Detection and characterization of free oxygen radicals induced protein adduct formation in differentiating macrophages.

Reactive oxygen species play a key role in cellular homeostasis and redox signaling at physiological levels, where excessive production affects the function and integrity of macromolecules, specifically proteins. Therefore, it is important to define radical-mediated proteotoxic stress in macrophages and identify target protein to prevent tissue dysfunction. A well employed, THP-1 cell line was utilized as in vitro model to study immune response and herein we employ immuno-spin trapping technique to investigate radical-mediated protein oxidation in macrophages. Hydroxyl radical formation along macrophage differentiation was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance along with confocal laser scanning microscopy using hydroxyphenyl fluorescein. Lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, generated under experimental conditions as detected using swallow-tailed perylene derivative fluorescence observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results obtained from this study warrant further corroboration and study of specific proteins involved in the macrophage activation and their role in inflammations.

In vivo Detection of Macromolecule Free Radicals in Mouse Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy Using a New MRI and Immunospin Trapping Strategy.

Introduction: Free radicals in oxidative stress are known to play a pathogenic role in sepsis. A major clinical challenge associated with sepsis is sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). The rapid increase of free radicals in the brain promotes SAE progression. Here, macromolecule free radicals in the mouse brain were uniquely detected by immunospin trapping (IST) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The new strategy uses spin trapping agent DEPMPO-biotin to capture macromolecule free radicals in lesions and form biotin-DEPMPO-radical adducts. Then, a targeting MRI probe, avidin-BSA@Gd-ESIO, was used to detect the radical adducts through the highly specific binding of avidin and biotin. The avidin-BSA@Gd-ESIO probe was synthesized and systematically characterized. The detection capability of the new strategy was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using a confocal microscope and a 7T MRI, respectively. Results: In reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced microglial cells, the accumulation of the avidin-BSA@Gd-ESIO probe in the DEPMPO-biotin-treated group was significantly higher than that of control groups. In vivo MRI T1 signal intensities were significantly higher within the hippocampus, striatum, and medial cortex of the brain in mice with a mild or severe degree of sepsis compared with the sham control group. Histological analysis validated that the distribution of the avidin-BSA@Gd-ESIO probe in brain tissue slices was consistent with the MRI images. The fluorescence signals of ROS and avidin-BSA@Gd-ESIO probe were overlapped and visualized using immunofluorescent staining. By evaluating the T1 signal changes over time in different areas of the brain, we estimated the optimal MRI detection time to be 30 minutes after the probe administration. Discussion: This method can be applied specifically to assess the level of macromolecular free radicals in vivo in a simple and stable manner, providing a pathway for a more comprehensive understanding of the role of free radicals in SAE.

Extracellular biomolecular free radical formation during injury.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if oxidative damage increases in articular cartilage as a result of injury and matrix failure and whether modulation of the local redox environment influences this damage. Osteoarthritis is an age associated disease with no current disease modifying approaches available. Mechanisms of cartilage damage in vitro suggest tissue free radical production could be critical to early degeneration, but these mechanisms have not been described in intact tissue. To assess free radical production as a result of traumatic injury, we measured biomolecular free radical generation via immuno-spin trapping (IST) of protein/proteoglycan/lipid free radicals after a 2 J/cm2 impact to swine articular cartilage explants. This technique allows visualization of free radical formation upon a wide variety of molecules using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded approaches. Scoring of extracellular staining by trained, blinded scorers demonstrated significant increases with impact injury, particularly at sites of cartilage cracking. Increases remain in the absence of live chondrocytes but are diminished; thus, they appear to be a cell-dependent and -independent feature of injury. We then modulated the extracellular environment with a pulse of heparin to demonstrate the responsiveness of the IST signal to changes in cartilage biology. Addition of heparin caused a distinct change in the distribution of protein/lipid free radicals at sites of failure alongside a variety of pertinent redox changes related to osteoarthritis. This study directly confirms the production of biomolecular free radicals from articular trauma, providing a rigorous characterization of their formation by injury.

