Glutathione S-transferase Alpha Research Articles

Naringenin attenuates CCl4‐induced hepatic inflammation by the activation of an Nrf2‐mediated pathway in rats

The possible protective effects of naringenin, a naturally occurring citrus flavonone, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced liver injury in rats and the mechanism underlying its effects were investigated. Forty rats were divided into five groups. Rats in Groups I and II served as the normal and injured liver groups, respectively; Group III rats were treated with the standard drug silymarin as a positive control; and rats in Groups IV and V (naringenin-treated groups) were administrated 50mg/kg, p.o., naringenin for 7days. Liver samples were collected to evaluate mRNA and protein expression, histological changes and oxidative stress. Naringenin inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced serum levels of hepatic enzymes induced by CCl4 . In addition, naringenin increased the liver content of reduced glutathione and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes in rats treated with CCl4 . Naringenin attenuated liver inflammation by downregulating CCl4 -induced activation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) at both the protein and mRNA levels. Naringenin treatment significantly increased NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) expression in injured livers. In rats treated with CCl4 alone, decreases were seen in nuclear Nrf2 expression and in the mRNA levels of its target genes (e.g. HO-1, NQO1 and glutathione S-transferase alpha 3 (GST-a3)). Together, the results suggest that naringenin can protect the liver against oxidative stress, presumably by activating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 as well as attenuating the TNF-α pathway to elicit an anti-inflammatory response in liver tissue.

The effect of cloudy apple juice on hepatic and mammary gland phase I and II enzymes induced by DMBA in female Sprague-Dawley rats

Apples abundant in phenolic compounds show a variety of biological activities that may contribute to health beneficial effects against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer. We investigated the effect of cloudy apple juice (CAJ) on the hepatic and mammary gland carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, DNA damage and liver injury, altered by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Sprague-Dawley female rats were gavaged with CAJ (10 ml/kg b.w.) for 28 consecutive days. DMBA was administered i.p. on the 27th and the 28th days. In the liver, feeding with CAJ decreased the activities of CYP1A1 and 1A2 and increased phase II enzymes. The activities of all enzymes tested were enhanced in the animals treated with DMBA alone and in combination with CAJ. The most significant changes in the level of the hepatic enzymes tested were observed for GST alpha and NQO1. In mammary gland CAJ induced an increase in the level of GST mu and GST pi, while DMBA and CAJ combined administration elevated GST pi only. This may be beneficial as GST pi is involved in the DMBA detoxification. Additionally, pretreatment with CAJ reduced the level of most of the blood biochemical liver and kidney markers elevated as a result of DMBA treatment. These findings indicate that CAJ may interfere with enzyme system involved in carcinogen metabolism. However, this effect seems to be dependent on tissue and carcinogen and is moderately effective in the case of DMBA. Moreover, CAJ can also provide some protection against the liver and kidney damage.

Modulation of Biotransformation Systems and ABC Transporters by Benznidazole in Rats

The effect of antichagasic benznidazole (BZL; 100 mg/kg body weight/day, 3 consecutive days, intraperitoneally) on biotransformation systems and ABC transporters was evaluated in rats. Expression of cytochrome P-450 (CYP3A), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A), glutathione S-transferases (alpha glutathione S-transferase [GST-α], GST-μ, and GST-π), multidrug-resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), and P glycoprotein (P-gp) in liver, small intestine, and kidney was estimated by Western blotting. Increases in hepatic CYP3A (30%) and GST-μ (40%) and in intestinal GST-α (72% in jejunum and 136% in ileum) were detected. Significant increases in Mrp2 (300%) and P-gp (500%) proteins in liver from BZL-treated rats were observed without changes in kidney. P-gp and Mrp2 were also increased by BZL in jejunum (170% and 120%, respectively). In ileum, only P-gp was increased by BZL (50%). The activities of GST, P-gp, and Mrp2 correlated well with the upregulation of proteins in liver and jejunum. Plasma decay of a test dose of BZL (5 mg/kg body weight) administered intraduodenally was faster (295%) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was lower (41%) for BZL-pretreated rats than for controls. The biliary excretion of BZL was higher (60%) in the BZL group, and urinary excretion of BZL did not show differences between groups. The amount of absorbed BZL in intestinal sacs was lower (25%) in pretreated rats than in controls. In conclusion, induction of biotransformation enzymes and/or transporters by BZL could increase the clearance and/or decrease the intestinal absorption of coadministered drugs that are substrates of these systems, including BZL itself.

