Loss Of Tryptophan Research Articles

Interaction of Lupinus angustifolius L. α and γ conglutins with 13-hydroperoxide-11,9-octadecadienoic acid

Food proteins suffer losses of functional and nutritional value due to reaction with lipid peroxidation products. The seed globulins conglutin α and γ from Lupinus angustifolius L. have been incubated with 13-hydroperoxide-11,9-octadecadienoic acid at pH 9 as a model of the interactions between seed storage proteins and lipid peroxidation products during storage and processing of protein-based products. The incubation lead to fragmentation and/or polymerization of the conglutins as determined by chromatographic and electrophoretic analysis. Losses of tryptophan, methionine, cysteine, proline, valine and leucine were shown by amino acid analysis. In vitro digestibility assays did not show clear differences between the digestibilities of the native conglutins before and after incubation with the hydroperoxide. Nevertheless, it is concluded that reaction with 13-hydroperoxide-11,9-octadecadienoic acid lead to a decrease in the nutritional value of the conglutins because the losses of essential amino acids were substantial. In addition, fragmentation and polymerization reactions most likely have a detrimental effect in the functional properties of the conglutins. These results highlight the deleterious effects that lipid peroxidation products have on products such as protein concentrates, isolates and hydrolysates obtained from lipid-rich seeds.

Chiral separation of underivatized amino acids by ligand-exchange capillary electrophoresis using a copper(II)– l-lysine complex as selector

A ligand-exchange capillary electrophoretic method was explored, with l-lysine as the ligand and copper(II) as the central ion. Its applicability was demonstrated with underivatized aromatic amino acids, namely d,l-phenylalanine, d,l-tryptophan, d,l-tyrosine and d,l-β-phenylserine. Optical resolutions of a single pair of amino acid enantiomers, and of mixed amino acids were obtained with a running buffer of 10 m M NH 4Ac, 6.67 m M Cu(II) and 13.33 m M l-lysine, pH 7.0. Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was shown to be necessary for simultaneous separation of the mixed amino acids. The resolution was found to increase with the concentration of the copper(II) complex at a copper(II)-to-lysine ratio of 1:2. If the total concentration of copper(II) and lysine was kept at 20 m M, decreasing the ratio of copper(II) to lysine caused a resolution loss of tryptophan, but a slight resolution improvement of the other three amino acids. The pH of buffer is another important factor controlling the separations. For all the studied amino acids, the optimum pH was 6.0. An interesting phenomenon was observed in this study. SDS induces precipitation at a concentration below 32 m M at room temperature (16±2 °C), possibly due to the formation of neutral substance from the SDS monomer and the copper(II)–lysine complex.

Oxidation of β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) by the Hydroxyl Radical Alters Phospholipid Binding and Modulates Recognition by anti- β2GPI Autoantibodies

SummaryWe investigated whether β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI), the key antigen in the antiphospholipid syndrome, is susceptible to oxidative modifications by the hydroxyl radical (°OH) that may influence its lipid-binding and antigenic properties. The effects on human and bovine β2GPI of °OH free radicals generated by γ-radiolysis of water with 137Cs were studied. Radiolytic °OH caused a dose-dependent loss of tryptophan, production of dityrosine and carbonyl groups, dimerization and/or extensive aggregation of β2GPI. It ensued a reduction in affinity binding to cardiolipin liposomes and loss of β2GPI-dependent autoanti-body binding to immobilized cardiolipin. Patient anti- β2GPI antibodies (n = 20) segregated into two groups based on the effect in the β2GPIELISA of β2GPI pretreatment with °OH: enhancement (group A, n = 10) or suppression (group B, n = 10) of IgG binding. The avidities of group A antibodies for fluid-phase β2GPI were low but increased in a dose-dependent manner upon β2GPI irradiation, in relation to protein crosslinking. Distinguishing features of group B antibodies included higher avidities for fluid-phase β2GPI that was no longer recognized after °OH treatment, and negative anticardiolipin tests suggesting epitope location near the phospholipid binding site. The °OH scavengers thiourea and mannitol efficiently protected against all above changes. Therefore, oxidative modifications of β2GPI via °OH attack of susceptible amino acids alter phospholipid binding, and modulate recognition by autoantibodies depending on their epitope specificities. These findings may be of clinical relevance for the generation and/or reactivity of anti- β2GPI antibodies.

