Involvement Of Oxygen Radicals Research Articles

Effect of drinking water disinfection by-products in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and sperm

Drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs) are generated by the chemical disinfection of water and may pose hazards to public health. Two major classes of DBPs are found in finished drinking water: haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs). HAAs are formed following disinfection with chlorine, which reacts with iodide and bromide in the water. Previously the HAAs were shown to be cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic. To determine the effect of HAAs in human somatic and germ cells and whether oxidative stress is involved in genotoxic action. In the present study both somatic and germ cells have been examined as peripheral blood lymphocytes and sperm. The effects of three HAA compounds: iodoacetic acid (IAA), bromoacetic acid (BAA) and chloroacetic acid (CAA) were investigated. After determining appropriate concentration responses, oxygen radical involvement with the antioxidants, butylated hydroxanisole (BHA) and the enzyme catalase, were investigated in the single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay under alkaline conditions, >pH 13 and the micronucleus assay. In the Comet assay, BHA and catalase were able to reduce DNA damage in each cell type compared to HAA alone. In the micronucleus assay, micronuclei (MNi) were found in peripheral lymphocytes exposed to all three HAAs and catalase and BHA were in general, able to reduce MNi induction, suggesting oxygen radicals play a role in both assays. These observations are of concern to public health since both human somatic and germ cells show similar genotoxic responses.

Critical Role of Oxygen Evolved from Layered Li–Excess Metal Oxides in Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

The high capacity of the layered Li–excess oxide cathode is always accompanied by extraction of a significant amount of oxygen from the structure. The effects of oxygen on the electrochemical cycling are not well understood. Here, the detailed reaction scheme following oxygen evolution was established using real-time gas analysis and ex situ chemical analysis of the surface of the electrodes. A series of electrochemical/chemical reactions involving oxygen radicals constantly produced and decomposed lithium carbonate during cell operation. Moreover, byproducts, including water, affected the cycle life and rate capability: hydrolysis of the electrolyte salt formed hydrofluoric acid that attacked the surface of the electrode. This finding implies that protection of the electrode surface from damage, for example, by a coating or removal of oxygen radicals by scavengers, will be critical to widespread usage of Li–excess transition metal oxides in rechargeable lithium batteries.

The NADPH oxidase Nox4 restricts the replicative lifespan of human endothelial cells

The free radical theory of aging proposes that ROS (reactive oxygen species) are major driving forces of aging, and are also critically involved in cellular senescence. Besides the mitochondrial respiratory chain, alternative sources of ROS have been described that might contribute to cellular senescence. Noxs (NADPH oxidases) are well-known sources of superoxide, which contribute to the antimicrobial capabilities of macrophages, a process involving the prototypical member of the family referred to as Nox2. However, in recent years non-phagocytic homologues of Nox2 have been identified that are involved in processes other than the host defence. Superoxide anions produced by these enzymes are believed to play a major role in signalling by MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and stress-activated kinases, but could also contribute to cellular senescence, which is known to involve oxygen radicals. In HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells), Nox4 is predominantly expressed, but its role in replicative senescence of HUVECs remains to be elucidated. Using shRNA (small-hairpin RNA)-mediated knockdown of Nox4, implicating lentiviral vectors, we addressed the question of whether lifelong depletion of Nox4 in HUVECs would influence the senescent phenotype. We found a significant extension of the replicative lifespan of HUVECs upon knockdown of Nox4. Surprisingly, mean telomere length was significantly reduced in Nox4-depleted cells. Nox4 depletion had no discernable influence on the activity of MAPKs and stress-activated kinases, but reduced the degree of oxidative DNA damage. These results suggest that Nox4 activity increases oxidative damage in HUVECs, leading to loss of replicative potential, which is at least partly independent of telomere attrition.

