Peroxidation of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine liposomes by hypochlorous acid

Free Radical Lipid Peroxidation Induced by Reactive Halogen Species

The review is devoted to the mechanisms of free radical lipid peroxidation (LPO) initiated by reactive halogen species (RHS) produced in mammals, including humans, by heme peroxidase enzymes, primarily myeloperoxidase (MPO). It has been shown that RHS can participate in LPO both in the initiation and branching steps of the LPO chain reactions. The initiation step of RHS-induced LPO mainly involves formation of free radicals in the reactions of RHS with nitrite and/or with amino groups of phosphatidylethanolamine or Lys. The branching step of the oxidative chain is the reaction of RHS with lipid hydroperoxides, in which peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals are formed. The role of RHS-induced LPO in the development of human inflammatory diseases (cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) is discussed in detail.

The composition of chlorinated or oxidized phosphatidylcholine products changes with hypochlorite concentration: Application to abscess lipid analysis

Hypochlorous acid, produced by myeloperoxidase upon neutrophil activation, can oxidize various compounds and exert antimicrobial activity in vivo. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the reactions of the unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, which abound in cell membranes, with hypochlorous acid, we identified and examined phosphatidylcholine chlorination and oxidation products formed under various reaction conditions. We first investigated the products of unsaturated phosphatidylcholine and hypochlorous acid reaction with respect to hypochlorite concentration and reaction time. Next, we examined the lipids extracted postmortem from human abscesses. For all the analyses, we used liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Various compounds, including phosphatidylcholine chlorohydrin and phosphatidylcholine hydroxide/epoxide, were detected. Oxidized phosphatidylcholines were mainly detectable upon reaction with low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, whereas chlorinated phosphatidylcholines formed in the presence of higher concentrations. In human abscesses, oxidized phosphatidylcholines were detected in the cases with high procalcitonin concentration, whereas chlorinated phosphatidylcholines were undetected. The detections of oxidized phosphatidylcholines in human tissues might indicate previous exposure to hypochlorous acid in septic cases. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms underlying pathogen survival following inflammation associated with neutrophil activation and topical myeloperoxidase release and show postmortem biomarkers candidates for sepsis.

Chlorinated Phospholipids and Fatty Acids: (Patho)physiological Relevance, Potential Toxicity, and Analysis of Lipid Chlorohydrins

Chlorinated phospholipids are formed by the reaction of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), generated by the enzyme myeloperoxidase under inflammatory conditions, and the unsaturated fatty acyl residues or the head group. In the first case the generated chlorohydrins are both proinflammatory and cytotoxic, thus having a significant impact on the structures of biomembranes. The latter case leads to chloramines, the properties of which are by far less well understood. Since HOCl is also widely used as a disinfecting and antibacterial agent in medicinal, industrial, and domestic applications, it may represent an additional source of danger in the case of abuse or mishandling. This review discusses the reaction behavior of in vivo generated HOCl and biomolecules like DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates but will focus on phospholipids. Not only the beneficial and pathological (toxic) effects of chlorinated lipids but also the importance of these chlorinated species is discussed. Some selected cleavage products of (chlorinated) phospholipids and plasmalogens such as lysophospholipids, (chlorinated) free fatty acids and α-chloro fatty aldehydes, which are all well known to massively contribute to inflammatory diseases associated with oxidative stress, will be also discussed. Finally, common analytical methods to study these compounds will be reviewed with focus on mass spectrometric techniques.

Hypochlorous acid as a precursor of free radicals in living systems

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced in the human body by the family of mammalian heme peroxidases, mainly by myeloperoxidase, which is secreted by neutrophils and monocytes at sites of inflammation. This review discusses the reactions that occur between HOCl and the major classes of biologically important molecules (amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and inorganic substances) to form free radicals. The generation of such free radical intermediates by HOCl and other reactive halogen species is accompanied by the development of halogenative stress, which causes a number of socially important diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, infectious, and other diseases usually associated with inflammatory response and characterized by the appearance of biomarkers of myeloperoxidase and halogenative stress. Investigations aimed at elucidating the mechanisms regulating the activity of enzyme systems that are responsible for the production of reactive halogen species are a crucial step in opening possibilities for control of the development of the body's inflammatory response.

