Differential responses of murine alveolar macrophages to elongate mineral particles of asbestiform and non-asbestiform varieties: Cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and transcriptional changes.

Human exposures to asbestiform elongate mineral particles (EMP) may lead to diffuse fibrosis, lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma and autoimmune diseases. Cleavage fragments (CF) are chemically identical to asbestiform varieties (or habits) of the parent mineral, but no consensus exists on whether to treat them as asbestos from toxicological and regulatory standpoints. Alveolar macrophages (AM) are the first responders to inhaled particulates, participating in clearance and activating other resident and recruited immunocompetent cells, impacting the long-term outcomes. In this study we address how EMP of asbestiform versus non-asbestiform habit affect AM responses. Max Planck Institute (MPI) cells, a non-transformed mouse line that has an AM phenotype and genotype, were treated with mass-, surface area- (s.a.), and particle number- (p.n.) equivalent concentrations of respirable asbestiform and non-asbestiform riebeckite/tremolite EMP for 24 h. Cytotoxicity, cytokines secretion and transcriptional changes were evaluated. At the equal mass, asbestiform EMP were more cytotoxic, however EMP of both habits induced similar LDH leakage and decrease in viability at s.a. and p.n. equivalent doses. DNA damage assessment and cell cycle analysis revealed differences in the modes of cell death between asbestos and respective CF. There was an increase in chemokines, but not pro-inflammatory cytokines after all EMP treatments. Principal component analysis of the cytokine secretion showed close clustering for the s.a. and p.n. equivalent treatments. There were mineral- and habit-specific patterns of gene expression dysregulation at s.a. equivalent doses. Our study reveals the critical nature of EMP morphometric parameters for exposure assessment and dosing approaches used in toxicity studies.

Evaluation of fibrogenic potential of industrial multi-walled carbon nanotubes in acute aspiration experiment.

Local inflammatory response in the lungs and fi brogenic potential of multi-walled carbon nanotubes were studied in an acute aspiration experiment in mice. The doses were chosen based on the concentration of nanotubes in the air at a workplace of the company-producer. ELISA, fl ow cytometry, enhanced darkfield microscopy, and histological examination showed that multi-walled carbon nanotubes induced local inflammation, oxidative stress, and connective tissue growth (fibrosis). Serum levels of TGF-ß1 and osteopontin proteins can serve as potential exposure biomarkers.

Single-walled carbon nanotube-induced mitotic disruption.

Carbon nanotubes were among the earliest products of nanotechnology and have many potential applications in medicine, electronics, and manufacturing. The low density, small size, and biological persistence of carbon nanotubes create challenges for exposure control and monitoring and make respiratory exposures to workers likely. We have previously shown mitotic spindle aberrations in cultured primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells exposed to 24, 48 and 96 µg/cm(2) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). To investigate mitotic spindle aberrations at concentrations anticipated in exposed workers, primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells were exposed to SWCNT for 24-72 h at doses equivalent to 20 weeks of exposure at the Permissible Exposure Limit for particulates not otherwise regulated. We have now demonstrated fragmented centrosomes, disrupted mitotic spindles and aneuploid chromosome number at those doses. The data further demonstrated multipolar mitotic spindles comprised 95% of the disrupted mitoses. The increased multipolar mitotic spindles were associated with an increased number of cells in the G2 phase of mitosis, indicating a mitotic checkpoint response. Nanotubes were observed in association with mitotic spindle microtubules, the centrosomes and condensed chromatin in cells exposed to 0.024, 0.24, 2.4 and 24 µg/cm(2) SWCNT. Three-dimensional reconstructions showed carbon nanotubes within the centrosome structure. The lower doses did not cause cytotoxicity or reduction in colony formation after 24h; however, after three days, significant cytotoxicity was observed in the SWCNT-exposed cells. Colony formation assays showed an increased proliferation seven days after exposure. Our results show significant disruption of the mitotic spindle by SWCNT at occupationally relevant doses. The increased proliferation that was observed in carbon nanotube-exposed cells indicates a greater potential to pass the genetic damage to daughter cells. Disruption of the centrosome is common in many solid tumors including lung cancer. The resulting aneuploidy is an early event in the progression of many cancers, suggesting that it may play a role in both tumorigenesis and tumor progression. These results suggest caution should be used in the handling and processing of carbon nanotubes.

