Hydrogen peroxide - production, fate and role in redox signaling of tumor cells

Metformin and epothilone A treatment up regulate pro-apoptotic PARP-1, Casp-3 and H2AX genes and decrease of AKT kinase level to control cell death of human hepatocellular carcinoma and ovary adenocarcinoma cells

High mortality rates in ovarian and liver cancer are largely a result of resistance to currently used chemotherapy. Here, we investigated genotoxic and pro-oxidant effects of metformin (MET) and epothilone A (A) in combination with respect to apoptosis in HepG2 and SKOV-3 cancer cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluoresein diacetate, and samples were analyzed for the presence and absence of the N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Expression of genes involved in programmed cell death, oxidative and alkylating DNA damage was measured. Probes were analyzed in the presence of Akt or nuclear factor-κB inhibitor. Compared to either drug alone, combination of epothilone A and metformin was more potent; decreased Akt level; and elevated percentage of apoptotic cells, induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and elevated the sub-G1 cell population by increasing the mRNA level of caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and H2AX. The anticancer effect of the drug combination was partially reversed by NAC supplementation, suggesting that ROS generation is required to induce apoptosis. The present study demonstrates that novel combination such as epothilone A and MET show promise in expanding ovarian and liver cancer therapy.

Immunometabolic Determinants of Chemoradiotherapy Response and Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Tumor immune microenvironment and tumor metabolism are major determinants of chemoradiotherapy response. The interdependency and prognostic significance of specific immune and metabolic phenotypes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were assessed and changes in reactive oxygen species were evaluated as a mechanism of treatment response in tumor spheroid/immunocyte co-cultures. Pretreatment tumor biopsies were immunohistochemically characterized in 73 HNSCC patients treated by definitive chemoradiotherapy and correlated with survival. The prognostic significance of CD8A, GLUT1, and COX5B gene expression was analyzed within The Cancer Genome Atlas database. HNSCC spheroids were co-cultured in vitro with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence of the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose and radiation treatment followed by PBMC chemotaxis determination via fluorescence microscopy. In the chemoradiotherapy-treated HNSCC cohort, mitochondrial-rich (COX5B) metabolism correlated with increased and glucose-dependent (GLUT1) metabolism with decreased intratumoral CD8/CD4 ratios. High CD8/CD4, together with mitochondrial-rich or glucose-independent metabolism, was associated with improved short-term survival. The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis confirmed that patients with a favorable immune and metabolic gene signature (high CD8A, high COX5B, low GLUT1) had improved short- and long-term survival. In vitro, 2-deoxyglucose and radiation synergistically up-regulated reactive oxygen species-dependent PBMC chemotaxis to HNSCC spheroids. These results suggest that glucose-independent tumor metabolism is associated with CD8-dominant antitumor immune infiltrate, and together, these contribute to improved chemoradiotherapy response in HNSCC.

Aquaporin-3 in Cancer

Increasing evidence suggests that the water/glycerol channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) plays a pivotal role in cancer metastasis. AQP3 knockout mice were resistant to skin tumor formation and overexpression correlated with metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with breast or gastric cancer. In cultured cancer cells, increased AQP3 expression stimulated several intracellular signaling pathways and resulted in increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as aggravation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Besides AQP facilitated water transport at the leading edge of migrating cells, AQP3 signaling mechanisms are beginning to be unraveled. Here, we give a thorough review of current knowledge regarding AQP3 expression in cancer and how AQP3 contributes to cancer progression via signaling that modulates cellular mechanisms. This review article will expand our understanding of the known pathophysiological findings regarding AQP3 in cancer.

Ratiometric fluorescent probe with AIE property for monitoring endogenous hydrogen peroxide in macrophages and cancer cells

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a key role in the progression of human illnesses, such as autoimmune and auto-inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, diabetes, and cancer, etc. In this work, we have discribed a novel probe, TPE-TLE, which remarkably displayed AIE property and ratiometric fluorescence emission profiles in the presence of H2O2. This ratiometric fluorescent probe with AIE property exhibits outstanding features such as the well-resolved emission peaks, high sensitivity, high selectivity, low cytotoxicity, and good cell-membrane permeability. These excellent attributes enable us to demonstrate the ratiometric imaging of endogenously produced H2O2 in macrophages and cancer cells based on the novel ratiometric probe with AIE property for the first time. By comparing two kinds of cells, it is firstly found that cancer cells should contain much more endogenous H2O2 than macrophages. We expect that TPE-TLE will be useful fluorescent platform for the development of a variety of ratiometric fluorescent probes with AIE property to achieve unique biological applications.

