The role of glutathione S-transferases as a defense against reactive electrophiles in the blood vessel wall

Acrolein induces mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissues in vitro and in vivo

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic condition characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and is associated with insulin resistance (IR) in critical glucose-consuming tissues, including skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are known to play key roles in IR. Acrolein is a reactive aldehyde found in the diet and environment that is generated as a fatty acid product through the glucose autooxidation process under hyperglycemic conditions. Our previous studies have shown that acrolein impairs insulin sensitivity in normal and diabetic mice, and this effect can be reversed by scavenging acrolein. This study demonstrated that acrolein increased oxidative stress and inhibited mitochondrial respiration in differentiated C2C12 myotubes and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, insulin signaling pathways were inhibited, leading to reduced glucose uptake. Treatment with acrolein scavengers, N-acetylcysteine, or carnosine ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited insulin signaling. Additionally, an increase in acrolein expression correlated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the muscle and adipose tissues of diabetic mice. These findings suggest that acrolein-induced mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to IR, and scavenging acrolein is a potential therapeutic approach for treating IR.

Identification of novel proteins and mechanistic pathways associated with early-onset hypertension by deep proteomic mapping of resistance arteries

Resistance arteries are small blood vessels that create resistance to blood flow. In hypertension, resistance arteries undergo remodeling, affecting their ability to contract and relax appropriately. To date, no study has mapped the hypertension-related proteomic changes in resistance arteries. Using a novel data-independent acquisition–mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) approach, we determined the proteomic changes in small mesenteric and renal arteries in pre- and early-onset hypertension from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model, which represents human primary hypertension. Compared with normotensive controls, mesenteric arteries from 12-week-old SHRs had 286 proteins that were significantly up- or downregulated, whereas 52 proteins were identified as up- or downregulated in mesenteric arteries from 6-week-old SHRs. Of these proteins, 18 were also similarly regulated in SHR renal arteries. Our pathway analyses reveal several novel pathways in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Finally, using a matrisome database, we identified 38 altered extracellular-matrix-associated proteins, many of which have never previously been associated with hypertension. Taken together, this study reveals novel proteins and mechanisms that are associated with early-onset hypertension, thereby providing novel insights into disease progression.

Sulfasalazine Microparticles Targeting Macrophages for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases Affecting the Synovial Cavity

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with sulfasalazine (SSZ) extensively used for long-term treatment of both juvenile and adult RA. Its use is associated with adverse effects and toxicity due to its non-selective biodistribution. Macrophages play an important role in inflammatory processes. In order to target SSZ to macrophages in this work two microparticulate systems (MPs) are developed: SSZ-loaded PLGA MPs without and with α-tocopherol, with particle sizes lower than 5 μm and encapsulation efficiencies of 81.07 ± 11% and 63.50 ± 6.62%, respectively. Release of SSZ from MPs prepared with α-tocopherol was prolonged for 20 days. In RAW 264.7 cell macrophages MPs prepared with α-tocopherol were captured faster. Cell viability studies confirmed that SSZ-loaded MPs prepared without and with α-tocopherol did not produce cytotoxicity at the concentrations assayed. The anti-inflammatory activity of SSZ-loaded MPs was studied by quantifying interleukins IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages. All formulations produced a significant reduction of cytokine concentrations after 24 and 72 h, indicating that release of SSZ from the MPs was able to inhibit the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Gene expression of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α was decreased by SSZ-loaded MPs. SSZ-loaded MPs prepared with α-tocopherol will potentially allow increasing the residence time of SSZ in the synovial cavity, prolonging its duration of action, and reducing the adverse effects associated with its non-selective biodistribution.

Effects of Phenelzine Administration on Mitochondrial Function, Calcium Handling, and Cytoskeletal Degradation after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in the production of peroxynitrite (PN), leading to oxidative damage of lipids and protein. PN-mediated lipid peroxidation (LP) results in production of reactive aldehydes 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and acrolein. The goal of these studies was to explore the hypothesis that interrupting secondary oxidative damage following a TBI via phenelzine (PZ), analdehyde scavenger, would protect against LP-mediated mitochondrial and neuronal damage. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a severe (2.2 mm) controlled cortical impact (CCI)-TBI. PZ was administered subcutaneously (s.c.) at 15 min (10 mg/kg) and 12 h (5 mg/kg) post-injury and for the therapeutic window/delay study, PZ was administered at 1 h (10 mg/kg) and 24 h (5 mg/kg). Mitochondrial and cellular protein samples were obtained at 24 and 72 h post-injury (hpi). Administration of PZ significantly improved mitochondrial respiration at 24 and 72 h compared with vehicle-treated animals. These results demonstrate that PZ administration preserves mitochondrial bioenergetics at 24 h and that this protection is maintained out to 72 hpi. Additionally, delaying the administration still elicited significant protective effects. PZ administration also improved mitochondrial Ca²⁺ buffering (CB) capacity and mitochondrial membrane potential parameters compared with vehicle-treated animals at 24 h. Although PZ treatment attenuated aldehyde accumulation post-injury, the effects were insignificant. The amount of α-spectrin breakdown in cortical tissue was reduced by PZ administration at 24 h, but not at 72 hpi compared with vehicle-treated animals. In conclusion, these results indicate that acute PZ treatment successfully attenuates LP-mediated oxidative damage eliciting multiple neuroprotective effects following TBI.

