PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Ian A Blair

Publications and source records attributed to Ian A Blair.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantification of intracellular homocysteine by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

A precise and accurate stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of intracellular homocysteine has been developed. An internal standard, [(2)H(8)]-homocystine, was added to cell pellets from EA.hy 926 cells grown in culture under low and high folate concentrations. D,L-dithiothreitol was used to reduce cellular homocystine to homocysteine. Cellular proteins were precipitated by the addition of formic acid in acetonitrile. After centrifugation, a portion of the supernatant was analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Using a Supelcosil cyano column with an Applied Biosystems API 4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, the SRM transitions for homocysteine (m/z 136 to m/z 90) and [(2)H(4)]-homocysteine (m/z 140 to m/z 94) were monitored. The method was validated by conducting five replicate analyses on three different days at four different concentrations (concentrations at the lower limit of quantitation and expected lower quartile, mid-range and upper quartile). The limit of detection was 2 ng/10(6) EA.hy 926 cells. Using this method, the intracellular homocysteine concentration in EA.hy 926 cells ranged from 10 to 36 ng/10(6) cells.

Chromatography, Liquid↗

Targeted quantitative analysis of fatty acids in atherosclerotic plaques by high sensitivity liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

The quantitative analysis of fatty acid composition in atherosclerotic plaques provides a way to monitor the underlying etiology of atherosclerosis. Previously, the method of choice for analyzing fatty acids in biological samples was gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS); however, recent developments in electrospray ionization (ESI)/liquid chromatography (LC)/tandem mass spectrometry have made it a superior alternative. Previous research has largely focused on global analyses of intact lipids rather than more targeted analysis of the fatty acids themselves. We have now developed a targeted, stable isotope dilution LC-electrospray ionization/multiple reaction monitoring/MS method for the quantitative analysis of 10 fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, gamma-linolenic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids) using their trimethylaminoethyl ester (TMAE) derivatives to improve sensitivity. The method was validated, had a detection limit in the fmol range, and was used in the analysis of fatty acids in atherosclerotic plaques from carotid arteries.

Atherosclerosis↗

EBP, a program for protein identification using multiple tandem mass spectrometry datasets.

MS/MS combined with database search methods can identify the proteins present in complex mixtures. High throughput methods that infer probable peptide sequences from enzymatically digested protein samples create a challenge in how best to aggregate the evidence for candidate proteins. Typically the results of multiple technical and/or biological replicate experiments must be combined to maximize sensitivity. We present a statistical method for estimating probabilities of protein expression that integrates peptide sequence identifications from multiple search algorithms and replicate experimental runs. The method was applied to create a repository of 797 non-homologous zebrafish (Danio rerio) proteins, at an empirically validated false identification rate under 1%, as a resource for the development of targeted quantitative proteomics assays. We have implemented this statistical method as an analytic module that can be integrated with an existing suite of open-source proteomics software.

Algorithms↗

Mild folate deficiency induces a proatherosclerotic phenotype in endothelial cells.

Low folate/high homocysteine (Hcy) is an established risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some in vivo studies suggest low folate may independently contribute to CVD. To study the effects of mild folate deficiency on endothelial function, we adapted the EA.hy 926 endothelial cell line to growth in medium containing 23 nM folic acid (LO cells) or 9 microM folic acid (HI cells). Folate derivatives were substantially depleted in LO cells relative to HI cells. No differences were seen in intracellular homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the SAM:SAH ratio, or global DNA methylation, and there was no consistent difference in secreted homocysteine. A greater percentage of LO than HI cells were in S phase of the cell cycle; supplementation of LO cells with thymidine/hypoxanthine prevented this. LO cells were more elongated than HI cells and did not form tight monolayers. Stress fibers were very prominent in LO but not HI cells. Treatment of LO cells with rho kinase inhibitors abolished stress fibers and partially normalized cell shape. LO cell monolayers were more permeable than HI cell monolayers at confluence, and MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression was higher in LO than HI cells. Our results suggest that mild folate deficiency is proatherosclerotic.

Atherosclerosis↗

Endogenous lipid hydroperoxide-mediated DNA-adduct formation in min mice.

