Glutathione-S-transferase protects against oxidative injury of endothelial cell tight junctions.

Oxidative damage of endothelial tight junction permeability is involved in the pathophysiology of a variety of vascular diseases. The authors studied the role of the antioxidant enzyme, human glutathione-S-transferase A4-4 (hGSTA4-4), in regulating expression of major molecules of tight junction in vascular endothelial cells under oxidative stress induced by H(2)O(2). A vascular endothelial cell line, mouse pancreatic endothelial cells (MS1), was transduced with recombinant adenoviral vector containing hGSTA4-4 gene. hGSTA4-4 induced expression of tight junction proteins occludin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 under oxidative stress. Increased hGSTA4-4 expression correlated with increased transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of occludin and ZO-1 following exposure to H(2)O(2). In addition, morphologic dissociation of occludin, ZO-1, and F-actin during oxidative stress was reduced in hGSTA4-4-expressing cells. To explore a genetic approach for vascular diseases associated with disruption of tight junction proteins, we introduced the same viral vector to blood vessels of mice, rats, and rabbits ex vivo and found strong expression of hGSTA4-4 in endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that oxidative stress mediated disruption of tight junctions in endothelial cells may be attenuated by hGSTA4-4 expression.

Catalytic efficiencies of allelic variants of human glutathione S-transferase P1-1 toward carcinogenic anti-diol epoxides of benzo[c]phenanthrene and benzo[g]chrysene.

Four allelic variants of glutathione (GSH) S-transferase P1-1 (hGSTP1-1) that differ in their structures at amino acid(s) in position(s) 104 and/or 113 are known to exist in human populations. However, the physiological significance of hGSTP1-1 polymorphism is not fully understood. In this communication, we report that the I104,A113 allele of hGSTP1-1, which is most frequent in human populations, is also most efficient in the GSH conjugation of carcinogenic anti-diol epoxides of benzo[g]chrysene and benzo[c]phenanthrene (anti-BGCDE and anti-BCPDE, respectively). The catalytic efficiency of hGSTP1-1(I104,A113) isoform toward anti-BGCDE, 0.36 mM(-1) x s(-1), was approximately 1.7-fold higher (P < 0.05) compared with hGSTP1-1(V104,V113). Interestingly, the frequency of codon 104-valine alleles is significantly higher in certain cancers compared with codon 104-isoleucine alleles. Like anti-BGCDE, the catalytic efficiency of hGSTP1-1(I104,A113) isoform toward anti-BCPDE was higher by about 1.4- to 2.2-fold (P < 0.05) than those of other hGSTP1-1 variants. These observations are interesting because we have shown previously (Hu, X. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 238: 397-402, 1997) that the V104,V113 variant, not the I104,A113 isoform, is most efficient in the GSH conjugation of bay-region anti-diol epoxide of benzo(a)pyrene (anti-BPDE), which, unlike anti-BGCDE or anti-BCPDE, is a planar molecule. In conclusion, our results suggest that hGSTP1-1 polymorphism may be an important factor in differential susceptibility of humans to cancers where polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are etiological factors and that I104,A113 variant may play a major role in the detoxification of nonplanar, sterically hindered fjord-region diol epoxides (e.g., anti-BGCDE).

Characterization of two novel subunits of the alpha-class glutathione S-transferases of human liver.

More than 85% of the complete amino-acid sequence of the alpha-class glutathione S-transferase omega (GST omega) of human liver, described for the first time in this communication, show that GST omega is a heterodimer of two closely related novel alpha-class GST subunits. The sequences of these subunits, omega 1 and omega 2, have over 97% homology between them and are also highly homologous to the two alpha-class subunits characterized previously. Characterization of these two novel alpha-class subunits described in this report would explain the molecular basis for high degree of heterogeneity observed among the alpha-class human GSTs.

Studies on beta-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase. Various isozymes in tissues of normal subjects and Sandhoff's disease patients.

Hexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.51) activity from human liver and kidney extract was completely precipitated by anti-hexosaminidase A antiserum and 80 to 90% by anti-hexosaminidase B antiserum. Immunologically distinct hexosaminidase "C" could not be detected in these tissues. The final fractions of hexosaminidase A eluted from DE-52 chromatography were resolved into several enzymatically active components by rechromatography. Compared to hexosaminidase A and B, these minor components are more anodal in polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis. The residual activity of hexosaminidase from liver and fibroblasts of patients with Sandhoff's disease has also been resolved into similar components. The enzyme activity of these more anodal hexosaminidase components was precipitated completely by anti-hexosaminidase A anti-serum and partially by anti-hexosaminidase B antiserum. The minor, more anodal components probably represent hexosaminidase molecules having an altered ratio of subunits or the degradation products of hexosaminidase A.