Effect of N-(2-aminoethyl) ethanolamine on hypertrophic scarring changes in vitro: Finding novel anti-fibrotic therapies

Hypertrophic scars (HS) limit movement, decrease quality of life, and remain a major impediment to rehabilitation from burns. However, no effective pharmacologic therapies for HS exist. Here we tested the in vitro anti-fibrotic effects of the novel chemical N-(2-aminoethyl) ethanolamine (AEEA) at non-toxic concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy showed that AEEA markedly altered the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by primary dermal fibroblasts isolated from a HS of a burn patient (HTS). Compression atomic force microscopy revealed that AEEA stiffened the 3D nanostructure of ECM formed by HTS fibroblasts. Western blot analysis in three separate types of primary human dermal fibroblasts (including HTS) showed that AEEA exposure increased the extractability of type I collagen in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, while not increasing collagen synthesis. A comparison of the electrophoretic behavior of the same set of samples under native and denaturing conditions suggested that AEEA alters the 3D structure of type I collagen. The antagonization effect of AEEA to TGF-β1 on ECM formation was also observed. Furthermore, analyses of the anti-fibrotic effects of analogs of AEEA (with modified pharmacophores) suggest the existence of a chemical structure-activity relationship. Thus, AEEA and its analogs may inhibit HS development; further study and optimization of analogs may be a promising strategy for the discovery for effective HS therapies.

Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoprotein: An Innovative Target for Proteomics and Lipidomics

High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) is regarded as an important protective factor against cardiovascular disease, with abundant evidence of an inverse relationship between its serum levels and risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as various antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, observations of hereditary syndromes featuring scant HDL-C concentration in absence of premature atherosclerotic disease suggest HDL-C levels may not be the best predictor of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, the beneficial effects of HDL may not depend solely on their concentration, but also on their quality. Distinct subfractions of this lipoprotein appear to be constituted by specific protein-lipid conglomerates necessary for different physiologic and pathophysiologic functions. However, in a chronic inflammatory microenvironment, diverse components of the HDL proteome and lipid core suffer alterations, which propel a shift towards a dysfunctional state, where HDL-C becomes proatherogenic, prooxidant, and proinflammatory. This heterogeneity highlights the need for further specialized molecular studies in this aspect, in order to achieve a better understanding of this dysfunctional state; with an emphasis on the potential role for proteomics and lipidomics as valuable methods in the search of novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular disease.

N-(2-Aminoethyl) Ethanolamine-Induced Morphological, Biochemical, and Biophysical Alterations in Vascular Matrix Associated With Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm

Dissecting aortic aneurysm (DAA) is an extended tear in the wall of the aorta along the plane of the vascular media. Our previous studies indicated in a developmental animal model, that DAA was related to pathological alteration in collagen, especially collagen type III. Accordingly, in the present studies, neonatal aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rat dams were treated with N-(2-aminoethyl) ethanolamine (AEEA), which, as shown previously, causes DAA in offspring. Morphological changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by VSMC in vitro were detailed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and biochemical changes in cells and ECM produced by VSMCs were defined by Western blotting. Biophysical changes of the collagen extracted from both the ECM produced by VSMC and extracted from fetal rat aortas were studied with atomic force microscopy (AFM). ECM disruption and irregularities were observed in VSMCs treated with AEEA by SEM. Western blotting showed that collagen type I was much more extractable, accompanied by a decrease of the pellet size after urea buffer extraction in the AEEA-treated VSMC when compared with the control. AFM found that collagen samples extracted from the fetal rat aortas of the AEEA-treated dam, and in the in vitro formed ECM prepared by decellularization, became stiffer, or more brittle, indicating that the 3D organization associated with elasticity was altered by AEEA exposure. Our results show that AEEA causes significant morphological, biochemical, and biomechanical alterations in the ECM. These in vitro and in vivo strategies are advantageous in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of DAA.

Protection of HepG2 cells against acrolein toxicity by 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-imidazolide via glutathione-mediated mechanism

Acrolein is an environmental toxicant, mainly found in smoke released from incomplete combustion of organic matter. Several studies showed that exposure to acrolein can lead to liver damage. The mechanisms involved in acrolein-induced hepatocellular toxicity, however, are not completely understood. This study examined the cytotoxic mechanisms of acrolein on HepG2 cells. Acrolein at pathophysiological concentrations was shown to cause apoptotic cell death and an increase in levels of protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive acid substances. Acrolein also rapidly depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH), GSH-linked glutathione-S-transferases, and aldose reductase, three critical cellular defenses that detoxify reactive aldehydes. Results further showed that depletion of cellular GSH by acrolein preceded the loss of cell viability. To further determine the role of cellular GSH in acrolein-mediated cytotoxicity, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) was used to inhibit cellular GSH biosynthesis. It was observed that depletion of cellular GSH by BSO led to a marked potentiation of acrolein-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. To further assess the contribution of these events to acrolein-induced cytotoxicity, triterpenoid compound 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-imidazolide (CDDO-Im) was used for induction of GSH. Induction of GSH by CDDO-Im afforded cytoprotection against acrolein toxicity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, BSO significantly inhibited CDDO-Im-mediated induction in cellular GSH levels and also reversed cytoprotective effects of CDDO-Im in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that GSH is a predominant mechanism underlying acrolein-induced cytotoxicity as well as CDDO-Im-mediated cytoprotection. This study may provide understanding on the molecular action of acrolein which may be important to develop novel strategies for the prevention of acrolein-mediated toxicity.