Despite intensive research over the last two decades, there are still no specific markers of endogenous lipid hydroperoxide-mediated DNA damage. We recently demonstrated that heptanone-etheno-2'-deoxyguanosine adducts are formed in the DNA of rat intestinal epithelial cells that stably express cyclooxygenase-2. Heptanone-etheno adducts can only arise from the reaction of lipid hydroperoxide-derived 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal with DNA. This raised the possibility that similar adducts would be formed in vivo in settings where cyclooxygenase-2 expression is increased. Therefore, DNA-adduct formation was studied in C57BL/6JAPC(min) mice, a colorectal cancer mouse model in which cyclooxygenase-2 is up-regulated. 15(S)-Hydroperoxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,13E-eicosatetraenoic acid is the major lipid hydroperoxide produced endogenously by cyclooxygenase-2. It undergoes homolytic decomposition to the DNA-reactive bifunctional electrophile 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal, which forms heptanone-etheno adducts with DNA. A quantitative comparison was made of the heptanone-etheno-DNA adducts present in C57BL/6J and C57BL/6JAPC(min) mice. Using highly specific and sensitive methodology based on stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, we have detected the endogenous formation of heptanone-etheno adducts in mammalian tissue DNA for the first time. In addition, we found that there were statistically significant increased levels of the heptanone-etheno-2'-deoxyguanosine and heptanone-etheno-2'-deoxycytidine adducts in the C57BL/6JAPC(min) mice when compared with the control C57BL/6J mice.

Animals↗

Interaction with phospholipids modulates alpha-synuclein nitration and lipid-protein adduct formation.

Intracellular aggregates of alpha-syn (alpha-synuclein) represent pathoanatomical hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders (synucleinopathies). The molecular mechanisms underlying alpha-syn aggregation into filamentous inclusions may involve oxidation and nitration of the protein. Whereas the effects of oxidants and nitrating species on soluble alpha-syn have been studied in detail, the effect of these reactive species on alpha-syn associated with lipids is still unknown. In the present paper, we report that alpha-syn bound to small unilamellar liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidic acid is resistant to oxidation and nitration when compared with soluble alpha-syn. Additionally, increasing concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids diminished the oxidation and nitration of alpha-syn upon exposure to fluxes of peroxynitrite (8-20 microM x min(-1)). To investigate the effect of oxidized lipids on alpha-syn, the protein was incubated with the bifunctional electrophile 4-HNE [4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal]. MS analysis showed the formation of three major products corresponding to the native protein and alpha-syn plus one or two 4-HNE molecules. Trypsin digestion of the modified protein followed by peptide 'finger-printing' revealed that 4-HNE modified the peptide E46GVVHGVATVAEK58. Further analysis of the peptides with liquid chromatography-tandem MS identified the modified residue as His50. The data indicate that the association of alpha-syn with biological membranes protects the protein from oxidation and nitration and thus diminishes the formation of protein molecules capable of forming aggregates. However, products of lipid peroxidation can also modify alpha-syn, generating novel protein adducts that could serve as biomarkers for documenting oxidative processes in human as well as animal and cellular models of alpha-syn aggregation and pathology.

Aldehydes↗

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry characterization of oxidized amyloid beta peptides as potential biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the deposition of senile plaques that consist primarily of amyloid beta peptides. There is substantial evidence that amyloid beta is oxidized in vivo, which has led to the suggestion that oxidative stress is an important mediator of Alzheimer's disease. Metal-catalyzed oxidation can mimic in vivo oxidation of amyloid beta because the metal ion binds to the amino acid residues at the site of oxidation, which then deliver reactive oxygen species to that site. Based on electrospray mass spectrometry, it has been suggested that metal-catalyzed oxidation occurs on histidines-13 and -14. Unfortunately, the amyloid beta peptides provide complex spectra, so it is difficult to definitively characterize the sites of oxidation. Trypsin digestion of both native and oxidized amyloid beta1-16 and amyloid beta1-40 resulted in the formation of tryptic peptides corresponding to amyloid beta6-16, which could be separated by liquid chromatography (LC). Sites of oxidation were then unequivocally characterized as histidine-13 and histidine-14 by LC/tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis of the tryptic peptides. The ability to analyze the specific amyloid beta6-16 tryptic fragments derived from full-length amyloid beta peptides will make it possible to determine whether oxidation in vivo occurs at specific histidine residues and/or at other amino acid residues such as methionine-35. Using methodology based on LC/MS/MS it will also be possible to analyze the relative amounts of oxidized peptides and native peptide in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Alzheimer's disease as biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Quantification of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide DNA-adducts by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants found in car exhausts, charbroiled food, and tobacco smoke. Three pathways for the metabolic activation of B[a]P to ultimate carcinogens have been proposed. The most widely accepted pathway involves cytochrome-P450 (CYP) 1A1- and/or 1B1-mediated formation of B[a]P-7,8-oxide, which undergoes epoxide hydrolase-mediated metabolism to the proximate carcinogen B[a]P-7,8-dihydro-7,8-diol. Further CYP1A1- and/or CYP1B1-mediated activation of the dihydrodiol results in the formation of 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (B[a]PDE), the ultimate carcinogen. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that (+)-anti-B[a]PDE was the most potent tumorigen of the CYP-derived B[a]PDE diastereomers. We have developed a stable isotope dilution, liquid chromatography multiple reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry (LC-MRM/MS) assay for all eight (+/-)-anti-B[a]PDE-derived dGuo and dAdo DNA-adducts. The LC-MRM/MS assay was rigorously validated and used to show that (+)-anti-trans-B[a]PDE-dGuo was the major adduct formed when naked DNA and human bronchoalveolar adenocarcinoma H358 cells were treated with (+/-)-anti-B[a]PDE. The preference for DNA-adducts derived from (+)-anti-B[a]PDE was even more apparent in cellular DNA. Thus, the increased potency of (+)-anti-B[a]PDE as a tumorigen is most likely due its ability to preferentially form DNA-adducts when compared with (-)-anti-B[a]PDE. Also, the adduct profile suggests that this occurs by binding of (+)-anti-B[a]PDE to DNA in a manner that facilitates covalent binding to dGuo rather than dAdo residues.

