Protein Nitrotyrosine Research Articles

Upregulation of intracellular antioxidant enzymes in brain and heart during estivation in the African lungfish Protopterus dolloi

The African slender lungfish, Protopterus dolloi, is highly adapted to withstand periods of drought by secreting a mucous cocoon and estivating for periods of months to years. Estivation is similar to the diapause and hibernation of other animal species in that it is characterized by negligible activity and a profoundly depressed metabolic rate. As is typically observed in quiescent states, estivating P. dolloi are resistant to environmental stresses. We tested the hypothesis that P. dolloi enhances stress resistance during estivation by upregulating intracellular antioxidant defences in brain and heart tissues. We found that most of the major intracellular antioxidant enzymes, including the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, cytosolic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, were upregulated in brain tissue of lungfish that had estivated for 60 days. Several of these enzymes were also elevated in heart tissue of estivators. These changes were not due to food deprivation, as they did not occur in a group of fish that were deprived of food but maintained in water for the same period of time. We found little evidence of tissue oxidative damage in estivators. Products of lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal adducts) and oxidative protein damage (carbonylation) were similar in estivating and control lungfish. However, protein nitrotyrosine levels were elevated in brain tissue of estivators. Taken together, these data indicate that estivating P. dolloi have enhanced oxidative stress resistance in brain and heart due to a significant upregulation of intracellular antioxidant capacity.

The Pathogenic Role of the Canonical Wnt Pathway in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The authors' previous studies showed that the Wnt signaling pathway is activated in the retinas and retinal pigment epithelia of animal models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the canonical Wnt pathway in pathogenesis of these diseases. The Wnt pathway was activated using the Wnt3a-conditioned medium and adenovirus expressing a constitutively active mutant of beta-catenin (Ad-S37A) in ARPE19, a cell line derived from human RPE. Ad-S37A was injected into the vitreous of normal rats to activate the Wnt pathway in the retina. Accumulation of beta-catenin was determined by Western blot analysis, and its nuclear translocation was revealed by immunocytochemistry. Inflammatory factors were quantified by Western blot analysis and ELISA. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and nitrotyrosine levels. The Wnt3a-conditioned medium and Ad-S37A both increased beta-catenin levels and its nuclear translocation in ARPE19 cells, suggesting activation of the canonical Wnt pathway. Activation of the Wnt pathway significantly upregulated the expression of VEGF, NF-kappaB, and TNF-alpha. Further, Ad-S37A induced ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner. Wnt3a also induced a twofold increase of ROS generation. Intravitreal injection of Ad-S37A upregulated the expression of VEGF, ICAM-1, NF-kappaB, and TNF-alpha and increased protein nitrotyrosine levels in the retinas of normal rats. Activation of the canonical Wnt pathway is sufficient to induce retinal inflammation and oxidative stress and plays a pathogenic role in AMD and DR.

Beneficial effect of a hydrogen sulphide donor (sodium sulphide) in an ovine model of burn‐ and smoke‐induced acute lung injury

The present study investigated whether the pathophysiological changes induced by burn and smoke inhalation are modulated by parenteral administration of Na(2)S, a H(2)S donor. The study used a total of 16 chronically instrumented, adult female sheep. Na(2)S was administered 1 h post injury, as a bolus injection at a dose of 0.5 mg.kg(-1) and subsequently, as a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.2 mg.kg(-1).h(-1) for 24 h. Cardiopulmonary variables (mean arterial and pulmonary arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, ventricular stroke work index, vascular resistance) and arterial and mixed venous blood gases were measured. Lung wet-to-dry ratio and myeloperoxidase content and protein oxidation and nitration were also measured. In addition, lung inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and cytochrome c were measured in lung homogenates via Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) respectively. The H(2)S donor decreased mortality during the 96 h experimental period, improved pulmonary gas exchange and lowered further increase in inspiratory pressure and fluid accumulation associated with burn- and smoke-induced acute lung injury. Further, the H(2)S donor treatment reduced the presence of protein oxidation and 3-nitrotyrosine formation following burn and smoke inhalation injury. Parenteral administration of the H(2)S donor ameliorated the pulmonary pathophysiological changes associated with burn- and smoke-induced acute lung injury. Based on the effect of H(2)S observed in this clinically relevant model of disease, we propose that treatment with H(2)S or its donors may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in managing patients with acute lung injury.