Aldose reductase regulates acrolein-induced cytotoxicity in human small airway epithelial cells

Aldose reductase (AR), a glucose-metabolizing enzyme, reduces lipid aldehydes and their glutathione conjugates with more than 1000-fold efficiency (Km aldehydes 5-30 µM) relative to glucose. Acrolein, a major endogenous lipid peroxidation product as well as a component of environmental pollutants and cigarette smoke, is known to be involved in various pathologies including atherosclerosis, airway inflammation, COPD, and age-related disorders, but the mechanism of acrolein-induced cytotoxicity is not clearly understood. We have investigated the role of AR in acrolein-induced cytotoxicity in primary human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs). Exposure of SAECs to varying concentrations of acrolein caused cell death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. AR inhibition by fidarestat prevented the low-dose (5-10 µM) but not the high-dose (>10 µM) acrolein-induced SAEC death. AR inhibition protected SAECs from low-dose (5 µM) acrolein-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inhibition of acrolein-induced apoptosis by fidarestat was confirmed by decreased condensation of nuclear chromatin, DNA fragmentation, comet tail moment, and annexin V fluorescence. Further, fidarestat inhibited acrolein-induced translocation of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad from the cytosol to the mitochondria and that of Bcl2 and BclXL from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Acrolein-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria was also prevented by AR inhibition. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38MAPK, and c-Jun were transiently activated in airway epithelial cells by acrolein in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion, which was significantly prevented by AR inhibition. These results suggest that AR inhibitors could prevent acrolein-induced cytotoxicity in the lung epithelial cells.

Acrolein scavengers: reactivity, mechanism and impact on health

Acrolein (ACR) is an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde that exists extensively in the environment and (thermally processed) foods. It can also be generated through endogenous metabolism. Its high electrophilicity makes this aldehyde notorious for its facile reaction with biological nucleophiles, leading to the modification of proteins/DNA and depletion of glutathione. Recent studies also have revealed its roles in disturbing various cell signing pathways in biological systems. With growing evidences of ACR's implication in human diseases, strategies to eliminate its hazardous impacts are of great importance. One of the intervention strategies is the application of reactive scavengers to directly trap ACR. Some known ACR scavengers include sulfur (thiol)-containing and nitrogen (amino)-containing compounds as well as the newly emerging natural polyphenols. In this review, the interactions between ACR and its scavengers are highlighted. The discussion about ACR scavengers is mainly focused on their chemical reactivity, trapping mechanisms as well as their roles extended to biological relevance. In addition to their direct trapping effect on ACR, these scavengers might possess multiple functions and offer additional benefits against ACR-induced toxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanism involved may help to establish ACR scavenging as a novel therapeutic intervention against human diseases that are associated with ACR and/or oxidative stress.

Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of glutathione-s-transferase mitigates transplant arteriosclerosis in rabbit carotid allografts

BACKGROUND

Cardiac transplant arteriosclerosis or cardiac allograft vasculopathy remains the leading cause of graft failure and patient death in heart transplant recipients. Endothelial cell injury is crucial in the development of human atherosclerosis and may play a role in allograft vasculopathy. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) is known to protect endothelial cells from damage by oxidants and toxins. However, the contribution of human GST A4-4 (hGSTA4-4) to vascular cell injury and consequent transplant arteriosclerosis is unknown.

METHODS

A recombinant adenoviral vector containing hGSTA4-4 gene was constructed and delivered to vascular endothelial cells in an in vivo rabbit carotid artery transplant model. Forty-five days after transplantation, allografts were harvested (n=28). Blood flow was measured by ultrasonography. In addition, grafts were analyzed by histology, morphometry, immunostaining, and western blot.

RESULTS

The severity of arteriosclerosis in hGSTA4-4 transduced allografts was compared with control by measuring degree of stenosis by neointima. Decrease in blood flow in hGSTA4-4 transduced allografts was significantly less than control allografts, which also developed greater intimal thickening and stenosis than hGSTA4-4 transduced allografts in the proximal and distal regions of the graft. Leukocyte and macrophage infiltration was reduced in hGSTA4-4 transduced carotid arteries.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that hGSTA4-4 overexpression protects the integrity of vessel wall from oxidative injury, and attenuates transplant arteriosclerosis.

