Acetyl-homocysteine-thiolactone-induced increase of superoxide dismutase counteracts the effect of subdiabetogenic doses of streptozocin

Insulitis in Human Type 1 Diabetic Pancreas: From Stem Cell Grafting to Islet Organoids for a Successful Cell-Based Therapy

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with immune cells' islet infiltration (called "insulitis"), which leads to beta cell loss. Despite being the critical element of T1D occurrence and pathogenesis, insulitis is often present in a limited percentage of islets, also at diagnosis. Therefore, it is needed to define reproducible methods to detect insulitis and beta-cell decline, to allow accurate and early diagnosis and to monitor therapy. However, this goal is still far due to the morphological aspect of islet microvasculature, which is rather dense and rich, and is considerably rearranged during insulitis. More studies on microvasculature are required to understand if contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography measurements of pancreatic blood-flow dynamics may provide a clinically deployable predictive marker to predict disease progression and therapeutic reversal in pre-symptomatic T1D patients. Therefore, it is needed to clarify the relation between insulitis and the dynamics of β cell loss and with coexisting mechanisms of dysfunction, according to clinical stage, as well as the micro vessels' dynamics and microvasculature reorganization. Moreover, the ideal cell-based therapy of T1D should start from an early diagnosis allowing a sufficient isolation of specific Procr+ progenitors, followed by the generation and expansion of islet organoids, which could be transplanted coupled to an immune-regulatory therapy which will permit the maintenance of pancreatic islets and an effective and long-lasting insulitis reversal.

Homocystamide Conjugates of Human Serum Albumin as a Platform to Prepare Bimodal Multidrug Delivery Systems for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy is a unique form of adjuvant cancer therapy for various malignancies including malignant gliomas. The conjugation of boron compounds and human serum albumin (HSA)-a carrier protein with a long plasma half-life-is expected to extend systemic circulation of the boron compounds and increase their accumulation in human glioma cells. We report on the synthesis of fluorophore-labeled homocystamide conjugates of human serum albumin and their use in thiol-'click' chemistry to prepare novel multimodal boronated albumin-based theranostic agents, which could be accumulated in tumor cells. The novelty of this work involves the development of the synthesis methodology of albumin conjugates for the imaging-guided boron neutron capture therapy combination. Herein, we suggest using thenoyltrifluoroacetone as a part of an anticancer theranostic construct: approximately 5.4 molecules of thenoyltrifluoroacetone were bound to each albumin. Along with its beneficial properties as a chemotherapeutic agent, thenoyltrifluoroacetone is a promising magnetic resonance imaging agent. The conjugation of bimodal HSA with undecahydro-closo-dodecaborate only slightly reduced human glioma cell line viability in the absence of irradiation (~30 μM of boronated albumin) but allowed for neutron capture and decreased tumor cell survival under epithermal neutron flux. The simultaneous presence of undecahydro-closo-dodecaborate and labeled amino acid residues (fluorophore dye and fluorine atoms) in the obtained HSA conjugate makes it a promising candidate for the combination imaging-guided boron neutron capture therapy.

Human Serum Albumin Labelling with a New BODIPY Dye Having a Large Stokes Shift

BODIPY dyes are photostable neutral derivatives of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene. These are widely used as chemosensors, laser materials, and molecular probes. At the same time, BODIPY dyes have small or moderate Stokes shifts like most other fluorophores. Large Stokes shifts are preferred for fluorophores because of higher sensitivity of such probes and sensors. The new boron containing BODIPY dye was designed and synthesized. We succeeded to perform an annulation of pyrrole ring with coumarin heterocyclic system and achieved a remarkable difference in absorption and emission maximum of obtained fluorophore up to 100 nm. This BODIPY dye was equipped with linker arm and was functionalized with a maleimide residue specifically reactive towards thiol groups of proteins. BODIPY residue equipped with a suitable targeting protein core can be used as a suitable imaging probe and agent for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). As the most abundant protein with a variety of physiological functions, human serum albumin (HSA) has been used extensively for the delivery and improvement of therapeutic molecules. Thiolactone chemistry provides a powerful tool to prepare albumin-based multimodal constructions. The released sulfhydryl groups of the homocysteine functional handle in thiolactone modified HSA were labeled with BODIPY dye to prepare a labeled albumin-BODIPY dye conjugate confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS, UV-vis, and fluorescent emission spectra. Cytotoxicity of the resulting conjugate was investigated. This study is the basis for a novel BODIPY dye-albumin theranostic for BNCT. The results provide further impetus to develop derivatives of HSA for delivery of boron to cancer cells.