Roles of miR‑4463 in H2O2‑induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula. A previous study from our lab suggested that microRNA (miR)-4463 may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular disease; however, the roles of oxidative stress in the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of miR-4463 in vascular disease have yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-4463 in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression levels of miR-4463 in HUVECs treated with various concentrations of H₂O₂. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentage of apoptotic cells, and the protein expression levels of the apoptotic markers cleaved (C)-caspase3, poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) were determined using western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that the apoptotic rate of HUVECs was increased following treatment with H₂O₂ in a concentration-dependent manner, and the expression of miR-4463 was also upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Following transfection with miR-4463 mimics, the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were increased in HUVECs, with a corresponding increase in the apoptotic rate. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of C-caspase3, PARP1 and Bax were upregulated, whereas the levels of Bcl-2 and XIAP were downregulated. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that the upregulation of miR-4463 may enhance H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and promote apoptosis in HUVECs in vitro.

Inactivation of human DGAT2 by oxidative stress on cysteine residues

Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) have a crucial role in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerol (TG), the major storage form of metabolic energy in eukaryotic organisms. Even though DGAT2, one of two distinct DGATs, has a vital role in TG biosynthesis, little is known about the regulation of DGAT2 activity. In this study, we examined the role of cysteine and its oxidation in the enzymatic activity of human DGAT2 in vitro. Human DGAT2 activity was considerably inhibited not only by thiol-modifying reagents (NEM and IA) but also by ROS-related chemicals (H₂O₂ and β-lapachone), while human DGAT1 and GPAT1 were little affected. Particularly, ROS-related chemicals concomitantly induced intermolecular disulfide crosslinking of human DGAT2. Both the oxidative inactivation and disulfide crosslinking were almost completely reversed by the treatment with DTT, a disulfide-reducing agent. These results clearly demonstrated the significant role of ROS-induced intermolecular crosslinking in the inactivation of human DGAT2 and also suggested DGAT2 as a redox-sensitive regulator in TG biosynthesis.

Iron Chelators and Exogenic Photosensitizers. Synergy through Oxidative Stress Gene Expression

In non-invasive anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), a nontoxic photosensitizer (PS), which is activated by visible light, is used as a magic bullet that selectively destroys cancer cells. Recently, we described the combined therapy of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDT) with thiosemicarbazone (TSC), i.e. an iron-chelating agent. This resulted in a strong synergistic effect. Herein, we investigated a novel strategy using a combination of PDT consist of the xenobiotic-porphyrin type PS with TSC. We observed a synergistic effect for all of the pairs of TSC-PS. This approach can be rationalized by the fact that both chlorin and TSC can affect the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to elucidate the plausible mechanism of action, we also combined the investigated PSs with DFO, which forms complexes that are redox inactive. We detected a slight antagonism or additivity for this combination. This may suggest that the ability of an iron chelator (IC) to participate in the production of ROS and the generation of oxidative stress is important.

PARP-1 overexpression contributes to Cadmium-induced death in rat proximal tubular cells via parthanatos and the MAPK signalling pathway

Parthanatos is a newly discovered form of PARP-1-dependent programmed cell death. It has been reported to play an important role in several cancer or tumour cells; however, few studies have been performed in normal cells. Cadmium is a highly toxic pollutant and is reported to induce autophagy and apoptosis in multiple cell types. Although cadmium toxicity induces cell death, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the mechanism of Cadmium -induced cell damage using rat proximal tubular cell line NRK-52E and primary rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells. Our results indicated that parthanatos and the MAPK signalling pathway contribute to Cadmium-induced cell death, and that oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage play key roles in this process. In addition, parthanatos with oxidative stress has a synergistic effect on apoptosis, and JNK1/2 and p38 contribute to parthanatos.