Halogenated phospholipids regulate secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA activity

Secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (sPLA2-IIA) is an active participant of inflammation. The enzyme destroys bacterial cell wall and induces production of biologically active lipid mediators. It is involved in various pathological processes and high serum content and activity of sPLA2-IIA are associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Study of sPLA2-IIA regulation is of great physiological and clinical importance and is necessary for better understanding of mechanisms underlying inflammation. Another major participant of inflammatory response is the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) which is secreted by neutrophils in the focus of inflammation and catalyzes formation of HOCl and HOBr. Both halogenated (chloro- and bromohydrins) and oxidized lipids are formed due to interaction between HOCl and HOBr with unsaturated bonds of phospholipid acyl chains. Previously we showed that oxidized phospholipids stimulate sPLA2-IIA activity. In this study we examined the effects of chloro- and bromohydrins of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) on sPLA2-IIA activity. In contrast to POPC, chloro- and bromohydrins of POPC (POPC-Cl and POPC-Br, respectively) were not hydrolyzed by sPLA2-IIA. In addition, phospholipids which are sPLA2-IIA substrates, were not cleaved by the enzyme in the presence of POPC-Cl and POPC-Br. Halogenohydrins of POPC prevented the activity of both purified and serum sPLA2-IIA. Blocking effects of POPC-Cl and POPC-Br were abolished by increased concentrations of phospholipid-substrate. These results suggest that halogenated phospholipids formed in MPO-dependent reactions can be considered as a new class of biologically active compounds potentially capable of regulating sPLA2-IIA activity in the areas of inflammation and producing the effects opposite to those of oxidized phospholipids. Control over sPLA2-IIA can be useful in the therapy of diseases involving systemic inflammation.

N-chloroamino acids cause oxidative protein modifications in the erythrocyte membrane

The increase in the amount of oxidatively modified proteins is a hallmark of ageing and age-related disorders. This paper is aimed at a verification of the hypothesis that N-chloroamino acids, products of reaction between hypochlorite generated in vivo under pathological conditions and free amino acids, may induce oxidative modifications of erythrocyte membrane proteins. The effects of N-chloroalanine, N-chloroaspartate, N-chloroserine, N-chlorolysine and N-chlorophenylalanine were compared with that of HOCl/OCl(-). All the chlorocompounds studied (except for AspCl) induced the loss of tryptophan and formylkynurenine formation accompanied by decrease of acetylcholinesterase activity and V(max) of the enzyme, without change of K(m). Only HOCl/OCl(-) induced dityrosine formation being also the most effective in the induction of carbonyl groups formation. Protein thiol oxidation studied was observed for all chlorocompounds studied but with different efficiency. The destruction of amine groups content was evident for AlaCl, LysCl and SerCl. The formation of protein aggregates was observed, due mainly but not exclusively to the formation of disulphide bonds.

Chlorinated lipids and fatty acids: an emerging role in pathology

Although the existence of halogenated lipids in lower organisms has been known for many years, it is only since the 1990s that interest in their occurrence in mammalian systems has developed. Chlorinated (and other halogenated) lipids can arise from oxidation by hypohalous acids, such as HOCl, which are products of the phagocytic enzyme myeloperoxidase and are generated during inflammation. The major species of chlorinated lipids investigated to date are chlorinated sterols, fatty acid and phospholipid chlorohydrins, and alpha-chloro fatty aldehydes. While all of these chlorinated lipids have been shown to be produced in model systems from lipoproteins to cells subjected to oxidative stress, as yet only alpha-chloro fatty aldehydes, such as 2-chlorohexadecanal, have been detected in clinical samples or animal models of disease. alpha-Chloro fatty aldehydes and chlorohydrins have been found to have a number of potentially pro-inflammatory effects ranging from toxicity to inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis and upregulation of vascular adhesion molecules. Thus evidence is building for a role of chlorinated lipids in inflammatory disease, although much more research is required to establish the contributions of specific compounds in different disease pathologies. Preventing chlorinated lipid formation and indeed other HOCl-induced damage, via the inhibition of myeloperoxidase, is an area of growing interest and may lead in the future to antimyeloperoxidase-based antiinflammatory therapy. However, other chlorinated lipids, such as punaglandins, have beneficial effects that could offer novel therapies for cancer.

Peroxidation of liposomal lipids

Free radicals, formed via different mechanisms, induce peroxidation of membrane lipids. This process is of great importance because it modifies the physical properties of the membranes, including its permeability to different solutes and the packing of lipids and proteins in the membranes, which in turn, influences the membranes' function. Accordingly, much research effort has been devoted to the understanding of the factors that govern peroxidation, including the composition and properties of the membranes and the inducer of peroxidation. In view of the complexity of biological membranes, much work was devoted to the latter issues in simplified model systems, mostly lipid vesicles (liposomes). Although peroxidation in model membranes may be very different from peroxidation in biological membranes, the results obtained in model membranes may be used to advance our understanding of issues that cannot be studied in biological membranes. Nonetheless, in spite of the relative simplicity of peroxidation of liposomal lipids, these reactions are still quite complex because they depend in a complex fashion on both the inducer of peroxidation and the composition and physical properties of the liposomes. This complexity is the most likely cause of the apparent contradictions of literature results. The main conclusion of this review is that most, if not all, of the published results (sometimes apparently contradictory) on the peroxidation of liposomal lipids can be understood on the basis of the physico-chemical properties of the liposomes. Specifically: (1) The kinetics of peroxidation induced by an "external" generator of free radicals (e.g. AAPH) is governed by the balance between the effects of membrane properties on the rate constants of propagation (k (p)) and termination (k (t)) of the free radical peroxidation in the relevant membrane domains, i.e. in those domains in which the oxidizable lipids reside. Both these rate constants depend similarly on the packing of lipids in the bilayer, but influence the overall rate in opposite directions. (2) Peroxidation induced by transition metal ions depends on additional factors, including the binding of metal ions to the lipid-water interface and the formation of a metal ions-hydroperoxide complex at the surface. (3) Reducing agents, commonly regarded as "antioxidants", may either promote or inhibit peroxidation, depending on the membrane composition, the inducer of oxidation and the membrane/water partitioning. All the published data can be explained in terms of these (quite complex) generalizations. More detailed analysis requires additional experimental investigations.

Leukocytic myeloperoxidase-mediated formation of bromohydrins and lysophospholipids from unsaturated phosphatidylcholines

Using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, we have shown that leukocytic myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of its substrates (H2O2 and Br?) does not induce any changes in saturated 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Incubation of liposomes prepared from mono-unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) with the (MPO + H2O2 + Br-) system resulted in formation of bromohydrins as the main products. 1-Palmitoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lysophosphatidylcholine) was the main product of the reaction of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) with the (MPO + H2O2 + Br-) system. The formation of lysophospholipids as well as of bromohydrins was not observed when the enzyme or one of its substrates (H2O2 or Br-) was absent from the incubation medium, or if an inhibitor of MPO (sodium azide) or hypobromite scavengers (taurine or methionine) were added. Thus, it can be postulated that the formation of bromohydrins as well as lysophospholipids by the (MPO + H2O2 + Br-) system results from reactions of hypobromite formed during MPO catalysis with double bonds of acyl chains of phosphatidylcholine. Such destructive processes may take place in vivo in membrane- or lipoprotein-associated unsaturated lipids in centers of inflammation.

Modification of low-density lipoprotein by myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants and reagent hypochlorous acid

Substantial evidence supports the notion that oxidative processes contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The nature of the oxidants that give rise to the elevated levels of oxidised lipids and proteins, and decreased levels of antioxidants, detected in human atherosclerotic lesions are, however, unclear, with multiple species having been invoked. Over the last few years, considerable data have been obtained in support of the hypothesis that oxidants generated by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase play a key role in oxidation reactions in the artery wall. In this article, the evidence for a role of myeloperoxidase, and oxidants generated therefrom, in the modification of low-density lipoprotein, the major source of lipids in atherosclerotic lesions, is reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the reactions of the reactive species generated by this enzyme, the mechanisms and sites of damage, the role of modification of the different components of low-density lipoprotein, and the biological consequences of such oxidation on cell types present in the artery wall and in the circulation, respectively.

Chondroitin 6-sulfate and dextran sulfate promote hypochlorite-induced peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine liposomes

In this work, we studied whether chondroitin sulfates and dextran sulfates (DXSs) can influence hypochlorite-induced peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes. Multilamellar liposomes (2 mg lipid/ml) were prepared in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, with NaCl or not and exposed to reagent HOCl/ClO- (1mM) at 37 degrees C in the presence of different concentrations of chondroitin 6-sulfate (C6S), chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S), DXS 8000, DXS 40,000, and DXS 500,000. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) production. DXSs and C6S enhanced TBARS production in a dose-dependent manner. The decline in TBARS production at the relatively high C6S concentrations may be attributed to C4S present in C6S, since in contrast to C6S, C4S is known to react with hypochlorite. Dextrans, nonsulfated analogues of DXS, failed to modulate TBARS production. This fact indicates the important role of negatively charged sulfate groups for DXS to facilitate hypochlorite-induced peroxidation of PC liposomes. The electrostatic nature of the mechanism providing for the pro-oxidative effect of DXS was also supported by the influence of liposome surface charge and solution ionic strength on the extent of liposome peroxidation. The addition of calcium ions to the incubation mixture did not prevent the pro-oxidative action of DXS. The relevance of the results to atherogenesis is discussed.

