Peroxisomal deficiencies are associated with altered activity of endothelial NOS in human fibroblasts.

As shown recently, in human skin fibroblasts both a constitutively expressed and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform are present. To identify the NOS isoforms expressed under standard conditions in healthy human skin fibroblasts and fibroblasts with peroxisomal deficiencies (cell lines from patients suffering from X-chromosome linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) and the Zellweger Syndrome), we cultivated the cells in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium without inflammatory mediators. Our experiments clearly showed that human fibroblasts with and without peroxisomal deficiencies only contain the constitutively expressed endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) isoform and that the eNOS is tyrosine-phosphorylated. The inducible isoform (iNOS) could not be detected under standard conditions. Healthy human skin fibroblasts show a higher specific NOS activity than X-ALD and Zellweger cells (2.25 to 1.68 and 1.17 pmol L-citrulline/min/mg total cellular protein), although the content of eNOS protein does not differ significantly in these cell lines. However the tyrosine-phosphorylated portion of eNOS is significantly lower in X-ALD and Zellweger cells.

Biochemical features of a patient with Zellweger-like syndrome with normal PTS-1 and PTS-2 peroxisomal protein import systems: a new peroxisomal disease.

The peroxisomal disorders represent a group of inherited metabolic disorders that derive from defects of peroxisomal biogenesis and/or from dysfunction of single or multiple peroxisomal enzymes. We described earlier an 8 1/2 year-old with a history of progressive developmental delay, micronodular cirrhosis, and elevated very long chain fatty acids in plasma and skin fibroblasts. These findings were felt to be compatible with both neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (nALD) and Zellweger syndrome (ZS). This patient is now 21 years old and his clinical course, inconsistent with either nALD or ZS, led us to examine his peroxisomal status in light of a possible new peroxisomal disease. The normal levels of bile acid precursors found in this patient suggest that peroxisomal beta-oxidation is functional. The activities of dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase and oxidation of lignoceric acid and phytanic acid were 14, 17, and 15% of the control, respectively. This partial activity for oxidation and the normal levels of bile acid precursors suggests that this patient has peroxisomes containing beta-oxidation enzymes. Western blot analysis of subcellular organelles showed that beta-oxidation enzyme proteins are present at normal levels in catalase-negative peroxisomes of density equivalent to normal peroxisomes. The presence of acyl-CoA oxidase and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase in catalase-negative peroxisomes suggests that both peroxisomal targeting signal-1 (PTS-1), and peroxisomal targeting signal-2 (PTS-2)-mediated protein transport processes into peroxisomes are normal in this patient. These findings of catalase-negative peroxisomes of normal density and normal PTS-1 and PTS-2 import machinery with partial peroxisomal functions clearly demonstrate that this patient differs from those with known disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis.

Abnormality in translational regulation of catalase expression in disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis.

Peroxisomal disorders are a newly described group of inherited neurological diseases. In disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis, e.g., Zellweger syndrome, owing to the lack of peroxisomes, catalase, a peroxisomal enzyme, is found to be present in the cytoplasm instead. We observed higher catalase activity (7.59 +/- 0.41 mU/ mg of protein) in cultured skin fibroblasts from Zellweger patients than in control fibroblasts (4.45 +/- 0.29 mU/mg of protein). Moreover, we also found that the majority of the catalase in Zellweger cells was present in the inactive form. The specific activities following reactivation in Zellweger and control cells were 12.1 and 4.9 mU/mg of protein, respectively. To understand the molecular basis of higher levels of catalase in Zellweger than control cells, we examined the rate of synthesis and turnover of catalase and levels of catalase mRNA and protein levels in Zellweger cells as compared with control cells. The initial rates of synthesis of catalase in Zellweger (1.68 +/- 0.15 mU/mg of protein) and control (1.51 +/- 0.14 mU/mg of protein) cells were similar. The rates of turnover of catalase in Zellweger (t1/2 = 47 +/- 8 h) and control (t1/2 = 49 +/- 7 h) were also similar. Consistent with the enzyme activity, the levels of catalase protein were higher in Zellweger cells as compared with control cells. On the other hand, there was no difference in the level of catalase mRNA between control and Zellweger cells. Although the rate of synthesis in Zellweger and control cells was initially similar, it was down-regulated to a lower level at approximately 72 h of culture in control fibroblasts as compared with Zellweger cells, which continued to synthesize catalase at the same rate up to 5 days in culture. The presence of similar levels of mRNA in control and Zellweger cells and continued synthesis of catalase in Zellweger cells at a higher level as compared with control cells suggest a loss of regulation at the translational level.