Posttranscriptional regulation of FOXO expression: microRNAs and beyond

Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) transcription factors are major regulators of diverse cellular processes, including fuel metabolism, oxidative stress response and redox signalling, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Their activities are controlled by multiple posttranslational modifications and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling. Recently, post-transcriptional regulation of FOXO synthesis has emerged as a new regulatory level of their functions. Accumulating evidence suggests that this post-transcriptional mode of regulation of FOXO activity operates in response to stressful stimuli, including oxidative stress. Here, we give a brief overview on post-transcriptional regulation of FOXO synthesis by microRNAs (miRNAs) and by RNA-binding regulatory proteins, human antigen R (HuR) and quaking (QKI). Aberrant post-transcriptional regulation of FOXOs is frequently connected with various disease states. We therefore discuss characteristic examples of FOXO regulation at the post-transcriptional level under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including oxidative stress and cancer. The picture emerging from this summary points to a diversity of interactions between miRNAs/miRNA-induced silencing complexes and RNA-binding regulatory proteins. Better insight into these complexities of post-transcriptional regulatory interactions will add to our understanding of the mechanisms of pathological processes and the role of FOXO proteins.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc.

The iron-dependent mitochondrial superoxide dismutase SODA promotes Leishmania virulence

Leishmaniasis is one of the leading globally neglected diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Leishmania infection depends on the ability of insect-transmitted metacyclic promastigotes to invade mammalian hosts, differentiate into amastigotes, and replicate inside macrophages. To counter the hostile oxidative environment inside macrophages, these protozoans contain anti-oxidant systems that include iron-dependent superoxide dismutases (SODs) in mitochondria and glycosomes. Increasing evidence suggests that in addition to this protective role, Leishmania mitochondrial SOD may also initiate H₂O₂-mediated redox signaling that regulates gene expression and metabolic changes associated with differentiation into virulent forms. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined the specific role of SODA, the mitochondrial SOD isoform in Leishmania amazonensis Our inability to generate L. amazonensis SODA null mutants and the lethal phenotype observed following RNAi-mediated silencing of the Trypanosoma brucei SODA ortholog suggests that SODA is essential for trypanosomatid survival. L. amazonensis metacyclic promastigotes lacking one SODA allele failed to replicate in macrophages and were severely attenuated in their ability to generate cutaneous lesions in mice. Reduced expression of SODA also resulted in mitochondrial oxidative damage and failure of SODA/ΔsodA promastigotes to differentiate into axenic amastigotes. SODA expression above a critical threshold was also required for the development of metacyclic promastigotes, as SODA/ΔsodA cultures were strongly depleted in this infective form and more susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced stress. Collectively, our data suggest that SODA promotes Leishmania virulence by protecting the parasites against mitochondrion-generated oxidative stress and by initiating ROS-mediated signaling mechanisms required for the differentiation of infective forms.

Treating triple negative breast cancer cells with erlotinib plus a select antioxidant overcomes drug resistance by targeting cancer cell heterogeneity

Among breast cancer patients, those diagnosed with the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype have the worst prog-nosis. TNBC does not express estrogen receptor-alpha, progesterone receptor, or the HER2 oncogene; therefore, TNBC lacks targets for molecularly-guided therapies. The concept that EGFR oncogene inhibitor drugs could be used as targeted treatment against TNBC has been put forth based on estimates that 30-60% of TNBC express high levels of EGFR. However, results from clinical trials testing EGFR inhibitors, alone or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, did not improve patient outcomes. Results herein offer an explanation as to why EGFR inhibitors failed TNBC patients and support how combining a select antioxidant and an EGFR-specific small molecule kinase inhibitor (SMKI) could be an effective, novel therapeutic strategy. Treatment with CAT-SKL-a re-engineered protein form of the antioxidant enzyme catalase-inhibited cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), and treatment with the EGFR-specific SMKI erlotinib inhibited non-CSCs. Thus, combining the antioxidant CAT-SKL with erlotinib targeted both CSCs and bulk cancer cells in cultures of EGFR-expressing TNBC-derived cells. We also report evidence that the mechanism for CAT-SKL inhibition of CSCs may depend on antioxidant-induced downregulation of a short alternative mRNA splicing variant of the methyl-CpG binding domain 2 gene, isoform MBD2c.

