Biophysical interaction between lanthanum chloride and (CG)n or (GC)n repeats: A reversible B-to-Z DNA transition.

The transition from right-handed to left-handed DNA is not only acts as the controlling factor for switching gene expression but also has equal importance in designing nanomechanical devices. The (CG)n and (GC)n repeat sequences are well known model molecules to study B-Z transition in the presence of higher concentration of monovalent cations. In this communication, we report a cyclic transition in (CG)6 DNA using millimolar concentration of trivalent lanthanide salt LaCl3. The controlled and reversible transition was seen in (CG)12, and (GC)12 DNA employing CD spectroscopy. While LaCl3 failed to induce B-Z transition in shorter oligonucleotides such as (CG)3 and (GC)3, a smooth B-Z transition was recorded for (CG)6, (CG)12 and (GC)12 sequences. Interestingly, the phenomenon was reversible (Z-B transition) with addition of EDTA. Particularly, two rounds of cyclic transition (B-Z-B-Z-B) have been noticed in (CG)6 DNA in presence of LaCl3 and EDTA which strongly suggest that B-Z transition is reversible in short repeat sequences. Thermal melting and annealing behaviour of B-DNA are reversible while the thermal melting of LaCl3-induced Z-DNA is irreversible which suggest a stronger binding of LaCl3 to the phosphate backbone of Z-DNA. This was further supported by isothermal titration calorimetric study. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation indicates that the mode of binding of La3+ (of LaCl3) with d(CG)8.d(CG)8 is through the minor groove, wherein, 3 out of 11 La3+ bridge the anionic oxygens of the complementary strands. Such a tight coordination of La3+ with the anionic oxygens at the minor groove surface may be the reason for the experimentally observed irreversibility of LaCl3-induced Z-DNA seen in longer DNA fragments. Thus, these results indicate LaCl3 can easily be adopted as an inducer of left-handed DNA in other short oligonucleotides sequences to facilitate the understanding of the molecular mechanism of B-Z transition.

Expression of hepatic antioxidant genes in l-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroid rats: regulation by vitamin E and curcumin.

Earlier we have demonstrated that oral supplementation of vitamin E and curcumin alleviates hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress and distorted histoarchitecture in rat liver [5]. To delineate the underlying mechanism of protection, the present study was undertaken to investigate the regulatory role of vitamin E and curcumin on antioxidant gene (AOG) expression in hyperthyroid rat liver. Adult male rats were rendered hyperthyroid by administration of 0.0012% l-thyroxine in their drinking water, while vitamin E (200mg/kg body weight) and curcumin (30mg/kg body weight) were supplemented orally for 30 days. l-Thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism decreased the transcript levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and glutathione reductase (GR) in liver. Alleviated message levels of SOD and CAT were noticed following simultaneous administration of curcumin and vitamin E to hyperthyroid rats. Moreover vitamin E or curcumin treatment ameliorated GPx1 and GR mRNA levels. Translated products of AOGs showed differential expression in the liver of hyperthyroid rats, where Cu/Zn SOD (SOD1), CAT and GR were decreased in contrast to Mn SOD (SOD2) and GPx1. Vitamin E administration was able to alleviate SOD1, CAT and GR translated products while only CAT protein was restored to normal level by curcumin. Co-administration of both antioxidants normalized GPx1 protein expression. Interestingly decreased activities of cytosolic CAT and GPx1 were alleviated following vitamin E and curcumin administration. Increased mitochondrial SOD1 and decreased GR activities were also normalized by antioxidant treatment. Above findings suggest that administration of vitamin E and curcumin may alleviate the hepatic AOG expression in hyperthyroid rats.

Supplementation of curcumin and vitamin E enhances oxidative stress, but restores hepatic histoarchitecture in hypothyroid rats.

AIMS: In the present study, the effects of vitamin E and curcumin on hepatic dysfunction, mitochondrial oxygen consumption as well as hyperlipidemia in hypothyroid rats are reported. MAIN METHODS: Adult male rats were rendered hypothyroid by administration of 0.05% 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) in their drinking water, while vitamin E (200 mg/kg body weight) and curcumin (30 mg/kg body weight) were supplemented orally for 30 days. KEY FINDINGS: Hypothyroidism-induced elevation in serum aspartate aminotransferase activity was found to decline in vitamin E and curcumin treated rats. Nevertheless, distorted histoarchitecture revealed in hypothyroid rat liver was alleviated to normal by vitamin E and curcumin treatment. Regulation of hypothyroidism induced decrease in complexes I and II mediated mitochondrial respiration by vitamin E and curcumin was found to be different. Administration of curcumin to hypothyroid rats alleviates the decreased state 4 respiration and increased respiratory control ratio (RCR) level in complex I mediated mitochondrial oxygen consumption, whereas complex II mediated respiration was not influenced by exogenous antioxidants. Although, increase in serum concentration of total cholesterol was not modified by exogenous antioxidants, increased level of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in serum of hypothyroid rats was further enhanced by vitamin E and curcumin. Moreover, a significant elevation in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation was noticed in hypothyroid groups treated with vitamin E and curcumin. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study suggests that supplementation of curcumin and vitamin E enhances oxidative stress parameters and hyperlipidemia; nevertheless, it protects hypothyroid-induced altered rectal temperature, serum transaminase activity and hepatic histoarchitecture.