Late-onset generalized disorder of peroxisomes.

We diagnosed a unique peroxisomal disorder in a 32-year-old man with profound mental retardation, mild facial dysmorphism, retinal pigmentary degeneration, seizures, and sensorineural deafness. Although plasma very-long-chain fatty acid profile suggested X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, marked reduction in fibroblast lignoceric acid oxidation and the presence of cytosolic catalase were consistent with Zellweger syndrome (ZS). Unlike ZS, functional peroxisomes were present as indicated by the density of peroxisomes (1.175 gm/ml) similar to peroxisomes from control cells and by partial deficiencies of fibroblast phytanic acid oxidation and dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase activity. These findings indicate that this patient has a previously undescribed group 3 peroxisomal disorder (multiple peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies with preserved peroxisomes).

Decreased tumor incidence and increased survival by one year oral low dose arginine supplementation in the mouse.

The effects of arginine on tumor growth, antitumor mechanisms and a potential therapeutic role have been reviewed recently. In these studies, however controversial they were, high dose protocols for arginine treatment have been applied. Based upon own recent findings that low dose arginine stimulates the immune system and blocks lipid peroxidation, we performed preventive treatment with low dose (50 mg/kg body weight per day, orally administered) L-arginine in 150 mice for a period of one year. We compared survival and total number of tumors at the end of the feeding period to that found in 150 mice given taurine in the same dosage and in 150 mice without treatment. Survival of the arginine treated group was statistically significant as compared to that of the control group without treatment (p < 0.05): 116 mice were alive in the control group, 122 in the group administered taurine and 132 in the arginine treated group. The total number of tumors was significantly lower in the arginine treated group vs. the control group (p < 0.01). The total number of malign and benign tumors was significantly lower in the arginine treated group, whereas taurine significantly reduced the number of benign tumors only (p < 0.05). Arginine and taurine stimulate the immune system at the lymphocyte level. Arginine also acts at the macrophage level, inducing nitric oxide mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Both compounds are known to block the formation of lipid peroxidation products. We therefore suggest that these two mechanisms are responsible for the decreased total number of tumors and the concomitant increase in survival.

Evidence against the involvement of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of neuronal death in Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

It has been proposed that the pathogenesis of Down's Syndrome (DS) involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) arising from a gene dosage effect that disproportionately elevates superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity. It was also suggested that generation of ROS might be responsible for neuronal death in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Little data on brain ROS in DS and AD exist; therefore, we determined activities of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and of the oxidative defense enzymes SOD1 and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in frontal cortex of aged patients with DS and AD. We also measured levels of malondialdehyde, which reflects lipid peroxidation, and o-tyrosine, which represents the hydroxyl radical attack. ChAT was significantly reduced in cortex of patients with DS (-68%) and AD (-66%) as compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences, however, between controls and both neurodegenerative disorders for SOD1, GSHPx, malondialdehyde and o-tyrosine. Our data contradict the only previous finding on increased SOD1 and ROS in brains of patients with DS: age as well as methodological differences might account for the discrepancy. In conclusion, no evidence for a pathogenetic role of SOD1, GSHPx, lipid peroxidation or hydroxyl radical attack in aged patients with DS and AD could be provided.

[Pleiotrophic peroxisome induction by hypolipidemic agents in primates and rodents]. / Pleiotrophische Peroxisomeninduktion von Hypolipidämika bei Primaten und Nagetieren.

Hyperlipoproteinemia is the most important public health risk factor for ischemic heart disease and is still responsible for a high proportion of the annual deaths in Austria. Clofibrate and other structurally related compounds are hypolipidemic drugs used in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia. Peroxisome proliferators enhance peroxisomal enzyme activities and increase mRNA levels of the corresponding genes. Some of these effects may be mediated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs). Subchronic treatment of rodents with hypolipidemic drugs produces profound hepatomegaly and increases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas, which has not been found in primates. Up to now hypolipidemic drugs have been administered with caution in view of these results. In order to evaluate the interspecies differences in the regulation of the peroxisomal enzyme system we are establishing a cell model system.

Nitric oxide regulates peroxisomal enzyme activities.

