Free radicals in the 1900's: from in vitro to in vivo

Trigonelline, a Fenugreek Bioactive compound protects Heart tissue against alcohol intoxication: An in-vivo study focusing on antioxidant perspective

BACKGROUND

Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek and it is used as a spice. It has antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antilipedemic and other pharmocological properties.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to detect the cardio protective activity of Trigonelline (TG) a bioactive compound of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TF) in alcohol intoxicated rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The young wistar strain albino rats are divided in to 5 groups and treatment was given as per the experimental protocol. Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are estimated in cardiac tissue of all experimental groups. Cardiac markers creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin-T (TT), troponin-I (TI), myoglobin (MG) and serum markers alanine transaminase (AAT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are estimated. Free radical scavenging activities like 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical are estimated in ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum.

RESULTS

SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH activities are depleted and MDA, CK-MB, TT, TI, MG and AAT, AST, ALP activities are elevated in alcohol intoxicated rats. Trigonelline supplementation to alcoholic rats for 30 days elevated antioxidant enzymes, depleted MDA, cardiac markers and serum markers in alcohol intoxicated rats. Free radical scavenging assay also reported that Trigonella foenum-graecum possess free radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, our histopathological evidence also proved that TG protected the cardiac tissue from alcohol induced toxicity in all the experimental rats.

CONCLUSION

Our study concluded that TG may be useful to the alcoholic and myocardial infarction subjects.

Applications of Probiotic-Based Multi-Components to Human, Animal and Ecosystem Health: Concepts, Methodologies, and Action Mechanisms

Probiotics and related preparations, including synbiotics and postbiotics, are living and non-living microbial-based multi-components, which are now among the most popular bioactive agents. Such interests mainly arise from the wide range and numerous beneficial effects of their use for various hosts. The current minireview article attempts to provide an overview and discuss in a holistic way the concepts, methodologies, action mechanisms, and applications of probiotic-based multi-components in human, animal, plant, soil, and environment health. Probiotic-based multi-component preparations refer to a mixture of bioactive agents, containing probiotics or postbiotics as main functional ingredients, and prebiotics, protectants, stabilizers, encapsulating agents, and other compounds as additional constituents. Analyzing, characterizing, and monitoring over time the traceability, performance, and stability of such multi-component ingredients require relevant and sensitive analytical tools and methodologies. Two innovative profiling and monitoring methods, the thermophysical fingerprinting thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry technique (TGA-DSC) of the whole multi-component powder preparations, and the Advanced Testing for Genetic Composition (ATGC) strain analysis up to the subspecies level, are presented, illustrated, and discussed in this review to respond to those requirements. Finally, the paper deals with some selected applications of probiotic-based multi-components to human, animal, plant, soil and environment health, while mentioning their possible action mechanisms.

Free radical imaging of endogenous redox molecules using dynamic nuclear polarisation magnetic resonance imaging

Redox reactions accompanied by the oxidation-reduction of endogenous molecules play important roles in maintaining homeostasis in living organisms. In humans, numerous endogenous molecules that contribute towards maintaining physiological conditions form free radicals via electron transfer. A typical example of this is the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is involved in energy production. If free radicals derived from endogenous molecules could be visualised and exploited as biological and functional probes, redox reactions mediated by endogenous molecules could be detected non-invasively. We succeeded in visualising the free radicals derived from endogenous molecules using an in vivo dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. In this review, we describe the visualisation of endogenous redox molecules, such as flavins and ubiquinones, which are mitochondrial electron carriers, as well as vitamin E and vitamin C (ascorbate). In addition, we describe the application of melanin free radicals for the in vivo visualisation of metabola without using probes via in vivo DNP-MRI.