Tissue Expression and Correlation of a Panel of Urinary Biomarkers Following Cisplatin-induced Kidney Injury

In recent years, there has been considerable activity to identify urinary biomarkers of nephrotoxicity as noninvasive measurements with greater sensitivity and specificity than traditional biomarkers, such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Our study aimed to use cisplatin-treated rats to evaluate the use of immunohistochemistry directed at multiple urinary biomarkers in kidney tissue. Tissue levels were compared to urinary levels of these biomarkers to demonstrate tissue specificity and sensitivity. These techniques could also be used in studies where urine samples are not available, such as retrospective studies in drug safety testing, to demonstrate the potential utility of using these biomarkers in future preclinical or clinical studies. All of the biomarkers investigated showed either an increase (kidney injury molecule [KIM-1], osteopontin [OPN], and, clusterin) or a decrease (alpha-glutathione S-transferase and trefoil factor 3) except beta 2 microglobulin (β2MG) that showed no significant changes 5 days after 1.0 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg cisplatin treatment. All of the biomarkers except β2MG showed utility as tissue biomarkers, but KIM-1 and OPN expression correlated closely with urinary biomarker measurements and reflect tissue damage. Future studies are needed to determine the wider application of these two markers for detecting renal toxicity following administration of other nephrotoxicants.

Urinary cystatin C as a renal biomarker and its immunohistochemical localization in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis rats

The usefulness of urinary cystatin C for the early detection of renal damage in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis rats was investigated and compared to other biomarkers (β2-microglobulin, calbindin, clusterin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), alpha-glutathione S-transferase (GST-α), mu-glutathione S-transferase (GST-μ), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), osteopontin, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)). Urinary levels of cystatin C increased in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis rats, whereas the conventional markers, plasma creatinine and UN did not, demonstrating its usefulness for the early detection of renal damage associated with anti-GBM glomerulonephritis. As well as cystatin C, urinary β2-microglobulin, clusterin, GST-α, GST-μ, KIM-1, and NGAL also had the potential to detect renal damage associated with anti-GBM glomerulonephritis. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical localization of cystatin C in the kidney was examined. Cystatin C expression was mainly observed in the proximal renal tubules in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis rats, and its expression barely changed with the progression of glomerulonephritis. Cystatin C expression was also observed in the tubular lumen of the cortex and medulla when glomerulonephritis was marked, which was considered to be characteristic of renal damage. In conclusion, urinary cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, clusterin, GST-α, GST-μ, KIM-1, and NGAL could be useful biomarkers of renal damage in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis rats. Immunohistochemical cystatin C expression in the proximal renal tubules was barely changed by the progression of glomerulonephritis, but it was newly observed in the tubular lumen when renal damage was apparent.

Protection from Oxidative and Electrophilic Stress in the Gsta4-null Mouse Heart

4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) mediates many pathological effects of oxidative and electrophilic stress and signals to activate cytoprotective gene expression regulated by NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). By exhibiting very high levels of 4-HNE-conjugating activity, the murine glutathione transferase alpha 4 (GSTA4-4) helps regulate cellular 4-HNE levels. To examine the role of 4-HNE in vivo, we disrupted the murine Gsta4 gene. Gsta4-null mice exhibited no cardiac phenotype under normal conditions and no difference in cardiac 4-HNE level as compared to wild-type mice. We hypothesized that the Nrf2 pathway might contribute an important compensatory mechanism to remove excess cardiac 4-HNE in Gsta4-null mice. Cardiac nuclear extracts from Gsta4-null mice exhibited significantly higher Nrf2 binding to antioxidant response elements. We also observed responses in critical Nrf2 target gene products: elevated Sod2, Cat, and Akr1b7 mRNA levels and significant increases in both cardiac antioxidant and anti-electrophile enzyme activities. Gsta4-null mice were less sensitive and maintained normal cardiac function following chronic doxorubicin treatment, known to increase cardiac 4-HNE levels. Hence, in the absence of GSTA4-4 to modulate both physiological and pathological 4-HNE levels, the adaptive Nrf2 pathway may be primed to contribute to a preconditioned cardiac phenotype in the Gsta4-null mouse.

