Expanding the phenotype of mitochondrial disease: Novel pathogenic variant in ISCA1 leading to instability of the iron-sulfur cluster in the protein

We report a patient carrying a novel pathogenic variant p.(Tyr101Cys) in ISCA1 leading to MMDS type 5. He initially presented a psychomotor regression with loss of gait and language skills and a tetrapyramidal spastic syndrome. Biochemical analysis of patient fibroblasts revealed impaired lipoic acid synthesis and decreased activities of complex I and II of respiratory chain. While ISCA1 is involved in the mitochondrial machinery for iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, these dysfunctions are secondary to impaired maturation of mitochondrial proteins containing the [4Fe-4S] clusters. Expression and purification of the human ISCA1 showed a decreased stability of the [2Fe-2S] cluster in the mutated protein.

Sex differences in brain mitochondrial metabolism: influence of endogenous steroids and stroke

Steroids are neuroprotective and a growing body of evidence indicates that mitochondria are a potential target of their effects. The mitochondria are the site of cellular energy synthesis, regulate oxidative stress and play a key role in cell death after brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. After providing a summary of the literature on the general functions of mitochondria and the effects of sex steroid administrations on mitochondrial metabolism, we summarise and discuss our recent findings concerning sex differences in brain mitochondrial function under physiological and pathological conditions. To analyse the influence of endogenous sex steroids, the oxidative phosphorylation system, mitochondrial oxidative stress and brain steroid levels were compared between male and female mice, either intact or gonadectomised. The results obtained show that females have higher a mitochondrial respiration and lower oxidative stress compared to males and also that these differences were suppressed by ovariectomy but not orchidectomy. We have also shown that the decrease in brain mitochondrial respiration induced by ischaemia/reperfusion is different according to sex. In both sexes, treatment with progesterone reduced the ischaemia/reperfusion-induced mitochondrial alterations. Our findings indicate sex differences in brain mitochondrial function under physiological conditions, as well as after stroke, and identify mitochondria as a target of the neuroprotective properties of progesterone. Thus, it is necessary to investigate sex specificity in brain physiopathological mechanisms, especially when mitochondria impairment is involved.

Impact of mutations within the [Fe-S] cluster or the lipoic acid biosynthesis pathways on mitochondrial protein expression profiles in fibroblasts from patients

Lipoic acid (LA) is the cofactor of the E2 subunit of mitochondrial ketoacid dehydrogenases and plays a major role in oxidative decarboxylation. De novo LA biosynthesis is dependent on LIAS activity together with LIPT1 and LIPT2. LIAS is an iron‑sulfur (Fe-S) cluster-containing mitochondrial protein, like mitochondrial aconitase (mt-aco) and some subunits of respiratory chain (RC) complexes I, II and III. All of them harbor at least one [Fe-S] cluster and their activity is dependent on the mitochondrial [Fe-S] cluster (ISC) assembly machinery. Disorders in the ISC machinery affect numerous Fe-S proteins and lead to a heterogeneous group of diseases with a wide variety of clinical symptoms and combined enzymatic defects. Here, we present the biochemical profiles of several key mitochondrial [Fe-S]-containing proteins in fibroblasts from 13 patients carrying mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in either the lipoic acid (LIPT1 and LIPT2) or mitochondrial ISC biogenesis (FDX1L, ISCA2, IBA57, NFU1, BOLA3) pathway. Ten of them are new patients described for the first time. We confirm that the fibroblast is a good cellular model to study these deficiencies, except for patients presenting mutations in FDX1L and a muscular clinical phenotype. We find that oxidative phosphorylation can be affected by LA defects in LIPT1 and LIPT2 patients due to excessive oxidative stress or to another mechanism connecting LA and respiratory chain activity. We confirm that NFU1, BOLA3, ISCA2 and IBA57 operate in the maturation of [4Fe-4S] clusters and not in [2Fe-2S] protein maturation. Our work suggests a functional difference between IBA57 and other proteins involved in maturation of [Fe-S] proteins. IBA57 seems to require BOLA3, NFU1 and ISCA2 for its stability and NFU1 requires BOLA3. Finally, our study establishes different biochemical profiles for patients according to their mutated protein.

Antioxidant activity of melatonin and a pinoline derivative on linoleate model system

This study aimed at investigating the in vitro protective effects of GWC22, a novel pinoline derivative [6-ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline] chlorhydrate, against radiation-induced oxidation of linoleate initiated by hydroxyl radicals ((*)OH). Using linoleate micelles (10(-2) m) as lipid model, two indexes of peroxidation have been measured, i.e. conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides. Similar determinations were performed with melatonin in order to compare the protective effects of the two compounds. It was observed that, the higher the concentration of GWC22 (or melatonin) (3 x 10(-5) to 10(-4) m), the stronger the antioxidant ability. In these in vitro assays, GWC22 showed a better antioxidant effect than melatonin for a given antioxidant concentration. A reaction scheme has been proposed to explain the inhibitory effect of an antioxidant via the propagating steps of the lipid peroxidation. Indeed, we have suggested that melatonin and GWC22 may compete with the fatty acid to scavenge lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO(*)). We have estimated a lower limit for the LOO(*) rate constant for GWC22 (>/=1.4 x 10(5)/m/s) and for melatonin (>/=2.8 x 10(4)/m/s) assuming that the k-value of the propagating step in linoleate (LOO(*) + linoleate) was 1.4 x 10(3)/m/s. The difference of reactivity between melatonin and GWC22 in this model system is assumed to be related to their relative lipophilicity.

