Structure prerequisite for antioxidant activity of silybin in different biochemical systems in vitro.

Structural analogues (flavanone: 2-4 and flavone: 5 and 6, respectively) of silybin (1a) were synthesized and tested for inhibitory activity on O(2)(-) release and PKC translocation in PMA-stimulated neutrophils as well as xanthine oxidase activity in order to identify the molecular structures responsible for the antioxidant property of silybin. Concerning the prevention of hem-mediated oxidative modification of LDL by silybin, the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of its structural analogues was also determined. We demonstrated that the basic skeleton of 1a (4) is responsible for its inhibitory activity on O(2)(-) release in PMA-stimulated neutrophils via inhibition of PKC translocation, since introduction of a double bound and hydroxyl groups at C-5 and C-7 position (5 and 6) did not result in further increase in inhibition of O(2)(-) release. It has been shown that the presence of the phenolic hydroxyl group at C-5 and C-7 of 1a is essential for the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity. Moreover, introduction of a double bond into the C-ring of 2 and 3, resulting in flavone derivatives (5 and 6), markedly enhanced the antioxidant effect in all the tested systems. Finally, silybin (1a) and its flavon derivatives (5 and 6) directly scavenged hydroxyl radicals as well. On the basis of these results it might be concluded that different moiety of silybin is responsible for inhibition of overproduction of O(2)(-) in stimulated neutrophils, xanthine oxidase activity, and for prevention of hem-mediated oxidative modification of LDL.

Hemodialysis reduces inhibitory effect of plasma ultrafiltrate on LDL oxidation and subsequent endothelial reactions.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its deleterious effect on endothelium is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Endothelium responds to such an insult by upregulating the synthesis of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and ferritin. Endothelial cell damage and dysfunction have been observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). We studied the effect of low-molecular-weight components of uremic plasma on LDL oxidation and LDL-oxidation-provoked endothelial cell reactions, such as the induction of cytotoxicity and the upregulation of cell-protective HO-1 and ferritin. Plasma ultrafiltrate (molecular weight<5000 Da) from CKD patients on HD or when treated conservatively exhibited a pronounced inhibition on heme-mediated oxidative modification of LDL. Endothelial cell cytotoxicity provoked by LDL oxidation was also attenuated by plasma ultrafiltrate from CKD patients. During HD treatment, a dramatic drop occurred in the retardation of oxidative reactions, and a loss of endothelial cytoprotection exerted by plasma ultrafiltrate was noted. The upregulation of HO-1 and ferritin in response to oxidative stress of LDL was blunted by uremic plasma ultrafiltrate that was released by the end of HD. The decreased antioxidant capacity of ultrafiltrate after HD occurred as a consequence of the intradialytic removal of L-ascorbic acid, uric acid, bilirubin, 3-indoxyl sulfate, indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronide, p-cresol, and phenol. Intradialytic removal of L-ascorbic acid, uric acid, bilirubin, 3-indoxyl sulfate, indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronide, p-cresol, and phenol increases the risk of LDL oxidation and subsequent endothelial cell damage, which underlines the importance of activation of cytoprotective HO-1 and ferritin in endothelium.

Oxidation of hemoglobin by lipid hydroperoxide associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased cytotoxic effect by LDL oxidation in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) deficiency.

Heme-catalyzed oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the relevant mechanisms involved in LDL modification. We previously revealed a substantial oxidation of plasma hemoglobin to methemoglobin and a subsequent heme-catalyzed LDL oxidation generating moieties toxic to endothelium in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-deficiency in human. Drawing upon our previous observation we posited a pathway for oxidation of plasma hemoglobin in the HO-1-deficient child involving LDL-associated lipid hydroperoxide. In support, LDL-associated lipid hydroperoxide oxidized ferrohemoglobin to methemoglobin--known to readily release its heme moieties--in a dose-dependent manner. Repeated heme exposure of the child s LDL further increased its lipid hydroperoxide content within min leading to additional cytotoxic effect on endothelium. Both cytotoxicity and HO-1 inducing ability of the oxidized LDL were strongly dependent on its lipid hydroperoxide content. We wondered if cells of the HO-1-deficient patient were prone to oxidative damage arising from heme-mediated oxidation of LDL. Indeed, we found elevated cytotoxicity induced by heme-catalyzed oxidation of LDL in lymphoblastoid cells derived from the HO-1-deficient patient. We conclude that oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin by LDL-associated lipid hydroperoxide and increased sensitivity of cells of the HO-1-deficient child to stress of oxidized LDL might contribute to the vascular disorders reported earlier.

