Citrate and isocitrate in plant metabolism

The relevance of citrate and isocitrate metabolism in plants is discussed in connection with the different pathways for their conversions. The routes for citrate and isocitrate conversions are incorporated into the system of cross-linked metabolic processes and may provide carbon skeletons for nitrogen assimilation and reducing equivalents for biosynthetic reactions, support the functioning of the glyoxylate cycle and play an important role in the TCA and energy metabolism as a whole. The possibility of the coupling of citrate and isocitrate metabolism with various electron transport systems is discussed from the point of view of the efficiency of the balancing cellular NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ and ATP/ADP ratios. The role of citrate and isocitrate and their derivations as potent effectors of some enzymes is considered. Special attention is paid to the enzymes associated with citrate and isocitrate metabolism and to the mechanisms which regulate their activity. The possibilities of the coordination of the main processes of energy and biosynthetic metabolism at the level of citrate and isocitrate distribution are discussed.

Aconitate hydratase of mammals under oxidative stress

Data on the structure, functions, regulation of activity, and expression of cytosolic and mitochondrial aconitate hydratase isoenzymes of mammals are reviewed. The role of aconitate hydratase and structurally similar iron-regulatory protein in maintenance of homeostasis of cell iron is described. Information on modifications of the aconitate hydratase molecule and changes in expression under oxidative stress is generalized. The role of aconitate hydratase in the pathogenesis of some diseases is considered.

Regulation of 2-oxoglutarate metabolism in rat liver by NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase

Kinetic and regulatory properties of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-IDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AsAT) responsible for 2-oxoglutarate metabolism in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of rat liver were studied. Based on the subcellular location of these enzymes and their kinetic parameters (Km, Ksi) obtained with highly purified enzyme preparations, it is suggested that synthesis of 2-oxoglutarate should be mainly determined by cytoplasmic NADP-IDH (86% of the total activity in the cell), whereas its utilization should depend on cytoplasmic AsAT (78% of the total activity). AsAT from the rat liver was specified by substrate inhibition and also by changes in the enzyme affinity for the substrates under the influence of some intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle: isocitrate, succinate, fumarate, and citrate. Key intermediates of nitrogen metabolism (glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate) are involved in the regulation of NADP-IDH and AsAT. These enzymes are regulated oppositely, and the catalytic activity of one enzyme can be stimulated concurrently with a decrease in the activity of the other. Obviously, carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the rat liver can be controlled through redistribution of 2-oxoglutarate between different metabolic processes via regulatory mechanisms influencing differently located forms of NADP-IDH and AsAT.

Activity of the glutathione antioxidant system and NADPH-generating enzymes in blood serum of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus after administration of melatonin-correcting drugs

We studied the effects of epifamin and melaxen on serum content of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and NADPH-generating enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase) in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The concentration of reduced glutathione was decreased in rats with this disease (by 1.8 times), but increased after treatment with epifamin and melaxen (by 1.6 and 1.7 times, respectively). Activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and NADPH-generating enzymes returned to the control level. Correction of melatonin concentration after treatment with the test drugs was probably followed by inhibition of free radical processes. The observed changes were accompanied by normalization of activity of the glutathione antioxidant system and NADPH-generating enzymes required for normal function of this system.

Intensity of free radical processes and regulation of cytoplasmic NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase in rat cardiomyocytes under normal and ischemic conditions