Abstract 1344: Glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 is a potential biomarker for Enterococcus faecalis-induced inflammation and colon cancer.

Abstract Enterococcus faecalis is a human colonic commensal that induces colon inflammation and cancer in several mouse models. We have shown that E. faecalis-infected macrophages produce 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation byproduct of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and that this reactive aldehyde is genotoxic and mediates bystander effects (BSE). To further investigate mechanisms for 4-HNE-mediated BSE, we treated primary murine colonic epithelial cells (YAMC) with 4-HNE and studied Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Western blotting showed activation of β-catenin after 1 hr exposure of YAMC cells to 1 μM 4-HNE. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed nuclear translocation of activated β-catenin 5 hrs following treatment. These findings suggested that 4-HNE as an endogenous carcinogen that potentially contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis. Because glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 (Gsta4) is a detoxifying enzyme for this reactive aldehyde, we determined whether exposure of YAMC cells to 4-HNE increased the production of Gsta4. Indeed, Gsta4 was significantly increased at 24-72 hrs following 4-HNE treatment, suggesting upregulation of Gsta4 in response to 4-HNE-induced genotoxicity. In addition, we measured Gsta4 in 6 human colon cancer cell lines and compared these results to normal human colonic epithelial cells (FHC). Our findings showed that Gsta4 was strongly produced by all cancer cell lines compared to FHC. Finally, we colonized interleukin (IL)-10 knockout mice with E. faecalis for short- (2 weeks), intermediate- (3 months), and long-term (9 months) periods of time. Gsta4 levels in serum significantly increased for Il10−/− mice colonized with E. faecalis at 2 weeks compared to no change for colonized wildtype mice. Immunohistochemical staining for Gsta4 was apparent in tissue macrophages from colon biopsies for colonized mice, implying macrophage activation. Gsta4-positivity significantly increased in colon macrophages after 3 and 9 months of colonization in areas of increased inflammation. Of note, although Gsta4-positive staining was not seen in epithelial cells in areas of inflammation, intense staining was noted in neoplastic epithelial cells. These results suggest that activation of Gsta4 may be an early event in macrophage activation and associated with neoplasia. In summary, in the IL-10 knockout model, E. faecalis-infected macrophages produce 4-HNE and this lipid peroxidation breakdown product induces Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Gsta4 production. These findings implicate Gsta4 as a potential surrogate biomarker for colon cancer and should permit the development of new chemopreventive strategies. Citation Format: Xingmin Wang, Yonghong Yang, Mark Huycke, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 is a potential biomarker for Enterococcus faecalis-induced inflammation and colon cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1344. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1344

Pregnancy Prediction in Single Embryo Transfer Cycles after ICSI Using QPCR: Validation in Oocytes from the Same Cohort

Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. In 47 ICSI patients with single embryo transfer (SET), from which individual CC samples had been stored, 12 genes using QPCR were retrospectively analyzed. The CC samples were at the same occasion also used to validate a previously obtained pregnancy prediction model comprising three genes (ephrin-B2 (EFNB2), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase ID, stanniocalcin 1). Latter validation yielded a correct pregnant/non-pregnant classification in 72% of the samples. Subsequently, 9 new genes were analyzed on the same samples and new prediction models were built. Out of the 12 genes analyzed a combination of the best predictive genes was obtained by stepwise multiple regression. One model retained EFNB2 in combination with glutathione S-transferase alpha 3 and 4, progesterone receptor and glutathione peroxidase 3, resulting in 93% correct predictions when 3 patient and treatment cycle characteristics were included into the model. This large patient group allowed to do an intra-patient analysis for 7 patients, an analysis mimicking the methodology that would ultimately be used in clinical routine. CC related to a SET that did not give pregnancy and CC related to their subsequent frozen/thawed embryos which ended in pregnancy were analyzed. The models obtained in the between-patient analysis were used to rank the oocytes within-patients for their chance to pregnancy and resulted in 86% of correct predictions. In conclusion, prediction models built on selected quantified transcripts in CC might help in the decision making process which is currently only based on subjective embryo morphology scoring. The validity of our current models for routine application still need prospective assessment in a larger and more diverse patient population allowing intra-patient analysis.

Effect of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate on antioxidant responsive element-mediated transcription: a possible indication of its cytotoxicity.