Oxidative stress and non-enzymatic glycation in IgA nephropathy.

AIM: Approximately 20-50% of IgA nephropathy patients develop end-stage renal disease. We have previously found enhanced oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity in red blood cells of IgA nephropathy patients. In this study we assess oxidative stress, non-enzymatic glycation, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Non-enzymatic glycation and oxidative stress were assessed in 88 IgA nephropathy patients by measuring advanced glycation end products, Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content. RESULTS: Advanced glycation end products (2659 +/- 958 a.u.) and Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine (563 +/- 215 ng/ml) were significantly higher in IgA nephropathy patients with decreased renal function compared to those with normal renal function (p < 0.002) or controls (p < 0.001). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma and associated with low-density lipoprotein were significantly elevated and oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein was significantly reduced in all groups of IgA nephropathy patients. There was no significant difference in circulating fluorescent advanced glycation end products, Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content between patients with normal vs. impaired glucose metabolism. Low alpha-tocopherol content of low-density lipoprotein was accompanied with decreased oxidative resistance, depletion in polyunsaturated fatty acids, elevated saturated fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances within low-density lipoprotein suggesting enhanced lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and enhanced oxidative stress are common features in IgA nephropathy, while increased non-enzymatic glycation occurs as renal function declines.

Acute postnatal increase of extracellular antioxidant defence of neonates: the role of iron metabolism.

UNLABELLED: In this study we investigated the extracellular antioxidant capacity of neonates during the first two postnatal days and its association with iron metabolism. Cord blood and blood samples at 47+/-6 postnatal hours were taken from 10 healthy neonates and their antioxidant capacity was determined using Randox Antioxidant kits and the heme-specific antioxidant activity (HSAA). Randox indicates the chain-breaking antioxidant capacity; HSAA corresponds to the ability to limit lipid peroxidation. Iron, ferritin and transferrin levels were also measured. Randox and HSAA values were 30% higher, ferritin was 100% higher and iron was 60% lower postnatally. The amount of change in HSAA values correlated with the change in ferritin level (r= 0.67, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that extracellular antioxidant capacity (both chain-breaking and heme-specific antioxidant activities) increases shortly after birth. Lower iron and higher ferritin levels could also be responsible for this phenomenon.

A possible role of decreased oxidative resistance of low-density lipoproteins in the early formation of carotid atherosclerosis.

Ischaemic stroke ranks among the most important causes of death and disability in developed countries. Abnormal lipid metabolism is among the several factors that have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that the decreased resistance of low-density lipoproteins against oxidative stress is an independent risk factor for cerebral atherosclerosis and suggest testing this hypothesis by ultrasonographic evaluation of the carotid artery and correlating this finding to plasma values of compounds that play a role in lipid metabolism. By measuring the oxidative resistance of low-density of lipoprotein the risk for ischaemic stroke can be predicted.

Cuticle heterogeneity as exhibited by Pasteuria spore attachment is not linked to the phylogeny of parthenogenetic root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.).

The cuticle is a major barrier prohibiting the infection of nematodes against micro-organisms. The attachment of bacterial spores of the nematode hyperparasite Pasteuria penetrans (PP1) to field populations of root-knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.) from Burkino Faso, Ecuador, Greece, Malawi, Senegal and Trinidad and Tobago were assayed in standard attachment tests. The attachment of spore population PP1 to different field populations of root-knot nematode showed that the rates of attachment differed between countries. Similar tests were also undertaken on P. penetrans spores from these countries against 2 species of RKN, M. incognita and M. arenaria. The results showed a high degree of variability in spore attachment with no clear distinction between the 2 species of nematode. It has been hypothesized that Pasteuria spore attachment is linked to nematode species designations and this study clearly shows that this is not the case. Further tests showed that variation in spore attachment was not linked to nematode phylogeny. The results therefore beg the question of how do parthenogenetic root-knot nematodes maintain cuticle variability in the face of such an aggressive hyperparasite.

Ferriporphyrins and endothelium: a 2-edged sword-promotion of oxidation and induction of cytoprotectants.