Vitamin C prevents cigarette smoke–induced oxidative damage in vivo

Our recent in vitro results [4] indicate that cigarette smoke induces oxidation of human plasma proteins and extensive oxidative degradation of the guinea pig lung, heart, and liver microsomal proteins, which is almost completely prevented by ascorbic acid. In this paper, we substantiate the in vitro results with in vivo observations. We demonstrate that exposure of subclinical or marginal vitamin C–deficient guinea pigs to cigarette smoke causes oxidation of plasma proteins as well as extensive oxidative degradation of the lung microsomal proteins. Cigarette smoke exposure also results in some discernible damage of the heart microsomal proteins. The oxidative damage has been manifested by SDS-PAGE, accumulation of carbonyl and bityrosine, as well as loss of tryptophan and protein thiols. Cigarette smoke exposure also induces peroxidation of microsomal lipids as evidenced by the formation of conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde, and fluorescent pigment. Cigarette smoke–induced oxidative damage of proteins and peroxidation of lipids are accompanied by marked drop in the tissue ascorbate levels. Protein damage and lipid peroxidation are also observed in cigarette smoke–exposed pair-fed guinea pigs receiving 5 mg vitamin C/animal/day. However, complete protection against protein damage and lipid peroxidation occurs when the guinea pigs are fed 15 mg vitamin C/animal/day. Also, the cigarette smoke–induced oxidative damage of proteins and lipid is reversed after discontinuation of cigarette smoke exposure accompanied by ascorbate therapy. The results, if extrapolated to humans, indicate that comparatively large doses of vitamin C may protect the smokers from cigarette smoke–induced oxidative damage and associated degenerative diseases.

Vitamin C protects against and reverses specific hypochlorous acid- and chloramine-dependent modifications of low-density lipoprotein

Activated phagocytes produce the highly reactive oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl) via the myeloperoxidase-catalysed reaction of hydrogen peroxide with chloride ions. HOCl reacts readily with a number of susceptible targets on apolipoprotein B-100 of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), resulting in uncontrolled uptake of HOCl-modified LDL by macrophages. We have investigated the efects of vitamin C (ascorbate), an effective water-soluble antioxidant, on the HOCl- and chloramine-dependent modification of LDL. Co-incubation of vitamin C (25-200 μM) with LDL resulted in concentration-dependent protection against HOCl (25-200 μM)-mediated oxidation of tryptophan and lysine residues, formation of chloramines and increases in the relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL. Vitamin C also partially protected against oxidation of cysteine residues by HOCl, and fully protected against oxidation of these residues by the low-molecular-mass chloramines, Nα-acetyl-lysine chloramine and taurine chloramine, and to a lesser extent monochloramine (each at 25-200 μM). Further, we found that HOCl (25-200 μM)-dependent formation of chloramines on apolipoprotein B-100 was fully reversed by 200 μM vitamin C; however, the loss of lysine residues and increase in relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL were only partially reversed, and the loss of tryptophan and cysteine residues was not reversed. Time-course experiments showed that the reversal by vitamin C of HOCl-dependent modifications became less efficient as the LDL was incubated for up to 4 h at 37 °C. These data show that vitamin C not only protects against, but also reverses, specific HOCl- and chloramine-dependent modifications of LDL. As HOCl-mediated LDL modifications have been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, our data indicate that vitamin C could contribute to the anti-atherogenic defence against HOCl.