Sulfasalazine induces haem oxygenase-1 via ROS-dependent Nrf2 signalling, leading to control of neointimal hyperplasia

AIMS

Inflammation, and the subsequent proliferative activity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), is one of the major pathophysiological mechanisms associated with neointimal hyperplasia following vascular injury. Although sulfasalazine (SSZ) has been used as an anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory agent in various inflammatory diseases, its primary targets and therapeutic effects on vascular disease have not yet been determined. We investigated whether SSZ could suppress VSMC growth and prevent neointimal hyperplasia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SSZ was found to have pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity in cultured VSMCs. Unexpectedly, these effects were not mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) inhibition, which has been suggested to be the anti-inflammatory mechanism associated with the effects of SSZ. Instead, cell-cycle arrest of the VSMCs was observed, which was mediated by induction of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) followed by an increased expression of p21(waf1/Cip1). The underlying mechanism for SSZ-induced HO-1 expression was by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent nuclear translocation and activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In a rat carotid artery balloon injury model, administration of SSZ significantly suppressed neointimal growth. In a series of reverse experiments, inhibition of HO-1 by shRNA, ROS by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or Nrf2 by dominant-negative Nrf2 abrogated the beneficial effects of SSZ.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that SSZ inhibits VSMC proliferation in vitro and in vivo through a novel signalling pathway and may be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of proliferative vascular disease.

Upregulation of cellular glutathione by 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione as a possible treatment strategy for protecting against acrolein-induced neurocytotoxicity

Acrolein, an unsaturated aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease. However, protection against acrolein toxicity in neuronal cells via chemical upregulation of cellular aldehyde-detoxification factors has not been investigated. In this study, we have investigated the induction of glutathione (GSH), GSH S-transferase (GST), and aldose reductase (AR) by the unique nutraceutical compound 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T); and the protective effects of the D3T-mediated cellular defenses on acrolein-mediated toxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Incubation of SH-SY5Y cells with D3T (10-100 microM) resulted in a marked concentration- and time-dependent induction of GSH, but not GST or AR. D3T treatment also led to increased mRNA expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL), the key enzyme in GSH biosynthesis. Incubation of SH-SY5Y cells with 40 microM acrolein for 0.5 or 1 h resulted in a significant depletion of cellular GSH, which preceded the decrease of cell viability, suggesting critical involvement of GSH in acrolein-induced cytotoxicity. Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 100 microM D3T afforded a dramatic protection against acrolein-induced cytotoxicity, as assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) reduction, lactate dehydrogenase release, as well as morphological changes. To further demonstrate the involvement of GSH in protection against acrolein-induced cytotoxicity, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) was used to inhibit cellular GSH biosynthesis. Depletion of cellular GSH by 25 microM BSO dramatically potentiated acrolein-induced cytotoxicity. Cotreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with BSO and D3T was found to prevent the D3T-mediated GSH induction and completely reverse the cytoprotective effects of D3T on acrolein-induced toxicity. Taken together, this study demonstrates that upregulation of GSH is a predominant mechanism underlying D3T-mediated protection against acrolein-induced neurocytotoxicity.

Glutathione S-transferase variants and hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Glutathione S-transferases are involved in defences against oxidative stress. We have recently demonstrated reduced expression of glutathione S-transferase mu type 1 (Gstm1) in a rat model of hypertension. Here, we examine the association between GSTM variants and hypertension in human.

METHODS

We screened 83 patients with hypertension and 46 controls for single nucleotide polymorphisms in GSTM genes by TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays and DNA sequencing. We then genotyped 753 trios from the Medical Research Council British Genetics of Hypertension Study transmission disequilibrium test cohort for 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the GSTM1 deletion and examined renal GSTM expression in a cohort of 27 hypertensive and 18 normotensive subjects. Finally, we attempted to replicate our findings in 1675 cases and 1654 controls from the Medical Research Council British Genetics of Hypertension Study case-control cohort.

RESULTS

We identified two major linkage disequilibrium blocks including GSTM4/GSTM2 and GSTM5/GSTM3 separated by the GSTM1 gene. In the British Genetics of Hypertension transmission disequilibrium test resource, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3' region of GSTM5 (rs11807) was found to be associated with hypertension (P = 0.01) with the T-allele being over-transmitted to hypertensive offspring. GSTM5 mRNA expression was found to be reduced in kidney tissue of subjects homozygous for the T-allele of rs11807 as compared to C-allele homozygous and CT heterozygous subjects (P = 0.02). Nevertheless, rs11807 was not associated with hypertension in the British Genetics of Hypertension case-control cohort (P = 0.61).

CONCLUSION

Our studies do not provide an evidence of an association of GSTM gene variants with hypertension in humans. They, however, illustrate the essential role of replication of initial results in a second cohort.

A proteomic approach to differentiate histologically classified stable and unstable plaques from human carotid arteries

OBJECTIVES

By using proteomics we isolated and identified proteins that were expressed/retained in stable and unstable human carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques.

METHODS

The criteria for plaque instability were the presence of a thin fibrous cap or fissured cap covering the foamy or necrotic core, and the presence of overt, hemorrhagic, ulcerated or thrombotic plaques. Proteins were extracted from finely minced endarterectomy specimens (19 stable and 29 unstable plaques) and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Coomassie Blue-stained gels were analysed using PD-Quest software.

