Recombinant Organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) enzyme-carbon quantum dot (CQDs)-immobilized thin film biosensors for the specific detection of Ethyl Paraoxon and Methyl Parathion in water resources

Organophosphates pesticide (OP) toxicity through water resources is a large concern globally among all the emerging pollutants. Detection of OPs is a challenge which needs to be addressed considering the hazardous effects on the health of human beings. In the current research thin film biosensors of recombinant, Organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) enzyme along with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) immobilized in thin films were developed. OPAA-CQDs thin film biosensors were used for the specific detection of two OPs Ethyl Paraoxon (EP) and Methyl Parathion (MP) in river water and household water supply. Recombinant OPAA enzyme was expressed in E. Coli, purified and immobilized on the CQD containing chitosan thin films. The CQDs used for this purpose were developed by a one-pot hydrothermal method from phthalic acid and Tri ethylene diamine. The properties of CQDs, OPAA and thin films were characterized using techniques like XPS, TEM, XRD, enzyme activity and CLSM measurements. Biosensing studies of EP and MP were performed by taking fluorescence measurements using a fiber optic spectrometer. The analytical parameters of biosensing were compared against an estimation carried out using the HPLC method. The biosensing performance indicates that the OPAA-CQDs thin film-based biosensors were able to detect both EP and MP in a range of 0-100 μM having a detection limit of 0.18 ppm/0.69 ppm for EP/MP, respectively with a response time of 5 min. The accuracy of estimation of EP/MP when spiked in water resources lie in the range of ∼100-102% which clearly indicates the OPAA-CQD based thin film biosensors can function as a point-of-use method for the detection of OP pesticides in complex water resources.

[11C]Paraoxon: Radiosynthesis, Biodistribution and In Vivo Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Rat

Synthesis of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor paraoxon (POX) as a carbon-11 positron emission tomography tracer ([11C]POX) and profiling in live rats is reported. Naïve rats intravenously injected with [11C]POX showed a rapid decrease in parent tracer to ∼1%, with an increase in radiolabeled serum proteins to 87% and red blood cells (RBCs) to 9%. Protein and RBC leveled over 60 minutes, reflecting covalent modification of proteins by [11C]POX. Ex vivo biodistribution and imaging profiles in naïve rats had the highest radioactivity levels in lung followed by heart and kidney, and brain and liver the lowest. Brain radioactivity levels were low but observed immediately after injection and persisted over the 60-minute experiment. This showed for the first time that even low POX exposures (∼200 ng tracer) can rapidly enter brain. Rats given an LD50 dose of nonradioactive paraoxon at the LD50 20 or 60 minutes prior to [11C]POX tracer revealed that protein pools were blocked. Blood radioactivity at 20 minutes was markedly lower than naïve levels due to rapid protein modification by nonradioactive POX; however, by 60 minutes the blood radioactivity returned to near naïve levels. Live rat tissue imaging-derived radioactivity values were 10%-37% of naïve levels in nonradioactive POX pretreated rats at 20 minutes, but by 60 minutes the area under the curve (AUC) values had recovered to 25%-80% of naïve. The live rat imaging supported blockade by nonradioactive POX pretreatment at 20 minutes and recovery of proteins by 60 minutes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Paraoxon (POX) is an organophosphorus (OP) compound and a powerful prototype and substitute for OP chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as sarin, VX, etc. To study the distribution and penetration of POX into the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues, a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer analog, carbon-11-labeled paraoxon ([11C]POX), was prepared. Blood and tissue radioactivity levels in live rats demonstrated immediate penetration into the CNS and persistent radioactivity levels in tissues indicative of covalent target modification.

Synthesis and evaluation of small organic molecule as reactivator of organophosphorus inhibited acetylcholinesterase

A series of uncharged salicylaldehyde oximes were synthesized and evaluated for the reactivation of organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents simulants Diethylchlorophosphonate (DCP) & Diethylcyanophosphonate (DCNP) and pesticides (paraoxon & malaoxon) inhibited electric eel Acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The computational software Swiss ADME and molinspiration were used to unfold the probability of drug-likeness properties of the oximes derivatives. Substituted aromatic oximes with diethylamino or bromo group with free hydroxyl group ortho to oxime moiety were found efficient to regenerate the enzymatic activity in in-vitro AChE assay. The alkylation of the ortho hydroxyl group of derivatives led to the loss of reactivation potential. The derivatives with a hydroxyl group and without oxime group and vice versa did not show significant reactivation potency against tested OP toxicants. Further, we also evaluated the reactivation potential of these selected molecules on the rat brain homogenate against different OPs inhibited ChE and found maximum reactivation potency of oxime 2e. The in-vitro results were further validated by molecular docking and dynamic studies which showed that the hydroxyl group interacted with serine amino acids in the catalytic anionic site of AChE enzyme and was stable up to 200 ns consequently providing proper orientation to oxime moiety for reactivating the OP inhibited enzyme. It has thus been proved by the structure-activity relationship of oximes derivatives that hydroxyl group ortho to oxime is essential for reactivating OP inhibited electric eel AChE. Amongst the twenty-one oximes derivatives, 2e was found to be most active in regenerating the paraoxon, malaoxon, DCP and DCNP inhibited AChE enzyme.

