Heme oxygenase-1: function, regulation, and implication of a novel stress-inducible protein in oxidant-induced lung injury

Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many pulmonary diseases including adult respiratory distress syndrome, emphysema, asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. The morbidity and mortality of these diseases remain high even with optimal medical management. In our attempts to devise new therapies for these disorders, it is crucial to improve our understanding of the basic mechanism(s) of oxidant-induced lung injury. A major line of investigation seeks to characterize the cellular and molecular responses of the lung to oxidant insults. Much progress has been made in our understanding of the role of the "classic" antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) in mediating the lung's resistance against oxidant lung injury. However, it is becoming clear that other oxidant-induced gene products may also play vital roles in the lung's adaptive and/or protective response to oxidative stress. One such stress-response protein is heme oxygenase-1, HO-1. Since the identification of HO-1 in 1968, many of the studies involving this enzyme were understandably focused on the regulation and function of HO-1 in heme metabolism. This emphasis is self-evident as HO-1 catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in heme degradation. Interestingly, however, evidence accumulated over the past 25 years demonstrates that HO-1 is induced not only by the substrate heme but also by a variety of non-heme inducers such as heavy metals, endotoxin, heat shock, inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandins. The chemical diversity of HO-1 inducers led to the speculation that HO-1, besides its role in heme degradation, may also play a vital function in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Further support for this hypothesis was provided by Tyrrell and colleagues who showed in 1989 that HO-1 is also highly induced by a variety of agents causing oxidative stress. Subsequently, many investigators have focused their attention on the function and regulation of HO-1 in various in vitro and in vivo models of oxidant-mediated cellular and tissue injury. The magnitude of HO-1 induction after oxidative stress and the wide distribution of this enzyme in systemic tissues coupled with the intriguing biological activities of the catalytic byproducts, carbon monoxide, iron, and bilirubin, makes HO-1 a highly attractive and interesting candidate stress-response protein which may play key role(s) in mediating protection against oxidant-mediated lung injury. This review will focus on the current understanding of the physiological significance of HO-1 induction and the molecular regulation of HO-1 gene expression in response to oxidative stress. We hope that this discussion will stimulate interest and investigations into a field which is still largely uncharted in the pulmonary research community.

Role of oxidants in ischemic brain damage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Oxygen free radicals or oxidants have been proposed to be involved in acute central nervous system injury that is produced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Because of the transient nature of oxygen radicals and the technical difficulties inherent in accurately measuring their levels in the brain, experimental strategies have been focused on the use of pharmacological agents and antioxidants to seek a correlation between the exogenously supplied specific radical scavengers (ie, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the subsequent protection of cerebral tissues from ischemic injury. However, this strategy entails problems (hemodynamic, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, blood-brain barrier permeability, etc) that may cloud the data interpretation. This mini-review will focus on the oxidant mechanisms in cerebral ischemic brain injury by using transgenic and knockout mice as an alternative approach.

METHODS

Transgenic and knockout mutants that either overexpress or are deficient in antioxidant enzyme/protein levels have been successfully produced. The availability of these genetically modified animals has made it possible to investigate the role of certain oxidants in ischemic brain cell damage in molecular fashion.

RESULTS

It has been shown that an increased level of CuZn-superoxide dismutase and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the brains of transgenic mice protects neurons from ischemic/reperfusion injury, whereas a deficiency in CuZn-superoxide dismutase or mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase exacerbates ischemic brain damage. Target disruption of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in mice also provides neuronal protection against permanent and transient focal cerebral ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

I conclude that molecular genetic approaches in modifying antioxidant levels in the brain offer a unique tool for understanding the role of oxidants in ischemic brain damage.

Oxidative stress: from basic research to clinical application

The occurrence of reactive oxygen species, known as pro-oxidants, is an attribute of normal aerobic life. The steady-state formation of pro-oxidants is balanced by a similar rate of their consumption by antioxidants that are enzymatic and/or nonenzymatic. "Oxidative stress" results from imbalance in this pro-oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium in favor of the pro-oxidants. A number of diseases are associated with oxidative stress, being the basis of antioxidant therapy. Current evidence in clinical research does not show unequivocal distinction between causal or associative relationships of pro-oxidants to the disease process.