RESULTS

A total of 57 distinct spots corresponding to 33 different proteins were identified by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using the NCBI database. Most of the spots were present in both types of extracts, although significantly (p<0.05) differing in abundance between them. Compared to stable plaque, unstable ones showed reduced abundance of: protective enzymes SOD3 and GST, small heat shock proteins HSP27 and HSP20, annexin A10, and Rho GDI. In unstable plaques the more abundant proteins were: ferritin light subunit, SOD 2 and fibrinogen fragment D. For fibrinogen fragment D, the increased levels in unstable versus stable plaques was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Since many of the differentially expressed proteins are known to have a functional role in inflammation and oxidative stress, we speculate that they may be involved in events relating to plaque stability.

Endothelial glutathione-S-transferase A4-4 protects against oxidative stress and modulates iNOS expression through NF-kappaB translocation

Our recent work in endothelial cells and human atherosclerotic plaque showed that overexpression of glutathione-S-tranferases (GSTs) in endothelium protects against oxidative damage from aldehydes such as 4-HNE. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB plays a crucial role during inflammation and immune responses by regulating the expression of inducible genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). 4-HNE induces apoptosis and affects NF-kappaB mediated gene expression, but conflicting results on 4-HNE's effect on NF-kappaB have been reported. We compared the effect of 4-HNE on iNOS and the NF-kappaB pathway in control mouse pancreatic islet endothelial (MS1) cells and those transfected with mGSTA4, a alpha-class GST with highest activity toward 4-HNE. When treated with 4-HNE, mGSTA4-transfected cells showed significant upregulation of iNOS and nitric oxide (NO) through (NF)-kappaB (p65) translocation in comparison with wild-type or vector-transfected cells. Immunohistochemical studies of early human plaques showed lower 4-HNE content and upregulation of iNOS, which we take to indicate that GSTA4-4 induction acts as an enzymatic defense against high levels of 4-HNE, since 4-HNE accumulated in more advanced plaques, when detoxification and exocytotic mechanisms are likely to be overwhelmed. These studies suggest that GSTA4-4 may play an important defensive role against atherogenesis through detoxification of 4-HNE and upregulation of iNOS.

Involvement of glutathione/glutathione S-transferase antioxidant system in butyrate-inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is an important etiological factor in vascular proliferative diseases such as primary atherosclerosis, hypertension, arterial and in-stent restenosis, and transplant vasculopathy. Our studies established that butyrate, a bacterial fermentation product of dietary fiber and a chromatin modulator, is a potent inhibitor of VSMC proliferation. The cardiovascular health benefits of a high-fiber diet, the principle source of butyrate in the body, have been known for a long time, however, very little is known about the antiatherogenic potential of butyrate. Because oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we examined involvement of the glutathione/glutathione S-transferase (GST) antioxidant system in butyrate's inhibition of VSMC proliferation. Treatment of proliferating VSMCs with butyrate leads to the induction of several GSTs. Interestingly, our study also demonstrated the nuclear localization of GST-P1 (GST-7-7), which is considered to be a cytosolic protein; this was demonstrated using immunostaining and was corroborated by western blotting. Also, the butyrate-induced antiproliferative action, and the induction of GST-P1 and its nuclear localization are downregulated when butyrate is withdrawn. Furthermore, assessment of intracellular glutathione levels reveals their augmentation by butyrate. Conversely, butyrate treatment reduces the levels of reactive oxygen species in VSMCs. Collectively, the butyrate-treatment-related increase in glutathione content, the reduction in reactive oxygen species, the upregulation of GST and the nuclear localization of GST-P1 in growth-arrested VSMCs imply that butyrate's antiproliferative action involves modulation of the cellular redox state. Thus, induction of the glutathione/GST antioxidant system appears to have other regulatory role(s) besides detoxification and regulation of the cellular redox state, for example, cell-cycle control and cell proliferation, which are both critical to atherogenesis.

The concept of "aldehyde load" in neurodegenerative mechanisms: cytotoxicity of the polyamine degradation products hydrogen peroxide, acrolein, 3-aminopropanal, 3-acetamidopropanal and 4-aminobutanal in a retinal ganglion cell line

In neurodegenerative diseases augmented polyamine metabolism results in the generation of hydrogen peroxide and a number of reactive aldehydes that participate in the death of compromised tissue. The major aldehydes produced by polyamine oxidase and amine oxidases include the 2-alkenal acrolein, the acetoamidoaldehyde 3-acetamidopropanal (3-AAP) and the aminoaldehydes 3-aminopropanal (3-AP) and 4-aminobutanal (4-AB). Using retinal ganglion cell (E1A-NR.3) cultures, we confirmed the cytotoxicity of acrolein and 3-AP. For the first time we also demonstrated the cytotoxicity of 4-AB and the lack of toxicity of 3-AAP. Our data with 3-AAP, a product of N-acetylspermine and N-acetylspermidine metabolism, indicate that the aldehyde function of aminoaldehydes is insufficient to express toxicity since the free amino group of aminoaldehydes is also required to gain access to lysosomes where their cytotoxic actions are expressed via leakage of cathepsins that compromise mitochondrial integrity. Metabolism of 3-AP to beta-alanine by aldehyde dehydrogenase was also evaluated in retinal ganglion cell cultures and found to proceed at a linear rate of 24.3+/-1 nmol/mg protein/h. These are the first data demonstrating the dynamic cellular detoxification of 3-AP by neural cells and support the concept that decrements in aldehyde elimination leading to an increase in "aldehyde load" may play pivotal roles in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