Vitamin C protects against and reverses specific hypochlorous acid- and chloramine-dependent modifications of low-density lipoprotein

Activated phagocytes produce the highly reactive oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl) via the myeloperoxidase-catalysed reaction of hydrogen peroxide with chloride ions. HOCl reacts readily with a number of susceptible targets on apolipoprotein B-100 of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), resulting in uncontrolled uptake of HOCl-modified LDL by macrophages. We have investigated the effects of vitamin C (ascorbate), an effective water-soluble antioxidant, on the HOCl- and chloramine-dependent modification of LDL. Co-incubation of vitamin C (25-200 microM) with LDL resulted in concentration-dependent protection against HOCl (25-200 microM)-mediated oxidation of tryptophan and lysine residues, formation of chloramines and increases in the relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL. Vitamin C also partially protected against oxidation of cysteine residues by HOCl, and fully protected against oxidation of these residues by the low-molecular-mass chloramines, N(alpha)-acetyl-lysine chloramine and taurine chloramine, and to a lesser extent monochloramine (each at 25-200 microM). Further, we found that HOCl (25-200 microM)-dependent formation of chloramines on apolipoprotein B-100 was fully reversed by 200 microM vitamin C; however, the loss of lysine residues and increase in relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL were only partially reversed, and the loss of tryptophan and cysteine residues was not reversed. Time-course experiments showed that the reversal by vitamin C of HOCl-dependent modifications became less efficient as the LDL was incubated for up to 4 h at 37 degrees C. These data show that vitamin C not only protects against, but also reverses, specific HOCl- and chloramine-dependent modifications of LDL. As HOCl-mediated LDL modifications have been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, our data indicate that vitamin C could contribute to the anti-atherogenic defence against HOCl.

Oxidation of Human α-Thrombin by the Myeloperoxidase-H2O2-chloride System: Structural and Functional Effects

The myeloperoxidase-H2O2-chloride system (MPOS) is exploited by white blood cells to generate reactive oxygen species in many processes involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation and atherothrombosis. This, study investigated the biochemical and functional effects of alpha-thrombin oxidation by MPOS. This system, in the presence of 100 microM L-tyrosine, caused in the thrombin molecule loss of tryptophan and lysine residues and formation of dityrosine, chloramine and carbonyl groups. The same changes could be directly induced by thrombin incubation with reagent HOCI, but not with H2O2 alone. Exposure to either MPOS or HOCl caused major functional abnormalities in human alpha-thrombin. The interaction of oxidized (ox-)thrombin with Protein C and antithrombin III-heparin complex were most sensitive to oxidation, being the kcat/Km value for Protein C hydrolysis roughly reduced 13-fold and the affinity for the antithrombin III-heparin complex decreased approximately 15-fold. Ox-thrombin interaction with small synthetic peptides showed several changes, arising from a perturbation of the S2-S3 specificity of the enzyme. Ox-thrombin was also characterized by a 5-fold decrease of the kcat/Km value for both fibrinopeptide A and B release from fibrinogen, a 5.8-fold increase of the EC50 value for platelet activation and a 2-fold decrease of binding affinity for thrombomodulin. The above results indicate a high sensitivity of thrombin to oxidative modifications by myeloperoxidase. Perturbed interactions with Protein C and the heparin-ATIII complex were the most relevant functional abnormalities of ox-thrombin.

Vitamin C prevents cigarette smoke induced oxidative damage of proteins and increased proteolysis

Aqueous extract of cigarette smoke (CS) contains some stable oxidants, which oxidize human plasma proteins, bovine serum albumin, amino acid homopolymers, and also cause extensive oxidative degradation of microsomal proteins. Similar observations are made when the aqueous extract of cigarette smoke is replaced by whole phase CS solution or whole phase cigarette smoke. CS-induced microsomal protein degradation is a two step process: (i) oxidation of proteins by the oxidants present in the CS and (ii) rapid proteolytic degradation of the oxidized proteins by proteases present in the microsomes. Using aqueous extract of CS equivalent to that produced from one-twentieth of a cigarette, the observed initial and postcigarette smoke treated values of different parameters of oxidative damage per milligram of microsomal proteins are respectively: 0.24 and 1.74 nmoles for carbonyl formation, 125.4 and 62.8 fluorescence units for tryptophan loss, 10.2 and 33.4 fluorescence units for bityrosine formation, and 58.3 and 12.2 nmoles for loss of protein thiols. When compared with sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of untreated microsomal proteins, the extent of microsomal protein degradation after treatment with whole phase CS solution or aqueous extract of CS is above 90%. Ascorbate (100 μM) almost completely prevents cigarette smoke–induced protein oxidation and thereby protects the microsomes from subsequent proteolytic degradation. Glutathione is partially effective, but other antioxidants including superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin E, probucol, β-carotene, mannitol, thiourea, and histidine are ineffective. The gas phase cigarette smoke contains unstable reactive oxygen species such as superoxide (O 2 −•) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) that can cause substantial oxidation of pure protein like albumin but is unable to produce significant oxidative damage of microsomal proteins. Gas phase cigarette smoke–induced albumin oxidation is not only inhibited by ascorbate and glutathione but also by superoxide dismutase, catalase and mannitol. The stable oxidants in the cigarette smoke are not present in the tobacco and are apparently produced by the interaction of O 2 −•/H 2O 2/OH of the gas phase with some components of the tar phase during/following the burning of tobacco.

