Helmut Sies Research Articles

The Reactive Species Interactome in the Brain.

Significance: Redox pioneer Helmut Sies attempted to explain reactive species' challenges faced by organelles, cells, tissues, and organs via three complementary definitions: (i) oxidative stress, that is, the disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant defense balance in favor of the prooxidants; (ii) oxidative eustress, the low physiological exposure to prooxidants; and (iii) oxidative distress, the supraphysiological exposure to prooxidants. Recent Advances: Identification, concentration, and interactions are the most important elements to improve our understanding of reactive species in physiology and pathology. In this context, the reactive species interactome (RSI) is a new multilevel redox regulatory system that identifies reactive species families, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive sulfur species, and it integrates their interactions with their downstream biological targets. Critical Issues: We propose a united view to fully combine reactive species identification, oxidative eustress and distress, and the RSI system. In this view, we also propose including the forgotten reactive carbonyl species, an increasingly rediscovered reactive species family related to the other reactive families, and key enzymes within the RSI. We focus on brain physiology and pathology to demonstrate why this united view should be considered. Future Directions: More studies are needed for an improved understanding of the contributions of reactive species through their identification, concentration, and interactions, including in the brain. Appreciating the RSI in its entirety should unveil new molecular players and mechanisms in physiology and pathology in the brain and elsewhere.

Re-Evaluating the Oxidative Phenotype: Can Endurance Exercise Save the Western World?

Mitochondria are popularly called the “powerhouses” of the cell. They promote energy metabolism through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, which in contrast to cytosolic glycolysis are oxygen-dependent and significantly more substrate efficient. That is, mitochondrial metabolism provides substantially more cellular energy currency (ATP) per macronutrient metabolised. Enhancement of mitochondrial density and metabolism are associated with endurance training, which allows for the attainment of high relative VO2 max values. However, the sedentary lifestyle and diet currently predominant in the Western world lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Underdeveloped mitochondrial metabolism leads to nutrient-induced reducing pressure caused by energy surplus, as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-mediated high electron flow at rest leads to “electron leak” and a chronic generation of superoxide radicals (O2−). Chronic overload of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages cell components such as DNA, cell membranes, and proteins. Counterintuitively, transiently generated ROS during exercise contributes to adaptive reduction-oxidation (REDOX) signalling through the process of cellular hormesis or “oxidative eustress” defined by Helmut Sies. However, the unaccustomed, chronic oxidative stress is central to the leading causes of mortality in the 21st century—metabolic syndrome and the associated cardiovascular comorbidities. The endurance exercise training that improves mitochondrial capacity and the protective antioxidant cellular system emerges as a universal intervention for mitochondrial dysfunction and resultant comorbidities. Furthermore, exercise might also be a solution to prevent ageing-related degenerative diseases, which are caused by impaired mitochondrial recycling. This review aims to break down the metabolic components of exercise and how they translate to athletic versus metabolically diseased phenotypes. We outline a reciprocal relationship between oxidative metabolism and inflammation, as well as hypoxia. We highlight the importance of oxidative stress for metabolic and antioxidant adaptation. We discuss the relevance of lactate as an indicator of critical exercise intensity, and inferring from its relationship with hypoxia, we suggest the most appropriate mode of exercise for the case of a lost oxidative identity in metabolically inflexible patients. Finally, we propose a reciprocal signalling model that establishes a healthy balance between the glycolytic/proliferative and oxidative/prolonged-ageing phenotypes. This model is malleable to adaptation with oxidative stress in exercise but is also susceptible to maladaptation associated with chronic oxidative stress in disease. Furthermore, mutations of components involved in the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial metabolism may lead to the development of a cancerous phenotype, which progressively presents as one of the main causes of death, alongside the metabolic syndrome.

Hydrogen peroxide, from Wieland to Sies

A history of the formation of hydrogen peroxide in vivo is presented, starting with the discovery of catalase. The first hypothesis was formulated by Heinrich Wieland, who assumed that dioxygen reacted directly with organic molecules. This view was strongly criticised by Otto Warburg, Helmut Sies' academic grandfather. The involvement of hydrogen peroxide in physiological processes was investigated by Theodor Bücher, the “Doktorvater” of Helmut. Helmut's research made it possible to quantitate hydrogen peroxide in tissues.

The Oxygen Paradox, oxidative stress, and ageing

Professor Helmut Sies is being lauded in this special issue of Archives of Biochemistry & Biophysics, on the occasion of his retirement as Editor-in-Chief. There is no doubt that Helmut has exerted an enormously positive influence on this journal, the fields of Biochemistry & Biophysics in general, and the areas of free radical and redox biology & medicine in particular. Helmut Sies' many discoveries about peroxide metabolism, glutathione, glutathione peroxidases, singlet oxygen, carotenoids in general and lycopene in particular, and flavonoids, fill the pages of his more than 600 publications. In addition, he will forever be remembered for coining the term ‘oxidative stress’ that is so widely used (and sometimes abused) by most of his colleagues.

