Excessive Generation Of Nitric Oxide Research Articles

Nitric oxide dependent signaling via cyclic GMP in dendritic cells regulates migration and T-cell polarization

Allergic airway inflammation is accompanied by excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO). Beside its detrimental activity due to the generation of reactive nitrogen species, NO was found to modulate immune responses by activating the NO-sensitive Guanylyl Cyclases (NO-GCs) thereby mediating the formation of the second messenger cyclic GMP (cGMP). To investigate the contribution of the key-enzyme NO-GC on the development of Th2 immunity in vivo, we sensitized knock-out (KO) mice of the major isoform NO-GC1 to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA). The loss of NO-GC1 attenuates the Th2 response leading to a reduction of airway inflammation and IgE production. Further, in vitro-generated OVA-presenting DCs of the KO induce only a weak Th2 response in the WT recipient mice upon re-exposure to OVA. In vitro, these NO-GC1 KO BMDCs develop a Th1-polarizing phenotype and display increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation, which is known to induce Th1-bias. According to our hypothesis of a NO-GC1/cGMP-dependent regulation of cAMP-levels we further demonstrate activity of the cGMP-activated cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 2 in DCs. Herewith, we show that activity of NO-GC1 in DCs is important for the magnitude and bias of the Th response in allergic airway disease most likely by counteracting intracellular cAMP.

Excessive Nitric Oxide Production of CGD Neutrophils Induces the Down-Regulation of NOS3 and EDN1 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells

Introduction: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency due to a mutation in genes that encode the subunits of NADPH oxidase of phagocytes. Phagocytes of CGD can not generate the reactive oxidative species (ROS), whereas nitric oxide (NO) production of CGD phagocytes is increased in response to calcium ionophore, A23187, compared with that of phagocytes from healthy subjects. Recently, X-linked CGD (X-CGD) patients showed lower oxidative stress and higher flow-mediated dilation, suggesting that endothelial cell function is affected by NO production of phagocytes. We studied the effects of NO on the regulation of endothelial gene expression related to dilator and constrictive effect of blood vessels, such as NOS3 and EDN1 using neutrophils from X-CGD patients.Methods: Eighteen X-CGD patients and 18 age-matched healthy male subjects were enrolled in this study from 2009 to 2013. NO production of phagocytes was assessed by flow cytometry using DAF2/DA fluorescent probe. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with human neutrophils of X-CGD or healthy subjects in response to calcium ionophore,A23187 without cell to cell contact using the Transwell-permeable support systems. The expression of endothelial NOS3 and EDN1 mRNA gene in HUVECs were quantified by real-time PCR.Results: Neutrophils of X-CGD patients showed significantly higher production of NO in response to A23187 for 30 to 60 minutes than those of normal subjects detected by flow cytometric analyses. NO concentration artificially generated by NO donor was significantly decreased by ROS produced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. Similarly, neutrophils from healthy subjects, but not from X-CGD stimulated with A23187 induced the decrease in the concentration of NO. These results strongly suggest that the lack of ROS generation in CGD neutrophils leads to the increase of NO production in response to A23187. HUVECs were incubated with NO generation system, ROS generation system alone or with both systems. The expression of NOS3 and EDN1 was significantly decreased depending on the concentration of extracellular NO. In contrast, both NOS3 and EDN1 expression was significantly up-regulated under the ROS generation system without NO. Next, HUVECs were incubated by X-CGD neutrophils or by control neutrophils with or without A23187 for 30 minutes using the wells divided by membrane (0.45μm) to prevent cell to cell contact. Both NOS3 and EDN1 expression of HUVECs incubated with X-CGD neutrophils was significantly down-regulated under A23187 stimulation compared with normal neutrophils (112±117 vs. 34.5±39.9, n=8, p<0.05, 0.94± 0.24 vs. 0.61±0.24, n=5, p<0.05, respectively).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the stimulated X-CGD neutrophils induced the decreased endothelial NOS3 and EDN1 gene expression through the excessive generation of NO due to the lack of ROS production. These findings suggest that ROS generated by phagocytes may modulate arterial tone affecting the amount of NO, a potent vasodilator molecule produced by endothelial cells. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus is attenuated by telmisartan through suppression of iNOS/NO and inhibition of lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer׳s disease (AD), but little is known about the precise mechanism of OSAS-induced AD. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitric oxide (NO) are known to play key roles in the development of AD. Several studies have confirmed that an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, telmisartan, beneficially regulates NOS and NO. Here, we examined the neuroprotective effects of telmisartan against hippocampal apoptosis induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), the most characteristic pathophysiological change of OSAS. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 8h of intermittent hypoxia per day with or without telmisartan for eight weeks. Neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region, NOS activity, NO content, and the presence of inflammatory agents and radical oxygen species in the hippocampus were determined. The results showed that CIH activated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), increased NO content, and enhanced lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses in the hippocampus. Treatment with telmisartan inhibited excessive iNOS and NO generation and reduced lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses. In addition, telmisartan significantly ameliorated the hippocampal apoptosis induced by CIH. In conclusion, Pre-CIH telmisartan administration attenuated CIH-induced hippocampal apoptosis partly by regulating NOS activity, inhibiting excessive NO generation, and reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses.