Mapping of sugar and amino acid availability in soil around roots with bacterial sensors of sucrose and tryptophan

We developed a technique to map the availability of sugars and amino acids along live roots in an intact soil-root matrix with native microbial soil flora and fauna present. It will allow us to study interactions between root exudates and soil microorganisms at the fine spatial scale necessary to evaluate mechanisms of nitrogen cycling in the rhizosphere. Erwinia herbicola 299R harboring a promoterless ice nucleation reporter gene, driven by either of two nutrient-responsive promoters, was used as a biosensor. Strain 299RTice exhibits tryptophan-dependent ice nucleation activity, while strain 299R(p61RYice) expresses ice nucleation activity proportional to sucrose concentration in its environment. Both biosensors exhibited up to 100-fold differences in ice nucleation activity in response to varying substrate abundance in culture. The biosensors were introduced into the rhizosphere of the annual grass Avena barbata and, as a control, into bulk soil. Neither strain exhibited significant ice nucleation activity in the bulk soil. Both tryptophan and sucrose were detected in the rhizosphere, but they showed different spatial patterns. Tryptophan was apparently most abundant in soil around roots 12 to 16 cm from the tip, while sucrose was most abundant in soil near the root tip. The largest numbers of bacteria (determined by acridine orange staining and direct microscopy) occurred near root sections with the highest apparent sucrose or tryptophan exudation. High sucrose availability at the root tip is consistent with leakage of photosynthate from immature, rapidly growing root tissues, while tryptophan loss from older root sections may result from lateral root perforation of the root epidermis.

In Vitro Effects of Oxygen-derived Free Radicals on Type I and Type II cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinases

Oxygen free radicals may act as second messengers in signal transduction pathways and contribute to inflammatory diseases. We studied the action in vitro of radiolytically generated hydroxyl radicals (.OH) and superoxide radicals (O-2) on the cAMP-dependent protein kinases, I and II (PKAI and -II, respectively). The effects of the gasses O2 and N2O used to produce O-2 or .OH radicals by gamma-radiolysis of the water were also studied. PKAI is more sensitive than PKAII to oxygen gas (10 mM sodium formate) and to hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Hydroxyl radicals decreased the kinase phosphotransferase activities stimulated either by cAMP or its site-specific analogs for both PKAI and PKAII; however, PKAI was more affected. The binding of [3H]cAMP and of 8-N3-[32P]cAMP to RI regulatory subunits was decreased. .OH caused a loss of tryptophan 260 fluorescence at site A of PKAI and of bityrosine production. Superoxide radicals affected only PKAI. O-2 modified both cAMP-binding sites A and B of the regulatory subunit but had a smaller effect on the catalytic subunit. The catalytic subunit was more sensitive to radicals when free than when part of the holoenzymes during exposure to the oxygen free radicals. These results suggest that oxygen free radicals alter the structure of PKA enzymes. Thus, oxidative modifications may alter key enzymes, including cAMP-dependent protein kinases, in certain pathological states.