Glutathione S-transferases of mouse liver: sex-related differences in the expression of various isozymes.

Sex-related differences in the expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes of mouse liver have been described. There were no apparent qualitative differences in the isoelectric focusing profiles of the GST isozymes from male and female mouse liver. Both male and female mice have at least four GST isozymes in their liver with pI values of 9.8, 8.7, 6.4 and 5.7. Kinetic, immunological, and structural properties including the N-terminal region amino acid sequences of these isozymes have been determined and they have been classified into alpha, mu, and pi classes. The most cationic isozyme (pI 9.8) belongs to the alpha class and is comparatively more abundant in female liver. The isozyme having pI 8.7 belongs to the pi class and is more abundant in male liver. The mu class GST pI 6.4 as well as the isozyme having pI 5.7 which corresponded to the a class isozyme GST 8-8 of rat liver were more abundant (about 1.5-fold) in male mouse liver as compared to the female. Interestingly, present studies reveal sex-related differences in the heat stabilities of the alpha and pi class GSTs of mouse liver. The alpha class GST pI (9.8) isolated from female mouse liver was more thermostable as compared to the corresponding enzyme from male mouse liver. On the contrary, the pi class GST (pI 8.7) from male mouse was more thermostable as compared to the corresponding enzyme from the female mouse.

Immunohistochemical localization, purification, and characterization of human urinary bladder glutathione S-transferases.

This study describes immunohistochemical localization, purification and characterization of glutathione S-transferase (GST) of human urinary bladder. Even though all the three major classes of isoenzymes (alpha, mu, and pi) were expressed in human bladder, more than 90% of total GST activity was accounted for by a pi class anionic form. Human bladder alpha, mu, and pi class GSTs were immunologically related to respective isoenzymes of other human tissues. GST pi was present in all 13 samples analyzed, whereas GST alpha and mu were detected in nine and eleven samples, respectively. GST alpha of human bladder appeared to be unique, because unlike this class of GSTs of other human tissues, bladder enzyme had lower affinity for GSH linked to epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B affinity resin. Immunohistochemical staining indicated localization of GST alpha in epithelial surface cells, underlying submucosa and smooth muscle, whereas mu and pi class isoenzymes were predominantly distributed in epithelial surface cells. These results suggest that human bladder GSTs may play an important role in providing protection against xenobiotics because epithelium is considered a target for several carcinogens and all the three classes of isoenzymes are expressed in these cells.

Purification and characterization of glutathione S-transferases from rat pancreas.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) of rat pancreas have been characterized and their interrelationship with fatty acid ethyl ester synthase (FAEES) has been studied. Seven GST isozymes with pI values of 9.2, 8.15, 7.8, 7.0, 6.3, 5.9 and 5.4 have been isolated and designated as rat pancreas GST suffixed by their pI values. Structural, immunological and kinetic properties of these isozymes indicated that GST 9.2 belonged to the alpha class, GST 7.8, 7.0, 6.3 and 5.9 belonged to the mu class, whereas GST 8.15 and 5.4 belong to pi class. The N-terminal sequences and pI values of the mu class isozymes suggested that rat GST subunits 3, 4 and 6 may be expressed in pancreas. N-Terminal sequences of both the pi class isozymes, GST 8.15 and 5.4, were similar to that of GST-P, but there were significant differences in the substrate specificities of these two enzymes. Results of peptide finger print studies also indicated minor structural differences between these two isozymes. None of the GST isozymes of rat pancreas expressed FAEES activity. Rat pancreas had a significant amount of FAEES activity, but it segregated independently during the purification of GST indicating that these two activities are expressed by different proteins and are not related as suggested previously.

A novel glutathione S-transferase isozyme similar to GST 8-8 of rat and mGSTA4-4 (GST 5.7) of mouse is selectively expressed in human tissues.