The vertical location of α-tocopherol in phosphatidylcholine membranes is not altered as a function of the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acyl chains

α-Tocopherol is a natural preservative that prevents free radical chain oxidations in biomembranes. We have studied the location of α-tocopherol in model membranes formed by different unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, namely 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PLPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PDPC). Small angle X-ray diffraction revealed that α-tocopherol was well mixed with all the phospholipids. In all the cases only one lamellar phase was detected. Very modest changes occasioned by α-tocopherol were observed in the electron density profiles. The results obtained from quenching of α-tocopherol intrinsic fluorescence by acrylamide showed that this vitamin was inefficiently quenched in the four types of membranes, indicating that the fluorescent chromanol ring was poorly accessible for this hydrophilic quencher. Compatible with that, quenching by doxyl derivatives of phosphatidylcholines indicated that the chromanol ring was close in the four membranes to the nitroxide probe located at position 5. Quenching by doxyl-phosphatidylcholines also indicated that the efficiency of quenching was higher in POPC than in the other unsaturated phospholipids. ¹H-MAS-NMR showed that α-tocopherol induced chemical shifts of protons from the phospholipids, especially of those bonded to carbons 2 and 3 of the acyl chains of the four phospholipids studied. The ¹H-MAS-NMR NOESY results suggested that the lower part of the chromanol ring was located between the C3 of the fatty acyl chains and the centre of the hydrophobic monolayer for the four phospholipid membranes studied. Taken together, these results suggest that α-tocopherol is located, in all the membranes studied, with the chromanol ring within the hydrophobic palisade but not far away from the lipid-water interface.

Benchmarking the DFT methodology for assessing antioxidant-related properties: quercetin and edaravone as case studies

The overall objective was to identify an accurate computational electronic method to virtually screen phenolic compounds through their antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity. The impact of a key parameter of the density functional theory (DFT) approach was studied. Performances of the 21 most commonly used exchange-correlation functionals are thus detailed in the evaluation of the main energetic parameters related to the activities of two prototype antioxidants, namely quercetin and edaravone, is reported. These functionals have been chosen among those belonging to three different families of hybrid functionals, namely global, range separated, and double hybrids. Other computational parameters have also been considered, such as basis set and solvent effects. The selected parameters, namely bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), and proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE) allow a mechanistic evaluation of the antioxidant activities of free radical scavengers. Our results show that all the selected functionals provide a coherent picture of these properties, predicting the same order of BDEs and PDEs. However, with respect to the reference values, the errors found at CBS-Q3 level significantly vary with the functional. Although it is difficult to evidence a global trend from the reported data, it clearly appears that LC-ωPBE, M05-2X, and M06-2X are the most suitable approaches for the considered properties, giving the lowest cumulative mean absolute errors. These methods are therefore suggested for an accurate and fast evaluation of energetic parameters related to an antioxidant activity via free radical scavenging.

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

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

Role of ROS and RNS Sources in Physiological and Pathological Conditions

There is significant evidence that, in living systems, free radicals and other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a double role, because they can cause oxidative damage and tissue dysfunction and serve as molecular signals activating stress responses that are beneficial to the organism. Mitochondria have been thought to both play a major role in tissue oxidative damage and dysfunction and provide protection against excessive tissue dysfunction through several mechanisms, including stimulation of opening of permeability transition pores. Until recently, the functional significance of ROS sources different from mitochondria has received lesser attention. However, the most recent data, besides confirming the mitochondrial role in tissue oxidative stress and protection, show interplay between mitochondria and other ROS cellular sources, so that activation of one can lead to activation of other sources. Thus, it is currently accepted that in various conditions all cellular sources of ROS provide significant contribution to processes that oxidatively damage tissues and assure their survival, through mechanisms such as autophagy and apoptosis.