Bilirubin Is an Effective Antioxidant of Peroxynitrite-Mediated Protein Oxidation in Human Blood Plasma

Bilirubin is a bile pigment that may have an important role as an antioxidant. Its antioxidant potential is attributed mainly to the scavenging of peroxyl radicals. We investigated the reaction of bilirubin with peroxynitrite in phosphate buffer and in blood plasma. In phosphate buffer bilirubin was rapidly oxidized by micromolar concentrations of peroxynitrite, and its oxidation yield was higher at alkaline pH with an apparent pKa= 6.9. In contrast, the major oxidation product of bilirubin in plasma was biliverdin, and the pH profile of its oxidation yield showed a slightly increased oxidation at acidic pH without a clear inflection point. The addition of NaHCO3to bilirubin decreased the peroxynitrite-dependent oxidation, suggesting that the reactive intermediates formed in the reaction between CO2and peroxynitrite are less efficient oxidants of bilirubin. The antioxidant role of bilirubin was investigated in some peroxynitrite-mediated plasma protein modifications that are enhanced by CO2(tryptophan oxidation and protein tyrosine nitration) or slightly decreased by CO2(protein carbonyl groups). Bilirubin in the micromolar concentration range afforded a significant protection against all these oxidative modifications and, notably, protected plasma proteins even when the pigment was added 5 s after peroxynitrite (i.e., when peroxynitrite is completely decomposed). The loss of tryptophan fluorescence triggered by peroxynitrite was a relatively slow process fulfilled only after a few minutes. After this time, bilirubin was unable to reduce the tryptophan loss, and it was unable to reduce previously formed nitrated albumin or previously formed carbonyls. We deduce that bilirubin in plasma cannot react to a significant extent with peroxynitrite, and we suggest that bilirubin, through a hydrogen donation mechanism, participates as a scavenger of secondary oxidants formed in the oxidative process.

Metal-ion catalyzed oxidation affects fibrinogen activity on platelet aggregation and adhesion

Exposure of fibrinogen to the Fe 3+/ascorbate oxidative system resulted in structural modifications and altered functionality of the glycoprotein. The overnight treatment of fibrinogen by oxidants caused a 20-fold increase of carbonyl content with respect to the native protein. Formation of dityrosines as well as loss of tryptophan following fibrinogen oxidation were observed. The occurrence of conformational changes of the fibrinogen molecule as a consequence of the oxidative treatment was also established. Oxidized fibrinogen showed a distinct capability from the native molecule to mediate platelet aggregation and adhesion. The percentage of ADP-induced platelet aggregation decreased as a function of fibrinogen oxidative damage. Further, both unstimulated platelets and ADP-activated platelets showed a reduced ability to adhere to oxidized fibrinogen than to the native protein. These results suggest that oxidative treatment alters fibrinogen domains involved in the recognition and the binding of this molecule by the platelet receptor GP IIb/IIIa.

The Formation of Some Antigenic Epitopes in Oxidized Human Low-Density Lipoprotein Is Inhibited by Nitric Oxide

NO and NO-donors are able to inhibit the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in human low-density lipoproteins (LDL) exposed to Cu++. Here we report that 1-hydroxy-2-oxo-3,3-bis(3-aminoethyl)-1-triazene (NOC-18), a compound which releases NO at low rate in aqueous solutions, powerfully inhibits the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, tryptophan loss, the formation of fluorescent aldehydic adducts in apo B100 and the increase of electrophoretic mobility in isolated LDL undergoing oxidation. The inhibitory effect is not restricted to Cu++-induced peroxidation but is also detectable with other oxidizing conditions such as the free radical generator 2,2′-azobis-(2-amidino propane) hydrochloride (AAPH), the combination of horseradish peroxidase and H2O2(HRP), and peroxynitrite (ONOO−). The recognition of Cu++-, AAPH-, and ONOO−-modified LDL by specific autoantibodies present in serum of atherosclerotic patients is almost completely inhibited when the oxidation procedure is performed in the presence of NOC-18. However, NOC-18 is completely ineffective in preventing the formation of recognizable antigens in HRP-modified LDL. These findings suggest that NO may efficiently prevent the formation of some, but not all, the antigenic epitopes recognized by human autoantibodies and thus likely formed duringin vivoLDL oxidation.