A novel acetylcholinesterase inhibition based colorimetric biosensor for the detection of paraoxon ethyl using CUPRAC reagent as chromogenic oxidant

A novel colorimetric biosensor for the sensitive and selective detection of an organophosphate pesticide, paraoxon ethyl (POE), was developed based on its inhibitory effect on the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme. The bis-neocuproine copper (II) complex ([Cu(Nc)2]2+) known as the CUPRAC reagent, was used as a chromogenic oxidant in the AChE inhibition-based biosensors for the first time. To initiate the biosensor, an enzymatic reaction takes place between AChE and its substrate acetylthiocholine (ATCh). Then, enzymatically produced thiocholine (TCh) reacts with the light blue [Cu(Nc)2]2+ complex, resulting in the oxidation of TCh to its disulfide form. On the other hand, [Cu(Nc)2]2+ reduces to a yellow-orange cuprous complex ([Cu(Nc)2]+) which gives maximum absorbance at 450 nm. However, the absorbance of [Cu(Nc)2]+ proportionally decreased with the addition of POE because the inhibition of AChE by the organophosphate pesticide reduced the amount of TCh that would give a colorimetric reaction with the CUPRAC reagent. Based on this strategy, the linear response range of a colorimetric biosensor was found to be between 0.15 and 1.25 μM with a detection limit of 0.045 μM. The fabricated biosensor enabled the selective determination of POE in the presence of some other pesticides and metal ions. The recovery results between 92% and 104% were obtained from water and soil samples spiked with POE, indicating that the determination of POE in real water and soil samples can be performed with this simple, accurate, sensitive, and low-cost colorimetric biosensor.

Paraoxon and glyphosate induce DNA double-strand breaks but are not type II topoisomerase poisons

We tested the hypothesis that the pesticides paraoxon and glyphosate cause DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by poisoning the enzyme Type II topoisomerase (topo II). Peripheral lymphocytes in G0 phase, treated with the pesticides, plus or minus ICRF-187, an inhibitor of Topo II, were stimulated to proliferate; induced cytogenetic damage was measured. Micronuclei, chromatin buds, nucleoplasmic bridges, and extranuclear fragments were induced by treatments with the pesticides, irrespective of the pre-treatment with ICRF-187. These results indicate that the pesticides do not act as topo II poisons. The induction of DSB may occur by other mechanisms, such as effects on other proteins involved in recombination repair.

A sensitive and stable acetylcholinesterase biosensor with TiO2 nanoparticles anchored on graphitic carbon nanofibers for determination of organophosphate pesticides

Electrode materials play a central role in assembling biosensors. In this work, a titanium dioxide nanoparticle loaded graphitized carbon nanofiber (TiO₂/GNF) composite is prepared for the sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticide residues (OPs). The TiO₂/GNF composite with superior conductivity, catalytic activity and biocompatibility offers an extremely hydrophilic surface for the effective immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Furthermore, the Ti atoms of TiO₂/GNFs could coordinate with AChE to improve its stability, and TiO₂ has a strong adsorption on OPs. The developed AChE/TiO₂/GNFs/GCE biosensor showed a high affinity to acetylthiocholine chloride (ATCh) and could catalyze the hydrolysis of ATCh with an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) of 50 μM. The constructed AChE/TiO₂/GNFs/GCE biosensor exhibits a wide detection linear range (1.0 × 10^-13 M to 1.0 × 10^-8 M) with a low detection limit (3.3 fM) for paraoxon determination (a model of OPs). In addition, the developed biosensor possesses remarkable anti-interference, acceptable reproducibility and good long-term stability, and is successfully used for the determination of OPs in lake water, providing a new strategy for the analysis of OPs in ecological environments.

Ratiometric fluorescent hydrogel for point-of-care monitoring of organophosphorus pesticide degradation

The residues of organophosphorus pesticides have caused the potential risk in environment and human health, arousing worldwidely great concern. Herein, we fabricated a robust gold nanoclusters/MnO₂ composites-based hydrogel portable kit for accurate monitoring of paraoxon residues and degradation in Chinese cabbages. With the immobilization of gold nanoclusters/MnO₂ composites into a hydrogel, a ratiometric fluorescent signal is generated by catalyzing the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine, which possesses a built-in correction with low background interference. Coupling with acetylcholinesterase catalytic reactions and pesticide inhibition effect, the portable kit can sensitively detect paraoxon residues with a detection limit of 5.0 ng mL^-1. For on-site quantification, the fluorescent color variations of portable kit are converted into digital information that exhibits applicative linear range toward pesticide. Notably, the hydrogel portable kit was successfully applied for precisely monitoring the residue and degradation of paraoxon in Chinese cabbage, providing a potential pathway toward practical point-of-care testing in food safety monitoring.

