Hydroxylation Of Salicylic Acid Research Articles

2,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid, a Novel SA Derivative, Controls Plant Immunity via UGT95B17-Mediated Glucosylation: A Case Study in Camellia Sinensis.

The plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) plays critical roles in plant innate immunity. Several SA derivatives and associated modification are identified, whereas the range and modes of action of SA-related metabolites remain elusive. Here, the study discovered 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-DHBA) and its glycosylated form as native SA derivatives in plants whose accumulation is largely induced by SA application and Ps. camelliae-sinensis (Pcs) infection. CsSH1, a 4/5-hydroxylase, catalyzes the hydroxylation of SA to 2,4-DHBA, and UDP-glucosyltransferase UGT95B17 catalyzes the formation of 2,4-DHBA glucoside. Down-regulation reduced the accumulation of 2,4-DHBA glucosides and enhanced the sensitivity of tea plants to Pcs. Conversely, overexpression of UGT95B17 increased plant disease resistance. The exogenous application of 2,4-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA, as well as the accumulation of DHBA and plant resistance comparison, indicate that 2,4-DHBA functions as a potentially bioactive molecule and is stored mainly as a glucose conjugate in tea plants, differs from the mechanism described in Arabidopsis. When 2,4-DHBA is applied exogenously, UGT95B17-silenced tea plants accumulated more 2,4-DHBA than SA and showed induced resistance to Pcs infection. These results indicate that 2,4-DHBA glucosylation positively regulates disease resistance and highlight the role of 2,4-DHBA as potentially bioactive molecule in the establishment of basal resistance in tea plants.

Modulation of CYP2C9 activity and hydrogen peroxide production by cytochrome b5

Cytochromes P450 (CYP) play a major role in drug detoxification, and cytochrome b5 (cyt b5) stimulates the catalytic cycle of mono-oxygenation and detoxification reactions. Collateral reactions of this catalytic cycle can lead to a significant production of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of the most abundant CYP isoforms in the human liver is CYP2C9, which catalyzes the metabolic degradation of several drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We studied modulation by microsomal membrane-bound and soluble cyt b5 of the hydroxylation of salicylic acid to gentisic acid and ROS release by CYP2C9 activity in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and by CYP2C9 baculosomes. CYP2C9 accounts for nearly 75% of salicylic acid hydroxylation in HLMs at concentrations reached after usual aspirin doses. The anti-cyt b5 antibody SC9513 largely inhibits the rate of salicylic acid hydroxylation by CYP2C9 in HLMs and CYP2C9 baculosomes, increasing the KM approximately threefold. Besides, soluble human recombinant cyt b5 stimulates the Vmax nearly twofold while it decreases nearly threefold the Km value in CYP2C9 baculosomes. Regarding NADPH-dependent ROS production, soluble recombinant cyt b5 is a potent inhibitor both in HLMs and in CYP2C9 baculosomes, with inhibition constants of 1.04 ± 0.25 and 0.53 ± 0.06 µM cyt b5, respectively. This study indicates that variability in cyt b5 might be a major factor underlying interindividual variability in the metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates.

VdNPS, a Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase, Is Involved in Regulating Virulence in Verticillium dahliae.

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NPS) are known for the biosynthesis of antibiotics, toxins, and siderophore production. They are also a virulence determinant in different phytopathogens. However, until now, the functional characterization of NPS in Verticillium dahliae has not been reported. Deletion of the NPS gene in V. dahliae led to the decrease of conidia, microsclerotia, and pathogenicity. ΔVdNPS strains were tolerant to H2O2, and the genes involved in H2O2 detoxification, iron/copper transport, and cytoskeleton were differentially expressed in ΔVdNPS. Interestingly, ΔVdNPS strains exhibited hypersensitivity to salicylic acid (SA), and the genes involved in SA hydroxylation were up-regulated in ΔVdNPS compared with wild-type V. dahliae under SA stress. Additionally, during infection, ΔVdNPS induced more pathogenesis-related gene expression, higher reactive oxygen species production, and stronger SA-mediated signaling transduction in host to overcome pathogen. Uncovering the function of VdNPS in pathogenicity could provide a reliable theoretical basis for the development of cultivars with durable resistance against V. dahliae-associated diseases.

