Reactive Peroxynitrite Research Articles

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach against intraepidermal nerve fiber loss and neuropathic pain associated with advanced diabetic neuropathy: A commentary on “PARP Inhibition or gene deficiency counteracts intraepidermal nerve fiber loss and neuropathic pain in advanced diabetic neuropathy”

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach against intraepidermal nerve fiber loss and neuropathic pain associated with advanced diabetic neuropathy: A commentary on “PARP Inhibition or gene deficiency counteracts intraepidermal nerve fiber loss and neuropathic pain in advanced diabetic neuropathy”

Adiponectin attenuates endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidised low-density lipoproteins

We investigated whether the adipocytokine, adiponectin, protected the endothelium against damage induced by oxidised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured with either 200 or 350 microg/ml oxLDL, with or without adiponectin purified from human serum (12 microg/ml). Cellular oxidative status was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite and glutathione (GSH) levels, while cell function was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) levels and immunohistochemical examination of proteins in the adherens cell junction. At a concentration of 200 microg/ml, oxLDL induced a small increase in ROS and peroxynitrite levels, a two-fold increase in GSH levels and no changes in NO levels or localisation of proteins in the adherens junction. However, 350 microg/ml of oxLDL induced a marked increase in ROS and peroxynitrite levels, a four-fold reduction in GSH levels and a significant decrease in NO levels and disruption of the adherens junctions. Addition of adiponectin to the cultures resulted in maintenance of normal ROS, peroxynitrite and GSH levels, with no change in either NO levels or protein localisation in the adherens junction. This study demonstrates that adiponectin protects against endothelial dysfunction and cellular disruption induced by oxLDL, with this effect being due, in part, to maintenance of intracellular GSH levels.

Cytoprotective effect of baicalein against peroxynitrite-induced toxicity in LLC-PK1 cells

The various reactions of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) with enzymes, macromolecules and lipids, have been shown to influence cellular functions and may be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Therefore, targeting ONOO−-induced cytotoxicity is now accepted as a viable strategy to alleviate disease signs in numerous diseases. There is a growing interest in the antioxidant characteristics and use of dietary flavonoids in the management of ONOO−-related diseases. Baicalein, a major bioactive flavonoid constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses a multitude of pharmacological activities that have been associated with its antioxidant effects. In this study, we have investigated the ONOO− scavenging ability of baicalein and its protective effect on ONOO−-induced cell death in cultured LLC-PK1 cells. Baicalein was able to scavenge ONOO− in a concentration-dependent manner, which was comparable to penicillamine. In addition, baicalein at the concentration range of 10–50μM increased cell viability and decreased LDH leakage in 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1)-treated cells, reflecting its prevention of ONOO−-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the protective effects of baicalein can be explained with respect to its ability to scavenge ONOO− and may be useful as a possible therapeutic strategy for the treatment of involved diseases.

Evaluation of the peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst Fe(III) tetra-mesitylporphyrin octasulfonate on peripheral neuropathy in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes

Whereas the important role of free radicals in diabetes-associated complications is well established, the contributions of the highly reactive oxidant peroxynitrite have not been properly explored. The present study used a pharmacological approach to evaluate the role of peroxynitrite in peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Control and STZ-diabetic mice were maintained with or without treatment with the potent peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst Fe(III) tetramesitylporphyrin octasulfonate (FeTMPS), at doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg/day in the drinking water for 3 weeks after an initial 3 weeks without treatment. Mice with a 6-week duration of diabetes developed clearly manifest motor (MNCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) deficits, thermal hypoalgesia (paw withdrawal, tail-flick, and hot plate tests), mechanical hypoalgesia (tail pressure Randall-Sellito test), tactile allodynia (flexible von Frey filament test), and approximately 44% loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers. They also had increased nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) immunofluorescence in sciatic nerve, grey matter of the spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion neurons. FeTMPS treatment alleviated or essentially corrected (at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day) MNCV and SNCV deficits, and was associated with less severe small sensory nerve fiber dysfunction and degeneration. Nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) immunofluorescence in sciatic nerve, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion neurons in peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst-treated diabetic mice was markedly reduced. In conclusion, peroxynitrite contributes to large motor, large sensory, and small sensory fiber neuropathy in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. The findings provide rationale for development of potent peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Homolysis of the Peroxynitrite Anion Detected with Permanganate