Adenosine↗

Analysis of phosphorylation sites on focal adhesion kinase using nanospray liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry.

An approach based on nanospray liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC/MRM-MS) was developed in order to analyze twenty-nine phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated tryptic peptides from focal adhesion kinase (FAK). All peptides monitored were resolved and showed excellent peak shape with the exception of one doubly phosphorylated peptide. Optimization of the LC method enabled the identification and subsequent monitoring of six important tyrosine phosphorylation sites on FAK, including phosphorylated Y397 (pY397), pY407, pY576, pY577, pY861, and pY925. This technique was able to identify sites of phosphorylation on FAK as well as qualitatively differentiate between autocatalytic and Src-induced phosphorylation events. FAK was shown to have autocatalytic function, which resulted in efficient phosphorylation of Y397. FAK was also capable of autophosphorylation on residues Y407 and Y576, though apparently less effectively than autophosphorylation at Y397. Src was found to phosphorylate FAK at Y407, Y576, Y577, and Y861. The presence of Src increased the abundance of pY576 at low temperature indicating Src had particularly high kinase activity toward this residue. Furthermore, Src phosphorylated FAK at Y577 to produce FAK bis-phosphorylated at Y576 and Y577. In addition, six novel sites of phosphorylation (Y148, Y347, Y441, T503, S850, and Y1007) were identified on FAK. Interestingly, Src phosphorylated FAK to form a peptide uniquely phosphorylated on Y407, together with substantial amounts of the bis-phosphorylated pY397pY407 peptide. These findings will impact significantly on future studies of FAK activity since pY397 is often used as a measure of FAK activity and Src association.

Binding Sites↗

Quantitative analysis of amyloid beta peptides in cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease patients by immunoaffinity purification and stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

The 40 and 42 amino-acid residue forms of amyloid beta (Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42)) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been proposed as potential biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Quantitative analyses of Abeta peptides in CSF have relied almost exclusively on the use of immunoassay-based assays such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. However, due to the ability of the Abeta peptides to readily self-aggregate or bind to other proteins and glassware, such analyses are extremely challenging. Analyses are further complicated by the potential of the peptides to undergo post-translational modifications and the possibilities for cross-reaction in the ELISA assays with endogenous components of the CSF. An approach based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) has now been developed which overcomes these methodological issues. The key steps in implementing this new approach involved immunoaffinity purification coupled with the use of [15N]-labeled Abeta peptides as internal standards, a basic LC mobile phase, negative ion electrospray ionization, and a basic solvent for dissolving the peptides and washing the injection needle to prevent carryover of analytes during multiple injections on the LC/MS system. The validated method had limits of quantitation of 44 fmol/mL (200 pg/mL) for Abeta(1-42) and 92 fmol/mL (400 pg/mL) for Abeta(1-40). An excellent correlation was found between the LC/MS/MS assay and an ELISA assay for Abeta(1-42) in human CSF (r2 = 0.915), although less correlation was observed for Abeta(1-40) (r2 = 0.644). Mean CSF Abeta(1-42) concentrations for samples collected 2 weeks apart from a limited number of AD patients provided additional confidence in the reproducibility of the LC/MS/MS assay. Concentrations for duplicate samples from AD patients were slightly higher than most previously reported values (mean 1.06 +/- 0.25 ng/mL; n = 7). Abeta(1-40) concentrations in duplicate samples obtained from AD patients were also reproducible but were found to be slightly lower than most previously reported values (mean 6.36 +/- 3.07 ng/mL; n = 7). Consistent with literature reports, mean Abeta(1-42) concentrations were found to be lower in AD patients compared with the normal subjects (mean 1.49 +/- 0.59 ng/mL; n = 7), whereas there was no difference in Abeta(1-40) concentrations between AD patients and normal subjects (mean 5.88 +/- 3.03 ng/mL; n = 7). The accuracy and precision of the LC/MS assay mean that it will be a useful complement to existing ELISA assays for monitoring therapeutic interventions designed to modulate CSF Abeta(1-42) concentrations in individual AD patients. Moreover, the introduction of stable isotope labeled internal standards offers the potential to achieve a more rigorous account of the influence of methodological effects related to sample collection and processing.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Convenient and efficient syntheses of 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal and 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal.