Protein modification by thiolactone homocysteine chemistry: a multifunctionalized human serum albumin theranostic

As the most abundant protein with a variety of physiological functions, albumin has been used extensively for the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Thiolactone chemistry provides a powerful tool to prepare spin-labeled albumin-based multimodal imaging probes and therapeutic agents. We report the synthesis of a tamoxifen homocysteine thiolactone derivative and its use in thiol-'click' chemistry to prepare multi-functionalized serum albumin. The released sulfhydryl group of the homocysteine functional handle was labeled with a nitroxide reagent to prepare a spin-labeled albumin-tamoxifen conjugate confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS, EPR spectroscopy, UV-vis and fluorescent emission spectra. This is the basis for a novel multimodal tamoxifen-albumin theranostic with a significant (dose-dependent) inhibitory effect on the proliferation of malignant cells. The response of human glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells and breast cancer MCF-7 cells to tamoxifen and its albumin conjugates was different in tumor cells with different expression level of ERα in our experiments. These results provide further impetus to develop a serum protein for delivery of tamoxifen to cancer cells.

Design of protein homocystamides with enhanced tumor uptake properties for (19)F magnetic resonance imaging

Straightforward and reliable tools for in vivo imaging of tumors can benefit the studies of cancer development, as well as contribute to successful diagnosis and treatment of cancer. (19)F NMR offers an exceptional quantitative way of in vivo imaging of the infused agents because of the lack of (19)F signals from the endogenous molecules in the body. The purpose of this study is to develop molecular probes with appropriate NMR characteristics and the biocompatibility for in vivo applications using (19)F MRI. We have studied the reaction between perfluorotoluene and homocysteine thiolactone resulting in the formation of N-substituted homocysteine thiolactone derivative. It has been shown that the reaction occurs selectively at the para position. This fluorine-labeled homocysteine thiolactone has been employed for the introduction of a perfluorotoluene group as a (19)F-containing tag into human serum albumin. The modified protein has been studied in terms of its ability to aggregate and promote the formation of free radicals. By comparing the properties of N-perfluorotoluene-homocystamide of albumin with N-homocysteinylated albumin, it has been revealed that blocking of the alpha-amino group of the homocysteine residue in the fluorinated albumin conjugate inhibits the dangerous aggregation process, as well as free radical formation. A dual-labeled albumin-based molecular probe for (19)F MRI and fluorescence microscopy has been obtained by functionalizing the protein with both maleimide of a fluorescent dye and a fluorinated thiolactone derivative. The incubation of cells with this conjugate did not reveal any significant reduction in cell viability with respect to the parent albumin. The perfluorotoluene-labeled albumin has been demonstrated to act as a promising agent for in vivo (19)F MRI.

NAC, tiron and trolox impair survival of cell cultures containing glioblastoma tumorigenic initiating cells by inhibition of cell cycle progression

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are metabolism by-products that may act as signaling molecules to sustain tumor growth. Antioxidants have been used to impair cancer cell survival. Our goal was to determine the mechanisms involved in the response to antioxidants of a human cell culture (PT4) containing glioblastoma (GBM) tumorigenic initiating cells (TICs). ROS production in the absence or presence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), tiron, and trolox was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). The effects of these antioxidants on cell survival and apoptosis were evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) and FCM. The biological processes modulated by these drugs were determined by oligonucleotide microarray gene expression profiling. Our results showed that NAC, tiron and trolox impaired PT4 cell survival, had minor effects on ROS levels and caused wide deregulation of cell cycle genes. Furthermore, tiron and trolox caused inhibition of cell survival in two additional cell cultures containing TICs, FO-1 and MM1, established from a melanoma and a mesothelioma patient, respectively. NAC, instead, impaired survival of the MM1 cells but not of the FO-1 cells. However, when used in combination, NAC enhanced the inhibitory effect of PLX4032 (BRAF V600E inhibitor) and Gefitinib (EGFR inhibitor), on FO-1 and PT4 cell survival. Collectively, NAC, tiron and trolox modulated gene expression and impaired the growth of cultures containing TICs primarily by inhibiting cell cycle progression.

Kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of N-acetyl homocysteine thiolactone with aqueous iodine and iodate

The kinetics of N-acetyl homocysteine thiolactone (NAHT) oxidation by aqueous iodine and iodate were studied by spectrophotometric techniques. The iodate-NAHT reaction is slow and results in the formation of N-acetyl homocysteine thiolactone sulfoxide as the sole product (NAHTSO). The stoichiometry of the reaction was deduced as: IO3(-) + 3NAHT → I(-) + 3NAHTSO (S1). In excess iodate conditions, the iodide produced in S1 is oxidized to give iodine: IO3(-) + 5I(-) + 6H(+) → 3I2 + 3H2O (S2). Thus in excess iodate conditions the overall stoichiometry of the reaction is a linear combination of S1 and S2 that eliminates iodide, 5S1 + S2: 2IO3(-)+ 5NAHT+ 2H(+) → I2 + 5NAHTSO + H2O. There was a 1:1 stoichiometry for the NAHT - I2 reaction: NAHT+ I2 + H2O → NAHTSO +2I(-) + 2H(+) (S3). All reactions, S1, S2 and S3 occur simultaneously and since they are all comparable in rate; complex dynamics were observed. Iodide catalyzes S1 and S2 but inhibits S3. Iodide is a product of both S1 and S3. It has the most profound effect on the overall global dynamics observed. The overall reaction scheme which involved S1, S2 and S3 was modeled by a simple 12-reaction mechanistic scheme which gave a very good fit to experimental data.

Interleukin (IL)-1? toxicity to islet ? cells: Efaroxan exerts a complete protection

Interleukin (IL)-1beta-treated rat islets of Langerhans were exposed in vitro either to the imidazoline compound, Efaroxan, or to the selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, 1400W, in a medium containing a high concentration of glucose (16.7 mmol/L). Our data have evidenced the following: (i) addition of Efaroxan to islet cultures inhibited IL-1beta activation of ICE (cysteine protease IL-1beta converting enzyme) while addition of 1400W did not; (ii) Efaroxan completely inhibited IL-1beta-induced suppression of insulin secretion and induction of iNOS mRNA transcripts, and, in addition, counteracted islet beta-cell protein profile alterations, Bax-cytochrome c translocation, caspase activation, and apoptosis; (iii) 1400W inhibited IL-1beta induction of iNOS, but failed to completely counteract the other cytotoxic effects; (iv) the two compounds, moreover, exerted different effects on manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), in fact, while Efaroxan inhibited the early stimulatory effect of IL-1beta on MnSOD, 1400W did not. Thus, Efaroxan completely protected islet beta cells from damage caused by IL-1beta-induced toxicity, while compound 1400W only inhibited NO radical production without altering the cytokine's cytotoxicity. Our observations have evidenced that suppression of ICE activation is required to counteract IL-1beta-mediated islet beta cell toxicity, and that IL-1beta-induced apoptosis is NO-independent and involves the cytochrome c-mitochondrial pathway.

A biphasic role of nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB in the islet β-cell apoptosis induced by interleukin (IL)-1β

IL-1beta is an important mediator in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes both in vivo and in vitro and it has been shown to induce islet beta-cell apoptosis. Most of the IL-1beta effects seem to be mediated by NF-kappaB transcription factor activation, but its role in the induction of islet beta-cell apoptosis has not yet been clarified. Taking advantage of the protease inhibitor TPCK (N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone), which specifically inhibits the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB activation, we studied the role of NF-kappaB in the rIL-1beta treated rat pancreatic islets. Our results show that TPCK blocked rIL-1beta-mediated early increase of MnSOD activity and beta-cell defence/repair protein expression, suggesting a protective role for NF-kappaB at the beginning of IL-1beta treatment; but, in a second phase, NF-kappaB induces a sustained decrease of specific beta-cell proteins like insulin, GLUT-2 and PDX-1 with a concomitant increase of aspecific proteins and iNOS transcription. The appearance of iNOS expression correlates with increased levels of nitrite + nitrate levels and appearance of mitochondrial damage detected either at morphological and biochemical level. After 36 h of IL-1beta treatment islet beta-cells begin to undergo apoptosis. Since IL-1beta induction of apoptosis is completely prevented by TCPK treatment, this finding underscores the central role of NF-kappaB in this process. Thus, our results clearly indicate that NF-kappaB regulates MnSOD genes expression and MnSOD activity, which protects islet beta-cells by IL-1beta damage. Furthermore, when the IL-1beta stress impairs islet beta-cell function, NF-kappaB activation regulates the entrance of islet beta-cell into the cell death program.