The reaction of peroxynitrite with violet-colored MnO4- leads to the formation of green MnO42-. The rate constant for the reaction at pH 11.7, 5.5 mM ionic strength, and 25 degrees C, 0.020 +/- 0.001 s(-1), is independent of the MnO4- concentration; homolysis of ONOO- to NO* and O2*- is the rate-determining step. Both NO* and O2*- react with MnO4- with rate constants of (3.5 +/- 0.7) x 10(6) M(-1)s(-1) and (5.7 +/- 0.9) x 10(5) M(-1)s(-1), respectively. The activation volume and activation energy for breaking the N-O bond are 12.6 +/- 0.8 cm(3)mol(-1) and 102 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1), respectively. In combination with the known standard Gibbs energies of formation of NO* and O2*-, the rate of the reaction of NO* and O2*-, and the pKa of ONOOH, we find a standard Gibbs energy of formation of ONOO- of +68 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1), and of ONOOH of +31 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1).

Selective iNOS inhibition reduces renal damage induced by cisplatin

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of several cancer tumors; however, nephrotoxicity has restricted its use. Reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite, which is formed by the reaction between superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO ), are implicated in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In contrast, both toxic and beneficial effects of NO have been suggested in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, nowadays the role of NO in this experimental model remains controversial. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the role of NO in cisplatin-induced renal damage using N-[3-(aminomethyl)benzyl]acetamidine (1400W), a selective and irreversible inhibitor of iNOS. The mRNA levels of iNOS were increased in cisplatin-treated rats. The administration of 1400W reduced the cisplatin induced histological damage, renal dysfunction (increase in proteinuria and kidney injury molecule expression and decrease in creatinine clearance), tubulointerstitial infiltration, oxidative stress (increase in renal malondialdehyde and inmmunostaining for 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) and nitrosative stress (immunostaining for 3-nitrotyrosine). In addition, the administration of 1400W was unable to modify systolic blood pressure in control rats. Our data demonstrate that selective iNOS inhibition reduces the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and nitrosative stress which strongly suggest that in this experimental model (1) the NO production is toxic and (2) iNOS is the main source of NO .

Abstract 1378: NFkb Blockade Attenuate Cytokines And Oxidative Stress In The Paraventricular Nucleus And Decreases Neurohumoral Excitation In Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The transcriptional factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) plays an important role in the regulation of cytokines. Among the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) plays an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. This study was done to determine whether TNF-α blockade with etanercept (ETN) or NFkB blockade with dithiol pyrolidine thiocarbamate (PDTC) attenuate oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and contribute to neurohumoral excitation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Method: Male 20 week old SHR rats were treated with ETN (1 mg/kg BW, sc) or PDTC (100mg/kg BW, ip) for 5 week period. Left ventricular function was measured at baseline (20 weeks) and at 25 weeks using echocardiography. Blood pressure was measured at weekly intervals throughout the study. At the end of the protocol rats were sacrificed the PVN was microdissected for the measurement of cytokines, oxidative stress markers using real time PCR (fold increase compared to WKY controls) and by immunohistochemistry. Superoxide, total reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite were measured in the PVN and LV using electron paramagnetic resonance. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine an indicator of neurohumoral excitation was measured using HPLC-EC. Results: PVN data are tabulated. SHR animals had increased expression of protein and mRNA for cytokines and oxidative stress markers in the PVN and LV with increased MAP and cardiac hypertrophy when compared to WKY rats. Treatment with ETN and PDTC attenuated these increases with PDTC showing marked effect than ETN on hypertrophy and blood pressure responses. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cytokine activation in the PVN contributes to increased oxidative stress and neurohumoral excitation in hypertension.

Role of nitrosative stress in early neuropathy and vascular dysfunction in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Evidence for important roles of the highly reactive oxidant peroxynitrite in diabetic complications is emerging. We evaluated the role of peroxynitrite in early peripheral neuropathy and vascular dysfunction in STZ-diabetic rats. In the first dose-finding study, control and STZ-diabetic rats were maintained with or without the potent peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst Fe(III)tetrakis-2-(N-triethylene glycol monomethyl ether) pyridyl porphyrin (FP15) at 3, 5, or 10 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) in the drinking water for 4 wk after an initial 2 wk without treatment for assessment of early neuropathy. In the second study with similar experimental design, control and STZ-diabetic rats were maintained with or without FP15, 5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), for vascular studies. Rats with 6-wk duration of diabetes developed motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity deficits, mechanical hyperalgesia, and tactile allodynia in the absence of small sensory nerve fiber degeneration. They also had increased nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) immunofluorescence in the sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia. All these variables were dose-dependently corrected by FP15, with minimal differences between the 5 and 10 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) doses. FP15, 5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), also corrected endoneurial nutritive blood flow and nitrotyrosine, but not superoxide, fluorescence in aorta and epineurial arterioles. Diabetes-induced decreases in acetylcholine-mediated relaxation by epineurial arterioles and coronary and mesenteric arteries, as well as bradykinin-induced relaxation by coronary and mesenteric arteries, were alleviated by FP15 treatment. The findings reveal the important role of nitrosative stress in early neuropathy and vasculopathy and provide the rationale for further studies of peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts in long-term diabetic models.