Enzyme Nanoreactor for In Vivo Detoxification of Organophosphates

A nanoreactor containing an evolved mutant of Saccharolobus solfataricus phosphotriesterase (L72C/Y97F/Y99F/W263V/I280T) as a catalytic bioscavenger was made for detoxification of organophosphates. This nanoreactor intended for treatment of organophosphate poisoning was studied against paraoxon (POX). Nanoreactors were low polydispersity polymersomes containing a high concentration of enzyme (20 μM). The polyethylene glycol-polypropylene sulfide membrane allowed for penetration of POX and exit of hydrolysis products. In vitro simulations under second order conditions showed that 1 μM enzyme inactivates 5 μM POX in less than 10 s. LD₅₀-shift experiments of POX-challenged mice through intraperitoneal (i.p.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) injections showed that intravenous administration of nanoreactors (1.6 nmol enzyme) protected against 7 × LD₅₀ i.p. in prophylaxis and 3.3 × LD₅₀ i.p. in post-exposure treatment. For mice s.c.-challenged, LD₅₀ shifts were more pronounced: 16.6 × LD₅₀ in prophylaxis and 9.8 × LD₅₀ in post-exposure treatment. Rotarod tests showed that transitory impaired neuromuscular functions of challenged mice were restored the day of experiments. No deterioration was observed in the following days and weeks. The high therapeutic index provided by prophylactic administration of enzyme nanoreactors suggests that no other drugs are needed for protection against acute POX toxicity. For post-exposure treatment, co-administration of classical drugs would certainly have beneficial effects against transient incapacitation.

Enzymeless voltammetric sensor for simultaneous determination of parathion and paraoxon based on Nd-based metal-organic framework

The aim of this work is to fabricate a sensitive and novel enzymeless electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of parathion and paraoxon using the Nd-UiO-66@MWCNT nanocomposite. For this purpose, Neodymium (Nd) was introduced into a Universitetet i Oslo (UiO-66) structure to construct Nd-UiO-66 and then, adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes to the Nd-UiO-66 to increase the electrocatalytic activity and surface area of the obtained composite. The Nd-UiO-66@MWCNT has numerous advantages like excellent conductivity, tunable texture, and large surface area and can be used as a distinctive structure for the construction of modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to enhance the charge-transfer and the efficiency of electrochemical sensors. This modified electrode showed sensitive and selective determination of paraoxon and parathion over the linear ranges of 0.7-100 and 1-120 nM, with detection limits of 0.04 and 0.07 nM, respectively. The proposed Nd-UiO-66@MWCNT/GCE sensor in this study can be applied in environmental and toxicological laboratories and field tests to detect parathion and paraoxon levels.

High-performance electrochemical sensing of hazardous pesticide Paraoxon using BiVO4 nano dendrites equipped catalytic strips

Paraoxon is one of the pesticide that can induce toxicity to nervous system of living organisms. In this work, we focused on synthesizing the catalyst Bismuth Vanadate with the properties that can sense the presence of organophosphorus compounds and characterized them with various characterization methods. The structural studies done by XRD, UV spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Morphological studies were carried by SEM and TEM. Elemental analysis using XPS spectra. The proposed electrocatalyst was successfully applied as the active electrode material modifying the screen printed carbon electrode for electrochemical sensor applications. The results of the studies indicate that bismuth vanadate modified electrode exhibited four electron transfer process for reduction of nitro group and this lead to the superior electrochemical sensing performance for ethyl Paraoxon with a detection limit of 0.03 μM and good sensitivity 0.345 μA μM^-1 cm^-2 with excellent reproducibility, repeatability, stability and selectivity over common interferents. Furthermore, the practical application was successfully carried using the proposed modified strips to determine Paraoxon presence in the river water sample with satisfactory results. This proposed catalyst can act as a desirable candidate for the rapid electrochemical sensor.

Impact of nanoceria shape on degradation of diethyl paraoxon: Synthesis, catalytic mechanism, and water remediation application

A series of nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be powerful for direct degradation of diethyl paraoxon (EP) to diethyl phosphate and 4-nitrophenol in aqueous solution. However, comparison of catalytic activity of different nanomaterials toward EP is rarely explored. In the present study, four different morphological nanoceria (cubes, rods, polyhedral, and spheres) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as a catalyst for the degradation of EP in comparison to other commercially available nanomaterials. Among the tested nanoceria, the cerium dioxide (CeO₂) nanopolyhedra possess the best catalytic activity toward the hydrolysis of EP owing to their abundant oxygen vacancy sites, optimal ratio of Ce(III) to Ce(IV), and specific exposed facets. Under the conditions of 0.2 M NH₃/NH₄Cl buffer and 25 °C, the CeO₂ nanopolyhedra catalyzed the reduction of EP to 4-nitrophenol with a >99% conversion at pH 8.0 for 50 h, at pH 10.0 for 12 h, and at pH 12.0 for 2.5 h. The catalytic degradation of nearly 100% EP in NH₃/NH₄Cl buffer (pH 10.0) at 25 °C is in the decreasing order of CeO₂ nanopolyhedra > CeO₂ nanorods > ZnO nanospheres (NSs) > CeO₂ nanocubes > TiO₂ NSs > CeO₂ NSs > Fe₃O₄ NSs ~ Co₃O₄ NSs ~ control experiment. The mechanism for the degradation of EP was confirmed by monitoring catalytic kinetics of the CeO₂ nanopolyhedra in the presence of EP, dimethyl paraoxon, 4-nitrophenyl phosphate, and parathion. The nanocomposites were simply fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly of the CeO₂ nanopolyhedra and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-capped gold nanoparticles (PDDA-AuNPs). The resultant nanocomposites still efficiently catalyzed NaBH₄-mediated reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol with a normalized rate constant of 6.68 ± 0.72 s^-1 g^-1 and a chemoselectivity of >99%. In confirmation of the robustness and applicability of the as-prepared nanocomposites, they were further used to catalyze the degradation of EP to 4-amionphenol in river water and seawater.