Hydrogen peroxide and central redox theory for aerobic life: A tribute to Helmut Sies: Scout, trailblazer, and redox pioneer

When Rafael Radi and I wrote about Helmut Sies for the Redox Pioneer series, I was disappointed that the Editor restricted us to the use of “Pioneer” in the title. My view is that Helmut was always ahead of the pioneers: He was a scout discovering paths for exploration and a trailblazer developing strategies and methods for discovery. I have known him for nearly 40 years and greatly enjoyed his collegiality as well as brilliance in scientific scholarship. He made monumental contributions to 20th century physiological chemistry beginning with his first measurement of H2O2 in rat liver. While continuous H2O2 production is dogma today, the concept of H2O2 production in mammalian tissues was largely buried for half a century. He continued this leadership in research on oxidative stress, GSH, selenium, and singlet oxygen, during the timeframe when physiological chemistry and biochemistry transitioned to contemporary 21st century systems biology. His impact has been extensive in medical and health sciences, especially in nutrition, aging, toxicology and cancer. I briefly summarize my interactions with Helmut, stressing our work together on the redox code, a set of principles to link mitochondrial respiration, bioenergetics, H2O2 metabolism, redox signaling and redox proteomics into central redox theory.

Carrots, tomatoes and cocoa: Research on dietary antioxidants in Düsseldorf

Dietary antioxidants, their biological effects and underlying mechanisms of action are key topics of research at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I at the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf where Helmut Sies is active now since more than 35 years. In the present article his research activity on carotenoids is summarized including studies on their bioavailability, antioxidant properties, cellular signaling and dermatological effects. Additionally, comparable studies on cocoa polyphenols are described.

Oxidative stress as an iceberg in carcinogenesis and cancer biology

After the conquest of numerous infectious diseases, the average life span for humans has been enormously prolonged, reaching more than 80 years in many developed countries. However, cancer is one of the top causes of death, and its incidence continues to increase in many countries, including Japan. I was deeply influenced during my career as a cancer researcher by the concept of oxidative stress, which was established by Helmut Sies in 1985. I have no doubt that oxidative stress is a major cause of carcinogenesis in humans but that other factors and chemicals modify it. Notably, established cancer cells are more oxidatively stressed than their non-tumorous counterparts are, and this stress may be associated with selection under oxidative stress and, thus, faster proliferation compared with non-tumorous cells. For cancer prevention, both avoidance of specific risks that are associated with genetic susceptibility and decreasing oxidative stress in general should delay carcinogenesis. For cancer therapy, individualization and precision medicine require further research in the future. In addition to the currently burgeoning array of humanized antibodies and protein kinase inhibitors, novel methods to increase oxidative stress only in cancer cells would be helpful.

Chasing great paths of Helmut Sies “Oxidative Stress”

Prof. Dr. Helmut Sies is a pioneer of “Oxidative Stress”, and has published over 18 papers with the name of “Oxidative Stress” in the title. He has been Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics” for many years, and is a former Editor-in-Chief of the journal “Free Radical Research”. He has clarified our understanding of the causes of chronic developing diseases, and has studied antioxidant factors. In this article, importance of “Oxidative Stress” and our mitochondrial oxidative stress studies; roles of mitochondrial ROS, effects of vitamin E and its homologues in oxidative stress-related diseases, effects of antioxidants in vivo and in vitro, and a mitochondrial superoxide theory for oxidative stress diseases and aging are introduced, and some of our interactions with Helmut are described, congratulating and appreciating his great path.

Beyond and behind the fingerprints of oxidative stress in age-related diseases: Secrets of successful aging

Several years after the first publication of the definition of oxidative stress by Helmut Sies, this topic is still focus of a large body of attention and research in the field of aging, neurodegeneration and disease prevention. The conduction of clinical and epidemiological research without a solid biochemical rationale has led to largely frustrating results without being able to disprove the oxidative stress hypothesis. The present work is dedicated to Helmut Sies and describes the successful scientific approach to bench-to-bedside (-to-behavior) oxidative stress clinical research.

Mixed results with mixed disulfides

A period of research with Helmut Sies in the 1980s is recalled. Our experiments aimed at an in-depth understanding of metabolic changes due to oxidative challenges under near-physiological conditions, i.e. perfused organs. A major focus were alterations of the glutathione and the NADPH/NADP+ system by different kinds of oxidants, in particular formation of glutathione mixed disulfides with proteins. To analyze mixed disulfides, a test was adapted which is widely used until today. The observations in perfused rat livers let us believe that glutathione-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), i.a. might be activated by glutathionylation. Although we did not succeed to verify this hypothesis for the special case of G6PDH, the regulation of enzyme/protein activities by glutathionylation today is an accepted posttranslational mechanism in redox biology in general. Our early experimental approaches are discussed in the context of present knowledge.