Th1 and Th2 cytokines exert regulatory effects upon islet microvascular areas in the NOD mouse

In this study, we show that intra- and peri-islet microvascular areas undergo different changes during the islet inflammation in the nonobese diabetes-prone female mice. Actually, although the islet vascular area (IVA) considerably decreases while the infiltration progresses, at 15 weeks of age, the peri-islet vascular bed is unexpectedly and significantly increased. On the contrary, the intra-IVA is significantly decreased, due to vessel dilation. Later, by 20-25 weeks of age, a decrease of both IVA occur, due to a significant islet beta cell loss. Moreover, a dramatic fall of natural free radical scavenger values, which, in turn, exert an influence upon vessels, is observed. These effects are completely counteracted by the administration of IL-4, a Th2 protective cytokine; IL-10, another putative Th2 cytokine, exerts direct effects upon endothelial cell (EC) function, as shown by the increase of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA transcripts and by the release of endothelial NO which, in turn, exert vasodilatory effects; moreover, this cytokine significantly upregulates adhesion molecules on endothelia. On the other hand, IL-1beta, a Th1 proinflammatory cytokine, dramatically increases nitrite and nitrate levels, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcripts and also upregulates islet ICAM-1 expression as well as circulating ICAM-1 levels. Taken together, our findings clearly show that cytokines and islet endothelia are directly involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. Their reciprocal influence gives new insight to understand the role of microvasculature during islet beta cell attack.

Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the diabetes-induced anomalies in rat embryos in vitro: reduction in antioxidant enzymes and low-molecular-weight antioxidants (LMWA) may be the causative factor for increased anomalies

A disturbed embryonic antioxidant defense mechanism may play a major role in diabetes-induced teratogenesis. We therefore studied the antioxidant capacity of 10.5-day-old rat embryos and their yolk sacs after culture for 28 hr in vitro under diabetic conditions (3 mg/ml glucose, 2 mg/ml beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHOB) and 10 microg/ml of acetoacetate), as compared with control embryos in vitro. We found a high rate of congenital anomalies, decreased growth and protein content, and a decrease in the activity of both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) under diabetic conditions, as compared with controls. The reducing power, which reflects the concentration and type of water-soluble and of lipid-soluble low-molecular-weight antioxidants (LMWA), was measured by cyclic voltammetry. Generally, LMWA were reduced in the embryos and yolk sacs under diabetic conditions. In the water-soluble fraction of control embryos and yolk sacs, two peak potentials were found, indicating two major groups of LMWA, while only one peak potential was found under diabetic conditions, indicating that an entire group of LMWA is missing. HPLC studies have demonstrated a decrease in vitamin C (water-soluble fraction) and in vitamin E (lipid-soluble fraction) under diabetic culture conditions, and an increase in uric acid. Generally, the concentration of LMWA was higher in the embryos than in the yolk sac. LMWA concentration, protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activity were lower in the malformed experimental embryos than in experimental embryos without anomalies. The addition of vitamins C and E to the diabetic culture medium abolished the deleterious effects of the diabetic serum on the embryos. The disturbed antioxidant defense mechanism under diabetic conditions may be explained, at least in part, by a direct effect of diabetic metabolic factors on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and on the concentration of reducing equivalents. This, in turn, may be embryotoxic.

Site-specific DNA methylation and apoptosis: induction by diabetogenic streptozotocin

Streptozotocin (STZ) is known to induce insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus via DNA damage in experimental animals. The mechanism of induction of DNA damage by STZ was investigated in vitro, using a human cell line and 32P-labeled DNA fragments isolated from human genes. STZ induced cellular DNA damage and apoptosis, and frequently initiated DNA modification at guanines, especially at the middle guanine in runs of three and at the guanine at the 3'-end of runs of two guanines, similar to N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, a typical methylating agent. Scavengers for reactive oxygen species or nitric oxide did not inhibit the induction of DNA damage by STZ. On the other hand, damage induction was inhibited by sodium acetate and sodium chloride, which can reduce the reactivity of methylating agents to DNA via the sodium cation. These results suggest that STZ induces DNA damage by methylation of guanines via methyl cations. This alkylation may be responsible for triggering apoptosis, and subsequently diabetes.

Effect of α-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone on diabetes and lipid peroxidation in BB rats