Heme arginate infusions blunt the symptoms of patients with acute intermittent porphyria without evidence of the vascular or thrombotic side effects reported for hematin. To provide a rationale for heme arginate's safety, the present study examined the effects of various ferriporphyrins to sensitize human endothelial cells to free radical injury and to induce heme oxygenase and ferritin expression. Heme arginate, unlike hematin, did not amplify oxidant-induced cytotoxicity mediated by hydrogen peroxide (5.3 +/- 2.4 versus 62.3 +/- 5.3% (51)Cr release, P <.0001) or by activated neutrophils (14.4 +/- 2.9 versus 41.1 +/- 6.0%, P <.0001). Nevertheless, heme arginate efficiently entered endothelial cells similarly to hematin, since both markedly induced heme oxygenase mRNA (more than 20-fold increase) and enzyme activity. Even with efficient permeation, endothelial cell ferritin content was only minimally increased by heme arginate compared with a 10-fold induction by hematin; presumably less free iron was derived from heme arginate despite up-regulation of heme oxygenase. Hematin is potentially vasculopathic by its marked catalysis of oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to endothelial-toxic moieties. Heme arginate was significantly less catalytic. Heme arginate-conditioned LDL was less than half as cytotoxic to endothelial cells as hematin-conditioned LDL (P <.004). It is concluded that heme arginate may be less vasculotoxic than hematin since it is an effective heme oxygenase gene regulator but a less efficient free-radical catalyst.

Renal tubular epithelial cells mimic endothelial cells upon exposure to oxidized LDL.

In protein-uric states, renal tubular epithelial cells are exposed to diverse macromolecules, including low-density lipoproteins (LDL), normally excluded from the urinary space. Oxidized LDL (LDLox) is incriminated in atherogenesis and glomerulosclerosis. Since urine is prooxidant, we considered whether LDLox injuries renal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1). We demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of LDLox on LLC-PK1 cells resembles its toxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in that oxidized but not native LDL is injurious. Pretreatment of LLC-PK1 cells and HUVEC with antioxidants markedly reduced the cytotoxicity of LDLox. Pretreatment of LDL with antioxidants, prior to oxidation of LDL, vitiated its cytotoxicity. That LDLox is prooxidant was supported by expression of heme oxygenase, a redox-sensitive enzyme. LDLox induced heme oxygenase mRNA and enzyme activity. Pretreatment of LDL with antioxidants prior to oxidation attenuated heme oxygenase mRNA induction in LLC-PK1 and HUVEC. An iron chelator prevented cytotoxicity and heme oxygenase expression induced by LDLox. Based on these effects of LDLox, we draw an analogy between tubulointerstitial disease and atherogenesis and speculate that LDLox contributes to tubulointerstitial disease in proteinuric states.

Ferritin protects endothelial cells from oxidized low density lipoprotein in vitro.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL), if it becomes oxidized, develops several unique properties including the capacity to provoke endothelial cytotoxicity via metal-catalyzed free radical-mediated mechanisms. As were previously have shown that iron-catalyzed oxidant injury to endothelial cells can be attenuated by the addition of exogenous iron chelators such as the lazaroids and deferoxamine, we have examined whether the endogenous iron chelator, ferritin, might provide protection from oxidized LDL. LDL oxidized by iron-containing hemin and H2O2 is toxic to endothelial cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Endothelial cell ferritin content is increased by pretreatment of cells with iron compounds or by the direct addition of exogenous apoferritin; ferritin-loaded cells are markedly resistant to the toxicity caused by oxidized LDL. Iron inactivation by ferritin depends on its ferroxidase activity. When a recombinant human ferritin heavy chain mutant, 222, which is devoid of ferroxidase activity, is added to endothelial cells, unlike the excellent protection afforded by the wild-type recombinant heavy chain, endothelial cells are not protected from oxidized LDL. To assess the in vivo relevance of our observation, we examined human coronary arteries of cardiac explants taken from patients with end-stage atherosclerosis. Large amounts of immunoreactive ferritin are focally detected in atherosclerotic lesions, specifically in the myofibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelium without a notable increase in Prussian blue-detectable iron. These findings suggest that ferritin may modulate vascular cell injury in vivo.

Endothelial cell heme oxygenase and ferritin induction in rat lung by hemoglobin in vivo.