Human sperm lipid content is modified after migration into human cervical mucus

The effect of the female genital tract on sperm is not well known. To investigate the effect of cervical mucus on the lipid content of human sperm, we co-incubated sperm and mucus samples in vitro such that the sperm were able to swim in and out of the mucus samples. High performance liquid chromatography and UV detection were used to measure the lipid contents of the sperm and cervical mucus before and after migration. The concentrations of cholesterol, vitamin E, sphingomyelin, diacyls and plasmalogens in sperm were all approximately 45% lower after migration in cervical mucus and the cervical mucus was found to be enriched in some of these lipid species after the sperm migration. These results suggest that the cervical mucus selects a subpopulation of sperm with a lower lipid content. However, a concomitant efflux of various lipid classes from the sperm to the cervical mucus cannot be ruled out.

[Diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress and advanced glycation endproducts]

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus is an oxidative stress created by an imbalance of prooxidants over antioxidant defenses. The pathogenesis would involve several mechanisms including glucose autoxidation, protein glycation, the polyol pathway, and overproduction of superoxide radicals in mitochondria and via NAD(P)H oxidase. Glycemic equilibrium plays a very important role in the prooxidant/antioxidant balance. Macromolecules such as found in the extracellular matrix, lipoproteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid also constitute targets for free radicals in diabetes mellitus. This oxidative tress is involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes complications. The chronic hyperglycemic status also favors glycation reactions (irreversible glucose binding on protein amino groups), thereby leading to advanced glycation endproducts. Via their recognition by cell receptors, advanced glycation endproducts also participate in the development of oxidative stress and the inflammatory status. Involvement of oxidative stress and advanced glycation endproducts in diabetes complications is the basis of the development of adjunct therapies with antioxidant and/or anti)advanced glycation endproducts molecules.

Liquid chromatographic/electrospray ionization mass spectrometric identification of the oxidation end-products of metformin in aqueous solutions

Metformin is an antihyperglycemic drug that exhibits some antioxidant properties. HO*-induced oxidation of metformin was studied in aqueous solution, in both aerated and deaerated conditions. Gamma radiolysis of water was used to generate HO* free radicals, capable of initiating one-electron oxidation of metformin. Oxidation end-products were identified by direct infusion mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MSn): for every product, structure elucidation was based on its mass (simple mass spectra confirmed by HPLC/MS). In addition, fragmentation spectra (MS2, MS3 and MS4) and the determination of deuterium-hydrogen exchange sites provided valuable information allowing the complete identification of some of the end-products. At low radiation dose, four products were identified as primary ones, since they result from the direct attack of HO* radicals on metformin. These primary oxidation end-products were identified respectively as hydroperoxide of metformin, covalent dimer of metformin, methylbiguanide and 2-amino-4-imino-5-methyl-1,3,5-triazine. At high radiation dose, seven other products were identified as secondary ones, resulting from the HO*-induced oxidation of the primary end-products. A reaction scheme was postulated for the interpretation of the results.

Radiation-induced peroxidation of small unilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholine generated by sonication

The present study was aimed at determining the peroxidation of model membranes constituted of liposomes of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PLPC) submitted to hydroxyl free radicals (generated by γ-radiolysis) attack. Liposomes of PLPC were prepared using the sonication technique, and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) measurements allowed characterization of the liposomal dispersions. Irradiation damages in sonication-generated liposomes were assessed by monitoring several oxidation products, such as conjugated dienes (by means of UV–visible spectrophotometry) and hydroperoxides (using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) associated with chemiluminescence detection). It has been shown that three different families of hydroperoxides are formed: the first one (at low radiation doses) results from HO· attack on the linoleyl chain of PLPC, giving phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides possessing a conjugated dienic structure; the two others (at high radiation doses) are obtained by the secondary HO· attack on the primary hydroperoxide family. The quantification of these products associated with the comparison of their radiation-dose-dependent formation has provided valuable information concerning the mechanisms of their formation. Analysis by HPLC – mass spectrometry has confirmed the presence of hydroperoxides and underlined various other products, like chain-shortened fragments and oxygenated derivatives of polyunsaturated sn-2 fatty acyl chain residues. Structural assignment proposals of some oxidation products have been proposed.Key words: radiolysis, phospholipids, peroxidation, hydroperoxides, liposomes.

