdApACT). Furthermore, SV-HUC.PC cytosols catalyzed the binding of N-OH-MOCA to DNA, in the presence of acetyl-CoA, to yield similar adducts. The same adducts were also formed by chemical interaction of N-OH-MOCA with calf thymus DNA, suggesting that the aryl nitrenium ion may be the ultimate reactive species responsible for DNA binding. The tumorigenic activity of N-OH-MOCA in this highly relevant in vitro transformation model, coupled with the findings that SV-HUC.PC cells formed DNA-adducts in vitro and contained enzyme systems that activated N-OH-MOCA to reactive electrophilic species that bound to DNA, strongly suggest that MOCA could be a human bladder carcinogen. These findings are consistent with the International Agency for Research on Cancer's classification of MOCA as a probable human carcinogen.

32P-postlabeling analysis of adducts generated by peroxidase-mediated binding of N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl to DNA

32P-Postlabeling analysis of the bisphosphate derivatives was conducted to characterize the DNA adducts generated from the peroxidase-mediated activation of N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OH-AABP). Autoradiography of the D1 chromatogram of the postlabeled DNA hydrolysate revealed a major adduct (adduct 1) that migrated at Rf 0.15. An adduct with similar chromatographic characteristics was also obtained by postlabeling the products generated by chemical interaction of: (i) 2',6'-dichlorobenzoyloxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl with the 3'-monophosphate of deoxyguanosine, and (ii) N-acetoxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OAc-AABP) with calf thymus DNA. The adduct derived from chemical reaction exhibited the same mobilities on two-dimensional TLC as that obtained from the peroxidase-mediated DNA binding of N-OH-AABP. Moreover, on HPLC analyses, these bisphosphate derivatives exhibited identical retention times, suggesting that structurally they might be the same. Furthermore, adduct 1 was insensitive to digestion with nuclease P1. In addition to adduct 1, another minor adduct (adduct 2) was also detected in the peroxidase-mediated DNA binding of N-OH-AABP. The adduct 2 in D1 exhibited an Rf of 0.66. Adduct 2 was also observed in the DNA sample chemically interacted with N-OAc-AABP. Both these adducts retained the acetyl moiety, which was confirmed by the presence of radioactivity in the hydrolysate of DNA derived by interaction with N-OAc-[14C-acetyl]AABP (labeled at the N-acetyl group). Based on proton NMR and MS analyses of the 5'-phospho analogs of adducts 1 and 2, the structures of these have been identified as 3-(deoxyguanosine-N2-yl)-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (dG-N2-AABP) and N-(deoxyguanosine-8-yl)-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (dG-C8-AABP). Analyses of the DNA samples obtained from human uroepithelial cells following exposure to N-OH-AABP revealed primarily the non-acetylated derivative N-(deoxyguanosine-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-ABP) with trace amounts of dG-N2-AABP. These results suggest that in the target cells for 4-aminobiphenyl carcinogenesis, the prevalence of the peroxidase mediated activation reaction of N-OH-AABP is relatively minor compared to the acetyltransferase pathway.

Detection of deoxyadenosine-4-aminobiphenyl adduct in DNA of human uroepithelial cells treated with N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl following nuclease P1 enrichment and 32P-postlabeling analysis

To characterize the DNA adducts in human uroepithelial cells (HUC) exposed to 4-aminobiphenyl and its proximate N-hydroxy metabolites, we used 32P-postlabeling analyses following butanol extraction of the DNA hydrolysates. Using this method, we identified N-(deoxyguanosin-3',5'-bisphospho-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (pdGp-ABP) as a major adduct and N-(deoxyadenosin-3',5'-bisphospho-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (pdAp-ABP) as a minor adduct in an immortalized non-tumorigenic cell line of HUC following exposure to N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP). Towards characterization of pdAp-ABP, we postlabeled the synthetic N-(deoxyadenosin-3'-phospho-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dAp-ABP) adduct to generate pdAp-ABP and determined its chromatographic (TLC and HPLC) properties and sensitivity to nuclease P1 digestion. In contrast to pdGp-ABP, which was cleaved to the corresponding 5'-monophosphate by nuclease P1, the pdAp-ABP adduct was unaffected when incubated with nuclease P1 under similar conditions. To test whether nuclease P1 digestion could be adopted for enrichment of the dAp-ABP adduct in HUC samples, postlabeling analyses were carried out after butanol extraction following nuclease P1 digestion of the DNA hydrolysate. Under these conditions, the pdAp-ABP adduct was detected in DNA from HUC E7 cells treated with N-OH-ABP and in calf thymus DNA reacted with N-OH-ABP under acidic (pH 5.0) conditions. These data indicate that pdGp-ABP and pdAp-ABP adducts are generated in HUC E7 on treatment with N-OH-ABP and that nuclease P1 enrichment may provide a method for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the pdAp-ABP adduct in DNA.