Genotoxicity of carbon nanofibers: are they potentially more or less dangerous than carbon nanotubes or asbestos?

The production of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes (CNF/CNT) and their composite products is increasing globally. CNF are generating great interest in industrial sectors such as energy production and electronics, where alternative materials may have limited performance or are produced at a much higher cost. However, despite the increasing industrial use of carbon nanofibers, information on their potential adverse health effects is limited. In the current study, we examine the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of carbon-based nanofibers (Pyrograf®-III) and compare this material with the effects of asbestos fibers (crocidolite) or single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The genotoxic effects in the lung fibroblast (V79) cell line were examined using two complementary assays: the comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. In addition, we utilized fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect the chromatin pan-centromeric signals within the MN indicating their origin by aneugenic (chromosomal malsegregation) or clastogenic (chromosome breakage) mechanisms. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a concentration- and time-dependent loss of V79 cell viability after exposure to all tested materials in the following sequence: asbestos>CNF>SWCNT. Additionally, cellular uptake and generation of oxygen radicals was seen in the murine RAW264.7 macrophages following exposure to CNF or asbestos but not after administration of SWCNT. DNA damage and MN induction were found after exposure to all tested materials with the strongest effect seen for CNF. Finally, we demonstrated that CNF induced predominantly centromere-positive MN in primary human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) indicating aneugenic events. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved in CNF-induced genotoxicity.

Mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity and medical applications of carbon nanotubes: Two faces of Janus?

Nanotechnology is an emerging science involving manipulation of materials at the nanometer scale. There are several exciting prospects for the application of engineered nanomaterials in medicine. However, concerns over adverse and unanticipated effects on human health have also been raised. In fact, the same properties that make engineered nanomaterials attractive from a technological and biomedical perspective could also make these novel materials harmful to human health and the environment. Carbon nanotubes are cylinders of one or several coaxial graphite layer(s) with a diameter in the order of nanometers, and serve as an instructive example of the Janus-like properties of nanomaterials. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that carbon nanotubes and/or associated contaminants or catalytic materials that arise during the production process may induce oxidative stress and prominent pulmonary inflammation. Recent studies also suggest some similarities between the pathogenic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and those of asbestos fibers. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes can be readily functionalized and several studies on the use of carbon nanotubes as versatile excipients for drug delivery and imaging of disease processes have been reported, suggesting that carbon nanotubes may have a place in the armamentarium for treatment and monitoring of cancer, infection, and other disease conditions. Nanomedicine is an emerging field that holds great promise; however, close attention to safety issues is required to ensure that the opportunities that carbon nanotubes and other engineered nanoparticles offer can be translated into feasible and safe constructs for the treatment of human disease.

Enhanced morphological transformation of human lung epithelial cells by continuous exposure to cellulose nanocrystals.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), also known as nanowhiskers, have recently gained much attention due to their biodegradable nature, advantageous chemical and mechanical properties, economic value and renewability thus making them attractive for a wide range of applications. However, before these materials can be considered for potential uses, investigation of their toxicity is prudent. Although CNC exposures are associated with pulmonary inflammation and damage as well as oxidative stress responses and genotoxicity in vivo, studies evaluating cell transformation or tumorigenic potential of CNC's were not previously conducted. In this study, we aimed to assess the neoplastic-like transformation potential of two forms of CNC derived from wood (powder and gel) in human pulmonary epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) in comparison to fibrous tremolite (TF), known to induce lung cancer. Short-term exposure to CNC or TF induced intracellular ROS increase and DNA damage while long-term exposure resulted in neoplastic-like transformation demonstrated by increased cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration and invasion. The increased proliferative responses were also in-agreement with observed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Based on the hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) of the inflammatory cytokine responses, CNC powder was segregated from the control and CNC-gel samples. This suggests that CNC may have the ability to influence neoplastic-like transformation events in pulmonary epithelial cells and that such effects are dependent on the type/form of CNC. Further studies focusing on determining and understanding molecular mechanisms underlying potential CNC cell transformation events and their likelihood to induce tumorigenic effects in vivo are highly warranted.