Light-induced Apoptosis Involves a Defined Sequence of Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Calcium Release in AlPcS4-photosensitized Rat Bladder RR 1022 Epithelial Cells¶

Oxidative stress induced by light activation of photosensitizers is regarded to have a role in triggering cell death pathways during photodynamic therapy (PDT). Reactive oxygen species have been proposed to act as signal transduction molecules activating downstream reactions that lead to apoptosis. Mainly debated is the cooperating role of other signaling systems like calcium or pH. The present work contributes to this discussion by studying PDT effects in cell cultures of rat bladder epithelial cells for the hydrophilic tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcS4). Cells were coincubated with the photosensitizer and the calcium-sensitive probe Fluo-3. The light-induced reactions were analyzed with a confocal laser scanning microscope. The dynamics of the process during light activation was observed with subcellular resolution. A transient calcium elevation during the irradiation process was detected, especially in the cell's nuclei, followed by a more sustained increase. The evaluation of the energy-dose–dependent phototoxicity after an incubation time with the photosensitizer of 1 and 24 h, showed enhanced phototoxicity when the drug was present for 24 h. Surprisingly, stimulation of cell proliferation was observed at very low light doses (at 0.2 J/cm2) when the drug was incubated for 24 h (cell viability 160%). Induction of apoptosis could be observed after irradiation with fluences between 1 and 3 J/cm2. Apoptotic cells were identified with fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled Annexin V, which binds to phosphatidylserine after its translocation to the outer plasma membrane. In the presence of the antioxidant pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate the transient calcium elevation was totally inhibited, as was the subsequent translocation of PS. In contrast, N-acetyl-l-cysteine did not suppress the transient calcium increase. Our data might be consistent with calcium regulated processes during AlPcS4-PDT and the involvement of oxygen radicals.

Changes of Redox Activity during the Development of Rape

Redox activity was measured in vegetative and generative apical parts (5 mm of the stem) and youngest leaves of winter (cv. "G6rczański") and spring (cv. "Młochowski") rape. Both genotypes were cultured under the same growth conditions (17/15 degrees C day/night, 16 h photo-period), but winter rape was additionally vernalized (5/2 degrees C day/night, 56 days) in order to induce the generative development. The cyclic voltammetric method was used to measure the redox potential of samples in the presence of Fe3+ ions. Changes in the redox activity were compared with changes in riboflavin content and activities of antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The higher level of Fe3+ ions and riboflavin detected in generative apices and leaves of winter and spring varieties indicated that electrons (and their donors) were present at a lower level in these organs in comparison with the vegetative ones. On the contrary, SOD and CAT activity were lower in generative than in vegetative organs. This confirms changes in the redox balance and involvement of oxygen radicals in the generative development of rape plants. The similarity of the measured parameters between winter and spring varieties indicates that the observed changes are independent of the way of generative induction (vernalization). Riboflavin can serve as one of the electron carriers between other oxidation-reduction substances.

A Potential Role for Cyclized Quinones Derived from Dopamine, DOPA, and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid in Proteasomal Inhibition

We examined the ability of oxidation products of dopamine, DOPA, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) to inhibit proteasomal activity. Dopamine, DOPA, and DOPAC underwent tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation to generate aminochrome, dopachrome, and furanoquinone, respectively. In these studies, the oxidation of dopamine by tyrosinase generated product(s) that inhibited the proteasome, and proteasomal inhibition correlated with the presence of the UV-visible spectrum of aminochrome. The addition of superoxide dismutase and catalase did not prevent proteasomal inhibition. The addition of NADH and the quinone reductase NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protected against aminochrome-induced proteasome inhibition. Although NQO1 protected against dopamine-induced proteasomal inhibition, the metabolism of aminochrome by NQO1 led to oxygen uptake because of the generation of a redox-labile cyclized hydroquinone, further demonstrating the lack of involvement of oxygen radicals in proteasomal inhibition. DOPA underwent tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation to form dopachrome, and similar to aminochrome, proteasomal inhibition correlated with the presence of a dopachrome UV-visible spectrum. The inclusion of NQO1 did not protect against proteasomal inhibition induced by dopachrome. Oxidation of DOPAC by tyrosinase generated furanoquinone, which was a poor proteasome inhibitor. These studies demonstrate that oxidation products, including cyclized quinones derived from dopamine and related compounds, rather than oxygen radicals have the ability to inhibit the proteasome. They also suggest an important protective role for NQO1 in protecting against dopamine-induced proteasomal inhibition. The ability of endogenous intermediates formed during dopaminergic metabolism to cause proteasomal inhibition provides a potential basis for the selectivity of dopaminergic neuron damage in Parkinson's disease.

