Vibration detection and discrimination in the masked birch caterpillar (Drepana arcuata)

Leaf-borne vibrations are potentially important to caterpillars for communication and risk assessment. Yet, little is known about the vibratory environment of caterpillars, or how they detect and discriminate between vibrations from relevant and non-relevant sources. We measured the vibratory ‘landscape’ of the territorial masked birch caterpillar Drepana arcuata (Drepanidae), and assessed its ability to detect and respond to vibrations generated by conspecific and predatory intruders, wind and rain. Residents of leaf shelters were shown to respond to low amplitude vibrations generated by a crawling conspecific intruder, since removal of the vibrations through leaf incision prevented the resident’s response. Residents did not respond to large amplitude, low frequency disturbances caused by wind and rain alone, but did respond to approaching conspecifics under windy conditions, indicating an ability to discriminate between these sources. Residents also responded differently in the presence of vibrations generated by approaching predators (Podisus) and conspecifics. An analysis of vibration characteristics suggests that despite significant overlap between vibrations from different sources, there are differences in frequency and amplitude characteristics that caterpillars may use to discriminate between sources. Caterpillars live in a vibration-rich environment that we argue forms a prominent part of the sensory world of substrate bound holometabolous larvae.

Positive correlation between circulating cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (hCAP18/LL-37) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in healthy adults

Background

Transcription of the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene is induced by binding of the bioactive form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, to the vitamin D receptor. Significant levels of the protein hCAP18/LL-37 are found in the blood and may protect against infection and/or sepsis. We hypothesized that serum vitamin D levels may modulate the circulating levels of hCAP18. Only three studies have shown a positive correlation between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and hCAP18 levels. Here we provide additional evidence for such a correlation in healthy, middle-aged adults.

Findings

Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and plasma levels of hCAP18 were determined in 19 healthy middle-aged (mean of 50.1 years) adult men and women. Plasma hCAP18 concentrations correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations in subjects with 25(OH)D levels ≤ 32 ng/ml (r = 0.81, p < 0.005) but not in subjects with concentrations > 32 ng/ml (r = 0.19, p = 0.63).

Conclusions

We conclude that plasma hCAP18 levels correlate with serum 25(OH)D levels in subjects with concentrations of 25(OH)D ≤ 32 ng/ml as opposed to those with concentrations > 32 ng/ml and that vitamin D status may regulate systemic levels of hCAP18/LL-37.

Authors' perspective: What is the optimum intake of vitamin C in humans?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C has traditionally been based on the prevention of the vitamin C deficiency disease, scurvy. While higher intakes of vitamin C may exert additional health benefits, the limited Phase III randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of vitamin C supplementation have not found consistent benefit with respect to chronic disease prevention. To date, this has precluded upward adjustments of the current RDA. Here we argue that Phase III RCTs-designed principally to test the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs-are ill suited to assess the health benefits of essential nutrients; and the currently available scientific evidence is sufficient to determine the optimum intake of vitamin C in humans. This evidence establishes biological plausibility and mechanisms of action for vitamin C in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer; and is buttressed by consistent data from prospective cohort studies based on blood analysis or dietary intake and well-designed Phase II RCTs. These RCTs show that vitamin C supplementation lowers hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and Helicobacter pylori infection, which are independent risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Furthermore, vitamin C acts as a biological antioxidant that can lower elevated levels of oxidative stress, which also may contribute to chronic disease prevention. Based on the combined evidence from human metabolic, pharmacokinetic, and observational studies and Phase II RCTs, we conclude that 200 mg per day is the optimum dietary intake of vitamin C for the majority of the adult population to maximize the vitamin's potential health benefits with the least risk of inadequacy or adverse health effects.

Grape seed and tea extracts and catechin 3-gallates are potent inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of plant-based extracts (grape seed, green tea, and white tea) and their constituent flavan-3-ol monomers (catechins) on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, two key glucosidases required for starch digestion in humans. To evaluate the relative potency of extracts and catechins, their concentrations required for 50 and 90% inhibition of enzyme activity were determined and compared to the widely used pharmacological glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose. Maximum enzyme inhibition was used to assess relative inhibitory efficacy. Results showed that grape seed extract strongly inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, with equal and much higher potency, respectively, than acarbose. Whereas tea extracts and catechin 3-gallates were less effective inhibitors of α-amylase, they were potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase. Nongallated catechins were ineffective. The data show that plant extracts containing catechin 3-gallates, in particular epigallocatechin gallate, are potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase activity and suggest that procyanidins in grape seed extract strongly inhibit α-amylase activity.