Overexpression of copper zinc superoxide dismutase impairs human trophoblast cell fusion and differentiation

The syncytiotrophoblast is the major component of the human placenta, involved in feto-maternal exchanges and secretion of pregnancy-specific hormones. Multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast arises from fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblast cells. In trisomy 21-affected placentas, we recently have shown that there is a defect in syncytiotrophoblast formation and a decrease in the production of pregnancy-specific hormones. Due to the role of oxygen free radicals in trophoblast cell differentiation, we investigated the role of the key antioxidant enzyme, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, encoded by chromosome 21 in in vitro trophoblast differentiation. We first observed that overexpression of superoxide dismutase in normal cytotrophoblasts impaired syncytiotrophoblast formation. This was associated with a significant decrease in mRNA transcript levels and secretion of hCG and other hormonal markers of syncytiotrophoblast. We confirmed abnormal cell fusion by overexpression of green fluorescence protein-tagged superoxide dismutase in cytotrophoblasts. In addition, a significant decrease in syncytin transcript levels was observed in superoxide dismutase-transfected cells. We then examined superoxide dismutase expression and activity in isolated trophoblast cells from trisomy 21-affected placentas. Superoxide dismutase mRNA expression (P < 0.05), protein levels (P < 0.01), and activity (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in trophoblast cells isolated from trisomy 21-affected placentas than in those from normal placentas. These results suggest that superoxide dismutase overexpression may directly impair trophoblast cell differentiation and fusion, and superoxide dismutase overexpression in Down's syndrome may be responsible at least in part for the failure of syncytiotrophoblast formation observed in trisomy 21-affected placentas.

Radiation induced peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids: Recent results on formation of hydroperoxides

Aqueous solutions of linoleic acid were irradiated in air with γ-rays of 137Cs. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was been used to separate and measure the production of hydroperoxides. The results obtained after reverse phase chromatography, associated with a microperoxydase for hydroperoxide detection, indicate the presence of two different hydroperoxides. One type of hydroperoxide was the major product obtained when the initial linoleic concentrations were below the critical micellar concentration (2 mM), and the second type was produced when the concentrations were above 2 mM. A further separation carried out on the second hydroperoxide by direct phase HPLC showed that it contains three compounds, mainly HPODE 9 and 13.Key words: linoleic acid, peroxidation, hydroperoxide, direct phase HPLC, reverse phase HPLC.

Radiation induced peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids: recent results on formation of hydroperoxides

Aqueous solutions of linoleic acid were irradiated in air with gamma-rays of 137Cs. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was been used to separate and measure the production of hydroperoxides. The results obtained after reverse phase chromatography, associated with a microperoxydase for hydroperoxide detection, indicate the presence of two different hydroperoxides. One type of hydroperoxide was the major product obtained when the initial linoleic concentrations were below the critical micellar concentration (2 mM), and the second type was produced when the concentrations were above 2 mM. A further separation carried out on the second hydroperoxide by direct phase HPLC showed that it contains three compounds, mainly HPODE 9 and 13.

Post-translational modifications of the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinases during G1/S progression

During the G1/S transition of the cell cycle variations in the labelling by 8-N3-[32P]cAMP of the protein kinase A regulatory subunits RI and RII, used as a probe to monitor post-translational modifications that may regulate cAMP binding, were observed in synchronized HeLa cells. A decrease in 8-N3-[32P]cAMP labelling of RI, RII and RII phosphorylated by the catalytic subunit of PKA was correlated with the increased percentage of cells in phases G1. An increase in 8-N3-[32P]cAMP incorporated into the 54-kDa RII subunit during progression from G1 to S was correlated with an increase in intracellular cAMP. A transient increase in Mn-SOD activity was detected in cells arrested at the G1/S transition using two different techniques, suggesting that oxidative modulation of regulatory subunits by free radicals may modify cAMP binding sites during the cell cycle. Decreased photoaffinity labelling by 8-N3-[32P]cAMP of RI, RII and autophosphorylated RII subunits was found to be an inherent characteristic of PKA in the G1/S transition.

Modulation of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase expression and activity with in vitro differentiation of human villous cytotrophoblasts

Due to the role of oxygen free radicals in trophoblast cell differentiation, we used the in vitro model of villous cytotrophoblast differentiation into the syncytiotrophoblast to investigate the modulation of the key antioxidant enzyme copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) in the human trophoblast during pregnancy. Cytotrophoblast cells were isolated from first-trimester and term placentae. SOD-1 mRNA levels were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, protein levels were determined by immunoblotting with a specific monoclonal antibody, and oxidoreductase activity was measured during syncytiotrophoblast formation in vitro. Interestingly, SOD-1 protein levels fell significantly (P< 0.001) during syncytiotrophoblast formation but no corresponding change in enzyme activity was observed. This apparent discrepancy may be related to different amounts of SOD-1 co-factor in the two cell types. Indeed the level of copper was significantly higher (P< 0.05) in syncytiotrophoblast as compared with cytotrophoblast. SOD-1 mRNA levels remained stable during cytotrophoblast differentiation. SOD-1 expression and activity were similar in cytotrophoblast cells isolated from first-trimester and term placentae, and in the differentiated syncytiotrophoblast in vitro. These results underline the need to determine SOD-1 protein expression and activity simultaneously in order to gain a better knowledge of its role in human trophoblast cell differentiation.