Contaminant-induced oxidative stress in fish: a mechanistic approach

The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living organisms was described more than 60 years ago and virtually immediately it was suggested that ROS were involved in various pathological processes and aging. The state when ROS generation exceeds elimination leading to an increased steady-state ROS level has been called "oxidative stress." Although ROS association with many pathological states in animals is well established, the question of ROS responsibility for the development of these states is still open. Fish represent the largest group of vertebrates and they inhabit a broad range of ecosystems where they are subjected to many different aquatic contaminants. In many cases, the deleterious effects of contaminants have been connected to induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, deciphering of molecular mechanisms leading to such contaminant effects and organisms' response may let prevent or minimize deleterious impacts of oxidative stress. This review describes general aspects of ROS homeostasis, in particular highlighting its basic aspects, modification of cellular constituents, operation of defense systems and ROS-based signaling with an emphasis on fish systems. A brief introduction to oxidative stress theory is accompanied by the description of a recently developed classification system for oxidative stress based on its intensity and time course. Specific information on contaminant-induced oxidative stress in fish is covered in sections devoted to such pollutants as metal ions (particularly iron, copper, chromium, mercury, arsenic, nickel, etc.), pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) and oil with accompanying pollutants. In the last section, certain problems and perspectives in studies of oxidative stress in fish are described.

Predicting the substituent and solvent effects on the radical scavenger activity of ethoxyquin derivatives: a DFT/B3LYP study

The radical scavenger activity of X1- and X2-substituted ethoxyquin derivatives has been investigated in the gas phase and water. The reaction enthalpies of radical scavenger activity of the studied derivatives have been calculated and compared with corresponding values of ethoxyquin. Results show that electron-withdrawing group substituents increase the bond dissociation enthalpy and ionization potential, while electron-donating group substituents cause a rise in the proton affinity. The ethoxyquin derivatives with the lowest bond dissociation enthalpy, ionization potential, and proton affinity values were identified as the compounds with high radical scavenger activity. Results show that the substituents in the X1 position have high potential for synthesis of novel ethoxyquin derivatives. Results show that ethoxyquin derivatives can process their protective role via hydrogen atom transfer and sequential proton loss electron transfer mechanisms in the gas phase and solvent, respectively. The calculated reaction enthalpies of the substituted ethoxyquins have linear dependences with Hammett constants and energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital that can be utilized in the selection of suitable substituents for the synthesis of novel radical scavengers based on ethoxyquin.

DFT/B3LYP Study of the Substituent Effects on the Reaction Enthalpies of the Antioxidant Mechanisms of Sesamol Derivatives in the Gas phase and water

In this paper, the study of various ortho and meta–substituted Sesamol derivatives is presented. The reaction enthalpies related to three antioxidant action mechanisms HAT, SET–PT, and SPLET for substituted Sesamols, have been calculated using the DFT/B3LYP method in gas phase and water. Calculated results show that electron-withdrawing substituents increase the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), and electron transfer enthalpy (ETE), while electron-donating ones cause a rise in the proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE) and proton affinity (PA). In the ortho position, substituents show a larger effect on reaction enthalpies than in the meta position. In comparison with the gas phase, water attenuates the substituent effect on all reaction enthalpies. In the gas phase, BDEs are lower than PAs and IPs, i.e., HAT represents the thermodynamically preferred pathway. On the other hand, the SPLET mechanism represents the thermodynamically favored process in water. Results show that calculated enthalpies can be successfully correlated with Hammett constants (σm) of the substituted Sesamols. Furthermore, calculated IP and PA values for substituted Sesamols show linear dependence on the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO).

A DFT STUDY ON THE ROLE OF DIFFERENT OH GROUPS IN THE RADICAL SCAVENGING PROCESS

The molecular properties of robinetin and melanoxetin which are the two naturally occurring flavonoid compounds have been studied theoretically by means of density functional theory approach (DFT) at the level of B3LYP/6-311G(d,p). The analysis of computed bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA), electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) values for both the flavonoid compounds indicate the role of B-ring for the significant antioxidant characteristics and the instability of the A-ring. It also concerns the dominant role of BDE mechanism for antioxidant activity than PDE, PA and ETE mechanisms. Ionization potential (IP) is also found to be trustworthy in the study of antioxidant activity and the computed IP magnitudes are in agreement with the values of synthetic food additives. Further, the various molecular descriptors along with the plot of frontier molecular orbitals and Mulliken spin population analysis have been obtained and the validity of Koopmans' theorem is also verified with reference to antioxidant behavior.

