PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Metodiewa

Publications and source records attributed to D Metodiewa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Submolecular adventures of brain tyrosine: what are we searching for now?

This overview summarizes recent findings on the role of tyrosyl radical (TyrO(*)) in the multitudinous neurochemical systems of brain, and theorizes on the putative role of TyrO(*) in neurological disorders [Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)]. TyrO(*) and tyrosine per se can interact with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) via radical mechanisms and chain propagating reactions. The concentration of TyrO(*), ROS and RNS can increase dramatically under conditions of generalized stress: oxidative, nitrative or reductive as well, and this can induce damage directly (by lipid peroxidation) or indirectly (by proteins oxidation and/or nitration), potentially causing apoptotic neuronal cell death or autoschizis. Evidence of lesion-induced neuronal oxidative stress includes the presence of protein peroxides (TyrOOH), DT (o,o'-dityrosine) and 3-NT (3-nitrotyrosine). Mechanistic details of protein- and enzymatic oxidation/nitration in vivo remain unresolved, although recent in vitro data strongly implicate free radical pathways via TyrO(*). Nitration/denitration processes can be pathological, but they also may play: 1). a signal transduction role, because nitration of tyrosine residues through TyrO(*) formation can modulate, as well the phosphorylation (tyrosine kinases activity) and/or tyrosine hydroxylation (tyrosine hydroxylase inactivation), leading to consequent dopamine synthesis failure and increased degradation of target proteins, respectively; 2). a role of "blocker" for radical-radical reactions (scavenging of NO(*), NO(*)(2) and CO(3)(*-) by TyrO(*)); 3). a role of limiting factors for peroxynitrite formation, by lowering O(2)(*-) formation, which is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of neural diseases. It is still not known if tyrosine oxidation/nitration via TyrO(*) formation is 1). a footprint of generalized stress and neuronal disorders, or 2). an important part of O(2)(*-) and NO(*) metabolism, or 3). merely a part of integral processes for maintaining of neuronal homeostasis. The full answer to these questions should be of top research priority, as the problem of increased free radical formation in brain and/or imbalance of the ratios ROS/RNS/TyrO(*) may be all important in defining whether oxidative stress is the critical determinant of tissue and neural cell injury that leads to pathological end-points.

Brain Chemistry↗

Possible role of salsolinol quinone methide in the decrease of RCSN-3 cell survival.

The endogenous dopamine-derived neurotoxin salsolinol was found to decrease survival in the dopaminergic neuronal cell line RCSN-3, derived from adult rat substantia nigra in a concentration-dependent manner (208 microM salsolinol induced a 50% survival decrease). Incubation of RCSN-3 cells with 100 micro;M dicoumarol and salsolinol significantly decreased cell survival by 2.5-fold (P < 0.001), contrasting with a negligible effect on RCHT cells, which exhibited nearly a 5-fold lower nomifensine-insensitive dopamine uptake. The levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase mRNA were decreased when RCSN-3 cells were treated with 100 microM salsolinol alone or in the presence of 100 microM dicoumarol. In vitro oxidation of salsolinol to o-quinone catalyzed by lactoperoxidase gave the quinone methide and 1,2-dihydro-1-methyl-6,7-isoquinoline diol as final products of salsolinol oxidation as determined by NMR analysis. Evidence of the formation of salsolinol o-semiquinone radical has been provided by ESR studies during one-electron oxidation of salsolinol catalyzed by lactoperoxidase.

Animals↗

Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species: relevance to cyto(neuro)toxic events and neurologic disorders. An overview.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are formed under physiological conditions in the human body and are removed by cellular antioxidant defense system. During oxidative stress their increased formation leads to tissue damage and cell death. This process may be especially important in the central nervous system (CNS) which is vulnerable to ROS and RNS damage as the result of the brain high O(2) consumption, high lipid content and the relatively low antioxidant defenses in brain, compared with other tissues. Recently there has been an increased number of reports suggesting the involvement of free radicals and their non-radical derivatives in a variety of pathological events and multistage disorders including neurotoxicity, apoptotic death of neurons and neural disorders: Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia. Taking into consideration the basic molecular chemistry of ROS and RNS, their overall generation and location, in order to control or suppress their action it is essential to understand the fundamental aspects of this problem. In this presentation we review and summarize the basics of all the recently known and important properties, mechanisms, molecular targets, possible involvement in cellular (neural) degeneration and apoptotic death and in pathogenesis of AD, PD and schizophrenia. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of our current knowledge of this problem and to inspire experimental strategies for the evaluation of optimum innovative therapeutic trials. Another purpose of this work is to shed some light on one of the most exciting recent advances in our understanding of the CNS: the realisation that RNS pathway is highly relevant to normal brain metabolism and to neurologic disorders as well. The interactions of RNS and ROS, their interconversions and the ratio of RNS/ROS could be an important neural tissue injury mechanism(s) involved into etiology and pathogenesis of AD, PD and schizophrenia. It might be possible to direct therapeutic efforts at oxidative events in the pathway of neuron degeneration and apoptotic death. From reviewed data, no single substance can be recommended for use in human studies. Some of the recent therapeutic strategies and neuroprotective trials need further development particularly those of antioxidants enhancement. Such an approach should also consider using combinations of radical(s) scavengers rather than a single substance.