Oxygen free radicals have been shown to interfere with pancreatic islet beta cell function and integrity, and have been implicated in autoimmune type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that the spontaneous autoimmune type 1 diabetes of the BB rat would be prevented by in vivo administration of a free-radical spin trap, α-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN). Twenty-eight diabetes-prone (BBdp) and 13 non-diabetes-prone (BBn) rats received PBN (10 mg/kg) subcutaneously twice daily, and 27 BBdp and 12 BBn rats received saline as controls. Rats were treated from age 47 ± 6 days until diabetes onset or age 118 ± 7 days. PBN caused no growth, biochemical, or hematological side effects. Sixteen control BBdp rats became diabetic (BBd, mean age 77 ± 6 days) and six demonstrated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT rats). The incidence of diabetes and IGT was not different in PBN-treated BBdp rats. Saline-treated rats showed no differences in pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of BBd, IGT rats, and the BBdp that did not develop diabetes, versus BBn rats (2.38 ± 0.35 nmoL/g). Among rats receiving PBN, BBn had lower pancreatic MDA than BBd and IGT rats (1.38 ± 0.15 vs. 1.88 ± 0.15 and 2.02 ± 0.24 nmoL/g, p < 0.05), but not than BBdp rats (1.78 ± 0.12 nmoL/g, ns). BBn rats receiving PBN also had lower pancreatic MDA than the saline controls (p < 0.05). Thus, PBN is remarkably nontoxic and is able to decrease MDA in the absence of the autoimmune process, but does not prevent diabetes. A combination of PBN with other complementary antioxidant agents may hold better promise for disease prevention.Key words: α-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone, type 1 diabetes mellitus, BB rats, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde, spin traps.

Antioxidants protect rat diaphragmatic muscle function under hypoxic conditions

In hypoxia, mitochondrial respiration is decreased, thereby leading to a buildup of reducing equivalents that cannot be transferred to O2 at the cytochrome oxidase. This condition, called reductive stress, can paradoxically lead to enhanced formation of reactive O2 species, or a decrease in the ability of the cell to defend against an oxidative stress. We hypothesized that antioxidants would protect tissues under conditions of hypoxia. Rat diaphragm strips were incubated in tissue baths containing one of four antioxidants: N-acetyl-L-cysteine, dimethyl sulfoxide, superoxide dismutase, or Tiron. The strips were directly stimulated in an electrical field. Force-frequency relationships were studied under baseline oxygenation (95% O2-5% CO2), after 30 min of hypoxia (95% N2-5% CO2), and 30 min after reoxygenation. In all tissues, antioxidants markedly attenuated the loss of contractile function during hypoxia (P < 0.01) and also significantly improved recovery on reoxygenation (P < 0.05). We conclude that both intracellular and extracellular antioxidants improve skeletal muscle contractile function in hypoxia and facilitate recovery during reoxygenation in an in vitro system. The strong influence of antioxidants during hypoxic exposure suggests that they can be as effective in protecting cell function in a reducing environment as they have been in oxidizing environments.

Beneficial effects of N-acetylcysteine and cysteine in stunned myocardium in perfused rat heart

1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three sulphydryl (SH) compounds, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), cysteine (Cys) and cystamine, on functional recovery and ventricular arrhythmias (VF) in stunned myocardium in the isolated perfused heart of the rat. 2. Hearts (n = 7-8 per group) were perfused by the Langendorff procedure for 20 min to stabilize and then assigned to one of five groups: saline, sham, NAC, Cys and cystamine. After the stabilizing period, the drugs (at 3.6 microM min-1) or their vehicle (saline) were infused into coronary vessels throughout the experimental period. Ten min after administration of drugs, the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was ligatured for 20 min and then untied to reperfuse for 30 min. In the sham group, a ligature was placed around the LAD but not tied. 3. NAC and Cys had a significant effect in attenuating myocardial stunning: the percentage recovery of rate-pressure product measured 30 min after reperfusion as an index of heart function, was improved with the NAC (98.3 +/- 4.5) and Cys groups (104.0 +/- 6.5) compared with the saline (only 73.6 +/- 3.8, P < 0.01) group. Cystamine did not show these beneficial effects. This may be due to the difference in chemical structure between NAC, Cys and cystamine since the latter does not have a free SH group with a disulphide bond formed. This phenomenon suggests that a free SH group is essential for the protective effects of compounds like NAC and Cys in myocardial injury. 4. NAC and Cys prevented the fall in coronary flow during the LAD occlusion and enhanced coronary flow during reperfusion but cystamine did not have such a beneficial effect. 5. The incidence of VF in the saline, cystamine, Cys and NAC groups was 6/8 (75.0%), 4/7 (57.1%), 3/8 (37.5%) and 2/7 (28.6%), respectively, and no significant differences (P > 0.05) were noted between the saline- and drug-treated groups. 6. An in vitro study with electron spin resonance indicated that Cys effectively scavenged the hydroxyl radical (-OH) generated by Fenton's reaction but did not scavenge superoxide generated in an irradiated riboflavin system. NAC and cystamine showed a scavenging effect on -OH to a certain extent but this effect did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05 vs saline). 7. Our results demonstrate that NAC and Cys treatment before ischaemia and reperfusion can reduce myocardial stunning. This beneficial effect may be mainly due to their ability to preserve and enhance coronary flow during coronary occlusion and reperfusion and in part due to scavenging -OH and/or replenishing intracellular glutathione. The results also indicate that the condition of coronary perfusion can produce a great impact on postischaemic ventricular performance.