Metabolic reduction of novel 3,4-dichloro-5-nitrofurans in Salmonella typhimurium

To gain insight on biochemical mechanisms of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by the experimental carcinogens, 5-nitrofurans, a new series of 3,4-dichloro-5-nitrofurans, comprised of 3,4-dichloro-5-nitro-2-acetylfuran (I), 3,4-dichloro-5-nitro-2-bromoacetylfuran (II), methyl 3,4-dichloro-5-nitro-2-furoate (III), were synthesized and tested for their activation to mutagenic forms in the standard plate assay using Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, and TA100NR, a derivative of TA100 deficient in nitroreductase activity. The mutagenic responses in TA98 were 2- to 6-fold lower compared to TA100. Furthermore, I and II were less active in TA100NR, while compound III was about four times more mutagenic in TA100NR compared to the parent strain TA100. Incubation of III with NADPH and bacterial lysates showed that the extent of reduction was greater in TA100 compared to TA100NR. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of the ethyl acetate extract obtained from incubation of III with lysates of TA100 revealed the formation of four metabolites with retention times of about 4.0, 5.7, 10.0, and 14.3 minutes. The spectroscopic and chromatographic properties of the components with retention times of 10.0 and 14.3 minutes were identical to two derivatives obtained by chemical reduction of III, and thus represent nitroreduction products. These derivatives have been identified as cis- and trans-oxime isomers of methyl 3,4-dichloro-2-furoate, based on spectroscopic analyses. These oximes were not mutagenic for TA100. Furthermore, III was more mutagenic under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that secondary superoxide or nitroanion free radicals generated from nitroreduction are not responsible for the mutagenicity of III. In addition, the higher mutagenic response in TA100NR, and the lack of mutagenic activities of the amino and the oxime analogs of III suggest that the mutagenic activation of III might be due to the nitroso intermediate or involve mechanisms other than nitroreduction.

Metabolic activation of N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl by cultured human breast epithelial cell line MCF 10A

Metabolism and nucleic acid binding of the mammary gland carcinogen N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OH-AABP) was investigated using the human mammary epithelial cell line MCF 10A. Chromatographic analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of the media from cultured MCF 10A after 24 h exposure to N-OH-AABP revealed the formation of two metabolites, 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) and 4-acetylaminobiphenyl (AABP). Incubation of [3H]N-OH-AABP with calf thymus DNA in the presence of the cytosols or microsomes revealed a binding of 0.21 and 2.36 nmol/mg DNA/mg protein respectively. In contrast to cytosol-mediated binding, the microsome-mediated binding of [3H]N-OH-AABP to DNA was inhibited by paraoxon. Furthermore, exogenous addition of non-labelled N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP) to the incubation mixture blocked the binding of [3H]N-OH-AABP to DNA, suggesting that the metabolic activation process involves inter-molecular transacetylation. Cytosols from MCF 10A also catalyzed acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA)-dependent binding of [3H]N-OH-ABP to DNA; the amount of binding was 0.51 nmol/mg DNA/mg protein. HPLC of the DNA hydrolysate obtained after incubation of [3H]N-OH-AABP and [3H]N-OH-ABP with the MCF 10A microsomes and cytosols showed N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-ABP) as the primary adduct, based on the mobility of the radioactive peak in comparison with the synthetic standard. 32P-postlabeling of adducted DNA obtained on incubation with N-OH-ABP or N-OH-AABP showed similar adduct profiles, with the major adduct corresponding with the bisphospho derivative of dG-ABP and a minor adduct corresponding with N-(deoxyadenosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dA-ABP). Additionally, the cellular DNA isolated from MCF 10A following exposure to N-OH-AABP also revealed a major spot corresponding with the dG-ABP derivative. These results suggest that the mammary gland carcinogen N-OH-AABP is activated to reactive electrophilic species in the target human mammary tissues by acetyl transferase(s) enzyme systems.

Mutagenic activation of 4-aminobiphenyl and its N-hydroxy derivatives by microsomes from cultured human uroepithelial cells