Role of Oxygen Radicals on Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disorder characterized by recruitment and activation of various inflammatory cells including eosinophils and T cells in the airway mucosa. Oxygen radicals are produced by inflammatory cells in the airways and/or inhaled directly from environmental air. There is ample evidence that oxygen radical production is increased in asthma and is closely related to the pathogenesis and that exogenous oxidants such as cigarette smoke and ozone directly cause asthma exacerbation. The mechanism by which oxygen radicals cause asthma pathology is oxidation or nitration of proteins, lipids, or DNA to cause dysfunction of these molecules. In addition, physiological antioxidant system, which is equipped to protect host from detrimental oxidants, is impaired in asthma, possibly because of inflammation. Thus, the imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant that is called oxidant stress is critical in asthma pathogenesis. Elegant technique to measure oxygen radicals and the footprints of oxidant stress in patients with asthma have been developed and give an important clue to evaluate possible involvement of oxygen radicals in individual pathophysiology. Therapeutic interventions that reduce oxidant stress and enhance antioxidant defense may be useful in the treatment of asthma.

Reactive oxygen radicals and pathogenesis of neuronal death after cerebral ischemia.

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in brain injury after cerebral ischemia. These oxidants can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA, and lead to cell injury and necrosis. Oxidants are also initiators in intracellular cell death signaling pathways that may lead to apoptosis. The possible targets of this redox signaling include mitochondria, death membrane receptors, and DNA repair enzymes. Genetic manipulation of intrinsic antioxidants and the factors in the signaling pathways has provided substantial progress in understanding the mechanisms in cell death signaling pathways and involvement of oxygen radicals in ischemic brain injury. Future studies of these pathways may provide novel therapeutic strategies in clinical stroke.

A novel free radical scavenger, edarabone, protects against cisplatin-induced acute renal damage in vitro and in vivo.

Accumulating evidence suggests that enhanced peroxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. Nevertheless, little is known about the involvement of oxygen radicals in cisplatin nephropathy. In this study, we investigated the effects of a novel free radical scavenger, 3-methyl-1-phenyl-pyrazolin-5-one (MCI-186; edarabone), on murine proximal tubular cell (PTC) damage induced by exposure to cisplatin in vitro and on renal function in an in vivo model of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. Edarabone inhibited cisplatin-induced (40 microM, 24 h) cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner (10-5 to 10-3 M). Edarabone also attenuated cisplatin-induced mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss and ROS production of PTCs. In the in vivo study, male Wistar rats were cotreated with cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and edarabone (1 or 5 mg/kg, i.v.). Effects of edarabone on the kidney were examined 5 days after treatment. Cisplatin resulted in renal dysfunction, renal tubular damage, mitochondrial damage (assayed by histochemical staining for respiratory chain complex IV), renal protein oxidation (examined by Western blot analysis using a specific antibody for carbonyl group-containing proteins), and tubular apoptosis (determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling staining). The above changes were attenuated by edarabone treatment. Thus, edarabone exhibited cytoprotective effects in PTCs and renoprotective effects against cisplatin. Our findings suggest that ROS, in particular hydroxyl radicals, are involved in cisplatin nephropathy and that edarabone may be potentially useful in protecting the kidneys and prevention of acute renal failure.

Effect of Mannitol on Helicobacter pylori-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Gastric Epithelial AGS Cells

Oxygen radicals have been considered to be important regulatory molecules in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric ulceration and carcinogenesis. H. pylori-induced inflammation has been shown to be associated with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in experimental animals and human patients. This study aimed to determine if H. pylori produces oxygen radicals and induces COX-2 expression in gastric epithelial cells. A further aim was to resolve whether or not the H. pylori-induced COX-2 expression could be inhibited by mannitol, a known hydroxyl radical scavenger, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme, which was used as a positive control. A human gastric epithelial cell line, AGS, treated with or without mannitol or SOD, was incubated in the presence or absence of H. pylori. mRNA expression and protein levels for COX-2 were determined by Northern blot and Western blot analysis, respectively. Levels of the COX-2 products, 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α (6-keto-PGF_1α) and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and H₂O₂ were measured in the medium. The results showed that H. pylori induced H₂O₂ production, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression and increased the levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α and TXB₂. The H. pylori-induced COX-2 expression and the increase in the COX-2 products were inhibited by both mannitol and SOD. The inhibitory effect of mannitol on H. pylori-induced COX-2 expression suggests the possible involvement of oxygen radicals in the transcriptional regulation of the inflammatory mediators in gastric epithelial cells.

