Oxidative stress and pro-apoptotic conditions in a rodent model of Wilson's disease

Gandouling alleviates nerve injury through PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 and Sirt1/FoxO1 signaling pathway to inhibit autophagy in the rats model of Wilson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have shown that Gandouling (GDL) may alleviate the nerve damage caused by Wilson's disease (WD) by inhibiting the autophagy of nerve cell mitochondria. However, its mechanisms are still unclear. Revealing the therapeutic mechanism of GDL is beneficial for its clinical application and provides theoretical support for the development of new formulations for treating WD.

METHOD

This time we found that the oxidative stress level in the body of the copper-overloaded WD rates increased, neurons in the hippocampus were damaged, and autophagy occurred. GDL reversed these situations and significantly improved the learning, memory, and spatial cognitive abilities of the high-copper-loaded WD rates. After GDL intervention, the expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated serine-threonine protein kinase (AKT), and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) significantly increased, whereas FoxO1 in the nucleus decreased and phosphorylated FoxO1 in the cytoplasm also significantly raised. In addition, the expression of Sirt1 significantly declined, and Ac-FoxO1 in the nucleus also significantly increased.

RESULTS

These data indicated that GDL may promote the phosphorylation of FoxO1 and promote its nucleation by activating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling pathway and inhibit Ac-FoxO1 hydrolysis in the nucleus through the Sirt1/FoxO1 signaling pathway to suppress the transcriptional activity of FoxO1.

CONCLUSION

Furthermore, it inhibited the expression of autophagy genes Atg12 and Gabarapl1. In summary, our work provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of GDL repairing WD neuronal damage through autophagy pathways.

Zebrafish as a Useful Model to Study Oxidative Stress-Linked Disorders: Focus on Flavonoids

The zebrafish is considered one of the most versatile experimental animal models. The transparency of the embryos, the small size, the rapid development and the homology with higher vertebrates have made the zebrafish a valuable model also for drug screening. Its use is closely related for the determination of bioactivity, toxicity and off-target side effects of novel drug candidates, which also allows a thorough evaluation of new targets; thus, it may represent a suitable model for drug screening and the optimization of novel candidates. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds widely present in fruits, vegetables and cereals. Polyphenols are important for both plants and humans, considering their involvement in defense mechanisms, particularly against oxidative stress. They protect plants from biotic and abiotic stressors and prevent or treat oxidative-based human diseases. For these reasons, polyphenols are used as nutraceuticals, functional foods and supplements by the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the most relevant findings on zebrafish as a useful experimental model to study oxidative stress-linked disorders, focusing on the biological activities of flavonoids, are here summarized and reviewed.

Changes in Glutathione Content in Liver Diseases: An Update

Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide particularly concentrated in the liver, is the most important thiol reducing agent involved in the modulation of redox processes. It has also been demonstrated that GSH cannot be considered only as a mere free radical scavenger but that it takes part in the network governing the choice between survival, necrosis and apoptosis as well as in altering the function of signal transduction and transcription factor molecules. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview on the molecular biology of the GSH system; therefore, GSH synthesis, metabolism and regulation will be reviewed. The multiple GSH functions will be described, as well as the importance of GSH compartmentalization into distinct subcellular pools and inter-organ transfer. Furthermore, we will highlight the close relationship existing between GSH content and the pathogenesis of liver disease, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), chronic cholestatic injury, ischemia/reperfusion damage, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, the potential therapeutic benefits of GSH and GSH-related medications, will be described for each liver disorder taken into account.

System Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Decode the Synergistic Mechanism of GanDouLing for Wilson's Disease

Results

Firstly, 324 active compounds have been identified in the GDL formula. Meanwhile, we identified 1496 human genes which are related to WD or liver cirrhosis. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, bile secretion, calcium signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, T cell receptor signaling pathway, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway, and so forth can be obviously regulated by GDL. Further, in a mouse model of WD, in vivo experiments showed that GDL treatment can not only reduce the pathological symptoms of the liver but also reduce the apoptosis of hepatocytes.

Conclusions

In this study, systemic pharmacological methods were proposed and the mechanism of GDL combined therapy for WD was explored. This method can be used as a reference for the study of other mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine.

Locus coeruleus-norepinephrine: basic functions and insights into Parkinson's disease

The locus coeruleus is a pontine nucleus that produces much of the brain's norepinephrine. Despite its small size, the locus coeruleus is critical for a myriad of functions and is involved in many neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the physiology and anatomy of the locus coeruleus system and focus on norepinephrine's role in synaptic plasticity. We highlight Parkinson's disease as a disorder with motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms that may be understood as aberrations in the normal functions of locus coeruleus.