Helmut Sies and the compartmentation of hydroperoxide metabolism

The early work of Helmut Sies on mammalian hydroperoxide metabolism is reviewed with particular emphasis on the in situ function of catalase and glutathione peroxidase1. Starting out from a catalase-dominated thinking in the middle of the last century, Sies first demonstrated, by whole organ spectroscopy, that H2O2 is generated in rat liver and metabolized by catalase. In a joined effort with the author's group, he then worked out that glutathione peroxidase can kinetically compete with catalase in hydroperoxide metabolism in situ. In compartmentalized cells, however, the “competition” of the two enzymes turned out to be a mutual complementation because of their different subcellular location. The studies for the first time documented that the metabolism of freely diffusible hydroperoxides is compartmentalized and, thus, paved the way to a better understanding of oxidant challenges and redox regulation. The article, garnished with personal memories, is meant as a nostalgic journey though ancient times of biochemistry with their changing fashions and paradigms, revealing the roots of topical perspectives and controversies in redox biology.

Glutathione – From antioxidant to post-translational modifier

Helmut Sies is one of the leading investigators in the multiple roles of glutathione (GSH) in biology. He has pioneered work on the role of GSH in preventing oxidative stress, in transport of GSSG, in protection of protein thiols from irreversible oxidation through mixed disulfide formation and demonstrated a role of protein glutathionylation in response to hormonal stimulation well before redox signaling became a major subject of investigation. Here I will describe the roles of GSH in several aspects of biology, the work of my laboratory in those findings, and how Helmut Sies work influenced our studies.

Singlet molecular oxygen: Düsseldorf – São Paulo, the Brazilian connection

Inspired by Helmut Sies we continue the development of suitable chemical generators of 1O2 based on the thermodissociation of naphthalene endoperoxide derivatives.The present manuscript focuses on how the use of [18O]-labeled endoperoxides and hydroperoxides can be applied to study mechanistic aspects related to the generation of singlet molecular oxygen and its reactions in biological systems. The peroxidation reactions of the main cellular targets including unsaturated lipids, proteins and nucleic acids have received major attention during the last three decades.Emphasis is placed in this manuscript on the description of the synthesis and the main use of [18O]-labeled compounds, and especially of peroxides and 1O2, for tracer elucidation of reaction mechanisms.

Antioxidants, oxidants, and redox impacts on cell function — A tribute to Helmut Sies —

This article is in tribute to Helmut Sies and is written by his friends from the Oxygen Club of California with personal recollections from each of us: Enrique Cadenas on “Oxidative Stress and Mentorship”, Lester Packer on “The Antioxidant Network”, and Maret G. Traber on “Nutrition and Chronic Disease”. We conclude with a brief overview of the positive influence Helmut Sies has had on the Oxygen Club of California.

Revisiting the reactions of superoxide with glutathione and other thiols

The reaction between GSH and superoxide has long been of interest in the free radical biology. Early studies were confusing, as some reports suggested that the reaction could be a major pathway for superoxide removal whereas others questioned whether it happened at all. Further research by several investigators, including Helmut Sies, was required to clarify this complex reaction. We now know that superoxide does react with GSH, but the reaction is relatively slow and occurs mostly by a chain reaction that consumes oxygen and regenerates superoxide. Most of the GSH is converted to GSSG, with a small amount of sulfonic acid. As shown by Sies and colleagues, singlet oxygen is a by-product. Although removal of superoxide by GSH may be a minor pathway, GSH and superoxide have a strong physiological connection. GSH is an efficient free radical scavenger, and when it does so, thiyl radicals are generated. These further react to generate superoxide. Therefore, radical scavenging by GSH and other thiols is a source of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, and to be an antioxidant pathway, there must be efficient removal of these species.

Leveraging oxidative stress questions in vivo: Implications and limitations

The elegance of Helmut Sies' original definition of oxidative stress belies the complexity of the reactions that are potentially involved. This is by no means a criticism of the author, but rather how the words have been used to oversimplify the concept by some. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) can be products of a myriad of events within the living body. Indeed, it is now understood that ROS/RNS are critical for normal cellular metabolism and have beneficial effects (e.g., cytotoxicity against invading bacteria). A general problem of studying prooxidants in vivo is that, due to their inherent reactivity, they generally cannot be measured directly. This indirect detection of ‘footprints’ leaves a very large black box that we are to this day only beginning to understand. This manuscript will summarize some considerations that are of utmost importance when translating oxidative stress into in vivo research. Helmut has been a key thought leader, researcher and mentor whose contributions to this field are immeasurable.