Preparation, properties and preservation of lactic acid fermented shrimp heads

Raw heads of the African river prawn ( Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) were fermented with 5% ( w w ) Lactobacillus plantarum as inoculum at 30 °C using 15% ( w w ) cane molasses as a carbohydrate source. After incubation for 7 days, a desirable and stable pH, < 4.5, was attained in the anaerobic treatments which lasted until 30 days after the start of fermentation. Addition of trona at 5% ( w w ) prior to fermentation restricted protein hydrolysis by inhibiting the activity of endogenous autolytic enzymes. Addition of onion extract at 5 ml kg −1 proved effective as an antioxidant as the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value remained low after 30 days' fermentation. In a storage experiment, fermented shrimp heads were stored at 30 °C for 180 days and analyzed at intervals. The non-protein nitrogen increased and attained a maximum of 50.1% of total nitrogen content after 180 days. Proximate composition varied slightly during storage and there was a > 12% loss of tryptophan.

The Generation of Superoxide Anion by the UVA Irradiation of Human Lens Proteins

In this study we report the generation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide by a water-insoluble protein fraction from aged human lenses in response to UVA light. Irradiation with 1.5kJcm -2of UVA light (>338nm) over a 1hr period caused the formation of 20±0.1μ msuperoxide radical and 37±0.5μ mhydrogen peroxide. A linear photolysis of SH-groups (21nmolml -1, 26%), His (117nmolml -1, 26%) and Trp (72nmolml -1, 27%) residues was seen following 60min of irradiation. The addition of SOD, however, had no effect on the photolytic destruction of any of these amino acid residues. Incubation of the human WISS proteins and bovine α-crystallin in the presence of 43–49μ mof O 2 -generated in a xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine system over a 1hr period, caused no loss of histidine, little or no loss of tryptophan and loss of 7–9nmolml -1of sulfhydryl groups with both proteins. This argues that O 2 -can only account for the destruction of at most 4–8nmol SH-groups in human water-insoluble proteins following 1hr of UVA irradiation.

Inhibition of Cu2+-Induced LDL Oxidation by Nitric Oxide: A Study Using Donors with Different Half-Time of NO Release

The incubation of low density lipoproteins with Cu++promotes oxidative modifications that make them atherogenic. Comparable alterations occurin vivoand are modulated by the generation of nitric oxide by endothelial cells or macrophages. Here we report that two donors (NOC-9 and NOC-18) with different half times of NO release (2.7 and >500 min, respectively) inhibitin vitrolipoprotein oxidation promoted by Cu++. Both donors increase the duration of the lag-phase and decrease the maximum rate of conjugated diene formation, prevent the loss of tryptophan in Apo B100, and decrease the formation of fluorescent adducts. The protective effect of NOC-9 was rapidly exhausted and its overall efficacy in preventing LDL oxidation was two orders of magnitude lower than that exhibited by NOC-18. These findings suggest that a continuous flux of NO generation, even at lower concentrations, is more efficient than considerably higher doses released as a burst in protecting both the lipid and the protein moiety of LDL from oxidation.

Vitamin C prevents oxidative damage.

Ascorbate-deficiency leads to extensive oxidative damage of proteins and protein loss in the guinea pig tissue microsomes as evidenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, accumulation of carbonyl, bityrosine as well as by tryptophan loss. Oxidative damage is reversed by ascorbate therapy. Oxidative damage in ascorbate deficiency also leads to lipid peroxidation in guinea pig tissue microsomes as evidenced by accumulation of conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde and fluorescent pigment. Lipid peroxides, disappear after ascorbate therapy but not by vitamin E. The observations substantiate the previous in vitro findings that ascorbate specifically prevents oxidative degradation of microsomal membranes. The results indicate that vitamin C may exert a powerful protection against degenerative diseases associated with oxidative damage and play a critical role in wellness and health maintenance.