Anchoring 20(R)-Ginsenoside Rg3 onto Cellulose Nanocrystals To Increase the Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) exhibit attractive properties as carriers for bioactive molecules, including their large surface area, charge characteristics, and abundant surface hydroxyl groups, among others. In this study, we used CNCs as carriers for a hydrophobic drug, 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (here abbreviated as 20(R)-Rg3), to improve its bioavailability, dispersity, and antioxidation activity in an aqueous system. The CNC/20(R)-Rg3 nanocomposites were fabricated and then characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The particle size of 20(R)-Rg3 was in the range of 8–22 nm. In vitro hydroxyl radical scavenging by the 2-deoxyribose oxidation method and the salicylic acid hydroxylation method showed that the CNC/20(R)-Rg3 nanocomposites had much higher antioxidation activity (33.58% and 48.62%) than CNC-free 20(R)-Rg3, water-dispersed 20(R)-Rg3, and CNCs.

Simultaneous removal of volatile organic compounds from cooking oil fumes by using gas-phase ozonation over Fe(OH)3 nanoparticles

The ozonation technology is widely used for treating indoor air pollution. This technology was developed using Fe(OH)3 as a catalyst for the vapor-phase removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking oil fumes (COF). The nanocrystalline Fe(OH)3 was prepared in an acidic environment in the presence of chloride ions. The hydroxylation of salicylic acid through catalytic ozonation indicated that the average molar ratio of hydroxyl radical:ozone was 0.67–0.69. The adsorption and oxidation by ozone showed that the nondissociated species on the catalyst surface reflected the reactivity of COF with respect to the hydroxyl radicals. The catalytic selectivity of Fe(OH)3 was altered with the amount of hydroxyl radicals. Long-term testing for 300h at 190°C proved the thermal stability of Fe(OH)3, with a mean removal efficiency of VOCs of up to 95%. The retention time was as short as 0.05s. The residual ozone concentrations were stable at less than 0.01ppm.

Aromatic hydroxylation of salicylic acid and aspirin by human cytochromes P450

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a well-known and widely-used analgesic. It is rapidly deacetylated to salicylic acid, which forms two hippuric acids—salicyluric acid and gentisuric acid—and two glucuronides. The oxidation of aspirin and salicylic acid has been reported with human liver microsomes, but data on individual cytochromes P450 involved in oxidation is lacking. In this study we monitored oxidation of these compounds by human liver microsomes and cytochrome P450 (P450) using UPLC with fluorescence detection. Microsomal oxidation of salicylic acid was much faster than aspirin. The two oxidation products were 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid, documented by its UV and mass spectrum) and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Formation of neither product was inhibited by desferrioxamine, suggesting a lack of contribution of oxygen radicals under these conditions. Although more liphophilic, aspirin was oxidized less efficiently, primarily to the 2,5-dihydroxy product. Recombinant human P450s 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 all catalyzed the 5-hydroxylation of salicylic acid. Inhibitor studies with human liver microsomes indicated that all six of the previously mentioned P450s could contribute to both the 5- and 3-hydroxylation of salicylic acid and that P450s 2A6 and 2B6 have contributions to 5-hydroxylation. Inhibitor studies indicated that the major human P450 involved in both 3- and 5-hydroxylation of salicylic acid is P450 2E1.

Relationship between tissue hydroxyl radical and oxidatively modified macromolecule levels

The relationship between hydroxyl radical (·OH) and oxidatively modified macromolecule formations was examined in tissues from young and aged mice. To determine the ·OH generation in tissues in vivo using the hydroxylation trapping reaction of ·OH into salicylic acid (SA), analytical conditions for dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) and SA determination, and optimum dosages of SA for administration and time-points of tissue sampling were determined. 2, 3-DHBA levels in tissues from young mice and age-related changes were determined with the oxidatively modified macromolecules. 2, 3-DHBA, a hydroxylation compound of SA, is considered to be suitable for determination of ·OH levels in tissues. Tissue levels of 2, 3-DHBA expressed as a molar ratio to SA, was comparable among tissues, and was in accordance with 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and carbonylated proteins. In the aging process, 2, 3-DHBA levels in the brain and heart increased in the biphasic pattern in accordance with the 8-oxodG and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, whereas levels of carbonylated proteins were not changed with age. An in vivo method for ·OH measurement using hydroxylation of SA was optimized. However, as a limitation, 2, 3-DHBA, as well as other oxidative stress markers, could be affected by various in vivo factors. The accordance was seen among 2, 3-DHBA, 8-oxodG and carbonylated protein levels in tissues from young mice. The tissue levels of 2, 3-DHBA increased in accordance with the 8-oxodG and TBARS during the aging process.