Copper chelation by tetrathiomolybdate inhibits vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Endothelial activation, which is characterized by upregulation of cellular adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, and consequent monocyte recruitment to the arterial intima are etiologic factors in atherosclerosis. Redox-active transition metal ions, such as copper and iron, may play an important role in endothelial activation by stimulating redox-sensitive cell signaling pathways. We have shown previously that copper chelation by tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) inhibits LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo. Here, we investigated whether TTM can inhibit atherosclerotic lesion development in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice. We found that 10-week treatment of apoE-/- mice with TTM (33-66 ppm in the diet) reduced serum levels of the copper-containing protein, ceruloplasmin, by 47%, and serum iron by 26%. Tissue levels of "bioavailable" copper, assessed by the copper-to-molybdenum ratio, decreased by 80% in aorta and heart, whereas iron levels of these tissues were not affected by TTM treatment. Furthermore, TTM significantly attenuated atherosclerotic lesion development in whole aorta by 25% and descending aorta by 45% compared to non-TTM treated apoE-/- mice. This anti-atherogenic effect of TTM was accompanied by several anti-inflammatory effects, i.e., significantly decreased serum levels of soluble vascular cell and intercellular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1); reduced aortic gene expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines; and significantly less aortic accumulation of M1 type macrophages. In contrast, serum levels of oxidized LDL were not reduced by TTM. These data indicate that TTM inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice by reducing bioavailable copper and vascular inflammation, not by altering iron homeostasis or reducing oxidative stress.

Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging

OBJECTIVE

To examine the cross-sectional relationship between nutrient status and psychometric and imaging indices of brain health in dementia-free elders.

METHODS

Thirty plasma biomarkers of diet were assayed in the Oregon Brain Aging Study cohort (n = 104). Principal component analysis constructed nutrient biomarker patterns (NBPs) and regression models assessed the relationship of these with cognitive and MRI outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean age was 87 ± 10 years and 62% of subjects were female. Two NBPs associated with more favorable cognitive and MRI measures: one high in plasma vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, folate, and B12), C, D, and E, and another high in plasma marine ω-3 fatty acids. A third pattern characterized by high trans fat was associated with less favorable cognitive function and less total cerebral brain volume. Depression attenuated the relationship between the marine ω-3 pattern and white matter hyperintensity volume.

CONCLUSION

Distinct nutrient biomarker patterns detected in plasma are interpretable and account for a significant degree of variance in both cognitive function and brain volume. Objective and multivariate approaches to the study of nutrition in brain health warrant further study. These findings should be confirmed in a separate population.

R-α-lipoic acid does not reverse hepatic inflammation of aging, but lowers lipid anabolism, while accentuating circadian rhythm transcript profiles

To determine the effects of age and lipoic acid supplementation on hepatic gene expression, we fed young (3 mo) and old (24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats a diet with or without 0.2% (wt/wt) R-α-lipoic acid (LA) for 2 wk. Total RNA isolated from liver tissue was analyzed by Affymetrix microarray to examine changes in transcriptional profiles. Results showed elevated proinflammatory gene expression in the aging liver and evidence for increased immune cell activation and tissue remodeling, together representing 45% of the age-related transcriptome changes. In addition, age-related increases in transcripts of genes related to fatty acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol synthesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase-β (Acacb) and fatty acid synthase (Fasn), were observed. Supplementation of old animals with LA did not reverse the necroinflammatory phenotype but, intriguingly, altered the expression of genes governing circadian rhythm. Most notably, Arntl, Npas2, and Per changed in a coordinated manner with respect to rhythmic transcription. LA further caused a decrease in transcripts of several bile acid and lipid synthesis genes, including Acacb and Fasn, which are regulated by first-order clock transcription factors. Similar effects of LA supplementation on bile acid and lipid synthesis genes were observed in young animals. Transcript changes of lipid metabolism genes were corroborated by a decrease in FASN and ACC protein levels. We conclude that advanced age is associated with a necroinflammatory phenotype and increased lipid synthesis, while chronic LA supplementation influences hepatic genes associated with lipid and energy metabolism and circadian rhythm, regardless of age.