Size-dependent effects of tungsten carbide-cobalt particles on oxygen radical production and activation of cell signaling pathways in murine epidermal cells.

Hard metal or cemented carbide consists of a mixture of tungsten carbide (WC) (85%) and metallic cobalt (Co) (5-15%). WC-Co is considered to be potentially carcinogenic to humans. However, no comparison of the adverse effects of nano-sized WC-Co particles is available to date. In the present study, we compared the ability of nano- and fine-sized WC-Co particles to form free radicals and propensity to activate the transcription factors, AP-1 and NF-kappaB, along with stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in a mouse epidermal cell line (JB6 P(+)). Our results demonstrated that nano-WC-Co generated a higher level of hydroxyl radicals, induced greater oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decrease of GSH levels, and caused faster JB6 P(+) cell growth/proliferation than observed after exposure of cells to fine WC-Co. In addition, nano-WC-Co activated AP-1 and NF-kappaB more efficiently in JB6(+/+) cells as compared to fine WC-Co. Experiments using AP-1-luciferase reporter transgenic mice confirmed the activation of AP-1 by nano-WC-Co. Nano- and fine-sized WC-Co particles also stimulated MAPKs, including ERKs, p38, and JNKs with significantly higher potency of nano-WC-Co. Finally, co-incubation of the JB6(+/+) cells with N-acetyl-cysteine decreased AP-1 activation and phosphorylation of ERKs, p38 kinase, and JNKs, thus suggesting that oxidative stress is involved in WC-Co-induced toxicity and AP-1 activation.

Increased accumulation of neutrophils and decreased fibrosis in the lung of NADPH oxidase-deficient C57BL/6 mice exposed to carbon nanotubes.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) have been introduced into a large number of new technologies and consumer products. The combination of their exceptional features with very broad applications raised concerns regarding their potential health effects. The prime target for SWCNT toxicity is believed to be the lung where exposure may occur through inhalation, particularly in occupational settings. Our previous work has demonstrated that SWCNT cause robust inflammatory responses in rodents with very early termination of the acute phase and rapid onset of chronic fibrosis. Timely elimination of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) through apoptosis and their subsequent clearance by macrophages is a necessary stage in the resolution of pulmonary inflammation whereby NADPH oxidase contributes to control of apoptotic cell death and clearance of PMNs. Thus, we hypothesized that NADPH oxidase may be an important regulator of the transition from the acute inflammation to the chronic fibrotic stage in response to SWCNT. To experimentally address the hypothesis, we employed NADPH oxidase-deficient mice which lack the gp91(phox) subunit of the enzymatic complex. We found that NADPH oxidase null mice responded to SWCNT exposure with a marked accumulation of PMNs and elevated levels of apoptotic cells in the lungs, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased production of the anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine, TGF-beta, and significantly lower levels of collagen deposition, as compared to C57BL/6 control mice. These results demonstrate a role for NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species in determining course of pulmonary response to SWCNT.