The intensity of free radical processes and the regulation of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.42; NADP-IDH) activity have been studied in the cytoplasmic fraction of normal and ischemized rat myocardium. Chemiluminescence parameters, such as the light sum (S) of slow flash and the tangent of the kinetic curve slope angle (tanalpha1), which characterize the intensity of free radical processes, were increased in ischemia 2.1- and 20.0-fold, respectively. The slow flash intensity (Imax) was increased 22-fold. The contents of lipid peroxidation products--diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde--were increased 11.9- and 4.7-fold, respectively, suggesting pronounced oxidative stress. Using homogenous enzyme preparations of NADP-IDH isolated from the normal and experimentally ischemized rat myocardium, a number of catalytic properties of the enzyme were characterized for normal and pathologic conditions. NADP-IDH from the normal and ischemized myocardium had the same electrophoretic mobility and was regulated similarly by Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and also with succinate and fumarate. However, under normal and pathologic conditions NADP-IDH was different in the affinity for substrates and in the sensitivity to inhibitory effects of hydrogen peroxide, reduced glutathione, and of Ca2+. The degree of synergy in the enzyme inhibition with Fe2+ and H2O2 was less pronounced in ischemia. The inhibitory effect of the reaction product 2-oxoglutarate was higher under normal conditions than in ischemia (the Ki values were 0.22 and 0.75 mM, respectively). The specific features of the NADP-IDH regulation in ischemia are suggested to promote the stimulation of the enzyme functioning during increased level of free radical processes, and this seems to be important for NADPH supplying for the glutathione reductase/glutathione peroxidase antioxidant system of cardiomyocytes.

Activity of Glutathione Antioxidant System and NADPH-Generating Enzymes in Rats with Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis

Induction of rheumatoid arthritis in rats was accompanied by an increase in diene conjugate content and glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities in muscles and blood serum. These changes can be related to mobilization of the glutathione reductase/glutathione peroxidase system coupled with intensification of free radical oxidation. In addition, activity of glucose-6-phosphodehydrogenase and NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase increased, which can be related to increased demand of NADPH for the glutathione reductase/glutathione peroxidase system. The content of reduced glutathione in muscles and blood serum decreased, probably, due to its utilization for ROS neutralization. Glutathione transferase activity decreased in rheumatoid arthritis, which can be related to shortness of reduced glutathione developing during oxidative stress. The observed shifts in parameters of free radical homeostasis in rheumatoid arthritis are probably associated with intensification of free radical oxidation.

Oxidative status and distribution of NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase and aconitate hydratase in rat cardiomyocytes under normal conditions and during ischemia

Oxidative status of rat cardiomyocytes during ischemia induced by occlusion of the descending branch of the coronary artery was studied by the methods of Fe-induced chemiluminescence and spectrophotometry of primary and secondary lipid peroxidation product. The concentrations of low-molecular-weight antioxidants a-tocopherol and citrate and activities of NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.41) and aconitate hydratase (EC 4.2.1.3) were also measured. Ischemia was associated with intensification of free radical processes, increased antioxidant activity in subcellular fractions of the myocardium, activation of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase, accumulation of citrate, and inhibition of aconitate hydratase. Differential centrifugation, ion exchange chromatography on various ion exchangers, and electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel revealed no redistribution of enzyme activity between the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial cardiomyocyte fractions during ischemia.

Intensity of Free Radical Processes in Rat Liver under Type 2 Diabetes and Introduction of Epifamin

The effect of epifamin on free radical processes, the activity of caspase-1 and -3, aconitate hydratase and citrate content in rat's liver at experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was studied. The action of epifamin at T2DM leads to a decrease in biochemiluminescence parameters, characterizing the intensity of free radical processes, and changes in aconitase activity and citrate level towards the control. Activities of caspase-1 and caspase-3 in the tissue decreased by a factor of 2.4 and 1.6 in comparison with the levels at the disease. Apparently, epifamin-mediated correction of the level of melatonin, providing a significant antioxidant effect, promotes positive action on the free radical homeostasis.

Purification, separation and characterization of phosphoglucomutase and phosphomannomutase from maize leaves

Different phosphomutases-phosphoglucomutase (EC 2.7.5.1; PGM) and phosphomannomutase (EC 2.7.5.7; PMM) from maize (Zea mays L.) leaves have been purified. PGM and PMM were completely separated from each other. The purified PGM was shown to be electrophoretically homogeneous. The PGM from maize leaves was found to be a homodimer with an apparent molecular mass of 132 kDa, the size of the subunits was 66 kDa. The PGM is a bifunctional enzyme, which can use both glucose-1-phosphate and mannose-1-phosphate as substrates. In contrast, the PMM appears to be monospecific for mannose-1-phosphate. Evidence is presented that PMM differs from PGM. Some properties of the maize leaves PGM and PMM differ in many respects (K(m) for substrates, pH optimum). However, some properties of PGM and PMM were similar (influence of Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions).