The phosphatidylcholine/lysophosphatidylcholine ratio in human plasma is an indicator of the severity of rheumatoid arthritis: investigations by 31P NMR and MALDI-TOF MS

OBJECTIVES

Lipid second messengers, e.g. lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, for instance, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unfortunately, the analysis of LPC in complex mixtures as present in body fluids is still challenging.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was applied for phospholipid (PL) analysis of organic extracts of synovial fluids from patients with RA as well as the corresponding plasma. These data were compared with results obtained by high resolution 31P NMR spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Synovial fluids may be replaced by plasma since the analysis of both body fluids gives very similar results. Patients undergoing treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors (ADALIMUMAB (HUMIRA)) were examined in order to investigate whether the clinically-significant attenuation of disease activity is accompanied by changes of the PL composition of plasma. It will be shown that especially the PC/LPC ratios of plasma represent a reliable measure of inflammation and increase upon therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Since plasma samples are readily available, our approach might be useful to draw conclusions before puncture of the affected joints is necessary and the PC/LPC ratio detected in plasma may serve as an indicator of RA in early stages.

Deterioration of spermatozoal plasma membrane is associated with an increase of sperm lyso-phosphatidylcholines

Spermatozoa with plasma membranes that lost their asymmetry or permeability for larger molecules can be identified by binding of annexin V to membrane phosphatidylserine (PS). Paramagnetic annexin-V-conjugated microbeads (AN-MB) can be used to eliminate these spermatozoa by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). Semen samples of six healthy volunteers with normal spermiogram parameters were divided into two sperm fractions by MACS as a function of bound AN-MB, and their individual lipid compositions were examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). As a model system, liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholines (PC) from egg yolk were digested by phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The MALDI-TOF mass spectra of organic extracts of both sperm subpopulations differed significantly. The ratio between lyso-phosphatidylcholine LPC 16 : 0 and PC 16 : 0/22 : 6 was approximately 2.5-4.7-fold higher (median 2.9) in the sperm group binding AN-MB than in spermatozoa with intact membrane unable to bind AN-MB. The ratio between LPC 22 : 6 and PC 16 : 0/22 : 6 was also enhanced in the spermatozoa with impaired membrane structure (factor in the range: 1.9-3.9; median 2.6). These alterations corresponded to the effects of PLA2 on artificial phospholipids. It is concluded that spermatozoa with deteriorated membrane and exposed PS are characterized by an increased lyso-phosphatidylcholine content that is likely generated by phospholipases.

Formation of lysophospholipids from unsaturated phosphatidylcholines under the influence of hypochlorous acid

The formation of lysophosphatidylcholines from unsaturated phosphatidylcholines upon treatment with hypochlorous acid was evaluated by means of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 31P NMR spectroscopy. With an increasing number of double bonds in a fatty acid residue, the yield of lysophosphatidylcholines with a saturated fatty acid residue increased considerably in comparison to the total amount of higher molecular weight products like chlorohydrins and glycols. High amounts of lysophosphatidylcholines were formed from phospholipids containing arachidonic or docosahexaenoic acid residues. In phospholipids with monounsaturated fatty acid residues, the position of the double bond did not influence the yield of lyso-products. Besides the exclusive formation of chlorohydrin and glycol, hypochlorous acid caused the cleavage of the unsaturated fatty acid residue independent of its location at the first or second position of the glycerol backbone. In contrast, strong alkaline conditions, i.e. saponification led also to a hydrolysis of the saturated fatty acid residue from phosphatidylcholines. It is concluded that both MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 31P NMR spectroscopy are able to detect the formation of lysophosphatidylcholines. We conclude also that the formation of lysophospholipids from unsaturated phosphatidylcholines by hypochlorous acid can be relevant in vivo under acute inflammatory conditions.