Journal Article↗

Quercetin may act as a cytotoxic prooxidant after its metabolic activation to semiquinone and quinoidal product.

In the last ten years, there has been an important increase in interest in quercetin action as a unique antioxidant, but its putative role in numerous prooxidant effects is also being continually updated. The mechanism underlying this undesirable ability seems to involve its metabolic oxidoreductive activation. Based on the structural properties of quercetin, we have investigated whether its catechol moiety may be the potential tool for revealed toxicity. We demonstrated, with an ESR spin-stabilization technique coupled to conventional spectrophotometry, that o-semiquinone and o-quinone are indeed the products of enzymatically catalyzed oxidative degradation of quercetin. The former radical might serve to facilitate the formation of superoxide and depletion of GSH, which could confer a specificity of its prooxidative action in situ. The observed one-electron reduction of o-quinone may enrich the semiquinone pool, thereby magnifying its effect. The two-electron reduction of quinone can result in constant resupply of quercetin in situ, thereby also modulating another pathway of its known biological activities. We have also tried to see whether the intracellular oxidative degradation of quercetin can be confirmed under the controlled conditions of model monolayer cell cultures. The results are indicative of the intracellular metabolic activation of quercetin to o-quinone, the process which can be partially associated with the observed concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of quercetin.

Animals↗

Reactivity of biologically important thiol compounds with superoxide and hydrogen peroxide.

The reactivities of glutathione, cysteine, cysteamine, penicillamine, N-acetylcysteine, dithiothreitol and captopril with superoxide generated from xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine, and with reagent hydrogen peroxide, have been investigated. Rates of thiol loss on adding hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide-dependent thiol loss and oxygen uptake were measured. The relative reactivities of the different thiols with both oxidants were inversely related to the pK of the thiol group, such that at pH 7.4, penicillamine was the most reactive. N-acetylcysteine weakly reactive and no reaction was seen with captopril. For hydrogen peroxide, the calculated rate constants for the reaction with the thiolate anion all fell within the range 18-26 M(-1) s(-1). With superoxide, our results are consistent with each thiol reacting via a short chain that consumes oxygen and regenerates superoxide. Only with some of the thiols, was the consumed oxygen recovered as hydrogen peroxide. Reported values for the rate constant for the reaction of thiols with superoxide vary over four orders of magnitude, with the highest being > 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). Due to the complexity of the chain reaction, no study so far has been able to obtain accurate values and we consider the best estimates to be in the 30 to 1000 M(-1) s(-1) range.

Acetylcysteine↗

Metabolic activation of dopamine o-quinones to o-semiquinones by NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase may play an important role in oxidative stress and apoptotic effects.

In this study, it is shown that considerable evidence for the possible pathway by which dopamine o-quinone, o-quinone and aminochrome can be activated metabolically by NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase to high reactive semiquinones. These findings were discussed from a mechanistic standpoint as well as in terms of potential physiological implications of dopamine o-quinones and o-semiquinones' concerted action in oxidative stress and apoptotic events.

Animals↗

Molecular mechanisms of cellular injury produced by neurotoxic amino acids that generate reactive oxygen species.

There is now strong experimental evidence that the basic precursors for the synthesis of catechol(amine) and indolamine neurotransmitters, tyrosine and tryptophan can act as generators of ROS (reactive oxygen species): peroxides, superoxide and peroxyradicals. The consequences of free radicals formation from precursors during oxidative degradation process, their possible participation in electron transfer/addition reactions and chain processes involving cell antioxidant defense system were presented and discussed. Although the generation of neurotoxic ROS by tyrosine and tryptophan is accepted to occur in the presented model systems, doubts can exist as to the situation in vivo, which may be completely different and remain to be explored. The relevance of the present findings with regard to a variety of neurological diseases cannot be ignored.