Theoretical study of the pH-dependent antioxidant properties of vitamin C

Molecules acting as antioxidants capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) are of utmost importance in the living cell. Vitamin C is known to be one of these molecules. In this study we have analyzed the reactivity of vitamin C toward the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ROS species, in all acidic, neutral and basic media. In order to do so, density functional theory (DFT) have been used. More concretely, the meta-GGA functional MPW1B95 have been used. Two reaction types have been studied in each case: addition to the ring atoms, and hydrogen/proton abstraction. Our results show that [Formula: see text] is the most reactive species, while [Formula: see text] displays low reactivity. In all three media, vitamin C reactions with two hydroxyl radicals show a wide variety of possible products.

Selenium supplementation and exercise: effect on oxidant stress in overweight adults

Both obesity and acute high-intensity exercise increase oxidant stress levels. This study investigates whether selenium (Se) supplementation could be a potential effective therapy to reduce obesity-associated oxidant stress and exercise-induced oxidant stress. Ten normal-weight (NW) (22.80 ± 0.41 kg/m(2)) and ten overweight (OW) healthy subjects (28.00 ± 0.81 kg/m(2)) were assessed during a randomized double-blind Se supplementation study (200 µg sodium selenite/day for 3 weeks) with a 3-week placebo control and inversion of treatment periods. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxide (LH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant status (TAS), were measured at rest, pre-, and postexercise (30 min 70% VO(2) max before and after treatment (pretreatment (week 0 and 12) and post-treatment (week 3 or 15)). At rest, compared to placebo, Se supplementation had no significant effect on LH, SOD, GSH, and TAS levels. However, Se supplementation decreased LH levels in the OW group, immediately postexercise (-0.25 ± 0.12 µmol/l, P = 0.05) compared to placebo treatment. Postexercise, with or without Se supplementation, no changes in TAS, SOD, and GSH levels were observed in both the NW and OW group. This study has highlighted a potential benefit of Se in reducing LH levels postexercise in OW individuals. Given that oxidant stress is a predictor of coronary events, it is imperative to better understand oxidant stress-related responses to lifestyle factors (in particular "high-risk" population groups) and potential antioxidant therapy.

Markers of oxidative stress in erythrocytes and plasma during aging in humans

Aging is an inevitable universal biological process, which can be characterized by a general decline in physiological function with the accumulation of diverse adverse changes and increased probability of death. Among several theories, oxidative stress/free radical theory offers the best mechanistic elucidation of the aging process and other age -related phenomenon. In the present paper , we discuss the aging process and have focused on the importance of some reliable markers of oxidative stress which may be used as biomarkers of the aging process.

Oxidant stress in healthy normal-weight, overweight, and obese individuals

This study was undertaken to investigate the association among BMI and lipid hydroperoxide (LH), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Ninety (n = 90) healthy males and females (n = 23/67) (29 normal weight (BMI: 22.74 +/- 0.25 kg/m(2)), 36 overweight (BMI: 27.18 +/- 0.23 kg/m(2)), and 25 obese (33.78 +/- 0.48 kg/m(2))) participated in the study. Data collected included anthropometric measures, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, LH, TAS, and enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, and reduced GSH). The results of the study showed that obese individuals had significantly increased LH levels compared to normal-weight individuals (obese vs. normal weight (0.88 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.03 micromol/l, P < 0.01)) but the increased levels were not significantly different when compared to the overweight group (obese vs. overweight (0.88 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.79 +/- 0.05 micromol/l)). No other consistent significant differences in TAS, SOD, and GSH were identified between groups. This study concluded that only obesity and not moderate overweight elevates LH levels. Furthermore, the levels of TAS, SOD, and GSH in obesity do not explain the increased LH levels observed in obesity.