PERK pathway are involved in NO-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells cocultured with RPE under high glucose conditions

Although excessive nitric oxide (NO) induced from iNOS is critical for dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in the diabetic retina, its role on ECs injury remains unknown. RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) is the pigmented cell layer just outside the neurosensory retina that constitutes the blood–retinal-barrier (BRB) with ECs, and also serves as the limiting transport factor that maintains the retinal environment. Dysfunction of the RPE is related to oxidative stress that contributes to the progression of diabetic retina. Using a co-cultural biosystem, we demonstrate that NO generation and iNOS expression was increased in both ECs and RPE cells after high glucose treatment. Increased NO in ECs cocultured with RPE activate the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and protein kinase RNA (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway and involved in ECs apoptosis. Blockade of the iNOS pathway, or depletion of PERK effectively, reverses NO-mediated apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that iNOS and subsequently excessive NO generation in RPE cells can have an unanticipated effect by activating PERK pathways in ECs, resulting in a novel mechanism for vascular endothelium to avoid injury from prolonged hyperglycemia.

Protein Disulfide Isomerase P5-Immunopositive Inclusions in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the major pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD). NFTs are composed of tubular filaments and paired helical filaments containing polymerized hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Another feature of AD is excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO). Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a chaperon protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It was recently reported that NO-induced S-nitrosylation of PDI inhibits its enzymatic activity, leading to the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins, and activates the unfolded protein response. In addition, we previously reported the presence of PDI-immunopositive NFTs in AD. Here, we found that protein disulfide isomerase P5 (P5), which is a member of the PDI protein family, was co-localized with tau in NFTs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P5-immunopositive inclusion in AD. Furthermore, we showed that S-nitrosylated P5 was present and the expression level of P5 was decreased in AD brains compared with that of control brains. We also demonstrated that the knock-down of PDI or P5 by siRNA could affect the viability of SH-SY5Y cells under ER stress. Previously, the observation of S-nitrosylated PDI in AD was reported. NO may inhibit P5 by inducing S-nitrosylation in the same manner as PDI, which inhibits its enzymatic activity allowing protein misfolding to occur in AD. The accumulation of misfolded proteins induces ER stress and may cause apoptosis of neuronal cells through S-nitrosylation and down-regulation of PDI and P5 in AD.