Mineral composition other than quartz is a critical determinant of the particle inflammatory potential

The aim of this study was to examine the inflammatory potential of stone quarry particles with differing mineral and metal composition and if the effects could be related to the leaching of metals from the particles and if antioxidants would reduce the cytokine release. After intratracheal instillation of rats with a type of mylonite (median size 8 microns) we found a stronger inflammatory potential of mylonite than of quartz at 20 h after treatment. In isolated rat type 2 cells and human epithelial lung cells (A549) mylonite induced a much greater release of MIP-2/IL-8 than quartz or a type of basalt and a feldspar. The mylonite particles were more potent even when compared to smaller size fractions of quartz. Thus mineral composition can be more important than size in eliciting acute inflammatory responses. The content of metals in basalt and mylonite showed minor variations with somewhat more metals present in basalt. The release of metals from the two particle types varied, but in general more metals were released from basalt than from mylonite particles. However, metal release was not related to the differences in proinflammatory effect. Antioxidants seemed to decrease the release of cytokines induced by mylonite particles, but a suppression of basal cytokine release by antioxidants was also observed, questioning the involvement of oxygen radicals in the mylonite-induced effects.

Mutagenicity of nitric oxide-releasing compounds in Escherichia coli: effect of superoxide generation and evidence for two mutagenic mechanisms

The mutagenicity of three nitric oxide (NO) donors, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a compound generating the precursors of peroxynitrite NO and superoxide, diethylamine/NO (DEA/NO) and spermine/NO (SPER/NO), both releasing authentic NO was analyzed using Escherichia coli tester strains IC203, carrying a deletion of the oxyR gene, and its oxyR(+) parent IC188 (the alternative name of WP2 uvrA/pKM101). The OxyR protein is a redox-sensitive transcriptional activator of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. Strains IC203 and IC188 contain error-prone DNA polymerases polV, encoded by the chromosomal umuDC genes, and polRI, encoded by mucAB genes carried by pKM101. SIN-1 was determined to be an oxidative mutagen giving a positive response only in IC203, whereas DEA/NO and SPER/NO induced similar positive responses in IC203 and IC188 and were considered as non-oxidative mutagens. The spectrum of ochre suppressors in Trp(+) revertants induced by SIN-1 in IC203 was characterized by a higher number of TA-->AT transversions and GC-->AT transitions, and a lower number of GC-->TA transversions, with respect to the untreated control. The mutagenicity of SIN-1 in IC203, probably induced by peroxynitrite through reactive derivatives, was enhanced in the presence of plumbagin (PLB), a superoxide generator. Superoxide generation by PLB, as well as formation of peroxynitrite in cells treated with SIN-1, evaluated by monitoring the oxidation, respectively, of dihydroethidium and dihydrorhodamine 123, were greater in IC203 than in IC188. Formation of peroxynitrite in IC203 treated with SIN-1 was stimulated by PLB. After treatment with DEA/NO and SPER/NO the number of revertants scored in IC188 was higher than in strains IC187, containing only polV, and IC204, deficient in both polV and polRI. For these compounds, induced suppressor revertants in IC187 and IC204 were almost exclusively GC-->AT transitions, whereas in IC188 significant levels of GC-->TA and TA-->AT transversions were also induced. Mutagenesis by both DEA/NO and SPER/NO was partially inhibited in the presence of PLB. The results show the usefulness of the new tester strain IC203 to differentiate NO-promoted mutagenic mechanisms that involve or do not involve oxygen radicals.

Involvement of oxygen radicals in cytarabine-induced apoptosis in human polymorphonuclear cells

We investigated apoptosis in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) induced by cytarabine (Ara-C). This drug increased apoptosis by 100% with respect to the controls after 3 hr of incubation. This increase was inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Ara-C alone caused an early increase (after a 30-min incubation) in intracellular oxidant generation (inhibitable by rotenone, fumonisin b1, and DPI) and in protein tyrosine phosphorylations (inhibitable by NAC). The drug also affected the observed reduction of dimethylthiazol diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). No extracellular release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was elicited by the addition of Ara-C, while the drug increased the release of ROS by N-formyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-(f-MLP) but not phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated PMNs. This phenomenon was abolished by the addition of genistein, whereas such an effect was not observed following the addition of 1-(5-isoquinolynilsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7). Ara-C induced ROS release from PMNs in the presence of subthreshold concentrations of f-MLP (priming effect). These results indicate that intracellular ROS production from mitochondria promotes Ara-C-induced apoptosis. Ara-C primes plasma membranes by a mechanism involving protein tyrosine phosphorylations and may also contribute to ROS generation from the granules.