Tocopherols and tocotrienols in membranes: a critical review

The familiar role of tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) as lipid-soluble chain-terminating inhibitors of lipid peroxidation is currently in the midst of a reinterpretation. New biological activities have been described for tocols that apparently are not dependent on their well-established antioxidant behaviour. These activities could well be real, but there remain large gaps in our understanding of the behaviour of tocols in membranes, especially when it comes to the alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-chroman methylation patterns and the seemingly special nature of tocotrienols. It is inappropriate to make conclusions and develop models based on in vivo (or cell culture) results with reference to in vitro measurements of antioxidant activity. When present in biological membranes, tocols will experience a large variation in the local composition of phospholipids and the presence of neutral lipids such as cholesterol, both of which would be expected to change the efficiency of antioxidant action. It is likely that tocols are not homogeneously dispersed in a membrane, but it is still not known whether any specific combination of lipid head group and acyl chains are conferred special protection from peroxidation, nor do we currently appreciate the structural role that tocols play in membranes. Tocols may enhance curvature stress or counteract similar stresses generated by other lipids such as lysolipids. This review will outline what is known about the location and behaviour of tocols in phospholipid bilayers. We will draw mainly from the biophysical literature, but will attempt to extend the discussion to biologically relevant phenomena when appropriate. We hope that it will assist researchers when designing new experiments and when critically assessing the results, in turn providing a more thorough understanding of the biochemistry of tocols.

Direct visualization of enzymatic cleavage and oxidative damage by hydroxyl radicals of single-stranded DNA with a cationic polythiophene derivative

A new method has been developed for the label-free, convenient, and real-time monitoring of the cleavage of single-stranded DNA by single-strand-specific S1 nuclease and hydroxyl radical based on cationic water-soluble poly[3-(3'-N,N,N-triethylamino-1'-propyloxy)-4-methyl-2,5-thiophene hydrochloride](PMNT). The PMNT can form an interpolyelectrolyte complex with ssDNA (duplex) through electrostatic interactions, in which PMNT takes a highly conjugated and planar conformation, and thus PMNT exhibits a relatively red-shifted absorption wavelength. When ssDNA is hydrolyzed by S1 nuclease or hydroxyl radical into small fragments, the PMNT/ssDNA duplex cannot form. In this case, the PMNT remains in random-coil conformation and exhibits a relatively short absorption wavelength. The nuclease digestion or oxidative damage by hydroxyl radical of DNA can be monitored by absorption spectra or just visualized by the "naked-eye" in view of the observed PMNT color changes in aqueous solutions. This assay is simple and rapid, and there is no need to label DNA substrates. The most important characteristic of the assay is direct visualization of the DNA cleavage by the "naked-eye", which makes it more convenient than other methods that rely on instrumentation. The assay also provides a promising application in drug screening based on the inhibition of oxidative damage of DNA.

Heavy isotopes to avert ageing?

Oxidative modifications of cellular components by free radicals are thought to be the cause of ageing and age-associated diseases. Extensive prior research has aimed to lessen such damage by counteracting the free-radical oxidizers with antioxidants, but there have been no attempts to protect the oxidizer-targeted biomolecules by making them more stable against oxidation. A recent paper describes an original and promising method based on the use of non-radioactive heavy isotopes, which might enable living cells to resist the free-radical oxidation and consequently allow us to live a healthier, longer life.

The Copper(II) Adduct of the Unstructured Region of the Amyloidogenic Fragment Derived from the Human Prion Protein is Redox-Active at Physiological pH

Prion diseases are caused by the misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein (PrP). Herein we provide evidence that the CuII adduct of the unstructured amyloidogenic fragment of the human PrP (PrP(91-126)) is redox active under physiological conditions. We have identified that the relevant high-affinity CuII binding region of PrP(91-126) is contained between residues 106 and 114. Both [CuII(PrP(91-126))] and [CuII(PrP(106-114))] have CuII Kd values of approximately 90 microM. Furthermore, the smaller PrP fragment PrP(106-114) coordinates CuII producing an electronic absorption spectrum nearly identical with [CuII(PrP(91-126))] (lambda max approximately 610 nm (epsilon approximately 125 M-1 cm-1)) suggesting a similar coordination environment for CuII. Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals a nearly identical CuN(N/O)2S coordination environment for these two metallopeptides (2N/O at approximately 1.97 A; 1S at approximately 2.30 A; 1 imidazole N at approximately 1.95 A). Both display quasireversible CuII/CuI redox couples at approximately -350 mV vs Ag/AgCl. ESI-MS indicates that both peptides will coordinate CuI. However, XAS indicates differential coordination environments between [CuI(PrP(91-126))] and [CuI(PrP(106-114))]. These data indicate that [CuI(PrP(91-126))] contains Cu in a four coordinate (N/O)2S2 environment with similar (N/O)-Cu bond distances (Cu-(N/O) r = 2.048(4) A), while [CuI(PrP(106-114))] contains Cu in a four coordinate (N/O)2S2 environment with differential (N/O)-Cu bond distances (Cu-(N/O) r1 = 2.057(6) A; r2 = 2.159(3) A). Despite the differential coordination environments both Cu-metallopeptides will catalytically reduce O2 to O2*- at comparable rates.