Paraoxon-induced damage in rat hippocampus is associated with alterations in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins

To determine the possible role of apoptosis in the development of paraoxon-induced brain damage, we evaluated expression of apoptosis-related proteins, the extent of neuronal damage, and activation of astrocytes in rat hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with one of three doses of paraoxon (0.3, 0.7, or 1 mg/kg) or corn oil (vehicle). After 14 or 28 days, expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and caspase-3, as well as the number of neurons and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive cells in hippocampus were examined by western blot, cresyl blue staining, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. After 14 and 28 days, Bax and caspase-3 proteins were significantly increased in rats receiving 0.7 and 1 mg/kg of paraoxon. A significant decrease in Bcl-2 protein levels was also observed in 0.7 and 1 mg/kg groups after 14 days and in 1 mg/kg group after 28 days. Animals treated with 1 mg/kg of paraoxon showed a significant decrease in the number of neurons in the CA1 area. Also, those treated with 0.7 and 1 mg/kg of paraoxon showed an increase in the number of GFAP positive cells in both CA1 and CA3 areas as well as a significant decrease in survived neurons in the CA3 area. Our results indicated that neuronal damage induced by convulsive doses of paraoxon in rat hippocampus is mediated in part through apoptosis mechanism. Activation of astrocytes might lead to reduced extent of damage and damage and consequently increased neuronal survival.

Environmental Decontamination of a Chemical Warfare Simulant Utilizing a Membrane Vesicle-Encapsulated Phosphotriesterase

While technologies for the remediation of chemical contaminants continue to emerge, growing interest in green technologies has led researchers to explore natural catalytic mechanisms derived from microbial species. One such method, enzymatic degradation, offers an alternative to harsh chemical catalysts and resins. Recombinant enzymes, however, are often too labile or show limited activity when challenged with nonideal environmental conditions that may vary in salinity, pH, or other physical properties. Here, we demonstrate how phosphotriesterase encapsulated in a bacterial outer membrane vesicle can be used to degrade the organophosphate chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulant paraoxon in environmental water samples. We also carried out remediation assays on solid surfaces, including glass, painted metal, and fabric, that were selected as representative materials, which could potentially be contaminated with a CWA.

Nanoparticle-Delivered 2-PAM for Rat Brain Protection against Paraoxon Central Toxicity

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are among the most promising nanocarriers to target the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). Encapsulation of the acetylcholinesterase reactivator, pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM), in SLNs appears to be a suitable strategy for protection against poisoning by organophosphorus agents (OPs) and postexposure treatment. 2-PAM-loaded SLNs were developed for brain targeting and delivery via intravenous (iv) administration. 2-PAM-SLNs displayed a high 2-PAM encapsulation efficiency (∼90%) and loading capacity (maximum 30.8 ± 1%). Drug-loaded particles had a mean hydrodynamic diameter close to 100 nm and high negative zeta potential (-54 to -15 mV). These properties contribute to improve long-term stability of 2-PAM-SLNs when stored both at room temperature (22 °C) and at 4 °C, as well as to longer circulation time in the bloodstream compared to free 2-PAM. Paraoxon-poisoned rats (2 × LD₅₀) were treated with 2-PAM-loaded SLNs at a dose of 2-PAM of 5 mg/kg. 2-PAM-SLNs reactivated 15% of brain AChE activity. Our results confirm the potential use of SLNs loaded with positively charged oximes as a medical countermeasure both for protection against OPs poisoning and for postexposure treatment.

Novel Cell-Inorganic Hybrid Catalytic Interfaces with Enhanced Enzymatic Activity and Stability for Sensitive Biosensing of Paraoxon

To improve the biosensing performance of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH), the novel bioinorganic hybrid catalysts were facilely explored by biomineralization and cell surface display technology. During biomineralization, cobalt phosphate crystals were deposited onto the surface of OPH-fused bacteria, and the inorganic crystals at middle of cell collapsed inwardly to form the final spindle morphology because of the lowest energy principle and the mechanics principle. OPH would show the allosteric effect from "inactive" form to "active" form, and the "active" form was "fixed" when OPH was embedded into cobalt phosphate. Therefore, the activity of mineralized OPH-fused cells was greatly enhanced about 3 times in comparison with original OPH-fused cells. Additionally, the stability of the novel hybrid catalysts was also significantly improved. Further, the as-synthesized bioinorganic hybrid catalysts were applied to sensitive paraoxon biosensing, which exhibited lower limit of detection than that of the original counterpart. Thus, this hybrid biocatalytic system would provide a model to develop a wide range of biocatalysts and find a wide range of applications in industrial catalysis, analytical chemistry, and environmental engineering.

Paraoxon and Pyridostigmine Interfere with Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition has been described as the main mechanism of organophosphate (OP)-evoked toxicity. OPs represent a human health threat, because chronic exposure to low doses can damage the developing brain, and acute exposure can produce long-lasting damage to adult brains, despite post-exposure medical countermeasures. Although the main mechanism of OP toxicity is AChE inhibition, several lines of evidence suggest that OPs also act by other mechanisms. We hypothesized that rat neural progenitor cells extracted on embryonic day 14.5 would be affected by constant inhibition of AChE from chronic exposure to OP or pyridostigmine (a reversible AChE blocker) during differentiation. In this work, the OP paraoxon decreased cell viability in concentrations >50 μM, as measured with the MTT assay; however, this effect was not dose-dependent. Reduced viability could not be attributed to blockade of AChE activity, since treatment with 200 µM pyridostigmine did not affect cell viability, even after 6 days. Although changes in protein expression patterns were noted in both treatments, the distribution of differentiated phenotypes, such as the percentages of neurons and glial cells, was not altered, as determined by flow cytometry. Since paraoxon and pyridostigmine each decreased neurite outgrowth (but did not prevent differentiation), we infer that developmental patterns may have been affected.