Movement Disorder in Copper Toxicity Rat Model: Role of Inflammation and Apoptosis in the Corpus Striatum

The pattern of copper (Cu) toxicity in humans is similar to Wilson disease, and they have movement disorders and frequent involvement of corpus striatum. The extent of cell deaths in corpus striatum may be the basis of movement disorder and may be confirmed in the experimental study. To evaluate the extent of apoptosis and glial activation in corpus striatum following Cu toxicity in a rat model, and correlate these with spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA), six male Wistar rats were fed normal saline (group I) and another six were fed copper sulfate 100 mg/kgBWt/daily orally (group II). At 1 month, neurobehavioral studies including SLA, rotarod, and grip strength were done. Corpus striatum was removed and was subjected to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry. The concentration of tissue Cu, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutamate were measured. Group II rats had higher expression of caspase-3 (Mean ± SEM 32.67 ± 1.46 vs 4.47 ± 1.08; p < 0.01) and GFAP (41.81 ± 1.68 vs 31.82 ± 1.27; p < 0.01) compared with group I. Neurobehavioral studies revealed reduced total distance traveled, time moving, the number of rearing, latency to fall on the rotarod, grip strength, and increased resting time compared with group I. The expression of GFAP and caspase-3 correlated with SLA parameters, tissue Cu, GSH, MDA, TAC, and glutamate levels. The impaired locomotor activity in Cu toxicity rats is due to apoptotic and inflammatory-mediated cell death in the corpus striatum because of Cu-mediated oxidative stress and excitotoxicity.

Copper in the suprachiasmatic circadian clock: A possible link between multiple circadian oscillators

The mammalian circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is very robust, able to coordinate our daily physiological and behavioral rhythms with exquisite accuracy. Simultaneously, the SCN clock is highly sensitive to environmental timing cues such as the solar cycle. This duality of resiliency and sensitivity may be sustained in part by a complex intertwining of three cellular oscillators: transcription/translation, metabolic/redox, and membrane excitability. We suggest here that one of the links connecting these oscillators may be forged from copper (Cu). Cellular Cu levels are highly regulated in the brain and peripherally, and Cu affects cellular metabolism, redox state, cell signaling, and transcription. We have shown that both Cu chelation and application induce nighttime phase shifts of the SCN clock in vitro and that these treatments affect glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, and associated signaling processes differently. More recently we found that Cu induces mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent phase shifts, while the mechanisms by which Cu removal induces phase shifts remain unclear. Lastly, we have found that two Cu transporters are expressed in the SCN, and that one of these transporters (ATP7A) exhibits a day/night rhythm. Our results suggest that Cu homeostasis is tightly regulated in the SCN, and that changes in Cu levels may serve as a time cue for the circadian clock. We discuss these findings in light of the existing literature and current models of multiple coupled circadian oscillators in the SCN.

Animal models of Wilson disease

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism manifesting with hepatic, neurological and psychiatric symptoms. The limitations of the currently available therapy for WD (particularly in the management of neuropsychiatric disease), together with our limited understanding of key aspects of this illness (e.g. neurological vs. hepatic presentation) justify the ongoing need to study WD in suitable animal models. Four animal models of WD have been established: the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat, the toxic-milk mouse, the Atp7b knockout mouse and the Labrador retriever. The existing models of WD all show good similarity to human hepatic WD and have been helpful in developing an improved understanding of the human disease. As mammals, the mouse, rat and canine models also benefit from high homology to the human genome. However, important differences exist between these mammalian models and human disease, particularly the absence of a convincing neurological phenotype. This review will first provide an overview of our current knowledge of the orthologous genes encoding ATP7B and the closely related ATP7A protein in C. elegans, Drosophila and zebrafish (Danio rerio) and then summarise key characteristics of rodent and larger mammalian models of ATP7B-deficiency.

Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Aging has been linked to several degenerative processes that, through the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage, can progressively lead to cell dysfunction and organ failure. Human aging is linked with a higher risk for individuals to develop cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. The understanding of the molecular basis of aging and associated diseases has been one major challenge of scientific research over the last decades. Mitochondria, the center of oxidative metabolism and principal site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, are crucial both in health and in pathogenesis of many diseases. Redox signaling is important for the modulation of cell functions and several studies indicate a dual role for ROS in cell physiology. In fact, high concentrations of ROS are pathogenic and can cause severe damage to cell and organelle membranes, DNA, and proteins. On the other hand, moderate amounts of ROS are essential for the maintenance of several biological processes, including gene expression. In this review, we provide an update regarding the key roles of ROS-mitochondria cross talk in different fundamental physiological or pathological situations accompanying aging and highlighting that mitochondrial ROS may be a decisive target in clinical practice.