Oxidative protein damage and antioxidant status in systemic lupus erythematosus

Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Proteins are one of the main targets for oxidants, due to their abundance in biological systems and their high rate constants for reaction. To evaluate differences in oxidative protein damage and antioxidant status between patients with SLE and healthy controls, and to explore whether oxidative protein damage has a role in either the disease activity or the organ damage in SLE. Using spectrophotometry and ELISA, the levels of multiple markers of protein oxidation and antioxidant status in the serum of 62 patients with SLE and 62 healthy controls were evaluated. We found that levels of multiple markers of protein oxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase were increased, whereas levels of protein thiol and activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were reduced in serum from patients with SLE compared with controls. Disease activity index correlated positively with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and levels of serum protein carbonyl (PC), 3-nitrotyrosine and C-reactive protein, and negatively with levels of serum protein thiols and activities of SOD, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in patients. There was a significant difference in the serum PC levels between patients with and without arthritis or arthralgia. The same was true when patients with and without cardiac involvement, and patients with and without renal disease were analysed. The findings suggest that protein oxidation may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic organ damage in SLE.

In vivo oxidative stress in brain of Alzheimer disease transgenic mice: Requirement for methionine 35 in amyloid β-peptide of APP

Numerous studies have demonstrated oxidative damage in the central nervous system in subjects with Alzheimer disease and in animal models of this dementing disorder. In this study, we show that transgenic mice modeling Alzheimer disease—PDAPP mice with Swedish and Indiana mutations in the human amyloid precursor protein (APP)—develop oxidative damage in brain, including elevated levels of protein oxidation (indexed by protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine) and lipid peroxidation (indexed by protein-bound 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal). This oxidative damage requires the presence of a single methionine residue at position 35 of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), because all indices of oxidative damage in brain were completely prevented in genetically and age-matched PDAPP mice with an M631L mutation in APP. No significant differences in the levels of APP, Aβ(1–42), and Aβ(1–40) or in the ratio Aβ(1–42)/Aβ(1–40) were found, suggesting that the loss of oxidative stress in vivo in the brain of PDAPP(M631L) mice results solely from the mutation of the Met35 residue to Leu in the Aβ peptide. However, a marked reduction in Aβ-immunoreactive plaques was observed in the M631L mice, which instead displayed small punctate areas of nonplaque immunoreactivity and a microglial response. In contrast to the requirement for Met at residue 35 of the Aβ sequence (M631 of APP) for oxidative damage, indices of spatial learning and memory were not significantly improved by the M631L substitution. Furthermore, a genetically matched line with a different mutation—PDAPP(D664A)—showed the reverse: no reduction in oxidative damage but marked improvement in memory. This is the first in vivo study to demonstrate the requirement for Aβ residue Met35 for oxidative stress in the brain of a mammalian model of Alzheimer disease. However, in this specific transgenic mouse model of AD, oxidative stress is neither required nor sufficient for memory abnormalities.

Developmental Exposure to Manganese Increases Adult Susceptibility to Inflammatory Activation of Glia and Neuronal Protein Nitration

Chronic exposure to manganese (Mn) produces a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the basal ganglia characterized by reactive gliosis and expression of neuroinflammatory genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). Induction of NOS2 in glial cells causes overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and injury to neurons that is associated with parkinsonian-like motor deficits. Inflammatory activation of glia is believed to be an early event in Mn neurotoxicity, but specific responses of microglia and astrocytes to Mn during development remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of juvenile exposure to Mn on the activation of glia and production of NO in C57Bl/6J mice, postulating that developmental Mn exposure would lead to heightened sensitivity to gliosis and increased expression of NOS2 in adult mice exposed again later in life. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that Mn exposure caused increased activation of both microglia and astrocytes in the striatum (St), globus pallidus (Gp), and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) of treated mice compared with controls. More robust activation of microglia was observed in juveniles, whereas astrogliosis was more prominent in adult mice preexposed during development. Co-immunofluorescence studies demonstrated increased expression of NOS2 in glia located in the Gp and SNpr. Additionally, greater increases in the level of 3-nitrotyrosine protein adducts were detected in dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32-positive neurons of the St of Mn-treated adult mice preexposed as juveniles. These data indicate that subchronic exposure to Mn during development leads to temporally distinct patterns of glial activation that result in elevated nitrosative stress in distinct populations of basal ganglia neurons.