In Situ EPR Spin Trapping and Competition Kinetics Demonstrate Temperature-Dependent Mechanisms of Synergistic Radical Production by Ultrasonically Activated Persulfate.

Ultrasound coupled with activated persulfate can synergistically degrade aqueous organic contaminants. Here, in situ electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping was used to compare radicals produced by ultrasonically activated persulfate (US-PS) and its individual technologies, ultrasound alone (US) and heat-activated persulfate (PS), with respect to temperature. Radicals were trapped using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide, DMPO, to form detectable nitroxide adducts. Using initial rates of radical adduct formation, and compared to US and PS, US-PS at 40 and 50 °C resulted in the largest synergistic production of radicals. Radicals generated from US were reasonably consistent from 40 to 70 °C, indicating that temperature had little effect on cavitational bubble collapse over this range. However, synergy indexes calculated from initial rates showed that ultrasonic activation of persulfate at the bubble interface changes with temperature. From these results, we speculate that higher temperatures enhance persulfate uptake into cavitation bubbles via nanodroplet injection. DMPO-OH was the predominant adduct detected for all conditions. However, competition modeling and spin trapping in the presence of nitrobenzene and atrazine probes showed that SO4•- predominated. Therefore, the DMPO-OH signal is derived from SO4•- trapping with subsequent DMPO-SO4- hydrolysis to DMPO-OH. Spin trapping is effective in quantifying total radical adduct formation but limited in measuring primary radical speciation in this case.

Electron paramagnetic resonance and spin trapping to detect free radicals from allergenic hydroperoxides in contact with the skin: From the molecule to the tissue.

A major research topic consists of revealing the contribution of radical-mediated reactions in dermatological diseases related to xenobiotic-induced stress to succeed risk-assessment procedures protecting producers and consumers. Allergic contact dermatitis is the clinically relevant consequence of skin sensitization, one of the most critical occupational and environmental health issues related to xenobiotics exposure. The first key event identified for the skin sensitization process to a chemical is its aptitude to react with epidermal proteins and form antigenic structures that will further trigger the immune response. Many chemical sensitizers are suspected to react through mechanisms involving radical intermediates. This review focuses on the recent progress we have accomplished over the last few years studying radical intermediates derived from skin-sensitizing chemicals by electron paramagnetic resonance in combination with the spin-trapping technique. Our work is carried out "from the molecule", performing studies in solution, "to the tissue", by the development of a methodology on a reconstructed human epidermis model, very close in terms of histology and metabolic/enzymatic activity to real human epidermis, that can be used as suitable biological tissue model. The benefits are to test chemicals under conditions close to human use and real-life sensitization exposures and benefit from the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment.

Spin State Switching in Heptauthrene Nanostructure by Electric Field: Computational Study.

Recent experimental studies proved the presence of the triplet spin state in atomically precise heptauthrene nanostructure of nanographene type (composed of two interconnected triangles with zigzag edge). In the paper, we report the computational study predicting the possibility of controlling this spin state with an external in-plane electric field by causing the spin switching. We construct and discuss the ground state magnetic phase diagram involving S=1 (triplet) state, S=0 antiferromagnetic state and non-magnetic state and predict the switching possibility with the critical electric field of the order of 0.1 V/Å. We discuss the spin distribution across the nanostructure, finding its concentration along the longest zigzag edge. To model our system of interest, we use the mean-field Hubbard Hamiltonian, taking into account the in-plane external electric field as well as the in-plane magnetic field (in a form of the exchange field from the substrate). We also assess the effect of uniaxial strain on the magnetic phase diagram.

Evaluation of PBN spin-trapped radicals as early markers of lipid oxidation in mayonnaise.