BackgroundThe resin monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is known to be more cytotoxic than methyl methacrylate (MMA). Using a luciferase reporter assay system, we previously showed that MMA activates the glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 gene (Gsta1) promoter through the anti-oxidant responsive element (ARE). However, it is not known whether HEMA induces ARE-mediated transcription.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe further developed the reporter system and studied the concentration-dependent effect of HEMA on ARE enhancer activity. The revised system employed HepG2 cells stably transfected with a destabilized luciferase reporter vector carrying 2 copies of the 41-bp ARE region of Gsta1. In this system, MMA increased ARE activity by 244-fold at 30 mM; HEMA augmented ARE activity at 3 mM more intensely than MMA (36-fold versus 11-fold) and was equipotent as MMA at 10 mM (56-fold activation); however, HEMA failed to increase ARE activity at 30 mM. In HepG2 cells, HEMA detectably lowered the cellular glutathione levels at 10 mM and cell viability at 30 mM, but MMA did not.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the low-concentration effect of HEMA on ARE activity reflects its cytotoxicity. Our reporter system used to examine ARE activity may be useful for evaluating cytotoxicities of resin monomers at concentrations lower than those for which cell viabilities are reduced.

Assessment of cisplatin-induced kidney injury using an integrated rodent platform

Current diagnosis of drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) primarily relies on detection of elevated plasma creatinine (Cr) or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels; however, both are indices of overall kidney function and changes are delayed with respect to onset of nephron injury. Our aim was to investigate whether early changes in new urinary DIKI biomarkers predict plasma Cr, BUN, renal hemodynamic and kidney morphological changes associated with kidney injury following a single dose of cisplatin (CDDP) using an integrated platform in rodent. Conscious surgically prepared male Han Wistar rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of CDDP (15mg/kg). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), urinalysis, DIKI biomarkers, CDDP pharmacokinetics, blood pressures, heart rate, body temperature and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured in the same vehicle- or CDDP-treated animals over 72h. Plasma chemistry (including Cr and BUN) and renal tissues were examined at study termination. Cisplatin caused progressive reductions of GFR, ERPF, heart rate and body temperature from day 1 (0–24h). DIKI biomarkers including alpha-glutathione S-transferase (α-GST) significantly increased as early as 6h post-dose, which preceded significant declines of GFR and ERPF (24h), increased plasma Cr and BUN (72h), and associated with renal acute tubular necrosis at 72h post-dose. The present study adds to the current understanding of CDDP action by demonstrating that early increases in urinary excretion of α-GST predict DIKI risk following acute exposure to CDDP in rats, before changes in traditional DIKI markers are evident.

Garlic Oil Attenuated Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating the Metabolic Activation and Detoxification Enzymes

Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) is a potent carcinogen widely existing in the environment. Our previous study has demonstrated that garlic oil (GO) could prevent NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been well documented that the metabolic activation may play important roles in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we designed the current study to explore the potential mechanisms by investigating the changes of hepatic phase Ⅰ enzymes (including cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) 2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP1A1) and phase Ⅱ enzymes (including glutathione S transferases (GSTs) and UDP- Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)) by using enzymatic methods, real-time PCR, and western blotting analysis. We found that NDEA treatment resulted in significant decreases of the activities of CYP2E1, CYP1A2, GST alpha, GST mu, UGTs and increases of the activities of CYP1A1 and GST pi. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CYP2E1, CYP1A2, GST alpha, GST mu and UGT1A6 in the liver of NDEA-treated rats were significantly decreased compared with those of the control group rats, while the mRNA and protein levels of CYP1A1 and GST pi were dramatically increased. Interestingly, all these adverse effects induced by NDEA were simultaneously and significantly suppressed by GO co-treatment. These data suggest that the protective effects of GO against NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis might be, at least partially, attributed to the modulation of phase I and phase II enzymes.

Nanostructured self-assembling peptides as a defined extracellular matrix for long-term functional maintenance of primary hepatocytes in a bioartificial liver modular device.