Role of the media in vascular injury: atherosclerosis and dissection

Although a metabolic role for endothelium in toxic injury has been well established, a similar role has not been as thoroughly explored for the vascular media. In this study two forms of vascular medial involvement in toxic injury are examined. Early atherosclerotic plaques are studied by immunohistochemistry for an a class glutathione-S-transferase (GST) isozyme known as hGSTA4-4, which has preferential metabolic activity for a, ss -unsaturated aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation, especially 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. Findings in human plaque indicate that hGST A4-4 is highly upregulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within the plaque and in the medial VSMCs underlying plaque. Endothelial cells, while not expressing hGST A4-4 distant from plaques, were found to express the isozyme in cytoplasm overlying plaque. In a series of second experiments, we illustrate a developmental model of dissecting aortic aneurysm (DAA) obtained by administering semicarbazide, an inhibitor of the little-studied VSMC enzyme semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), to pregnant rats during the last trimester of development. Newborn rats consistently developed DAA which is characterized by splitting of media of ascending thoracic aorta and extensive blood collections surrounding the vessel. These experimental examples emphasize the potential role of the media in toxic insults to blood vessels. Also, the potential importance of toxic injury to developing blood vessels by in utero exposure to xenobiotic substances is illustrated.

Differential roles of 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione-induced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase and aldose reductase in protecting against 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal toxicity in cultured cardiomyocytes

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac disorders. While conjugation with glutathione (GSH) catalyzed by GSH S-transferase (GST) has been suggested to be a major detoxification mechanism for HNE in target cells, whether chemically upregulated cellular GSH and GST afford protection against HNE toxicity in cardiac cells has not been investigated. In addition, the differential roles of chemically induced GSH and GST as well as other cellular factors in detoxifying HNE in cardiomyocytes are unclear. In this study, we have characterized the induction of GSH and GST by 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) and the protective effects of the D3T-elevated cellular defenses on HNE-mediated toxicity in rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with D3T resulted in a significant induction of both GSH and GST as well as the mRNA expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit and GSTA. Both GSH and GST remained elevated for at least 72 h after removal of D3T from the culture media. Treatment of cells with HNE led to a significant decrease in cell viability and an increased formation of HNE-protein adducts. Pretreatment of cells with D3T dramatically protected against HNE-mediated cytotoxicity and protein-adduct formation. HNE treatment caused a significant decrease in cellular GSH level, which preceded the loss of cell viability. Either depletion of cellular GSH by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) or inhibition of GST by sulfasalazine markedly sensitized the cells to HNE toxicity. Co-treatment of cardiomyocytes with BSO was found to completely block the D3T-mediated GSH elevation, which however failed to reverse the cytoprotective effects of D3T, suggesting that other cellular factor(s) might be involved in D3T cytotprotection. In this regard, D3T was shown to induce cellular aldose reductase (AR). Surprisingly, inhibition of AR by sorbinil failed to potentiate HNE toxicity in cardiomyocytes. In contrast, sorbinil dramatically augmented HNE cytotoxicity in cells with GSH depletion induced by BSO. Similarly, in BSO-treated cells, D3T cytoprotection was also largely reversed by sorbinil, indicating that AR played a significant role in detoxifying HNE only under the condition of GSH depletion in cardiomyocytes. Taken together, this study demonstrates that D3T can induce GSH, GST, and AR in cardiomyocytes, and that the above cellular factors appear to play differential roles in detoxification of HNE in cardiomyocytes.

Glutathione-S-transferase A4-4 modulates oxidative stress in endothelium: possible role in human atherosclerosis

The role of alpha-class mammalian glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in the protection of many cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells, against oxidant damage has been demonstrated, but the role of GSTs in the endothelial cell is not well studied. In order to examine the role of GSTs in the endothelial cell, a stable transfection of mouse pancreatic islet endothelial cells (MS1) with cDNA of mGSTA4-4, mouse isozyme of GSTs with activity in vascular wall, was established. Transfected cells demonstrated significantly higher GSTs enzyme activity and expressed significantly increased resistance to the cytotoxicity of allylamine, acrolein, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), and H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05). A significantly higher rate of proliferation and lower baseline level of intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-HNE were present when compared to wild-type or vector-transfected MS1 endothelial cells (P < 0.05). Transfection protected MS1 endothelial cells from 4-HNE and H(2)O(2) induced apoptosis by inhibiting phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK) and consequent activation of p53 and Bax. In early human fibrous atherosclerotic plaques, immunohistochemical studies demonstrated marked induction of hGSTA4-4 in endothelial cells overlying plaque, and in proliferating plaque vascular smooth muscle cells. Our results indicate that endothelial cell mGSTA4-4 can play a key role in protecting blood vessels against oxidative stress and, thus, is likely to be a critical defense mechanism against oxidants that act as atherogens.