Mitochondrial involvement in cocaine-treated rat hepatocytes: effect of N-acetylcysteine and deferoxamine.

The cytotoxicity of cocaine (0 - 1000 microM), was studied on parameters related to the mitochondrial role and the cascade of events that lead to apoptosis in hepatocyte cultures from phenobarbitone (PB) pretreated rats. Cytotoxicity was dose-dependent and LDH leakage was significantly enhanced above 100 microM cocaine. Apoptosis was visualized by DNA fragmentation on agarose gel, and appeared at 50 and 100 microM cocaine. Cocaine induced biphasic changes in mitochondrial transmembrane potential and significantly increased the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, the caspase-3 like DEVDase activity and the level of 20 kDa subunit, a product of pro-caspase-3 cleavage. The protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and deferoxamine (DFO) on all these parameters confirmed the involvement of oxygen radicals in cocaine-induced necrosis/apoptosis. We conclude: first, that the biphasic changes recorded in mitochondrial inner membrane potential by the effect of cocaine, were parallel to apoptosis; second, that caspase-3 activity and cleavage to it p20 subunit increased sharply in parallel to the translocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol; and third, that the antioxidants, NAC or DFO exerted a noticeable protective role in counteracting the cytotoxicity of cocaine, these effects being more pronounced in the case of DFO than NAC. These findings demonstrate that cocaine cytotoxicity involves mitochondrial damage.

Role of Microcirculation in Transplantation

Microcirculatory derangements in organ transplantation, characterized by capillary perfusion failure and inflammation-associated leukocyte recruitment, are major determinants for the manifestation of graft dysfunction and destruction. Although preservation/cold storage, posttransplant reperfusion, and rejection have to be considered as individual factors that contribute to injury, recent studies have indicated that ischemia-reperfusion-associated events may trigger immune-response-mediated late rejection. There is major evidence that the microcirculatory derangements induced by cold preservation and reperfusion involve oxygen radicals, complement, phospholipase A2, leukotrienes, thromboxane, platelet-activating factor, and endothelin-1 as well as the activation and function of leukocytic and endothelial selectins, beta 2-integrins, and ICAM-1. This view is based on the fact that blockade or neutralization of these inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules results in significant amelioration of microvascular graft dysfunction. In parallel, rejection-mediated microcirculatory derangements may not only be ameliorated by immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin, deoxyspergualin, or RS61443, but may, in addition, effectively be inhibited by counteracting oxygen radicals, complement, platelet-activating factor, and adhesion molecules. The introduction of novel techniques for the study of the microcirculation in men, such as thermodiffusion and orthogonal polarization spectral imaging, may in the future assist in improving both early diagnosis of microcirculatory derangements and monitoring of appropriateness of therapy in clinical transplantation surgery.

Redox Regulation of Lymphocyte Signaling

Compelling evidence exists that reactive oxygen species can deliver intracellular signals in mammalian cells, and elicit a broad array of physiological responses according to the cell type, the oxidative burden and the cellular compartment where radicals are generated. When applied to immune cells, these concepts gain a particular relevance, in relation to the plasticity of immune functions and the biological complexity of lymphocyte response to antigens. Here we review some recent and somehow conflicting observations on the involvement of oxygen radicals and redox balance in lymphocyte activation, and propose models for how radical species could contribute to normal and pathological immunity.

Light-induced apoptosis involves a defined sequence of cytoplasmic and nuclear calcium release in AlPcS4-photosensitized rat bladder RR 1022 epithelial cells.