Much effort has been directed towards the optimization of the capture of in vivo hepatocytes from their microenvironment. Some methods of capture include an ex vivo cellular model in a bioreactor based liver module, a micropatterned module, a microfluidic 3D chip, coated plates, and other innovative approaches for the functional maintenance of primary hepatocytes. However, none of the above methods meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, which recommend and encourage that the duration of a toxicity assay of a drug should be a minimum of 14 days, to a maximum of 90 days for a general toxicity assay. Existing innovative reports have used undefined extracellular matrices like matrigel, rigid collagen, or serum supplementations, which are often problematic, unacceptable in preclinical and clinical applications, and can even interfere with experimental outcomes. We have overcome these challenges by using integrated nanostructured self-assembling peptides and a special combination of growth factors and cytokines to establish a proof of concept to mimic the in vivo hepatocyte microenvironment pattern in vitro for predicting the in vivo drug hepatotoxicity in a scalable bioartificial liver module. Hepatocyte functionality (albumin, urea) was measured at days 10, 30, 60, and 90 and we observed stable albumin secretion and urea function throughout the culture period. In parallel, drug metabolizing enzyme biomarkers such as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, the methylthiazol tetrazolium test, and the lactate dehydrogenase test were carried out at days 10, 30, 60, and 90. We noticed excellent mitochondrial status and membrane stability at 90 days of culture. Since alpha glutathione S-transferase (GST) is highly sensitive and a specific marker of hepatocyte injury, we observed significantly low alpha GST levels on all measured days (10, 30, 60, and 90). Finally, we performed the image analysis of mitochondria-cultured hepatocytes at day 90 in different biophysical parameters using confocal microscopy. We applied an automatic algorithm-based method for 3D visualization to show the classic representation of the mitochondrial distribution in double hepatocytes. An automated morphological measurement was conducted on the mitochondrial distribution in the cultured hepatocytes. Our proof of concept of a scalable bioartificial liver modular device meets FDA guidelines and may function as an alternative model of animal experimentation for pharmacological and toxicological studies involving drug metabolism, enzyme induction, transplantation, viral hepatitis, hepatocyte regeneration, and can also be used in other existing bioreactor modules for long-term culture for up to 90 days or more.

Hepatic Gene Expression Associated With Macrophage and Oxidative Stress of Simple Steatosis and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Model Rats Using DNA Microarray Analysis Microarray Analysis

Aim: To clarify the mechanism governing progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), we examined hepatic gene expression associated with macrophage and oxidative stress/inflammation, which plays an important role in the progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in simple steatosis (SS) model and NASH model rats. Methods: Four-month-old male Spontaneously Hypertensive Hyperlipidemic Rats (SHHR) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were each divided into two groups: SD rats received a high-fat diet and 30% sucrose solution (HFDS) as SS model rats and SHHR received the HFDS as NASH model rats. Microarray analysis was performed on the liver of these rats at eight months of age to select those gene sets, e.g., “genes correlated with progression of NAFLD” and “genes expressed exclusively in NASH”, which are related to macrophage or oxidative stress/inflammation. Results: Thirteen genes were selected from the microarray analysis data. Four genes were associated with macrophage: acid phosphatase 5, tartrate-resistant (Acp5), a member of the RAS oncogene family (Rab8a), scavenger receptor class B, member 2 (Scarb2) and CD36 molecule (Cd36). Nine genes were associated with oxidative stress/inflammation: translocator protein (Tspo), prostaglandin I2 synthase (Ptgis), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 9 (Tnfrsf9), glutathione S-transferase alpha 5 (Gsta5), regucalcin (Rgn), glutathione S-transferase kappa 1 (Gstk1), disabled homolog 2, mitogen-responsive phosphoprotein (Dab2), glutathione S-transferase mu 5 (Gstm5) and flavin-containing monooxygenase 5 (Fmo5). Acp5, Tspo, Ptgis, Tnfrsf, Gsta5 (upregulated) and Rab8a, Rgn, Gstk1 (down-regulated) were included in genes correlated with progression of NAFLD. Scarb2, Cd36, Dab2 Gstm5 (up-regulated) and Fmo5 (down-regulated) were included in genes expressed in only NASH model rats. Conclusion: We hypothesized that scavenger receptor class B and glutathione S-transferase play an important role in the progression from simple NAFLD to NASH. Our results afford beneficial data regarding therapeutic targets of progression of NAFLD/NASH.

Fluorogenic probes using 4-substituted-2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl derivatives as caging groups for the analysis of human glutathione transferase catalyzed reactions

We have synthesized a series of 4-substituted-2-nitrobenzene-sulfonyl compounds for caged fluorogenic probes and conducted a Hammett plot analysis using the steady-state kinetic parameters. The results revealed that the glutathione transferase (GST) alpha catalyzed reaction was dependent on the σ value in the same way as the non-enzymatic reaction, whereas the dependence of the σ value of the GST mu and pi was not as pronounced as that of GST alpha.