Relationship between alveolar nitric oxide concentration in exhaled air and small airway function in COPD

Nitrative stress is thought to be involved in the inflammatory process in COPD airways, and the alveolar nitric oxide concentration (CAlv) has been reported to be increased. However, the CAlv levels are also regulated by gas diffusion at alveolar sites. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the CAlv and pulmonary function in COPD patients, while taking into account the lung diffusion capacity. Twenty stable COPD patients (GOLD stage1/2/3/4 = 6/8/6/0) and 16 healthy subjects took part in this cross-sectional study. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), CAlv, and pulmonary functions were measured. Pulmonary function, including single nitrogen washout curve (dN2) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), was also evaluated in patients with COPD. The mean FENO levels (20.7 ppb versus 16.3 ppb, p < 0.05) and the mean CAlv levels (6.4 ppb versus 4.2 ppb, p < 0.01) in COPD patients were significantly increased compared to those in HS. The CAlv level in COPD was significantly correlated with dN2, %DLCO/alveolar volume (VA). Using the standard entry method of multivariate analysis to adjust for dN2 and %DLCO/VA, dN2 (β = 0.54, p = 0.005) and %DLCO/VA (β = −0.44, p = 0.018) still showed significant correlations with the CAlv levels. These results suggest that the CAlv could be a useful marker for the small airway dysfunction in COPD. Airway inflammation, including excess nitric oxide generation in the peripheral airways, might be related to the pathophysiology of COPD.

Pentylentetrazole-induced loss of blood–brain barrier integrity involves excess nitric oxide generation by neuronal nitric oxide synthase

Dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is one of the major pathophysiological consequences of epilepsy. The increase in the permeability caused by BBB failure is thought to contribute to the development of epileptic outcomes. We developed a method by which the BBB permeability can be demonstrated by gadolinium-enhanced T1 weighted imaging (GdET1WI). The present study examined the changes in the BBB permeability in mice with generalized convulsive seizures (GCS) induced by acute pentylentetrazole (PTZ) injection. At 15min after PTZ-induced GCS, the BBB temporarily leaks BBB-impermeable contrast agent into the parenchyma of the diencephalon, hippocampus and cerebral cortex in mice, and the loss of BBB integrity was gradually recovered by 24h. The temporary BBB failure is a critical link to the glutamatergic activities that occur following the injection of PTZ. PTZ activates the glutamatergic pathway via the NMDA receptor, then nitric oxide (NO) is generated by NMDA receptor-coupled neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). To examine the influence of nNOS-derived NO induced by PTZ on the increases of the BBB permeability, GdET1WI was performed using conventional nNOS gene-deficient mice with or without PTZ injection. The failure of the BBB induced by PTZ was completely protected by nNOS deficiency in the brain. These results suggest that nNOS-derived excess NO in the glutamatergic pathway plays a key role in the failure of the BBB during PTZ-induced GCS. The levels of NO synthetized by nNOS in the brain may represent an important target for the future development of drugs to protect the BBB.

Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Link Hyperinsulinemia to Hepatic Insulin Resistance

Insulin signaling in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is critical to maintain endothelial function but also to mediate insulin action on peripheral glucose disposal. However, gene knockout studies have reached disparate conclusions. Thus, insulin receptor inactivation in ECs does not impair insulin action, whereas inactivation of Irs2 does. Previously, we have shown that endothelial ablation of the three Foxo genes protects mice from atherosclerosis. Interestingly, here we show that mice lacking FoxO isoforms in ECs develop hepatic insulin resistance through excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO) that impairs insulin action in hepatocytes via tyrosine nitration of insulin receptors. Coculture experiments demonstrate that NO produced in liver sinusoidal ECs impairs insulin’s ability to suppress glucose production in hepatocytes. The effects of liver sinusoidal ECs can be mimicked by NO donors and can be reversed by NO inhibitors in vivo and ex vivo. The findings are consistent with a model in which excessive, rather than reduced, insulin signaling in ECs predisposes to systemic insulin resistance, prompting a reevaluation of current approaches to insulin sensitization.