A mouse glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozyme designated as GST 5.7 or mGSTA4-4 belongs to a distinct subclass of the alpha-class isozymes of GST. It is characterized by kinetic properties intermediate between the alpha- and pi-classes of GSTs. We have recently cloned and expressed this isozyme (rec-mGSTA4-4) in E. coli and have reported its complete primary sequence (Zimniak, P., et al. (1992) FEBS Lett., 313, 173-176). Using antibodies raised against the homogenous rec-mGSTA4-4 expressed in E. coli, we now demonstrate that an ortholog of this isozyme was selectively expressed in various human tissues. The human ortholog of mGST A4-4 purified from liver had a pI value of 5.8 and constituted approx. 1.7% of total GST protein of human liver. Similar to other alpha-class GSTs, the N-terminus of this isozyme (GST 5.8) was also blocked. CNBr digestion of the enzyme yielded two major fragments with M(r) values of 12 kDa and 6 kDa. The sequences of these two fragments showed identities in 16 out of 20 residues and 17 out of 20 residues with the corresponding sequences of its mouse ortholog (mGSTA4-4), and showed significant homologies with the rat and chicken orthologs, GST 8-8 and GST CL3. Human liver GST 5.8 showed more than an order of magnitude higher activity towards t-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal as compared to 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. This isozyme also expressed glutathione-peroxidase activity towards fatty acid, as well as phospholipid hydroperoxides suggesting its role in protection mechanisms against the toxicants generated during lipid peroxidation. Western blot analysis of human tissues revealed that this GST isozyme was selectively expressed in human liver, pancreas, heart, brain and bladder tissues, but absent in lung, skeletal muscle, spleen and colon.

Glutathione S-transferases of human skin: qualitative and quantitative differences in men and women.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes of male and female leg skin have been characterized. GST activities and protein have been quantified in a number of male and female skin samples and the results indicate that as compared to the male skin, female skin contains a higher amount of GST activity as well as protein. Both male and female leg skin contain three GST isozymes with pI values 9.9, 9.1 and 4.8. In accordance with previous findings the major isozyme, pI 4.8 belongs to the pi-class, whereas the two minor forms pI 9.1 and 9.9 belong to the alpha-class. Each of the three isozymes is more abundant in female skin. Surprisingly, the specific activities and Kcat values of the female skin GSTs, particularly of the pi-class isozyme were found to be significantly higher as compared to those of male skin isozyme. Studies into the kinetics of inhibition by hematin also indicated differences in male and female skin GSTs. Whereas we confirm the presence of an alpha-class GST, pI 9.9, in human skin with an apparently higher subunit M(r) value as compared to other human alpha-class GSTs, contrary to the previous report (Del Boccio et al. (1987) Biochem. J. 244, 21-25), the results of the present studies show that the N-terminus of this alpha-class GST is blocked.

Gender related differences in the expression and characteristics of glutathione S-transferases of human colon.

In the present study, the expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes was compared in human male and female colon tissues. GST isozymes were purified and quantified in five male and five female colon tissue samples. Noticeable differences were observed in the isoelectric focusing profiles (IEF) of the GSTs, from male and female colon tissues. Both male and female colon tissues had three common GST peaks with pI values of 9.2, 6.7 and 4.8. An additional GST peak with a pI value of 6.2 found in all females was not found in males. Based on kinetic, immunological and structural properties, these isozymes were classified into alpha (pI 9.2), mu (pI 6.7 and 6.2) and pi (pI 4.8) classes. Activity of the alpha-class GST in male colon was approx. 2-fold higher than the corresponding isozyme in female colon. The pi-class GST 4.8 was the most predominant GST in both the sexes and its activity with CDNB as substrate was more abundant (about 1.6-fold) in female colon as compared to that in male colon. Significant differences were seen in substrate specificities between male and female colon GST 4.8. Sex related differences were also observed in the inhibition kinetics of GST pi from male and female colon in the presence of hematin. In addition, GST pi isolated from female colon was more thermostable as compared to the corresponding male isozyme. The thermostability of purified GST pi isozyme from males or females was not affected by incubation of the enzyme with either estrogen, testosterone or progesterone.

Purification and characterization of a 4-hydroxynonenal metabolizing glutathione S-transferase isozyme from bovine pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells.

Previous studies have suggested that a group of structurally and immunologically related mammalian glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) which utilize 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) as the preferred substrate and show glutathione peroxidase activity towards phospholipid hydroperoxides may be important for the defense of cells against lipid peroxidation. In present studies we have purified and characterized GST isozymes of bovine pulmonary microvessel endothelial (BPMVE) cells. The results of these studies indicate that BPMVE cells express relatively high amounts of a GST isozyme which utilizes 4-HNE as the preferred substrate. This GST isozyme purified to homogeneity from BPMVE cells showed remarkably high specific activity towards 4-HNE (48.3 units/mg protein) and had similar immunological, kinetic, and structural characteristics as reported for mouse enzyme mGSTA4-4 and other mammalian GSTs of this group. Since the endothelial cells are exposed to constant oxidative stress, we suggest that this GST isozyme may be important for the defense of these cells against lipid peroxidation.

Glutathione S-transferases in human and rodent skin: multiple forms and species-specific expression.

The glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a family of widely distributed multifunctional detoxification enzymes that catalyze the reaction between reduced glutathione and a variety of electrophiles. Of interest is the fact that several extracutaneous tissues exhibit a distinct spectrum of isozymes that are expressed in a highly controlled fashion. Despite the fact that the skin is continuously exposed to numerous injurious agents, little is known about the expression of GST isozymes and their role in metabolism of physiologic and xenobiotic substrates in cutaneous tissue. Using specific polyclonal antibodies to the Alpha, Mu, and Pi classes of GST, we identified their expression in rat, mouse, and human skin cytosol. In each species, GST isozymes expressed activities towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide, styrene 7,8-oxide, leukotriene A4, and ethacrynic acid, but not towards bromosulfophthalein and cumene hydroperoxide. Western blot analysis indicated the predominant expression of Pi isozyme in all three species. Alpha class of isozyme(s) was present only in human skin, whereas Mu class of isozyme(s) was detected only in rat and mouse skin. Similarly, in normal and transformed cultured human keratinocytes Pi was the predominant isozyme. In situ localization studies using immunohistochemical techniques confirmed the observations of Western blotting. In mouse skin, Pi and Mu isozyme(s) were found to be predominantly localized in sebaceous glands, whereas no reactivity was observed with the Alpha class of isozymes. Our data show that multiple forms of GST exist in rodent and human skin and that GST Pi is the predominant isozyme in each species. Furthermore, cutaneous GST can metabolize both endogenous substrates and foreign compounds.

Rat GST 8-8 is expressed predominantly in myeloid origin cells infiltrating the gravid uterus.

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown a relatively high expression of rGST8-8 in uterine tissues. This GST isozyme displays relatively high glutathione-peroxidase activity towards lipid-hydroperoxides and towards toxic 4-hydroxyalkenals generated from lipid peroxidation. Since the uterus is a unique organ, subject to oxidative stress due to infiltration by immune effector cells during gestation and because this infiltration is readily identifiable histologically, the studies reported herein were performed to localize the cell specific expression of rGST8-8 to determine whether immune effector cells infiltrating the pregnant rat uterus specifically expressed rGST8-8. A 75 bp end-radiolabeled cRNA probe was prepared from the full length mGSTA4-4 cDNA from the region which is highly homologous with rGST8-8. This cRNA probe was used for in situ hybridization studies to localize rGST8-8 in specific cell types of gravid rat uterus. Results of these studies indicate that this GST isozyme is selectively expressed in myeloid origin cells such as monocytes/macrophages, and neutrophils infiltrating the uterine endometrium and in vascular walls. Selective expression of rGST8-8 in the myeloid origin cells, which are known to generate higher levels of reactive oxygen species, suggests that this GST isozyme plays an important role in the protection mechanisms against lipid peroxidation.

Mechanisms of anticarcinogenic properties of curcumin: the effect of curcumin on glutathione linked detoxification enzymes in rat liver.

Curcumin, an antioxidant isolated from turmeric (curcuma longa), has been shown to attenuate chemical carcinogenesis in rodents. Previous studies have shown that curcumin causes an increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in rodent liver which may contribute to its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Since the effects of curcumin on specific GST isozymes and other glutathione (GSH)-linked enzymes are incompletely defined, we have examined in the present studies the effect of curcumin on hepatic non-protein sulfhydryls and GSH-linked enzymes in male Sprague-Dawley rats. When rats were fed curcumin at doses from 1 to 500 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 14 days, the induction of hepatic GST activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was found to be biphasic, with maximal induction of about 1.5 fold at the 25 to 50 mg kg-1 body weight dosage. At higher doses, a decrease was observed in the activity and in the rats treated with 500 mg kg-1 curcumin this activity was below the levels observed in controls. In contrast, GST activity towards 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) increased in a saturable, dose dependent manner. Western-blot analyses of liver cytosols revealed that curcumin caused a dose dependent induction of rGST 8-8, an isozyme which is known to display the highest activity towards 4-HNE, a highly toxic product of lipid peroxidation. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity towards cumene hydroperoxide in liver homogenate was also found to be increased in a saturable manner with respect to curcumin dose. Our results suggest that induction of enzymes involved in the detoxification of the electrophilic products of lipid peroxidation may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of curcumin.

Interaction of annexins IV and VI with ATP. An alternative mechanism by which a cellular function of these calcium- and membrane-binding proteins is regulated.