Influence of oxygen partial pressure on the characteristics of human hepatocarcinoma cells

Most of the in vitro studies using liver cell lines have been performed under atmospheric oxygen partial pressure (21% O₂). However, the oxygen concentrations in the liver and cancer cells are far from this value. In the present study, we have evaluated the influence of oxygen on 1) the tumor cell lines features (growth, steady-state ROS levels, GSH content, activities of antioxidant enzymes, p66 Shc and SOD expressions, metalloproteinases secretion, migration, invasion, and adhesion) of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, and b) the response of the cells to an oxidant stimulus (aqueous leaf extract of the V. baccifera plant species). For this purpose, three hepatocarcinoma cell lines with different p53 status, HepG2 (wild-type), Huh7 (mutated), and Hep3B (deleted), were cultured (6–30 days) under atmospheric (21%) and more physiological (8%) pO₂. Results showed that after long-term culturing at 8% versus 21% O₂, the cellular proliferation rate and the steady-state levels of mitochondrial O₂^- were unaffected. However, the intracellular basal ROS levels were higher independently of the characteristics of the cell line. Moreover, the lower pO₂ was associated with lower glutathione content, the induction of p66 Shc and Mn-SOD proteins, and increased SOD activity only in HepG2. This cell line also showed a higher migration rate, secretion of active metalloproteinases, and a faster invasion. HepG2 cells were more resistant to the oxidative stress induced by V. baccifera. Results suggest that the long-term culturing of human hepatoma cells at a low, more physiological pO₂ induces antioxidant adaptations that could be mediated by p53, and may alter the cellular response to a subsequent oxidant challenge. Data support the necessity of validating outcomes from studies performed with hepatoma cell cultures under ambient O₂.

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The influence of pO₂ on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell features is analyzed.

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Low oxygen tension (8% O₂) induces antioxidant adaptations in HepG2.

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Low O₂ increases the migration and invasion rates of HepG2.

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Antioxidant adaptations could be p53-dependent.

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Validating results from in vitro studies using cells cultured at 21% O₂ are required.

Mechanism of ROS scavenging and antioxidant signalling by redox metallic and fullerene nanomaterials: Potential implications in ROS associated degenerative disorders

BACKGROUND

The balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation is believed to be critical in maintaining healthy biological systems. However, our endogenous antioxidant defense systems are incomplete without exogenous antioxidants and, therefore, there is a continuous demand for exogenous antioxidants to prevent stress and ageing associated disorders. Nanotechnology has yielded enormous variety of nanomaterials (NMs) of which metallic and carbonic (mainly fullerenes) NMs, with redox property, have been found to be strong scavengers of ROS and antioxidants in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Redox activity of metal based NMs and membrane translocation time of fullerene NMs seem to be the major determinants in ROS scavenging potential exhibited by these NMs. A comprehensive knowledge about the effects of ROS scavenging NMs in cellular antioxidant signalling is largely lacking. This review compiles the mechanisms of ROS scavenging as well as antioxidant signalling of the aforementioned metallic and fullerene NMs.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Direct interaction between NMs and proteins does greatly affect the corona/adsorption formation dynamics but such interaction does not provide the explanation behind diverse biological outcomes induced by NMs. Indirect interaction, however, that could occur via NMs uptake and dissolution, NMs ROS induction and ROS scavenging property, and NMs membrane translocation time seem to work as a central mode of interaction.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The usage of potential antioxidant NMs in biological systems would greatly impact the field of nanomedicine. ROS scavenging NMs hold great promise in the future treatment of ROS related degenerative disorders.

Catalase-Modulated Heterogeneous Fenton Reaction for Selective Cancer Cell Eradication: SnFe2O4 Nanocrystals as an Effective Reagent for Treating Lung Cancer Cells