Oxidative stress induced by light activation of photosensitizers is regarded to have a role in triggering cell death pathways during photodynamic therapy (PDT). Reactive oxygen species have been proposed to act as signal transduction molecules activating downstream reactions that lead to apoptosis. Mainly debated is the cooperating role of other signaling systems like calcium or pH. The present work contributes to this discussion by studying PDT effects in cell cultures of rat bladder epithelial cells for the hydrophilic tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcS4). Cells were coincubated with the photosensitizer and the calcium-sensitive probe Fluo-3. The light-induced reactions were analyzed with a confocal laser scanning microscope. The dynamics of the process during light activation was observed with subcellular resolution. A transient calcium elevation during the irradiation process was detected, especially in the cell's nuclei, followed by a more sustained increase. The evaluation of the energy-dose-dependent phototoxicity after an incubation time with the photosensitizer of 1 and 24 h, showed enhanced phototoxicity when the drug was present for 24 h. Surprisingly, stimulation of cell proliferation was observed at very low light doses (at 0.2 J/cm2) when the drug was incubated for 24 h (cell viability 160%). Induction of apoptosis could be observed after irradiation with fluences between 1 and 3 J/cm2. Apoptotic cells were identified with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Annexin V, which binds to phosphatidylserine after its translocation to the outer plasma membrane. In the presence of the antioxidant pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate the transient calcium elevation was totally inhibited, as was the subsequent translocation of PS. In contrast, N-acetyl-L-cysteine did not suppress the transient calcium increase. Our data might be consistent with calcium regulated processes during AlPcS4-PDT and the involvement of oxygen radicals.

Lung Carcinogenesis by Diesel Exhaust Particles and the Carcinogenic Mechanism Via Active Oxygens

In an experiment to clarify the involvement of oxygen radicals in lung carcinogenesis induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP), we found that there is a strong relation between lung tumor response and formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in lung DNA of mice administered DEP by repeated intratracheal instillation. Repeated intratracheal instillation of DEP also induced the activity of cytochrome P-450 reductase in the lungs as a representative enzyme of superoxide generation, and two types of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, cNOS and iNOS, in the lungs. On the other hand, activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn-SOD antioxidant enzymes were depressed by the instillation of DEP. These results suggest that generation of superoxide, hydroxyI radical, and nitric oxide are increased in epithelial cells in airways, and that the increased superoxide and nitric oxide react very easily to produce peroxynitrite (ONOO−). The peroxynitrite also produce hydroxyI radical. The hydroxyl radical may play an important role in carcinogenesis by DEP.

LUNG CARCINOGENESIS BY DIESEL EXHAUST PARTICLES AND THE CARCINOGENIC MECHANISM VIA ACTIVE OXYGENS

In an experiment to clarify the involvement of oxygen radicals in lung carcinogenesis induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP), we found that there is a strong relation between lung tumor response and formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in lung DNA of mice administered DEP by repeated intratracheal instillation. Repeated intratracheal instillation of DEP also induced the activity of cytochrome P-450 reductase in the lungs as a representative enzyme of superoxide generation, and two types of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, cNOS and iNOS, in the lungs. On the other hand, activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn-SOD antioxidant enzymes were depressed by the instillation of DEP.These results suggest that generation of superoxide, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide are increased in epithelial cells in airways, and that the increased superoxide and nitric oxide react very easily to produce peroxynitrite (ONOO) . The peroxynitrite also produce hydroxyl radical. The hydroxyl radical may play an important role in carcinogenesis by DEP.

Role of Microcirculation in Transplantation

Microcirculatory derangements in organ transplantation, characterized by capillary perfusion failure and inflammation-associated leukocyte recruitment, are major determinants for the manifestation of graft dysfunction and destruction. Although preservation/cold storage, posttransplant reperfusion, and rejection have to be considered as individual factors that contribute to injury, recent studies have indicated that ischemia-reperfusion-associated events may trigger immune-response-mediated late rejection. There is major evidence that the microcirculatory derangements induced by cold preservation and reperfusion involve oxygen radicals, complement, phospholipase A2, leukotrienes, thromboxane, platelet-activating factor, and endothelin-1 as well as the activation and function of leukocytic and endothelial selectins, β2-integrins, and ICAM-1. This view is based on the fact that blockade or neutralization of these inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules results in significant amelioration of microvascular graft dysfunction. In parallel, rejection-mediated microcirculatory derangements may not only be ameliorated by immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin, deoxyspergualin, or RS61443, but may, in addition, effectively be inhibited by counteracting oxygen radicals, complement, platelet-activating factor, and adhesion molecules. The introduction of novel techniques for the study of the microcirculation in men, such as thermodiffusion and orthogonal polarization spectral imaging, may in the future assist in improving both early diagnosis of microcirculatory derangements and monitoring of appropriateness of therapy in clinical transplantation surgery.