Reactive Oxygen Species↗

Evidence for antiradical and antioxidant properties of four biologically active N,N-diethylaminoethyl ethers of flavanone oximes: a comparison with natural polyphenolic flavonoid (rutin) action.

The antiradical and antioxidant activities of four biologically active N,N-diethyloaminoethyl ethers of flavanone oximes (N,N-DEAEFo) were investigated in vitro and compared with these of polyphenolic flavonoid (rutin). Four experimental models were used: iron- and ascorbate driven Fenton systems, gamma-radiolysis, xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging. The results clearly indicate that N,N-DEAEFo are acting as promising antioxidants and radioprotectors comparable to rutin activities: they should prove to be useful under acute oxidative stress conditions for which both properties were required.

Antioxidants↗

Rutoxyl [rutin/4-acetamide-1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium] is a new member of the class of semi-natural products of high pharmacological potency.

A novel complex, Rutoxyl [rutin/4-acetamide-1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium] was synthesized and its structure and anticancer activity were investigated. The results reported here are consistent with our idea, that the formation of such a complex of two biologically active molecules: polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant (Rutin) and nitroxylamine of nitroxide antioxidant (Tempace), stabilized by hydrogen bond(s) can result in a supra-additive properties.

Animals↗

Tempace and troxyl-novel synthesized 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine derivatives as antioxidants and radioprotectors.

Two novel 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine derivatives (Tempace and Troxyl) were synthesized and their capacity to act as scavengers of superoxide, inhibitors of iron and ascorbate-driven Fenton reaction and radioprotectors was tested. The possibility for one-electron oxidation of novel compounds by heme-ferryl species was also examined. The results clearly indicate that Tempace and Troxyl are acting as promising antioxidants and radioprotectors thus providing a base for further investigations and pharmacological applications.

Antioxidants↗

Generation of superoxide and tyrosine peroxide as a result of tyrosyl radical scavenging by glutathione.

Enzymatically generated tyrosyl radicals are effectively scavenged by reduced glutathione (GSH), thereby generating glutathione thiyl radicals and superoxide radicals, subsequently. Here, we have used horseradish peroxidase to generate tyrosyl radicals and investigated the fate of the superoxide radicals. At low GSH concentrations (with a maximum effect at 250 microM) a major reaction was between superoxide and the phenoxyl radical leading to a tyrosine peroxide. Formation of the peroxide was confirmed using a peroxide-specific colorimetric assay and detection of a new HPLC-peak. Its formation was inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD). The peroxide decomposed slowly in a reaction that was accelerated by GSH to give a new chromatographic peak. Increasing the GSH concentration decreased the amount of tyrosine peroxide formed and caused increases in rates of oxygen uptake and GSH oxidation. These increases were not seen in the presence of SOD and are consistent with GSH scavenging superoxide and leading to oxygen-dependent chain oxidation of GSH. Both pathways are undesirable for the cell and are effectively suppressed only if GSH as a radical scavenger acts in concert with SOD.

Disulfides↗

The reaction of superoxide with reduced glutathione.

Superoxide, generated by a xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine system, reacts with reduced glutathione (GSH) to cause an increase in oxygen consumption and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) formation, both of which are fully inhibited by superoxide dismutase. In this study we have shown that little, if any, of the additional oxygen consumed is converted to hydrogen peroxide. We have confirmed that approximately 90% of the GSH is oxidized to GSSG, the remainder being converted to the sulfonic acid. Approximately 1.2 mol of GSSG was formed for each additional mole of oxygen consumed in the presence of GSH. The efficiency of the reaction increased with increasing GSH concentration (1-8 mM), pH, and pO2 and with decreasing superoxide generation rate. The results are consistent with a superoxide-dependent chain that does not produce hydrogen peroxide and that is terminated primarily by superoxide dismutation. We propose that this occurs via an initial reaction of superoxide with GSH to produce a sulfinyl radical rather than hydrogen transfer to give the thiyl radical. Our data suggest a rate constant for the superoxide/GSH reaction in the 10(2)-10(3) M-1s-1 range. GSH at the millimolar concentrations found intracellular should react with superoxide, but because superoxide is regenerated, it will not be an effective scavenger. Physiologically, superoxide dismutase is required to prevent chain oxidation of GSH.

Catalase↗

Peroxidase-promoted oxidation and peroxidation of the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. A new pathway for its metabolic degradation.