Effects of hypochlorous acid on unsaturated phosphatidylcholines

Effects of hypochlorous acid and of the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-chloride system on mono- and polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines were analyzed by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Chlorohydrins and glycols were detected as main products according to the characteristic shift of molecular masses. Mainly mono-chlorohydrins result upon the incubation of HOCl/(-)OCl with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, whereas only traces of mono-glycols were detected. 1-Palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine yielded a complex mixture of products. Mono-chlorohydrins and glycols dominated only at short incubation, while bis-chlorohydrins as well as products containing one chlorohydrin and one glycol moiety appeared after longer incubation. Similarly, a complex product mixture resulted upon incubation of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine with hypochlorous acid. Additionally, tris-chlorohydrins, products with two chlorohydrin and one glycol moiety, as well as lysophosphatidylcholines and fragmentation products of the arachidonoyl side chain were detectable. Mono-chlorohydrins of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine were detected after the incubation of the latter phospholipid with the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-chloride system at pH 6.0. These chlorohydrins were not observed in the absence of chloride, hydrogen peroxide, or myeloperoxidase as well as in the presence of methionine, taurine, or sodium azide. Thus, mono-chlorohydrins in 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine produced by hypochlorous acid from the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-chloride system can also be detected by means of MALDI-TOF MS.

Lipid analysis of human spermatozoa and seminal plasma by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy - effects of freezing and thawing

In the present study, the applicability of proton NMR spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to the analysis of the lipid composition of human spermatozoa and seminal fluids as well as changes after cryopreservation of human spermatozoa was investigated. Whereas NMR spectra primarily indicated a high content of double bonds within the spermatozoa but no marked differences upon cryopreservation, MS detected intense peaks which could be assigned to phosphatidylcholines containing one docosahexaenoic and one palmitic or stearic acid residue (m/z=806 and 834). In contrast, the seminal plasma contained more saturated fatty acids and especially more sphingomyelin (SM). A freezing/thawing cycle markedly influences the lipid composition of spermatozoa. There was a diminution of phosphatidylcholines (16:0, 22:6 and 18:0, 22:6) and SM (16:0) and the appearance of lysophosphatidylcholines (16:0 and 18:0) and ceramide (16:0). These data demonstrate the release or activation of both phospholipase A(2) and sphingomyelinase in human spermatozoa due to the freezing/thawing cycle. These results were finally confirmed by experiments on the action of phospholipases on lipids containing docosahexaenoic acid.

Pathways of phospholipid oxidation by HOCl in human LDL detected by LC-MS

A wealth of evidence now indicates that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) must be modified to promote atherosclerosis, and that this may involve oxidants released by phagocytes. Many studies of oxidative damage in atherosclerosis previously have concentrated on damage by nonhalogenated oxidants, but HOCl is a highly toxic oxidant produced by myeloperoxidase in phagocytes, which is also likely to be important in the disease pathogenesis. Currently some controversy exists over the products resulting from reaction of HOCl with LDL lipids, in particular regarding whether predominantly chlorohydrins or lipid peroxides are formed. In this study LC-MS of phosphatidylcholines in human LDL treated either with HOCl or the myeloperoxidase system was used as a specific method to detect chlorohydrin and peroxide formation simultaneously, and with comparable sensitivity. Chlorohydrin products from lipids containing oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids were detected, but no hydroperoxides of linoleoyl or arachidonoyl lipids could be observed. This study provides the first direct evidence that lipid chlorohydrins rather than peroxides are the major products of HOCl- or myeloperoxidase-treated LDL phospholipids. This in turn provides important information required for the study of oxidative damage in vivo which will allow the type and source of oxidants involved in the pathology of atherosclerosis to be investigated.

Linoleic acid hydroperoxide favours hypochlorite- and myeloperoxidase-induced lipid peroxidation

Liposomes composed of soybean phosphatidylcholine were peroxidized using the reagent sodium hypochlorite or the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-Cl- system. Linoleic acid hydroperoxide previously prepared from linoleic acid by means of lipoxidase was incorporated into liposomes. The yield of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) continuously increased with higher amounts of hydroperoxide groups after the initiation of lipid peroxidation by hypochlorous acid producing systems. The accumulation of TBARS was inhibited by scavengers of free radicals such as butylated hydroxytoluene and by the scavengers of hypochlorous acid, taurine and methionine. Lipid peroxidation was also prevented by sodium azide or chloride free medium in the myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-Cl- system. Here we show for the first time that the reaction of hypochlorous acid with a biologically relevant hydroperoxide yields free radicals able to cause further oxidation of lipid molecules.