Hydroxyl radicals’ production and ECG parameters during ischemia and reperfusion in rat, guinea pig and rabbit isolated heart

Ischemic and reperfusion injury is a serious condition related to numerous biochemical and electrical abnormalities of the myocardium. It has been repeatedly studied in various animal models. In this study, the production of hydroxyl radicals and electrophysiological parameters were compared in three species. Rat, guinea pig and rabbit isolated hearts were perfused according to Langendorff under strictly identical conditions. The heart rate and arrhythmia were monitored during ischemia and reperfusion periods at defined time intervals; the production of hydroxyl radical was determined by HPLC as 2.5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2.5-DHBA) formed by salicylic acid hydroxylation. Relationship between arrhythmias and production of 2.5-DHBA was studied. The inter-species differences were observed in timing of arrhythmias onset and their severity, and in the production of 2.5-DHBA in both ischemia and reperfusion. The most considerable changes were observed in rats, where arrhythmias appeared early and with highest severity during ischemia on one side and the regular rhythm was restored early and completely during reperfusion. The corresponding changes in the production of 2.5-DHBA were observed. It can be concluded that rat isolated heart is the most suitable model for evaluation of ischemia/reperfusion injury under given experimental conditions.

Oxidative deterioration of platinum nanoparticle and its prevention by palladium

Pt nanoparticle is a strong reductant and has been used as an antioxidant in cosmetics and medicine. It was reported to have catalase-like activity, which converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. However, in this study, freshly prepared Pt nanoparticle was almost inert towards decomposing hydrogen peroxide. The catalase-like activity of Pt nanoparticle increased with increasing weeks of storage at room temperature and became more significant when the Pt nanoparticle was exposed to air. No hydroxyl radical formation was confirmed by several methods such as ESR spin-trapping, dimethyl sulphoxide oxidation, salicylic acid hydroxylation and hydroxytoluene oxidation, indicating that the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide proceeds by the two-electron oxidation/reduction reaction. The oxidatively deteriorated Pt nanoparticle catalytically decomposed ascorbic acid, which is one of the most important biological antioxidants. We found that such oxidation was effectively prevented by the addition of Pd nanoparticle. We also discussed the reaction mechanisms and application of Pt nanoparticle.

A green approach to Fenton chemistry: mono-hydroxylation of salicylic acid in aqueous medium by the electrogeneration of Fenton's reagent

First, the electrochemical characteristics of Fenton's reagent (Fe(III), Fe(II) and hydrogen peroxide), including its catalytic (EC′) behaviour were investigated. Second, the electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide by a two-electron reduction of dissolved oxygen was conducted at a carbon electrode in a divided electrolysis cell and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide obtained was determined by the titration. The two approaches were then combined to give a one-pot, relatively green approach to aromatic hydroxylation reactions, with the electro-Fenton method allowing the iron to be used catalytically and the oxygen/water employed as the hydroxylation reagent by the in situ production of hydrogen peroxide. In particular, the preparative-scale hydroxylation of salicylic acid has been studied in an oxygen-saturated 0.1 M Na2SO4 pH 3.0 solution containing 5 mM Fe(II) and 5 mM salicylic acid at the controlled potential of −1.0 V vs. SCE. The study showed that after the attack of the hydroxyl radical produced in situ by the electro-Fenton process on salicylic acid, 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids were detected as primary monohydroxylated products with the highest yield of ca. 21.6 ± 2.5%.