Lipid peroxidation products 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE) and 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal (ONE) were conveniently synthesized using Wittig and Horner-Wardsworth-Emmons (HWE) reaction. Wittig or HWE reaction between an easily prepared phosphorane or phosphonate with glyoxal dimethyl acetal gave a protected 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal. Hydrolysis gave 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal, whereas reduction followed by hydrolysis gave 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal.

Aldehydes↗

Proteomics-based strategy to identify biomarkers and pharmacological targets in leukemias with t(4;11) translocations.

Translocations and other aberrations involving the MLL (mixed lineage leukemia) gene result in aggressive forms of leukemias. Heterogeneity in partner genes, in chromosomal breakpoints, in MLL itself, and in the different partner genes results in heterogeneous fusion transcripts that can be alternatively spliced, which complicates deciphering a unifying mechanism of leukemogenesis. However, recent microarray studies completed with clinical leukemia specimens have uncovered several distinct mRNA signatures within MLL leukemia that differ from other types of leukemia. A global proteomics strategy using MV4-11 and RS4:11 cells in culture was employed to investigate possible protein signatures common to different MLL leukemias and to identify disease biomarkers and protein targets for pharmacological intervention. Initial proteomics screening experiments with two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis revealed heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90alpha) as a potential target for pharmacological inhibition and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (nm23) as a biomarker for measuring treatment efficacy. Using a modified stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) approach, coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS), changes in abundance for over 500 proteins were measured. In addition, decreased expression of the novel biomarker nm23 was observed during HSP90 inhibition with 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) in the MV4-11 cell line. The present study validates the use of a global proteomics strategy to uncover novel biomarkers and pharmacological targets for leukemias with MLL translocations. Additionally, several proteins were found to be expressed in concordance with microarray studies of mRNA expression in specimens from patients showing the value in comparing mRNA transcript and proteomic profiles. This work represents one of the most comprehensive proteomics screens of MLL leukemias that have been conducted to date.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Competing roles of aldo-keto reductase 1A1 and cytochrome P4501B1 in benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol activation in human bronchoalveolar H358 cells: role of AKRs in P4501B1 induction.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) requires metabolic activation to electrophiles to exert its deleterious effects. We compared the respective roles of aldo-keto reductase 1A1 (AKR1A1, aldehyde reductase) and P4501B1 in the formation of BP-7,8-dione and BP-tetrols, respectively, in intact bronchoalveolar cells manipulated to express either enzyme. Metabolite formation was confirmed by HPLC/MS and quantitatively measured by HPLC/UV/beta-RAM. In TCDD-treated H358 cells (P4501B1 expression), the anti-BPDE hydrolysis product BP-tetrol-1 increased over 3-12 h to a constant level. In H358 AKR1A1 transfectants, formation of BP-7,8-dione was elevated for 3-12 h but significantly decreased after 24 h. Interestingly, BP-tetrols were also detected in AKR1A1 transfectants even though they do not constitutively express P4501A1/P4501B1 enzymes. Northern and Western blotting confirmed the induction of P4501B1 by BP-7,8-dione in parental cells and the induction of P4501B1 by BP-7,8-diol in AKR1A1-transfected cells. P4501B1 induction was blocked in AKR1A1 transfectants by the AKR1A1 inhibitor (sulfonylnitromethane), the o-quinone scavenger (N-acetyl-l-cysteine), or the cytosolic AhR antagonist (diflubenzuron). Attenuation of P4501B1 induction in these cells was verified by measuring a decrease in BP-tetrol formation. Our studies show that the formation of BP-7,8-dione by AKR1A1 in human bronchoalveolar cells leads to an induction of P4501B1 and that a functional consequence of this induction is elevated anti-BPDE production as detected by increased BP-tetrol formation. Therefore, the role of AKR1A1 in the activation of BP-7,8-diol is bifunctional; that is, it directly activates BP-7,8-diol to the reactive and redox-active PAH o-quinone (BP-7,8-dione) and it indirectly trans-activates the P4501B1 gene by generating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand BP-7,8-dione.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Characterization of a lipid hydroperoxide-derived RNA adduct in rat intestinal epithelial cells.