A Novel Mechanism of Formaldehyde Neurotoxicity: Inhibition of Hydrogen Sulfide Generation by Promoting Overproduction of Nitric Oxide

BackgroundFormaldehyde (FA) induces neurotoxicity by overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increasing studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gastransmitter, protects nerve cells against oxidative stress by its antioxidant effect. It has been shown that overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) inhibits the activity of cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), the predominant H2S-generating enzyme in the central nervous system.ObjectiveWe hypothesize that FA-caused neurotoxicity involves the deficiency of this endogenous protective antioxidant gas, which results from excessive generation of NO. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether FA disturbs H2S synthesis in PC12 cells, and whether this disturbance is associated with overproduction of NO.Principal FindingsWe showed that exposure of PC12 cells to FA causes reduction of viability, inhibition of CBS expression, decrease of endogenous H2S production, and NO production. CBS silencing deteriorates FA-induced decreases in endogenous H2S generation, neurotoxicity, and intracellular ROS accumulation in PC12 cells; while ADMA, a specific inhibitor of NOS significantly attenuates FA-induced decreases in endogenous H2S generation, neurotoxicity, and intracellular ROS accumulation in PC12 cells.Conclusion/SignificanceOur data indicate that FA induces neurotoxicity by inhibiting the generation of H2S through excess of NO and suggest that strategies to manipulate endogenous H2S could open a suitable novel therapeutic avenue for FA-induced neurotoxicity.

Characterization of novel nitrite-based nitric oxide generating delivery systems for topical dermal application

Topical application of nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to exert beneficial effects in the therapy of chronic wounds, impaired microcirculation, and skin infections. Nitrite acidified by ascorbic acid has been widely used in many studies as NO-donor system, unfortunately with inflammatory and toxic effects on the treated skin due to unregulated excessive NO generation, low pH and possible toxic side products. Here we describe an essentially modified nitrite based NO generating system that avoid the mentioned unwanted side effects on human skin by using a pH-stable acetate/acetic acid buffer with a skin neutral pH of 5.5 and sodium ascorbate. In order to overcome the shortcoming of lower NO yields due to the higher pH-value and low nitrite concentrations, we have determined additionally the influence of copper ions. To investigate the influence of different NO release and penetration kinetics on NO-induced toxicity, we have developed a fibroblast assay using cell culture plates with gas permeable bottoms. The results show clearly that the donor system can achieve a sustained NO generation without generating high peaks.Furthermore, the presence of Cu2+ ions enhances manifold NO generation of pH/ascorbate-induced nitrite decomposition, a mechanism comprising the reduction of Cu2+ ions to Cu1+ by ascorbate. Finally, we have found that apart from the NO dose the NO release kinetics had a significant influence of cell toxicity. Thus, application of comparable NO amounts within a time interval of 600s led to the development of variable cell toxicities, which predominantly depended on the NO concentration values generated in the first 200s.In summary, we here describe a novel nitrite-based NO-donor system that can provide well defined NO concentrations at skin neutral pH-values for side effect poor topical dermal application, i.e. in the therapy of chronic wounds and impaired microcirculation.

Development of a Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) Assay for High-Throughput Chemical Screening

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent signaling molecule that needs to be tightly regulated to maintain metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH)/asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) pathway is central to this regulation. Specifically, the small-molecule ADMA competitively inhibits NOS, thus lowering NO levels. The majority of ADMA is physiologically metabolized by DDAH, thus maintaining NO levels at a physiological concentration. However, under pathophysiological conditions, DDAH activity is impaired, in part as a result of its sensitivity to oxidative stress. Therefore, the application of high-throughput chemical screening for the discovery of small molecules that could restore or enhance DDAH activity might have significant potential in treating metabolic and vascular diseases characterized by reduced NO levels, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and insulin resistance. By contrast, excessive generation of NO (primarily driven by inducible NOS) could play a role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sepsis, migraine headaches, and some types of cancer. In these conditions, small molecules that inhibit DDAH activity might be therapeutically useful. Here, we describe optimization and validation of a highly reproducible and robust assay successfully used in a high-throughput screen for DDAH modulators.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Prevents Mesengial Cell Apoptosis by Suppressing p38MAPK Signal