Development of MWNT based disposable biosensor on glassy carbon electrode for the detection of organophosphorus nerve agents

The development of a disposable Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) based biosensor is described. Synthesis, purification and further functionalization with oxygen containing hydrophilic functional groups of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been detailed. Biosensing activity of functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) towards the detection of Organo phosphorus (OP) compound, paraoxon, has been tested using Amperometric method. Functional groups on the surface of MWNTs creates favorable surface for enzyme immobilization and enhances the enzyme electrode interaction by increasing the electron transfer rate due to high electrical conductivity of the MWNTs. Inhibition of AChE by paraoxon is determined by the decrease in catalytic activity of AChE. This results in less production of enzymatic product thiocholine, which leads to reduction in the electroxidation current. The ability of MWNTs based sensor to reliably measure concentration in the range 7 to 0.5 nM has been demonstrated. The detection limit of biosensor has been found to be as low as 0.5 nM.

Effects of organophosphorus compounds on ATP production and mitochondrial integrity in cultured cells

Recent studies in vivo and in vitro suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction follows exposure to organophosphorus (OP) esters. As mitochondrial ATP production is important for cellular integrity, ATP production in the presence of OP neurotoxicants was examined in a human neuronal cell line (SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells) and primary dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells isolated from chick embryos and subsequently cultured to achieve maturation with axons. These cell culture systems were chosen to evaluate toxic effects on the mitochondrial respiratory chain associated with exposure to OP compounds that do and do not cause OP-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN), a disorder preceded by inhibition of neurotoxic esterase (NTE). Concentration- and time-response studies were done in neuroblastoma cells exposed to phenyl saligenin phosphate (PSP) and mipafox, both compounds that readily induce delayed neuropathy in hens, or paraoxon, which does not. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) was included as a non-neuropathic inhibitor of NTE. Purified neuronal cultures from 9 day-old chick embryo DRG were treated for 12 h with 1 microM PSP, mipafox, or paraoxon. In situ evaluation of ATP production measured by bioluminescence assay demonstrated decreased ATP concentrations both in neuroblastoma cells and chick DRG neurons treated with PSP. Mipafox decreased ATP production in DRG but not in SH-SY5Y cells. This low energy state was present at several levels of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, including Complexes I, II, III, and IV, although Complex I was the most severely affected. Paraoxon and PMSF were not effective at all complexes, and, when effective, required higher concentrations than needed for PSP. Results suggest that mitochondria are an important early target for OP compounds, with exposure resulting in depletion of ATP production. The targeting of neuronal, rather than Schwann cell mitochondria in DRG following exposure to PSP and mipafox was verified by loss of the mitochondrial-specific dye, tetramethylrhodamine, in these cells. No such loss was seen in paraoxon exposed neurons isolated from DRG or in Schwann cells treated with any of the test compounds.

Detoxification of organophosphorus compounds by recombinant carboxylesterase from an insecticide-resistant mosquito and oxime-induced amplification of enzyme activity

Currently, bioremediation is a promising approach to the degradation of environmental pollutants. Here we describe the application of the recombinant insecticide-resistant mosquito carboxylesterase B1 to detoxify organophosphorous compounds. However, this approach has a major limitation: 1:1 stoichiometry of the enzyme detoxification of those organophosphorous compounds containing no carboxyl ester bonds, such as paraoxon, chlorpyrifos etc. To improve the effectiveness of the enzymatic detoxification of organophosphorous compounds, we used a combination of carboxylesterase B1 with the uncharged oxime diacetylmonoxime. It was demonstrated that the repeated addition of 20 times the molar concentration of paraoxon to carboxylesterase B1 every 2 h in the presence of 4 mM diacetylmonoxime did not result in significant inhibition of the enzyme. The stoichiometry of enzyme detoxification was higher than 45:1 and 20:1 for paraoxon and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The kinetic experiments on reactivation of organophosphorus compound-inhibited carboxylesterase B1 showed that the half-life for paraoxon- and chlorpyrifos-inhibited carboxylesterase reactivation is 0.75 and 0.88 h, respectively. Using the recombinant insecticide-resistant mosquito carboxylesterase with oxime is an effective approach for detoxification of organophosphorous compounds.

The role of glutathione S-transferases in the detoxification of some organophosphorus insecticides in larvae and pupae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The correlation between the natural levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the tolerance to the organophosphorus insecticides parathion-methyl and paraoxon-methyl, as well as the interaction of affinity-purified enzyme and the insecticides were investigated in order to collect further information on the role of the glutathione S-transferase system as a mechanism of defence against insecticides in insects. The studies were carried out on the larvae and pupae of the coleopteran Tenebrio molitor L, which exhibit varying natural levels of GST activity. Stage-dependent susceptibility of the insect against insecticides was observed during the first 24 h. However, 48 h after treatment, the KD50 value increased significantly due to the recovery of some individuals. Simultaneous injection of insecticide with compounds which inhibit GST activity in vitro caused an alteration in susceptibility of insects 24 or 48 h post-treatment, depending on stage and insecticide used. Inhibition studies combined with competitive fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the insecticides probably bind to the active site of the enzyme, thus inhibiting its activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in a competitive manner. High-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography revealed that T molitor GST catalyses the conjugation of the insecticides studied to a reduced form of glutathione (GSH). From the above experimental results, it is considered that GST offers a protection against the organophosphorus insecticides studied by active site binding and subsequent conjugation with GSH.

