Augmentation of Vascular Endothelial Barrier Function by Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are an important component of endothelial barrier function. Early passage human umbilical vein endothelial cells were grown to confluence on transparent micropore filters and barrier function assessed as transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability to albumin and sucrose. Unfractionated heparin and the LMW heparin Clexane decreased endothelial permeability to both sucrose and albumin and increased TEER. Chondroitin 6-sulphate also augmented barrier function, but other GAGs had no effect. Interleukin-1 increased permeability to albumin and sucrose and decreased TEER. Although heparin attenuated the effect of IL-1 on TEER and sucrose permeability, it could not restore the barrier to albumin transfer. Denuded endothelial matrix presented a negligible barrier, which was not enhanced by heparin. When sulphation of endogenous GAGs was inhibited by chlorate, barrier function was compromised and was not restored by exogenous heparin. Thus heparin enhances the barrier function of resting endothelium, but cannot completely overcome the increased permeability resulting from exposure to IL-1 or substitute for endogenous GAGs.

Lysosomes and protein degradation

Considerable evidence from studies with group-specific proteinase inhibitors, in particular pepstatin, the aspartic proteinase inhibitor, implicates lysosomes in turnover of endogenous cellular proteins. Recent experiments using a new group-specific inhibitor of thiol (cysteine) proteinases, Z-Phe-Ala-diazomethyl ketone, are described. Lysosomal participation is most clearly established for the degradation of long half-life proteins in situations in which turnover is accelerated because of nutritional or hormonal deficiencies. Some evidence indicating their involvement in 'basal' proteolysis is also discussed. Whether lysosomal proteolysis is selective remains to be established, and possible approaches to this question are outlined.

Glycation of low-density lipoproteins by methylglyoxal and glycolaldehyde gives rise to the in vitro formation of lipid-laden cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Previous studies have implicated the glycoxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by glucose and aldehydes (apparently comprising both glycation and oxidation), as a causative factor in the elevated levels of atherosclerosis observed in diabetic patients. Such LDL modification can result in unregulated cellular accumulation of lipids. In previous studies we have characterized the formation of glycated, but nonoxidized, LDL by glucose and aldehydes; in this study we examine whether glycation of LDL, in the absence of oxidation, gives rise to lipid accumulation in arterial wall cell types.

METHODS

Glycated LDLs were incubated with macrophage, smooth muscle, or endothelial cells. Lipid loading was assessed by HPLC analysis of cholesterol and individual esters. Oxidation was assessed by cholesterol ester loss and 7-ketocholesterol formation. Cell viability was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release and cell protein levels.

RESULTS

Glycation of LDL by glycolaldehyde and methylglyoxal, but not glucose (in either the presence or absence of copper ions), resulted in cholesterol and cholesterol ester accumulation in macrophage cells, but not smooth muscle or endothelial cells. The extent of lipid accumulation depends on the degree of glycation, with increasing aldehyde concentration or incubation time, giving rise to greater extents of particle modification and lipid accumulation. Modification of lysine residues appears to be a key determinant of cellular uptake.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results are consistent with LDL glycation, in the absence of oxidation, being sufficient for rapid lipid accumulation by macrophage cells. Aldehyde-mediated "carbonyl-stress" may therefore facilitate the formation of lipid-laden (foam) cells in the artery wall.

Inhibition of cholesterol efflux by 7-ketocholesterol: comparison between cells, plasma membrane vesicles, and liposomes as cholesterol donors

Cholesterol removal from lipid-loaded macrophages is an important, potentially antiatherogenic process, and we have previously shown that an oxysterol, 7-ketocholesterol (7K), can impair efflux to lipid-free apoprotein A-1 (apoA-1). This publication investigates whether incorporation of 7K into membranes could account for this impairment of cholesterol efflux. Cholesterol efflux was studied from lipoprotein-loaded THP-1 cells, from plasma membrane vesicles obtained from these cells, and from artificial, protein-free liposomes. Impairment of cholesterol efflux by 7K was observed for all cholesterol donor systems whether measured as decline in cholesterol removal rates or as the percentage mass of total cellular cholesterol exported. 7-Ketocholesterol itself was not removed by apoA-1 from any of the cholesterol donor systems. Increasing membrane cholesterol content increased the rate of cholesterol removal by apoA-1 (as seen with plasma membrane vesicles), the quantity of cholesterol removed at equilibrium (liposomes), or both (whole cells). Although the minimum inhibitory 7K concentrations varied between the cholesterol donor systems, 7K inhibited cholesterol efflux in all systems. It was concluded that 7K induces alteration in membranes which decreased the efficiency of cholesterol efflux and the quantity of removed cholesterol induced by apoA-1. As cell membrane proteins are not essential for cholesterol efflux in these systems, the impairment of such by 7K suggests that its effect on membrane lipid composition and its structure are key regulatory elements in this efflux process.