Activation of the human bladder carcinogen 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) and its N-hydroxy derivatives was investigated using lysates and subcellular enzyme preparations from cultured human uroepithelial cells (HUC). Mutagenic activation was determined using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98; TA98/1,8-DNP6, a derivative deficient in acetyl coenzyme A:N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase (OAT); and YG1024, a derivative of TA98 with elevated OAT activity and enhanced sensitivity to mutation by N-hydroxyarylamines. Mutagenicity of ABP catalyzed by HUC microsomes was detected in YG1024 but not in the parent strain TA98. HUC microsomes also catalyzed the mutagenic activation of N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OH-AABP) and the relative sensitivity of the tester strains was YG1024 > TA98 > TA98/1,8-DNP6, indicating N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP) as the mutagenic intermediate. In contrast, the mutagenic activity of N-acetoxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl incubated with HUC microsomes was approximately equal in TA98 and YG1024, and may involve N-acetoxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OAc-ABP) as the intermediate. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the DNA hydrolysate obtained after incubation of [3H]N-OH-ABP with YG1024, showed N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-ABP) as the primary adduct, based on mobility of the radioactivity in comparison with the synthetic standard. Additionally, HUC microsomes catalyzed the binding of [3H]N-OH-ABP to RNA in the presence of 4-acetylaminobiphenyl (AABP), N-OH-AABP and acetyl coenzyme A as acetyl donors, and this binding was blocked by paraoxon. The hydrolysate obtained from incubation of DNA with [3H]N-OH-ABP and HUC microsomes, with AABP as acetyl donor, revealed the formation of dG-ABP adduct.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Microsome-mediated transacetylation and binding of N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl to nucleic acids by hepatic and bladder tissues from dog

Microsome-mediated metabolism of [3H]4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) and binding of [3H]N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP) to nucleic acids by dog hepatic and bladder microsomes were investigated. HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate extracts of hepatic microsomal incubates of [3H]ABP in the presence of 4-acetylaminobiphenyl (AABP), N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl (N-OH-AABP), or acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) as acetyl donors showed the formation of [3H]AABP, suggesting that microsomes catalyze N-acetylation of ABP involving transacetylation. Dog hepatic microsomes also catalyzed the binding of [3H]N-OH-ABP to RNA in the presence of AABP, N-OH-AABP or AcCoA, and the binding was blocked by paraoxon, an inhibitor of microsomal deacetylases. Binding of [3H]N-OH-ABP to DNA was catalyzed also by dog hepatic microsomes, and the extent of binding was 266, 156 and 135 pmol/mg DNA for AABP, N-OH-AABP and AcCoA as acetyl donors respectively. HPLC analyses of the DNA hydrolysates showed that the major adduct formed was N-(deoxyguanosine-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl, based on mobility of the adduct in comparison with the synthetic standard. The acetyl adduct N-(deoxyguanosine-8-yl)-4-acetylaminobiphenyl was not detected in the DNA hydrolysates. Adduct profiles obtained from 32P-postlabeling of DNA samples from the microsome-mediated binding of [3H]N-OH-ABP showed similarities to the profile obtained previously from the chemical interaction of N-OH-ABP with DNA under acidic conditions, suggesting that the microsome-mediated binding of N-OH-ABP may proceed via formation of aryl nitrenium ions as the ultimate electrophilic species. Microsomes from dog bladder also catalyzed the binding of [3H]N-OH-ABP to RNA and DNA in the presence of AABP, N-OH-AABP or AcCoA as acetyl donors, though the levels of binding were less than those observed with hepatic microsomes. The prevalence of these acetyl transferases in the target organs for ABP and AABP carcinogenesis raises the possibility that metabolic activation of the proximate metabolite N-OH-ABP could occur directly in these tissues and these reactions could play a critical role in the initiation of cancers.

Inhibition of murine tumor growth by an interferon-inducing imidazoquinolinamine

The low-molecular-weight imidazoquinolinamine derivative, 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine (imiquimod, previously described as R-837), induced alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha) in mice. IFN induction was identified at oral doses as low as 3 mg/kg. The 10% lethal dose for daily treatment with imiquimod was 200 mg/kg. Oral treatment with 30 mg/kg imiquimod once every three days significantly inhibited MC-26 colon carcinoma. Delay of treatment from day 1 to day 5, when tumors were easily palpable, did not reduce benefits. Ten daily treatments were slightly more effective than five. However, delivery of the same total dose of imiquimod either once every day for 20 days, once every 4 days, once every 7 days, or once every 10 days inhibited tumor growth to the same level. The antitumor effects of imiquimod were significantly abrogated by an antiserum to murine IFN-alpha, suggesting that the antitumor effect was to a substantial extent mediated by IFN induction. Imiquimod also significantly reduced the number of lung colonies in mice inoculated i.v. with MC-26 tumor cells. Combination of treatment with imiquimod and cyclophosphamide was significantly (P less than 0.01) better than treatment with either drug alone. Combination treatment with cyclophosphamide led to cures in some of the mice inoculated either s.c. or i.v. with MC-26 cells. Treatment with imiquimod also inhibited the growth of RIF-1 sarcoma and Lewis lung carcinoma but was ineffective for P388 leukemia. Imiquimod is an oral IFN-alpha inducer with antitumor effectiveness for transplantable murine tumors.