Propiconazole increases reactive oxygen species levels in mouse hepatic cells in culture and in mouse liver by a cytochrome P450 enzyme mediated process

Propiconazole induces hepatocellular carcinomas and hepatocellular adenomas in mice and promotes liver tumors in rats. Transcriptional, proteomic, metabolomic and biochemical studies of hepatic tissues from mice treated with propiconazole under the conditions of the chronic bioassay indicated that propiconazole induced oxidative stress. Here we sought to identify the source of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by propiconazole using both AML12 immortalized mouse hepatocytes in culture and liver tissues from mice. We also sought to further characterize the nature and effects of ROS formation induced by propiconazole treatment in mouse liver. ROS was induced in AML12 cells by propiconazole as measured by fluorescence detection and its formation was ameliorated by N-acetylcysteine. Propiconazole induced glutathione- S-transferase (GSTα) protein levels and increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in AML12 cells. The TBARS levels were decreased by diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPIC), a cytochrome P450 (CYP) reductase inhibitor revealing the role of CYPs in ROS generation. It has been previously reported that Cyp2b and Cyp3a proteins were induced in mouse liver by propiconazole and that Cyp2b and Cyp3a proteins undergo uncoupling of their CYP catalytic cycle releasing ROS. Therefore, salicylic acid hydroxylation was used as probe for ROS formation using microsomes from mice treated with propiconazole. These studies showed that levels of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (an ROS derived metabolite) were decreased by ketoconazole, melatonin and DPIC. In vivo, propiconazole increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels and GSTα protein levels and had no effect on hepatic catalase or superoxide dismutase activities. Based on these observations we conclude that propiconazole induces ROS in mouse liver by increasing CYP protein levels leading to increased ROS levels. Our data also suggest that propiconazole induces the hydroxyl radical as a major ROS form.

Detection of free radicals by isolated perfusion of the rat brain following hemorrhagic stroke: a novel approach to cerebrovascular biomarker research

Blood-borne biomarkers are a mainstay of diagnosis and follow-up in many diseases. For stroke, however, no reliable biomarkers have thus far been identified. To remedy this situation, we investigated the usefulness of a modified in situ isolated brain perfusion (IBP) technique for screening potential biomarker candidates. As a proof of concept, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated in a rat model of experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). After stereotactic infusion of whole blood into the rat striatum, we initiated IBP without intracranial manipulation or discontinuation of cerebral blood flow. To detect ROS, we employed the salicylate trapping method, which involves the hydroxylation of salicylic acid during oxidative stress into dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), and quantification of the latter in venous eluate by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Venous eluate was collected separately from both injured and healthy hemispheres (n=10). Control groups consisted of sham-injured (n=4) and healthy animals (n=3). In animals subjected to ICH (n=10), 50% more 2,5-DHBA was detected in venous eluate on the injured side than in eluate on the contralateral side. Hemorrhagic hemispheres produced more 2,5-DHBA than hemispheres in sham-injured and healthy animals (72 and 110% more 2,5-DHBA, respectively). Isolated brain perfusion combined with salicylate trapping produced data indicating an elevation in the formation of ROS subsequent to ICH. Our findings suggest that isolated in situ brain perfusion is a promising approach to detecting biomarkers of cerebrovascular pathologic conditions.

A theoretical study of salicylate oxidation for ADME prediction

The salicylic acid oxidation has been explained by a mechanism involving single electron transfer oxidation and single hydrogen transfer using quantum chemistry calculations at the B3LYP theory level, together with the 6-311G** basis set. These methods were employed to obtain energy (E), ionization potential (IP), bond dissociation energies (BDE), and spin density distribution of the salicylic acid. The results show no discrepant behaviors between electron and hydrogen transfer in the regioselective hydroxylation of salicylic acid by cytochrome P-450. The unpaired electron remains localized on the O7 phenolic oxygen (0.26 and 0.38), C1 carbon atoms at the carbonyl group (0.12 and 0.28), C2 carbon atom at the hydroxyl group (0.15 and 0.00), C3 carbon atom at the hydroxyl group (0.22 and 0.30), and C5 carbon atom (0.40 and 0.41) for cation free radical and semiquinone form, respectively. Calculations of spin densities showed that chemistry reactivity is more favored in the positions C5 > C3 > C1 to form salicylate derivatives. These results supported the salicylic acid as scavenger derivatives in the lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, we suggest a conventional proton and secondary electron abstraction, and semiquinone form by [1,5] hydrogen shift between phenol and carbonyl groups.