Lipid analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometry: A methodological approach

Whereas matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has gained high importance in the field of protein analysis, surprisingly few studies were published about the use of MALDI for lipid analysis. Lipids, however, are well-suited for MALDI since all experiments can be performed in a sole organic phase and, thus, extremely homogeneous matrix/analyte mixtures are formed. We report here for the first time the application of MALDI-TOF-MS for the analysis of diacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, and (poly)phosphoinositides. It is shown that in a matrix of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid the molecular ions (M + 1) of phosphatidylcholines as well as the corresponding adducts of different phosphoinositides are easily detected even in complex mixtures, and thus, detailed data on the fatty acid composition are provided. In contrast, diacylglycerols are mainly detected as the corresponding sodium or potassium adducts, but not as the protonated forms. Fragmentation reactions of fatty acids on the double bonds and on the polar lipid head group are observed to a minor extent in the spectra of all investigated lipids. Generally, choline derivatives are most sensitive toward further fragmentation reactions. Due to its very high sensitivity (up to picomolar concentrations) MALDI-TOF-MS can be used for the direct investigation of biologically relevant lipid mixtures occurring, e.g. , in cell membranes. The analysis of the lipid composition of neutrophilic granulocytes is given as a representative example for future applications.

Activation of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase by hypochlorite-oxidized phosphatidylcholines

CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CT) catalyzes a rate-limiting, regulatory step in mammalian biosynthesis of phosphocholine (PC). Anionic phospholipids, fatty acids and diacylglycerol activate CT and promote its intercalation into the lipid bilayer, whereas zwitterionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholines do not. We investigated the effectiveness of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines as CT activators after hypochlorite oxidation. Detection and quantitation of oxidized PCs were evaluated by thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and conjugated dienes. Purified CT was assayed in the presence of multilamellar vesicles, containing variable concentrations of oxidized and parent PCs. The results demonstrate that particular species of oxidized PCs activate CT as potently as anionic lipids. The greater the number of double bonds available for oxidation in the fatty acid at the sn-2 position of the PC, the more effective was the oxidized PC as an activator of CT. Oxidized phospholipids at 1:1 bleach/lipid activated CT in the following order: PAPC>PL3PC>PL2PC compared to unoxidized controls. Since oxidized phospholipids decrease bilayer order (M.L. Wratten et al., Biochemistry 31 (1992) 10901-10907) these results are consistent with the activation of CT by perturbations of lipid bilayer packing.

Brugia malayi: resistance of cuticular lipids to oxidant-induced damage and detection of alpha-tocopherol in the neutral lipid fraction

We have examined the susceptibility of cuticular membrane lipids of Brugia malayi to oxidants generated in vitro. Live parasites as well as extracted cuticular lipids were treated with hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid and the extent of lipid peroxidation was quantified. The cuticular membranes of B. malayi were found to be resistant to lipid peroxidation at hydrogen peroxide concentrations which were lethal to the organism. This resistance was partly due to the inherently low unsaturation indices of the fatty acyl residues, but complete protection was afforded by lipid-soluble antioxidants present in the neutral lipid fraction of the parasites. We have identified alpha-tocopherol as a major antioxidant present in both adult and microfilarial B. malayi. In addition, we report that although hypochlorous acid chemically modifies isolated parasite lipids, the latter do not appear to be the primary substrate for the oxidant in live worms. The data are discussed in terms of the susceptibility of B. malayi to products of the respiratory burst from activated myeloid cells.

Hypochlorite-induced peroxidation of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine is mediated by hydroperoxides