The reaction of superoxide radical with N-acetylcysteine

The interaction of superoxide radicals with N-acetylcysteine (RSH) in an aqueous solution of pH 7 using the technique of steady state radiolysis has been investigated in this paper. The radiolytic yield of the products (G value) of RSH consumption and disulfide of N-acetylcysteine (RSSR) formation has been determined. The G value of the products is not dependent on the concentration of RSH (at the plateau of dilution curve) or on the inverse of the square root of the dose rate (dose rate)(-1/2), from which it is concluded that in this reaction there is no character of chain reaction. The disulfide of N-acetylcysteine is the only sulfur final product. Hydrogen peroxide is not a reaction product, and accordingly the reaction of O(2)(*-) with RSH does not proceed via hydrogen atom abstraction from RSH. A reaction mechanism is proposed, and an overall rate constant of 68 M(-1) s(-1) has been estimated.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress: an analytical approach

Oxidative stress is implicated in many pathological processes and results from a disruption of the prooxidant/antioxidant balance. This review will focus on noninvasive biomarkers of radical-induced damage in biological fluids and particularly in blood. Special attention will be addressed to new analytical methods for the measurement of radical-mediated alterations in the integrity of lipids, proteins and DNA.

Increased oxidative damage to fibroblasts in skin with and without lesions in psoriasis

Differences in oxidative damage, as measured by an increase in the carbonylation of macromolecules, were determined in situ with skin biopsies from psoriatic patients and controls. High levels of carbonyl residues were consistently detected in the dermis and never in the epidermis of sections of these skin biopsy samples. The dermis of psoriatic skin without lesions had a higher level of carbonylation than the dermis of normal skin. In this study, we found that there was more oxidative damage in cultured fibroblasts prepared from skin with and without lesions from psoriasis patients than in normal fibroblasts from the skin of age-matched controls. The extent of protein carbonylation in cell extracts was determined by immunoblotting, using an antidinitrophenylhydrazone antibody, and in intact cells was determined by immunocytochemical analysis with the same antibody. The higher level of carbonylation detected was used here as a measure of oxidative stress, and showed that some oxidative damage occurred before the appearance of typical psoriatic plaques. These results suggest that fibroblasts are affected before the onset of psoriasis and that this damage is independent of any inflammatory infiltrate.

Evidence of the formation of different hydroperoxides in irradiated gamma-linolenate solutions: effect of micelle formation

Peroxidation of unconjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid proceeds through a free radical chain mechanism and is accompanied by the formation of conjugated dienes such as hydroperoxides. In an investigation of radiation-induced oxidation of aqueous linolenate, we have measured two indexes of peroxidation: (1) conjugated dienes by means of absorption spectroscopy and (2) hydroperoxides by high-pressure liquid chromatography using detection of chemiluminescence. The experimental results indicate a strong effect of the concentration of linolenate on the yields of oxidized products. In addition, this work shows the quantitative production of two kinds of hydroperoxides. The ratio of these hydroperoxides is independent of the radiation dose but is dependent on the linolenate concentration. One hydroperoxide is formed predominantly below the critical micellar concentration (3 mM under our conditions), while the second is observed predominantly when micelles are formed in the aqueous medium. The influence of the composition of the medium on the nature of both hydroperoxides is discussed. [bj163]

High density lipoproteins (HDL) and the oxidative hypothesis of atherosclerosis

The oxidative hypothesis of atherosclerosis classically implies a central role for low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. However, new antiatherogenic properties have been recognized for high density lipoproteins (HDL), apart from their ability to reverse cholesterol transport. Indeed, native HDL could protect LDL from oxidation, thereby minimizing the deleterious consequences of this process. Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain this protective role. Two HDL-associated enzymes, paraoxonase and PAF-acetylhydrolase, detoxify oxidized phospholipids produced by lipid peroxidation. In addition, HDL could reduce hydroperoxides to their corresponding hydroxides. It has also been suggested that HDL could inhibit oxidized LDL-induced transduction signals. However, in vivo HDL oxidation in the subendothelial space would favor the atherosclerotic process. Indeed, atherogenic properties of these oxidized HDL partly result from some loss of their cholesterol effluxing capacity and from an inactivation of the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, which is a HDL-associated enzyme involved in reverse cholesterol transport. Finally, oxidized HDL could induce cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Further in-depth investigation is needed to assess these antagonistic effects and their consequences for the atherosclerotic process.

Major differences in oxysterol formation in human low density lipoproteins (LDLs) oxidized by *OH/O2*- free radicals or by copper

The aim of our study was to determine the oxysterol formation in low density lipoproteins (LDLs) oxidized by defined oxygen free radicals (*OH/O2*-). This was compared to the oxysterol produced upon the classical copper oxidation procedure. The results showed a markedly lower formation of oxysterols induced by *OH/O2*- free radicals than by copper and thus suggested a poor ability of these radicals to initiate cholesterol oxidation in LDLs. Moreover, the molecular species of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides produced by LDL copper oxidation seemed more labile than those formed upon *OH/O2*(-)-induced oxidation, probably due to their degradation by reaction with copper ions.

Inhibition of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase by phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides

To gain insight into the nature of the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitory factor(s), we separated and collected the oxidation products from oxidized lipoproteins after lipoxygenase treatment. Isolated fractions identified by chemiluminescence, as hydroperoxides of phosphatidylcholine, were found to produce a significant reduction of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity. The reaction kinetics of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase with reconstitued high density lipoproteins were studied in the presence of 0.6 and 1.2 microM hydroperoxides of phosphatidylcholine. No significant changes in the apparent Vmax were observed but a concentration-dependent increase in slope of the reciprocal plots and in the apparent Km values was observed with increasing hydroperoxide concentrations. These results show that the active site of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase is not affected by the presence of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides. Nevertheless, hydroperoxides of phosphatidylcholine altered the reactivity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase for reconstitued high density lipoproteins suggesting either an alteration of the binding of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase to the reconstitued high density lipoproteins or a competitive inhibition mechanism.

Cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide lability is a key feature of the oxidative susceptibility of small, dense LDL

Abundant evidence has been provided to substantiate the elevated cardiovascular risk associated with small, dense, low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. The diminished resistance of dense LDL to oxidative stress in both normolipidemic and dyslipidemic subjects is established; nonetheless, the molecular basis of this phenomenon remains indeterminate. We have defined the primary molecular targets of lipid hydroperoxide formation in light, intermediate, and dense subclasses of LDL after copper-mediated oxidation and have compared the relative stabilities of the hydroperoxide derivatives of phospholipids and cholesteryl esters (CEs) as a function of the time course of oxidation. LDL subclasses (LDL1 through LDL5) were isolated from normolipidemic plasma by isopycnic density gradient ultracentrifugation, and their content of polyunsaturated molecular species of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and CE and of lipophilic antioxidants was quantified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The molar ratio of the particle content of polyunsaturated CE and PC species containing linoleate or arachidonate relative to alpha-tocopherol or beta-carotene did not differ significantly between LDL subspecies. Nonetheless, dense LDL contained significantly less polyunsaturated CE species (400 mol per particle) compared with LDL1 through LDL4 (range, approximately 680 to 490 mol per particle). Although the formation of PC-derived hydroperoxides did not vary significantly between LDL subspecies as a function of the time course of copper-mediated oxidation, the abundance of the C18:2 and C20:4 CE hydroperoxides was uniquely deficient in dense LDL (23 and 0.6 mol per particle, respectively, in LDL5; 47 to 58 and 1.9 to 2.3 mol per particle, respectively, in other LDL subclasses) at propagation half-time. When expressed as a lability ratio (mol hydroperoxides formed relative to each 100 mol of substrate consumed) at half-time, the oxidative lability of CE hydroperoxides in dense LDL was significantly elevated (lability ratio <25:100) relative to that in lighter, larger LDL particle subclasses (lability ratio >40:100) throughout the oxidative time course. We conclude that the elevated lability of CE hydroperoxides in dense LDL underlies the diminished oxidative resistance of these particles. Moreover, this phenomenon appears to result not only from the significantly elevated PC to free cholesterol ratio (1.54:1) in dense LDL particles (1.15:1 to 1.25:1 for other LDL subclasses) but also from their unique structural features, including a distinct apoB100 conformation, which may facilitate covalent bond formation between oxidized CE and apoB100.

Copper oxidation of in vitro dioleolylphosphatidylcholine-enriched high-density lipoproteins: physicochemical features and cholesterol effluxing capacity

Susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation is partly determined by their content in endogenous antioxidants, but also by the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) ratio. The aim of our study was to enrich human high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) with dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) in order to modify the PUFA/MUFA ratio while maintainig the alpha-tocopherol/PUFA ratio constant and to appreciate the consequences of this enrichment before and after copper-induced oxidation. The enrichment of HDLs with DOPC was obtained by incubation of these lipoproteins with DOPC liposomes and further reisolation of HDLs. The consequent 40% HDL enrichment in MUFA was concomitant with a 35% loss in PUFA (MUFA/PUFA ratio = 1.43). The enrichment of HDLs with DOPC led to a 40% decrease in alpha-tocopherol content, which kept a constant alpha-tocopherol/PUFA ratio. The DOPC-HDLs exhibited a lower oxidizability by copper than the nonenriched HDLs (NE-HDLs), as shown by their twofold longer lag phase and the threefold lower propagation rate. Moreover, DOPC-HDLs led to a six- to sevenfold lower production of hydroperoxide molecular species from phosphatidylcholine and cholesteryl esters than NE-HDLs after 24 h copper oxidation. With regard to the cholesterol effluxing capacity, copper oxidation of HDLs led to a decrease of this property. However, our results clearly showed that DOPC enrichment of HDLs allowed us to keep a better effluxing capacity than in NE-HDLs after 24 h oxidation (22.3% vs 17.4%, respectively). Since apo A-I was degraded as well in DOPC-HDLs as in NE-HDLs, the better effluxing capacity of DOPC-HDLs could not come from a preserved integrity of apo A-I. It could be partly related to the improved fluidity of oxidized DOPC-HDLs compared to oxidized NE-HDLs, as shown by electron spin resonance data (correlation-relaxation time at 24 degreesC = 2.20 ns vs 3.00 ns after 24 h oxidation, in DOPC-HDLs and in NE-HDLs, respectively). Besides, it could also be hypothesized that the sevenfold lower content of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides in DOPC-HDLs than in NE-HDLs after 24 h copper oxidation could be involved in the better ability of oxidized DOPC-HDLs to mobilize cellular cholesterol.