Blackcurrant seed press residue increases tocopherol concentrations in serum and stool whilst biomarkers in stool and urine indicate increased oxidative stress in human subjects

Berry seeds are a tocopherol-rich by-product of fruit processing without specific commercial value. In a human intervention study, the physiological impact of blackcurrant seed press residue (PR) was tested. Thirty-six women (aged 24 +/- 3 years; twenty non-smokers, sixteen smokers) consumed 250 g bread/d containing 8% PR for a period of 4 weeks (period 3). Comparatively, a control bread without PR (250 g/d) was tested (period 2) and baseline data were obtained (period 1). Blood, stool and 24 h urine were collected during a 5 d standardised diet within each period. Tocopherol and Fe intakes were calculated from food intake. In serum, tocopherol concentration and Fe parameters were determined. In urine, oxidative stress markers 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8-iso-PGF2alpha and inflammatory response marker 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2alpha were analysed. Stool tocopherol concentration, genotoxicity of faecal water (comet assay) and antioxidant capacity of stool (aromatic hydroxylation of salicylic acid) were determined. Fe and total tocopherol intake, total tocopherol concentrations in serum and stool, and genotoxicity of faecal water increased with PR bread consumption (P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity of stool decreased between baseline and intervention, expressed by increased formation of 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid in vitro (P < 0.05). In smokers, 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine increased with PR consumption (P < 0.05). Prostane concentrations were unaffected by PR bread consumption. In summary, the intake of bread containing blackcurrant PR for 4 weeks increased serum and stool total tocopherol concentrations. However, various biomarkers indicated increased oxidative stress, suggesting that consumption of ground berry seed may not be of advantage.

Salivary thiocyanate/nitrite inhibits hydroxylation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid induced by hydrogen peroxide/Fe(II) systems under acidic conditions: possibility of thiocyanate/nitrite-dependent scavenging of hydroxyl radical in the stomach

Formation of OH radicals in the stomach is possible by Fenton-type reactions, as gastric juice contains ascorbic acid (AA), iron ions and H2O2. An objective of the present study is to elucidate the effects of salivary SCN- and NO2- on the hydroxylation of salicylic acid which was induced by H2O2/Fe(II) and AA/H2O2/Fe(II) systems. Thiocyanate ion inhibited the hydroxylation of salicylic acid by the above systems in acidic buffer solutions and in acidified saliva. The inhibition by SCN- was deduced to be due to SCN- -dependent scavenging of OH radicals. Nitrite ion could enhance the SCN- -dependent inhibition of the hydroxylation induced by AA/H2O2/Fe(II) systems. The enhancement was suggested to be due to scavenging of OH radicals by NO which was formed by the reactions among AA, HNO2 and SCN- contained in the reaction mixture. The concentrations of SCN- and NO2-, which were effective for the inhibition, were in ranges of their normal salivary concentrations. These results suggest that salivary SCN- can cooperate with NO2- to protect stomach from OH radicals formed by AA/H2O2/Fe(II) systems under acidic conditions.

Hydroxyl Radical Generation Caused by the Reaction of Singlet Oxygen with a Spin Trap, DMPO, Increases Significantly in the Presence of Biological Reductants

Photosensitizers newly developed for photodynamic therapy of cancer need to be assessed using accurate methods of measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS). Little is known about the characteristics of the reaction of singlet oxygen (1O2) with spin traps, although this knowledge is necessary in electron spin resonance (ESR)/spin trapping. In the present study, we examined the effect of various reductants usually present in biological samples on the reaction of 1O2 with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO). The ESR signal of the hydroxyl radical (•OH) adduct of DMPO (DMPO-OH) resulting from 1O2-dependent generation of •OH strengthened remarkably in the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH), 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), ascorbic acid, NADPH, etc. A similar increase was observed in the photosensitization of uroporphyrin (UP), rose bengal (RB) or methylene blue (MB). Use of 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DEPMPO) as a spin trap significantly lessened the production of its •OH adduct (DEPMPO-OH) in the presence of the reductants. The addition of DMPO to the DEPMPO-spin trapping system remarkably increased the signal intensity of DEPMPO-OH. DMPO-mediated generation of •OH was also confirmed utilizing the hydroxylation of salicylic acid (SA). These results suggest that biological reductants enhance the ESR signal of DMPO-OH produced by DMPO-mediated generation of •OH from 1O2, and that spin trap-mediated •OH generation hardly occurs with DEPMPO.