Cytotoxic effects of various stressors on PC12 cells: involvement of oxidative stress and effect of antioxidants

In order to specifically elucidate the involvement of oxidative stress, the effects of various types of stressors and antioxidants on PC12 cells were examined. In this study, the following four stressors were studied in detail: free radicals generated from 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), 7-ketocholesterol (KC), and arsenic trioxide (As2O3). Undifferentiated PC12 cells were treated with 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of these stressors, and subsequently the viability, apoptosis/necrosis ratio, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, caspase-3 activity, and protection by antioxidants were measured to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that determine the action of these stressors on PC12 cells. The cytotoxicity did not correlate directly with the intracellular formation of ROS. For example, as compared to AAPH, As2O3 produced considerably smaller amounts of ROS at LC50. As observed in the cells incubated with As2O3, KC and HNE exerted cell toxicity, but with a moderate production of ROS. With the exception of HNE, the apoptosis/necrosis ratio of all the stressors evaluated by annexin V and propidium iodide assays increased with an increase in the incubation time at the LC50 values of these stressors. In accordance with apoptosis ratio, caspase activity was detected in the cells incubated with AAPH, As2O3, and KC, but not HNE at LC50 for 24 h. The protective effect of alpha-tocopherol, 17beta-estradiol, 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2,2-dipentyl-4,6-di-tert-butylbenzofuran (BO653), glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against cytotoxicity depended on the type of stressors. These antioxidants were found to be effective against the abovementioned stressors, except As2O3 against which only NAC was effective. These results suggest that the involvement of ROS and the protective effect of antioxidants depend on the type of stressors.

Vitamin E Protects Against Oxidative Damage Caused by Formaldehyde in the Liver and Plasma of Rats

It is well known that formaldehyde (FA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. Although the individual effects of these reactants on cells have been investigated, the cytotoxicity exerted by the coexistence of FA and ROS is poorly understood. The present study was carried out to evaluate oxidant/antioxidant status and biochemical changes occurring after chronic formaldehyde toxicity in liver tissue and plasma of rats and protective effect of vitamin E (vit E) against oxidative damage. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups: (1) control rats, (2) rats treated with FA (FAt), and (3) rats treated with FA plus vit E (FAt + vit E) groups. After the treatment, the animals were sacrificed and liver tissues were removed for biochemical investigations. As a result, FA treatment significantly increased the levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), nitric oxide (NO) and the activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme (XO). On the other hand, FA exposure led to decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver tissues compared to control. FA caused significant decreases in total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) whereas increases in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and interleukine-2 (IL-2) levels in plasma. Vit E treatment abolished these changes at a level similar to the control group. It was concluded that vit E treatment might be beneficial in preventing FA-induced liver tissue damage, and therefore have potential for clinical use.

Protein S-thiolation and depletion of intracellular glutathione in skin fibroblasts exposed to various sources of oxidative stress

It is well established that oxidative stress plays a central role in the onset and progression of over a 100 different diseases. Recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that chemicals/agents as diverse as aromatic compounds, UV radiation and redox-active metals also generate oxy-radicals in vivo and lead to cellular oxidative stress. In this study we have used mouse skin fibroblasts to study the effects of oxidative stress caused by organic aromatic compounds (xylene), UV radiation and redox-active metals. Specifically, we tested the effect of these treatments on intracellular GSH levels, as well as on protein S-thiolation. We show that acute exposure of these diverse set of conditions cause dramatic depletion of the intracellular GSH pool in mouse skin fibroblast cells. We also found evidence of synergistic effects of combined exposure to different sources of oxidative stress. Furthermore, we also found that these treatments also caused significant S-thiolation (protein mixed-disulfide formation) of a 70kDa cytosolic protein.

Photocatalytic Oxygenation of Pivalic Acid with Molecular Oxygen via Photoinduced Electron Transfer using 10-Methylacridinium Ions

Photoirradiation of the absorption band of the 10-methylacridinium ion (AcrH+) with visible light in deaerated CH3CN/H2O (1:1 v/v) containing pivalic acid (Bu(t)COOH) and less than 1 equiv of NaOH results in the selective formation of 9-tert-butyl-9,10-dihydro-10-methylacridine (AcrHBu(t)). The same product is obtained in O2-saturated CH3CN/H2O under visible light irradiation. Photoirradiation of the absorption band of AcrHBu(t) with UV light in deaerated CH3CN/H2O (1:1 v/v) results in the formation of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (Bu(t)OOH), accompanied by regeneration of AcrH+. This cycle can be repeated several times. When AcrH+ is replaced by the 9-phenyl derivative (AcrPh+), AcrPh+ acts as an effective photocatalyst for the one-pot photooxygenation of Bu(t)COOH in the presence of less than 1 equiv of NaOH relative to Bu(t)COOH with O2 to yield Bu(t)OOH and Bu(t)H. The photocatalytic oxygenation mechanism is discussed based on the detection of radical intermediates by laser flash photolysis and ESR measurements as well as quantum yield determination.

Trapping of the OH radical by alpha-tocopherol: a theoretical study

The antioxidant activity of alpha-tocopherol against the damaging hydroxyl radical was analyzed theoretically by hybrid density functional theory, following the direct dynamics method, where the thermal rate constants were calculated using variational transition-state theory with multidimensional tunneling. We found that the OH radical is only slightly or not at all selective, attacking by different mechanisms at several positions of the alpha-tocopherol molecule, giving competitive reactions. The most favorable pathways are the hydrogen abstraction reaction from the phenolic hydrogen and the electrophilic addition onto the aromatic ring. We propose a final rate constant, the sum of the competitive hydrogen abstraction and addition reactions, > or =2.7 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) at 298 K, where the hydrogen abstraction reaction represents only 20% of the total OH radical reaction. This result indicates that, molecule by molecule, in an apolar environment, alpha-tocopherol is less effective than coenzyme Q (which presents a rate constant of 6.2 x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1) at 298 K) as a scavenger of OH radicals. It was also found that both mechanisms are not direct but pass through intermediates in the entry channel, with little or no influence on the dynamics of the reactions. The hydrogen abstraction reaction also presents another intermediate in the exit channel, which may have a significant role in preventing the pro-oxidant effects of alpha-tocopherol, although less important than with free radicals other than OH.

Cytotoxic effect of formaldehyde with free radicals via increment of cellular reactive oxygen species

It is well known that formaldehyde (HCHO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as free radicals, are cytotoxic as well as potentially carcinogenic. Although the individual effects of these reactants on cells have been investigated, the cytotoxicity exerted by the coexistence of HCHO and reactive radicals is poorly understood. The present study using Jurkat cells demonstrated that the coexistence of HCHO with water-soluble radical initiator, 2,2'-azobis-[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH) dramatically decreased cell viability, and that under such conditions scant cell death was observable induced by either of the reactants alone. Based on the results of phosphatidylserine exposure and caspase activation, this observed cell death, in fact, was apparently necrotic rather than apoptotic. To understand the mechanisms of the cell toxicity of HCHO and AIPH, we assessed two kinds of oxidative stress markers such as cellular glutathione (GSH) content and cellular ROS, and the DNA-protein cross-links, which formed as the result of HCHO treatment. A marked decrease in total cellular GSH was observed not only in the case of the coexistence conditions but also with AIPH alone. Dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) assay revealed that cellular ROS were synergistically increased before cell death. The formation of DNA-protein cross-links was observed in the presence of HCHO and AIPH, and the extent was similar to HCHO alone. Co-incubation with semicarbazide, which inactivates HCHO, prevented this cell death induced by a combination of HCHO and AIPH. Semicarbazide also exhibited an inhibitory effect on the synergistic increment of cellular ROS and the formation of DNA-protein cross-links. These results suggest that the free radicals from AIPH induced GSH reduction, while HCHO resulted in the formation of DNA-protein cross-links, eventuating in a synergistic, incremental increase of cellular ROS and cell death brought about by this combination.