Iron-derived reactive oxygen species play an important role in the pathogenesis of various vascular disorders including vasculitis, atherosclerosis, and capillary leak syndromes such as the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We have suggested that acute incorporation of the heme moiety of hemoglobin released from red blood cells into endothelium could provide catalytically active iron to the vasculature. Adaptation to chronic heme stress involves the induction of heme oxygenase and ferritin; the latter provides cytoprotection against free radicals in vitro. The present studies examine the bioavailability of heme, derived from hemoglobin, to induce heme oxygenase and ferritin in rat lungs in vivo. Intravenous injection of methemoglobin, but not oxyhemoglobin, increases total lung heme oxygenase mRNA approximately fivefold after 16 h. Accompanying this mRNA induction, expression of total lung heme oxygenase enzyme activity is also markedly enhanced. In situ hybridization for heme oxygenase reveals mRNA accumulation in the lung microvascular endothelium, implying incorporation of heme into endothelial cells. Similarly, methemoglobin significantly increases the ferritin protein content of rat lungs and in parallel, ferritin light-chain mRNA increases approximately 1.6-fold, whereas heavy-chain mRNA is upregulated by approximately 1.9-fold. Immunoreactive ferritin is present in lung microvascular endothelium after methemoglobin treatment, suggesting incorporation of heme iron into pulmonary vasculature. Subcutaneous injection of Sn-protoporphyrin IX, a competitive inhibitor of heme oxygenase, does not affect methemoglobin-induced ferritin synthesis in lungs. We speculate that methemoglobin, which might be generated by activated leukocytes in ARDS associated with disseminated interavascular coagulation, can provide heme iron to lung microvascular endothelium to induce heme oxygenase and ferritin.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in leukaemic children during high-dose methotrexate therapy.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG-ase) activity is a very sensitive parameter of kidney proximal tubular damage. Using urinary NAG-ase activity/urinary creatinine as the NAG index, the serum methotrexate (MTX) level and urinary pH were investigated simultaneously. These parameters were measured in 17 leukaemic children. During MTX treatment, NAG indices were normal in 5 children and only slightly elevated occasionally in 9 patients. Among them, transiently high serum MTX levels (Patient A) or low urinary pH (Patient B) were accompanied by high NAG indices. MTX toxicity has been diagnosed in 3 cases, when permanently high NAG indices were in accordance with other clinical signs.

[Age-dependent urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in healthy children]. / Vizelet N-acetil-beta-D-glükózaminidáz aktivitás korfüggése egészséges gyermekekben.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity was measured in 123 healthy children aged between 1-14 years by two newly developed colorimetric procedures using MNP-GlcNAc and VRA-GlcNAc substrates and was compared to the well established PNP-GlcNAc assay. The enzyme activity was factored with the urinary creatinine concentration and expressed as NAG index. The applicability and the advantages of the new methods are discussed. The NAG values obtained with each substrate decreased with age as a result of a concomitant rise in the urinary creatinine concentration.

Heme and the vasculature: an oxidative hazard that induces antioxidant defenses in the endothelium.

Heme proteins transport oxygen and facilitate redox reactions. Heme, however, may be dangerous, especially when free in biologic systems. For example, iron released from hemoglobin-derived heme can catalyze oxidative injury to neuronal cell membranes and may be a factor in post-traumatic damage to the central nervous system. We have shown that heme catalyzes the oxidation of low density lipoproteins which can damage vascular endothelial cells. The endothelium is susceptible to damage by oxidants generated by activated phagocytes, and this has been invoked as an important mechanism in a number of pathologies including the Adulte Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), acute tubular necrosis, reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis. Because of its highly hydrophobic nature, heme readily intercalates into endothelial membranes and potentiates oxidant-mediated damage. This injury is dependent on the iron content of heme and is completely blocked when concomitant hemopexin is added. Ferrohemoglobin, when added to cultured endothelial cells, is without deleterious effects, but if oxidized to ferrihemoglobin (methemoglobin), it greatly amplifies oxidant damage. Methemoglobin, but not ferrohemoglobin, releases its hemes which can then be incorporated into endothelial cells. Cultured endothelial cells, when exposed to methemoglobin but not ferrohemoglobin, cytochrome c or metmyoglobin, potentiate this oxidant injury. Stabilization of the methemoglobin by cyanide, haptoglobin or capture of the heme by hemopexin abrogates this effect. Paradoxically, more prolonged exposure of endothelium to heme or methemoglobin renders them remarkably resistant to oxidant challenge. Endothelium defends itself from heme by induction of the heme degrading enzyme heme oxygenase and the concomitant production of large amounts of the iron binding protein ferritin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vitamin E, LDL, and endothelium. Brief oral vitamin supplementation prevents oxidized LDL-mediated vascular injury in vitro.