ASCORBIC ACID GLYCATION OF LENS PROTEINS PRODUCES UVA SENSITIZERS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN HUMAN LENS

Soluble calf lens proteins were extensively glycated during a 4 week incubation with ascorbic acid in the presence of oxygen. Amino acid analysis of the dialyzed proteins removed at weekly intervals showed an increasing loss of lysine, arginine and histidine, consistent with the extensive protein cross-linking observed. Irradiation of the dialyzed samples with UVA light (1.0 kJ/cm2 total illumination through a 338 nm cutoff filter) caused an increasing loss of tryptophan, an additional loss of histidine and the production of micromolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. No alteration in amino acid content and no photolytic effects were seen in proteins incubated without ascorbic acid or in proteins incubated with glucose for 4 weeks. The rate of hydrogen peroxide formation was linear with each glycated sample with a maximum production of 25 nmol/mg protein illuminated. The possibility that the sensitizer activity was due to an ascorbate-induced oxidation of tryptophan was eliminated by the presence of a heavy metal ion chelator during the incubation and by showing equivalent effects with ascorbate-incubated ribonuclease A, which is devoid of tryptophan. The ascorbate-incubated samples displayed increasing absorbance at wavelengths above 300 nm and increasing fluorescence (340/430) as glycation proceeded. The spectra of the 4 week glycated proteins were identical to those obtained with a solubilized water-insoluble fraction from human lens, which is known to have UVA sensitizer activity. The incubation of lens proteins with dehydroascorbic acid or L-threose, but not fructose, produced equivalent glycation, protein crosslinking and sensitizer activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Degradation of differentially oxidized α-crystallins in bovine lens epithelial cells

There is a growing consensus that altered proteins are more susceptible to degradation than native proteins. The enhancement of degradation of damaged proteins may be of significance since it prevents the accumulation of damaged proteins in cells. Several proteolytic pathways have been discovered in the lens. These include ATP-independent, ATP-dependent and ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathways. However, the extent of involvement of these proteolytic pathways in degradation of damaged proteins is not well described. alpha-Crystallin was oxidized by exposure to 0.03-3.2 mol.OH (mol protein)-1. Modifications to the oxidized alpha-crystallin and proteolytic susceptibility of the oxidized alpha-crystallin were studied. Exposure to > 0.32 mol.OH per mole of subunit produced aggregates and fragments of alpha-crystallin. Changes in isoelectric points of the proteins were observed after exposure to 0.64 mol.OH (mol protein)-1. The extent of loss of tryptophan and sulfhydryl groups was related to the level of .OH-exposure. Carbonyl content increased progressively with increasing oxidation. When incubated with a supernatant of bovine lens epithelial cells, the .OH-modified proteins were proteolytically degraded up to three times faster than untreated alpha-crystallin. ATP stimulated the degradation of native alpha-crystallin and alpha-crystallin which was exposed to 1.6 mol.OH (mol subunit protein)-1 (alpha 1.6). Sixty-seven per cent and 100% of the ATP-dependent degradation of native alpha-crystallin and alpha 1.6 was ubiquitin-dependent, respectively. The data indicate that alpha-crystallins oxidized by .OH are recognized and degraded rapidly by cytoplasmic proteolytic systems in bovine lens epithelial cells. Both ATP-independent and ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathways are involved in the degradation of native and oxidized alpha-crystallin.

UVA photolysis using the protein-bound sensitizers present in human lens.

This research was undertaken to demonstrate that the protein-bound chromophores in aged human lens can act as sensitizers for protein damage by UVA light. The water-insoluble (WI) proteins from pooled human and bovine lenses were solubilized by sonication in water and illuminated with UV light similar in output to that transmitted by the cornea. Analysis of the irradiated proteins showed a linear decrease in sulfhydryl groups with a 30% loss after 2 h. No loss was seen when native alpha-crystallin was irradiated under the same conditions. A 25% loss of histidine residues was also observed with the human lens WI fraction, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels indicated considerable protein cross-linking. Similar photodamage was seen with a WI fraction from old bovine lenses. While the data show the presence of UVA sensitizers, some histidine destruction and protein cross-linking were also obtained with alpha-crystallin and with lysozyme, which argue that part of the histidine loss in the human WISS was likely due to tryptophan acting as a sensitizer. A preparation of human WI proteins was irradiated with a total of 200 J/cm2 of absorbed light at 10 nm intervals from 290 to 400 nm. Photodamage of cysteine SH groups (35%) and methionine (28%) was maximum at 330 nm and diminished linearly at longer wavelengths. The major loss of tryptophan (80%) occurred at 290 nm, but destruction was observed throughout the UVA range. Tyrosine was 35% destroyed at 290 nm but decreased sharply to only 5% at 330 nm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)