A new dominant selectable marker for genetic transformation; Hsp70-opd

New P element plasmids containing the organophosphate-degrading gene opd as a dominant selectable marker were tested as transformation vectors in Drosophila melanogaster. One of these vectors was modified by the addition of the D. melanogaster mini-white gene as a comarker. When transformed individuals were identified using paraoxon selection for opd alone, results were similar to those obtained with mini-white. No false positives were recovered, however one strain contained the mini-white gene but inadequate resistance to survive our screening regimen due to a defective Hsp70-opd gene. Results suggest that Hsp70-opd is similar to mini-white for distinguishing transformed individuals but does not require time-consuming individual examination. Due to the mode of action of organophosphorus nerve agents, Hsp70-opd has potential as a selectable marker in numerous animals beside fruit flies.

Protective effect of various antagonists of inflammatory mediators against paraoxon-induced pulmonary edema in the rabbit

The protective effect of some antagonists of various inflammatory mediators against paraoxon-induced increases in endothelial permeability has been investigated in isolated perfused rabbit lungs. The edema induced by paraoxon has been previously related to a chain reaction mediated by acetylcholine. Lungs were ventilated and blood-free perfused with a constant flow. Arterial and venous pressures and lung weight were continuously recorded. Endothelial permeability was evaluated by measuring the capillary filtration coefficient (Kf,c). Paraoxon (4 x 10(-4) M) was injected in the perfusion circuit, in lungs with or without pretreatment with atropine, ketanserin, clonidine, morphine, indomethacin, and terfenadine plus cimetidine. Paraoxon induced a time-dependent increase in the Kf,c, a maximal effect being recorded 60 min after the injection. All the antagonists used as pretreatment significantly reduced the maximal effect recorded after paraoxon. These results show that muscarinic receptor antagonists, inhibitors of neuropeptides release, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, and 5-hydroxytryptamine and histamine receptor antagonists can protect the lung against the edema induced by paraoxon. This protective effect is due to inhibition of the chain reaction triggered by acetylcholine.

Purification and characterization of an esterase isozyme from insecticide resistant and susceptible strains of German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.)

The most active forms of esterases (E5, E6 and E7) from the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) were purified from resistant and susceptible strains. About 45-155 fold purification with a 11-16% of total esterase recovery was achieved after different column chromatography and preparative gel electrophoresis. Elution profiles of resistant and susceptible strains were similar, but esterase E6 activity was higher in the resistant strains. Kinetic analyses indicate no differences in Km values between the resistant and susceptible strains. However Vmax was significantly higher in resistant strains. Inhibition of esterase activity by paraoxon, chlorpyrifos and propoxur did not suggest any structural differences in esterase E6 between strains. From these results we suggest that insecticide resistance in German cockroach is due to the increased production of E6 esterase. The role of E6 may be sequestration of toxic molecules rather than hydrolysis.

The molecular basis of the human serum paraoxonase activity polymorphism

The organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor paraoxon is hydrolysed by serum paraoxonase/arylesterase. A genetic polymorphism of paraoxonase (PON) activity which determines high versus low paraoxon hydrolysis in human populations, may determine sensitivity to parathion poisoning. We demonstrate that arginine at position 192 specifies high activity PON whereas a glutamine specifies the low activity variant. Allele-specific probes or restriction enzyme analysis of amplified DNA allow for the genotyping of individuals. PON maps to chromosome 7q21-22, proximal to the cystic fibrosis gene, in agreement with previous genetic linkage studies.

Nonserine esterases from rat liver cytosol

An effort to identify the major general esterases of rat liver cytosol that are insensitive to the serine esterase inhibitor paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate) has led to the isolation of a dozen enzymes. Four of these are electrophoretically homogeneous. Although purified on the basis of their hydrolytic activity toward 4-nitrophenyl acetate, each of the enzymes has a very broad and overlapping substrate specificity for aromatic esters. Thiol esters serve as substrates but, within the limits of the methods used, amides are not hydrolyzed.

Chronic effects of paraoxon on transmitter release and the synaptic contribution to tolerance

The chronic effects of sublethal injections of the cholinesterase inhibitor, paraoxon, on transmitter release were examined in the rat. Rats were chronically treated daily with the organophosphate, paraoxon (0.3 mg/kg b.wt.), that is known to inhibit acetylcholinesterase irreversibly. Severe symptoms of intoxication were evident in animals during the first few days of treatment but by day 11 the symptoms disappeared despite continued treatment and depression in acetylcholinesterase. Intracellular recording techniques were used to determine if the observed behavioral changes to chronic treatment could be correlated with changes in neuromuscular transmission. Measurements of MEPPs demonstrated that tolerance could not be attributed to a decrease in postsynaptic sensitivity. Measurements of EPPs, quantal release and binomial statistical parameters demonstrated that tolerance can be correlated with presynaptic changes. Chronic treatment with paraoxon decreased transmitter release and this can be attributed to a decrease in the transmitter store and mobilization ability. It is suggested that the depression in quantal release at the neuromuscular junction and at cholinergic synapses could account for behavioral tolerance.