Protein oxidation in aging and age-related diseases

Although different theories have been proposed to explain the aging process, it is generally agreed that there is a correlation between aging and the accumulation of oxidatively damaged proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Oxidatively modified proteins have been shown to increase as a function of age. Studies reveal an age-related increase in the level of protein carbonyl content, oxidized methionine, protein hydrophobicity, and cross-linked and glycated proteins as well as the accumulation of less active enzymes that are more susceptible to heat inactivation and proteolytic degredation. Factors that decelerate protein oxidation also increase the life span of animals and vice versa. Furthermore, a number of age-related diseases have been shown to be associated with elevated levels of oxidatively modified proteins. The chemistry of reactive oxygen species-mediated protein modification will be discussed. The accumulation of oxidatively modified proteins may reflect deficiencies in one or more parameters of a complex function that maintains a delicate balance between the presence of a multiplicity of prooxidants, antioxidants, and repair, replacement, or elimination of biologically damaged proteins.

Reactive oxygen-mediated protein oxidation in aging and disease

Highly reactive oxygen species that are formed during normal metabolism and under conditions of oxidative stress are able to oxidize proteins or convert lipid and carbohydrate derivatives to compounds that react with functional groups on proteins. Among other changes, these ROS-mediated reactions lead to the formation of protein carbonyl derivatives, which serves as a marker of ROS-mediated protein damage. On the basis of this marker, it is established that oxidatively damaged protein is associated with aging and some diseases. The accumulation of oxidatively damaged protein reflects the balance among a myriad of factors that govern the rates of ROS generation and the rate at which damaged protein is degraded. Peroxynitrite, which is formed under normal physiological conditions, is able to oxidize methionine residues in proteins and to nitrate tyrosine residues; however, its ability to do so is dependent on the availability of CO2, which stimulates the nitration of tyrosine residues but inhibits the oxidation of methionine residues. Nitration of tyrosine residues may contribute to peroxynitrite toxicity, as nitration precludes the phosphorylation or nucleotidylation of tyrosine residues and thereby seriously compromises one of the most important mechanisms of cellular regulation and signal transduction.

Oxidatively generated base damage to cellular DNA

Search for the formation of oxidatively base damage in cellular DNA has been a matter of debate for more than 40 years due to the lack of accurate methods for the measurement of the lesions. HPLC associated with either tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) or electrochemical detector (ECD) together with optimized DNA extraction conditions constitutes a relevant analytical approach. This has allowed the accurate measurement of oxidatively generated single and clustered base damage in cellular DNA following exposure to acute oxidative stress conditions mediated by ionizing radiation, UVA light and one-electron oxidants. In this review the formation of 11 single base lesions that is accounted for by reactions of singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical or high intensity UVC laser pulses with nucleobases is discussed on the basis of the mechanisms available from model studies. In addition several clustered lesions were found to be generated in cellular DNA as the result of one initial radical hit on either a vicinal base or the 2-deoxyribose. Information on nucleobase modifications that are formed upon addition of reactive aldehydes arising from the breakdown of lipid hydroperoxides is also provided.