Heterogeneous Fenton reactions have been proven to be an effective and promising selective cancer cell treatment method. The key working mechanism for this method to achieve the critical therapeutic selectivity however remains unclear. In this study, we proposed and demonstrated for the first time the critical role played by catalase in realizing the therapeutic selectivity for the heterogeneous Fenton reaction-driven cancer cell treatment. The heterogeneous Fenton reaction, with the lattice ferric ions of the solid catalyst capable of converting H₂O₂ to highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, can effectively eradicate cancer cells. In this study, SnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals, a recently discovered outstanding heterogeneous Fenton catalyst, were applied for selective killing of lung cancer cells. The SnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals, internalized into the cancer cells, can effectively convert endogenous H₂O₂ into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals to invoke an intensive cytotoxic effect on the cancer cells. On the other hand, catalase, present at a significantly higher concentration in normal cells than in cancer cells, remarkably can impede the apoptotic cell death induced by the internalized SnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals. According to the results obtained from the in vitro cytotoxicity study, the relevant oxidative attacks were effectively suppressed by the presence of normal physiological levels of catalase. The SnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals were thus proved to effect apoptotic cancer cell death through the heterogeneous Fenton reaction and were benign to cells possessing normal physiological levels of catalase. The catalase modulation of the involved heterogeneous Fenton reaction plays the key role in achieving selective cancer cell eradication for the heterogeneous Fenton reaction-driven cancer cell treatment.

Monitoring Dynamic Cellular Redox Homeostasis Using Fluorescence-Switchable Graphene Quantum Dots

Monitoring cellular redox homeostasis is critical to the understanding of many physiological functions ranging from immune reactions to metabolism, as well as to the understanding of pathological development ranging from tumorigenesis to aging. Nevertheless, there is currently a lack of appropriate probes for this ambition, which should be reversibly, sensitively, and promptly responsive to a wide range of physiological oxidants and reductants. In this work, a redox-sensitive fluorescence-switchable probe is designed based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) functionalized with a chelated redox Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ couple. The underlying mechanism is investigated and discussed. The high sensitivity and fast response are attributable to the fact that the GQD's photoluminescence is highly sensitive to photon-induced electron transfer because of its ultrasmall size and associated prominent quantum confinement effect. Also taking advantages of GQDs' excellent photostability, biocompatibility, and readiness for cell uptake, our reversibly tunable fluorescence probe is employed to monitor in real time the triggered dynamic change of the intracellular redox state. This addition to the limited arsenal of available redox probes shall be useful to the still poorly understood redox biology, as well as for monitoring environment or chemical processes involving redox reactions.

Modulation of MHC class I surface expression in B16F10 melanoma cells by methylseleninic acid

The essential trace element selenium (Se) might play a role in cancer prevention as well as for cancer therapy. Its metabolite methylselenol is able to kill cells through distinct mechanisms including induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and apoptosis. Since methylselenol affects innate immune responses by modulating the expression of NKG2D ligands, the aim of this study was to determine whether the methylselenol generating compound methylseleninic acid (MSA) influences the expression of the MHC class I surface antigens and growth properties thereby reverting immune escape. Treatment of B16F10 melanoma cells expressing low basal MHC class I surface antigens with dimethyldiselenide (DMDSe) and MSA, but not with selenomethionine and selenite resulted in a dose-dependent upregulation of MHC class I cell surface antigens. This was due to a transcriptional upregulation of some major components of the antigen processing machinery (APM) and the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway and accompanied by a reduced migration of B16F10 melanoma cells in the presence of MSA. Comparative "ome"-based profilings of untreated and MSA-treated melanoma cells linked the anti-oxidative response system with MHC class I antigen processing. Since MSA treatment enhanced MHC class I surface expression also on different human tumors cell lines, MSA might affect the malignant phenotype of various tumor cells by restoring MHC class I APM component expression due to an altered redox status and by partially mimicking IFN-gamma signaling thereby providing a novel mechanism for the chemotherapeutic potential of methylselenol generating Se compounds.

Therapeutic Strategies for Oxidative Stress-Related Cardiovascular Diseases: Removal of Excess Reactive Oxygen Species in Adult Stem Cells

Accumulating evidence indicates that acute and chronic uncontrolled overproduction of oxidative stress-related factors including reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Moreover ROS mediate various signaling pathways underlying vascular inflammation in ischemic tissues. With respect to stem cell-based therapy, several studies clearly indicate that modulating antioxidant production at cellular levels enhances stem/progenitor cell functionalities, including proliferation, long-term survival in ischemic tissues, and complete differentiation of transplanted cells into mature vascular cells. Recently emerging therapeutic strategies involving adult stem cells, including endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), for treating ischemic CVDs have highlighted the need to control intracellular ROS production, because it critically affects the replicative senescence of ex vivo expanded therapeutic cells. Better understanding of the complexity of cellular ROS in stem cell biology might improve cell survival in ischemic tissues and enhance the regenerative potentials of transplanted stem/progenitor cells. In this review, we will discuss the nature and sources of ROS, drug-based therapeutic strategies for scavenging ROS, and EPC based therapeutic strategies for treating oxidative stress-related CVDs. Furthermore, we will discuss whether primed EPCs pretreated with natural ROS-scavenging compounds are crucial and promising therapeutic strategies for vascular repair.