Chemosensitivity of U251 Cells to the Co-treatment of D-Penicillamine and Copper: Possible Implications on Wilson Disease Patients

D-Penicillamine (PA), a copper chelator, and one of the recommended drugs for treatment of Wilson disease (WD) has been reported to worsen the symptoms of patients with neurologic presentations. However, the cause of this paradoxical response has not been fully elucidated and requires further investigations. Accordingly, we have studied the in vitro effect of Copper (Cu) and/or PA treatment on human glioblastoma U251 cells as an in vitro model of Cu cytotoxicity. Treatment of U251 cells with either Cu or PA exerted no significant effect on their morphology, viability or ROS level. In contrast, co-treatment with Cu-PA caused a decrease in viability, altered glutathione and ceruloplasmin expression coupled with marked increase in ROS; depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential; and an increase in Sub G0 phase; along with alpha-Fodrin proteolysis. These findings along with the absence of LDH release in these assays, suggest that combined Cu-PA exposure induced apoptosis in U251 cells. In addition, pre-/or co-treatment with antioxidants showed a protective effect, with catalase being more effective than N-acetyl cysteine or trolox in restoring viability and reducing generated ROS levels. By comparison, a similar analysis using other cell lines showed that rat PC12 cells were resistant to Cu and/or PA treatment, while the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y was sensitive to either compound alone, resulting in decreased viability and increased ROS level. Taken together, this study shows that glioblastoma U251 cells provide a model for Cu-PA cytotoxicity mediated by H₂O₂. We postulate that PA oxidation in presence of Cu yields H₂O₂ which in turn permeates the plasma membrane and induced apoptosis. However, other cell lines exhibited different responses to these treatments, potentially providing a model for cell type- specific cytotoxic responses in the nervous system. The sensitivity of different neural and glial cell types to Cu-PA treatment may therefore underlie the neurologic worsening occurring in some PA-treated WD patients. Our results also raise the possibility that the side effects of PA treatment might be reduced or prevented by administering antioxidants.

Role of Oxidative Stress in the Worsening of Neurologic Wilson Disease Following Chelating Therapy

Patients with neurologic Wilson disease (NWD) may worsen on treatment, but there is no study evaluating the role of oxidative stress. We report the role of plasma glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the worsening of NWD following treatment. Fifty-one treatment-naïve NWD patients were subjected to detailed clinical evaluation. The severity of NWD was noted, and dystonia was measured by Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM) score. Their hematological, serum chemistry, ultrasound abdomen and cranial MRI changes were noted. Plasma GSH, TAC and MDA, serum free copper (Cu) and 24-h urinary Cu were measured at admission and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. The patients were considered worsened if there was one or more grade deterioration in severity scale, >10 % deterioration in BFM score or appearance of new neurologic signs. The median age of the patients was 11 (5-37) years, and 12 were females. Following treatment, 25 patients improved, 12 worsened, and 14 had stationary course. The worsened group at 3 months had lower GSH (1.99 ± 0.17 vs. 2.30 ± 0.30 mg/dl; P = 0.004) and TAC (1.59 ± 0.12 vs. 1.82 ± 0.17 mmol Trolox equivalent/L; P = 0.001) and higher MDA (5.24 ± 0.22 vs. 4.34 ± 0.46 nmol/ml; P < 0.001) levels compared to the improved group. These changes were associated with increased serum free Cu (41.81 ± 3.31 vs. 35.62 ± 6.40 µg/dl; P = 0.02) and 24-h urinary Cu (206.42 ± 41.61 vs. 121.99 ± 23.72 µg/24 h; P < 0.001) in the worsened compared to the improved group. All the patients having worsening were on penicillamine. Worsening following chelating treatment in NWD may be due to oxidative stress which is induced by increased serum free Cu. These results may have future therapeutic implication and needs further study.

MRI and oxidative stress markers in neurological worsening of Wilson disease following penicillamine

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There is no report of MRI correlation with neurological worsening following chelating treatment in Wilson disease with neurological manifestation (WDN). We report radiological changes in four patients with WDN who worsen after penicillamine.

METHODS

WDN was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, KF ring, serum ceruloplasmin and 24h urinary copper. Hematological, biochemical and cranial MRI were repeated at the time of clinical deterioration following chelating treatment.