Metabolic conversion of dietary flavonoids alters their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

The notion that dietary flavonoids exert beneficial health effects in humans is often based on in vitro studies using the glycoside or aglycone forms of these flavonoids. However, flavonoids are extensively metabolized in humans, resulting in the formation of glucuronide, methyl, and sulfate derivatives, which may have different properties than their parent compounds. The goal of this study was to investigate whether different chemical modifications of the same flavonoid molecule affect its biological and antioxidant activities. Hence, we studied the anti-inflammatory effects of several major human metabolites of quercetin and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) by assessing their inhibitory effects on tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced protein expression of cellular adhesion molecules in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). HAEC were incubated with 1-30 μM quercetin, 3'- or 4'-O-methyl-quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and quercetin-3'-O-sulfate or 20-100 μM EGCG, 4''-O-methyl-EGCG, and 4',4''-di-O-methyl-EGCG, prior to coincubation with 100 U/ml of TNFα. 3'-O-Methyl-quercetin, 4'-O-methyl-quercetin, and their parent aglycone compound, quercetin, all effectively inhibited expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) with IC(50) values (concentration required for 50% inhibition) of 8.0, 5.0, and 4.4 μM, respectively; E-selectin expression was suppressed to a somewhat lesser but still significant degree by all three compounds, whereas vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was not affected. In contrast, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide (20-100 μM), quercetin-3'-O-sulfate (10-30 μM), and phenolic acid metabolites of quercetin (20-100 μM) did not inhibit adhesion molecule expression. 4',4''-Di-O-methyl-EGCG selectively inhibited ICAM-1 expression with an IC(50) value of 94 μM, whereas EGCG (20-60 μM) and 4''-O-methyl-EGCG (20-100 μM) had no effect. The inhibitory effects of 3'-O-methyl-quercetin and 4',4''-di-O-methyl-EGCG on adhesion molecule expression were not related either to inhibition of NF-κB activation or to their antioxidant reducing capacity. Our data indicate that flavonoid metabolites have different biological and antioxidant properties than their parent compounds, and suggest that data from in vitro studies using nonmetabolites of flavonoids are of limited relevance in vivo.

Copper chelation by tetrathiomolybdate inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in vivo

Redox-active transition metal ions, such as iron and copper, may play an important role in vascular inflammation, which is an etiologic factor in atherosclerotic vascular diseases. In this study, we investigated whether tetrathiomolybdate (TTM), a highly specific copper chelator, can act as an anti-inflammatory agent, preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in vivo. Female C57BL/6N mice were daily gavaged with TTM (30 mg/kg body wt) or vehicle control. After 3 wk, animals were injected intraperitoneally with 50 μg LPS or saline buffer and killed 3 h later. Treatment with TTM reduced serum ceruloplasmin activity by 43%, a surrogate marker of bioavailable copper, in the absence of detectable hepatotoxicity. The concentrations of both copper and molybdenum increased in various tissues, whereas the copper-to-molybdenum ratio decreased, consistent with reduced copper bioavailability. TTM treatment did not have a significant effect on superoxide dismutase activity in heart and liver. Furthermore, TTM significantly inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory gene transcription in aorta and heart, including vascular and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, respectively), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (ANOVA, P < 0.05); consistently, protein levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 in heart were also significantly lower in TTM-treated animals. Similar inhibitory effects of TTM were observed on activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in heart and lungs. Finally, TTM significantly inhibited LPS-induced increases of serum levels of soluble ICAM-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α (ANOVA, P < 0.05). These data indicate that copper chelation with TTM inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses in aorta and other tissues of mice, most likely by inhibiting activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors, NF-κB and AP-1. Therefore, copper appears to play an important role in vascular inflammation, and TTM may have value as an anti-inflammatory or anti-atherogenic agent.

Genetic ablation of phagocytic NADPH oxidase in mice limits TNFα-induced inflammation in the lungs but not other tissues

In vitro and limited in vivo evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species derived from NADPH oxidases (NOX-ROS) play an important role in inflammatory responses by enhancing the activity of redox-sensitive cell signaling pathways and transcription factors. Here, we investigated the role of NOX-ROS in TNFα-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo, using mice deficient in the gp91(phox) (NOX2) or p47(phox) subunits of NADPH oxidase. Age- and body weight-matched C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and gp91(phox) or p47(phox) knockout mice were injected intraperitoneally with 50 μg TNFα/kg bw or saline vehicle control and sacrificed at various time points up to 24 h. Compared to WT mice, gp91(phox -/-) mice exhibited significantly diminished (P<0.05) TNFα-induced acute inflammatory responses in the lungs but not other tissues, including heart, liver, and kidney, as evidenced by decreased activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB, and decreased gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNFα, E-selectin, and other cellular adhesion molecules. Similar results were observed in p47(phox -/-) mice. Interestingly, decreased lung inflammation in knockout mice was accompanied by increased leukocyte infiltration into the lungs compared to other tissues. Our data suggest that phagocytic NOX-ROS signaling plays a critical role in promoting TNFα-induced, NF-κB-dependent acute inflammatory responses and tissue injury specifically in the lungs, which is effected by preferential leukocyte infiltration.