Polyphenols contribute to the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Phyllanthus debilis plant in-vitro

Background

Phyllanthus debilis (Elapitawakka) is a medicinal plant used in traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka. Present study was carried out to evaluate in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative activity of the water extracts of aerial parts (AP) and roots (RP) of P.debilis plant and the role of polyphenolic compounds in view of its medicinal use.

Method

Total polyphenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidin content of the extracts were quantified. DPPH, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging potentials and the total antioxidant capacity, ferric ion reducing power were determined to evaluate antioxidant capacity. Anti-proliferative activity was assessed with MTT assay for Human Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and normal rat liver cells (CC1) after 24 h exposure to the plant extracts. DPPH and MTT assays were carried out for AP and RP extracts after removal of polyphenols to assess the contribution of polyphenols on antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity of Phyllanthus debilis.

Results

Flavonoid content of the AP extract was significantly lower than that of RP (P < 0.001) while no significant difference was observed in polyphenolic as well as in proanthocyanidin contents. All the assays except for phosphomolybdate assay demonstrated that the RP extract had higher antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) compared to AP. Further, antioxidant capacity and anti-proliferative activity were lower (p < 0.001) in AP and RP in the absence of polyphenols compared to the crude extract.

Conclusion

Root contains higher levels of flavonoids than the aerial part. Moreover, the presence of polyphenols is required for antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities of both AP and RP.

Individual effects of different selenocompounds on the hepatic proteome and energy metabolism of mice

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) exerts its biological activity largely via selenoproteins, which are key enzymes for maintaining the cellular redox homeostasis. However, besides these beneficial effects there is also evidence that an oversupply of Se might increase the risk towards developing metabolic disorders. To address this in more detail, we directly compared effects of feeding distinct Se compounds and concentrations on hepatic metabolism and expression profiles of mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL6/J mice received either a selenium-deficient diet or diets enriched with adequate or high doses of selenite, selenate or selenomethionine for 20weeks. Subsequently, metabolic parameters, enzymatic activities and expression levels of hepatic selenoproteins, Nrf2 targets, and additional redox-sensitive proteins were analyzed. Furthermore, 2D-DIGE-based proteomic profiling revealed Se compound-specific differentially expressed proteins.

RESULTS

Whereas heterogeneous effects between high concentrations of the Se compounds were observed with regard to body weight and metabolic activities, selenoproteins were only marginally increased by high Se concentrations in comparison to the respective adequate feeding. In particular the high-SeMet group showed a unique response compromising higher hepatic Se levels in comparison to all other groups. Accordingly, hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and GSTpi1 expression were comparably high in the high-SeMet and Se-deficient group, indicating that compound-specific effects of high doses appear to be independent of selenoproteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Not only the nature, but also the concentration of Se compounds differentially affect biological processes.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Thus, it is important to consider Se compound-specific effects when supplementing with selenium.

The importance of antioxidants which play the role in cellular response against oxidative/nitrosative stress: current state

Remarkable interest has risen in the idea that oxidative/nitrosative stress is mediated in the etiology of numerous human diseases. Oxidative/Nitrosative stress is the result of an disequilibrium in oxidant/antioxidant which reveals from continuous increase of Reactive Oxygen and Reactive Nitrogen Species production. The aim of this review is to emphasize with current information the importance of antioxidants which play the role in cellular responce against oxidative/nitrosative stress, which would be helpful in enhancing the knowledge of any biochemist, pathophysiologist, or medical personnel regarding this important issue. Products of lipid peroxidation have commonly been used as biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress damage. Lipid peroxidation generates a variety of relatively stable decomposition end products, mainly α, β-unsaturated reactive aldehydes, such as malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, 2-propenal (acrolein) and isoprostanes, which can be measured in plasma and urine as an indirect index of oxidative/nitrosative stress. Antioxidants are exogenous or endogenous molecules that mitigate any form of oxidative/nitrosative stress or its consequences. They may act from directly scavenging free radicals to increasing antioxidative defences. Antioxidant deficiencies can develop as a result of decreased antioxidant intake, synthesis of endogenous enzymes or increased antioxidant utilization. Antioxidant supplementation has become an increasingly popular practice to maintain optimal body function. However, antoxidants exhibit pro-oxidant activity depending on the specific set of conditions. Of particular importance are their dosage and redox conditions in the cell.