Direct and indirect effects of single walled carbon nanotubes on RAW 264.7 macrophages: role of iron.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), nano-cylinders with an extremely small diameter (1-2 nm) and high aspect ratio, have unique physico-chemical, electronic and mechanical properties and may exhibit unusual interactions with cells and tissues, thus necessitating studies of their toxicity and health effects. Manufactured SWCNT usually contain significant amounts of iron that may act as a catalyst of oxidative stress. Because macrophages are the primary responders to different particles that initiate and propagate inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, we utilized two types of SWCNT: (1) iron-rich (non-purified) SWCNT (26 wt.% of iron) and (2) iron-stripped (purified) SWCNT (0.23 wt.% of iron) to study their interactions with RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ultrasonication resulted in predominantly well-dispersed and separated SWCNT strands as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Neither purified nor non-purified SWCNT were able to generate intracellular production of superoxide radicals or nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages as documented by flow-cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. SWCNT with different iron content displayed different redox activity in a cell-free model system as revealed by EPR-detectable formation of ascorbate radicals resulting from ascorbate oxidation. In the presence of zymosan-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, non-purified iron-rich SWCNT were more effective in generating hydroxyl radicals (documented by EPR spin-trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide, DMPO) than purified SWCNT. Similarly, EPR spin-trapping experiments in the presence of zymosan-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages showed that non-purified SWCNT more effectively converted superoxide radicals generated by xanthine oxidase/xanthine into hydroxyl radicals as compared to purified SWCNT. Iron-rich SWCNT caused significant loss of intracellular low molecular weight thiols (GSH) and accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides in both zymosan-and PMA-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Catalase was able to partially protect macrophages against SWCNT induced elevation of biomarkers of oxidative stress (enhancement of lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion). Thus, the presence of iron in SWCNT may be important in determining redox-dependent responses of macrophages.

Direct evidence for recycling of myeloperoxidase-catalyzed phenoxyl radicals of a vitamin E homologue, 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-hydroxy chromane, by ascorbate/dihydrolipoate in living HL-60 cells.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-catalyzed one-electron oxidation of endogenous phenolic constituents (e.g., antioxidants, hydroxylated metabolites) and exogenous compounds (e.g., drugs, environmental chemicals) generates free radical intermediates: phenoxyl radicals. Reduction of these intermediates by endogenous reductants, i.e. recycling, may enhance their antioxidant potential and/or prevent their potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The goal of this work was to determine whether generation and recycling of MPO-catalyzed phenoxyl radicals of a vitamin E homologue, 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-hydroxychromane (PMC), by physiologically relevant intracellular reductants such as ascorbate/lipoate could be demonstrated in intact MPO-rich human leukemia HL-60 cells. A model system was developed to show that MPO/H(2)O(2)-catalyzed PMC phenoxyl radicals (PMC*) could be recycled by ascorbate or ascorbate/dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) to regenerate the parent compound. Absorbance measurements demonstrated that ascorbate prevents net oxidation of PMC by recycling the phenoxyl radical back to the parent compound. The presence of DHLA in the reaction mixture containing ascorbate extended the recycling reaction through regeneration of ascorbate. DHLA alone was unable to prevent PMC oxidation. These conclusions were confirmed by direct detection of PMC* and ascorbate radicals formed during the time course of the reactions by EPR spectroscopy. Based on results in the model system, PMC* and ascorbate radicals were identified by EPR spectroscopy in ascorbate-loaded HL-60 cells after addition of H(2)O(2) and the inhibitor of catalase, 3-aminotriazole (3-AT). The time course of PMC* and ascorbate radicals was found to follow the same reaction sequence as during their recycling in the model system. Recycling of PMC by ascorbate was also confirmed by HPLC assays in HL-60 cells. Pre-loading of HL-60 cells with lipoic acid regenerated ascorbate and thus increased the efficiency of ascorbate in recycling PMC*. Lipoic acid had no effect on PMC oxidation in the absence of ascorbate. Thus PMC phenoxyl radical does not directly oxidize thiols but can be recycled by dihydrolipoate in the presence of ascorbate. The role of phenoxyl radical recycling in maintaining antioxidant defense and protecting against cytotoxic and genotoxic phenolics is discussed.

Increased ascorbate radical formation and ascorbate depletion in plasma from women with preeclampsia: implications for oxidative stress.