Peroxynitrite Inactivation of Human Cytochrome P450s 2B6 and 2E1: Heme Modification and Site-Specific Nitrotyrosine Formation

This study examined the reaction of peroxynitrite (PN) with two human cytochrome P450s, P450 2B6 (2B6) and P450 2E1 (2E1). After the reaction with PN, the NADPH/reductase-supported 7-ethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin (EFC) deethylation activity of both P450s was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. HPLC analysis revealed that the prosthetic heme group of 2B6 was modified but to a lesser extent than the decrease in enzymatic activity. In contrast, the heme moiety of 2E1 was not altered. These results suggest that protein modification by PN contributed to the loss in enzymatic activity of 2B6 and 2E1 but to different extents. After trypsin digestion of the control and PN-inactivated P450s, tyrosine nitration was used as a biomarker for protein modification and the addition of the nitro group was determined using electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, allowing site-specific assignment of the tyrosine residues nitrated. Tyrosine residues 354, 244, 268, and 380 in 2B6 and tyrosine residues 317, 422, 69, and 380 in 2E1 were found to be nitrated. Tyrosine 354 is the primary site of nitration in 2B6, and tyrosine residues 422 and 317 are the primary targets for nitration in 2E1. After PN exposure, the EFC catalytic activity of 2E1 supported by tert-butylhydroperoxide was not affected, and the activity of 2B6 supported by tert-butylhydroperoxide was decreased to a lesser extent than that supported by NADPH/reductase. Following exposure to PN, the levels of the reduced-CO complex were less than the content of native heme remaining. These results suggest that PN-mediated protein modification has no effect on substrate binding but may impair the interaction of the reductase with P450s, thereby inhibiting electron transfer. Homology modeling shows that Tyr422 of 2E1 is in close proximity to the FMN domain of reductase, suggesting that Tyr422 may be involved in transferring electrons from the reductase to the heme and thus may play a critical structural and functional role in the extensive activity loss following PN exposure.

Effects of plant alkylphenols on cytokine production, tyrosine nitration and inflammatory damage in the efferent phase of contact hypersensitivity

The phenolic compounds isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside (IHG), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCA), and its methyl ester (DCE) have previously been shown to inhibit both contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and peroxynitrite reactivity. The present work seeks to establish a relationship between the anti-inflammatory effect and the release of cytokines and tyrosine nitration in skin. Murine CHS was developed by means of sensitization and challenge with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) or oxazolone. Ear swelling was measured 24 and 96 h after challenge. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured by ELISA; and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was detected by Western blotting. Histological samples were analysed for 3-nitrotyrosine. In the oxazolone model, DCE reduced the 24 h swelling by 54% whereas the effect of DCA was lower (40% inhibition). All the test compounds reduced IL-1beta values 24 h after challenge with DNFB or oxazolone, DCE particularly inhibited IL-4 production (74% and 78%, respectively; P<0.01). Tyrosine nitration was also markedly reduced by DCE. In general, the test compounds limited the presence of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes in the skin. These results suggest that the effect of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic esters on CHS is associated with a decrease in the production of interleukins, but not with the inhibition of iNOS expression. Moreover, esterification of the carboxyl group at C-1 enhanced protection against tyrosine nitration in the skin.