Combinatorial synthesis, in silico, molecular and biochemical studies of tetrazole-derived organic selenides with increased selectivity against hepatocellular carcinoma

Novel tetrazole-based diselenides and selenoquinones were synthesized via azido-Ugi and sequential nucleophilic substitution (SN) strategy. Molecular docking study into mammalian TrxR1 was used to predict the anticancer potential of the newly synthesized compounds. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was evaluated using hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cancer cells and compared with their cytotoxicity in normal fibroblast (WI-38) cells. The corresponding redox properties of the synthesized compounds were assessed employing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity and bleomycin dependent DNA damage. In general, diselenides showed preferential cytotoxicity to HepG2 compared to MCF-7 cells. These compounds exhibited also good GPx catalytic activity compared to ebselen (up to 5 fold). Selenoquinones 18, 21, 22 and 23 were selected to monitor the expression levels of caspase-8, Bcl-2 and Ki-67 molecular biomarkers. Interestingly, these compounds downregulated the Bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression levels and activated the expression of caspase-8 in HepG2 cells compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that some of the newly synthesized compounds possess anti-HepG2 activity.

Peroxiredoxin 1 has an anti-apoptotic role via apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 and p38 activation in mouse models with oral precancerous lesions

Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx1) is important in the protection of cells from oxidative damage and the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Prx1 is overexpressed in oral precancerous lesions of oral leukoplakia (OLK) and oral cancer; however, the association between Prx1 expression and OLK pathogenesis remains unknown. The present study investigated the role of Prx1 and its molecular mechanisms in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis during the pathogenesis of OLK. Wild-type and Prx1 knockout mice were treated with 50 µg/ml 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) or 4NQO + H₂O₂ for 16 weeks to establish mouse models with tongue precancerous lesions. Apoptotic cells were detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay. The expression of Prx1, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), phosphor-ASK1, p38 and phosphor-p38 was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining, and their mRNA expression levels were evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The present results demonstrated that 4NQO or 4NQO + H₂O₂ induced the development of tongue precancerous lesions in Prx1 knockout and wild-type mice. Prx1 was overexpressed in tongue precancerous lesions compared with normal tongue mucosa. There was a significant decrease in the degree of moderate or severe epithelial dysplasia, and mild epithelial dysplasia was clearly elevated, in Prx1 knockout mice treated with 4NQO + H₂O₂ compared with wild-type mice treated with 4NQO + H₂O₂. Prx1 suppressed apoptosis and upregulated phosphor-ASK1 and phosphor-p38 expression in tongue precancerous lesions. The present results suggest that Prx1 suppresses oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via the ASK1/p38 signalling pathway in mouse tongue precancerous lesions. In conclusion, Prx1 and H₂O₂ have a coordination role in promoting the progression of tongue precancerous mucosa lesions. The present findings provide novel insight into Prx1 function and the mechanisms of Prx1 in OLK pathogenesis.

Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase: Growth Promoter or Tumor Suppressor?

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) gene transfer to tissue damage results in increased healing, increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. At molecular level, in vivo SOD3 overexpression reduces superoxide anion (O₂⁻) concentration and increases mitogen kinase activation suggesting that SOD3 could have life-supporting characteristics. The hypothesis is further strengthened by the observations showing significantly increased mortality in conditional knockout mice. However, in cancer SOD3 has been shown to either increase or decrease cell proliferation and survival depending on the model system used, indicating that SOD3-derived growth mechanisms are not completely understood. In this paper, the author reviews the main discoveries in SOD3-dependent growth regulation and signal transduction.