We have previously shown that peroxisomes are involved in the production and detoxification of reactive oxygen species and that peroxisomal functions are damaged by such oxygen species. Since nitric oxide is not only a cellular messenger, but also a free radical, it would be interesting to detect a connection between nitric oxide levels and peroxisomal enzyme activities. To determine if nitric oxide has an effect on the activities of peroxisomal functions and whether this effect is based solely on its chemical properties as reactive oxygen species or its action as a second messenger, effectors of the cellular nitric oxide level were applied to a cell model (human skin fibroblasts in culture) or directly to the enzymatic assays or both. If applied to the monolayer at non-cytotoxic concentrations, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (EC 1.14.13.39), increased catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity by more than 10% and decreased the activity of the peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation system by more than 10%. The effect was concentration-dependent. L-Arginine had the contrary effect. Combinations of L-arginine and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride compensated one another. If applied directly to the assays, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and sodium nitroprusside inhibited catalase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitro-prusside had no effect on the peroxisomal beta-oxidation system unless cells were pretreated with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester overnight (50% inhibition). The results show a differential effect for the application of nitric oxide-effectors on fibroblast monolayers, cell suspensions and under assay conditions. Depending on the conditions of the incubation, nitric oxide applied to the cell monolayer at low doses acts as a second messenger in cells rather than as reactive oxygen species. Under assay conditions the effect of nitric oxide is more likely that of a reactive oxygen species because it inhibits all measured enzyme activities.

Differential induction of peroxisomal enzymes by hypolipidaemics in human (HepG2) and rat (MH1C1) hepatoma cell lines.

Human (HepG2) and rat (MH1C1) hepatoblastoma cells were incubated with different concentrations of the hypolipidaemics cetaben, clofibrate and thyroxine. The enzymatic activities of catalase, peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme, succinate dehydrogenase, and 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase were measured. In order to determine the point of regulation of the enzymatic activities Northern and Slot blot experiments with probes for peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme, catalase and fatty acyl CoA oxidase were performed on total RNA. Catalase activity was enhanced in HepG2 cells treated with 3 mmol/l clofibric acid to 135% of control and the mRNA value to 2.6 fold, whereas in cetaben treated cells the enhancement (up to 119% of control) was less pronounced. In MH1C1 cells catalase activity was not changed by any of the drugs. The activity of the peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme was not affected in HepG2 cells by clofibric acid and cetaben, whereas the mRNA level was elevated to 2.3 fold by 10 micromol/l cetaben. At high concentrations of cetaben all enzyme activities were decreased in both cell lines due to its high cytotoxicity. Our data show that, due to the differences in the genomic organisation, the regulation of the enzyme activities is different in human and rat, but the results from the human and rat hepatoblastoma cells correlate with the findings in whole man and rat, so that a human in vitro system is more suitable for pharmacological tests. These results suggest that the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 may be a useful model system for studies of the influence of hypolipidaemics on the peroxisomal enzyme system.

[Peroxisomal diseases--oxygen and free radicals]. / Peroxisomale Erkrankungen--Sauerstoff und freie Radikale.

Peroxisomes were the latest subcellular organelles to be discovered. For a long time, due to limited knowledge of their function, peroxisomes were considered to play only a supporting role for other organelles in cellular metabolism. The discovery of specific metabolic pathways carried out exclusively in peroxisomes and, in particular, the description of genetically determined peroxisomal disorders such as the Zellweger syndrome and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, established the importance of these organelles in playing an essential role in cellular metabolism. Recently, their participation in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and free radicals was found to be one of the important functions of peroxisomes. The fact that peroxisomal disorders are well defined biochemically and that peroxisomes consume a significant amount of the total cellular oxygen uptake, make cells from patients suffering from these disorders a suitable cell model for studying peroxisomal participation in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species.

Effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on peroxisomal functions in cultured human skin fibroblasts from control and Zellweger syndrome patients.

To delineate the role of peroxisomes in the pathophysiology of hypoxia-reoxygenation we examined the functions of peroxisomes and mitochondria in cultured skin fibroblasts from controls and from patients with cells lacking peroxisomes (Zellweger cells). The loss of peroxisomal functions (lignoceric acid oxidation and dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase [DHAP-AT] activities) in control cells following hypoxia and hypoxia followed by reoxygenation, suggests that peroxisomes are sensitive to oxidative injury. The sensitivity of peroxisomes to oxidative stress was compared to that of mitochondria by examining the oxidation of palmitic acid (a function of both mitochondria and peroxisomes) in control and Zellweger cell lines, following hypoxia-reoxygenation. The greater loss of activity of palmitic acid oxidation observed in control cells as compared to that seen in Zellweger cells suggests that the peroxisomal beta-oxidation system is relatively more labile to hypoxia-reoxygenation induced oxidative stress. This data clearly demonstrates the difference in the response of mitochondria and peroxisomes to oxidative stress.