Kaempferol protects against rat striatal degeneration induced by 3‐nitropropionic acid

3-Nitropropionic acid (NPA) produces degeneration of striatum and some neurological disturbances characteristic of Huntington's disease in rodents and primates. We have shown that the flavonoid kaempferol largely reduced striatal damage induced by cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion in rats (Lopez-Sanchez et al. 2007). In this work, we report that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of kaempferol affords an efficient protection against NPA-induced neurodegeneration in Wistar rats. We studied the effects of daily i.p. injections of 7, 14 and 21 mg of kaempferol/kg body weight during the NPA-treatment (25 mg/kg body weight/12 h i.p., for 5 days) on the neurological deficits, degeneration of rat striatum and oxidative stress markers. Intraperitoneal injections of 14-21 mg of kaempferol/kg body weight largely attenuated motor deficit and delayed mortality. The higher dose of kaempferol prevented the appearance of NPA-induced striatal lesions up to the end of treatment, as revealed by haematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining, and also NPA-induced oxidative stress, because it blocked the fall of reduced glutathione and the increase of protein nitrotyrosines in NPA-treated rats. It was found that striatal degeneration was associated with calpains activation and a large inactivation of creatine kinase, which were also prevented when the higher doses of kaempferol were administered.

Protein targets of tyrosine nitration in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hypocotyls

Tyrosine nitration is recognized as an important post-translational protein modification in animal cells that can be used as an indicator of a nitrosative process. However, in plant systems, there is scant information on proteins that undergo this process. In sunflower hypocotyls, the content of tyrosine nitration (NO(2)-Tyr) and the identification of nitrated proteins were studied by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and proteomic approaches, respectively. In addition, the cell localization of nitrotyrosine proteins and peroxynitrite were analysed by confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) using antibodies against 3-nitrotyrosine and 3'-(p-aminophenyl) fluorescein (APF) as the fluorescent probe, in that order. The concentration of Tyr and NO(2)-Tyr in hypocotyls was 0.56 micromol mg(-1) protein and 0.19 pmol mg(-1) protein, respectively. By proteomic analysis, a total of 21 nitrotyrosine-immunopositive proteins were identified. These targets include proteins involved in photosynthesis, and in antioxidant, ATP, carbohydrate, and nitrogen metabolism. Among the proteins identified, S-adenosyl homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) was selected as a model to evaluate the effect of nitration on SAHH activity using SIN-1 (a peroxynitrite donor) as the nitrating agent. When the hypocotyl extracts were exposed to 0.5 mM, 1 mM, and 5 mM SIN-1, the SAHH activity was inhibited by some 49%, 89%, and 94%, respectively. In silico analysis of the barley SAHH sequence, characterized Tyr448 as the most likely potential target for nitration. In summary, the present data are the first in plants concerning the content of nitrotyrosine and the identification of candidates of protein nitration. Taken together, the results suggest that Tyr nitration occurs in plant tissues under physiological conditions that could constitute an important process of protein regulation in such a way that, when it is overproduced in adverse circumstances, it can be used as a marker of nitrosative stress.

Role of cytochrome P450 2E1 in protein nitration and ubiquitin-mediated degradation during acetaminophen toxicity

It is well established that following a toxic dose of acetaminophen (APAP), nitrotyrosine protein adducts (3-NT), a hallmark of peroxynitrite production, were colocalized with necrotic hepatic centrilobular regions where cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is highly expressed, suggesting that 3-NT formation may be essential in APAP-mediated toxicity. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between CYP2E1 and nitration (3-NT formation) followed by ubiquitin-mediated degradation of proteins in wild-type and Cyp2e1-null mice exposed to APAP (200 and 400mg/kg) for 4 and 24h. Markedly increased centrilobular liver necrosis and 3-NT formation were only observed in APAP-exposed wild-type mice in a dose- and time-dependent manner, confirming an important role for CYP2E1 in APAP biotransformation and toxicity. However, the pattern of 3-NT protein adducts, not accompanied by concurrent activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), was similar to that of protein ubiquitination. Immunoblot analysis further revealed that immunoprecipitated nitrated proteins were ubiquitinated in APAP-exposed wild-type mice, confirming the fact that nitrated proteins are more susceptible than the native proteins for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, resulting in shorter half-lives. For instance, cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) levels were clearly decreased and immunoprecipitated SOD1 was nitrated and ubiquitinated, likely leading to its accelerated degradation in APAP-exposed wild-type mice. These data suggest that CYP2E1 appears to play a key role in 3-NT formation, protein degradation, and liver damage, which is independent of NOS, and that decreased levels of many proteins in the wild-type mice (compared with Cyp2e1-null mice) likely contribute to APAP-related toxicity.