Five major products (adducts A(1a), A(1b), A(2), A(3,) and B) from the reaction of guanosine (Guo) with 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal (ONE) were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis of these compounds suggested that modifications to the nucleoside had been introduced. Adducts A(1a), A(1b), A(2), and A(3) were heptanone-ethano-2'-Guo adducts that all decomposed to adduct B. Adducts A(1a) and A(1b) were isomeric hemi-ketal forms. Adducts A(2) and A(3) were diastereomers of the open chain ketone form. The structure of adduct B was shown by LC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy to be the heptanone-etheno-Guo (HepsilonGuo) adduct, 3-(D-erythropentafuranosyl)imidazo-7-(heptane-2' '-one)-9-hydroxyl[1,2-alpha]purine. The overall reaction of Guo with ONE was very similar to its reaction with 2'-deoxyguanosine. Reaction of ONE with yeast transfer RNA also resulted in the formation of HepsilonGuo. Finally, HepsilonGuo was detected and quantified in the RNA from rat intestinal epithelial cells that stably express cyclooxygenase-2. These data show that RNA is modified by the same bifunctional reactive electrophiles derived from lipid peroxidation that covalently modify DNA.

Animals↗

Translesion DNA Synthesis across the heptanone--etheno-2'-deoxycytidine adduct in cells.

4-Oxo-2(E)-nonenal, a lipid peroxidation-derived product, reacts with dG, dA, and dC in DNA to form heptanone (H)-etheno (epsilon) adducts. Among the three adducts, H-epsilondC is formed in the greatest abundance in in vitro reactions, and it has been detected in the C57BL/6JAPC(min) mouse model of colorectal cancer. To establish the genotoxic properties of this adduct, a site-specifically modified oligonucleotide was synthesized and incorporated into a shuttle vector. The modified vector was replicated in Escherichia coli and human cells. Analysis of the progeny plasmid has revealed that H-epsilondC strongly blocks DNA synthesis and markedly miscodes in both hosts. The miscoding frequency was 40-50% in bacteria and more than 90% in three human cell lines (xeroderma pigmentosum A and variant cells, and DNA repair wild-type cells). There was a drastic difference in coding events in these two hosts: dG and dC were almost exclusively inserted opposite the lesion in E. coli, while dA and dT were the preferential choices in human cells. These results indicate that this endogenous DNA adduct is very genotoxic to both organisms.

Cell Line↗

LC/ESI/MS analysis of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in rat intestinal epithelial cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can mediate damage to cellular macromolecules and lipids. Lipid peroxidation is considered to be a major pathway by which ROS can cause tissue damage and alterations in cell membranes. Other factors affecting oxidative damage include the target molecules such as fatty acids, which are readily oxidized by ROS. Thus, lipid peroxidation may depend upon the cellular fatty acid composition. Analysis of saturated fatty acids that are present by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is difficult because they are poorly ionized under electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions. The separation of short to very long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is also very challenging when LC is employed instead of gas chromatography. The use of trimethylaminoethyl (TMAE) ester iodide derivatization has been shown previously to improve the sensitivities of saturated fatty acids in the ESI mode. A reversed-phase LC method using a diphenyl column was employed to separate 14 fatty acids as their TMAE derivatives. Stable isotope dilution LC/ESI/multiple reaction monitoring/MS methodology was then developed for the quantitative analysis of seven saturated and seven unsaturated forms of short (C14) to very long (C26) chain fatty acids as their TMAE ester iodide derivatives. This methodology has allowed the analysis of fatty acid composition from parental rat intestinal epithelial cell and rat intestinal epithelial cells transfected with cyclooxygenase-2, a model system of oxidative stress.

Animals↗

Endogenous glutathione adducts.

This review provides an overview of the formation, pharmacology, and toxicology of endogenous glutathione (GSH)-adducts with particular emphasis on GSH-adducts that arise from lipid peroxidation. GSH is the major low-molecular-weight thiol in mammalian cells. It is involved in the formation of endogenous bioactive eicosanoids and is a source of reducing equivalents in a number of biosynthetic reactions. GSH has long been recognized to act as a co-factor in the reduction of reactive oxygen species and lipid hydroperoxides by glutathione peroxidases and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs). It also plays an important role in the reduction of reactive intermediates derived from arylamines and in the conjugation of reactive intermediates to form S-substituted endogenous GSH-adducts through its nucleophilic cysteine sulfhydryl group. Although some reactive intermediates can form adducts directly, GST-mediated reactions generally predominate. This results in the formation of bioactive endogenous GSH-adducts derived from eicosanoids, isoprostanes, estrogens, catecholamines, and 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE). Cellular oxidative stress causes increased lipid peroxidation with the concomitant formation of DNA- and protein-reactive bifunctional electrophiles. It has generally been considered that HNE is the most abundant bifunctional electrophile that is formed. Several years ago we discovered that 4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal (ONE) was also a major lipid hydroperoxide-derived bifunctional electrophile. From in vitro studies, we showed that ONE and HNE arose from the common intermediate, 4-hydroperoxy-2(E)-nonenal and also showed that ONE was formed in greater amounts than HNE. We have recently made the unexpected discovery that GSH addition to ONE leads to the formation of an unusual thiadiazabicyclo-ONE-GSH-adduct (TOG), which was characterized as (2S,7R) - 7 - [N - (carboxymethyl)carbamoyl] - 5 - oxo - 12 - pentyl - 9 - thia - 1,6 - diazabicyclo[8.2.1]trideca - 10(13), 11-diene-2-carboxylic acid. TOG is one of the most abundant GSH-adducts formed during peroxide/Fe(II)- or Fe(II)-mediated oxidative stress in EA.hy 926 endothelial cells. As TOG is formed from ONE, these experiments have confirmed that ONE is a major lipid hydroperoxide-derived bifunctional electrophile formed during intracellular oxidative stress. TOG represents the first member of a new class of endogenous GSH-adduct biomarkers that can be used to quantify intracellular oxidative stress. Two other members of the TOG family arise from GST-mediated GSH-adduct formation with dioxododecenoic acid and dioxooctenoic acid, bifunctional electrophiles derived from the carboxy terminus of lipid hydroperoxides. The formation of TOG and TOG-related endogenous GSH-adducts can result from free radical- as well as cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-mediated pathways. Analysis of the GSH-adducts by stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry-based methodology will provide a quantitative measure of enzymatic and non-enzymatic cellular oxidative stress to complement isoprostane measurements. In future studies, it will also be important to establish the biological activity of TOG and its analogs in view of the potent activity of many other endogenous GSH-adducts such as the leukotrienes.

Aldehydes↗

Characterization of an etoposide-glutathione conjugate derived from metabolic activation by human cytochrome p450.

Etoposide (VP-16), a DNA topoisomerase II poison widely used as an antineoplastic agent is also known to cause leukemia. One of its major metabolic pathways involves O-demethylation to etoposide catechol (etoposide-OH) by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). The catechol metabolite can undergo sequential one- and two-electron oxidations to form etoposide semi-quinone (etoposide-SQ) and etoposide quinone (etoposide-Q), respectively, which have both been implicated as cytotoxic metabolites. However, etoposide-Q is known to react with glutathione (GSH), which can protect DNA from oxidative damage by this reactive metabolite. In this study, etoposide-Q was reacted with GSH and the two etoposide-GSH conjugates were characterized. The major conjugate was etoposide-OH-6'-SG and the minor product was etoposide-OH-2'-SG. Etoposide-OH-6'-SG, which arose from Michael addition of GSH to etoposide-Q, was characterized by mass spectrometry and 2-D NMR. It was identified as the sole product from in vitro metabolism experiments using recombinant human CYP3A4 or liver microsomes incubated with etoposide in the presence of GSH. Etoposide-OH-6'-SG was also detected from incubations of etoposide-OH and GSH alone. Therefore, the presence of etoposide-OH, which can be formed from etoposide metabolism by CYP3A4, is essential for formation of the GSH conjugate. The oxidation of etoposide-OH to a quinone intermediate is likely the precursor in the formation of etoposide-OH-6'-SG.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