Effects of oxidative stress on expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase, CuZn-superoxide dismutase and Mn-superoxide dismutase in human dermal fibroblasts

To determine the effect of oxidative stress on expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD, two fibroblast lines were exposed for periods of up to 4 days to a wide concentration range of oxidizing agents: xanthine oxidase plus hypoxanthine, paraquat, pyrogallol, alpha-naphthoflavone, hydroquinone, catechol, Fe2+ ions, Cu2+ ions, buthionine sulphoximine, diethylmaleate, t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, selenite, citiolone and high oxygen partial pressure. The cell lines were cultured both under serum starvation and at a serum concentration that permitted growth. Under no condition was there any evidence of EC-SOD induction. Instead, the agents uniformly, dose-dependently and continuously reduced EC-SOD expression. We interpret the effect to be due to toxicity. Enhancement of the protection against oxidative stress by addition of CuZn-SOD, catalase and low concentrations of selenite did not influence the expression of any of the SOD isoenzymes. Removal of EC-SOD from cell surfaces by heparin also did not influence SOD expression. Mn-SOD was moderately induced by high doses of the first 11 oxidants. Apart from reduction at high toxic doses, there were no significant effects on the CuZn-SOD activity by any of the treatments. Thus EC-SOD, previously shown to be profoundly influenced by inflammatory cytokines, was not induced by its substrate or other oxidants. In a similar fashion, Mn-SOD, previously shown to be greatly induced and depressed by cytokines, was only moderately influenced by oxidants. We suggest that the regulation of these SOD isoenzymes in mammalian tissues primarily occurs in a manner co-ordinated by cytokines, rather than as a response of individual cells to oxidants.

An increase in superoxide dismutase counteracts islet vascular alterations in low-dose streptozocin-treated mice

A decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), the first cellular defence against free radicals, occurs at about the same time as the activation of macrophages within the islets of low-dose streptozocin (LDS)-treated mice. Furthermore, a decrease in the total islet capillary area also has been shown to occur by 10 days after the first streptozocin (STZ) injection and this decline in capillary area is concomitant with the activation of macrophages as is the fall in SOD. Intracellular levels of SOD have been shown to increase after administration of acetyl-homocysteine-thiolactone (citiolone); therefore, the aim of the present study was to observe any relationship between the citiolone-induced increase in SOD levels and islet microvasculature area during LDS-induced diabetes. C57BL6/J male mice were pretreated with daily intramuscular injections of 50 mg citiolone/kg body wt. for 30 days and were then rendered diabetic with 45 mg STZ/kg body wt. given for 5 days; citiolone was given until the animals were killed (days 6, 11 and 18 after the first STZ injection). Further animals were used as non-diabetic and diabetic (STZ-only) controls. The results show that LDS-treated animals when given citiolone: (1) were generally normoglycaemic; (2) had SOD levels that were higher than those of STZ-only control animals; (3) had an islet capillary area that was larger than that of LDS-treated mice. Therefore, the administration of a free radical scavenger, namely citiolone, is able partly to counteract and delay the reduction of islet vascular area and oedema formation in LDS-treated mice.

Ultrastructural observations on cytotoxic effector cells infiltrating pancreatic islets of low-dose streptozocin treated mice

The aim of this study was to observe the ultrastructural events, during the onset of diabetes mellitus in the low-dose streptozocin (LDS)-treated mouse model with emphasis on the infiltrating elements. Forty male C57 BL/6J mice were given 40 mg/streptozocin on 5 consecutive days and killed 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, and 18 days after the first injection. Results demonstrated that islet infiltration occurring in LDS-treated mice is characterized by a very early pre-infiltration state in which mononuclear phagocytes in islet capillary vessels were considerably increased in number. A new histopathological time sequence for the early insulitis is described, in which attraction of blood mononuclear phagocytes into the islet capillary lumen is the first step. During the successive stage, occurring on days 6-8 we observed that mononuclear phagocytes migrate through capillary and venule walls into the islet parenchyma, where they differentiate into tissue macrophages. It was only later (step 3) that these macrophages acquired novel properties, typical of their "activated state" and started to phagocytose islet beta-cell debris. These data suggest that during the pre-infiltration and early insulitis the mononuclear phagocyte system plays a key role in the onset of LDS diabetes.