Protein oxidation and ageing

Organisms produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) throughout their lives. The activities of a number of key antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which protect against the damaging effects of ROS, have been reported to decrease with increasing age, though this is not unequivocal. In contrast, sacrificial antioxidants such as ascorbate, thiols and tocopherol do not appear to decrease with increasing age. It is also possible that ROS production increases with age as a result of poorer coupling of electron transport components, and an increased level of redox-active metal ions that could catalyse oxidant formation. As a result of this decrease in antioxidant defences, and increased rate of ROS formation, it is possible that the impact of ROS increases with age. ROS are known to oxidise biological macromolecules, with proteins an important target. If the argument that the impact of ROS increases with age is true, then proteins would be expected to accumulate oxidised materials with age, and the rate of such accumulation should increase with time, reflecting impaired inefficiency of homeostasis. Here we review the evidence for the accumulation of oxidised, or modified, extra- and intra-cellular proteins in vivo.

A kinetic model to evaluate cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages to apolipoprotein A-1

The kinetics (0 to 3 h) of cholesterol efflux to delipidated apolipoprotein A-1 were investigated, and the experimental data were best fitted to a mathematical model that involves two independent pathways of cholesterol efflux. The first pathway with a rate constant of 4.6 h(-1) is fast but removes only 3-5% of total cholesterol. After preconditioning apoA-1, it was found that this pathway remains, and hence it is a property of the cholesterol-loaded cells rather than due to modification on the apolipoprotein. This fast initial efflux does not seem to contribute to cholesterol efflux at later stages (>1 h) where a second pathway predominates. However, the fast initial efflux pool can be restored if apoA-1 is withdrawn. The second slower pathway (k(membrane--media) = 0.79 h(-1)) is associated with cholesterol ester hydrolysis whose rate constant could be experimentally verified (k(cal) = 0.43, k(exp) = 0.38 +/- 0.05). The model suggests that two different plasma membrane domains are involved in the two pathways. Loading of the cells with an oxysterol, 7-ketocholesterol (7K), inhibits efflux from both pathways. The model predicts that 7K decreases the initial efflux by decreasing the available cholesterol (by possibly affecting lipid packing), while all rate constants in the second pathway are decreased. In conclusion, the kinetic model suggests that cholesterol efflux to apoA-1 is a two-step process. In the first step, some of the plasma membrane cholesterol contributes to a fast initial efflux (possibly from lipid rafts) and leads to a second pathway that mobilizes intracellular cholesterol mobilization.

Localizing infection with a technetium-99m-labeled peptide: initial results

In vitro-labeled leukocyte imaging is useful for the detection of infection, but an in vivo labeling method is preferable. This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a leukocyte-avid peptide for the detection of infection, to determine the effects of peptide dose on performance and to compare the peptide with in vitro-labeled leukocytes. A 23-amino acid peptide, P483, containing the platelet factor-4 heparin-binding sequence, was labeled with 99mTc and complexed with heparin (P483H). Thirty patients were injected with 29 microg (n = 11), 145 microg (n = 10) or 290 microg (n = 9) of labeled peptide, and imaged 15 min and 90-120 min later. Early and late images were interpreted individually and jointly. Twenty patients underwent (111)In-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy. Fourteen patients had infection: osteomyelitis (n = 7), vascular graft (n = 2), abscess (n = 2), joint replacement (n = 1), surgical wound (n = 1) and pneumonia (n = 1). There were 10 adverse events in six patients; all were mild and resolved spontaneously, and without any intervention. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were the same for both early and late imaging: 0.86, 0.81 and 0.83, respectively. Interpreting early and late images together did not improve the results. No relationship between peptide dose and study accuracy was found. In patients undergoing both examinations, the accuracies of the peptide and in vitro-labeled leukocyte imaging were identical: 0.80. In summary, 99mTc-P483H safely, rapidly and accurately detected focal infection, was comparable with in vitro-labeled leukocyte imaging and therefore merits further investigation.

Antioxidant properties of macrophages toward low-density lipoprotein

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been implicated in atherosclerosis. Intensive scientific efforts over the last two decades have focused on the elucidation of the mechanisms by which LDL is oxidized in vivo. A wealth of in vitro studies has demonstrated that the cell types present in atherosclerotic lesions, including monocyte/macrophages, quantitatively one of the most important cell types in plaque development, promote LDL oxidation. The mechanisms of cellular prooxidant activities have been extensively investigated. Fewer studies have addressed possible protective properties of the cells in LDL oxidation. This review summarizes recent observations of antioxidant, and potentially antiatherogenic, activities of macrophages toward LDL, including macrophage-mediated detoxification of lipid and protein hydroperoxides, metal sequestration and the generation of compounds with antioxidant properties. These activities could contribute to the net effect of macrophages on deleterious LDL oxidation and to the complex role of these cells in lesion development.