RESULTS

Four WDN patients had neurological deterioration within 4-8 weeks of penicillamine therapy. This was associated with new lesions in white matter, thalamus, pons and mid brain and these lesions showed diffusion restriction. The neurologic deterioration was associated with increased free serum copper and malanodialdehyde and reduced glutathione. Clinical conditions stabilized after few weeks of penicillamine discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Neurological worsening was associated with new lesions on MRI which revealed diffusion restriction. Increased free copper induced oxidative stress may be responsible for these changes.

Oxidative stress and suicidal erythrocyte death

SIGNIFICANCE

Eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death, is characterized by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and phosphatidylserine translocation to the outer membrane leaflet. Phosphatidylserine at the erythrocyte surface binds endothelial CXCL16/SR-PSOX (CXC-Motiv-Chemokin-16/Scavenger-receptor-for-phosphatidylserine-and-oxidized-low-density-lipoprotein) and fosters engulfment of affected erythrocytes by phagocytosing cells. Eryptosis serves to eliminate infected or defective erythrocytes, but excessive eryptosis may lead to anemia and may interfere with microcirculation. Clinical conditions with excessive eryptosis include diabetes, chronic renal failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome, sepsis, malaria, iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, glutamate cysteine ligase modulator deficiency, and Wilson's disease.

RECENT ADVANCES

Eryptosis is triggered by a wide variety of xenobiotics and other injuries such as oxidative stress. Signaling of eryptosis includes prostaglandin E₂ formation with subsequent activation of Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels, Ca(2+) entry, activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels, and cell membrane scrambling, as well as phospholipase A2 stimulation with release of platelet-activating factor, sphingomyelinase activation, and ceramide formation. Eryptosis may involve stimulation of caspases and calpain with subsequent degradation of the cytoskeleton. It is regulated by AMP-activated kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, Janus-activated kinase 3, casein kinase 1α, p38 kinase, and p21-activated kinase 2. It is inhibited by erythropoietin, antioxidants, and further small molecules.

CRITICAL ISSUES

It remains uncertain for most disorders whether eryptosis is rather beneficial because it precedes and thus prevents hemolysis or whether it is harmful because of induction of anemia and impairment of microcirculation.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This will address the significance of eryptosis, further mechanisms underlying eryptosis, and additional pharmacological tools fostering or inhibiting eryptosis.

Redox regulation of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 activity in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats during spontaneous hepatitis

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is an animal model for Wilson's disease. This animal is genetically predisposed to copper accumulation in the liver, increased oxidative stress, accumulation of DNA damage, and the spontaneous development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, this animal model is useful for studying the relationship of endogenous DNA damage to spontaneous carcinogenesis. In this study, we have investigated the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1)-mediated excision repair of endogenous DNA damage, apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP)-sites, which is highly mutagenic and implicated in human cancer. We found that the activity was reduced in the liver extracts from the acute hepatitis period of LEC rats as compared with extracts from the age-matched Long-Evans Agouti rats. The acute hepatitis period had also a heightened oxidative stress condition as assessed by an increase in oxidized glutathione level and loss of enzyme activity of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a key redox-sensitive protein in cells. Interestingly, the activity reduction was not due to changes in protein expression but apparently by reversible protein oxidation as the addition of reducing agents to extracts of the liver from acute hepatitis period reactivated APE1 activity and thus, confirmed the oxidation-mediated loss of APE1 activity under increased oxidative stress. These findings show for the first time in an animal model that the repair mechanism of AP-sites is impaired by increased oxidative stress in acute hepatitis via redox regulation which contributed to the increased accumulation of mutagenic AP-sites in liver DNA.

Neurochemical and behavioral characteristics of toxic milk mice: an animal model of Wilson's disease

Toxic milk mice have an inherited defect of copper metabolism. Hepatic phenotype of the toxic milk mice is similar to clinical findings in humans suffering from Wilson's disease (WND). In the present study, neurotransmitter system and locomotor performance in toxic milk mice was examined to verify the feasibility of this animal model for studying neuropathology of WND. Mice aged 2 and 12 months were used in the experiment. The mice were tested according to rotarod and footprint protocols. Monoamine content in brain structures was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. In order to detect neuronal loss, expression of enzymes specific for dopaminergic [tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)], noradrenergic (dopamine beta-hydroxylase) and serotoninergic [tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)] neurons was analyzed by Western blot. The 12-month-old toxic milk mice demonstrated impaired locomotor performance in behavioral tests. Motor deficits were accompanied by increased copper and serotonin content in different brain regions and slight decrease in dopamine concentration in the striatum. The expression of TH, dopamine beta-hydroxylase and TPH in the various brain structures did not differ between toxic milk mice and control animals. Despite differences in brain pathology between humans and rodents, further exploration of neuronal injury in toxic milk mice is warranted to broaden the understanding of neuropathology in WND.

Biometals in rare neurodegenerative disorders of childhood

Copper, iron, and zinc are just three of the main biometals critical for correct functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). They have diverse roles in many functional processes including but not limited to enzyme catalysis, protein stabilization, and energy production. The range of metal concentrations within the body is tightly regulated and when the balance is perturbed, debilitating effects ensue. Homeostasis of brain biometals is mainly controlled by various metal transporters and metal sequestering proteins. The biological roles of biometals are vastly reviewed in the literature with a large focus on the connection to neurological conditions associated with ageing. Biometals are also implicated in a variety of debilitating inherited childhood disorders, some of which arise soon following birth or as the child progresses into early adulthood. This review acts to highlight what we know about biometals in childhood neurological disorders such as Wilson's disease (WD), Menkes disease (MD), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Also discussed are some of the animal models available to determine the pathological mechanisms in these childhood disorders, which we hope will aid in our understanding of the role of biometals in disease and in attaining possible therapeutics in the future.

The early molecular processes underlying the neurological manifestations of an animal model of Wilson's disease

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat shows age-dependent hepatic manifestations that are similar to those of Wilson's disease (WD). The pathogenic process in the brain has, however, not been evaluated in detail due to the rarity of the neurological symptoms. However, copper accumulation is noted in LEC rat brain tissue from 24 weeks of age, which results in oxidative injuries. The current study investigated the gene expression profiles of LEC rat brains at 24 weeks of age in order to identify the important early molecular changes that underlie the development of neurological symptoms in WD. Biological ontology-based analysis revealed diverse altered expressions of the genes related to copper accumulation. Of particular interest, we found altered expression of genes connected to mitochondrial respiration (Sdhaf2 and Ndufb7), calcineurin-mediated cellular processes (Ppp3ca, Ppp3cb, and Camk2a), amyloid precursor protein (Anks1b and A2m) and alpha-synuclein (Snca). In addition to copper-related changes, compensatory upregulations of Cp and Hamp reflect iron-mediated neurotoxicity. Of note, reciprocal expression of Asmt and Bhmt is an important clue that altered S-adenosylhomocysteine metabolism underlies brain injury in WD, which is directly correlated to the decreased expression of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase in hepatic tissue in LEC rats. In conclusion, our study indicates that diverse molecular changes, both variable and complex, underlie the development of neurological manifestations in WD. Copper-related injuries were found to be the principal pathogenic process, but Fe- or adenosylhomocysteine-related injuries were also implicated. Investigations using other animal models or accessible human samples will be required to confirm our observations.

Age-dependent and tissue-related glutathione redox status in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Glutathione plays an essential role in the intracellular antioxidant defense against oxidant radicals, especially the •OH radical. To understand the early and progressive cellular changes in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we investigated reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) status in a double mutated AD transgenic mouse model (B6.Cg-Tg), which carries Swedish amyloid-β protein precursor mutation (AβPPswe) and exon 9 deletion of the PSEN1 gene. In this study, we quantified and compared both GSH/GSSG and mixed-disulfide (Pr-SSG) levels in blood samples and three anatomic positions in brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, and hippocampus) at 3 age stages (1, 5, and 11 months) of AD transgenic (Tg)/wild type mice. The present study was designed to characterize and provide insight into the glutathione redox state of both brain tissues and blood samples at different disease stages of this Tg model. The level of Pr-SSG increased in all AD brain tissues and blood compared with controls regardless of age. The GSH/GSSG ratio in AD-Tg brain tissue started at a higher value at 1 month, fell at the transitional period of 5 months, right before the onset of amyloid plaques, followed by an increase in GSSG and associated decrease of GSH/GSSG at 11 months. These results suggest that formation of Pr-SSG may be an early event, preceding amyloid plaque appearance, and the data further implies that tissue thiol redox is tightly regulated. Notably, the high basal levels of mixed-disulfides in hippocampus suggest a potential for increased oxidative damage under oxidizing conditions and increased GSSG in this vulnerable region.