Mitochondrial Bax Translocation Accelerates DNA Fragmentation and Cell Necrosis in a Murine Model of Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity

Mitochondria generate reactive oxygen and peroxynitrite and release endonucleases during acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. Because mitochondrial translocation of Bax can initiate these events, we investigated the potential role of Bax in the pathophysiology of hepatic necrosis after 300 mg/kg APAP in fasted C57BL/6 mice. APAP overdose induced Bax translocation from the cytosol to the mitochondria as early as 1 h after APAP injection. At 6 h, there was extensive centrilobular nitrotyrosine staining (indicator for peroxynitrite formation) and nuclear DNA fragmentation. In addition, mitochondrial intermembrane proteins were released into the cytosol. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities of 5610 +/- 600 U/l indicated extensive necrotic cell death. Conversely, Bax gene knockout (Bax(-/-)) mice had 80% lower ALT activities, less DNA fragmentation, and less intermembrane protein release at 6 h. However, immunohistochemical staining for nitrotyrosine or APAP protein adducts did not show differences between wild-type and Bax(-/-) mice. In contrast to the early hepatoprotection in Bax(-/-) mice, plasma ALT activities (7605 +/- 480 U/l) and area of necrosis (53 +/- 6% hepatocytes) in wild-type animals was similar to values in Bax(-/-) mice at 12 h. In addition, there was no difference in DNA fragmentation or nitrotyrosine immunostaining. We concluded that the rapid mitochondrial Bax translocation after APAP overdose has no effect on peroxynitrite formation but that it contributes to the mitochondrial release of proteins, which cause nuclear DNA fragmentation. However, the persistent oxidant stress and peroxynitrite formation in mitochondria may eventually trigger the permeability transition pore opening and release intermembrane proteins independently of Bax.

Novel pharmacological approaches to the treatment of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: a comprehensive review

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) contributes to the development of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF). Multi-factorial processes are involved in the development and progression of renal I-R injury with the generation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, and the decline of antioxidant protection playing major roles, leading to dysfunction, injury, and death of the cells of the kidney. Renal inflammation, involving cytokine/adhesion molecule cascades with recruitment, activation, and diapedesis of circulating leukocytes is also implicated. Clinically, renal I-R occurs in a variety of medical and surgical settings and is responsible for the development of acute tubular necrosis (a characteristic feature of ischemic ARF), e.g., in renal transplantation where I-R of the kidney directly influences graft and patient survival. The cellular mechanisms involved in the development of renal I-R injury have been targeted by several pharmacological interventions. However, although showing promise in experimental models of renal I-R injury and ischemic ARF, they have not proved successful in the clinical setting (e.g., atrial natriuretic peptide, low-dose dopamine). This review highlights recent pharmacological developments, which have shown particular promise against experimental renal I-R injury and ischemic ARF, including novel antioxidants and antioxidant enzyme mimetics, nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, erythropoietin, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor agonists, inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, carbon monoxide-releasing molecules, statins, and adenosine. Novel approaches such as recent research involving combination therapies and the potential of non-pharmacological strategies are also considered.

Profound biopterin oxidation and protein tyrosine nitration in tissues of ApoE-null mice on an atherogenic diet: contribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Diminished nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity and enhanced peroxynitrite formation have been implicated as major contributors to atherosclerotic vascular dysfunctions. Hallmark reactions of peroxynitrite include the accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in proteins and oxidation of the NO synthase (NOS) cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)). The present study sought to 1) quantify the extent to which 3-NT accumulates and BH(4) becomes oxidized in organs of apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) atherosclerotic mice and 2) determine the specific contribution of inducible NOS (iNOS) to these processes. Whereas protein 3-NT and oxidized BH(4) were undetected or near the detection limit in heart, lung, and kidney of 3-wk-old ApoE(-/-) mice or ApoE(-/-) mice fed a regular chow diet for 24 wk, robust accumulation was evident after 24 wk on a Western (atherogenic) diet. Since 3-NT accumulation was diminished 3- to 20-fold in heart, lung, and liver in ApoE(-/-) mice missing iNOS, iNOS-derived species are involved in this reaction. In contrast, iNOS-derived species did not contribute to elevated protein 3-NT formation in kidney or brain. iNOS deletion also afforded marked protection against BH(4) oxidation in heart, lung, and kidney of atherogenic ApoE(-/-) mice but not in brain or liver. These findings demonstrate that iNOS-derived species are increased during atherogenesis in ApoE(-/-) mice and that these species differentially contribute to protein 3-NT accumulation and BH(4) oxidation in a tissue-selective manner. Since BH(4) oxidation can switch the predominant NOS product from NO to superoxide, we predict that progressive NOS uncoupling is likely to drive atherogenic vascular dysfunctions.