Aging impairs flow-induced dilation in coronary arterioles: role of NO and H2O2

Aging contributes significantly to the development of cardiovascular disease and is associated with elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The beneficial effects of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation are quickly abolished in the presence of ROS, and this effect may be augmented with aging. We previously demonstrated an age-induced impairment of flow-induced dilation in rat coronary arterioles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of O(2)(-) scavenging, as well as removal of H(2)O(2), the byproduct of O(2)(-) scavenging, on flow-mediated dilation in coronary resistance arterioles of young (4 mo) and old (24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats. Flow increased NO and H(2)O(2) production as evidenced by enhanced diaminofluorescein and dichlorodihydrofluorescein fluorescence, respectively, whereas aging reduced flow-induced NO and H(2)O(2) production. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was evaluated by increasing intraluminal flow (5-60 nl/s) before and after treatment with the superoxide dismutase mimetic Tempol (100 muM), the H(2)O(2) scavenger catalase (100 U/ml), or Tempol plus catalase. Catalase reduced flow-induced dilation in both groups, whereas Tempol and Tempol plus catalase diminished vasodilation in young but not old rats. Tempol plus deferoxamine (100 muM), an inhibitor of hydroxyl radical formation, reversed Tempol-mediated impairment of flow-induced vasodilation in young rats and improved flow-induced vasodilation in old rats compared with control. Immunoblot analysis revealed increases in endogenous superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitrotyrosine protein levels with aging. Collectively, these data indicate that NO- and H(2)O(2)-mediated flow-induced signaling decline with age in coronary arterioles and that elevated hydroxyl radical formation contributes to the age-related impairment of flow-induced vasodilation.

Matrix imbalance by inducing expression of metalloproteinase and oxidative stress in cochlea of hyperhomocysteinemic mice

Clinical study reports hearing loss in patients with low folic acid (FA) and elevated homocysteine (Hcy). We hypothesize that elevated Hcy induces imbalance in matrix turnover and oxidative stress in cochlea. Cystathione beta-synthase heterozygous knockout mice were used as model for hyperhomocysteinemia. Matrix remodeling induced by Hcy resulted from elevated MMP-2, -9, and -14. MMP-2 and -9 showed elevated gelatinase activity in CBS (+/-) cochlea. Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase were significantly lower in CBS (+/-) cochlea. The expression analyses for MMPs and TIMPs were equally represented at protein and mRNA levels. Cochlea of CBS mice showed following structural changes; (1) detachment of tectorial membrane lying on hair cells (2) thinner s. vascularis (3) large fibroblast in spiral ligament. Hcy induced higher protein nitrotyrosination and cytosolic NADPHoxidase subunit p22(phox) in cochlea. It is thus suggested that Hcy induced matrix imbalance, structural changes and oxidative stress in cochlea.

Antiangiogenic action of redox-modulating Mn(III) meso-tetrakis( N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, MnTE-2-PyP 5+, via suppression of oxidative stress in a mouse model of breast tumor

MnTE-2-PyP 5+ is a potent catalytic scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, primarily superoxide and peroxynitrite. It therefore not only attenuates primary oxidative damage, but was found to modulate redox-based signaling pathways (HIF-1α, NF-κB, SP-1, and AP-1) and thus, in turn, secondary oxidative injury also. Cancer has been widely considered an oxidative stress condition. The goal of this study was to prove if and why a catalytic SOD mimic/peroxynitrite scavenger would exert anti-cancer effects, i.e., to evaluate whether the attenuation of the oxidative stress by MnTE-2-PyP 5+ could suppress tumor growth in a 4T1 mouse breast tumor model. Tumor cells were implanted into Balb/C mouse flanks. Three groups of mice ( n = 25) were studied: control (PBS) and 2 and 15 mg/kg/day of MnTE-2-PyP 5+ given subcutaneously twice daily starting when the tumors averaged 200 mm 3 (until they reached ∼ 5-fold the initial volume). Intratumoral hypoxia (pimonidazole, carbonic anhydrase), HIF-1α, VEGF, proliferating capillary index (CD105), microvessel density (CD31), protein nitration, DNA oxidation (8-OHdG), NADPH oxidase (Nox-4), apoptosis (CD31), macrophage infiltration (CD68), and tumor drug levels were assessed. With 2 mg/kg/day a trend toward tumor growth delay was observed, and a significant trend was observed with 15 mg/kg/day. The 7.5-fold increase in drug dose was accompanied by a similar (6-fold) increase in tumor drug levels. Oxidative stress was largely attenuated as observed through the decreased levels of DNA damage, protein 3-nitrotyrosine, macrophage infiltration, and NADPH oxidase. Further, hypoxia was significantly decreased as were the levels of HIF-1α and VEGF. Consequently, suppression of angiogenesis was observed; both the microvessel density and the endothelial cell proliferation were markedly decreased. Our study indicates for the first time that MnTE-2-PyP 5+ has anti-cancer activity in its own right. The anti-cancer activity via HIF/VEGF pathways probably arises from the impact of the drug on the oxidative stress. Therefore, the catalytic scavenging of ROS/RNS by antioxidants, which in turn suppresses cellular transcriptional activity, could be an appropriate strategy for anti-cancer therapy. Enhancement of the anti-cancer effects may be achieved by optimizing the dosing regime, utilizing more bioavailable Mn porphyrins (MnP), and combining MnP treatment with irradiation, hyperthermia, and chemotherapy. Mn porphyrins may be advantageous compared to other anti-cancer drugs, owing to their radioprotection of normal tissue and the ability to afford pain management in cancer patients via prevention of chronic morphine tolerance.

Decreased cardiac expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and redox imbalance in murine diabetic cardiomyopathy

Type 1 diabetes is associated with a unique form of cardiomyopathy that is present without atherosclerosis. Redox imbalance and/or changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression have been associated with diabetes-related cardiomyopathy. However, the mechanisms of these changes and their interrelationships remain unclear. Using a murine type 1 diabetes model, we tested the hypothesis that alterations in cardiac performance are associated with decreased cardiac microvascular prevalence, as well as downregulation of VEGF isoforms. We also investigated oxidative stress as a contributor to regulate individual VEGF isoforms and microvascular rarefaction. Significant and rapid hyperglycemia was observed at 1 wk post-streptozotocin (STZ) and persisted throughout the 5-wk study. Left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening was reduced at week 1 and 5 post-STZ insult relative to age-matched controls. We also observed the early reduction in E/A ratio at 1 wk. Immunostaining for CD31 and digital image analysis demonstrated a 35% reduction in microvessels/myocardial area, indicative of rarefaction, which was highly correlated with fractional shortening. Furthermore, a significant increase in the prevalence of protein 3-nitrotyrosine was observed in the diabetic cardiac tissue, which was inversely associated with microvascular rarefaction. The expressions of three VEGF isoforms were significantly reduced to different extents. The reduction of VEGF(164) was associated with GSSG accumulation. These data demonstrate that the mouse model of STZ-induced diabetes has hallmark features observed in humans with respect to nonischemic systolic and diastolic performance and microvascular rarefaction, which are associated with changes in VEGF isoform expression and redox imbalance in the myocardium.

Abstract: P279 CONTRIBUTION OF NITRIC OXIDE TO THE MITOCHONDRIAL OXIDATIVE STRESS IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC MICE

Peroxynitrite, the product of the reaction between superoxide radicals and nitric oxide, is an elusive oxidant with a short half-life and a low steady-state concentration in biological systems; it promotes nitroxidative damage.We will consider kinetic and mechanistic aspects that allow rationalizing the biological fate of peroxynitrite from data obtained by a combination of methods that include fast kinetic techniques, electron paramagnetic resonance and kinetic simulations. In addition, we provide a quantitative analysis of peroxynitrite production rates and conceivable steady–state levels in living systems.The preferential reactions of peroxynitrite in vivo include those with carbon dioxide, thiols and metalloproteins; its homolysis represents only < 1% of its fate. To note, carbon dioxide accounts for a significant fraction of peroxynitrite consumption leading to the formation of strong one-electron oxidants, carbonate radicals and nitrogen dioxide. On the other hand, peroxynitrite is rapidly reduced by peroxiredoxins, which represent efficient thiol-based peroxynitrite detoxification systems. Glutathione, present at mM concentration in cells and frequently considered a direct scavenger of peroxynitrite, does not react sufficiently fast with it in vivo; glutathione mainly inhibits peroxynitrite-dependent processes by reactions with secondary radicals. The detection of protein 3-nitrotyrosine, a molecular footprint, can demonstrate peroxynitrite formation in vivo. Basal peroxynitrite formation rates in cells can be estimated in the order of 0.1 to 0.5 μM s− 1 and its steady-state concentration at ~ 1 nM.The analysis provides a handle to predict the preferential fate and steady-state levels of peroxynitrite in living systems. This is useful to understand pathophysiological aspects and pharmacological prospects connected to peroxynitrite. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Current methods to study reactive oxygen species - pros and cons and biophysics of membrane proteins. Guest Editor: Christine Winterbourn.

Ochratoxin A–Mediated DNA and Protein Damage: Roles of Nitrosative and Oxidative Stresses

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin occurring in a variety of foods. OTA is nephrotoxic and nephrocarcinogenic in rodents. An OTA-mediated increase of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was observed in normal rat kidney renal cell line and in rat hepatocyte cultures, suggesting the induction of nitrosative stress. This was associated with an increased nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells activity. The potential consequences of iNOS induction were further investigated. A significant increase in the levels of protein nitrotyrosine residues was observed with OTA. In addition, OTA was found to increase the level of DNA abasic sites in both cell cultures system. This end point was used as an indirect measure of 8-nitroguanine formation. Treatment of the cells with L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl) lysine, a specific inhibitor of iNOS activity, inhibited the OTA-mediated overnitration of proteins but did not reduce the level of DNA abasic sites. It was found previously that nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators were able to restore the cellular defense against oxidative stress and could prevent DNA abasic sites in cell cultures. In the present study, pretreatment of the cells with activators of Nrf2 prevented OTA-mediated increase in lipid peroxidation, confirming the potential of Nrf2 activators to confer protection against OTA-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, it was found that Nrf2 activators could also prevent OTA-induced protein nitration and cytotoxicity. In conclusion, the present data further confirm oxidative stress as a key source of OTA-induced DNA damage and provide additional evidence for a role of this mechanism in OTA carcinogenicity. The exact role of nitrosative stress still remains to be established.

Superoxide-mediated inactivation of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite formation by tobacco smoke in vascular endothelium: studies in cultured cells and smokers

Tobacco smoke is known to cause nitric oxide ((*)NO) inactivation and endothelial dysfunction. In this work we evaluated the interplay between (.)NO and superoxide (O(2)(*-)) radicals and the consequent impact on (*)NO bioavailability and nitroxidative stress in bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and in smokers. Bovine aortic endothelial cells in the presence of CSE triggered O(2)(*-) production as indicated by spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance experiments. O(2)(*-) was produced both extracellulary (3.4 vs. 1.0 nmol.h(-1)*mg(-1); CSE vs. control; cytochrome c(3+) reduction assay) and intracellularly (40% inhibition of cytosolic aconitase). CSE also led to the production of peroxynitrite as evaluated by dihydrorhodamine oxidation and protein tyrosine nitration on cells. O(2)(*-) and peroxynitrite formation were decreased by ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol. Additionally, CSE led to the oxidation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase increasing the monomeric inactive form of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Smokers and age-matched healthy volunteers were supplemented orally with 500 mg ascorbate plus 400 IU all-rac-alpha-tocopherol every 12 h for 165 days. Smokers had endothelial dysfunction compared with control subjects (95% confidence interval: 2.5, 8.3 vs. 10.6, 14.2; P < 0.05) as assessed by flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, and plasma levels of protein 3-nitrotyrosine were 1.4-fold higher. The loss of flow-mediated dilation in smokers reverted after a long-term antioxidant supplementation (95% confidence interval: 13.9, 19.9; P < 0.05), reaching values comparable with the control population. Our data indicate that elements on tobacco smoke, most likely through redox cycling, divert (*)NO toward peroxynitrite by inducing O(2)(*-) production in vascular endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo.

A Potential Protective Role of RGS2 in Oxidative‐Stress Mediated Anxious Behavior in Rats

A single nucleotide polymorphism in Regulator of G‐Protein Signaling (RGS)‐2 gene in human and its knockout in mice have been linked to panic disorder and anxiety, respectively. Interestingly, oxidative stress is proposed to be involved in anxiety. The present study is the first to provide a link between RGS2, oxidative stress and anxiety. Our neuronal cell culture studies demonstrate that 1h H2O2 treatment increases while 4h H2O2 treatment decreases RGS2 and antioxidant proteins. RGS2 antisense treatment prevented the increase in antioxidant protein expression suggesting the involvement of RGS2 in this process. Oxidant producing pharmacological agent BSO treatment for 4 and 7 d in rats, increased the levels of oxidative stress markers, protein nitrotyrosine and MDA, in the brain regions implicated in the anxiety response. This was accompanied by a decrease in RGS2 and antioxidant proteins especially, glutathione reducatse 1 and Glyoxalase 1, the proteins previously implicated in the development of anxiety. Two day BSO treatment increased RGS2 and antioxidant protein expression. Furthermore, behavior tests revealed that 4 and 7 d BSO treated rats were more anxious than control or antioxidant, tempol treated rats while 2d treatment did not result in increased anxiety. Our studies suggest an involvement of oxidative stress in anxiety and a novel role of RGS2 in antioxidant homeostasis. [Funding: GEAR, UH].

Oxidative stress upregulates renal Angiotensin II type I receptors via activation of transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappaB

Regulation of redox homeostasis is associated with normal functioning of cells, whereas oxidative stress is seen with various cardiovascular disorders like hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang II), acting via Ang II type I (AT1) receptors, has known effects on the renal proximal tubular sodium transport, thus plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. Oxidative stress is also known to activate redox sensitive transcription factor NF‐kappaB and evidences indicate that AT1 receptor gene posses binding site for this transcription factor. Herein, we aim to investigate if oxidative stress upregulates renal AT1 receptors through NF‐kappaB activation. Human proximal tubular (HK‐2) cells were incubated with a pro oxidant L‐buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione, for 48 hrs.ResultsCompared to control, there was an increase in levels of protein nitrotyrosination indicating oxidative stress in BSO treated HK‐2 cells. There was also activation of NF‐kappaB, upregulation of AT1 receptor protein, and increased Ang II‐induced Ca2+ signaling. Furthermore, treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a NF‐kappaB inihibitor, blocked NF‐kappaB activation, abolished AT1 receptor upregulation and exaggerated Ang II induced Ca2+ signaling.ConclusionThese results suggest that oxidative stress upregulates renal AT1 receptors via activation of transcription factor NF‐kappaB.Grant: AHA‐SDG‐0835428N

Analysis of oxidative modification of proteins.

Proteins are targets of oxidative modification. This unit describes detailed procedures for the analysis of popular indices of protein oxidation including protein carbonyl formation, loss of protein thiols, and nitrotyrosine and dityrosine formation, as well as isoaspartate formation. Procedures are detailed for the analysis of protein carbonyls labeled with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, tritiated sodium borohydride, and biotin-hydrazide, followed by detection measurements that are based on the distinguishing feature of each labeling chemical. Methods are outlined for the determination of protein cysteine oxidation by quantifying the loss of free protein thiols using radiolabeled [(14)C]-iodoacetamide. Protocols are described for the measurement of protein dityrosine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, as are the details for the detection of protein nitrotyrosine by a competitive ELISA approach. Finally, methods are described for the quantification of protein-bound isoaspartate using protein-L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase that converts aberrant L-isoaspartyl residues in peptides and proteins to normal aspartyl residues.

The chance of gender dependency of oxidation of brain proteins in aged rats

The purpose of this study is hopefully to clarify the ambiguity raised in preliminary reports as to gender dependency of oxidative damage in brain proteins. In the current study, we investigated the relation between protein hydroperoxide levels and other protein oxidation parameters. Our study also covered other oxidative stress parameters, such as 4-hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde, and the redox index in brain tissue of the aged rats. Protein hydroperoxide, 4-hydroxynonenal, thiol levels of male rats were significantly higher than in the female rat group. On the other hand, other oxidative stress parameters were all found to be not different. We suggest that increased total thiol and protein thiol levels found in our study may point to an adaptive reaction to oxidative protein damage. We are of the conviction that the increased thiol groups that we have determined in aged male rats may be a limiting factor in propagation of protein oxidation, as the protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products and nitrotyrosine levels in the brain tissue were unchanged. It has thus been found that gender indeed affects the oxidation of brain proteins and thus its aging; though the extent of the underlying mechanisms affecting brain aging and its etiology are still obscure.