Influence of lipids with hydroxyl-containing head groups on Fe2+ (Cu2+)/H2O2-mediated transformation of phospholipids in model membranes.

Under condition of ROS formation in lipid membranes, free radical reactions can proceed in both hydrophobic (peroxidation of lipids, POL) and polar (free radical fragmentation) parts of the bilayer. Free-radical fragmentation is typical for the lipids containing a hydroxyl group in ß-position with respect to an ester or amide bond. The present study has been undertaken to investigate free-radical transformations of phospholipids in model membranes containing lipids able to undergo fragmentation in their polar part. Liposomes from egg yolk lecithin containing saturated or monounsaturated glycero- and sphingolipids were subjected to the action of an HO* - generating system - Fe(2+)(Cu(2+))/H2O2/Asc, and the POL products were investigated. In parallel with this, the effects of monoacylglycerols and scavengers of reactive species on Fe(2+)(Cu(2+))/H2O2/Asc - mediated free-radical fragmentation of phosphatidylglycerols were studied. Hydroxyl-containing sphingolipids and glycerolipids, which undergo free-radical fragmentation under such conditions, manifested antioxidant properties in the model membranes. In the absence of HO groups in the lipid structure, the effect was either pro-oxidant or neutral. Monoacylglycerols slowed down the rate of both peroxidation in the hydrophobic part and free-radical fragmentation in the hydrophilic part of phospholipid membrane. Scavengers of reactive species inhibited the fragmentation of phosphatidylglycerol substantially. Thus, the ability of hydroxyl-containing lipids to undergo free-radical fragmentation in polar part apparently makes a substantial contribution to the mechanism of their protector action.

Fragmentation of mitochondrial cardiolipin by copper ions in the Atp7b-/- mouse model of Wilson's disease.

Cellular copper overload as found in Wilson's disease may disturb mitochondrial function and integrity. Atp7b(-/-) mice accumulate copper in the liver and serve as an animal model for this inherited disease. The molecular mechanism of copper toxicity in hepatocytes is poorly understood. Total mitochondrial lipids from liver of wild-type mice were subjected to oxidative stress by the Cu(2+)/H(2)O(2)/ascorbate system. Phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylhydroxyacetone (PHA) were detected as cardiolipin fragmentation products by thin-layer chromatography combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in oxidized samples, but not in unperturbed ones. The formation of PA and PHA in copper-treated model membrane correlated well with the decrease of cardiolipin. Mitochondrial lipids from Atp7b(-/-) mice of different age were analyzed for the presence of PA. While 32-weeks old wild-type (control) and Atp7b(-/-) mice did not show any PA, there was a steady increase in the amount of this lipid in Atp7b(-/-) mice in contrast to control with increasing age. Hepatocytes from elder Atp7b(-/-)mice contained morphologically changed mitochondria unlike cells from wild-type animals of the same age. We concluded that free-radical fragmentation of cardiolipin with the formation of PA is a likely mechanism that damages mitochondria under conditions of oxidative stress due to copper overload. Our findings are relevant for better understanding of molecular mechanisms for liver damage found in Wilson's disease.

Formation of phosphatidic acid in stressed mitochondria.

Mitochondria are an important intracellular source of ROS as well as a sensitive target for oxidative damage under certain pathological conditions such as iron or copper overload. Mitochondrial membranes are rich in the tetraacyl phospholipid cardiolipin. Its integrity is important for efficient oxidative phosphorylation. Mouse liver mitochondria were subjected to oxidative stress by the Cu(2+)(Fe(2+))/H(2)O(2)/ascorbate system. Phosphatidic acid was detected in oxidized mitochondria, but not in unperturbed mitochondria. The Cu(2+)/H(2)O(2)/and (or not) ascorbate system caused the formation of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylhydroxyacetone in cardiolipin liposomes. These products proceed via an HO*-radical induced fragmentation taking place in the polar moiety of cardiolipin. Mass spectrometry analysis of phosphatidic acid newly formed in mitochondria revealed that it has been derived from fragmentation of cardiolipin. Thus, free-radical fragmentation of cardiolipin in its polar part with the formation of phosphatidic acid is a likely mechanism that damages mitochondria under conditions of oxidative stress.

Novel (3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-phenylcarbamoyl)-alkanoic acids as potent antioxidants.

A series of novel phenolic antioxidants of amphiphilic structure has been synthesized. Investigations into the influence of aliphatic spacer length and nature of a hydrophilic anchor on the antioxidant activity allowed elucidating certain structure requirements for the membrane-addressed antioxidant designing.

Synthesis and properties of 11-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenylcarbamoyl)undecanoic acid, a new amphiphilic antioxidant.

Based on the membrane addressing concept, designing and synthesis of 11-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenylcarbamoyl)undecanoic acid have been carried out. Antioxidant properties of the prepared compound were investigated in comparison with its non-amphiphilic analogues.