Annexin VI from porcine liver can be photoaffinity-labeled with 8-azido-[gamma-32P]ATP in a concentration-dependent, saturable manner. The extent of labeling varied with the concentration of calcium. The dissociation constant for the nucleotide was found to be in the range reported for ATP-binding proteins. The ATP analog, 2'-(or 3')-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate, also bound to AnxVI, as indicated by shift in its fluorescence spectra in the presence of protein. Any significant 8-azido-ATP or TNP-ATP binding was not observed with AnxIV. ATP modulated the binding of AnxVI to erythrocyte membrane and increased the Ca2+ concentration required for half-maximal binding of AnxVI to F-actin.

Binding of benzo(a)pyrene to rat lung glutathione S-transferases in vivo.

A highly selective in vivo binding of benzo(a)pyrene to rat lung glutathione S-transferases is demonstrated. Benzo(a)pyrene or its metabolites are specifically bound to Ya' and Yc subunits of rat lung glutathione S-transferases.

A subgroup of class alpha glutathione S-transferases. Cloning of cDNA for mouse lung glutathione S-transferase GST 5.7.

A full-length cDNA clone encoding the previously purified mouse glutathione S-transferase GST 5.7 [(1991), Biochem. J. 278, 793-799] has been isolated from a mouse lung cDNA library in lambda gt11. Sequencing of the clone revealed the presence of microheterogeneity in GST 5.7. Comparison of the deduced protein sequence with other glutathione S-transferases, together with previous information available on GST 5.7, indicates that the enzyme belongs to a novel subgroup within the alpha class of glutathione S-transferases. Members of the subgroup, which also include the rat GST 8-8 and perhaps chicken GST CL3, show high sequence homology with each other, but only moderate similarity to other alpha class enzymes. They share a substrate specificity profile that resembles pi-class enzymes, and are active in the conjugation of lipid peroxidation products.

A novel dinitrophenylglutathione-stimulated ATPase is present in human erythrocyte membranes.

Vesicles prepared from human erythrocyte membranes were found to catalyze ATP hydrolysis that was stimulated by dinitrophenylglutathione (Dnp-SG). This activity was dependent on temperature and Mg2+ and independent of ion pump ATPases present in erythrocyte membranes. The activity was a linear function of protein and time up to 60 min. The Km values of ATPase for Dnp-SG and ATP were found to be 49 microM and 1.67 mM, respectively. This suggests that in erythrocytes, the transport of Dnp-SG requires direct enzymatic hydrolysis of ATP and both Dnp-SG-stimulated ATPase activity and the ATP-dependent efflux of Dnp-SG from erythrocytes represent different activities of the same protein.

The anionic conjugates of bilirubin and bile acids stimulate ATP hydrolysis by S-(dinitrophenyl)glutathione ATPase of human erythrocyte.

These studies demonstrate that bilirubin-ditaurate (an analog of bilirubin-diglucuronide), lithocholic acid 3-O-sulfate, and lithocholic acid 3-O-glucuronide, which are believed to be transported from liver into bile through an active transport process stimulate ATP hydrolysis by purified dinitrophenylglutathione ATPase of human erythrocytes. The Km and Vmax values of the enzyme for these substrates are similar to those for dinitrophenylglutathione indicating the transport mechanisms for bilirubin conjugates, and anionic bile acid-conjugates from hepatocytes to bile and transport of GSH-conjugates from erythrocytes may be mediated by similar mechanisms.

Curcumin protects against 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal-induced cataract formation in rat lenses.

Age-related cataractogenesis is a significant health problem worldwide. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be a common underlying mechanism of cataractogenesis, and augmentation of the antioxidant defenses of the ocular lens has been shown to prevent or delay cataractogenesis. The present studies were designed to test the efficacy of curcumin, an antioxidant present in the commonly used spice turmeric, in preventing cataractogenesis in an in vitro rat model. Rats were maintained on an AIN-76 diet (ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cleveland) for 2 wk, after which they were given a daily dose of corn oil alone or 75 mg curcumin/kg in corn oil for 14 d. Their lenses were removed and cultured for 72 h in vitro in the presence or absence of 100 mumol 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE)/L, a highly electrophilic product of lipid peroxidation. The results of these studies showed that 4-HNE caused opacifications of cultured lenses as indicated by the measurements of transmitted light intensity using digital image analysis. However, the lenses from curcumin-treated rats were much more resistant to 4-HNE-induced opacification than were lenses from control animals. Curcumin treatment caused a significant induction of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozyme rGST8-8 in rat lens epithelium. Because rGST8-8 utilizes 4-HNE as a preferred substrate, we suggest that the protective effect of curcumin may be mediated through the induction of this GST isozyme. These studies suggest that curcumin may be an effective protective agent against cataractogenesis induced by lipid peroxidation.