Altered recognition of antigen is a mechanism of CD8+ T cell tolerance in cancer

Antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell tolerance, induced by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), is one of the main mechanisms of tumor escape. Using in vivo models, we show here that MDSCs directly disrupt the binding of specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) dimers to CD8-expressing T cells through nitration of tyrosines in a T-cell receptor (TCR)-CD8 complex. This process makes CD8-expressing T cells unable to bind pMHC and to respond to the specific peptide, although they retain their ability to respond to nonspecific stimulation. Nitration of TCR-CD8 is induced by MDSCs through hyperproduction of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite during direct cell-cell contact. Molecular modeling suggests specific sites of nitration that might affect the conformational flexibility of TCR-CD8 and its interaction with pMHC. These data identify a previously unknown mechanism of T-cell tolerance in cancer that is also pertinent to many pathological conditions associated with accumulation of MDSCs.

Electrochemical Nucleic Acid Biosensors for the Detection of Interaction Between Peroxynitrite and DNA

AbstractWe studied the reactivity of peroxynitrite and different nucleic acid molecules using DNA electrochemical biosensors. SIN‐1 (3‐morpholinosydnonimine) has been used for the simultaneous generation of NO⋅and superoxide, i.e., as a peroxynitrite (ONOO−) donor. Double strand DNA (dsDNA), single strand DNA (ssDNA) and 15 guanine bases oligonucleotide (Oligo(dG)15) were immobilized on a carbon paste electrode to generate the biosensor and DPV was selected as the electroanalytical technique. Results showed that electrochemical biosensors were very sensitive for detecting interaction between ONOO− and DNA. A down/up effect was observed, i.e., at low ONOO− concentrations the guanine oxidation signal decreased while at high ONOO− concentrations the guanine oxidation current increased. Oligo(dG)15 exhibited greater interaction at low ONOO− concentrations than the other DNA molecules. The reactivity between ONOO− and DNA was also evaluated in solution phase, showing the same down/up effect. Finally, the capacity of DNA to hybridize was prevented after interaction with ONOO−.

A peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst counteracts sensory neuropathy in streptozotocin-diabetic mice

Whereas an important role of free radicals and oxidants in peripheral diabetic neuropathy is well established, the contribution of nitrosative stress and, in particular, of the highly reactive oxidant peroxynitrite, has not been properly explored. Our previous findings implicate peroxynitrite in diabetes-associated motor and sensory nerve conduction deficits and peripheral nerve energy deficiency and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation associated with Type 1 diabetes. In this study the role of nitrosative stress in diabetic sensory neuropathy is evaluated. The peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst Fe(III) tetrakis-2-( N-triethylene glycol monomethyl ether)pyridyl porphyrin (FP15) was administered to control and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic mice at the dose of 5 mg kg − 1 day − 1 (FP15), for 3 weeks after initial 3 weeks without treatment. Mice with 6-week duration of diabetes developed clearly manifest thermal hypoalgesia (paw withdrawal, tail-flick, and hot plate tests), mechanical hypoalgesia (tail pressure Randall–Sellito test), tactile allodynia (flexible von Frey filament test), and ∼ 38% loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers. They also had increased nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) immunofluorescence in the sciatic nerve, grey matter of spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion neurons. FP15 treatment was associated with alleviation of thermal and mechanical hypoalgesia. Tactile response threshold tended to increase in response to peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst treatment, but still remained ∼ 59% lower compared with non-diabetic controls. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density was 25% higher in FP15-treated than in untreated diabetic rats, but the difference between two groups did not achieve statistical significance ( p = 0.054). Nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) immunofluorescence in sciatic nerve, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion neurons of peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst-treated diabetic mice were markedly reduced. In conclusion, nitrosative stress plays an important role in sensory neuropathy associated with Type 1 diabetes. The findings provide rationale for further studies of peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts in a long-term diabetic model.

QM-MM Investigation of the Reaction of Peroxynitrite with Carbon Dioxide in Water.

We have investigated the reaction of peroxynitrite with carbon dioxide in aqueous solution by means of combined quantum-classical (QM-MM) molecular dynamics simulations. In our QM-MM scheme, the reactant was modeled using density functional theory with a Gaussian basis set, and the solvent was described using the mean-field TIP4P force field. The free energy profile of this reaction has been computed using umbrella sampling and multiple steering molecular dynamics (MSMD) schemes. Umbrella sampling methods turned out to be much more efficient than MSMD schemes, due to the possibility of employing a combination of classical and QM-MM thermalization schemes. We found the presence of a significant barrier in the free energy profile associated with the reaction in solution, which is not present in vacuum, that may be ascribed to the significant charge redistribution upon reaction and the concomitant solvation pattern changes.