There is evidence that oxidative stress accompanies preeclampsia and plasma ascorbate concentrations are reported to be decreased in the disorder. We tested the hypothesis that an ascorbate-oxidizing activity is increased in plasma from women with preeclampsia relative to normal pregnancy. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to determine (1) plasma functional reserves of ascorbate and total thiols, (2) temporal changes in ascorbate and thiol concentrations during incubation of whole blood in vitro, and (3) ascorbate radical signal kinetics in plasma after equalization of ascorbate concentrations. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure plasma alpha-tocopherol. Ascorbate concentrations were 50% lower in preeclampsia relative to normal pregnancy plasma but thiols and alpha-tocopherol did not differ. The elapsed time prior to half-consumption of plasma ascorbate was decreased approximately three-fold during incubation of whole blood from preeclamptics. No concomitant decrease in thiols was evident. The initial ascorbate radical signal amplitude was greater in preeclampsia plasma and then, in contrast to normal pregnancy plasma, decreased progressively. The iron chelator, deferoxamine had no effect on plasma ascorbate radical formation. We conclude that an ascorbate-oxidizing activity is increased in preeclampsia plasma which might contribute to vascular dysfunction in the disorder.

Myeloperoxidase-catalyzed redox-cycling of phenol promotes lipid peroxidation and thiol oxidation in HL-60 cells.

Various types of cancer occur in peroxidase-rich target tissues of animals exposed to aryl alcohols and amines. Unlike biotransformation by cytochrome P450 enzymes, peroxidases activate most substrates by one-electron oxidation via radical intermediates. This work analyzed the peroxidase-dependent formation of phenoxyl radicals in HL-60 cells and its contribution to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. The results showed that myeloperoxidase-catalyzed redox cycling of phenol in HL-60 cells led to intracellular formation of glutathionyl radicals detected as GS-DMPO nitrone. Formation of thiyl radicals was accompanied by rapid oxidation of glutathione and protein-thiols. Analysis of protein sulfhydryls by SDS-PAGE revealed a significant oxidation of protein SH-groups in HL-60 cells incubated in the presence of phenol/H2O2 that was inhibited by cyanide and azide. Additionally, cyanide- and azide-sensitive generation of EPR-detectable ascorbate radicals was observed during incubation of HL-60 cell homogenates in the presence of ascorbate and H2O2. Oxidation of thiols required addition of H2O2 and was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with the inhibitor of heme synthesis, succinylacetone. Radical-driven oxidation of thiols was accompanied by a trend toward increased content of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in the DNA of HL-60 cells. Membrane phospholipids were also sensitive to radical-driven oxidation as evidenced by a sensitive fluorescence HPLC-assay based on metabolic labeling of phospholipids with oxidation-sensitive cis-parinaric acid. Phenol enhanced H2O2-dependent oxidation of all classes of phospholipids including cardiolipin, but did not oxidize parinaric acid-labeled lipids without addition of H2O2. Induction of a significant hypodiploid cell population, an indication of apoptosis, was detected after exposure to H2O2 and was slightly but consistently and significantly higher after exposure to H2O2/phenol. The clonogenicity of HL-60 cells decreased to the same extent after exposure to H2O2 or H2O2/phenol. Treatment of HL-60 cells with either H2O2 or H2O2/phenol at concentrations adequate for lipid peroxidation did not cause a detectable increase in chromosomal breaks. Detection of thiyl radicals as well as rapid oxidation of thiols and phospholipids in viable HL-60 cells provide strong evidence for redox cycling of phenol in this bone marrow-derived cell line.