Measurement of peroxiredoxin-4 serum levels in rat tissue and its use as a potential marker for hepatic disease

Peroxiredoxin (Prx)-4, a secretable endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident isoform of the mammalian Prx family, functions as a thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase. It is acknowledged that Prx-4 plays a role in the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide, and potentially other peroxides, which may be generated during the oxidative folding of proteins and oxidative stress in the ER. The present study was undertaken in order to specifically quantify the tissue levels of Prx-4. To accomplish this, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed using a specific polyclonal antibody produced by immunizing a rabbit with native recombinant rat Prx-4 protein. The assay was used to detect Prx-4 in the range of 0.1 and 10 ng/ml, and to investigate tissue distribution in rats. Using this immunoassay, we found that the serum levels of Prx-4 were substantially lower in asymptomatic Long-Evans Cinnamon rats, a rat model of Wilson's disease, compared to normal rats. In addition, the treatment of rat hepatoma cells with N-acetylcysteine led to a significant increase in the release of Prx-4 protein into the medium; thus, it appears likely that the secretion of Prx-4 is associated with the redox state within cells. These results suggest that serum Prx-4 has potential for use as a biomarker for hepatic oxidative stress.

Proteomic analysis of the hepatic tissue of Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats according to the natural course of Wilson disease

Copper-induced toxicity is important in the pathogenic process of Wilson's disease (WD). Using Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats, an animal model of WD, the study was undertaken to identify proteins involved in the process of WD and to investigate their functional roles in copper-induced hepatotoxicity. In early stages, expression levels of mitochondrial matrix proteins including agmatinase, isovaleryl coenzyme A dehydrogenase, and cytochrome b5 were downregulated. As mitochondrial injuries progressed, along with subsequent apoptotic processes, expressions of malate dehydrogenase 1, annexin A5, transferrin, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, and sulfite oxidase 1 were differentially regulated. Notably, the expression of malate dehydrogenase 1 was downregulated while the annexin A5 was overexpressed in an age-dependent manner, indicating that these proteins may be involved in the WD process. In addition, pronounced under-expression of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase in elderly LEC rats, also involved in monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, indicates that this protein might be related to the development of neurological manifestations in WD. The results of our study help to understand the pathogenic process of WD in hepatic tissues, identifying the important proteins associated with the disease process of WD, and to investigate the molecular pathogenic process underlying the development of neurological manifestations in WD.

Neuroinflammatory and behavioural changes in the Atp7B mutant mouse model of Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease (WD) is caused by mutations in the copper transporting ATPase 7B (Atp7b). Patients present with liver pathology or behavioural disturbances. Studies on rodent models for WD so far mainly focussed on liver, not brain. The effect of knockout of atp7b on sensori-motor and cognitive behaviour, as well as neuronal number, inflammatory markers, copper and synaptic proteins in brain were studied in so-called toxic milk mice. Copper accumulated in striatum and hippocampus of toxic milk mice, but not in cerebral cortex. Inflammatory markers were increased in striatum and corpus callosum, but not in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, whereas neuronal numbers were unchanged. Toxic milk mice were mildly impaired in the rotarod and cylinder test and unable to acquire spatial memory in the Morris water maze. Despite the latter observation only synaptophysin of a number of synaptic proteins, was altered in the hippocampus of toxic milk mice. In addition to disturbances in neuronal signalling by increased brain copper, inflammation and inflammatory signalling from the periphery to the brain might add to the behavioural disturbances in the toxic milk mice. These mice can be used to evaluate therapeutic strategies to alleviate behavioural disturbances and cerebral pathology observed in WD.

Suppression of tumor suppressor Tsc2 and DNA repair glycosylase Nth1 during spontaneous liver tumorigenesis in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are arguably associated with an increased risk of cancer. Certain diseases that are characterized by oxyradical overload, such as Wilson's disease (WD), have also been associated with a higher risk of liver cancer. The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat, an animal model for WD, is genetically predisposed to the spontaneous development of liver cancer and has been shown to be very useful for studying the mechanisms of inflammation-mediated spontaneous carcinogenesis. Endonuclease III (Nth1) plays a significant role in the removal of oxidative DNA damage. Nth1 and a tumor suppressor gene Tuberous sclerosis 2 (Tsc2) are bi-directionally regulated in humans, mice, and rats by a common minimal promoter containing two Ets-binding sites (EBSs). In this study, we examined the expression of Nth1 and Tsc2 genes during disease progression in the LEC rat liver. During the period of acute hepatitis (16-17 weeks), we observed decreased Nth1 and Tsc2 mRNA levels and a continued decrease of the Tsc2 gene in 24 weeks in LEC rats, while the effect was minimal in Long-Evans Agouti (LEA) rats. This reduction in the mRNA levels was due to the reduced binding of EBSs in the Nth1/Tsc2 promoter. Increase in protein oxidation (carbonyl content) during the same time period (16-24 weeks) may have an effect on the promoter binding of regulatory proteins and consequent decrease in Nth1 and Tsc2 gene expressions during tumorigenesis.