Quality deterioration of mayonnaise is caused by lipid oxidation, mediated by radical reactions. Assessment of radicals would enable early lipid oxidation assessment and generate mechanistic insights. To monitor short-lived lipid-radicals, N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN), a spin-trap, is commonly used. In this study, the fate of PBN-adducts and their impact on lipid oxidation mechanisms in mayonnaise were investigated. The main signals detected by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) were attributed to L-radicals attached to 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP), one of three degradation products of the PBN-peroxy-adduct. The second degradation product, benzaldehyde, was detected with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), in line with MNP-L adduct generation. For the third class of degradation products, LO-radicals, their scission products were detected with 1H NMR and indicated that LO-radicals have a major impact on downstream oxidation pathways. This precludes mechanistical studies in presence of PBN. Degradation products of PBN-adducts can, however, be used for early assessment of antioxidants efficacy in oil-in-water emulsions.

Detection of Superoxide Radical in Adherent Living Cells by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy Using Cyclic Nitrones.

Spin trapping with cyclic nitrones coupled to electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) enables the detection and characterization of oxygen-derived free radicals, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, in living cells. Detection is usually performed on cell suspensions introduced in glass capillaries, gas-permeable tubing, or flat cells, even when cells normally require attachment for growth. However, radical production may be influenced by cell adhesion, while enzymatic or mechanical cell harvesting may damage the cells and alter their metabolic rates. Here, we describe the detection on adherent cells attached to microscope coverslip glasses. This method preserves cell integrity, ensures near physiological conditions for naturally adherent cells, and is relatively simple to set up. Up to 12 conditions can be screened in half a day using a single batch of culture cells.

Detection and identification of ethanal-derived spin-trapped free radicals using headspace thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS).

In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach to the detection and identification of the products of spin-trapped free radicals. Hydroxyl free radicals were generated by Fenton-based chemistry in the presence of ethanal and the spin-trapping agent N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN). The resulting volatile compounds present in the reaction vial headspace were collected using thermal desorption (TD) and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eleven compounds were detected in the headspace, and their identification was aided by using either a fluorinated or deuterated analogue of PBN as an alternative spin trap and/or deuterated ethanal (CD3CHO) as the secondary source of free radicals. The electron-ionisation (EI) mass spectra clearly demonstrate the "capture" of methyl radicals; two of the compounds detected were identified as containing one methyl group derived from ethanal, and four were shown to contain two methyl groups. This study demonstrates that sampling the reaction headspace using TD-GC-MS is a viable method for analysing products of free radical trapping, and potentially may be applied to a wide range of free radical systems.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance as a Tool for Studying Membrane Proteins.

Membrane proteins possess a variety of functions essential to the survival of organisms. However, due to their inherent hydrophobic nature, it is extremely difficult to probe the structure and dynamic properties of membrane proteins using traditional biophysical techniques, particularly in their native environments. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in combination with site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) is a very powerful and rapidly growing biophysical technique to study pertinent structural and dynamic properties of membrane proteins with no size restrictions. In this review, we will briefly discuss the most commonly used EPR techniques and their recent applications for answering structure and conformational dynamics related questions of important membrane protein systems.

Trapping of DNA radicals with the nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide and genotoxic damage: Recent advances using the immuno-spin trapping technology.

Immuno-spin trapping detection of DNA radicals with the nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrrloine N-oxide (DMPO) has made important contributions towards the understanding of DNA radicalization and genotoxicity at sites of inflammation. At sites of inflammation, one-electron oxidants and chloramines decay induce oxidation of genomic DNA, genotoxicity and cell transformation. Radicalization of DNA can result in either single- or double-strand breaks, or end-oxidation products at the sugar or bases. If not repaired, these modifications can lead to mutations and cell transformation. If trapped with DMPO, DNA-centered radical decay and subsequent formation of end-oxidation products are blocked. Herein we discuss recent literature regarding the use of immuno-spin trapping with DMPO to study DNA-centered radicals and their involvement in genotoxicity. This technique has shown the critical role of DNA radicalization in 8-oxo-dG formation and DNA strand breaks in isolated DNA, cells and in whole animals. Combination of technologies, including immuno-spin trapping and powerful chromatographic and sequencing techniques are needed to move forward the field towards the detection of specific genes that are susceptible to oxidative damage in cells located at sites of inflammation. This is important in order to provide novel information about genotoxicity mechanisms, as well as therapeutic possibilities of DMPO or its derivatives for preventing DNA-centered radical-mediated carcinogenesis.