Modifications of alpha-tocopherol and fatty acid concentrations in blood and adipose tissue of obese patients during a weight loss programme

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of the study was to describe qualitative and/or quantitative modifications of lipoproteins, including their fatty acid composition, in obese patients during a hypocaloric diet, and determine whether the variations observed paralleled modifications of alpha-tocopherol concentration in adipose tissue and blood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

15 healthy, obese volunteers (5 males, 10 females; age: 32-69 yr; BMI: 28.4-60.5 kg/m2) were given a 3-week hypocaloric diet (3.9 MJ (941 kcal)). Adipose tissue and blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of this period. At baseline and after 3 weeks measurements were made for alpha-tocopherol and fatty acids in total serum, lipoproteins and adipose tissue; thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in serum. A significant drop in cholesterol-rich particles (LDL and HDL) was observed, in parallel to a significant enrichment of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) at the expense of both saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in serum. A drop in alpha-tocopherol concentration (expressed as mumol alpha-tocopherol/g lipid) in serum and lipoprotein fractions paralleled the decrease in cholesterol-rich lipoproteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a hypocaloric diet not only decreases cholesterol-rich particle levels in serum, but also leads to a significant modification of fatty acid composition which may reflect improvement of insulin sensitivity. We did not observe any modification in adipose tissue after diet with regard to both alpha-tocopherol and fatty acid concentrations. Despite a drop in alpha-tocopherol concentration and an increase in n-6 PUFA content in serum, we did not find any enhancement of serum lipid peroxidation level evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) assay. If we assume that dietary intakes of alpha-tocopherol were not modified during this diet, it can be supposed that adipose tissue released alpha-tocopherol without any specific regulation, in parallel to the release of fatty acids.

Determination of the yield of radiation-induced peroxidation of sodium linoleate in aqueous monomeric and micellar solutions

Peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid in aqueous micellar solution proceeds through a free-radical chain mechanism and is accompanied by the formation of conjugated dienes, some in the form of hydroperoxides. In the course of an investigation of radiation-induced oxidation of aqueous sodium linoleate, we have measured three indexes of peroxidation-conjugated dienes, hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances-by means of absorption spectroscopy, high-pressure liquid chromatography and spectrofluorimetry, respectively. There are linear correlations between the amounts of conjugated dienes, hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. The radiolytic yields have been determined from the radiation dose dependence of the three markers of peroxidation as a function of sodium linoleate concentration. The results obtained indicate a strong effect of the concentrations of oxygen and linoleate on the yields of the products. The yields at different lipid concentrations display a large increase in chain propagation length; this is discussed in terms of the effect of micellar size.

[Evaluation of lipid peroxidation by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances]

Malondialdehyde assay is the most generally used test in the appreciation of the role of oxidative stress in disease. Malondialdehyde is one of several products formed during the radical induced decomposition of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most often, malondialdehyde assay used its reactivity at high temperature and low pH, towards thiobarbituric acid. This reaction is very sensitive but its specificity, even with improvement of pre-analytical (sampling, preservatives), and analytical stages (fluorescence, HPLC) is still a matter of debate. At present, the concept of "thiobarbituric acid reactive substances" (TBARS) have merged and progressively replaced the initial malondialdehyde assay. In this review, we presented the main results concerning the assays of TBARS and malondialdehyde in blood and different biological medium. In the future, oxidative stress appreciation will need the precise analytical determination of different molecules triggered by free radicals. The TBARS assay should be considered as a global test, allowing a global approach of lipoperoxidation whereas specific determination of malondialdehyde can only appreciate one of the end-product formed during oxidative stress.

Evaluation of hepatic antioxidant systems after intravenous administration of polymeric nanoparticles

We have investigated the modifications of the levels of intracellular markers of the oxidative stress in hepatocytes, after single or repeated injections of poly(isobutyl cyanoacrylate) (PIBCA) and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were administered intravenously at single doses of 20 and 100 mg kg 1 for 14 days. Levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CT) and the peroxidation of membrane lipids were measured. Single and repeated administration of PIBCA and PS nanoparticles induced a transient depletion of GSH and GSSG levels, a transient inhibition of SOD activity and a slight increase in CT activity. However, GPx activity was not modified and lipid peroxidation was not observed, suggesting that hepatocytes are not strongly affected by these modifications. Since nanoparticles do not distribute in hepatocytes, oxidative species could proceed from hepatic macrophages, activated after nanoparticle phagocytosis. It is unlikely that poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) degradation products might be responsible for the oxidative attack because non-biodegradable PS nanoparticles induced the same effect. Uptake of polymeric nanoparticles by Kupffer cells in the liver induce modifications in hepatocyte antioxidant systems, probably due to the production of radical oxygen species. However, the depletion in glutathione was not great enough to initiate hepatocyte damage, since no changes in lipid peroxidation and reversible alterations were observed. This is an important factor to be considered in the use of polymeric nanoparticles as drug carriers.

alpha-Tocopherol in human spermatozoa and seminal plasma: relationships with motility, antioxidant enzymes and leukocytes