Spectral data provide the first evidence that lactoperoxidase, a model enzyme for most mammalian peroxidases, catalyzed the one-electron oxidation and/or peroxidation of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. This process correlates with the production of superoxide radicals as is evident from the observed inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase on product formation. 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine is a classical peroxidase-oxidase substrate acting as a one-electron donor for enzyme compounds I, II and III. The one-electron peroxidatic oxidation of this serotonergic neurotoxin, responsible for the selective degeneration of central (5-hydroxytryptamine) neurons, is a fast process requiring measurement on the ms time scale. Attention is drawn to the biochemical and toxicological implications, because this fast reaction results in formation of known cell damaging species: free radicals, superoxide radicals and quinoidal products probably involved in the toxic action of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed aerobic oxidation and peroxidation of indole-3-acetic acid. I. Optical spectra.

A study of the indole-3-acetate reaction with horse-radish peroxidase, in the absence or presence of hydrogen peroxide, has been performed, employing rapid scan and conventional spectrophotometry. We present here the first clear spectral evidence, obtained on the millisecond time scale, indicating that at pH 5.0 and for high [enzyme/substrate] ratios peroxidase compound III is formed. Most, if not all, of the compound III is formed by oxygenation of the ferrous peroxidase. There is an inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase and histidine on compound III formation which indicates the involvement of the active oxygen species superoxide and singlet oxygen. It is concluded that the oxidation of indole-3-acetate by horseradish peroxidase at pH 5.0 proceeds through compound III formation to the catalytically inactive forms P-670 and P-630. A reaction path in which the enzyme is directly reduced by indole-3-acetate might be involved as an initiation step. Rapid scan spectral data, which indicate differences in the formation and decay of enzyme intermediate compounds at pH 7.0, in comparison with those observed at pH 5.0, are also presented. At pH 7.0 compound II is a key intermediate in oxidation--peroxidation of substrate. Mechanisms of reactions consistent with the experimental data are proposed and discussed.

Aerobiosis↗

Horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid. II. Oxygen uptake and chemiexcitation.

Light emission from the horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed aerobic or anaerobic oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid has been investigated under opposite extreme conditions of enzyme/substrate ratio. The O2-dependent chemiluminescent processes represent a minor part of the total oxygen consumption. Superoxide is involved in chemiexcitation as is evident from the observed inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase. At high enzyme/substrate ratio, only a part of the emission is dependent on superoxide ion; at low ratio the dependence is extensive. At high ratio, some of the emission is independent of superoxide and O2. The identical quenching effects of D- and L-tryptophan are consistent with the formation of the quenching species only in bulk solution. The similarity of the emission spectra under extreme conditions indicates that the same main emitters are formed. This is also supported by the effect of quenchers. Possibly some of the emitters originate in the oxidative cleavage of the 2,3-double bond of the indole ring.

Aerobiosis↗

Spectral studies of intermediate species formed in one-electron reactions of bovine liver catalase at room and low temperatures. A comparison with peroxidase reactions.

The reactions of native bovine catalase with superoxide and solvated electrons have been investigated using three different methods for generation of these reducing substrates: gamma-radiolysis of oxygenated or deaerated buffer solutions in the presence of an OH radical scavenger; either xanthine or acetaldehyde with xanthine oxidase; and low-temperature (77 K) gamma-radiolysis of buffered ethylene glycol/water solutions with subsequent annealing of samples at 183 K. The first spectral evidence for catalase compound II formation from native catalase via reaction with superoxide was obtained. The results are compared with results for peroxidase compound II or III formation observed under the same experimental conditions. A scheme is proposed to explain these observations involving intermediate formation of catalase compounds I and III and the ferrous enzyme. The one-electron reduction of catalase and peroxidase by radiolytically-generated solvated electrons was compared. In the present study the first absorption spectrum of a high-spin ferrous catalase which has peaks at 561 and 594 nm is reported, in comparison with a hemochromogen low-spin ferrous peroxidase observed under the same experimental conditions (peaks at 527 and 556 nm). Both spectra were recorded at 77 K. Data presented in this work also provide the first spectral evidence indicating the low temperature (183 K) conversion of high-spin ferrous catalase into compound III (oxycatalase) in the presence of dioxygen. Under the same experimental conditions low-spin ferrous peroxidase was converted into the high-spin ferrous form without oxyperoxidase formation.

Animals↗

3-Aminotriazole is a substrate for lactoperoxidase but not for catalase.

Rapid scan spectrophotometry has been applied to investigate the reaction of 3-aminotriazole with mammalian heme enzymes, represented by lactoperoxidase and bovine liver catalase. The results clearly indicate that 3-aminotriazole is a substrate for lactoperoxidase compounds I, II and III, but it does not convert catalase compound I to II under conditions favoring peroxidatic activity of the enzyme. The possible physiological significance of these findings is discussed.

Amitrole↗