Background: Nitric oxide (NO), synthesis from L-arginine by Nitric oxide synthesizes (NOS) at kidney mesangial cells and involved in functional kidney defects such as acute kidney failure, inflammatory nephritis, diabetic nephropathy. CAPE (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester) is natural antioxidant which has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor affects. In this study we investigated effects of NO on rat kidney and therapeutic and protective effects of CAPE. Methods: We used albino Wistar rats, weigh 150-200. Our experimental groups: 1) Control 2) L-arginine-given group 3) Preventative group (L-arginine and CAPE administered together) 4) Therapeutic group (after L-arginine administration; CAPE administered 7 days) (n=10/per group). Kidney tissues harvested and cortex region divided into two in order to perform western blot and immunohistochemistry. p38MAPK and active caspase-3 levels investigated with western blot and we performed p38MAPK immunohistochemistry. Differences between groups were calculated by means of one-way ANOVA and p<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: In L-arginine applied group p38MAPK level increased significantly, when compared to control and preventative group (p<0.001). On the other hand there were no statistical significance between control and preventative group (p<0.057). Additionally p38MAPK level increased in therapeutic group compared to control and preventative group (p<0.001). Moreover, in L-arginine-given group active caspase-3 level significantly increased compared to control and preventative group (p<0.05). However, active caspase-3 level in preventative group significantly decreased compared to therapeutic group (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that excess NO generation activates p38MAPK signaling pathway and triggers apoptosis in the kidney mesangial cells. Additionally, CAPE inhibits L-arginine’s effect and prevents mesangial cell apoptosis.

Chronic hypoxia increases peroxynitrite, MMP9 expression, and collagen accumulation in fetal guinea pig hearts

Chronic hypoxia increases the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein levels in fetal guinea pig heart ventricles. Excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO) can induce nitrosative stress leading to the formation of peroxynitrite, which can upregulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study tested the hypothesis that maternal hypoxia increases fetal cardiac MMP9 and collagen through peroxynitrite generation in fetal hearts. In heart ventricles, levels of malondialdehyde, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), MMP9, and collagen were increased in hypoxic (HPX) vs. normoxic (NMX) fetal guinea pigs. Thus, maternal hypoxia induces oxidative-nitrosative stress and alters protein expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) through upregulation of the iNOS pathway in fetal heart ventricles. This identifies iNOS-derived NO as an important stimulus for initiating the adverse effects of peroxynitrite in HPX fetal hearts. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to normoxia (room air) or hypoxia (10.5% O(2), 14 d) before term (term ≈ 65 d) and administered water, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (LNIL), an iNOS inhibitor, or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant.

Ghrelin Suppression of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Helicobacter pylori&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Induced Gastric Mucosal Expression of iNOS is Mediated through the Inhibition of IKK-&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;β&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Activation by cNOS-Dependent S-Nitrosylation

Excessive nitric oxide generation, caused by the disturbances in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isozyme system, plays a key role in defining the extent of gastric mucosal inflammatory response to H. pylori infection. Here, we report that H. pylori LPS-induced enhancement in gastric mucosal inducible (i) iNOS expression and the impairment in constitutive (c) cNOS activity was associated with up-regulation in the inhibitory kB kinase-β (IKK?β) activation through phosphorylation, rise in IκB-α degradation, and the increase in the transcriptional factor, NF-κB, nuclear translocation. Further, we show that the countering effect of peptide hormone, ghrelin, on the LPS-induced disturbances in NOS isozyme system was reflected in the increase in Src/Akt-dependent cNOS activation through phosphorylation and the suppression of IKK-β activity through cNOSmediated IKK-β protein S-nitrosylation. As a consequence, ghrelin exerted the inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced rise in IκB-α degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation, thus leading to iNOS gene suppression and the repression of iNOS induction. These results point to a central role of cNOS activation in controlling the signaling pathways of the LPS-triggered iNOS gene induction. Moreover, our findings suggest a molecular mechanism by which ghrelin suppresses the gastric mucosal proinflammatory consequences of H. pylori infection.

