Superoxide anion mediated mitochondrial dysfunction leads to hepatocyte apoptosis preferentially in the periportal region during copper toxicity in rats

Deadly excess copper

Higher eukaryotes' life is impossible without copper redox activity and, literally, every breath we take biochemically demonstrates this. However, this dependence comes at a considerable price to ensure target-oriented copper action. Thereto its uptake, distribution but also excretion are executed by specialized proteins with high affinity for the transition metal. Consequently, malfunction of copper enzymes/transporters, as is the case in hereditary Wilson disease that affects the intracellular copper transporter ATP7B, comes with serious cellular damage. One hallmark of this disease is the progressive copper accumulation, primarily in liver but also brain that becomes deadly if left untreated. Such excess copper toxicity may also result from accidental ingestion or attempted suicide. Recent research has shed new light into the cell-toxic mechanisms and primarily affected intracellular targets and processes of such excess copper that may even be exploited with respect to cancer therapy. Moreover, new therapies are currently under development to fight against deadly toxic copper.

Hepatotoxicity of polymeric proanthocyanidins is caused by translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharides through impaired gut epithelium

Polymeric proanthocyanidins (P-PAC) induced hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were supplemented with P-PAC alone or with a mixture of probiotic bacteria (PB), Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia muciniphila for 14 consecutive days. The liver tissues of sacrificed mice were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the P-PAC metabolites. Potential P-PAC metabolites, 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and pyrocatechol were detected in higher concentrations and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was detected exclusively in the mice supplemented with P-PAC and PB. Supplementation with P-PAC alone or with PB caused no shift in the α-diversity of mice gut microbiota. P-PAC induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice through increasing liver exposure to intestinal bacterial lipopolysaccharides by reducing expression of gut epithelial tight junction proteins, claudin-3 and occludin. Lipopolysaccharide concentrations in the livers of mice supplemented with P-PAC were significantly high compared to the control mice. Furthermore, P-PAC downregulated the expressions of claudin-3 and claudin-4 tight junction proteins in cultured Caco-2 cell monolayers. PB biotransformed P-PAC into bioavailable metabolites and potentially reduced the toxicity of P-PAC. The toxicity of P-PAC and their synbiotics need to be critically evaluated for the safety of human consumption.

Glutathione ameliorates the meiotic defects of copper exposed ovine oocytes via inhibiting the mitochondrial dysfunctions

Regardless of the essential role of copper (Cu) in the physiological regulation process of mammalian reproduction, excessive exposure to Cu triggers the meiotic defects of porcine oocytes via compromising the mitochondrial functions. However, the connections between the excessive Cu exposure and meiotic defects of ovine oocytes have not been reported. In this study, the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) exposure on the meiotic potentials of ovine oocytes was analyzed. Subsequently, the ameliorative effect of glutathione (GSH) supplementation on the meiotic defects of CuSO₄ exposed ovine oocytes was investigated. For these purposes, the in vitro maturation (IVM) of ovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) was conducted in the presence of 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg/mL of CuSO₄ supplementation. Subsequently, different concentrations of GSH (2, 4 and 8 mM) were added to the IVM medium containing CuSO₄ solution. After IVM, the assay, including nuclear maturation, spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytoskeleton assembly, cortical granule (CGs) dynamics, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, epigenetic modification and fertilization capacity of ovine oocytes were performed. The results showed that excessive Cu exposure triggered the meiotic defects of ovine oocytes via promoting the mitochondrial dysfunction related oxidative stress damage. Moreover, the GSH supplementation, not only ameliorated the decreased maturation potential and fertilization defect of CuSO₄ exposed oocytes, but inhibited the mitochondrial dysfunction related oxidative stress damage, ROS generation, apoptosis and altered H3K27me3 expression in the CuSO₄ exposed oocytes. Combined with the gene expression pattern, the finding in the present study provided fundamental bases for the ameliorative effect of GSH supplementation on the meiotic defects of CuSO₄ exposed oocytes via inhibiting the mitochondrial dysfunctions, further benefiting these potential applications of GSH supplementation in the mammalian IVM system and livestock breeding suffering from the excessive Cu exposure.

Clusterin protects against Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress-associated hepatotoxicity by mediating the Akt-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a serious environmental pollutant that threatens human life. Cr(VI) is widely used in industrial processes such as metallurgy, leather processing, and electroplating, which can enter the human body through the respiratory or digestive tracts, thus causing a number of human disease, including inflammation and cancer. Although it has been confirmed that oxidative stress is one of the primary mechanism of liver injury caused by Cr(VI) exposure, the related toxic target and effective intervention measures have not been found. Clusterin (CLU) is an acute phase response protein with cytoprotective and apoptosis-delaying effects, and its expression has been confirmed to increase significantly after exposure to Cr(VI). In this study, our data clearly indicates that Cr(VI) is capable of causing hepatocytes damage through the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In contrast, over expression of CLU was able to inhibit ROS production and alleviate Cr(VI)-induced liver injury. The specific mechanisms are that CLU acts on the protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to release Nrf2 into the nucleus. This is to initiate the expression of a downstream protein, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), thereby attenuating the ubiquitination ability of Keap1 with Nrf2. We also demonstrated that CLU could affect oxidative stress through the Akt/Nrf2 pathway, which reduced the production of ROS induced by Cr(VI) and protected against Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress-associated hepatotoxicity. This study demonstrates a mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity and indicates that CLU as an intervention target of oxidative stress can provide valuable experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases in Cr(VI)-exposed population. Under the state of Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress, CLU though phosphorylation Akt, leading to Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1. Activated Nrf2 entered the nucleus and formed the next step, thus binding to the structure of the antioxidant response element ARE, which activated HO-1, resulting in the decrease in intracellular ROS.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Glomus mosseae on the Growth and Medicinal Components of Dysosma versipellis Under Copper Stress

In order to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus mosseae) inoculations and additions of copper (Cu) ion at gradual concentrations (0, 200, and 400 mg kg^-1) on different parameters of Dysosma versipellis such as growth, lipid peroxidation (MDA and MRP), antioxidation enzymatic (SOD, POD and CAT) activities, and active medicinal components. Pot experiments have been conducted. The results showed that additions of Cu could inhibit growth and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, increase the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, and decrease the podophyllotoxin content of D. versipellis compared with the control. Meanwhile, inoculations with AMF enhanced its antioxidant capacity and reduced the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation in leaves of D. versipellis under Cu stress. Besides, AMF inoculations significantly increased the biomass and content of podophyllotoxin in roots of D. versipellis, while it decreased Cu absorption content in roots. Thus, inoculations with AMF could effectively alleviate the Cu stress and improve the active components content of D. versipellis, which might be important for Cu stress adaptation and the improved productivity and quality of D. versipellis.

The inhibition of NFкB signaling and inflammatory response as a strategy for blunting bile acid-induced hepatic and renal toxicity

The cholestatic liver injury could occur in response to a variety of diseases or xenobiotics. Although cholestasis primarily affects liver function, it has been well-known that other organs such as the kidney could be influenced in cholestatic patients. Severe cholestasis could lead to tissue fibrosis and organ failure. Unfortunately, there is no specific therapeutic option against cholestasis-induced organ injury. Hence, finding the mechanism of organ injury during cholestasis could lead to therapeutic options against this complication. The accumulation of potentially cytotoxic compounds such as hydrophobic bile acids is the most suspected mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of cholestasis-induced organ injury. A plethora of evidence indicates a role for the inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Here, the role of nuclear factor-kB (NFkB)-mediated inflammatory response is investigated in an animal model of cholestasis. Bile duct ligated (BDL) animals were treated with sulfasalazine (SSLZ, 10 and 100 mg/kg, i.p) as a potent inhibitor of NFkB signaling. The NFkB proteins family activity in the liver and kidney, serum and tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tissue biomarkers of oxidative stress, serum markers of organ injury, and the liver and kidney histopathological alterations and fibrotic changes. The oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory-related indices were monitored in the kidney and liver at scheduled time intervals (3, 7, and 14 days after BDL operation). Significant increase in serum and urine markers of organ injury, besides changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress and tissue histopathology, were evident in the liver and kidney of BDL animals. The activity of NFkB proteins (p65, p50, p52, c-Rel, and RelB) was significantly increased in the liver and kidney of cholestatic animals. Serum and tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, TNF-α, and INF-γ) were also higher than sham-operated animals. Moreover, TGF- β, α-SMA, and tissue fibrosis (Trichrome stain) were evident in cholestatic animals' liver and kidneys. It was found that SSLZ (10 and 100 mg/kg/day, i.p) alleviated cholestasis-induced hepatic and renal injury. The effect of SSLZ on NFkB signaling and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines could play a significant role in its protective role in cholestasis. Based on these data, NFkB signaling could receive special attention to develop therapeutic options to blunt cholestasis-induced organ injury.

Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin Mitigate Copper Neurotoxicity by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Akt/GSK-3β Signaling

Copper (Cu) is essential for multiple biochemical processes, and copper sulphate (CuSO₄) is a pesticide used for repelling pests. Accidental or intentional intoxication can induce multiorgan toxicity and could be fatal. Curcumin (CUR) is a potent antioxidant, but its poor systemic bioavailability is the main drawback in its therapeutic uses. This study investigated the protective effect of CUR and N-CUR on CuSO₄-induced cerebral oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats, pointing to the possible involvement of Akt/GSK-3β. Rats received 100 mg/kg CuSO₄ and were concurrently treated with CUR or N-CUR for 7 days. Cu-administered rats exhibited a remarkable increase in cerebral malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 associated with decreased GSH, SOD, and catalase. Cu provoked DNA fragmentation, upregulated BAX, caspase-3, and p53, and decreased BCL-2 in the brain of rats. N-CUR and CUR ameliorated MDA, NF-κB p65, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, downregulated pro-apoptotic genes, upregulated BCL-2, and enhanced antioxidants and DNA integrity. In addition, both N-CUR and CUR increased AKT Ser473 and GSK-3β Ser9 phosphorylation in the brain of Cu-administered rats. In conclusion, N-CUR and CUR prevent Cu neurotoxicity by attenuating oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and apoptosis and upregulating AKT/GSK-3β signaling. The neuroprotective effect of N-CUR was more potent than CUR.

Nano-Curcumin Prevents Cardiac Injury, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Modulates TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling in Copper Sulfate-Intoxicated Rats

Copper (Cu) is essential for a plethora of biological processes; however, its high redox reactivity renders it potentially toxic. This study investigated the protective effect of curcumin (CUR) and nano-CUR (N-CUR) against Cu cardiotoxicity, emphasizing the role of oxidative stress, TLR4/NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and cell death in rats. Rats received 100 mg/kg copper sulfate (CuSO₄), a pesticide used for repelling pests, and were concurrently treated with CUR or N-CUR for 7 days. Cu caused cardiac injury manifested by elevated serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK)-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as histopathological alterations. Cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 were increased, and reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were decreased in Cu-treated rats. CUR and N-CUR prevented cardiac tissue injury, decreased serum cTnI, CK-MB, and LDH, and cardiac MDA, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6, and enhanced cellular antioxidants. CUR and N-CUR downregulated TLR4 and AP-1, and decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK1/2. In addition, CUR and N-CUR increased cardiac Bcl-2 and BAG-1, decreased Bax and caspase-3, and prevented DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, N-CUR prevents Cu cardiotoxicity by attenuating oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, and modulating TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signaling. The cardioprotective effect of N-CUR was more potent than the native form.

Apoptosis induced by mercuric chloride is associated with upregulation of PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway in chicken embryonic kidney cells

Mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) is a serious environmental toxicant. So far, the toxicity mechanism of HgCl₂ in chicken embryonic kidney (CEK) cells is not still fully understood. In this study, the possible molecular mechanisms of HgCl₂ on apoptosis of CEK cells were investigated. Results showed that the cell morphology changed, and cell viability was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after HgCl₂ exposure. Besides, apoptosis rate was significantly increased after HgCl₂ exposure (P < 0.05). The gene and protein expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 associate X/B-cell lymphoma-2 (P < 0.05), caspase-3 (P < 0.05), and caspase-9 (P < 0.05) were significantly enhanced by HgCl₂ in CEK cells. We also found that intracellular reactive oxygen species level was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), and the flux of calcium ion to mitochondria occurred after HgCl₂ exposure. In terms of molecular mechanisms, the mRNA and protein expressions associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were significantly increased after HgCl₂ exposure (P < 0.05), including glucose regulated protein 78, protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). However, pretreated with 1-μmol/L 4-phenylbutyrate (ER stress inhibitor) alleviated the apoptosis and downregulated PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway in CEK cells. Taken together, upregulation of PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway of ER stress induced by HgCl₂ is associated with apoptosis in CEK cells.

Colchicine increases intestinal permeability, suppresses inflammatory responses, and alters gut microbiota in mice

Although colchicine (COL) has been used to treat gout for more than a thousand years, it has been shrouded in a dark history for a long time due to its high toxicity, especially for the gastrointestinal tract. With the widespread clinical application of COL, COL's toxicity to the gastrointestinal tract has raised concerns. This study's objective was to address the exact intestinal toxicity of COL, with particular attention to the effects of COL on gut microbiota homeostasis. The mice were exposed to various dosages of COL (0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg kg^-1 body weight per day) for a week, and the results showed that COL exposure caused serious intestinal injuries, reducing the relative expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and tight junction proteins (zo-1, claudin-1, and occludin) in the ileum and colon tissue. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of mice feces samples revealed that the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiome underwent a profound remodeling at the dosage of 2.5 mg kg^-1 body weight per day, which may increase the toxic load in the gut. In addition, elevated levels of diamine oxidase (DAO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum indicated that COL increased intestinal permeability, impairing intestinal barrier. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that COL's toxicity to the gut microbiome is compatible with intestinal injuries, inflammatory pathway inhibition, and increased intestinal permeability; our results also represent a novel insight to uncover the adverse reactions of COL in the gastrointestinal tract.

Oil and extract of safflower seed improve fructose induced metabolic syndrome through modulating the homeostasis of trace elements, TNF-α and fatty acids metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) has many applications in folk medicine. Its oil is used traditionally to treat obesity and other metabolic disorders. The anti-hypercholesterolemic and antioxidant effects of this plant have been well documented, but the anti-inflammatory effects and its role on fatty acid oxidation and homeostasis of trace elements are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of different doses of oil and extract of safflower seed against fructose induced metabolic syndrome by investigating the homeostasis of trace elements, TNF-α, and fatty acids metabolism.

METHODS

Eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into ten groups and treated daily for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, plasma levels of liver enzymes, lipid profiles, blood glucose, insulin and TNF-α were measured. The levels of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were also measured along with the expression of CD36, fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (FAS), and Carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT-1) beta genes in the liver.

RESULTS

The antioxidant enzymes activity significantly decreased and lipid peroxidation, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and TNF-α significantly increased in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome compared to the control groups, as well as the level of some trace elements significantly changed (p < 0.05). Treatment with oil and safflower seed extract in a dose dependent manner could improve biochemical parameters in groups of metabolic syndrome treated with oil and extract compared to metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). The results also showed that the expression of above mentioned genes significantly increased in groups of metabolic syndrome treated with oil and extract compared to control and metabolic syndrome groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that safflower seed extract and its oil can improve fructose-induced metabolic syndrome through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, adjustment of homeostasis of trace elements, and enhancing the beta-oxidation capacity of the liver by increasing the expression of CD36, FAS, and CPT-1beta genes.

Copper sulfate-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes hepatic apoptosis by activating CHOP, JNK and caspase-12 signaling pathways

Copper (Cu), a transition metal, is an essential trace element in human and animal nutrition at low concentration, but Cu has toxic effects on tissues and organs at high concentration. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a toxicological target in Cu poison. Thus far, no studies have focused on the relationship among copper, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in animal and human livers. In the present study, mice treated with copper sulfate (CuSO₄) were used to assess the impacts of copper on ER stress and hepatic apoptosis. A total of 240 mice were orally administered with 0 (control), 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of CuSO₄ for 42 days. The results indicated that CuSO₄ at 10 mg/kg markedly induced hepatocyte apoptosis and ER stress. In addition, ER stress was characterized by the increased mRNA and protein levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and 94 (GRP94). Furthermore, ER stress-triggered 3 apoptotic pathways were also activated by the increased intracellular calcium and up-regulated expression levels of genes involved in growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (Gadd153/CHOP), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and cysteine aspartate-specific protease 12 (caspase-12) signaling pathways in CuSO₄-treated mice. In conclusion, CuSO₄-induced ER stress can promote hepatic apoptosis in mice by activating CHOP, JNK and caspase-12 signaling pathways.

Characterization of MXR activity in the sea anemone Bunodosoma cangicum exposed to copper

Transmembrane proteins of the ABC family contribute to a multiple xenobiotic resistance (MXR) phenotype in cells, driving the extrusion of toxic substances. This phenotype promotes a high degree of protection against xenobiotics. The present study provides a better understanding of the MXR activity in the podal disk cells of Bunodosoma cangicum exposed to copper, and further establishes the relationship between protein activity (measured by accumulation of rhodamine-B) and bioaccumulation of copper in these cells. Sea anemone cells were exposed for 24h to copper (0, 7.8 and 15.6μg/L) in presence and absence of MXR blocker (verapamil 50μM). Results indicate that copper exposure increases intracellular metal content when ABC proteins were blocked, causing an increase in cellular death. The present study also verified the relationship between MXR activity, ATP depletion, and general metabolic activity (by MTT). MXR activity decreased in treatment groups exposed to copper concentrations of 15.6μg/L and 10mM energy depleting potassium cyanide. Metabolic activity increased in cells exposed to 7.8μgCu/L, but 15.6μgCu/L was similar to 0 and 7.8μg/L. The presence of copper decreased the ABC proteins expression. The present study improves the knowledge of MXR in anemone cells and shows that this activity is closely associated with copper extrusion. Also, the copper exposure is able to modify the metabolic state and to lead to cytotoxicity when cells cannot defend themselves.

Neurotoxicity of Copper

Copper is an essential trace metal that is required for several important biological processes, however, an excess of copper can be toxic to cells. Therefore, systemic and cellular copper homeostasis is tightly regulated, but dysregulation of copper homeostasis may occur in disease states, resulting either in copper deficiency or copper overload and toxicity. This chapter will give an overview on the biological roles of copper and of the mechanisms involved in copper uptake, storage, and distribution. In addition, we will describe potential mechanisms of the cellular toxicity of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on the connection of copper toxicity with neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanomaterial and toxicity: what can proteomics tell us about the nanotoxicology?

1. In the last few years, a substantial scientific work is focused to identify the potential toxicity of nanomaterials by studying the cellular pathways under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Owing to high surface area to volume ratio nanoparticles (NPs) can pass through cell membranes which might be responsible for creating adverse interactions in biological systems. Simultaneously, researchers are also interested to assess the fate of NP inside the living system, which may lead to altered protein expression as well as protein corona formation. 2. According to published reports, NP-mediated toxicity involves altered cellular system including cell morphology, cell differentiation, cell metabolism, cell mobility, cellular immunity, which is derived from the side effects of nanoformulation and leading to apoptosis and necrosis. These results indicate the existence of potential toxic effect of these particles to human health. 3. The advent of proteomics with sophisticated technical improvement coupled with advanced bioinformatics has led to identify altered proteins due to nanomaterial exposure that could provide a new avenue to biomarker discovery. 4. This review aims to provide the current status of safe production and use of nanomaterials.

Concerns in the application of fluorescent probes DCDHF-DA, DHR 123 and DHE to measure reactive oxygen species in vitro

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed in biological systems by partial reduction of molecular oxygen. The essential role of ROS in maintaining physiological health may be corrupted into oxidative stress by their overproduction or the exhaustion of antioxidant mechanisms. Many studies covering a broad range of methodologies have investigated ROS production and their toxic mechanisms of action. Of these methodologies, fluorometry has been among the preferred techniques. Three frequently used fluorescent probes for in vitro studies are 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCDHF-DA), Dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) and Dihydroethidium (DHE). Apart from the unavoidable limitations of auto-oxidation, photo-oxidation and photo-conversion, there are also concerns relating to protocol modification for the improved monitoring of ROS. This paper aims to highlight such contributing factors, including cell culture conditions and the characteristics of individual fluorescent probes in the utilization of these selected probes in in vitro systems.

Reactive oxygen species and cytotoxicity in rainbow trout hepatocytes: effects of medium and incubation time

This study evaluated the effects of exposure medium and culture age on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) development and cytotoxicity in fish hepatocytes following exposure to copper (Cu). ROS was quantified using the fluorescent probes DHR 123 and CM-H2DCFDA following exposure to Cu in Leibovitz' medium (L-15) or Tris-buffered saline (TBS). Similarly, culture age effects were investigated using 1-, 2- and 4-day-old cultured hepatocytes by exposing them to Cu in TBS. The exposure in L-15 resulted in significantly higher ROS compared to TBS using CM-H2DCFDA, but not DHR 123. The age of the primary cultures significantly affected the development of ROS for both probes. None of the exposures caused cytotoxicity in the hepatocytes. The results showed that both factors may affect responses to stressors, and suggested that the use of a simple medium such as TBS may be preferable for some applications. It is also preferable to use 1-day-old primary hepatocyte cultures.

The Ca²⁺-calmodulin-Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II signaling pathway is involved in oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial permeability transition and apoptosis in isolated rat hepatocytes

Oxidative stress (OS) is a common event in most hepatopathies, leading to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) formation and further exacerbation of both OS from mitochondrial origin and cell death. Intracellular Ca²⁺ increase plays a permissive role in these events, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly known. We examined in primary cultured rat hepatocytes whether the Ca²⁺/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling pathway is involved in this process, by using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) as a pro-oxidant, model compound. tBOOH (500 μM, 15 min) induced MPTP formation, as assessed by measuring mitochondrial membrane depolarization as a surrogate marker, and increased lipid peroxidation in a cyclosporin A (CsA)-sensitive manner, revealing the involvement of MPTPs in tBOOH-induced radical oxygen species (ROS) formation. Intracellular Ca²⁺ sequestration with BAPTA/AM, CaM blockage with W7 or trifluoperazine, and CaMKII inhibition with KN-62 all fully prevented tBOOH-induced MPTP opening and reduced tBOOH-induced lipid peroxidation to a similar extent to CsA, suggesting that Ca²⁺/CaM/CaMKII signaling pathway fully mediates MPTP-mediated mitochondrial ROS generation. tBOOH-induced apoptosis, as shown by flow cytometry of annexin V/propidium iodide, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3 and increase in the Bax-to-Bcl-xL ratio, and the Ca²⁺/CaM/CaMKII signaling antagonists fully prevented these effects. Intramitochondrial CaM and CaMKII were partially involved in tBOOH-induced MPTP formation, since W7 and KN-62 both attenuated the tBOOH-induced, MPTP-mediated swelling of isolated mitochondria. We concluded that Ca²⁺/CaM/CaMKII signaling pathway is a key mediator of OS-induced MPTP formation and the subsequent exacerbation of OS from mitochondrial origin and apoptotic cell death.

Curcumin pretreatment prevents potassium dichromate-induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, decreased respiratory complex I activity, and membrane permeability transition pore opening

Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from turmeric with recognized antioxidant properties. Hexavalent chromium is an environmental toxic and carcinogen compound that induces oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of curcumin on the hepatic damage generated by potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) in rats. Animals were pretreated daily by 9-10 days with curcumin (400 mg/kg b.w.) before the injection of a single intraperitoneal of K₂Cr₂O₇ (15 mg/kg b.w.). Groups of animals were sacrificed 24 and 48 h later. K₂Cr₂O₇-induced damage to the liver was evident by histological alterations and increase in the liver weight and in the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase in plasma. In addition, K₂Cr₂O₇ induced oxidative damage in liver and isolated mitochondria, which was evident by the increase in the content of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl and decrease in the glutathione content and in the activity of several antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, K₂Cr₂O₇ induced decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, in the activity of respiratory complex I, and permeability transition pore opening. All the above-mentioned alterations were prevented by curcumin pretreatment. The beneficial effects of curcumin against K₂Cr₂O₇-induced liver oxidative damage were associated with prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Monitoring trace elements generated by automobiles: air pollutants with possible health impacts

Major transformations in the environmental composition are principally attributable to the combustion of fuels by automobiles. Motorized gasoline-powered two-stroke auto-rickshaws (TSA) and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (FSA) are potential source of air pollution in south Asia and produce toxic amount of particulate matter (PM) to the environment. In this study, we attempted to characterize elemental pollutants from the PM of TSA and FSA using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The observations of the existing investigation recognized significant increase in Al (P < 0.05), P (P < 0.01), and Zn (P < 0.01) from the PM samples of FSA. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na and S were also observed exceeding the recommended National Institute for Environmental Studies limits. On the contrary, increased concentration of Sr and V were observed in the PM samples from TSA. It is generally believed that FSA generates smaller amount of PM but data obtained from FSA are clearly describing that emissions from FSA comprised potentially more toxic substances than TSA. The current research is specific to metropolitan population and has evidently revealed an inconsistent burden of exposure to air pollutants engendered by FSA in urban communities, which could lead to the disruption of several biological activities and may cause severe damage to entire ecological system.

Mitochondrial electron transport chain in heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity: effects of cadmium, mercury, and copper

To clarify the role of mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) in heavy-metal-induced neurotoxicity, we studied action of Cd(2+), Hg(2+), and Cu(2+) on cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species formation, respiratory function, and mitochondrial membrane potential of rat cell line PC12. As found, the metals produced, although in a different way, dose- and time-dependent changes of all these parameters. Importantly, Cd(2+) beginning from 10 [mu]M and already at short incubation time (3 h) significantly inhibited the FCCP-uncoupled cell respiration; besides, practically the complete inhibition of the respiration was reached after 3 h incubation with 50 [mu]M Hg(2+) or 500 [mu]M Cd(2+), whereas even after 48 h exposure with 500 [mu]M Cu(2+), only a 50% inhibition of the respiration occurred. Against the Cd(2+)-induced cell injury, not only different antioxidants and mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors were protective but also such mtETC effectors as FCCP and stigmatellin (complex III inhibitor). However, all mtETC effectors used did not protect against the Hg(2+)- or Cu(2+)-induced cell damage. Notably, stigmatellin was shown to be one of the strongest protectors against the Cd(2+)-induced cell damage, producing a 15-20% increase in the cell viability. The mechanisms of the mtETC involvement in the heavy-metal-induced mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and cell death are discussed.

Ruthenium complexes containing bis-benzimidazole derivatives as a new class of apoptosis inducers

A series of ruthenium complexes containing bis-benzimidazole derivatives have been synthesized and identified as able to target mitochondria and induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells through superoxide overproduction.

14-Deoxyandrographolide desensitizes hepatocytes to tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis through calcium-dependent tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A release via the NO/cGMP pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Andrographis paniculata (AP) has been found to display hepatoprotective effect, although the mechanism of action of the active compounds of AP in this context still remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the hepatoprotective efficacy of 14-deoxyandrographolide (14-DAG), a bioactive compound of AP, particularly its role in desensitization of hepatocytes to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced signalling of apoptosis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

TNF-alpha-mediated ligand receptor interaction in hepatocytes in the presence of 14-DAG was studied in vitro in primary hepatocyte cultures, with the help of co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy and FACS analysis. Events associated with 14-DAG-induced TNFRSF1A release from hepatocytes were determined using immunoblotting, biochemical assay and fluorimetric studies. Pulse-chase experiments with radiolabelled TNF-alpha and detection of apoptotic nuclei by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling were performed under in vivo conditions.

KEY RESULTS

14-DAG down-regulated the formation of death-inducing signalling complex, resulting in desensitization of hepatocytes to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with 14-DAG accentuated microsomal Ca-ATPase activity through induction of NO/cGMP pathway. This resulted in enhanced calcium influx into microsomal lumen with the formation of TNFRSF1A-ARTS-1-NUCB2 complex in cellular vesicles. It was followed by the release of full-length 55 kDa TNFRSF1A and a reduction in the number of cell surface TNFRSF1A, which eventually caused diminution of TNF-alpha signal in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

Taken together, the results demonstrate for the first time that 14-DAG desensitizes hepatocytes to TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis through the release of TNFRSF1A. This can be used as a strategy against cytokine-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in liver dysfunctions.

Combination therapy with andrographolide and d-penicillamine enhanced therapeutic advantage over monotherapy with d-penicillamine in attenuating fibrogenic response and cell death in the periportal zone of liver in rats during copper toxicosis

Long treatment regime with d-penicillamine is needed before it can exert clinically meaningful benefits in the treatment of copper toxicosis. The consequence of long-term d-penicillamine treatment is associated with numerous side effects. The limitations of d-penicillamine monotherapy prompted us to search for more effective treatment strategies that could decrease the duration of d-penicillamine therapy. The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of d-penicillamine in combination with another hepatoprotective drug, andrographolide in treatment of copper toxicosis in rats. d-penicillamine treatment led to the excretion of copper through urine. Addition of andrographolide to d-penicillamine regime appeared to increase protection of liver by increasing the biliary excretion of copper and reduction in cholestatic injury. The early removal of the causative agent copper during combination treatment was the most effective therapeutic intervention that contributed to the early rectification of fibrosis in liver. Combination treatment reduced Kupffer cells accumulation and TNFα production in liver of copper exposed rats. In particular, andrographolide mediated the anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the cytokine production. However, another possible mechanism of cytoprotection of andrographolide was decreasing mitochondrial production of superoxide anions that resulted in better restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction during combination therapy than monotherapy. Furthermore, ROS inhibition by combination regimen resulted in significant decline in activation of caspase cascade. Inhibition of caspases attenuated apoptosis of hepatocytes, induced by chronic copper exposure. In summary, this study suggested that added benefit of combination treatment over use of either agent alone in alleviating the hepatotoxicity and fibrosis associated with copper toxicosis.