ESR evidence for in vivo formation of free radicals in tissue of mice exposed to single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Nanomaterials are being utilized in an increasing variety of manufactured goods. Because of their unique physicochemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have found numerous applications in the electronics, aerospace, chemical, polymer, and pharmaceutical industries. Previously, we have reported that pharyngeal exposure of C57BL/6 mice to SWCNTs caused dose-dependent formation of granulomatous bronchial interstitial pneumonia, fibrosis, oxidative stress, acute inflammatory/cytokine responses, and a decrease in pulmonary function. In the current study, we used electron spin resonance (ESR) to directly assess whether exposure to respirable SWCNTs caused formation of free radicals in the lungs and in two distant organs, the heart and liver. Here we report that exposure to partially purified SWCNTs (HiPco technique, Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc., Houston, TX, USA) resulted in the augmentation of oxidative stress as evidenced by ESR detection of α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone spin-trapped carbon-centered lipid-derived radicals recorded shortly after the treatment. This was accompanied by a significant depletion of antioxidants and elevated biomarkers of inflammation presented by recruitment of inflammatory cells and an increase in proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs, as well as development of multifocal granulomatous pneumonia, interstitial fibrosis, and suppressed pulmonary function. Moreover, pulmonary exposure to SWCNTs also caused the formation of carbon-centered lipid-derived radicals in the heart and liver at later time points (day 7 postexposure). Additionally, SWCNTs induced a significant accumulation of oxidatively modified proteins, increase in lipid peroxidation products, depletion of antioxidants, and inflammatory response in both the heart and the liver. Furthermore, the iron chelator deferoxamine noticeably reduced lung inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating an important role for metal-catalyzed species in lung injury caused by SWCNTs. Overall, we provide direct evidence that lipid-derived free radicals are a critical contributor to tissue damage induced by SWCNTs not only in the lungs, but also in distant organs.

Induction of aneuploidy by single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Engineered carbon nanotubes are newly emerging manufactured particles with potential applications in electronics, computers, aerospace, and medicine. The low density and small size of these biologically persistent particles makes respiratory exposures to workers likely during the production or use of commercial products. The narrow diameter and great length of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) suggest the potential to interact with critical biological structures. To examine the potential of nanotubes to induce genetic damage in normal lung cells, cultured primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells were exposed to SWCNT or a positive control, vanadium pentoxide. After 24 hr of exposure to either SWCNT or vanadium pentoxide, fragmented centrosomes, multiple mitotic spindle poles, anaphase bridges, and aneuploid chromosome number were observed. Confocal microscopy demonstrated nanotubes within the nucleus that were in association with cellular and mitotic tubulin as well as the chromatin. Our results are the first to report disruption of the mitotic spindle by SWCNT. The nanotube bundles are similar to the size of microtubules that form the mitotic spindle and may be incorporated into the mitotic spindle apparatus.

Pro/antioxidant status and AP-1 transcription factor in murine skin following topical exposure to cumene hydroperoxide.

Organic peroxides, widely used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, can act as skin tumor promoters and cause epidermal hyperplasia. They are also known to trigger free radical generation. The present study evaluated the effect of cumene hydroperoxide (Cum-OOH) on the induction of activator protein-1 (AP-1), which is linked to the expression of genes regulating cell proliferation, growth and transformation. Previously, we reported that topical exposure to Cum-OOH caused formation of free radicals and oxidative stress in the skin of vitamin E-deficient mice. The present study used JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells and AP-1-luciferase reporter transgenic mice to identify whether exposure to Cum-OOH caused activation of AP-1, oxidative stress, depletion of antioxidants and tumor formation during two-stage carcinogenesis. In vitro studies found that exposure to Cum-OOH reduced the level of glutathione (GSH) in mouse epidermal cells (JB6 P+) and caused the induction of AP-1. Mice primed with dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) were topically exposed to Cum-OOH (82.6 micromol) or the positive control, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 17 nmol), twice weekly for 29 weeks. Activation of AP-1 in skin was detected as early as 2 weeks following Cum-OOH or TPA exposure. No AP-1 expression was found 19 weeks after initiation. Papilloma formation was observed in both the DMBA-TPA- and DMBA-Cum-OOH-exposed animals, whereas skin carcinomas were found only in the DMBA-Cum-OOH-treated mice. A greater accumulation of peroxidative products (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), inflammation and decreased levels of GSH and total antioxidant reserves were also observed in the skin of DMBA-Cum-OOH-exposed mice. These results suggest that Cum-OOH-induced carcinogenesis is accompanied by increased AP-1 activation and changes in antioxidant status.

Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidants in lungs of guinea pigs following an allergic pulmonary response.