NADPH oxidase-derived free radicals are key oxidants in alcohol-induced liver disease

In North America, liver disease due to alcohol consumption is an important cause of death in adults, although its pathogenesis remains obscure. Despite the fact that resident hepatic macrophages are known to contribute to early alcohol-induced liver injury via oxidative stress, the exact source of free radicals has remained a mystery. To test the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase is the major source of oxidants due to ethanol, we used p47(phox) knockout mice, which lack a critical subunit of this major source of reactive oxygen species in activated phagocytes. Mice were treated with ethanol chronically, using a Tsukamoto-French protocol, for 4 weeks. In wild-type mice, ethanol caused severe liver injury via a mechanism involving gut-derived endotoxin, CD14 receptor, production of electron spin resonance-detectable free radicals, activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, and release of cytotoxic TNF-alpha from activated Kupffer cells. In NADPH oxidase-deficient mice, neither an increase in free radical production, activation of NF-kappaB, an increase in TNF-alpha mRNA, nor liver pathology was observed. These data strongly support the hypothesis that free radicals from NADPH oxidase in hepatic Kupffer cells play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of early alcohol-induced hepatitis by activating NF-kappaB, which activates production of cytotoxic TNF-alpha.

Vitamin C-induced decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides to endogenous genotoxins

Epidemiological data suggest that dietary antioxidants play a protective role against cancer. This has led to the proposal that dietary supplementation with antioxidants such as vitamin C (vit C) may be useful in disease prevention. However, vit C has proved to be ineffective in cancer chemoprevention studies. In addition, concerns have been raised over potentially deleterious transition metal ion-mediated pro-oxidant effects. We have now determined that vit C induces lipid hydroperoxide decomposition to the DNA-reactive bifunctional electrophiles 4-oxo-2-nonenal, 4,5-epoxy-2(E)-decenal, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. The compound 4,5-Epoxy-2(E)-decenal is a precursor of etheno-2'-deoxyadenosine, a highly mutagenic lesion found in human DNA. Vitamin C-mediated formation of genotoxins from lipid hydroperoxides in the absence of transition metal ions could help explain its lack of efficacy as a cancer chemoprevention agent.

External bleaching therapy with activation by heat, light or laser—A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

External bleaching procedures utilizing highly concentrated 30-35% hydrogen peroxide solutions or hydrogen peroxide releasing agents can be used for tooth whitening. To enhance or accelerate the whitening process, heat-activation of the bleaching agent by light, heat or laser is described in the literature. The aim of the present review article was to summarize and discuss the available information concerning the efficacy, effects and side effects of activated bleaching procedures.

SOURCES

Information from all original scientific full papers or reviews listed in PubMed or ISI Web of Science (search term: (bleaching OR brightening OR whitening OR colour) AND (light OR laser OR heat OR activation)) were included in the review.

DATA

Existing literature reveals that activation of bleaching agents by heat, light or laser may have an adverse effect on pulpal tissue due to an increase of intra-pulpal temperature exceeding the critical value of 5.5 degrees C. Available studies do not allow for a final judgment whether tooth whitening can either be increased or accelerated by additional activation.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, application of activated bleaching procedures should be critically assessed considering the physical, physiological and patho-physiological implications.

Protective effects of flavonoids in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HS-SY5Y cells

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases. The effects of four major flavonoids present in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell damage are studied in this paper. When human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were incubated in Hanks' solution with the addition of 400 microM hydrogen peroxide for 2 h, the viability of cells was decreased remarkably, while the cell lipid peroxidation and the percentage of lactose dehydrogenase released into the culture medium was significantly increased. Addition of 10 microM of baicalein and baicalin significantly attenuated the cellular injury induced by hydrogen peroxide, while the effect of wogonin was marginal and wogonoside showed no effect at the tested concentration. In a separate experiment, 10 microM of baicalein and baicalin also antagonized the intracellular free-calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase caused by 1 mM hydrogen peroxide. The effects of baicalein in both experiments were similar to those of quercetin, a well-studied antioxidant flavonoid. These results demonstrated the protective effects of flavonoids originating from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on the oxidative injury of neuronal cells.