Role of mitochondria in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the three stages of the transition from lack of exercise and excessive food intake to insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In muscle, lack of exercise, a fat-rich diet, a polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1), and possibly age-related mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations may variously combine their effects to decrease PGC-1 expression, mitochondrial biogenesis and fat oxidation. Together with excessive food intake, insufficient fat oxidation causes fat accumulation and cellular stress in myocytes. The activation of Jun N-terminal kinase and protein kinase C-theta triggers the serine phosphorylation and inactivation of the insulin receptor substrate, and hampers the insulin-mediated translocation of glucose transporter-4 to the plasma membrane. Initially, the trend for increased blood glucose increases insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells. High plasma insulin levels compensate for insulin resistance in muscle and maintain normal blood glucose levels. Eventually, however, increased uncoupling protein-2 expression and possibly acquired mtDNA mutations in pancreatic beta-cells can blunt glucose-mediated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation and insulin secretion, to cause diabetes in some patients. High plasma glucose and/or insulin levels induce hepatic lipogenesis and cause hepatic steatosis. In fat-engorged hepatocytes, several vicious cycles involving tumor necrosis factor-alpha, reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite, and lipid peroxidation products alter respiratory chain polypeptides and mtDNA, thus partially blocking the flow of electrons in the respiratory chain. The overreduction of upstream respiratory chain complexes increases mitochondrial ROS and peroxynitrite formation. Oxidative stress increases the release of lipid peroxidation products and cytokines, which together trigger the liver lesions of NASH.

Activation of Peroxynitrite by Inducible Nitric-oxide Synthase: A DIRECT SOURCE OF NITRATIVE STRESS

In mammals, nitric oxide (NO) is an essential biological mediator that is exclusively synthesized by nitric-oxide synthases (NOSs). However, NOSs are also directly or indirectly responsible for the production of peroxynitrite, a well known cytotoxic agent involved in numerous pathophysiological processes. Peroxynitrite reactivity is extremely intricate and highly depends on activators such as hemoproteins. NOSs present, therefore, the unique ability to both produce and activate peroxynitrite, which confers upon them a major role in the control of peroxynitrite bioactivity. We report here the first kinetic analysis of the interaction between peroxynitrite and the oxygenase domain of inducible NOS (iNOSoxy). iNOSoxy binds peroxynitrite and accelerates its decomposition with a second order rate constant of 22 x 10(4) m(-1)s(-1) at pH 7.4. This reaction is pH-dependent and is abolished by the binding of substrate or product. Peroxynitrite activation is correlated with the observation of a new iNOS heme intermediate with specific absorption at 445 nm. iNOSoxy modifies peroxynitrite reactivity and directs it toward one-electron processes such as nitration or one-electron oxidation. Taken together our results suggest that, upon binding to iNOSoxy, peroxynitrite undergoes homolytic cleavage with build-up of an oxo-ferryl intermediate and concomitant release of a NO(2)(.) radical. Successive cycles of peroxynitrite activation were shown to lead to iNOSoxy autocatalytic nitration and inhibition. The balance between peroxynitrite activation and self-inhibition of iNOSoxy may determine the contribution of NOSs to cellular oxidative stress.

Edaravone (3-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one), a Radical Scavenger, Prevents 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Substantia Nigra but Not the Striatum

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) causes nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity and behavioral impairment in rodents, and previous studies suggest that nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species are involved in MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. The present study examines the effect of edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one), a radical scavenger, on MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of C57BL/6J mice. MPTP treatment (10 mg/kg s.c. x 4 with 2-h intervals) decreased dopamine levels and tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining in the striatum and SNc. Pretreatment with edaravone (1 and 3 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the neurotoxicity in the SNc but not striatum. An immunohistochemical study showed that MPTP caused microglial activation both in the striatum and SNc, whereas it increased 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity, an in vivo biomarker of peroxynitrite production, in the SNc but not the striatum. Furthermore, MPTP increased lipid peroxidation product thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in the midbrain, but not the striatum. Edaravone inhibited activation of the microglia and the increased 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity in the SNc but not the striatum, and it also inhibited thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in the midbrain. Behavioral analyses showed that edaravone improved MPTP-induced impairment of locomotion and Rotorod performance. These results suggest that edaravone protects against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in the SNc by blocking the production of reactive oxygen species or peroxynitrite and imply that dopaminergic degeneration in the SNc may play an important role in MPTP-induced motor dysfunction of mice.