CDNA cloning and mRNA expression of four glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes from Mytilus galloprovincialis

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are phase II enzymes involved in the regulation of redox homeostasis and innate immune responses against bacterial infection, which also play important roles in the detoxification of xenobiotics. In this study, we reported four genes of the GST family (named MgGSTα, MgGSTS1, MgGSTS2, and MgGSTS3, respectively) from Mytilus galloprovincialis. MgGSTα, MgGSTS1, MgGSTS2, and MgGSTS3 consisted of open reading frame (ORF) of 648 bp, 612 bp, 621 bp and 609 bp respectively, which encoded proteins of 216, 204, 207 and 203 amino acids residues, respectively. Sequence analysis showed that the predicted protein sequence of MgGSTs contained the conserved domain of the GST_N and GST_C. Alignment analysis indicated that the MgGSTs were divided into two types, one was of alpha GST, and the others were of sigma class. Tissue distribution study revealed that MgGSTα, MgGSTS2, MgGSTS3 transcripts were highly expressed in hemocytes, while MgGSTS1 mRNA was most abundantly expressed in hepatopancreas. After bacterial challenge, the expression level of these MgGSTs in hemocytes were all significantly higher than that of the control group. These results suggested that MgGSTs might play important roles in the modulation of immune response in M. galloprovincialis.

Oxidative stress contributes to liver damage in a murine model of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder resulting in the expression of misfolded mutant protein that can polymerize and accumulate in hepatocytes, leading to liver disease in some individuals. Transgenic PiZ mice are a well-characterized model, which express human alpha-1-antitrypsin mutant Z protein (ATZ protein) and faithfully recapitulate the human liver disease. Liver tissue expressing alpha-1-antitrypsin mutant Z protein exhibits inflammation, injury and replacement of damaged cells. Fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develop in aging PiZ mice. In this study, microarray analysis was performed comparing young PiZ (ZY) mice to wild-type (WY), and indicated that there were alterations in gene expression levels that could influence a number of pathways leading to liver disease. Redox-regulating genes were up-regulated in ZY tissue, including carbonyl reductase 3 (CBR3), glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 + 2 (GSTA(1 + 2)) and glutathione S-transferase mu 3 (GSTM3). We hypothesized that oxidative stress could develop in Z mouse liver, contributing to tissue damage and disease progression with age. The results of biochemical analysis of PiZ mouse liver revealed that higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a more oxidized, cellular redox state occurred in liver tissue from ZY mice than WY. ZY mice showed little evidence of oxidative cellular damage as assessed by protein carbonylation levels, malondialdehyde levels and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8oxodG) staining. Aging liver tissue from PiZ older mice (ZO) had elevated ROS, generally lower levels of antioxidant enzymes than younger mice and evidence of cellular damage. These data indicate that oxidative stress is a contributing factor in the development of liver disease in this model of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Kidney Toxicity Induced by 13 Weeks Exposure to the Fruiting Body of Paecilomyces sinclairii in Rats.

Paecilomyces sinclairiis (PS) is known as a functional food or human health supplement. However concerns have been raised about its kidney toxicity. This study was performed to investigate the kidney toxicity of PS by 13 week-oral administration to rats. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and kidney damage biomarkers including beta-2-microglobulin (β2m), glutathione S-transferase alpha (GST-α), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), calbindin, clusterin, cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and osteopontin were measured during or after the treatment of PS. BUN, creatinine and kidney damage biomarkers in serum were not changed by PS. However, kidney cell karyomegaly and tubular hypertrophy were observed dose-dependently with higher severity in males. KIM-1, TIMP-1 and osteopontin in kidney and urine were increased dose dependently in male or at the highest dose in female rats. Increased urinary osteopontin by PS was not recovered at 2 weeks of post-exposure in both genders. Cystatin C in kidney was decreased at all treatment groups but inversely increased in urine. The changes in kidney damage biomarkers were more remarkable in male than female rats. These data indicate that the PS may provoke renal cell damage and glomerular filtration dysfunction in rats with histopathological lesions and change of kidney damage biomarkers in kidney or urine. Kidney and urinary KIM-1 and cystatin C were the most marked indicators, while kidney weight, BUN and creatinine and kidney damage biomarkers in serum were not influenced.