Superoxide dismutase in low-dose-streptozocin-treated mice. A dynamic time-course study

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a free-radical scavenger present in B cells. It is thought to be responsible for protection against the autoimmune processes that characterize type I diabetes mellitus. Streptozocin (STZ) has been used as a low-dose treatment (LDS) to induce diabetes in animal models. The aim of this study was to follow the islet SOD levels in a day-to-day study after an LDS treatment with STZ, 40 mg/kg body wt/d in C57BL6/J mice. Results reveal a progressive SOD decrease in pancreatic islets with increasing periods from the LDS treatment. This SOD decrease starts from the end of the STZ administration (d 5). In addition, it was noticed that glycemia starts to rise when SOD values have already reached their lowest levels. This indicates that a reduction of free-radical defense is a prerequisite for further cellular injuries. Furthermore, a difference was noticed between males and females: only 40% of female mice underwent a SOD decrement and an increase in glycemia, indicating an androgen-dependent mechanism.

Protection by free oxygen radical scavenging enzymes against glucose-induced embryonic malformations in vitro

This study addresses the possibility that the teratogenic effects of a diabetic pregnancy are associated with increased embryonic activities of free oxygen radicals. Rat embryos were cultured in 50 mmol/l glucose for 48 h and subsequently showed pronounced growth retardation and severe malformations. The enzyme inducer citiolone and the free oxygen radical scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase protected against the disturbed growth and development of the embryos at 50 mmol/l glucose when added to the culture media. Enzymatic measurements indicated that citiolone induced an increased activity of superoxide dismutase in the embryonic tissues and that the added enzymes were taken up by both the yolk sac and the embryo proper. The protection against embryonic maldevelopment was thus conferred by agents that increased the free oxygen radical scavenging capacity of the embryonic tissues. The results suggest that a high glucose concentration in vitro causes embryonic dysmorphogenesis by generation of free oxygen radicals. An enhanced production of such radicals in embryonic tissues may be directly related to the increased risk of congenital malformations in diabetic pregnancy.

Capillary area in early low-dose streptozocin-treated mice

It has been reported that vasoconstriction of intra-islet capillaries plays an important role in the initiation of the insulitis seen in the islets of Langerhans of diabetic animals. Nevertheless, only a few studies have concentrated on islet vessels. This led us to perform an experiment with the aim to compare the islet capillary area of normal untreated and multiple low-dose streptozocin (LDS) (40 mg/kg b.wt. i.p./5 days)-treated mice. In order to identify endothelial cells a method devised by Gomori, based on the fact that these cells present alkaline phosphatases on their surface, was used. Results revealed that in LDS-treated animals the capillary area per islet is significantly reduced when compared to the vascular area of controls (p less than 0.05). This could be due to a vasoconstriction phenomenon that occurs in the islet capillaries after the streptozocin administration and before the appearance of any inflammation. Our findings could demonstrate that vasoconstriction events are involved in initiation of the diabetic disease.

Oxygen free radical scavengers protect rat islet cells from damage by cytokines

A possible role for oxygen free radicals in mediating the cytotoxic effects of cytokines in islets was sought by the use of agents that scavenge free radicals. Rat islet cell monolayer cultures were incubated for 6 days with t-butylhydroperoxide, alloxan, streptozotocin, or the cytokines, interleukin 1, tumour necrosis factor, and interferon gamma, without and together with the oxygen free radical scavenger combination of dimethylthiourea and citiolone, and islet cell lysis was measured in a 51chromium cytotoxicity assay. The free radical scavengers significantly inhibited the islet cell cytotoxic effects of t-butylhydroperoxide and alloxan, but not streptozotocin. Similarly, the cytotoxic effects of the cytokine combinations of interleukin 1 plus tumour necrosis factor, interferon gamma plus tumour necrosis factor, and interferon gamma plus interleukin 1 were significantly inhibited by the free radical scavenger combination of dimethylthiourea and citiolone. These results suggest that the cytokine products of macrophages and lymphocytes infiltrating islets in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes may contribute to B-cell damage by inducing the production of oxygen free radicals in the islet cells.