The Ligand Binding Battle at Cytochrome c Oxidase

See related article, pages 1178–1183 The discovery that a high-affinity heme ligand, nitric oxide (NO), was a critical regulator of vasodilation, hemostasis, and vascular inflammation, immediately presented a number of stark paradoxes. Most notably, the formation of NO in endothelium and tissue could increase oxygen delivery to tissue by direct vasodilation and recruitment of oxygen rich blood but paradoxically could compete directly with critical oxygen binding sites on oxygen carrier and storage proteins (ie, hemoglobin and myoglobin) and on heme proteins of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (METC). Consistent with such an activity for NO, it was recognized that NO binds with relatively high affinity to cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) of the METC.1–3 Thus, the paradox: why would a molecule that is apparently essential for vasodilation and oxygen delivery directly bind to and inhibit mitochondrial electron transport? Such an activity, by inhibition of respiration and subsequent ATP generation, could represent an innate poison pill, analogous to cyanide. Interestingly, the binding of NO to cytochrome c oxidase is unique for 2 major reasons (1) Unlike the binding of NO to deoxyhemoglobin or myoglobin, which has a very low dissociation rate, the binding of NO to cytochrome c oxidase is reversible; NO is released as the enzyme cycles. This means that NO-dependent inhibition of respiration is reversible.1,3 (2) Perhaps more importantly, the binding of NO to cytochrome c oxidase is regulated by oxygen, such that NO is a more potent inhibitor of respiration as oxygen tension decreases.1,3,4 The binding of NO to cytochrome c oxidase and the resultant inhibition of respiration would seem detrimental, because ATP depletion would ensue. Indeed, in cases of excessive NO generation, complete inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase has been shown to contribute to pathology.5 However, at physiological concentrations of NO (such …

Role for nitric oxide in permeability of hippocampal neuronal hemichannels during oxygen glucose deprivation

Increased hemichannel opening induced by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) was reported in the hippocampal pyramidal neuron. It was suggested that the pannexin1 hemichannel opening could mediate ionic flux dysregulation, anoxic depolarization, and energy-depleting efflux of glucose and ATP for ischemic neurons. However, the regulatory mechanisms of pannexin1 hemichannel opening have been poorly understood. Here we showed that excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO) during ischemia could induce the calcein leakage from neurons, which was markedly reduced by NO synthase inhibitor. The calcein leakage from neurons during OGD was also attenuated by the application of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), an SH-alkylating agent, and dithiothreitol (DTT), a reducer of oxidized sulfhydryl groups. However, the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor had a minor effect on the calcein leakage during OGD. Furthermore, the elevated intracellular but not extracellular levels of glutathione could also inhibit the calcein leakage during OGD. Similar results were observed in metabolic inhibition (MI), which is another ischemic-like condition. Finally, immunocytochemical and immunoblotting analysis revealed that, after 1 hr of OGD stimulation, the distribution and expression of pannexin1 showed no significant difference compared with control. However, the pannexin1 mRNA expression was elevated after 1 hr of OGD and a sustained increase was maintained during reperfusion. These results implied that the reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially NO, might be involved in the enhanced pannexin1 hemichannel opening and that the S-nitrosylation but not the NO/cGMP pathway played a more important role in this event.