Acrolein activates mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathways in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Acrolein, a major component of cigarette smoke, an environmental pollutant and an endogenous lipid peroxidation product, has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Although a link between vascular injury and acrolein has been indicated, the exact molecular mechanism of acrolein-induced toxicity to vasculature is unknown. In an effort to elucidate the molecular basis of acrolein-induced vascular toxicity, the possibility of the intracellular signaling system as one of the targets of acrolein-induced toxicity is investigated in the present study. Exposure of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to different doses of acrolein not only causes cytotoxicity but also alters cellular morphology in a concentration and time-dependent manner. VSMCs exhibit cytotoxicity to a narrow concentration range of 5-10 microg/ml and display no toxicity to 2 microg/ml acrolein even after 24 h of exposure. Furthermore, exposure to acrolein results in activation of members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family and protein tyrosine kinases. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), stress-activated protein kinases/c-jun NH2-terminal kinases (SAPK/JNK) and p38MAPK are effectively and transiently activated by acrolein in a concentration and time-dependent fashion. While all three MAPKs exhibit significant activation within 5 min of exposure to acrolein, maximum activation (ERK1/2 and p38MAPK) or close to maximum activation (SAPK/JNK) occurs on exposure to 5 microg/ml acrolein for 2 h. Acrolein-induced activation of MAPKs is further substantiated by the activation of transcription factors, c-jun and activator transcription factor-2 (ATF-2), by acrolein-activated SAPK/JNK and p38MAPK, respectively. Additionally several cellular proteins exhibit spectacular protein tyrosine phosphorylation, particularly in response to 2 and 5 microg/ml of acrolein. Interestingly, the acrolein-induced activation of MAPKs precedes acrolein-stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation, which occurs after 2 h of exposure to acrolein. However, the time course of maximum protein tyrosine phosphorylation profile corresponds to the peak activation profile of MAPKs. The activation of MAPKs and protein tyrosine phosphorylation by acrolein appears to be independent of acrolein-induced toxicity. VSMCs exposed to 2 microg/ml acrolein exhibit no toxicity but stimulates significant activation of MAPKs and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Although acrolein-induced VSMC toxicity is not blocked by MAPK inhibitors, PD98059, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase and SB203580, an inhibitor of p38MAPK, eitheralone or in combination, each MAPK responds differently to the inhibitors. Most prominently, although SB203580, an inhibitor of both SAPK/JNK and p38MAPK, significantly inhibited acrolein-induced activation of p38MAPK, it also stimulated SAPK/JNK activation by acrolein alone and in combination with PD98059. These results provide the first evidence that the activation of both growth-regulated (ERK1/2) and stress-regulated (SAPK/JNK and p38MAPK) MAPKs as well as tyrosine kinases are involved in the mediation of acrolein-induced effects on VSMC, which may play a crucial role in vascular pathogenesis due to environmentally and endogenously produced acrolein.

Nipradilol induces vasodilation of canine isolated posterior ciliary artery via stimulation of the guanylyl cyclase-cGMP pathway

We examined the effect of nipradilol on contraction of the posterior ciliary artery induced by high potassium or norepinephrine and on cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels in the posterior ciliary artery of dogs. Nipradilol caused dose-dependent relaxation of KCl-and norepinephrine-induced contractions of posterior ciliary artery. The relaxant effect of nipradilol on norepinephrine-contracted ciliary artery was significantly greater than that on KCl-contracted ciliary artery. In KCl-contracted ciliary artery, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, 10(-4) M) did not alter the relaxant effect of nipradilol, whereas 1H-1,2,4-oxadiazolo-4,3-a-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10(-6) M) significantly inhibited this effect. Ethacrynic acid at 10(-5) M, sulfasalazine at 10(-4) M and S-decylglutathione at 10(-4) M (glutathione S-transferase inhibitors) did not inhibit the relaxant effect of nipradilol. In addition, nipradilol produced dose-dependent increases in cGMP levels in the canine posterior ciliary artery. These findings indicate that nipradilol-induced vasorelaxation in the canine posterior ciliary artery occurs via stimulation of the guanylyl cyclase-cGMP pathway.

Polymorphic metabolizing genes and susceptibility to atherosclerosis among cigarette smokers

Atherosclerosis (AR) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US and cigarette smoking is a major contributing factor to the disease. Like cigarette smoking in lung cancer, genetic susceptibility may be an important factor in determining who is more likely to develop AR. However, the current emphasis has been on susceptibility based on altered cardiovascular homeostasis. In this investigation, we studied 120 AR patients and 90 matched controls to elucidate the association between polymorphisms in some metabolizing genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP2E1, mEH, PON1, and MPO) and susceptibility to AR. We found that the GSTT1 null allele and the fast allele of mEH(*) (exon 4) are associated with risk for AR. Furthermore, the combined genotypes GSTM1 null/ CYP2E1(*)5B, GSTM1 null/mEH YY, and GSTT1 null/mEH YY are significantly associated with susceptibility to AR (OR = 15.42, 95% CI = 1.33-77.93, P = 0.021; OR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.63-8.04, P = 0.0008; OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 0.99-17.38, P = 0.05; respectively). We have also conducted cytogenetic analysis to elucidate if induction of chromosome aberrations (CAs) is a biomarker of AR susceptibility. We found that among cigarette smokers (AR patients and smoker controls), individuals having the GSTM1 null allele had a significantly higher frequency of CAs compared to those with the normal allele (P < 0.05). This association was not found among nonsmokers. In addition, individuals who had inherited the CYP2E1(*)5B allele exhibited a significantly higher CA frequency (8.0 +/- 0.82) compared to those with the CYP2E1 wild-type genotype (4.31 +/- 0.35). Since the analysis of genetic susceptibility factors is still in its infancy, our study may stimulate additional investigations to understand the roles of genetic susceptibility and cigarette smoking in AR.