Cigarette smoke induces an unfolded protein response in the human lung: a proteomic approach

Cigarette smoking, which exposes the lung to high concentrations of reactive oxidant species (ROS) is the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies indicate that ROS interfere with protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and elicit a compensatory response termed the "unfolded protein response" (UPR). The importance of the UPR lies in its ability to alter expression of a variety of genes involved in antioxidant defense, inflammation, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. The present study used comparative proteomic technology to test the hypothesis that chronic cigarette smoking induces a UPR in the human lung. Studies were performed on lung tissue samples obtained from three groups of human subjects: nonsmokers, chronic cigarette smokers, and ex-smokers. Proteomes of lung samples from chronic cigarette smokers demonstrated 26 differentially expressed proteins (20 were up-regulated, 5 were down-regulated, and 1 was detected only in the smoking group) compared with nonsmokers. Several UPR proteins were up-regulated in smokers compared with nonsmokers and ex-smokers, including the chaperones, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and calreticulin; a foldase, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI); and enzymes involved in antioxidant defense. In cultured human airway epithelial cells, GRP78 and the UPR-regulated basic leucine zipper, transcription factors, ATF4 and Nrf2, which enhance expression of important anti-oxidant genes, increased rapidly (< 24 h) with cigarette smoke extract. These data indicate that cigarette smoke induces a UPR response in the human lung that is rapid in onset, concentration dependent, and at least partially reversible with smoking cessation. We speculate that activation of a UPR by cigarette smoke may protect the lung from oxidant injury and the development of COPD.

Antioxidant responses to oxidant-mediated lung diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are generated throughout the human body. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants detoxify ROS and RNS and minimize damage to biomolecules. An imbalance between the production of ROS and RNS and antioxidant capacity leads to a state of "oxidative stress" that contributes to the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases by damaging lipids, protein, and DNA. In general, lung diseases are related to inflammatory processes that generate increased ROS and RNS. The susceptibility of the lung to oxidative injury depends largely on its ability to upregulate protective ROS and RNS scavenging systems. Unfortunately, the primary intracellular antioxidants are expressed at low levels in the human lung and are not acutely induced when exposed to oxidative stresses such as cigarette smoke and hyperoxia. However, the response of extracellular antioxidant enzymes, the critical primary defense against exogenous oxidative stress, increases rapidly and in proportion to oxidative stress. In this paper, we review how antioxidants in the lung respond to oxidative stress in several lung diseases and focus on the mechanisms that upregulate extracellular glutathione peroxidase.

Metal-induced hepatotoxicity

Figure 3 summarizes several proposed mechanisms of iron- or copper-induced hepatotoxicity. It has long been suspected that free radicals may play a role in iron- and copper-induced cell toxicity because of the powerful prooxidant action of iron and copper salts in vitro. In the presence of available cellular reductants, iron or copper in low molecular weight forms may play a catalytic role in the initiation of free radical reactions. The resulting oxyradicals have the potential to damage cellular lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in wide-ranging impairment in cellular function and integrity. However, cells are endowed with cytoprotective mechanisms (antioxidants, scavenging enzymes, repair processes) that act to counteract the effects of free radical production. Thus, the net effect of metal-induced free radicals on cellular function will depend on the balance between radical production and the cytoprotective systems As a result, there may be a rate of free radical production that must be exceeded before cellular injury occurs. Evidence has now accumulated that iron or copper overload in experimental animals can result in oxidative damage to lipids in vivo, once the concentration of the metal exceeds a threshold level. In the liver, this lipid peroxidation is associated with impairment of membrane-dependent functions of mitochondria (oxidative metabolism) and lysosomes (membrane integrity, fluidity, pH). Although these findings do not prove causality, it seems likely that lipid peroxidation is involved, since similar functional defects are produced by metal-induced lipid peroxidation in these organelles in vitro. Both iron and copper overload impair hepatic mitochondrial respiration, primarily through a decrease in cytochrome c oxidase activity. In iron overload, hepatocellular calcium homeostasis may be impaired through damage to mitochondrial and microsomal calcium sequestration. DNA has also been reported to be a target of metal-induced damage in the liver; this may have consequences as regards malignant transformation. The levels of some antioxidants in the liver are decreased in rats with iron or copper overload, which is also suggestive of ongoing oxidative stress. Reduced cellular ATP levels, lysosomal fragility, impaired cellular calcium homeostasis, and damage to DNA may all contribute to hepatocellular injury in iron and copper overload. There are few data addressing the key issue of whether free radical production is increased in patients with iron or copper overload. Patients with hereditary hemochromatosis have elevated plasma levels of TBA-reactants and increased hepatic levels of MDA-protein and HNE-protein adducts, indicative of lipid peroxidation. Mitochondria isolated from the livers of Wilson disease patients have evidence of lipid peroxidation, and some patients with Wilson disease have decreased hepatic and plasma levels of vitamin E. Additional investigation will be required to fully assess oxidant stress and its potential pathophysiologic role in patients with iron or copper overload.

Hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening (bleaching) products: review of adverse effects and safety issues

Hydrogen peroxide in the form of carbamide peroxide is widely used for tooth whitening (bleaching), both in professionally- and in self-administered products. Adverse effects have become evident. Cervical root resorption is a possible consequence of internal bleaching and is more frequently observed in teeth treated with the thermo-catalytic procedure. Tooth sensitivity is experienced in 15-78% of patients undergoing external tooth bleaching. However, clinical studies addressing other adverse effects are lacking. Direct contact with hydrogen peroxide induces genotoxic effects in bacteria and cultured epithelial cells, but the effect is reduced or totally abolished in the presence of metabolising enzymes. Several carcinogenesis studies, including the hamster cheek pouch model, indicate that hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) might possibly act as a promoter. Until further clinical research is concluded to address the question of possible carcinogenicity, it is recommended that: tooth-bleaching products using concentrated H(2)O(2) should not be used without gingival protection; that H(2)O(2) containing products should be avoided in patients with damaged or diseased soft tissues. For nightguard vital bleaching, minimal amounts of low dose H(2)O(2) (including in the form of carbamide peroxide) are preferred, thereby avoiding prolonged and concentrated exposures.

Advanced glycation end products, oxidant stress and vascular lesions

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is observed in conditions such as diabetes mellitus and ageing, both associated with vascular disorders. AGEs form by the interaction of an aldose with NH2 of proteins, and the subsequent Amadori rearrangement leads to complex molecules. The heterogeneous class of AGE molecules is found in plasma, cells and tissues and accumulates in the vessel wall and the kidney. AGE reactions can generate reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), which can act as signal mediators and can be deleterious for molecules or cells. The AGEs and ROI-induced cellular dysfunctions can interfere with the gene expression of peptides and cytokines regulating cell proliferation and vascular functions. The interaction of AGEs with the AGE receptor (RAGE) is followed by a series of intracellular modifications that may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. An attempt to minimize AGE formation and to limit ROI production by an appropriate therapy may result in the reduction or slowing of vascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Maintaining a Healthy Proteome during Oxidative Stress

Some of the most challenging stress conditions that organisms encounter during their lifetime involve the transient accumulation of reactive oxygen and chlorine species. Extremely reactive to amino acid side chains, these oxidants cause widespread protein unfolding and aggregation. It is therefore not surprising that cells draw on a variety of different strategies to counteract the damage and maintain a healthy proteome. Orchestrated largely by direct changes in the thiol oxidation status of key proteins, the response strategies involve all layers of protein protection. Reprogramming of basic biological functions helps decrease nascent protein synthesis and restore redox homeostasis. Mobilization of oxidative stress-activated chaperones and production of stress-resistant non-proteinaceous chaperones prevent irreversible protein aggregation. Finally, redox-controlled increase in proteasome activity removes any irreversibly damaged proteins. Together, these systems pave the way to restore protein homeostasis and enable organisms to survive stress conditions that are inevitable when living an aerobic lifestyle.

Cigarette smoke-related oxidants and the development of sub-RPE deposits in an experimental animal model of dry AMD

PURPOSE

Oxidative injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been proposed to be an important injury stimulus relevant to the accumulation of subretinal deposits in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for AMD, and cigarette smoke-related tar contains high concentrations of a potent oxidant, hydroquinone (HQ). This study was an investigation of the effects of cigarette smoke (CS) and HQ in the development of sub-RPE deposits in an experimental mouse model.