High-performance liquid chromatographic assay of hydroxyl free radical using salicylic acid hydroxylation during in vitro experiments involving thiols

A HPLC method was developed to monitor the production of hydroxyl free radical (°OH) produced during in vitro experiments: (i) a chemical reaction involving EDTA chelated ferric ion and various exogenous and endogenous thiols [glutathione (GSH) and its metabolites], and (ii) an enzymatic reaction corresponding to the breakdown of GSH catalyzed by γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The method relies upon the use of a selective trapping reagent of °OH: salicylic acid (SA). The three resulting dihydroxylated products, i.e., 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), 2,5-DHB and catechol, were measured in an ion-pairing reversed-phase HPLC system coupled with amperometric detection; the sum of the three concentrations was used to quantify the production of °OH during in vitro experiments. Resulting data demonstrate that °OH is produced during Fenton-like reactions involving thiols and GSH catabolism via GGT.

Oxidative DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by copper-stimulated redox cycling of salsolinol, a neurotoxic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid

A series of neurotoxic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids has been detected in certain regions of mammalian brains. One such dopaminergic tetrahydroisoquinoline neurotoxin is salsolinol (SAL), which is suspected of being associated with the etiology of Parkinson’s disease and neuropathology of chronic alcoholism. In the present study, we found that SAL in combination with Cu(II) induced strand scission in pBR322 and φX174 supercoiled DNA, which was inhibited by the copper chelator, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, reduced glutathione, and catalase. SAL in the presence of Cu(II) caused hydroxylation of salicylic acid to produce 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids. Reaction of calf thymus DNA with SAL plus Cu(II) resulted in substantial oxidative DNA damage as determined by 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) formation. Blockade of the dihydroxy functional group of SAL abolished its capability to yield 8-OH-dG in the presence of Cu(II). The dehydro analog of SAL, 1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline, produced significantly high levels of 8-OH-dG when incubated with calf thymus DNA, even in the absence of Cu(II), which appears to be attributable to the tautomer formation by this compound. In another experiment, SAL exerted cytotoxicity when treated to rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Based on these findings, it seems likely that SAL undergoes redox cycling in the presence of Cu(II) with concomitant production of ROS, particularly hydroxyl radical, which could contribute to DNA damaging and cytotoxic properties of this neurotoxin.

Hydroxyl radical production by ascorbate and hydrogen peroxide

Ascorbate (AH-) and certain other biological reductants have long been known to produce the cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (OH) when oxidized by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of copper or iron catalysts. The present study documents the in vitro production of the OH solely from the oxidation of AH- by H2O2, independent of mediation by transition metals. Hydroxyl radical generation resulting from the AH-/H2O2 system was quantitatively documented by the specific radical-mediated hydroxylation of salicylic acid, a reaction that was readily assayed with HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection. Two ascorbate-copper complexes (e.g., AH-/Cu2+-EDTA/H2O2 and AH-/Cu2+-EDTA) and a copper/H2O2 system also generated OH, but less effectively than the AH-/H2O2 system. The ability of AH- and H2O2 to generate cytotoxic OH documents a reaction mechanism that may account for cytotoxic activity in some cellular environments where metal catalysts are lacking.

Formation of Oxygen Radicals in Solutions of Different 7,8-Dihydropterins: Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships

Under certain conditions, 7,8-dihydroneopterin in aqueous solution promotes hydroxyl-radical formation. Thus, we investigated the stimulation of hydroxyl-radical formation by ten different 7,8-dihydropterins (=2-amino-7,8-dihydropteridin-4(1H)-one), i.e., 6-(1′-hydroxy) derivatives 1 and 2, methyl derivatives 3 – 7, and 6-(1′-oxo) derivatives 8 – 10. All but the 6-(1′-oxo) derivatives produced hydroxyl radicals, as measured by the amount of salicylic acid hydroxylation products. This amount was dependent on the stability of the dihydropterin used. In the presence of chelated iron ions, hydroxylation was increased in every case; even 6-(1′-oxo) derivatives showed a low hydroxylation of salicylic acid. The degree of increase, however, strongly depended on the side chain of the dihydropterin. The 7,8-dihydroneopterin (2) was investigated in more detail. Iron ions influenced both, the stability of 2 and hydroxyl-radical formation. While iron ions determined the kinetics of the reaction, the amount of 2 was responsible for the amount of hydroxyl radicals formed. Our data establish that promotion of hydroxyl-radical formation by 7,8-dihydropterins depends on the oxidizability of the dihydropterins and on their iron-chelating properties.