Ambient temperature influences aging in an annual fish (Nothobranchius rachovii)

Extending lifespan by lowering ambient temperature in the habitat has been shown in a variety of organisms. Its mechanism, however, remains elusive. In this study, we examined the survivorship and the aging process of the annual fish (Nothobranchius rachovii) reared under high (30 degrees C), moderate (25 degrees C) and low (20 degrees C) ambient temperatures. The results showed that low ambient temperatures prolong survivorship, whereas high ambient temperatures shorten survivorship. At low ambient temperature, expression of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, mitochondrial density and ADP/ATP ratio were reduced compared with those reared at high and moderate temperatures, whereas catalase activity, Mn-superoxide dismutase activities, mitochondrial membrane potential and the levels of ATP, ADP, Sirt1 and Forkhead box O expression were elevated. The expression levels of Hsp70 and CIRP showed no significant difference under any of the ambient temperatures tested. We concluded that cellular metabolism, energy utilization and gene expression are altered at lower ambient temperature, which is associated with the extension of lifespan of the annual fish.

Hepatocyte GP73 expression in Wilson disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Wilson disease (WD) is a disorder of copper transport caused by mutations within the ATP7B gene. WD is phenotypically variable and can present with predominantly hepatic or neurologic manifestations. The mechanisms responsible for this variability are unknown. GP73, a Golgi membrane protein, is expressed in hepatocytes in response to acute and chronic liver disease.

METHODS

Hepatocyte GP73 expression was examined in the livers of WD patients by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. GP73 mRNA levels were measured in mice with a deletion of the WD gene (Atp7b(-/-)) by real-time PCR, and these values were compared to the concomitant histological abnormalities and previously reported copper levels.

RESULTS

Hepatocyte GP73 expression was more frequently observed in patients with hepatic versus neurologic presentation (79% vs. 30%, p<0.05). Furthermore, GP73 expression was significantly higher (44.7+/-14.0 vs. 2.0+/-0.81, p<0.05) in patients with hepatic phenotype. In Atp7b(-/-) mice, GP73 mRNA was significantly elevated at 20-46 weeks of age, coincident with extensive hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, but not at 6 weeks, when hepatic histology was normal despite significant copper overload. GP73 mRNA levels normalized concomitantly with the resolution of hepatic injury at 60-weeks. However, in tumor-like nodules GP73 was strikingly elevated.

CONCLUSION

Increased hepatocyte GP73 expression is more commonly a feature of hepatic than neurologic WD, and is triggered in response to inflammation, fibrosis, and dysplasia, rather than copper overload.

Bile salt-induced pro-oxidant liver damage promotes transplanted cell proliferation for correcting Wilson disease in the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat model

Insights into disease-specific mechanisms for liver repopulation are needed for cell therapy. To understand the efficacy of pro-oxidant hepatic perturbations in Wilson disease, we studied Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats with copper toxicosis under several conditions. Hepatocytes from healthy Long-Evans Agouti (LEA) rats were transplanted intrasplenically into the liver. A cure was defined as lowering of copper to below 250 microg/g liver, presence of ATPase, Cu++ transporting, beta polypeptide (atp7b) messenger RNA (mRNA) in the liver and improvement in liver histology. Treatment of animals with the hydrophobic bile salt, cholic acid, or liver radiation before cell transplantation produced cure rates of 14% and 33%, respectively; whereas liver radiation plus partial hepatectomy followed by cell transplantation proved more effective, with cure in 55%, P < 0.01; and liver radiation plus cholic acid followed by cell transplantation was most effective, with cure in 75%, P < 0.001. As a group, cell therapy cures in rats preconditioned with liver radiation plus cholic acid resulted in less hepatic copper, indicating greater extent of liver repopulation. We observed increased hepatic catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in LEC rats, suggesting chronic oxidative stress. After liver radiation or cholic acid, hepatic lipid peroxidation levels increased, indicating further oxidative injury, although we did not observe overt additional cytotoxicity. This contrasted with healthy animals in which liver radiation and cholic acid produced hepatic steatosis and loss of injured hepatocytes. We concluded that pro-oxidant perturbations were uniquely effective for cell therapy in Wilson disease because of the nature of preexisting hepatic damage.

Neurotrophic support and oxidative stress: converging effects in the normal and diseased nervous system

Oxidative stress and loss of neurotrophic support play major roles in the development of various diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In disorders of the central nervous system such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, oxidative stress appears inextricably linked to the loss of neurotrophic support. A similar situation is seen in the peripheral nervous system in diseases of olfaction, hearing, and vision. Neurotrophic factors act to up-regulate antioxidant enzymes and promote the expression of antioxidant proteins. On the other hand, oxidative stress can cause down-regulation of neurotrophic factors. We propose that normal functioning of the nervous systems involves a positive feedback loop between antioxidant processes and neurotrophic support. Breakdown of this feedback loop in disease states leads to increased oxidative stress and reduced neurotrophic support.