METHODS

Sixteen-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4.5 months. Mice were divided into two major experimental groups, one to examine the effects of cigarette smoke and one to study the effects of a defined cigarette smoke component such as HQ. In the first group, mice eyes were exposed to blue-green light (positive controls) or to whole cigarette smoke. A third group with no intervention served as the negative control. In the second experimental group, animals received a purified diet with HQ (0.8%) with low or high fat content for 4.5 months. Mice in both groups were euthanatized at 4.5 months and eyes processed for transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

As previously demonstrated by our laboratory and others, most mice fed an HFD without other oxidant exposure demonstrated normal morphology or, in a few cases, small nodular basal laminar deposits. Eyes of mice exposed to whole cigarette smoke or to HQ in the food demonstrated a variable degree of basal laminar deposits and diffusely thickened Bruch's membrane. The choriocapillaris endothelium was variably hypertrophic.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to cigarette smoke or the smoke-related redox molecule, HQ, results in the formation of sub-RPE deposits, thickening of Bruch's membrane, and accumulation of deposits within Bruch's membrane. Smoke-related oxidants may be another oxidative injury stimulus to the choriocapillaris and RPE, and may explain the association between cigarette smoking and early AMD.

Oxidant injury to hepatic mitochondria in patients with Wilson's disease and Bedlington terriers with copper toxicosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Copper overload leads to liver injury in humans with Wilson's disease and in Bedlington terriers with copper toxicosis; however, the mechanisms of liver injury are poorly understood. This study was undertaken to determine if oxidant (free radical) damage to hepatic mitochondria is involved in naturally occurring copper toxicosis.

METHODS

Fresh liver samples were obtained at the time of liver transplantation from 3 patients with Wilson's disease, 8 with cholestatic liver disease, and 5 with noncholestatic liver disease and from 8 control livers. Fresh liver was also obtained by open liver biopsy from 4 copper-overloaded and 4 normal Bedlington terriers and from 8 control dogs. Hepatic mitochondria and microsomes (humans only) were isolated, and lipid peroxidation was measured by lipid-conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances. In humans, liver alpha-tocopherol content was measured.

RESULTS

Lipid peroxidation and copper content were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in mitochondria from patients with Wilson's disease and copper-overloaded Bedlington terriers. More modest increases in lipid peroxidation were present in microsomes from patients with Wilson's disease. Mitochondrial copper concentrations correlated strongly with the severity of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. Hepatic alpha-tocopherol content was decreased significantly in Wilson's disease liver.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the hepatic mitochondrion is an important target in hepatic copper toxicity and that oxidant damage to the liver may be involved in the pathogenesis of copper-induced injury.

Oxidative stress and genetic and epidemiologic determinants of oxidant injury in childhood asthma

BACKGROUND

The factors contributing to the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in asthma are incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors associated with oxidative stress including asthma severity and the genotype of the antioxidant enzymes.

METHODS

A total of 196 children with mild asthma, 116 children with moderate-severe asthma, and 2 healthy control groups (187 and 68 children) were included in the study. Plasma levels of malondialdehyde were measured as the indicator of oxidative stress, and reduced glutathione levels as the indicator of antioxidant defense. Children were genotyped for null variants of glutathione S transferase (GST) T1 and GSTM1, and ile105val variant of GSTP1. Risk factors were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Systemic levels of malondialdehyde increased and reduced glutathione levels decreased significantly from healthy controls to patients with mild asthma and then to patients with moderate-severe asthma (P < .001 for each). Multivariate logistic regression identified asthma and asthma severity as independent factors associated with oxidative stress (odds ratio between 17 and 56; P < .001). Children with asthma with GSTP1 val/val genotype had higher malondialdehyde and lower glutathione levels compared with other genotypes (P = .023 and P = .014, respectively). GSTP1 val/val genotype was independently associated with asthma severity (odds ratio, 4.210; 95% CI, 1.581-11.214; P = .004).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates the presence of a strong oxidative stress in children with asthma that increases with the severity of the disease. In this population, val/val genotype at GSTP1 ile105val locus may be an important factor in determining the degree of oxidant injury.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Children with asthma with val/val genotype at GSTP1 ile105val locus may be good candidates for supplemental antioxidant therapy.