Formation of methyl radicals derived from cumene hydroperoxide in reconstructed human epidermis: an EPR spin trapping confirmation by using 13C-substitution.

Dermal exposure to cumene hydroperoxide (CumOOH) during manufacturing processes is a toxicological issue for the industry. Its genotoxicity, mutagenic action, ability to promote skin tumour, capacity to induce epidermal hyperplasia, and aptitude to induce allergic and irritant skin contact dermatitis are well known. These toxic effects appear to be mediated through the activation to free radical species such as hydroxyl, alkoxyl, and alkyl radicals characterised basically by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and spin-trapping (ST) techniques. To be a skin sensitiser CumOOH needs to covalently bind to skin proteins in the epidermis to form the antigenic entity triggering the immunotoxic reaction. Cleavage of the O-O bond allows formation of unstable CumO•/CumOO• radicals rearranging to longer half-life specific carbon-centred radicals R• proposed to be at the origin of the antigen formation. Nevertheless, it is not still clear which R• is precisely formed in the epidermis and thus involved in the sensitisation process. The aim of this work was to elucidate in conditions closer to real-life sensitisation which specific R• are formed in a 3D reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model by using 13C-substituted CumOOH at carbon positions precursors of potentially reactive radicals and EPR-ST. We demonstrated that most probably methyl radicals derived from ß-scission of CumO• radicals occur in RHE through a one-electron reductive pathway suggesting that these could be involved in the antigen formation inducing skin sensitisation. We also describe a coupling between nitroxide radicals and ß position 13C atoms that could be of an added value to the very few examples existing for the coupling of radicals with 13C atoms.

Immuno-spin trapping of macromolecules free radicals in vitro and in vivo - One stop shopping for free radical detection.

The only general technique that allows the unambiguous detection of free radicals is electron spin resonance (ESR). However, ESR spin trapping has severe limitations especially in biological systems. The greatest limitation of ESR is poor sensitivity relative to the low steady-state concentration of free radical adducts, which in cells and in vivo is much lower than the best sensitivity of ESR. Limitations of ESR have led to an almost desperate search for alternatives to investigate free radicals in biological systems. Here we explore the use of the immuno-spin trapping technique, which combine the specificity of the spin trapping to the high sensitivity and universal use of immunological techniques. All of the immunological techniques based on antibody binding have become available for free radical detection in a wide variety of biological systems.

Oxidative stability of plant hydroalcoholic extracts assessed by EPR spin trapping under forced ageing conditions: A myrtle case study.

The oxidative stability of myrtle hydroalcoholic extracts was measured, over storage time, with the EPR spin trapping method under forced ageing conditions. The extracts were prepared with 150 and 300 g l-1 of berries and extraction media with ethanol ranging from 60 to 90%. Two radicals were detected: the PBN-1-hydroxyethyl adduct and the tert-butyl aminoxyl radical. A dimensionless parameter (Ω) calculated on the basis of the lag time, the rate of formation and concentration of the radical species was used to estimate the extracts' oxidative stability. Ω was strongly influenced by the extraction medium, being lower in extracts with ethanol 60%, and by the time of storage. An inverse correlation was calculated between Ω and ellagic acid concentration, thus suggesting the role of this phenolic acid in the antioxidant properties of the extracts. The radical scavenging activity of the extracts against the hydroxyl radical was also measured.

Immuno-Spin Trapping-Based Detection of Oxidative Modifications in Cardiomyocytes and Coronary Endothelium in the Progression of Heart Failure in Tgαq*44 Mice.