Mechanism of enhanced parathion/paraoxon toxicity during pregnancy in the mouse

The mechanism of enhanced parathion/paraoxon toxicity during pregnancy was examined. Enhanced toxicity following exposure to paraoxon in the pregnant mouse as determined by cholinesterase suppression was observed at 0.10 and 0.58 mg/kg after ip administration on Day 19 of gestation. However, there were no significant differences in cholinesterase activity between pregnant animals and virgin controls after either po or iv paraoxon. Higher systemic and lower hepatic levels of parathion were demonstrated in pregnant mice following ip administration of parathion (5 mg/kg). Data herein also suggest that during pregnancy, larger quantities of paraoxon bypass initial liver detoxification after ip dosing. The mechanism of increased toxicity of parathion/paraoxon during pregnancy may result from alterations in absorption from the peritoneal cavity.

Reactivation kinetics of diethylphosphoryl acetylcholine esterase

The kinetics of reactivation of diethylphosphorylated acetylcholine esterase by pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride has been studied using the approach of following the course of the hydrolysis of acetylcholine during the reactivation of the phosphorylated enzyme by the reactivator [Tsou, C.-L. (1965) Acta Biochem. Biophys. Sin. 5, 398-417]. Equations are derived based on the scheme of the formation of a complex between the phosphorylated enzyme and the reactivator and the rate of dissociation of this complex is not necessarily faster than the dephosphorylation and regeneration of the active enzyme. The regenerated enzyme then reacts with the substrate through an acetyl-enzyme intermediate as generally depicted. The equation obtained for product formation during the course of reactivation contains two exponential terms and this is in accord with the experimentally observed biphasic reaction. By making the assumption that the dissociation of the phosphorylated enzyme-reactivator complex is much faster than the dephosphorylation reaction, the above equation can be simplified to a form containing only one exponential term. By following the course of the reactivation reaction with the conventional approach of taking aliquots and assaying for enzyme activity recovery, it would appear likely that one would miss the initial stage of this biphasic reaction.

Diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate: an active site titrant for lipoprotein lipase

Diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate is an active site-directed irreversible inhibitor of bovine milk lipoprotein lipase catalyzed hydrolysis of the water-soluble substrate, p-nitrophenyl butyrate. Interaction of lipoprotein lipase and the inhibitor in the absence of substrate gives a biphasic kinetics profile, which is consistent with rapid formation of a phosphoryl-lipoprotein lipase intermediate which hydrolyzes slowly. The magnitude of the absorbance increase accompanying formation of the intermediate provides an analytical method for determining lipoprotein lipase active site concentration.

Stability of the paraoxonase phenotyping ratio in collections of human sera with differing storage times

Results from automated testing of 673 human sera, divided into four batches by duration of storage at -20 degrees C, indicated that paraoxon-hydrolysing activity, a, decreased with increased storage time. By contrast, the paraoxonase phenotyping ratio, c/b, a ratio designating enzyme activation by Na+ in the presence of Ca2+, was stable over a four year storage period.

Brain catecholamine metabolism changes and hypothermia in intoxication by anticholinesterase agents

Sublethal doses of physostigmine, paraoxon and soman induce a short-lasting fall in rat core temperature potentiated by alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (alpha-MT) (early effects). When the own hypothermic effect of the anticholinesterase agent has disappeared (late effects), alpha-MT induces a new decrease in temperature. Parallel biochemical studies of catecholamine levels and turnover were performed in several brain areas. The norepinephrine (NE) turnover is generally increased particularly in the hypothalamus, suggesting that NE hypothalamic changes might be linked to a latent perturbation of thermoregulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, it was shown that soman acts differently from the other drugs by inducing quite important changes in both NE and dopamine levels.

Stability of parathion and DDT in dilute iron solutions

Dilute FeCl3 and Fe(NO3)3 solutions degraded parathion to paraoxon and p-nitrophenol. Initial hydrolysis products of iron appeared to have the greatest catalytic activity which decreased as these hydrolysis products aged. The Fe3+ ion was less catalytically active than its hydrolysis products for parathion degradation. pH was not a factor in parathion degradation in this study. AlCl3 solutions did not degrade parathion over a 336 hour period. DDT was stable in dilute FeCl3 and Fe(NO3)3 solutions for at least 56 days.

The properties of a carboxylesterase from the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulz.), and its role in conferring insecticide resistance

Carboxylesterases from different strains of Myzus persicae were examined to try to understand their contribution to insecticide resistance. Preliminary evidence that they are involved comes from the good correlation between the degree of resistance and the carboxylesterase and paraoxon-degrading activity in aphid homogenates. Furthermore the carboxylesterase associated with resistance could not be separated from the insecticide-degrading enzyme by electrophoresis or ion-exchange chromatography. Homogenates of resistant aphids hydrolysed paraoxon 60 times faster than did those of susceptible aphids, yet the purified enzymes from both sources had identical catalytic-centre activities towards this substrate and also towards naphth-1-yl acetate, the latter being hydrolysed by both 2x10(6) times faster than paraoxon. These observations provide evidence that the enzyme from both sources is identical, and that one enzyme hydrolyses both substrates. This was confirmed by relating the rate of paraoxon hydrolysis to the rate at which paraoxon-inhibited carboxylesterase re-activated. Both had the same first-order rate constant (0.01min(-1)), showing clearly that the hydrolysis of both substrates is brought about by the same enzyme. Its K(m) for naphth-1-yl acetate was 0.131mm, and for paraoxon 75pm. The latter very small value could not be measured directly, but was calculated from substrate-competition studies coupled with measurements of re-activation of the diethyl phosphorylated enzyme. Since the purified enzymes from resistant and susceptible aphids had the same catalytic-centre activity, the 60-fold difference between strains must be caused by different amounts of the same enzyme resulting from mutations of the regulator gene(s) rather than of the structural gene.