Protective effect of pine ( Pinus morrisonicola Hay.) needle on LDL oxidation and its anti-inflammatory action by modulation of iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

The protective effects of pine ( Pinus morrisonicola Hay.) needle on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and nitric oxide production in macrophages as well as its bioactive compounds were investigated. Of the four solvent extracts, the ethyl acetate extract of pine needle (EAE-PN) exhibited the strongest scavenging action on free radicals. EAE-PN significantly inhibited copper-induced LDL oxidation through prolonging the lag phase of conjugated dienes formation and decreasing the relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL. Lipid accumulation and foam cell formation were significantly reduced when EAE-PN (75 μg/mL) was added to the medium co-incubated with macrophages cells and copper-induced LDL. EAE-PN also markedly inhibited reactive oxygen species production in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). As regards NO production in cells, EAE-PN showed dose-dependent inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein expressions in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were inhibited by EAE-PN. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression were suppressed by EAE-PN. The major phenolic compounds in EAE-PN were epicatechin and p-coumaric acid by HPLC analysis. The presence of epicatechin and p-coumaric acid in EAE-PN may be partially responsible for the biological action of EAE-PN. Taken together, these results suggest that EAE-PN may provide potential protective effects against LDL oxidation and attenuating excessive NO generation at inflammatory sites; consequently, this may contribute to anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects of EAE-PN.

AUF-1 mediates inhibition by nitric oxide of lipopolysaccharide-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in cultured astrocytes

Neuroinflammatory diseases are associated with increased production of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO). NO has been reported to have variable effects on MMP-9 gene expression and activation in various cell types. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NOon MMP-9 expression in primary cortical astrocytes. Zymography and real-time PCR showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dramatically increased latent MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity and MMP-9 mRNA expression. By using the NO donor DETA NONOate, we observed a dose-dependent inhibition of MMP-9 induction by LPS. Active forms of MMP-9 were not found by zymography after NO treatment. The MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 completely inhibited LPS-induced MMP-9, which was partially inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. NO had no effect on LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation, suggesting that the inhibitory action of NO occurs downstream of MAPK cascades. Real-time PCR analysis showed that NO accelerated the degradation of MMP-9 mRNA after LPS induction. Western blotting and pull-down assay demonstrated that NO increased AUF-1 expression as well as its specific binding to the MMP-9 gene 3'-untranslated region. Knockdown of AUF-1 with siRNA partially reversed the inhibitory action of NO on LPS-stimulated MMP-9 induction. We conclude that NO does not activate MMP-9 in astrocyte cultures but reduces LPS-induced MMP-9 expression via accelerating MMP-9 mRNA degradation, which is partially mediated by AUF-1. Our results suggest that elevated NO concentrations may suppress MMP-9 and restrict the inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of Welsh onion on oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and nitric oxide production in macrophage cell line RAW 264.7

The effects of aqueous extracts of Welsh onion green leaves (WOE) on oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophage were investigated. The results showed that WOE in the range of 0.1–1.0 mg/ml inhibited LDL oxidation and scavenged ABTS + radical in an acellular system. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of WOE correlated well with the total polyphenolic content ( r = 0.968). In addition, WOE in the range of 0.1–1.0 mg/ml inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. The induction of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in RAW 264.7 cells was markedly suppressed by WOE. WOE at 1 mg/ml significantly inhibited iNOS mRNA expression, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, through IκB-α degradation, was reduced by WOE. These results suggest that WOE could attenuate excessive NO and prostaglandin generation in macrophages and lipoprotein oxidation in vitro.

The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain herbal formulations in vitro: a preliminary study.

The nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities of traditional polyherbal drugs like abana, chyavanaprasha, geriforte, septilin, mentat and triphala were examined using sodium nitroprusside as a NO donor in vitro. All the drugs tested demonstrated direct scavenging of NO and were superior to Gingko biloba, which was used as a positive control. The extracts of various polyherbal drugs exhibited dose-dependent NO scavenging activities and the potency was in the following order: abana > chyavanaprasha > triphala > geriforte > septilin > mentat > Gingko biloba. The present results suggest that the traditional Indian polyherbal crude drugs may be potent and novel therapeutic agents for scavenging of NO, and thereby inhibit the pathological conditions caused by excessive generation of NO and its oxidation product, peroxynitrite. These findings may also help to explain, at least in part, the pharmacological activities like rejuvenating, adaptogenic, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective activities of these traditional, clinically used non toxic drugs.