Purification of peroxisomes and subcellular distribution of enzyme activities for activation and oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids in rat brain.

Brain contains high amounts of very-long-chain (VLC) fatty acids (> C22). Since mitochondria from liver and skin fibroblasts lack lignoceroyl-CoA ligase, in liver and skin fibroblasts fatty acids are exclusively oxidized in peroxisomes. Findings by Poulos and associates [9] suggested that contrary to liver and cultured skin fibroblasts brain mitochondria contain lignoceroyl-CoA ligase and can oxidize lignoceric acid. The present study was undertaken to develop a procedure for the isolation of subcellular organelles of higher purity from brain and to get a better understanding of the subcellular localization of the oxidation of VLC fatty acids in brain. The enzyme activities for activation and oxidation of palmitic and lignoceric acids were determined in peroxisomes, mitochondria, microsomes and a myelin fraction from rat brain and peroxisomes, mitochondria and microsomes purified from rat liver. Like in liver, brain lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity in microsomes and peroxisomes was approx. 9 times higher than in mitochondria. In addition to palmitoyl-CoA ligase the antibodies against palmitoyl-CoA ligase inhibited the residual mitochondrial lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity, meaning that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity in mitochondria was derived from palmitoyl-CoA ligase. Accordingly, in peroxisomes lignoceric acid was oxidized at 7 times higher rate than in mitochondria. Mitochondria were able to oxidize lignoceric acid efficiently when supplemented with lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity from microsomes or myelin. These results show that in brain lignoceric acid is oxidized in peroxisomes and that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity is localized in peroxisomes and microsomes, but not in mitochondria. Peroxisomes and microsomes contain both lignoceroyl-CoA and palmitoyl-CoA ligases. Similar to peroxisomes and microsomes, the antibodies against palmitoyl-CoA ligase inhibited only the palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity in myelin but not the lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity. These results suggest that in addition to palmitoyl-CoA ligase, myelin also contains lignoceroyl-CoA ligase.

Pseudo infantile Refsum's disease: catalase-deficient peroxisomal particles with partial deficiency of plasmalogen synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.

Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum's disease are genetic disorders characterized by the virtual absence of catalase-positive peroxisomes and a general impairment of peroxisomal functions. Recent studies in these three disorders have provided morphologic evidence of peroxisomal "ghosts" of density 1.10 g/cm3 that contain membrane proteins but lack a majority of the matrix enzyme activities. We report here the biochemical studies in a female infant with clinical features of infantile Refsum's disease whose liver and fibroblasts contained cytosolic catalase but no catalase-positive peroxisomes. Oxidation of phytanic and pipecolic acids was severely impaired, whereas oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids and dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase activity were only partially decreased. Immunoblot analysis showed that the three peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes (acyl-CoA oxidase, enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase) were detectable in liver tissues. The 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase was of the mature form (41 kD), in contrast with other peroxisomal disorders with multiple enzyme deficiencies. The majority of these peroxisomal enzyme activities were associated with two subcellular membrane vesicle fractions lacking catalase: one had the density of normal peroxisomes (1.17 g/cm3), the other, yet undescribed, a lower density (1.137 g/cm3). This suggests that peroxisomes (density = 1.17 g/cm3) and structures with lower density (density = 1.137 g/cm3) found in this patient's cultured skin fibroblasts, although lacking catalase, contained functional peroxisomal enzymes. This distinguishes this disorder from other disorders of peroxisome biogenesis.

Clofibrate elevates enzyme activities of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in rat liver.

Activities of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes were measured in subcellular fractions of liver from rats that had been fed clofibrate for 3 weeks. Large changes in these activities per gram tissue were found in the large particle fraction, which also showed an increase in total protein concentration of 76% under clofibrate treatment. The three regulatory enzymes of the cycle, namely citrate synthase, NAD(+)-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase, and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase were significantly enhanced by 24% (P < 0.02), 54% (P < 0.02), and 153% (P < 0.005), respectively. Fumarase and malate dehydrogenase rose by 71% (P < 0.005) and 95% (P < 0.02), whereas succinate dehydrogenase remained unchanged. Enhancement of the citrate synthase, NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase, and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase may play a role in decreasing intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA for lipid metabolism.