Vascular oxidative stress and inflammation increase with age: ameliorating effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation

Increased oxidative stress and inflammation causally contribute to cardiovascular diseases, for which advanced age is a major risk factor. We found that indicators of oxidative stress, including NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide levels, were significantly increased in aortas of old (22-24 months) versus young (3-4 months) male F344 rats, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased. Aortic mRNA and protein levels of NOX4, the principal catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase in vascular cells, also were increased with age, but not NOX2 and p22(phox). Indicators of inflammation, including activation of NFkappaB and upregulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in aorta, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in plasma, also were significantly increased in old rats. Supplementation with 0.2% (wt/wt) (R)-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) for 2 weeks caused a nonsignificant decrease in NADPH oxidase activity in aged aorta and a significant decrease in mRNA--but not protein--levels of NOX4 and VCAM-1. Furthermore, LA reversed the age-dependent changes in aortic SOD activity and plasma MCP-1 levels. Hence, vascular oxidative stress and inflammation increase with age and are ameliorated by LA supplementation.

Uric acid as a CNS antioxidant

Oxidative damage is a consistent finding in a number of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Uric acid (UA) is a potent hydrophilic antioxidant that is modified by diet and drug. Several lines of evidence suggest that plasma UA may modulate outcomes in neurologic disease, but little attention has been paid to CNS levels of UA. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) UA is determined by plasma UA, modified by blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and associated with rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Also, since UA and ascorbic acid may act as antioxidants for one another, we also explored a potential interaction between them in the brain. Thirty-two patients with mild to moderate AD (Mini-Mental Status Exam 19 +/- 5) participated in a longitudinal biomarker study for one year involving standardized clinical assessments. CSF and blood were collected at baseline for UA, ascorbic acid, and albumin. Cognitive measures were collected at baseline and again one year later. CSF UA was independent of age, gender, and AD severity. CSF and plasma UA were positively correlated (r=0.669, p=0.001) and BBB impairment was associated with higher CSF levels of UA (p=0.028). Neither plasma nor CSF UA reached significant association with rates of cognitive decline over 1 year. CSF UA and CSF ascorbic acid were positively correlated (r=0.388, p=0.001). The hypothesis that CSF UA is determined by plasma UA and BBB integrity is supported, as is the hypothesis that UA and ascorbic acid are associated in CSF but not plasma. Adequately powered prospective studies would help assess any role for UA in primary and secondary prevention of AD.

The iron chelator, desferrioxamine, reduces inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development in experimental mice

Vascular inflammation and monocyte recruitment are initiating events in atherosclerosis that have been suggested to be caused, in part, by iron-mediated oxidative stress and shifts in the intracellular redox environment of vascular cells. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the intracellular iron chelator, desferrioxamine (DFO), reduces inflammation and atherosclerosis in experimental mice. Treatment of C57BL/6J mice with DFO (daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg body weight for two weeks) strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced increases of soluble cellular adhesion molecules and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the serum and activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1, in the aorta. Furthermore, treatment of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice with DFO (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, daily for 10 weeks) attenuated aortic atherosclerotic lesion development by 26% (P < 0.05). DFO treatment of apoE-/- mice also lowered serum levels of MCP-1 and gene expression of proinflammatory and macrophage markers in the aorta and heart, in parallel with increased protein expression of the transferrin receptor in the heart and liver. In contrast, DFO treatment had no effect on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These data show that DFO inhibits inflammation and atherosclerosis in experimental mice, providing the proof-of-concept for an important role of iron in atherogenesis. Whether eliminating excess iron is a useful adjunct for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis in humans remains to be investigated.

Protection by tropolones against H2O2-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in cultured Jurkat cells