Free Radical Oxidation and Catalytic Activity of Aconitate Hydratase in Rat Liver under Normal Conditions and during Toxic Hepatitis

We observed intensification of free radical oxidation, decrease in activity, and changes in catalytic properties of aconitate hydratase in the liver of rats with toxic hepatitis. The total yield and maximum flash intensity of biochemiluminescence increased by 2.2 and 1.7 times, respectively. Differences were revealed in the regulation of aconitate hydratase activity with Fe(2+), Ca(2+), H(2)O(2), and oxidized and reduced glutathione in the liver of rats with toxic hepatitis and control animals.

Effect of SkQ1 on Activity of the Glutathione System and NADPH-Generating Enzymes in an Experimental Model of Hyperglycemia

We studied the effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant 10-(6'-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) on the antioxidant activity of the glutathione system and NADPH-generating enzymes in liver and blood serum of rats with hyperglycemia induced by protamine sulfate. It was found that intraperitoneal injection of SkQ1 prevented both decrease in reduced glutathione level and increase in activity of glutathione system enzymes--glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase. Activity of NADPH-generating enzymes--glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase--was also attenuated by SkQ1. Probably, in this model of hyperglycemia, decreased level of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria led to the decreased burden on the glutathione antioxidant system and NADPH-generating enzymes. Thus, SkQ1 appears to be a promising compound for the treatment and/or prevention of the adverse effects of hyperglycemia.

[Effect of melaxen and valdoxan on free radical processes intensity, aconitate hydratase activity and citrate content in rats tissues under hyperthyroidism]

The influence of melaxen and valdoxan on the biochemiluminescence parameters, aconitate hydratase activity and citrate level in rats heart and liver during development of experimental hyperthyroidism has been investigated. Administration of these substances promoted a decrease of biochemiluminescence parameters, which had been increased in tissues of rats in response to the development of oxidative stress under hyperthyroidism. Aconitate hydratase activity and citrate concentration in rats liver and heart, growing at pathological conditions, changed towards control value after administration of the drugs correcting melatonin level. The results indicate the positive effect of valdoxan and melaxen on oxidative status of the organism under the development of experimental hyperthyroidism that is associated with antioxidant action of melatonin.

[Intensity of cardiac free-radicals processes and expression of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase genes in rats with adrenaline]

The correlation between changes in activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in heart of rats during development of adrenaline myocarditis and intensity of free radical processes estimated by biochemiluminesce parameters and the content of lipoperoxidation products was demonstrated. The maximal increase of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities (in 1.8 and 1.4 times accordingly) was observed t 24 h after the development of the pathological process; this coincided with the maximum intensity of prosesses of free radical oxidation. Using combination of reverse transcriptions with real-time polymerase chain reaction the cardiac mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase genes were determined during the development of adrenaline myocarditis in rats. Analysis of expression of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase genes showed, that the level of this transcripts demonstrated 2,8- and 7,3- increase in rats with adrenaline myocarditis, respectively. Obviously, overexpression of these enzymes can increase the resistance of cardiomyocites to oxidative stress.

[Effect of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline on the intensity of free radical processes and the activity of oxidative metabolism enzymes under toxic liver injury in rats]

The effect of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline on markers of hepatocytes cytolysis (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), parameters reflecting the state of oxidative status (intensity of biochemical luminescence and the content of diene conjugates), and the activity of oxidative metabolism enzymes (aconitate hydratase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase) was studied in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury. The results obtained in the course of the work demonstrated the ability of the test compound to reduce the severity of oxidative stress and liver cells damage, as well as to change the activity of aconitate hydratase and NADP-generating enzymes in the direction of control values. 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline was more effective in normalizing CCl4-induced changes of the analyzed parameters that Carsil used as a reference compound. The tendency to normalize the state of oxidative status and enzyme activity of oxidative metabolism can attributed to hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of the tested compound.

[The effect of melaxen administration on the tissue oxidative status in rats with brain ischemia/reperfusion]

Melaxen administration to rats with brain ischemia/reperfusion was accompanied by a decrease of the lactate level (an organ ischemia marker), biochemiluminescence parameters characterizing the intensity of free radical processes and total antioxidant activity, the content of lipid peroxidation products, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as compared with the values determined in rats with induced brain ischemia/reperfusion. Activity of aconitate hydratase, a sensitive target of free radicals action, and the citrate level in the brain and blood serum of melaxen-treated animals changed towards control values of intact animals. It is assumed that the effect of melaxen is associated with implementation of the antioxidant and protective properties of melatonin, the melaxen constituent, under conditions of post-ischemic reperfusion injury, accompanied by oxidative stress development.

Effects of N-[Imino(1-Piperidinyl)Methyl] Guanidine on the Intensity of Free Radical Processes, Aconitase Activity, and Citrate Level in the Tissues of Rats with Experimental Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Effects of a synthetic biguanide derivative N-[imino(1-piperidinyl)methyl] guanidine (NIPMG) on free radical homeostasis, aconitase activity, and citrate concentration were studied in the liver and blood serum of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Analysis of biochemiluminescence parameters showed that administration of this agent (10 mg/kg body weight) to animals with diabetes reduced the intensity of free radical processes in study tissues relative to the increased values in untreated diabetic animals. Under these conditions, aconitase activity, a principal target of ROS effects, and citrate level in the liver and blood serum of rats approached the control levels. The results show that NIPMG can positively regulate free radical homeostasis and reduce the intensity of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was accompanied by normalization of the studied parameters.

[The effect of biguanide derivatives on oxidative stress in rats with hyperglycemia]

The effect of the synthetic biguanide derivatives N-[imino(1-piperidinyl)methyl]guanidine (NIPMG) and 1,3-dimethyl-5-[(carbamimidamidomethanimidoil) amino]benzoyl-1,3dicarboxylate (DCB) on the degree of proteins oxidative modification (POM) and the DNA fragmentation, the content of the lipid peroxidation primary products - conjugated dienes (CD), and the activity of glutathione antioxidant system in the liver and heart of rats with experimental hyperglycemia was investigated. Administration of the biguanides (15.0 mg/kg) to hypoglycemic rats promoted reduction of the free radical processes intensity in the studied tissues. Data about CD and POM level changes in hyperglycemic rats treated by NIPMG and DKB correlate with the results of DNA fragmentation degree evaluation. At the same time, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), and the reduced glutathione content in the liver and heart of rats changed toward control values. For metformin, which was used as a comparison drug, changes in the studied parameters in the same direction were also found. These results indicate the ability of the tested biguanide derivatives to exhibit a positive regulatory effect on free radical homeostasis, reducing the degree of oxidative stress at this pathology.

1-benzoyl-6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline exerts a neuroprotective effect and normalises redox homeostasis in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Ischemia is one of the main etiological factors of stroke and is associated with the development of energy deficiency, oxidative stress, and inflammation. An abrupt restoration of blood flow, called reperfusion, can worsen the effects of ischemia. In our study, we assessed the neuroprotective potential of 1-benzoyl-6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (BHDQ) in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) in rats. Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups were used in the study: sham-operated animals; animals with CIR caused by occlusion of the common carotid arteries and subsequent removal of the occlusions; rats treated with BHDQ at a dose of 50 mg/kg in the presence of pathology; sham-operated animals treated with BHDQ. The analysis of the state of energy metabolism in the brain, the level of the S100B protein and the histological assessment of the brain tissue were carried out. The antioxidant potential of BHDQ was assessed by measuring biochemiluminescence parameters, analysing the level of 8-isoprostane, products of lipid and protein oxidation, concentration of α-tocopherol and citrate, and aconitate hydratase activity during CIR in rats. A study of the effect of BHDQ on the regulation of the enzymatic antioxidant system and the inflammatory processes was performed. We demonstrated that BHDQ has a neuroprotective effect in CIR, reducing histopathological changes in the brain, normalizing pyruvate and lactate concentrations, and the transcripts level of Hif-1α gene. The positive effect of BHDQ was probably due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, manifested in a decrease in the parameters of the oxidative stress, decreased mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB factor genes. In addition, BHDQ reduced the load on antioxidant protection enzymes, contributing to a change in their activities, decreased the level of antioxidant gene transcripts and expression of Nrf2 and Foxo1 factors toward control. Thus, BHDQ exhibited a neuroprotective effect due to a decrease in the level of oxidative stress and inflammation and the normalization of redox homeostasis on CIR in rats.