Recent studies suggest both beneficial and detrimental role of increased reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in heart failure (HF). However, it is not clear at which stage oxidative stress and oxidative modifications occur in the endothelium in relation to cardiomyocytes in non-ischemic HF. Furthermore, most methods used to date to study oxidative stress are either non-specific or require tissue homogenization. In this study, we used immuno-spin trapping (IST) technique with fluorescent microscopy-based detection of DMPO nitrone adducts to localize and quantify oxidative modifications of the hearts from Tgαq*44 mice; a murine model of HF driven by cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Gαq* protein. Tgαq*44 mice and age-matched FVB controls at early, transition, and late stages of HF progression were injected with DMPO in vivo and analyzed ex vivo for DMPO nitrone adducts signals. Progressive oxidative modifications in cardiomyocytes, as evidenced by the elevation of DMPO nitrone adducts, were detected in hearts from 10- to 16-month-old, but not in 8-month-old Tgαq*44 mice, as compared with age-matched FVB mice. The DMPO nitrone adducts were detected in left and right ventricle, septum, and papillary muscle. Surprisingly, significant elevation of DMPO nitrone adducts was also present in the coronary endothelium both in large arteries and in microcirculation simultaneously, as in cardiomyocytes, starting from 10-month-old Tgαq*44 mice. On the other hand, superoxide production in heart homogenates was elevated already in 6-month-old Tgαq*44 mice and progressively increased to high levels in 14-month-old Tgαq*44 mice, while the enzymatic activity of catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase was all elevated as early as in 4-month-old Tgαq*44 mice and stayed at a similar level in 14-month-old Tgαq*44. In summary, this study demonstrates that IST represents a unique method that allows to quantify oxidative modifications in cardiomyocytes and coronary endothelium in the heart. In Tgαq*44 mice with slowly developing HF, driven by cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Gαq* protein, an increase in superoxide production, despite compensatory activation of antioxidative mechanisms, results in the development of oxidative modifications not only in cardiomyocytes but also in coronary endothelium, at the transition phase of HF, before the end-stage disease.

In Vivo and In Situ Detection of Macromolecular Free Radicals Using Immuno-Spin Trapping and Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

SIGNIFICANCE: In vivo free radical imaging in preclinical models of disease has become a reality. Free radicals have traditionally been characterized by electron spin resonance (ESR) or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with spin trapping. The disadvantage of the ESR/EPR approach is that spin adducts are short-lived due to biological reductive and/or oxidative processes. Immuno-spin trapping (IST) involves the use of an antibody that recognizes macromolecular 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) spin adducts (anti-DMPO antibody), regardless of the oxidative/reductive state of trapped radical adducts. Recent Advances: The IST approach has been extended to an in vivo application that combines IST with molecular magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI). This combined IST-mMRI approach involves the use of a spin-trapping agent, DMPO, to trap free radicals in disease models, and administration of an mMRI probe, an anti-DMPO probe, which combines an antibody against DMPO-radical adducts and an MRI contrast agent, resulting in targeted free radical adduct detection. CRITICAL ISSUES: The combined IST-mMRI approach has been used in several rodent disease models, including diabetes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), gliomas, and septic encephalopathy. The advantage of this approach is that heterogeneous levels of trapped free radicals can be detected directly in vivo and in situ to pin point where free radicals are formed in different tissues. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: The approach can also be used to assess therapeutic agents that are either free radical scavengers or generate free radicals. Smaller probe constructs and radical identification approaches are being considered. The focus of this review is on the different applications that have been studied, advantages and limitations, and future directions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1404-1415.

Techniques for Detecting Reactive Oxygen Species in Pulmonary Vasculature Redox Signaling.