Oxygen-derived radicals and cytokines are known to play key roles in cellular inflammation accompanying allergic lung disease. Using a well-characterized guinea pig model of pulmonary ovalbumin (OA) hypersensitivity, we studied lipid peroxidation and endogenous antioxidant reserve in bronchoalveolar lung fluid (BAL) following a severe pulmonary allergic reaction. Since TNF-alpha is known to be involved in oxygen radical generation, we also examined TNF production in response to antigen challenge. By 24 hr after antigen challenge, the number of eosinophils in BAL was increased 3.5-fold compared with nonsensitized but challenged control animals. Immunohistochemical evaluation of BAL cells, employing a polyclonal antibody to murine TNF-alpha, demonstrated the presence of TNF in eosinophils. A 2.4-fold higher concentration of lipid peroxidation products was found in BAL fluid of sensitized and challenged vs nonsensitized, challenged guinea pigs (p < 0.05). Endogenous antioxidant levels were lower in the BAL fluid of the sensitized, challenged guinea pigs. The concentration of the major lipid-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E, was 8.7-fold lower than that in nonsensitized controls (p < 0.001) and the endogenous reserve of water-soluble antioxidants (thiols and ascorbic acid) was decreased 4-fold from that of control animals (p < 0.02). These results indicate an antioxidant/prooxidant imbalance associated with an allergic pulmonary episode.

Pro/antioxidant status in murine skin following topical exposure to cumene hydroperoxide throughout the ontogeny of skin cancer.

Organic peroxides used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries have a reputation for being potent skin tumor promoters and inducers of epidermal hyperplasia. Their ability to trigger free radical generation is critical for their carcinogenic properties. Short-term in vivo exposure of mouse skin to cumene hydroperoxide (Cum-OOH) causes severe oxidative stress and formation of spin-trapped radical adducts. The present study was designed to determine the effectiveness of Cum-OOH compared to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in the induction of tumor promotion in the mouse skin, to identify the involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in oxidative metabolism of Cum-OOH in keratinocytes, and to evaluate morphological changes and outcomes of oxidative stress in skin of SENCAR mice throughout a two-stage carcinogenesis protocol. Dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated mice were treated with Cum-OOH (32.8 micro mol) or TPA (8.5 nmol) twice weekly for 20 weeks to promote papilloma formation. Skin carcinoma formed only in DMBA/Cum-OOH-exposed mice. Higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation (as indicated by the accumulation of peroxidative products, antioxidant depletion, and edema formation) were evident in the DMBA/Cum-OOH group compared to DMBA/TPA treated mice. Exposure of keratinocytes (HaCaT) to Cum-OOH for 18 h resulted in expression of COX-2 and increased levels of PGE(2). Inhibitors of COX-2 efficiently suppressed oxidative stress and enzyme expression in the cells treated with Cum-OOH. These results suggest that COX-2-dependent oxidative metabolism is at least partially involved in Cum-OOH-induced inflammatory responses and thus tumor promotion.

Myeloperoxidase-catalyzed phenoxyl radicals of vitamin E homologue, 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl- 6-hydroxychromane, do not induce oxidative stress in live HL-60 cells.

We used myeloperoxidase-containing HL-60 cells to generate phenoxyl radicals from nontoxic concentrations of a vitamin E homologue, 2,2, 5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-hydroxychromane (PMC) to test whether these radicals can induce oxidative stress in a physiological intracellular environment. In the presence of H(2)O(2), we were able to generate steady-state concentrations of PMC phenoxyl radicals readily detectable by EPR in viable HL-60 cells. In HL-60 cells pretreated with succinylacetone, an inhibitor of heme synthesis, a greater than 4-fold decrease in myeloperoxidase activity resulted in a dramatically decreased steady-state concentrations of PMC phenoxyl radicals hardly detectable in EPR spectra. We further conducted sensitive measurements of GSH oxidation and protein sulfhydryl oxidation as well as peroxidation in different classes of membrane phospholipids in HL-60 cells. We found that conditions compatible with the generation and detection of PMC phenoxyl radicals were not associated with either oxidation of GSH, protein SH-groups or phospholipid peroxidation. We conclude that PMC phenoxyl radicals do not induce oxidative stress under physiological conditions in contrast to their ability to cause lipid peroxidation in isolated lipoproteins in vitro.