Glyco-redox, a link between oxidative stress and changes of glycans: Lessons from research on glutathione, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to glycobiology

Reduction–oxidation (redox) response is one of the most important biological phenomena. The concept introduced by Helmut Sies encouraged many researchers to examine oxidative stress under pathophysiological conditions. Our group has been interested in redox regulation under oxidative stress as well as glycobiology in relation to disease. Current studies by our group and other groups indicate that functional and structural changes of glycans are regulated by redox responses resulting from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in various diseases including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), even though very few investigators appear to be aware of these facts. Here we propose that the field “glyco-redox” will open the door to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism associated with diseases in relation to glycan changes under oxidative stress. A tight link between structural and functional changes of glycans and redox system under oxidative stress will lead to the recognition and interest of these aspects by many scientists. Helmut's contribution in this field facilitated our future perspectives in glycobiology.

The origin and future of oxidative stress pathology: From the recognition of carcinogenesis as an iron addiction with ferroptosis-resistance to non-thermal plasma therapy.

Helmut Sies established the concept of oxidative stress in 1985. However, it took some time to introduce this concept into pathology, where investigators count on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. I sought out antigens for this purpose based on an oxidative stress-induced rat renal carcinogenesis model, which revealed that 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified proteins are ideal. These two monoclonal antibodies successfully revealed the involvement of oxidative stress in numerous human diseases, including carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis. Shigeru Okada established the aforementioned ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced rat renal carcinogenesis model, which thus far has answered many questions regarding the presence of target genes in oxidative stress-induced carcinogenesis and the sites that are susceptible to oxidative stress in the genome. Particularly, the similarity of genomic alterations between Fe-NTA-induced renal cancer and human cancers suggests that excess iron plays a role also in human carcinogenesis. Furthermore, excess iron is a major pathology in asbestos-induced mesothelioma, including chrysotile. Despite an analogy to asbestos, multi-wall carbon nanotubes were distinct in that diameter is another responsible factor for mesothelial carcinogenesis. Recently, non-thermal plasma emerged as a candidate for medical intervention for wounds and cancers via manipulating oxidative stress. Counteracting excess iron is a promising preventive strategy for major diseases.

Redox pioneer: professor Helmut Sies.

Dr. Helmut Sies (MD, 1967) is recognized as a Redox Pioneer, because he authored five articles on oxidative stress, lycopene, and glutathione, each of which has been cited more than 1000 times, and coauthored an article on hydroperoxide metabolism in mammalian systems cited more than 5000 times (Google Scholar). He obtained preclinical education at the University of Tübingen and the University of Munich, clinical training at Munich (MD, 1967) and Paris, and completed Habilitation at Munich (Physiological Chemistry and Physical Biochemistry, 1972). In early research, he first identified hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a normal aerobic metabolite and devised a method to quantify H2O2 concentration and turnover in cells. He quantified central redox systems for energy metabolism (NAD, NADP systems) and antioxidant GSH in subcellular compartments. He first described ebselen, a selenoorganic compound, as a glutathione peroxidase mimic. He contributed a fundamental discovery to the physiology of GSH, selenium nutrition, singlet oxygen biochemistry, and health benefits of dietary lycopene and cocoa flavonoids. He has published more than 600 articles, 134 of which are cited at least 100 times, and edited 28 books. His h-index is 115. During the last quarter of the 20th century and well into the 21st, he has served as a scout, trailblazer, and pioneer in redox biology. His formulation of the concept of oxidative stress stimulated and guided research in oxidants and antioxidants; his pioneering research on carotenoids and flavonoids informed nutritional strategies against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging; and his quantitative approach to redox biochemistry provides a foundation for modern redox systems biology. Helmut Sies is a true Redox Pioneer.

Oxidative Stress in Skeletal Muscle. Edited by A. Z. Reznick, L. Packer, C. K. Sen, J. O. Holloszy and M. J. Jackson. Birkhaüser Verlag, Basel, Boston, Berlin, 346 pages, hardback. ISBN 3‐7643‐5820‐3 (1998)

Cell Biochemistry and FunctionVolume 17, Issue 3 p. 221-221 Book Review Oxidative Stress in Skeletal Muscle. Edited by A. Z. Reznick, L. Packer, C. K. Sen, J. O. Holloszy and M. J. Jackson. Birkhaüser Verlag, Basel, Boston, Berlin, 346 pages, hardback. ISBN 3-7643-5820-3 (1998) Helmut Sies, Search for more papers by this author Helmut Sies, Search for more papers by this author First published: 18 August 1999 https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0844(199909)17:3<221::AID-CBF818>3.0.CO;2-YAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume17, Issue3September 1999Pages 221-221 RelatedInformation