Dynamics of antioxidant action of vitamin E

Vitamin E is the major lipophilic, radical-scavenging antioxidant in vivo and protects humans from the oxidative stress mediated by active oxygen and nitrogen species. The mechanisms of the inhibition of oxidation by vitamin E in vitro are now fairly well understood, but the dynamics of antioxidant action of vitamin E in vivo have not been well elucidated yet, primarily because of the inherent heterogeneity of biological systems. In this Account, the factors which determine the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E are discussed, and the importance of its localization and mobility in the membranes and lipoproteins is emphasized.

Antioxidant activities of chitobiose and chitotriose

Chitooligosaccharides, the oligomers made up of beta-1,4-linked D-glucosamine, are obtained by partial hydrolysis of chitosan, a deacetylation product of chitin. The antioxidant activity of various chitooligosaccharides was tested in vitro with aminoguanidine, pyridoxamine, and Trolox as reference compounds. Hydroxylation of benzoate to salicylate by H2O2 in the presence of Cu(2+) was effectively inhibited by chitobiose, chitotriose, aminoguanidine, pyridoxamine, and Trolox (their IC(50) values=18, 80, 85, 10, and 95 microM, respectively), whereas glucosamine and N-acetylchito-oligosaccharides (di-N-acetylchitobiose and tri-N-acetylchitotriose) did not show any inhibitory activity. Chitobiose and chitotriose were more potent than the 3 reference compounds in scavenging hydroxyl radicals produced by photolysis of zinc oxide: IC(50) values of the 2 oligomers were 30 and 55 microM, respectively. Such a scavenging activity of these 2 chitooligomers was also shown by the use of another system, a mixture of Fe(3+)/EDTA/ascorbate/H2O2, for producing hydroxyl radicals. Only chitobiose and Trolox, of the 10 compounds tested, had the ability to scavenge superoxide radicals generated by a non-enzymatic system using phenazine methosulfate and NADH. Taken together with our unpublished observation that chitobiose and chitotriose are appreciably absorbed from the intestine of rats, the present results suggest that these 2 chitooligosaccharides would act as effective antioxidants in vivo when orally ingested.

Antioxidant effects of alpha- and gamma-carboxyethyl-6-hydroxychromans

Carboxyethyl-6-hydroxychromans (CEHC), the major metabolites of both tocopherols (Toc) and tocotrienols (Toc-3), have been found in human plasma. In the present study, the antioxidant properties of alpha- and gamma-CEHC were measured and compared with alpha- and gamma- tocopherols. Following results were obtained: (1)alpha- and gamma-CEHC have the same reactivities toward radicals and exert the same antioxidant activities against lipid peroxidation in organic solution as the corresponding parent tocopherols respectively; (2) the partition coefficient decreased in the order alpha-Toc (3.36) > gamma-Toc (3.14) > alpha-CEHC (2.26) > pentamethyl-6-chromanol (1.92) > gamma-CEHC (1.83) > 0 > Trolox (-0.97); (3) alpha- and gamma-CEHC scavenge aqueous radicals more efficiently but they inhibit the lipid peroxidation within the membranes less efficiently than the corresponding alpha- and gamma-Toc, respectively; (4) alpha-CEHC inhibits the oxidation synergistically with ascorbate; and (5) alpha- and gamma-CEHC reduce Cu(II) to give Cu(I) and corresponding quinones as major product, but the prooxidant effect of CEHC in the presence of cupric ion was small. These results imply that CEHC may act as an antioxidant in vivo especially for those who take tocopherol supplement.