Increased DNA alterations in atherosclerotic lesions of individuals lacking the GSTM1 genotype

Reduced glutathione (GSH) plays a critical role as an intracellular defense system providing detoxification of a broad spectrum of reactive species and their excretion as water-soluble conjugates. Conjugation of GSH with electrophiles is catalyzed by GSH S-transferases (GST), which constitute a broad family of phase II isoenzymes. Two of the GST encoding genes, GSTM1 (mu) and GSTT1 (theta), have a null genotype due to their homozygous deletion that results in lack of active protein. Polymorphisms within GSTT1 and especially GSTM1 have often been associated with cancer in various organs as well as with elevated levels of DNA adducts in various cell types. We recently demonstrated that DNA adducts are consistently detectable in smooth muscle cells (SMC) of human abdominal aorta affected by atherosclerotic lesions. Here we provide evidence that levels of adducts to SMC DNA from atherosclerotic lesions are consistently increased in individuals having the null GSTM1 genotype, whereas no association was established with the GSTT1 polymorphism. The influence of GSTM1 deletion was better expressed in never-smokers and ex-smokers than in current smokers. These findings bear relevance to the epidemiology of atherosclerosis and suggest that metabolic polymorphisms may contribute to the interindividual variability in susceptibility not only to carcinogens, but also to DNA binding atherogens.

Effect of cigarette smoke extract on neonatal porcine vascular smooth muscle cells

RATIONALE

Cigarette smoke exposure in the perinatal period increases the risk of various prenatal and postnatal complications, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). We investigated the cellular effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in the developing vasculature.

METHODS

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were isolated from neonatal porcine carotid arteries, splenic arteries, and main and resistance pulmonary arteries. Effects of CSE on VSMC proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and media nitrates and nitrites were evaluated. The effects of known constituents of CSE (nicotine, benzopyrene, acrolein, acetaldehyde), aged CSE, CSE with added hemoglobin, devolatilized CSE, CSE with added dithiothreitol (DTT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) on cell proliferation and viability were assessed.

RESULTS

CSE caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in neonatal VSMC numbers isolated from all four sites, mainly as a result of increased cell necrosis and not apoptosis. Nitrates and nitrites were below the threshold of detection. Nicotine and benzopyrene did not affect cell counts, while acrolein and acetaldehyde decreased cell counts in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of hemoglobin, devolatilization, and the addition of DTT or GSH slightly decreased CSE inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

CSE causes necrosis of neonatal VSMC, and this toxicity is mediated mainly by volatile components such as acrolein and acetaldehyde, possibly in association with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.

Role of glutathione S-transferase 8-8 in allylamine resistance of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro

Allylamine (AA) is a cardiovascular toxin that causes lesions resembling atherosclerosis in several mammalian species. AA's toxic effects are thought to be exerted through its conversion to acrolein (AC), a potent electrophilic alkylating agent and atherogen. Semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) catalyzes the oxidation of AA to AC. Glutathione S-transferases (GST) can catalyze the first step of detoxification of AC to mercapturic acid. Our previous studies suggest that the isozyme rGST8-8 is a principal defense against electrophilic stress exerted by alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls such as AC. In the present studies, we use cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to examine the relative roles of SSAO and rGST8-8 in the cytotoxic effects of the atherogens, AA and AC. Exposure derived AA-resistant cells (VSMC-AA) were 3.5-fold more resistant to AA when compared to VSMC and 1.8-fold more resistant to acrolein. SSAO activity was 2-fold higher in VSMC-AA than in VSMC. Consistent with the role of SSAO in biotransformation of AA, the SSAO inhibitor semicarbazide (SC; 100 microM) provided nearly complete protection from AA to both VSMC-AA and VSMC. As expected, SC did not affect the cytotoxicity of AC. Pretreatment with 100 microM sulfasalazine (SS), a GST inhibitor, potentiated AA and AC toxicity in both VSMC-AA and VSMC, indicating a protective role of GST. Catalytic efficiency (K(cat)/K(m)) of GSTs was higher toward 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) (0.65 mM(-1) s(-1)) than toward 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) (0.14 mM(-1) s(-1)) for VSMC. In VSMC-AA, K(cat)/K(m) was increased 4.1-fold toward CDNB (0.58 mM(-1) s(-1)) and 6-fold toward 4HNE (3.9 mM(-1) s(-1)) when compared to VSMC, indicating a preferential increase in VSMC-AA of GST isozymes which utilize alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls. Western blots confirmed induction of rGST8-8 in VSMC-AA. Expression of recombinant mGSTA4 (the mouse homolog of rGST8-8) in VSMC caused a 1.6-fold increase in resistance to AA and AC. This resistance was fully reversed by 50 microM SS. Our results demonstrate that GSTs are an important defense against electrophilic atherogens and that isozymes with high activity toward alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls are particularly important in the vascular wall.