Using a chemiluminescent method, the consumption of HOCl/OCl- was investigated during interaction with liposomes prepared from dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC). The concentration of HOCl/OCl-decreased with time in the suspension of EYPC that contain unsaturated lipids and did not change in DMPC liposome suspensions. HOCl/OCl- was consumed more rapidly in peroxidized EYPC. The amount of double bonds was lowered by 40% in peroxidized liposomes and decreased by approximately one-third under the action of HOCl/OCl- in both native and peroxidized EYPC samples. Second-order rate constants for the interaction between HOCl and phospholipid double bonds of 0.50 M-1 s-1 were calculated for native EYPC on basis of the consumption of HOCl/OCl- or from the decrease in concentration of double bonds. In peroxidized EYPC this reaction constant was similar as determined following changes in double bonds. It is concluded that the consumption of HOCl/OCl- increased in peroxidized liposomes due to additional reactions with lipid peroxidation products. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide, or organic peroxides or epoxides (cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid; cholesterol-5 alpha,6 alpha-epoxide; trans-2,3-epoxy-butane; cis-2,3-epoxy-butane) were incorporated into liposomes and investigated in respect to their ability (1) to increase the consumption of HOCl/OCl- in DMPC liposomes, (2) to generate a non-enhanced chemiluminescence with HOCl/OCl- and (3) to evoke an accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) in EYPC liposomes in the absence and presence of NaOCl. None of peroxides or epoxides tested showed any effect on the consumption of HOCl/OCl- or the generation of chemiluminescence. Nor increase of TBARS both in the absence or presence of HOCl/OCl-. In contrast, tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide increased the consumption of HOCl/OCl- in DMPC liposomes and mediated a higher accumulation of TBARS in EYPC liposomes in the presence of HOCl/OCL- over the control. These data suggest that lipid peroxidation in EYPC can be initiated by the reaction of HOCl/OCL- with organic hydroperoxides.

The mechanism of the hypochlorite-induced lipid peroxidation

The article reviews data related to the role of exogenic hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl-) and hypochlorite produced by myeloperoxidase catalysis in initiation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in phospholipid membranes and human blood lipoproteins (LP). It has been shown that HOCl/OCl- promotes free radical lipid oxidation in liposomes and LP that is followed by the formation of LPO products; hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes, TBARS, and fluorescent products. Water soluble reactive substances (.O2-, H2O2, Fe2+) which can be present in the reaction mixture as a dopant are not the source of free radicals and do not participate in HOCl/OCl(-)-induced LPO at the initiation step. The main reaction of HOCl/OCl- with unsaturated lipid is probably the generation of chlorohydrins. However, this reaction is not accompanied by generation of free radicals and LPO. HOCl/OCl- reacts efficiently with TBARS of aldehydic nature. It is likely that the reaction proceeds without the participation of free radicals. Among the compounds of a peroxide nature (hydro-, dialkyl-, diacyl-, alkyl-acyl-peroxide groups and epoxides) only hydroperoxides react with HOCl/OCl-. This reaction is accompanied by the production of free radicals (but not singlet oxygen), probably alkoxyl radicals, which may play a role in the initiation of HOCl/OCl(-)-induced LPO.

NMR studies on human, pathologically changed synovial fluids: role of hypochlorous acid

Recently, it has been reported that hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a special product of neutrophil myeloperoxidase, degrades N-acetyl groups of N-acetylglucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and minced articular cartilage via a transient product to acetate. This work concerns 1H NMR investigations of synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Synovial fluids of patients with severe forms of this disease are characterized by enhanced 1H NMR signals for N-acetyl groups (approximately 2.0 ppm) and acetate (1.90 ppm) and the appearance of a broad but less intense signal at 2.35 ppm. It is likely that this signal corresponds to the transient, chlorinated product of degradation of N-acetyl groups by hypochlorous acid. Moreover, 1H NMR signal intensities of N-acetyl groups and acetate strongly correlate with the myeloperoxidase activities in synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These results have been confirmed by treatment of native sheep synovial fluid with sodium hypochlorite, resulting in the formation of the same resonances as observed in pathologically changed synovial fluids from humans. Thus, it is concluded that HOCl plays an important role for the cartilage degradation during rheumatoid arthritis.

The action of hypochlorous acid on phosphatidylcholine liposomes in dependence on the content of double bonds. Stoichiometry and NMR analysis

Kinetics of the consumption of hypochlorous acid in its reaction with double bonds of unsaturated phospholipids and fatty acids were measured using luminol chemiluminescence. Stoichiometry ratios between the consumption of HOCl/OCl- and the loss of double bonds vary from 2:1 to 1:1. Highest values were found in DMPC liposomes containing 5 mol% oleic acid or OPPC. With increasing content of double bonds or higher numbers of double bonds in a fatty acid acyl chain due to incorporated unsaturated fatty acids or phospholipids in DMPC liposomes the stoichiometry ratio falls continuously to 1:1. A ratio of about 1:1 was observed in multilamellar and unilamellar liposomes composed of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine. Products of the reaction of oleic acid with hypochlorous acid were analyses by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Chlorohydrins were formed in both DMPC liposomes containing 5 or 40 mol% oleic acid.