Pentamidine-induced beta cell toxicity is not preventable by high glucose

The incidence of beta cell damage attributable to pentamidine treatment of pneumocystis pneumonia is increasing in frequency because of the AIDS epidemic. We carried out in vitro studies in perfused rat islets using insulin secretion as an index of beta cell damage to study the effects of pentamidine and to test whether glucose can prevent toxicity in this physiologic model. Isolated islets were cultured for 16-18 hours of static incubation, in a culture medium containing 100 mg/dl glucose, with or without pentamidine (10(-6) M, a therapeutic concentration). Islets were then perfused with media containing 60 mg/dl followed by 300 mg/dl glucose concentrations to study the insulin secretory response. Incubation of islets with pentamidine was associated with subsequent basal hypersecretion of insulin (0.40 +/- 0.05 microU/islet .5 minute vs. 0.18 +/- 0.04 microU/islet .5 minute, p less than .005), and an insulin secretory response to glucose which was completely abolished (0.05 +/- 0.04 microU/islet .5 minute versus 1.12 +/- 0.02 microU/islet .5 minute, p less than .005). To determine whether glucose may protect against the effects of pentamidine, islets were then exposed to high glucose concentrations during simultaneous incubation with pentamidine. Coincubation with high glucose did not prevent these insulin secretory defects. A more extended culture of pentamidine-treated islets in the absence of pentamidine and at a glucose concentration of 100 mg/dl did not result in any recovery of insulin secretion. We conclude that pentamidine-induced beta cell damage is irreversible, not preventable by incubation with high glucose concentrations, and may therefore result from a mechanism different to that of alloxan.

Glutathione redox pathway and reperfusion injury. Effect of N-acetylcysteine on infarct size and ventricular function

Glutathione peroxidase is an important enzyme in the degradative cascade of reactive oxygen free radicals. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a low molecular weight compound that has been used clinically to replenish glutathione. To assess the role of the glutathione redox pathway on reperfusion injury, 23 animals underwent 90 minutes of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 24 hours of reperfusion with the administration of NAC (n = 11) or saline (n = 12) beginning 30 minutes into occlusion and continuing for 3 hours after reperfusion. Regional ventricular function was measured with contrast ventriculography, and regional myocardial blood flow was determined with microspheres. At 24 hours, the area at risk was defined in vivo with Monastral Blue, and the area of necrosis was defined by incubation in triphenyltetrazolium. Biopsies were taken from the ischemic and nonischemic zones to determine levels of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, and reactivity to thiobarbituric acid, an index of lipid peroxidation. The rate-pressure product and myocardial blood flow were similar in the two groups throughout the study. No significant differences were noted in infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk (28.6 +/- 5.3% vs. 36.6 +/- 6.0%) and of the total left ventricle (14.4 +/- 3.2% vs. 16.5 +/- 3.1%), and no differences were noted between the two groups on examination of the ischemic subendocardium by light and electron microscopy. Both groups exhibited similar degrees of dyskinesis during occlusion; however, treated animals showed significant improvement in regional radial shortening at 3 hours (3.4 +/- 2.4% vs. -2.4 +/- 2.1%, p less than 0.02) and 24 hours (9.2 +/- 2.2% vs. -2.5 +/- 6.3%, p less than 0.001) after reperfusion. No differences were present in total glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactivity, or superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the ischemic zones of the two groups. This study suggests that N-acetylcysteine treatment before reperfusion may reduce myocardial stunning but does not limit myocyte death after reperfusion.

Ultrastructural aspects of streptozotocin cytotoxicity on rat pancreatic islets in vitro. Test of a protective effect of zinc

Pancreatic islets, newly formed in vitro were incubated in the presence of streptozotocin (STZ; 0.4 mM) for up to 6 h. Ultrastructural changes first appeared between 2 and 4 h; heterochromatization, was followed by swelling of nuclear and reticular membranes, vesiculation of the Golgi apparatus, fragmentation of cell membranes and finally mitochondrial destruction. At the end of the experiment all the B cells were destroyed, whereas the other cell types remained intact. Exogenous ZnSO4 was added during preincubation periods to increase the intrainsular zinc content and to determine any protective effect against STZ-cytotoxicity. Since the addition of zinc had no obvious effect, it is suggested that STZ cytotoxicity on B cells cannot be attributed to competition for zinc between copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD) and the crystallization of insulin.

Hyperglycemic effects of hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol. A biochemical and ultrastructural study

The authors studied the glycemic disturbances provoked by two antihypertensive drugs, propranolol and hydrochlorothiazide, administered alone or in combination to normal and diabetic rats, using biochemical and ultrastructural parameters. It was found that hydrochlorothiazide raised fasting glucose concentration significantly; propranolol alone caused an insignificant rise of glucose, but significantly aggravated the effect of hydrochlorothiazide with an additive interaction. The ultrastructural findings, as well as the urinary C-peptide excretion, confirmed that the glycemic effects should not be thought to be due to a direct action of the drugs used on the endocrine pancreas.