Dietary restriction and aging

The diet-restricted rodent model has been and is a major tool in experimental biogerontology. A spectrum of findings indicates that dietary restriction retards the aging processes of mice and rats, the most salient of which is the increase in mortality rate doubling time. It also maintains many physiological processes in a youthful state and, most strikingly, retards or prevents almost all age-associated disease processes. Current emphasis is on the mechanisms underlying the anti-aging actions of dietary restriction. The major effort for determining mechanism has focused on putative primary aging processes. A clue has emerged from the findings that it is the restriction of energy intake that is the dietary factor responsible for the anti-aging actions. However, reducing the metabolic rate is not involved. The challenge is to learn how the reduction of energy intake per animal (not per unit of body mass) is coupled to the retardation of aging processes. One of our working hypotheses is that dietary restriction alters nervous and/or endocrine functions that influence the characteristics (not the rate) of fuel use; this modulation in fuel-use characteristics is proposed to retard the aging processes. Our findings on carbohydrate metabolism are in accord with this view. Diet-restricted rats can use carbohydrate fuel as effectively as ad libitum fed rats while maintaining lower plasma glucose and insulin level. Maintenance of these low levels may protect against long-term damaging actions of these substances. Dietary restriction also protects against oxidative damage and, of course, oxidative damage is probably an inevitable component of fuel use.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Heme iron, zinc, alcohol consumption, and colon cancer: Iowa Women's Health Study

We examined associations among colon cancer incidence and dietary intake of heme iron, a possible prooxidant, zinc, a possible antioxidant, and alcohol, a disruptor of iron homeostasis. During 15 years of follow-up, 34 708 postmenopausal women, aged 55-69 years at baseline who completed a food-frequency questionnaire for the Iowa Women's Health Study, were followed for incident colon cancer. After adjusting for each micronutrient, the relative risks for proximal colon cancer increased more than twofold across categories of heme iron intake (P(trend) =.01) and the corresponding relative risks decreased more than 50% across categories for zinc intake (P(trend) =.01). The positive association with heme iron and the inverse association with zinc intake were stronger among women who consumed alcohol than among those who did not. Zinc intake was also associated with a decreased risk of distal colon cancer (P(trend) =.03), regardless of alcohol or heme iron consumption. Our results suggest that intake of dietary heme iron is associated with an increased risk of proximal colon cancer, especially among women who drink, but that intake of dietary zinc is associated with a decreased risk of both proximal and distal colon cancer.

Peroxide bleaching agent effects on enamel surface microhardness, roughness and morphology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness, microhardness and morphology of human enamel exposed to six bleaching agents (at baseline and post-treatment). Human dental enamel samples were obtained from human third molars and randomly divided into seven groups (n = 11): control, Whiteness Perfect - 10% carbamide peroxide (10% CP), Colgate Platinum - 10% CP, Day White 2Z - 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (7.5% HP), Whiteness Super - 37% CP, Opalescence Quick - 35% CP and Whiteness HP - 35% HP. Bleaching agents were applied according to manufacturers' instructions. The control group remained not treated and stored in artificial saliva. Microhardness testing was performed with a Knoop indentor and surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. Morphologic observations were carried out with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (5%), and revealed a significant decrease in microhardness values and a significant increase in surface roughness post-bleaching. Changes in enamel morphology after bleaching were observed under SEM. It was concluded that bleaching agents can alter the microhardness, roughness and morphology of dental enamel surface.