Effects of a Preparation Containing Pantogam, Succinic Acid, and Chitosan on Activities of the Glutathione System and NADPH-Generating Enzymes in Rat Tissues under Conditions of Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion

Treatment with the complex preparation containing pantogam, succinic acid, and chitosan normalized the concentration of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and some NADPH-generating enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADPH-isocitrate dehydrogenase) in animals with experimental hypoxia/reperfusion of the brain. These results can be explained by suppression of free radical oxidation and normalization of the antioxidant system related to the neuroprotective, antihypoxic, and antioxidant properties of these substances, their involvement into the regulation of cell metabolism under pathological conditions accompanied by oxidative stress.

[Application of suturing devices in gastrointestinal surgery]

Suturing devices of the firm "Auto Suture" have been widely used for two last years in Saratov Medical University clinic of surgery at pediatric faculty. 131 patients with gastrointestinal diseases (54 had cancer of the stomach, 35--ulcer of the stomach and the duodenum and 42--oncoproctologic diseases) were operated on with their help. Application of the suturing devices results in improved quality of the operations as the devices warrant excellent functional qualities of the anastomoses and their reliability. The duration of the operation decreases considerably. It works well in rectal surgery to increase significantly the number of organ-saving operations.

[The oxidative effects of melatonin, the content of citrate and the activity of aconitate hydratase in the rat liver in toxic hepatitis]

When melatonin was injected into the liver of rats with toxic hepatitis, there was a reduction in the rate of free radical processes and in the mobilization of the antioxidative system, as estimated by the parameters of biochemiluminescence and the level of α-tocopherol, which is likely to be accounted for by the antioxidative effect of this hormone. The administration of melatonin to intact animals causes a reduction in the activity of aconitate hydratase and an increase in the level of citrate, which reflects the enhancement of the antioxidative potential as it promotes the decreased hydroxyl radical formation in the Fenton reaction. Metatonin-induced elevations in citrate levels and changes in the activity of aconitate hydratase were observed in the liver of animals with toxic hepatitis as compared with those not receiving the hormone, which seems to be associated with the less mobilization of the antioxidative system in the presence of melatonin that is able to produce an antioxidative effect.

[The influence of N-[imino(1-piperidinyl)methyl]guanidine and N-[imino(4-morpholinyl)methyl]guanidine on citrate content, aconitase and citrate synthase activities at ischemia-reperfusion of rats brain]

The influence of some guanidine derivatives on the level of brain citrate, brain activities of aconitase and citrate synthase has been investigated in rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. Administration of N-[imino(1-piperidinyl)methyl]guanidine and N-[imino(4-morpholinyl)methyl]guanidine resulted in changes of specific activities of aconitase and citrate synthase towards control values. Under these conditions the citrate level considerably decreased versus rats with untreated ishemia-reperfusion. Treatment with these compounds also decreased the degree of DNA fragmentation markedly increased in rats with ischemia-reperfusion.

[Free-radical oxidation and regulation of cytoplasmic NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase in rat cardiomyocytes at norm and under ischemia]

Experimental ishemia of rat myocardium was accompanied by increase of light sum (S) and maximal intensity (Imax) of chemiluminescence, amount of a malonic dialdehyde and conjugated dienes in cytoplasmic fraction. The activity of NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.82; NADP-MDH) was 1.6 times higher in rat heart under ischemia. NADP-MDH was purified from normal and ischemia-exposed rat myocardium. Using NADP-MDH purified enzyme preparations the values of Hill coefficient for oxaloacetate (1.83 +/- 0.07 and 1.50 +/- 0.10) and Km for NADPH (0.058 +/- 0.003 and 0.096 +/- 0.004 mM) were determined for the enzyme at norm and under ischemia respectively. Effects of Fe2+, Ca2+, Cu2+ ions, H2O2, oxidized and reduced glutathione, adenine nucleotides influence on functioning of NADP-MDH from rat heart at norm and under ischemic conditions have been investigated.