Antioxidant depletion, lipid peroxidation, and impairment of calcium transport induced by air-blast overpressure in rat lungs.

Exposure to blast overpressure, or the sudden rise in atmospheric pressure after explosive detonation, results in damage mainly of the gas-filled organs. In addition to the physical damage, in the lung, injury may proceed via a hemorrhage-dependent mechanism initiating oxidative stress and accumulation of lipid peroxidation products. Massive rupture of capillaries and red blood cells, release of hemoglobin, its oxidation to met-hemoglobin and degradation sets the stage for heme-catalyzed oxidations. The authors hypothesized that lipid hydroperoxides interact with met-hemoglobin in the lungs of exposed animals to produce ferryl-hemoglobin, an extremely potent oxidant that induces oxidative damage by depleting antioxidants and initiating peroxidation reactions. Oxidation-induced disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis facilitates further amplification of the damage. To test this hypothesis, groups of anesthetized rats (6 rats/group) were exposed to blast at 3 peak pressures: low (61.2 kPa), medium (95.2 kPa), high (136 kPa). One group served as an unexposed control. Immediately after exposure, the rats were euthanized and the lungs were analyzed for biochemical parameters. Blast overpressure caused: (1) depletion of total and water-soluble pulmonary antioxidant reserves and individual antioxidants (ascorbate, vitamin E, GSH), (2) accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes, TBARS), and (3) inhibition of ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport. The magnitude of these changes in the lungs was proportional to the peak blast overpressure. Inhibition of Ca2+ transport strongly correlated with both depletion of antioxidants and enhancement of lipid peroxidation. In model experiments, met-hemoglobin/H2O2 produced damage to Ca2+ transport in the lungs from control animals similar to that observed in the lungs from blast overpressure-exposed animals. Ascorbate, which is known to reduce ferryl-hemoglobin, protected against met-hemoglobin/H2O2-induced damage of Ca2+ transport. If ferryl-hemoglobin is the major reactive oxygen species released by hemorrhage, then its specific reductants (e.g., nitric oxide) along with other antioxidants may be beneficial protectants against pulmonary barotrauma.

Air blast-induced pulmonary oxidative stress: interplay among hemoglobin, antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation.

Blast overpressure (BOP) is a phenomenon that describes the instantaneous rise in atmospheric pressure above ambient, resulting from the firing of large caliber weapons or from military or civilian explosions. Exposure to BOP results in injury to the gas-filled organs, such as the lungs, which exhibit a contusion-type injury. We examined the effects of BOP in rats at 5 and 60 min after exposure to a low-level BOP (62 +/- 3 kPa). The exposure was found to cause oxidative stress in the lung that was characterized by 1) a 3.5-fold decrease in total antioxidant reserves, 2) a depletion of the major water-soluble antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione (GSH) by 50 and 75%, respectively, 3) a depletion of lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin E by 30%, 4) a 2.5-fold increase of fluorescent end products of lipid peroxidation, and 5) an increased methemoglobin (metHb) content at 60 min after exposure. To elucidate the role of released hemoglobin (Hb) in blast-induced oxidative stress, we studied the interactions of oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb), metHb, and the oxoferryl from of Hb free radical species with two physiologically important reductants, ascorbate and GSH. We found that both ascorbate and GSH were able to convert oxyHb to metHb in a reaction that yielded the one-electron oxidation intermediates semidehydroascorbyl radical and glutathionyl radical, respectively. This reaction did not occur under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that oxyHb-bound O2 acted as the electron acceptor. OxyHb induced peroxidation of cis-parinaric acid in the presence but not absence of ascorbate or GSH. Thus the prooxidant action of water-soluble antioxidants via redox cycling of oxyHb and metHb may promote oxidative stress rather than prevent it.