Complementation in Zellweger syndrome: biochemical analysis of newly generated peroxisomes.

The Zellweger syndrome is characterized by a defect which results in the abnormal biogenesis of peroxisomes. As a consequence, metabolic activities associated with peroxisomes such as the oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, the synthesis of plasmalogens, and the catabolism of phytanic and pipecolic acids are impaired. Since this disorder is genetically heterogeneous and several complementation groups are known, we were able to study the normalization of peroxisomal activity during the process of complementation. The restoration of catalase and dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase activities peaked within 3-4 days postfusion while the oxidation of lignoceric acid was much delayed (7-8 days). Electron microscopy indicated that by 6 days following hybridization, peroxisome structure and density in heterokaryons was comparable to normal control cells. The heterogenous biochemical response during peroxisome normalization could be due to several factors including a possible requirement for restoration of peroxisomal structural integrity for maximum activation of certain metabolic pathways.

Enhancement of NAD-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver by clofibrate feeding.

After feeding rats for 3 weeks with clofibrate specific activities of the liver mitochondrial enzymes glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) and NAD-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD-ICDH) were found to be increased in a large particle fraction 6-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, whereas the activity of NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) remained unchanged. Possibly these effects contribute to the hypolipidemic action of clofibrate.

Response to thyroxine of lamellar bodies, peroxisomes and peroxisomal enzymes in the adult rat lung.

Adult male rats were fed a standard diet containing 25 mg/kg L-thyroxine for 2 weeks. The hyperthyreotic condition of the animals was checked by monitoring the metabolic rates and liver glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the postnuclear fraction of the lung the activity of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the rate limiting first step of peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation, showed a twofold increase. Catalase, the marker enzyme of peroxisomes, showed a similar increase. Electron microscopic examination of alveolar type II cells did not reveal changes in the number and distribution frequency of peroxisomes and lamellar bodies. Similarly the content of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine), the main constituent of alveolar surfactant, was not altered significantly by thyroxine feeding. On the other hand the volume density of the peroxisomal compartment was found to be doubled according to the measured increase of catalase and acyl-CoA oxidase. Our data suggest that the induction of peroxisomal matrix enzymes, such as catalase and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, does not influence the surfactant content.

Plasmalogen biosynthesis in the diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders.

Fibroblasts of patients suffering from peroxisomal disorders such as chondrodysplasia punctata (rhizomelic type), neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, Zellweger syndrome and control fibroblasts were used for the evaluation of a procedure suitable for pre- and postnatal diagnosis. This technique is based on the detection of impaired peroxisomal plasmalogen synthesis by means of a double substrate, double labelling technique using 14C-labelled hexadecanol and 3H-labelled hexadecylglycerol as precursors for peroxisomal and microsomal plasmalogen synthesis. Pathological cells are characterized by a decreased utilization of hexadecanol, thus resulting in an increased 3H/14C ratio within plasmalogens. Sensitivity and reproducibility of this method were improved by changing both the chromatographic conditions and the calculation of the diagnostic parameters.

Peroxisomal oxidation of pipecolic acid in the rat.

Postnuclear fractions from rat liver and kidney oxidize L-pipecolic acid, a by-product of lysine catabolism, in a hydrogen peroxide-producing reaction. This pipecolate oxidase2) activity is enhanced in preparations from animals treated with clofibrate and thyroxine, substances known to act as peroxisome proliferators and inducers of the peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation. The enzymatic activity co-purified with the peroxisomal marker fatty acyl-CoA oxidase2) rather than with the mitochondrial marker glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase2). Thus the degradation of L-pipecolic acid may start in the rat with a peroxisomal oxidase comparable to other hydrogen peroxide-producing oxidases found in peroxisomes. These findings provide indirect evidence that the marked hyperpipecolinaemia described in a group of human genetic disorders connected with peroxisomal defects such as Zellweger syndrome might be due to the absence of peroxisomal L-pipecolate oxidase.

Fatty acyl-CoA oxidase in rat kidney and liver after application of thyroxine.

Male rats were fed a standard diet containing 2.5 mg% L-thyroxine. After 10 and 20 days, in postnuclear fractions of the kidney the specific activity of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting first step of peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation, was increased by 100 and 160%, respectively. A similar effect was found in the liver. It is suggested that thyroxine essentially affects only this step of the fatty acid beta-oxidation sequence. Presumably the elevation of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase is one reason for the beneficial action of thyroid hormones in toxic lesions of the kidney.