In previously reported in vitro studies, we found that heme, a physiologically widespread hydrophobic iron compound, can rapidly generate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which then becomes cytotoxic to cultured vascular endothelial cells; both LDL oxidation and endothelial cytotoxicity were inhibited by incubation with exogenous alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Seeking relevance to in vivo conditions, we performed a study in which 10 human volunteers were given daily antioxidant supplements of 800 IU of DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate alone or in combination with 1000 mg of ascorbic acid for 2 weeks. LDL resistance to heme oxidation ex vivo, as measured by the lag time for conjugated-diene formation, increased by as much as threefold from a mean +/- SD of 58 +/- 11 to 104 +/- 18 minutes (P < .001); LDL alpha-tocopherol increased from 11 +/- 2 to 26 +/- 6 molecules per LDL particle (P < .001); and most impressively, cytotoxicity to porcine aortic endothelial cells incubated with LDL conditioned with heme plus H2O2 or with copper was completely prevented (cytotoxicity before supplementation was 42 +/- 12%, decreasing after supplementation to 3 +/- 2%, P < .001). These measurements reverted to their presupplement levels within 2 weeks after participants stopped taking antioxidant supplements and were reproduced in 4 subjects taking 800 IU of DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate supplements alone but not in the same subjects taking 1000 mg ascorbic acid supplements alone. In conclusion, oral vitamin E supplementation increases LDL alpha-tocopherol content, increases LDL resistance to oxidation, and decreases the cytotoxicity of oxidized LDL to cultured vascular endothelial cells.

Tumor cell heme uptake induces ferritin synthesis resulting in altered oxidant sensitivity: possible role in chemotherapy efficacy.

Neovascularization and hemorrhage are common features of malignant tumors. We wondered whether hemoglobin derived from extravasated RBC deposits heme-derived iron into the tumor, which could modulate the sensitivity of cancer cells to oxidant-mediated injury. A brief exposure (1 h) of 51Cr-radiolabeled breast cancer cells (BT-20) but not colon cancer cells (Caco-2) to hemin (10 microM) or FeSO4 (10 microM) significantly enhances cytotoxicity mediated by 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Associated with Caco-2 resistance, these cells were found to be enriched in the endogenous iron chelator, ferritin. If cellular ferritin is even further increased through 1 h incubation (24 h prior to H2O2 exposure) of both cell types with hemin, FeSO4, or exogenous spleen apoferritin itself (24 h), marked resistance to H2O2-mediated cytotoxicity is manifest. Under several conditions, the sensitivity of tumor cells to oxidant-mediated lysis is inversely proportional to their ferritin content. Pretreatment of BT-20 and Caco-2 cells with hemin or FeSO4 rapidly increases H-ferritin mRNA but only slightly increases L-ferritin mRNA; nevertheless, large increases in overall ferritin content of iron-exposed cells result. Data analogous to those with H2O2-mediated cytotoxicity were obtained in studies of bleomycin-engendered DNA strand breakage and cell damage, i.e., brief treatment of BT-20 cells with both hemin or FeSO4 significantly increases their sensitivity to bleomycin (100 micrograms/ml), whereas treatment followed by 24 h incubation with media alone significantly protects against bleomycin toxicity. We speculate that acute exposure of tumors to iron (e.g., derived from heme-proteins in hemorrhagic cancerous lesions) may increase sensitivity of some cancer cells, particularly those relatively low in endogenous ferritin, to oxidant-mediated lysis. In contrast, repeated, more chronic, exposure effector cells or chemotherapeutic agents, an effect derived from their increased synthesis and accumulation of the intracellular iron scavenger, ferritin.

[Effect of paracetamol on the acid hemolysis of erythrocytes, with special reference to the intracellular glutathione level]. / Paracetamol hatása a vörösvérsejtek savi haemolysisére, különös tekintettel az intracellularis glutathion szintre.

The authors give account of their study concerning the effect of paracetamol on the acid haemolysis, and glutathione content of human erythrocytes. In vitro, paracetamol decreased intracellular glutathione content in a dose dependent manner. This may lead to an increased sensitivity of erythrocytes to the haemolytic effect of hydrochloric acid, what may explain the dose dependent decrease of time of haemolysis, presented in form of dynamic haemolysis curve. In vivo four hours following the oral intake of 500 mg paracetamol, although the intracellular glutathione content did not decrease significantly, shortening of the time of acid haemolysis could be demonstrated in more than half of the persons studied. No haemolysis was caused by the given dose of the drug.