Tropolones, the naturally occurring compounds responsible for the durability of heartwood of several cupressaceous trees, have been shown to possess both metal chelating and antioxidant properties. However, little is known about the ability of tropolone and its derivatives to protect cultured cells from oxidative stress-mediated damage. In this study, the effect of tropolones on hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage and apoptosis was investigated in cultured Jurkat cells. Tropolone, added to the cells 15 min before the addition of glucose oxidase, provided a dose dependent protection against hydrogen peroxide induced DNA damage. The IC50 value observed was about 15 microM for tropolone. Similar dose dependent protection was also observed with three other tropolone derivatives such as trimethylcolchicinic acid, purpurogallin and beta-thujaplicin (the IC50 values were 34, 70 and 74 microM, respectively), but not with colchicine and tetramethyl purpurogallin ester. Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis was also inhibited by tropolone. However, in the absence of exogenous H2O2 but in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of exogenous iron (100 microM Fe3+), tropolone dramatically increased the formation of single strand breaks at molar ratios of tropolone to iron lower than 3 to 1, while, when the ratio increased over 3, no toxicity was observed. In conclusion, the results presented in this study indicate that the protection offered by tropolone against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage and apoptosis was due to formation of a redox-inactive iron complex, while its enhancement of iron-mediated DNA damage at ratios of [tropolone]/[Fe3+] lower than 3, was due to formation of a lipophilic iron complex which facilitates iron transport through cell membrane in a redox-active form.

Ascorbic acid and rates of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

The brain maintains high levels of ascorbic acid (AA) despite a concentration gradient favoring diffusion from brain to peripheral tissues. Dietary antioxidants, including AA, appear to modify the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that neurodegeneration in AD is modified by brain levels of AA. Thirty-two patients with mild to moderate AD participated in a biomarker study involving standardized clinical assessments over one year. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were collected at baseline for AA and albumin content. Cognitive measures were collected at baseline and one year. CSF and plasma AA failed to predict cognitive decline independently, however, CSF: plasma AA ratio did. After adding CSF Albumin Index (an established marker of blood-brain barrier integrity) to the regression models the effect of CSF: plasma AA ratio as a predictor of cognitive decline was weakened. CSF: plasma AA ratio predicts rate of decline in AD. This relationship may indicate that the CSF: plasma AA ratio is an index of AA availability to the brain or may be an artifact of a relationship between blood-brain barrier impairment and neurodegeneration.

Genetic deficiency of NADPH oxidase does not diminish, but rather enhances, LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are thought to play a central role in the etiology of cell dysfunction and tissue damage in sepsis. However, there is limited and controversial evidence from in vivo studies that ROS mediate cell signaling processes that elicit acute inflammatory responses during sepsis. Because NADPH oxidase is one of the main cellular sources of ROS, we investigated the role of this enzyme in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammation in vivo, utilizing mice deficient in the gp91(phox) or p47(phox) subunits of NADPH oxidase. Age-and body weight-matched C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and gp91(phox-/-) and p47(phox-/-) mice were injected ip with 50 microg LPS or saline vehicle and sacrificed at various time points up to 24 h. We found that LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in serum and tissues were not significantly diminished in gp91(phox-/-) and p47(phox-/-) mice compared to WT mice. Rather, genetic deficiency of NADPH oxidase was associated with enhanced gene expression of inflammatory mediators and increased neutrophil recruitment to lung and heart. Furthermore, no protection from LPS-induced septic death was observed in either knockout strain. Our findings suggest that NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS production and cellular redox signaling do not promote, but instead limit, LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo.

Prolonged exposure to LPS increases iron, heme, and p22phox levels and NADPH oxidase activity in human aortic endothelial cells: inhibition by desferrioxamine

OBJECTIVE

Vascular oxidative stress and inflammation are contributing factors in atherosclerosis. We recently found that the iron chelator, desferrioxamine (DFO), suppresses NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative stress and expression of cellular adhesion molecules in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The objective of the present study was to investigate whether and how LPS and iron enhance, and DFO inhibits, NADPH oxidase activity in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Incubation of HAECs for 24 hours with 5 microg/mL LPS led to a 4-fold increase in NADPH oxidase activity, which was strongly suppressed by pretreatment of the cells for 24 hours with 100 micromol/L DFO. Incubating HAECs with LPS also significantly increased cellular iron and heme levels and mRNA and protein levels of p22phox, a heme-containing, catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase. All of these effects of LPS on HAECs were strongly inhibited by DFO. Exposing HAECs to 100 micromol/L iron (ferric citrate) for 48 hours exerted similar effects as LPS, and these effects were strongly inhibited by coincubation with DFO. Furthermore, neither LPS nor DFO affected mRNA and protein levels of p47phox a nonheme-containing, regulatory subunit of NADPH oxidase, or the mRNA level of NOX4, an isoform of the principal catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase in endothelial cells. In contrast, heme oxygenase-1 was strongly suppressed by DFO, both in the absence and presence of LPS or iron.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that prolonged exposure to LPS or iron increases endothelial NADPH oxidase activity by increasing p22phox gene transcription and cellular levels of iron, heme, and p22phox protein. Iron chelation by DFO effectively suppresses endothelial NADPH oxidase activity, which may be helpful as an adjunct in reducing vascular oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis.