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Reactive oxygen species contribute to the presynaptic action of extracellular ATP at the frog neuromuscular junction.

During normal cell metabolism the production of intracellular ATP is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which appear to be important signalling molecules. Both ATP and ROS can be released extracellularly by skeletal muscle during intense activity. Using voltage clamp recording combined with imaging and biochemical assay of ROS, we tested the hypothesis that at the neuromuscular junction extracellular ATP generates ROS to inhibit transmitter release from motor nerve endings. We found that ATP produced the presynaptic inhibitory action on multiquantal end-plate currents. The inhibitory action of ATP (but not that of adenosine) was significantly reduced by several antioxidants or extracellular catalase, which breaks down H2O2. Consistent with these data, the depressant effect of ATP was dramatically potentiated by the pro-oxidant Fe2+. Exogenous H2O2 reproduced the depressant effects of ATP and showed similar sensitivity to anti- and pro-oxidants. While NO also inhibited synaptic transmission, inhibitors of the NO-producing cascade did not prevent the depressant action of ATP. The ferrous oxidation in xylenol orange assay showed the increase of ROS production by ATP and 2-MeSADP but not by adenosine. Suramin, a non-selective antagonist of P2 receptors, and pertussis toxin prevented the action of ATP on ROS production. Likewise, imaging with the ROS-sensitive dye carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein revealed increased production of ROS in the muscle treated with ATP or ADP while UTP or adenosine had no effect. Thus, generation of ROS contributed to the ATP-mediated negative feedback mechanism controlling quantal secretion of ACh from the motor nerve endings.

Acetylcholine↗

Reactive oxygen species: metabolism, oxidative stress, and signal transduction.

Several reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously produced in plants as byproducts of aerobic metabolism. Depending on the nature of the ROS species, some are highly toxic and rapidly detoxified by various cellular enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms. Whereas plants are surfeited with mechanisms to combat increased ROS levels during abiotic stress conditions, in other circumstances plants appear to purposefully generate ROS as signaling molecules to control various processes including pathogen defense, programmed cell death, and stomatal behavior. This review describes the mechanisms of ROS generation and removal in plants during development and under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. New insights into the complexity and roles that ROS play in plants have come from genetic analyses of ROS detoxifying and signaling mutants. Considering recent ROS-induced genome-wide expression analyses, the possible functions and mechanisms for ROS sensing and signaling in plants are compared with those in animals and yeast.

Aerobiosis↗

NOX5 NAD(P)H oxidase regulates growth and apoptosis in DU 145 prostate cancer cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to play an important role in regulating growth and survival of prostate cancer. However, the sources for ROS production in prostate cancer cells have not been determined. We report that ROS are generated by intact American Type Culture Collection DU 145 cells and by their membranes through a mechanism blocked by NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors. ROS are critical for growth in these cells, because NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors and antioxidants blocked proliferation. Components of the human phagocyte NAD(P)H oxidase, p22phox and gp91phox, as well as the Ca2+ concentration-responsive gp91phox homolog NOX5 were demonstrated in DU 145 cells by RT-PCR and sequencing. Although the protein product for p22phox was not detectable, both gp91phox and NOX5 were identified throughout the cell by immunostaining and confocal microscopy and NOX5 immunostaining was enhanced in a perinuclear location, corresponding to enhanced ROS production adjacent to the nuclear membrane imaged by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate oxidation. The calcium ionophore ionomycin dramatically stimulated ferricytochrome c reduction in cell media, further supporting the importance of NOX5 for ROS production. Antisense oligonucleotides for NOX5 inhibited ROS production and cell proliferation in DU 145 cells. In contrast, antisense oligonucleotides to p22phox or gp91phox did not impair cell growth. Inhibition of ROS generation with antioxidants or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors increased apoptosis in cells. These results indicate that ROS generated by the newly described NOX5 oxidase are essential for prostate cancer growth, possibly by providing trophic intracellular oxidant tone that retards programmed cell death.

Antioxidants↗

PKC-delta-dependent activation of oxidative stress in adipocytes of obese and insulin-resistant mice: role for NADPH oxidase.

Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the causative factors contributing to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Previously, we showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is significantly increased in adipocytes from high-fat diet-induced obese and insulin-resistant mice (HF). ROS production was also associated with the increased activity of PKC-delta. In the present studies, we hypothesized that PKC-delta contributes to ROS generation and determined their intracellular source. NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) reduced ROS levels by 50% in HF adipocytes, and inhibitors of NO synthase (L-NAME, 1 mM), xanthine oxidase (allopurinol, 100 microM), AGE formation (aminoguanidine, 10 microM), or the mitochondrial uncoupler (FCCP, 10 microM) had no effect. Rottlerin, a selective PKC-delta inhibitor, suppressed ROS levels by approximately 50%. However, neither GO-6976 nor LY-333531, effective inhibitors toward conventional PKC or PKC-beta, respectively, significantly altered ROS levels in HF adipocytes. Subsequently, adenoviral-mediated expression of wild-type PKC-delta or its dominant negative mutant (DN-PKC-delta) in HF adipocytes resulted in either a twofold increase in ROS levels or their suppression by 20%, respectively. In addition, both ROS levels and PKC-delta activity were sharply reduced by glucose depletion. Taken together, these results suggest that PKC-delta is responsible for elevated intracellular ROS production in HF adipocytes, and this is mediated by high glucose and NADPH oxidase.

Adipocytes↗

Opening mitoKATP increases superoxide generation from complex I of the electron transport chain.

Opening the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)) increases levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes. This increase in ROS is necessary for cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the mechanism of mitoK(ATP)-dependent stimulation of ROS production is unknown. We examined ROS production in suspensions of isolated rat heart and liver mitochondria, using fluorescent probes that are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide. When mitochondria were treated with the K(ATP) channel openers diazoxide or cromakalim, their ROS production increased by 40-50%, and this effect was blocked by 5-hydroxydecanoate. ROS production exhibited a biphasic dependence on valinomycin concentration, with peak production occurring at valinomycin concentrations that catalyze about the same K(+) influx as K(ATP) channel openers. ROS production decreased with higher concentrations of valinomycin and with all concentrations of a classical protonophoretic uncoupler. Our studies show that the increase in ROS is due specifically to K(+) influx into the matrix and is mediated by the attendant matrix alkalinization. Myxothiazol stimulated mitoK(ATP)-dependent ROS production, whereas rotenone had no effect. This indicates that the superoxide originates in complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) of the electron transport chain.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Antioxidant pyruvate inhibits cardiac formation of reactive oxygen species through changes in redox state.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion is associated with bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals (O(2)(-).). Membrane-associated NADH oxidase (NADHox) activity is a hypothetical source of O(2)(-)., implying the NADH concentration-to-NAD(+) concentration ratio ([NADH]/[NAD(+)]) as a determinant of ROS. To test this hypothesis, cardiac NADHox and ROS formation were measured as influenced by pyruvate or L-lactate. Pre- and postischemic Langendorff guinea pig hearts were perfused at different pyruvate/L-lactate concentrations to alter cytosolic [NADH]/[NAD(+)]. NADHox and ROS were measured with the use of lucigenin chemiluminescence and electron spin resonance, respectively. In myocardial homogenates, pyruvate (0.05, 0.5 mM) and the NADHox blocker hydralazine markedly inhibited NADHox (16 +/- 2%, 58 +/- 9%). In postischemic hearts, pyruvate (0.1-5.0 mM) dose dependently inhibited ROS up to 80%. However, L-lactate (1.0-15.0 mM) stimulated both basal and postischemic ROS severalfold. Furthermore, L-lactate-induced basal ROS was dose dependently inhibited by pyruvate (0.1-5.0 mM) and not the xanthine oxidase inhibitor oxypurinol. Pyruvate did not inhibit ROS from xanthine oxidase. The data suggest a substantial influence of cytosolic NADH on cardiac O(2)(-). formation that can be inhibited by submillimolar pyruvate. Thus cytotoxicities due to cardiac ischemia-reperfusion ROS may be alleviated by redox reactants such as pyruvate.

Animals↗

Intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species in endothelial cells exposed to anoxia-reoxygenation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Extracellular H2O2 generation from bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (EC) is known to increase in response to anoxia-reoxygenation (A-R). To determine potential sources of intracellular ROS formation in EC in response to A-R, a fluorometric assay based on the oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin was used. Intracellular ROS production declined 40% during 6 h of anoxia (P < 0.05). After A-R, the rates of intracellular ROS formation increased to 148 +/- 9% (P < 0.001) that of normoxic EC (100 +/- 3%). In EC exposed to A-R, allopurinol and NG-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), inhibitors of xanthine oxidase (XO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), respectively, reduced intracellular ROS formation by 25 +/- 1% (P < 0.001) and 36 +/- 4% (P < 0.01). Furthermore, at low doses (i.e., 20 microM), deferoxamine and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) significantly inhibited intracellular ROS formation. However, at 100 microM, only deferoxamine caused further reduction in DCF fluorescence. In summary, EC respond to A-R by generating increased amounts of XO- and NOS-derived intracellular ROS. The inhibition, to a similar extent, caused by allopurinol and L-NMMA, as well as the effect of deferoxamine and DTPA suggest that the ROS detected is peroxynitrite. Based on these findings and previous work, we conclude that EC generate ROS in response to A-R from at least two different sources: a plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidase-like enzyme that releases H2O2 extracellularly and XO, which generates intracellular O2-, which in turn may react with nitric oxide to form peroxynitrite.

Animals↗

Farnesyltransferase inhibitors induce DNA damage via reactive oxygen species in human cancer cells.

Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) possess antitumor activity. Based on recent findings, we hypothesized that FTIs induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA, leading to DNA damage responses. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of FTIs on the generation of ROS, DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), DNA damage responses, and RhoB, and the effects of quenching ROS on these FTI effects. We evaluated four FTIs in human cancer cell lines of different tissue origins. We found that FTIs induced ROS and DSBs. Suppressing expression of the beta-subunit of farnesyltransferase with siRNA did not induce ROS, but slightly attenuated the ROS induced by FTIs. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), but not caspase inhibitors, blocked FTI-induced DSBs, suggesting that the DSBs were caused by ROS and did not result from apoptosis. The DSBs led to DNA damage responses. H2AX became phosphorylated and formed nuclear foci. The DNA-damage-sensing molecules involved were probably ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) but not ATM- and Rad3-related protein (ATR). Key components of the homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining repair pathways (DNA-PK, BRCA1, and NBS1) underwent phosphorylation and formed nuclear foci. RhoB, a mediator of the antineoplastic effect of FTIs and a protein inducible by DNA damage, was increased by FTIs. This increase was blocked by NAC. We concluded that FTIs induced oxidative DNA damage by inducing ROS and initiated DNA damage responses, including RhoB induction, and there was a complex relationship among FTIs, farnesyltransferase, ROS, and RhoB. Our data also imply that inhibitors of DNA repair may accentuate the clinical efficacy of FTIs.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Early elevation of cochlear reactive oxygen species following noise exposure.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in a growing number of neurological disease states, from acute traumatic injury to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Considerable evidence suggests that ROS also mediate ototoxicant- and noise-induced cochlear injury, although most of this evidence is indirect. To obtain real-time assessment of noise-induced cochlear ROS production in vivo, we adapted a technique which uses the oxidation of salicylate to 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid as a probe for the generation of hydroxyl radical. In a companion paper we described the development and characterization of this method in cochlear ischemia-reperfusion. In the present paper we use this method to demonstrate early elevations in ROS production following acute noise exposure. C57BL/6J mice were exposed for 1 h to intense broad-band noise sufficient to cause permanent threshold shift (PTS), as verified by auditory brainstem responses. Comparison of noise-exposed animals with unexposed controls indicated that ROS levels increase nearly 4-fold in the period 1-2 h following exposure and do not decline over that time. Our ROS measures extend previous results indicating that noise-induced PTS is associated with elevated cochlear ROS production and ROS-mediated injury. Persistent cochlear ROS elevation following noise exposure suggests a sustained process of oxidative stress which might be amenable to intervention with chronic antioxidant therapy.

Animals↗

Nitric oxide as a second messenger in phagocytosis by cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PURPOSE: To investigate a possible role of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signal transduction system in phagocytosis of rod outer segments (ROS) by cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. METHODS: Primary cultures of RPE cells from 10-day-old Brown Norway rats were used to study the phagocytosis of ROS by these cells. Phagocytosis of ROS was evaluated with or without an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and the reverse effects of L-NNA by L-arginine and 8-bromo-cGMP on phagocytosis were also studied. NO-associated cGMP production by RPE cells was monitored during phagocytosis using L-NNA. NOS activity was assayed in RPE cells and ROS to locate the source of NO. RESULTS: Phagocytosis of ROS was inhibited by L-NNA but not by D-NNA. L-NNA inhibited the ingestion in a dose-dependent manner, but not the binding of ROS. The inhibition was reversed by L-arginine and also by an NO donor, SIN-1. RPE cells challenged with ROS showed increased cGMP activity, which was significantly reduced by L-NNA and again restored by an overdose of L-arginine. NOS activity was found in RPE cells but not in ROS. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that cGMP plays a role in the ingestion phase of ROS phagocytosis by RPE cells via a cGMP second-messenger system.

Animals↗

Tetrahydrobiopterin, but not L-arginine, decreases NO synthase uncoupling in cells expressing high levels of endothelial NO synthase.

Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) produces superoxide when depleted of (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (BH4) and L-arginine by uncoupling the electron flow from NO production. High expression of eNOS has been reported to have beneficial effects in atherosclerotic arteries after relatively short periods of time. However, sustained high expression of eNOS may have disadvantageous vascular effects because of uncoupling. We investigated NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a microvascular endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) with sustained high eNOS expression and absent inducible NOS and neuronal NOS expression using 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate and diacetyldichlorofluorescein as probes, respectively. Unstimulated cells produced both NO and ROS. After stimulation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), NO and ROS production increased. VEGF-induced ROS production was even further increased by the addition of extra L-arginine. Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester decreased ROS production. These findings strongly suggest that eNOS is a source of ROS in these cells. Although BH4 levels were increased as compared with another endothelial cell line, eNOS levels were >2 orders of magnitude higher. The addition of BH4 resulted in increased NO production and decreased generation of ROS, indicating that bEnd.3 cells produce ROS through eNOS uncoupling because of relative BH4 deficiency. Nevertheless, eNOS-dependent ROS production was not completely abolished by the addition of BH4, suggesting intrinsic superoxide production by eNOS. This study indicates that potentially beneficial sustained increases in eNOS expression and activity could lead to eNOS uncoupling and superoxide production as a consequence. Therefore, sustained increases of eNOS or VEGF activity should be accompanied by concomitant supplementation of BH4.

Antioxidants↗

Rapid reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria in endothelial cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor-alpha is mediated by ceramide.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in tumor cells and hepatocytes. However, whether TNF-alpha stimulates mitochondrial ROS production in endothelial cells (EC) has not yet been reported. We studied the effect of TNF-alpha on mitochondrial ROS generation in EC and the signaling pathways involved. Cultured human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) were studied by fluorescence microscopy, using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a marker of ROS production and propidium iodide uptake for cell viability. TNF-alpha increased DCFH oxidation in HUVEC dose-dependently. To determine the source of ROS, the mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors rotenone + thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), which inhibit electron entry to ubiquinone, and antimycin A (AA), a blocker of ubisemiquinone, were used. Rotenone and TTFA inhibited (n = 7, P < 0.05), whereas AA increased (118% in 3 min; n = 4, P < 0.01) ROS generation in HUVEC. In contrast, ROS production was not abolished by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, by the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, nor by the nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase pathway inhibitors N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine and mefenamic acid. In addition, TNF-alpha-induced ROS production was inhibited by the acidic sphingomyelinase inhibitor desipramine (5 microM; -80%, n = 4, P < 0.01) and totally blocked by the ceramide-activated protein kinase (CAPK) inhibitor dimethylaminopurine (1 mM; n = 6, P < 0.05). Thus, TNF-alpha induces mitochondrial ROS production in HUVEC that primarily occurs at the ubisemiquinone site and is mediated by ceramide-dependent signaling pathways involving CAPK.

Ceramides↗

Reactive oxygen species: toxic molecules or spark of life?

Increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tissue evidence of oxidative injury are common in patients with inflammatory processes or tissue injury. This has led to many clinical attempts to scavenge ROS and reduce oxidative injury. However, we live in an oxygen rich environment and ROS and their chemical reactions are part of the basic chemical processes of normal metabolism. Accordingly, organisms have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to control these reactive molecules. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that ROS also play a role in the regulation of many intracellular signaling pathways that are important for normal cell growth and inflammatory responses that are essential for host defense. Thus, simply trying to scavenge ROS is likely not possible and potentially harmful. The 'normal' level of ROS will also likely vary in different tissues and even in different parts of cells. In this paper, the terminology and basic chemistry of reactive species are reviewed. Examples and mechanisms of tissue injury by ROS as well as their positive role as signaling molecules are discussed. Hopefully, a better understanding of the nature of ROS will lead to better planned therapeutic attempts to manipulate the concentrations of these important molecules. We need to regulate ROS, not eradicate them.

Animals↗

Visualization of SHP-1-target interaction.

Signaling of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is regulated by protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). We previously discovered the efficient downregulation of Ros RTK signaling by the SH2 domain PTP SHP-1, which involves a direct interaction of both molecules. Here, we studied the mechanism of this interaction in detail. Phosphopeptides representing the SHP-1 candidate binding sites in the Ros cytoplasmic domain, pY2267 and pY2327, display high affinity binding to the SHP-1 N-terminal SH2 domain (Kd=217 nM and 171 nM, respectively). Y2327 is, however, a poor substrate of Ros kinase and, therefore, contributes little to SHP-1 binding in vitro. To explore the mechanism of association in intact cells, functional fluorescent fusion proteins of Ros and SHP-1 were generated. Complexes of both molecules could be detected by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in intact HEK293 and COS7 cells. As expected, the association required the functional SHP-1 N-terminal SH2 domain. Unexpectedly, pY2267 and pY2327 both contributed to the association. Mutation of Y2327 reduced constitutive association in COS7 cells. Ligand-dependent association was abrogated upon mutation of Y2267 but remained intact when Y2327 was mutated. A phosphopeptide representing the binding site pY2267 was a poor substrate for SHP-1, whereas Ros activation loop phosphotyrosines were effectively dephosphorylated. We propose a model for SHP-1-Ros interaction in which ligand-stimulated phosphorylation of Ros Y2267 by Ros, phosphorylation of Y2327 by a heterologous kinase, and inactivation of Ros by SHP-1-mediated dephosphorylation play a role in the regulation of complex stability.

Animals↗

Manipulation of redox signaling in mammalian cells enabled by controlled photogeneration of reactive oxygen species.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) comprise a group of noxious byproducts of oxidative processes which participate in the induction of many common diseases. However, understanding their role in the regulation of normal physiological redox signaling is currently evolving. Detailed study of the dynamic functions of ROS within the biological milieu is difficult because of their high chemical reactivity, short lifetime, minute concentrations and cytotoxicity at high concentrations. In this study, we show that increasing intracellular ROS levels, set off by controlled in situ photogeneration of a nontoxic bacteriochlorophyll-based sensitizer initiate responses in cultured melanoma cells. Using hydroethidine as detector, we determined light-dependent generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in cell-free and cell culture models. Monitoring the ROS-induced responses revealed individual and differential behavior of protein kinases [p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Akt] as well as effects on the subcellular distribution of phosphorylated p38. Furthermore, alterations in morphology and motility and effects on cell viability as a function of time and photosensitizer doses were observed. Following mild ROS challenge, enzymatic and cellular changes were observed in the majority of the cells, without inducing extensive cell death. However, upon vigorous ROS challenge, a similar profile of the overall responses was observed, terminating in cell death. This study shows that precisely controlled photogeneration of ROS can provide simple, fine-tuned, noninvasive manipulation of ROS-sensitive cellular responses ranging from individual enzymes to gross behavior of target cells. The observations made with this tool enable a dynamic and causal correlation, presenting a new alternative for studying the role of ROS in cellular redox signaling.

Animals↗

Enhancing effect of the endocrine disruptor para-nonylphenol on the generation of reactive oxygen species in human blood neutrophils.

Although para-nonylphenol (NP) is known as an endocrine disruptor, the immunologic effect of NP has been poorly analyzed. We found that NP from 5 to 50 microM caused a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human blood neutrophils, which was measured by using a chemiluminescence reagent, luminol. Furthermore, ROS-scavenging enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase and antioxidative agents alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene showed strong preventive effects on NP-induced ROS generation. To analyze the biochemical mechanism of NP-induced ROS generation in human neutrophils, we investigated the effects of different types of metabolic inhibitor for the activation pathways of ROS generation in the cells. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent oxidase inhibitor, diphenyl iodonium chloride and the myeloperoxidase inhibitor sodium azide (NaN3) showed remarkable inhibitory effects on ROS generation induced by NP, but an inhibitor against mitochondrial respiratory function, potassium cyanide (KCN), did not exhibit significant effect. Furthermore, the phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3) kinase inhibitor wortmannin and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor protein phosphorylation inhibitor 1 (PP1) caused strong suppression against NP-induced ROS generation. The selective protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-32-0432, p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB 203580, and ERK MAP kinase inhibitor PD 98059 also showed significant suppressive effects on NP-induced ROS generation. These results suggest that NP causes an enhancing effect on ROS generation in human blood neutrophils through the activation of signal transduction pathways associated with the respiratory burst function in these cells. Additionally, to examine in vivo effects of NP, we also analyzed the effects of NP itself and the synergistic effects of NP and a typical inflammatory agent, opsonized zymosan, on human whole blood including neutrophils.

Endocrine System↗

Effects of ethanol and hydrogen peroxide on mouse limb bud mesenchyme differentiation and cell death.

Many of the morphological defects associated with embryonic alcohol exposure are a result of cell death. During limb development, ethanol administration produces cell death in the limb and digital defects, including postaxial ectrodactyly. Because an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is produced in adult and embryonic tissues by ethanol exposure, this investigation examines the possibility that ethanol-induced cell death in the limb is a result of ROS. Using an in vitro primary culture of limb mesenchyme, the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ethanol on cell death and differentiation were examined. In addition, a dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay was performed to determine the relative intracellular ROS levels after exposure to several concentrations of ethanol and H2O2. Exposure of 1 to 100 microM H2O2 resulted in a 1.08-1.21 times control increase in cartilage matrix accumulation. Cell death was increased 1.69-2.76 times the untreated control value. Production of ROS ranged from 1.25-1.51 times untreated controls. Ethanol exposure of 0.25 to 1.00% (v/v) did not affect cartilage matrix accumulation but resulted in an increase of cell death (1.45-2.31 times untreated control). Intracellular ROS levels after ethanol exposure increased 1.08-1.15 times control but were lower than that produced by 1 microM H2O2. On the basis of the correlation between ROS level produced by H2O2, it was concluded that ethanol-induced cell death in limb mesenchyme is a result of a non-ROS-mediated mechanism. Therefore, in addition to ethanol-induced cell death mediated by ROS reported in the literature, ethanol-induced cell death can be induced in limb mesenchyme by mechanisms that are not dependent upon ROS.

Animals↗

De novo demonstration and co-localization of free-radical production and apoptosis formation in rat kidney subjected to ischemia/reperfusion.

Ischemia-induced oxidative damage to the reperfused kidney was examined. A modified chemiluminescence method, an in situ nitro blue tetrazolium perfusion technique, and a DNA fragmentation/apoptosis-related protein assay were adapted for demonstration de novo and co-localization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis formation in rat kidneys subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results showed that prolonged ischemia potentiated proapoptotic mechanisms, including increases in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, CPP32 expression, and poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase fragments, and subsequently resulted in severe apoptosis, including increases in DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell number in renal proximal tubules (PT) and distal tubules (DT) in a time-dependent manner. The increased level of ROS detected on the renal surface was correlated with that in blood and was intensified by a prolonged interval of ischemia. The main source of ROS synthesis was the PT epithelial cells. The ROS and apoptotic nuclei detected in the PT cells can be ameliorated by superoxide dismutase (SOD) treatment before reperfusion. However, the apoptotic nuclei remained in DT in the SOD-treated rats, indicating that formation of apoptosis in DT was not influenced by the small amounts of ROS produced. In PT and DT cell cultures, significant increases in apoptotic cells and ROS were evident in PT cells after hypoxia/reoxygenation insult. Furthermore, the oxidative damage in PT, but not in DT, can be alleviated by ROS scavengers SOD and hexa(sulfobutyl)fullerene, confirming that PT are vulnerable to ROS. These results lead us to conclude that ROS produced in significant amounts in PT epithelium under ischemia/reperfusion or hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions may be responsible for the apoptotic death of these cells.

Animals↗