The chain-breaking antioxidant alpha-tocopherol has not been reported to be present in mammalian spermatozoa, unlike other cell types where it contributes to cell integrity and function. Semen samples obtained from 36 male partners of infertile couples during infertility investigations were analysed for alpha-tocopherol content of seminal plasma and spermatozoa, and the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities of spermatozoa were determined concomitantly with routine semen analysis. A wide range of alpha-tocopherol concentrations was detected in human spermatozoa (85 +/- 51 ng/10(8) spermatozoa, range 10-245). The concentration of alpha-tocopherol in spermatozoa was not found to be significantly related to the concentration or the total amount of alpha-tocopherol in seminal plasma. The percentage of motile spermatozoa was significantly related to sperm alpha-tocopherol content (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). alpha-tocopherol concentration and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities of spermatozoa were significantly elevated when the semen samples contained < 10(6) leukocytes/ml (mean +/- SD, 94 +/- 53 compared with 54 +/- 29 ng/10(8) spermatozoa, P < 0.02, 1.15 +/- 0.41 compared with 0.77 +/- 0.30 IU/10(8) spermatozoa, P < 0.02 and 60 +/- 26 compared with 30 +/- 14 spermatozoa mlU/10(8) spermatozoa, P < 0.005 respectively). From these results, it is suggested that alpha-tocopherol might play a role in association with antioxidant enzymes, for preserving the functional competence of spermatozoa subjected to an oxidative attack.

Antioxidant enzymes in psoriatic fibroblasts and erythrocytes

Antioxidant enzyme activities in fibroblasts and erythrocytes prepared from normal and psoriatic patients were measured and compared. The most significant differences were noted in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. A dramatic (5.2-fold) increase in Mn-SOD activity along with a lesser (1.8-fold) increase in CuZn-SOD activity was observed in fibroblasts from lesional and nonlesional psoriatic skin. The increase of Mn-SOD activity was correlated with an increase of both protein and mRNA. A slight (1.2-fold) increase in CuZn-SOD activity was also found in psoriatic as compared to normal red blood cells, while Mn-SOD activity was not present in these cells. In contrast, both glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were only slightly (1.3-fold) increased in psoriatic fibroblasts, with no appreciable change noted in psoriatic erythrocytes. Likewise, glutathione levels were observed to be similar in normal and psoriatic cells. The increases in SOD activities did not appear to correlate with the severity of the disease as expressed by the Psoriatic Area Severity Index score or with plasma inflammatory markers. These results demonstrate that antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly Mn-SOD in fibroblasts and CuZn-SOD in erythrocytes, are significantly elevated in cells from psoriatic patients.

Functional domains of fused, a serine-threonine kinase required for signaling in Drosophila

fused (fu) is a segment-polarity gene encoding a putative serine-threonine kinase. In a wild-type context, all fu mutations display the same set of phenotypes. Nevertheless, mutations of the Suppressor of fused [Su(fu)] gene define three classes of alleles (fuO, fuI, fuII). Here, we report the molecular analysis of known fu mutations and the generation of new alleles by in vitro mutagenesis. We show that the Fused (Fu) protein functions in vivo as a kinase. The N-terminal kinase and the extreme C-terminal domains are necessary for Fu+ activity while a central region appears to be dispensable. We observe a striking correlation between the molecular lesions of fu mutations and phenotype displayed in their interaction with Su(fu). Indeed, fuI alleles which are suppressed by Su(fu) mutations are defined by inframe alterations of the N-terminal catalytic domain whereas the C-terminal domain is missing or altered in all fuII alleles. An unregulated FuII protein, which can be limited to the 80 N-terminal amino acids of the kinase domain, would be responsible for the neomorphic costal-2 phenotype displayed by the fuII-Su(fu) interaction. We propose that the Fu C-terminal domain can differentially regulate the Fu catalytic domain according to cell position in the parasegment.

Alterations in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and fatty acid composition in glycogen storage disease

Liver glycogen storage diseases (GSD) are disorders associated with severe dyslipidaemia which can induce cell membrane alterations. Reduced erythrocyte membrane fluidity has been associated with ischaemic cardiovascular disease. Our study has been designed to investigate membrane erythrocyte fluidity, and to determine its lipid composition and peroxidation parameters. Membrane erythrocyte fluidity has been studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) with two fatty acid nitroxide probes (5NS and 16NS). Twenty-five GSD cases aged 1-27 years and 15 controls aged 1-28 years were included. The erythrocyte membrane of GSD patients appeared less fluid with the two probes (P < 0.001). The membrane fatty acid pattern explained this reduced fluidity. Patients showed a relative saturated fatty acid (SFA) increase and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) decrease which induced lower PUFA/SFA ratio than in controls. We have provided evidence that the PUFA decrease was independent of the oxidative process. These findings should be taken into account for the management of the dietary treatment of GSD patients.

Vitamin A deficiency and nocturnal growth hormone secretion in short children

In the growth hormone (GH) neurosecretory dysfunction syndrome affecting slowly growing children with delayed bone age, low nocturnal GH secretion is accompanied by normal responses to pharmacological stimuli. We compared plasma vitamin A with physiological nocturnal and stimulated GH secretion in 68 short prepubertal children. Fasting plasma vitamin A correlated with nocturnal GH secretion but not with stimulated GH secretion. Total dietary vitamin A intake was significantly lower in short children with abnormal nocturnal GH secretion than in normal children and in endocrinologically-normal short children. 9 of 12 children with low nocturnal GH secretion and normal stimulated GH peaks who were supplemented with vitamin A 3000 micrograms for 3 months had increased nocturnal GH secretion.