Improved assay of neurotoxic esterase for screening organophosphates for delayed neurotoxicity potential

The assay of neurotoxic esterase (NTE) in brains taken from dosed hens enables potential neurotoxicity of organophosphate pesticides, plasticers, etc. to be assessed. The original assay [Johnson, M.K. Biochem. J. 114, 711-717 (1969)] has been simplified to eliminate centrifugation and transfer steps and both the selectivity and the sensitivity have been increased. The procedures necessary to obtain stable reagent stocks are described.

Plasma paroxonase activity in old age

Genetic factors are known to be of importance in determining the rate of biotransformation of foreign compounds in the liver. Adverse reactions to drugs are increased and pharmacokinetic parameters altered with age. In the present study, the effect of age on plasma paroxonase activity is studied. Paroxonase is a hepatically synthesized enzyme whose activity is almost entirely determined by genetic factors. It therefore serves as a model to determine whether changes in the frequency or expression of genes could explain the altered responses to drugs observed with age. The frequency distribution for paroxonase activity for 186 elderly people is closely similar to that obtained from 190 blood transfusion volunteers and 189 family members. Paroxonase activity, as with all other previously investigated pharmacogenetic polymorphisms, is unchanged with age. The hypothesis is put forward that genetic determinants of drug metabolism remain unchanged with age.

Some pharmacological correlations of hypothermia induced by anticholinesterasics

The investigations have been performed on Wistar rats intoxicated with paraoxon in toxic sublethal doses. There have been measured the variations of rectal temperature at various time periods following the anticholinesterase agent. The authors established the pharmacodynamic correlations of paraoxon-induced hypothermia with cholinesterase reactivators (toxogonin, isonitrosine), anticholinergic substances (atropine, butylscopolamine), carbamic anticholinesterase (eserine, neoeserine) and chlorpromazine. The efficiency of atropine and cholinesterase reactivators in antagonization of hypothermia induced by organophosphorics on the one hand, and only of atropine against hypothermia induced by carbamates on the other hand allow the hypothesis of a central cholinergic mechanism, predominantly muscarinic, involved in hypothermia induced by anticholinesterasics and of a direct correlation of this mechanism with phosphorylation or carbamylation processes of cerebral cholinesterases.

Studies of the metabolism of parathion with an apparently homogeneous preparation of rabbit liver cytochrome P-450

The metabolism of parathion has been examined by use of a reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system isolated from the livers of phenobarbital-pretreated rabbits. The cytochrome P-450 used in these studies was apparently homogeneous as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by assay of the preparation for contaminating microsomal enzymes and enzyme activity. These studies revealed that the apparently homogeneous preparation of cytochrome P-450, in the presence of the appropriate cofactors, can catalyze the conversions of parathion to both paraoxon and diethyl phosphorothioic acid. The present studies have also shown that parathion is metabolized by the reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system to diethyl phosphoric acid, a product which, in previous studies with intact liver microsomes, had been thought to arise exclusively from the hydrolysis of paraoxon by a microsomal esterase(s). The available data suggest that all three of the products of the metabolism of parathion by the reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system, namely, paraoxon, diethyl phosphorothioic acid, and diethyl phosphoric acid, are formed nonenzymatically by breakdown by different pathways of a common enzymatically formed intermediate. This common intermediate is thought to be the sulfine derivative of parathion formed in the mixed-function oxidase-catalyzed addition of an oxygen atom to one of the unshared electron pairs of the thiono-sulfur atom.

A heat stable paraoxonase (O,O-diethyl O-p-nitrophenyl phosphate O-p-nitrophenyl hydrolase) from Russell's viper venom

Fractionation of Russell's viper venom revealed separate phosphohydrolase activities directed against p-nitrophenyl phosphate, bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate, p-nitrophenylthymidylic acid, and O,O-diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (paraoxon). On gel fractionation, the first two activities are eluted ahead of the latter. They could be resolved further by phosphocellulose cation exchange chromatography. The hydrolytic activities directed against p-nitrophenylthymidylic acid hydrolyzing component is heat labile, while the paraoxon hydrolyzing component manifests an unusually high degree of heat stability. Gel filtration yields 9600 for the molecular weight of the "paraoxonase". This enzyme, as all known enzymes of this type, requires the presence of a divalent cation. Maximum activity is obtained in the presence of Ca2+. In the presence of Sr2+ the reaction rate is 50% of that of Ca2+; other divalent cations show lower activities. The presence of the enzyme is species specific. Of four species tested, only Russell's viper venom showed significant paraoxonase activity. Enzyme activity is intact following incubation with iodoacetate of p-chloromercuribenzoate. Activity is partially preserved even in the presence of 8 M urea.