Effect of copper intoxication on rat liver proteasome activity: relationship with oxidative stress

Copper toxicity is associated with formation of reactive oxygen species, which are capable to oxidize proteins. The selective removal of the latter by the 20S proteasome is considered an essential part of the cell antioxidant defense system. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether peptidase activities of rat liver proteasomes were affected by chronic (40 mg CuSO(4)/rat/daily with the drinking water for 2 weeks) and acute (20 mg/kg CuSO(4), s.c.) copper treatment. To evaluate the role of proteasome, its inhibitor MG132 was also used. The degree of copper-induced oxidative stress (OS), established by measuring lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and cellular glutathione level, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes--catalase, superoxide dismutase, and gultathionine peroxidase, depended on the mode of copper administration. Chronic copper administration (mild oxidative stress) did not affect proteasome activities, whereas acute copper treatment (severe oxidative stress) caused a decline in chymotryptic- and tryptic-like activities. The treatment of copper-loaded animals with MG132 did not change copper-induced alterations in the tested indices, except an additional increase in protein oxidation and inhibition of glutathionine peroxidase activity. The results suggested that the in vivo copper-induced oxidative stress was associated with changes in the catalytic activity of proteasome.

Expression of copper-related genes in response to copper load

Copper is an essential micronutrient for all biological systems. Multiple proteins require one or more atoms of copper for proper structure and function, but excess of copper is toxic. To prevent the consequences of copper deficiency and overload, living organisms have evolved molecular mechanisms that regulate its uptake, intracellular traffic, storage, and efflux. Underlying some of the cellular responses to variations in copper levels are changes in the expression of genes encoding molecular components of copper metabolism. In recent years, genome-scale expression analysis in several eukaryotic models has allowed the identification of copper-responsive genes involved in copper homeostasis. Characterization of the transcriptional changes in response to varying copper levels include both genes directly involved in copper homeostasis and genes involved in different cellular process that, even though they are not directly connected to copper metabolism, change their expression during the cellular adaptation to copper availability. Evaluation of these gene expression patterns could aid in the identification of biologically relevant markers to monitor copper status in humans.

Development of cell therapy strategies to overcome copper toxicity in the LEC rat model of Wilson disease

Aims: Therapeutic replacement of organs with healthy cells requires disease-specific strategies. As copper toxicosis due to ATP7B deficiency in Wilson disease produces significant liver injury, disease-specific study of transplanted cell proliferation will offer insights into cell and gene therapy mechanisms. Materials & methods: We used Long–Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats to demonstrate the effects of liver preconditioning with radiation and ischemia reperfusion, followed by transplantation of healthy Long–Evans Agouti rat hepatocytes and analysis of hepatic atp7b mRNA, bile copper, liver copper and liver histology. Results: LEC rats without cell therapy or after transplantation of healthy cells without liver conditioning accumulated copper and showed liver disease during the study period. Liver conditioning incorporating hepatic radiation promoted transplanted cell proliferation and reversed Wilson disease parameters, although with interindividual variations and time lags for improvement, which were different from previous results of liver repopulation in healthy animals. Conclusion: Cell therapy will correct genetic disorders characterized by organ damage. However, suitable mechanisms for inducing transplanted cell proliferation will be critical for therapeutic success.

Age-related changes in glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes in rat brain

The most reliable and robust risk factor for some neurodegenerative diseases is aging. It has been proposed that processes of aging are associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species and a disturbance of glutathione homeostasis in the brain. Yet, aged animals have rarely been used to model the diseases that are considered to be age-related such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that the results from these studies would be more valuable if aged animals were used. The present study was designed to provide insight into the glutathione redox state in young and aged rat siblings of both genders by studying the enzyme activities related to glutathione synthesis, cycling, and usage. The results suggested a significant age-related reduction of reduced glutathione (GSH) level in all brain regions examined, associated with an increase of GSH oxidation to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and decrease of the GSH/GSSG ratio. These changes were accompanied by diminished gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity in de novo glutathione synthesis and increased lipid peroxidation. In addition, these changes were associated with increased enzyme activities related to the GSH usage (glutathione peroxidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and glutathione S-transferase). The results indicate that aged animals are likely more vulnerable to oxidative stress and insinuate the roles of aged animals in modeling age-related neurodegeneration diseases.