Segmental polarity in Drosophila melanogaster: genetic dissection of fused in a Suppressor of fused background reveals interaction with costal-2

fused (fu) is a segment polarity gene that encodes a putative serine/threonine kinase. A complete suppressor of the embryonic and adult phenotypes of fu mutants, Suppressor of fused (Su(fu)), was previously described. The amorphic Su(fu) mutation is viable and displays no phenotype by itself. We have used this suppressor as a tool to perform a genetic dissection of the fu gene. Analysis of the interaction between Su(fu) and 33 fu alleles shows that they belong to three different classes. Defects due to class I fu alleles are fully suppressed by Su(fu). Class II fu alleles lead to a new segment polarity phenotype in interaction with Su(fu). This phenotype corresponds to embryonic and adult anomalies similar to those displayed by the segment polarity mutant costal-2 (cos-2). Class II alleles are recessive to class I alleles in a fu[I]/fu[II];Su(fu)/Su(fu) combination. Class 0 alleles, like class I alleles, confer a normal segmentation phenotype in interaction with Su(fu). However class II alleles are dominant over class 0 alleles in a fu[0]/fu[II];Su(fu)/Su(fu) combination. Alleles of class I and II correspond to small molecular events, which may leave part of the Fu protein intact. On the contrary, class 0 alleles correspond to large deletions. Several class I and class II fu mutations have been mapped, and three mutant alleles were sequenced. These data suggest that class I mutations affect the catalytic domain of the putative Fu kinase and leave the carboxy terminal domain intact, whereas predicted class II proteins have an abnormal carboxy terminal domain. Su(fu) enhances the cos-2 phenotype and cos-2 mutations interact with fu in a way similar to Su(fu). All together these results suggest that a close relationship might exist between fu, Su(fu) and cos-2 throughout development. We thus propose a model where the Fu+ kinase is a posterior inhibitor of Costal-2+ while Su(fu)+ is an activator of Costal-2+. The expression pattern of wingless and engrailed in fu and fu;Su(fu) embryos is in accordance with this interpretation.

A new deficiency mapping technique using the SOFI detector

We present a new technique for chromosomal deficiency mapping that takes advantage of the ability of the SOFI detector to provide fast quantitative data of very weak signals. With this new strategy, in contrast to the time-consuming traditional method, all the clones corresponding to a given genomic region may be mapped for their inclusion inside a deletion with only two hybridizations, independent of the size of the genomic region to be analyzed.

A putative serine/threonine protein kinase encoded by the segment-polarity fused gene of Drosophila

The segmented pattern of the Drosophila embryo depends on a regulatory cascade involving three main classes of genes. An early regulatory programme, set up before cellularization, involves direct transcriptional regulation mediated by gap and pair-rule genes. In a second phase occurring after cellularization, interactions between segment-polarity genes are involved in cell communication. Segment-polarity genes are required for pattern formation in different domains of each metamere and act to define and maintain positional information in each segment. The segment-polarity gene fused is maternally required for correct patterning in the posterior part of each embryonic metamere. It is also necessary later in development, as fused mutations lead to anomalies of adult cuticular structures and tumorous ovaries. Here we provide molecular evidence that this gene encodes a putative serine/threonine protein kinase, a new function for the product of a segmentation gene. This result provides further insight into segment-polarity interactions and their role in pattern formation.

Structure of the ecdysone-inducible P1 gene of Drosophila melanogaster

The P1 gene codes for a major RNA, which accumulates specifically in the fat body cells at the late third larval stage of Drosophila melanogaster development under the positive control of the insect molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. The primary structure of the P1 gene and the 5' upstream flanking region to position -776 relative to the transcription start was determined by sequence analysis of a cloned genomic DNA segment and two cDNAs containing sequences complementary to the 5' and 3' ends of the P1 transcript. The RNA coding region spans 3469 nucleotides and contains a 59-base-pair intron close to its 5' end, as predicted by computer analysis and established by S1 nuclease protection, primer extension and cDNA sequencing. The predicted P1 polypeptide contains 1030 amino acids, including a putative 16-amino acid signal peptide and two stretches of 12 and 11 aspartic and asparagine residues. Short stretches of nucleotide sequences similar to sequences located in the 5' regions of other genes expressed in the D. melanogaster fat body were found in the proximal promoter and transcribed region of the P1 gene.

[Selenium and vitamin E in mucoviscidosis]

Selenium and vitamin E are two important components which protect membrane lipids from oxidative damage. Recently an abnormal fatty acid turnover in the membrane phospholipids was found in cystic fibrosis (CF). We studied vitamin E and selenium status in 26 CF children compared to a control group. we measured selenium concentration in plasma and erythrocytes using flameless atomic absorption. The measure of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity allowed a functional assessment of selenium. Total plasma tocopherol concentrations (HPLC) were referred to total lipids. The vitamin E and selenium levels in not yet treated children (n = 6) were very low, with an important decrease in glutathione peroxydase activity. The antioxidative agents deficiency was mild in children with pancreatic enzyme replacement and vitamin E supplementation (n = 20). In the 2 groups, this deficiency was combined and may play a role in CF membrane abnormalities.