A Performance Evaluation of Three Drug-Induced Liver Injury Biomarkers in the Rat: Alpha-Glutathione S-Transferase, Arginase 1, and 4-Hydroxyphenyl-Pyruvate Dioxygenase

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity is the most frequently relied upon reference standard for monitoring liver injury in humans and nonclinical species. However, limitations of ALT include a lack of specificity for diagnosing liver injury (e.g., present in muscle and the gastrointestinal tract), its inability to monitor certain types of hepatic injury (e.g., biliary injury), and ambiguity with respect to interpretation of modest or transient elevations (< 3× upper limit of normal). As an initial step to both understand and qualify additional biomarkers of hepatotoxicity that may add value to ALT, three novel candidates have been evaluated in 34 acute toxicity rat studies: (1) alpha-glutathione S-transferase (GSTA), (2) arginase 1 (ARG1), and (3) 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPD). The performance of each biomarker was assessed for its diagnostic ability to accurately detect hepatocellular injury (i.e., microscopic histopathology), singularly or in combination with ALT. All three biomarkers, either alone or in combination with ALT, improved specificity when compared with ALT alone. Hepatocellular necrosis and/or degeneration were detected by all three biomarkers in the majority of animals. ARG1 and HPD were also sensitive in detecting single-cell necrosis in the absence of more extensive hepatocellular necrosis/degeneration. ARG1 showed the best sensitivity for detecting biliary injury with or without ALT. All the biomarkers were able to detect biliary injury with single-cell necrosis. Taken together, these novel liver toxicity biomarkers, GSTA, ARG1, and HPD, add value (both enhanced specificity and sensitivity) to the measurement of ALT alone for monitoring drug-induced liver injury in rat.

Glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 risk polymorphism and increased bilateral thalamus mean diffusivity in schizophrenia

Oxidative damage in brain cells is one of the factors hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) A1*B polymorphism, a genotype associated with a higher risk of oxidative damage, is associated with increased frequency of schizophrenia diagnosis. Thus, here we studied Glutathione S-transferase (GST) A1 polymorphism and diffusion tensor imaging-mean diffusivity (MD) data on deep grey matter brain structures in 56 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) schizophrenia. Clinical diagnosis and psychopathological symptom severity were assessed by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-P) and the Scales for Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms (SAPS and SANS). Results confirmed that patients with schizophrenia who were carriers of the GSTA1 *B risk allele had an increased MD in bilateral thalami and increased severity of auditory and global hallucinations in comparison with non-B carriers. Thus, oxidative stress associated factors may be implicated in specific mechanisms of schizophrenia such as altered microstructure of the thalami and specific psychopathological features of auditory hallucinations.

Urinary cystatin C as a biomarker for diabetic nephropathy and its immunohistochemical localization in kidney in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats

Cystatin C, a cysteine protease inhibitor, is a novel biomarker of renal damage. In the present study, we examined the usefulness of urinary cystatin C for the detection of diabetic nephropathy in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats compared to other biomarkers (β2-microglobulin, calbindin, clusterin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), alpha-glutathione S-transferase (GST-α), mu-glutathione S-transferase (GST-μ), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), osteopontin, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Urinary levels of cystatin C were increased in ZDF rats where renal damage was not histopathologically observed, and then further increased with the progression of renal damage, demonstrating the usefulness of early detection and accurate assessment of diabetic nephropathy. Urinary β2-microglobulin, clusterin, GST-μ, KIM-1, and osteopontin had the potency to detect renal damage in ZDF rats as well as cystatin C. We also investigated immunohistochemical localization of cystatin C in the kidney according to progressive renal damage. Cystatin C expression was mainly observed in the proximal renal tubule in ZDF rats, and hardly changed with progression of nephropathy. When renal damage was remarkable, cystatin C expression was also observed in the tubular lumen of the cortex and medulla, which was considered to be characteristic of renal damage in diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, urinary cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, clusterin, GST-μ, KIM-1, and osteopontin could be useful biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy in ZDF rats. Immunohistochemical cystatin C expression in the proximal renal tubule was hardly changed by the progression of diabetic nephropathy, but it was newly observed in the tubular lumen when renal damage was remarkable in ZDF rats.