Redox signaling plays important roles in regulating pulmonary vasculature function. Aberrant redox signaling, e.g., overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exceeds the capability of cellular antioxidant mechanisms, has been found to alter vasculature function and remodel blood vessel structure, thus contributes to pathological processes of pulmonary vasculature. The regulation of pulmonary vasculature via ROS is a very complicated process with various biological events involved, however, the specific effect of individual ROS and the underlying mechanism still remain unclear. Most of ROS are present as free radical forms with extremely short lifetime, which makes it very difficult to detect the ROS and investigate their bioactivities. Therefore, developing specific and sensitive methods to detect ROS in complex biological system is essential for us to advance our knowledge in pulmonary vasculature regulation. In this chapter, we introduce several commonly used techniques for the detection of ROS in vitro and in vivo, including chemiluminescence-based assay, fluorescence-based assay, cytochrome c reduction method, genetically encoded fluorescent probes, as well as ESR spin trapping technique. We also discuss the advantages, limitations, and recent technical advances of each individual technique as well as their applications in pulmonary vasculature studies. We believe that technical advance in the detection of ROS will provide us with a better understanding on how to maintain normal pulmonary vasculature functions under oxidative stress.

"Dark" Singlet Oxygen and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spin Trapping as Convenient Tools to Assess Photolytic Drug Degradation.

Forced degradation studies are an important tool for a systematic assessment of decomposition pathways and identification of reactive sites in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Two methodologies have been combined in order to provide a deeper understanding of singlet oxygen-related degradation pathways of APIs under light irradiation. First, we report that a "dark" singlet oxygen test enables the investigation of drug reactivity toward singlet oxygen independently of photolytic irradiation processes. Second, the photosensitizing properties of the API producing the singlet oxygen was proven and quantified by spin trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis. A combination of these techniques is an interesting addition to the forced degradation portfolio as it can be used for (1) revealing unexpected degradation pathways of APIs due to singlet oxygen, (2) clarifying photolytic drug-drug interactions in fixed-dose combinations, and (3) synthesizing larger quantities of hardly accessible oxidative drug degradants.

N-tert-butylmethanimine N-oxide is an efficient spin-trapping probe for EPR analysis of glutathione thiyl radical.

The electron spin resonance (EPR) spin-trapping technique allows detection of radical species with nanosecond half-lives. This technique is based on the high rates of addition of radicals to nitrones or nitroso compounds (spin traps; STs). The paramagnetic nitroxides (spin-adducts) formed as a result of reactions between STs and radical species are relatively stable compounds whose EPR spectra represent "structural fingerprints" of the parent radical species. Herein we report a novel protocol for the synthesis of N-tert-butylmethanimine N-oxide (EBN), which is the simplest nitrone containing an α-H and a tertiary α'-C atom. We present EPR spin-trapping proof that: (i) EBN is an efficient probe for the analysis of glutathione thiyl radical (GS•); (ii) ß-cyclodextrins increase the kinetic stability of the spin-adduct EBN/•SG; and (iii) in aqueous solutions, EBN does not react with superoxide anion radical (O2-•) to form EBN/•OOH to any significant extent. The data presented complement previous studies within the context of synthetic accessibility to EBN and efficient spin-trapping analysis of GS•.

Use of spin traps to detect superoxide production in living cells by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

Detection of superoxide produced by living cells has been an on-going challenge in biology for over forty years. Various methods have been proposed to address this issue, among which spin trapping with cyclic nitrones coupled to EPR spectroscopy, the gold standard for detection of radicals. This technique is based on the nucleophilic addition of superoxide to a diamagnetic cyclic nitrone, referred to as the spin trap, and the formation of a spin adduct, i.e. a persistent radical with a characteristic EPR spectrum. The first application of spin trapping to living cells dates back 1979. Since then, considerable improvements of the method have been achieved both in the structures of the spin traps, the EPR methodology, and the design of the experiments including appropriate controls. Here, we will concentrate on technical aspects of the spin trapping/EPR technique, delineating recent breakthroughs, inherent limitations, and potential artifacts.