Sterol 27-hydroxylase acts on 7-ketocholesterol in human atherosclerotic lesions and macrophages in culture

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OH) is the major oxysterol in human atherosclerotic lesions, followed by 7-ketocholesterol (7K). Whereas 7K probably originates nonenzymically, 27OH arises by the action of sterol 27-hydroxylase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme expressed at particularly high levels in the macrophage and proposed to represent an important pathway by which macrophages eliminate excess cholesterol. We hypothesized and here show that 27-hydroxylated 7-ketocholesterol (270H-7K) is present in human lesions, probably generated by the action of sterol 27-hydroxylase on 7K. Moreover, [(3)H]27OH-7K was produced by human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) supplied with [(3)H]7K but not in HMDMs from a patient with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) shown to have a splice-junction mutation of sterol 27-hydroxylase. Whereas [(3)H]27OH-7K was predominantly secreted into the medium, [(3)H]-27OH formed from [(3)H]-cholesterol was mostly cell-associated. The majority of supplied [(3)H]7K was metabolized beyond 27OH-7K to aqueous-soluble products (apparently bile acids derived from the sterol 27-hydroxylase pathway). Metabolism to aqueous-soluble products was ablated by a sterol 27-hydroxylase inhibitor and absent in CTX cells. Sterol 27-hydroxylase therefore appears to represent an important pathway by which macrophages eliminate not only cholesterol but also oxysterols such as 7K. The fact that 7K (and cholesterol) still accumulates in lesions and foam cells indicates that this pathway may be perturbed in atherosclerosis and affords a new opportunity for the development of therapeutic strategies to regress atherosclerotic lesions.

Metabolism of protein-bound DOPA in mammals

Protein-bound 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) can be generated in mammalian cells by both controlled enzymatic pathways, and by uncontrolled radical reactions. Protein-bound DOPA (PB-DOPA) has reducing activity and the capacity to inflict secondary damage on other important biomolecules such as DNA. This may be mediated through replenishment of transition metals or from catechol-quinone-catechol redox cycles in the presence of cellular components such as ascorbate or cysteine, resulting in amplification of radical damaging events. The generation of PB-DOPA confers on protein the ability to chelate transition metals generating protein 'oxychelates'; this may be amongst the factors, which localise such damage. Tissue levels of PB-DOPA are increased in a number of age-related pathologies such as atherosclerosis and cataract formation. We discuss the detoxification, and the subsequent proteolysis and excretion of components of PB-DOPA. We contrast the fact that in marine organisms, and particularly in extracellular proteins, PB-DOPA and other DOPA-polymers can play important functional roles in adhesion and the provision of tensile properties.

Radicals derived from histone hydroperoxides damage nucleobases in RNA and DNA

Exposure of individual histone proteins (H1, H2A, H2B, H3, or H4) and histone octamers (consisting of two molecules each of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) to hydroxyl radicals, generated by gamma-irradiation, in the presence of O(2) generates protein-bound hydroperoxides in a dose-dependent fashion; this is in accord with previous studies with other proteins. These histone hydroperoxides are stable in the absence of exogenous catalysts (e.g., heat, light, and transition metal ions), but in the presence of these agents decompose rapidly to give a variety of radicals which have been identified by EPR spin trapping. Histone hydroperoxide-derived radicals generated on decomposition of the hydroperoxides with Cu(+) react with both pyrimidine and purine nucleobases. Thus, with uridine the histone hydroperoxide-derived radicals undergo addition across the C(5)-C(6) double bond of the pyrimidine ring to give cross-linked adduct species which have been identified by EPR spectroscopy. HPLC analysis of the products generated on reaction of histone hydroperoxide-derived radicals with 2'-deoxyguanosine, or intact calf thymus DNA, has shown that significant levels of the mutagenic oxidized DNA base 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) are formed, with the yield dependent on the individual histone protein, the presence of hydroperoxide functions, and the concentration of metal ion. These studies demonstrate that initial oxidative damage to individual histone proteins or histone octamers can result in the transfer of oxidative damage to associated DNA via the formation and subsequent decomposition of protein hydroperoxides to reactive radicals, and provide a novel route for the formation of mutagenic lesions in DNA.

Cholesterol and oxysterol metabolism and subcellular distribution in macrophage foam cells. Accumulation of oxidized esters in lysosomes

Cholesterol- and cholesteryl ester-rich macrophage foam cells, characteristic of atherosclerotic lesions, are often generated in vitro using oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL). However, relatively little is known of the nature and extent of sterol deposition in these cells or of its relationship to the foam cells formed in atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study was to examine the content and cellular processing of sterols in OxLDL-loaded macrophages, and to compare this with macrophages loaded with acetylated LDL (AcLDL; cholesteryl ester-loaded cells containing no oxidized lipids) or 7-ketocholesterol-enriched acetylated LDL (7KCAcLDL; cholesteryl ester-loaded cells selectively supplemented with 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), the major oxysterol present in OxLDL). Both cholesterol and 7KC and their esters were measured in macrophages after uptake of these modified lipoproteins. Oxysterols comprised up to 50% of total sterol content of OxLDL-loaded cells. Unesterified 7KC and cholesterol partitioned into cell membranes, with no evidence of retention of either free sterol within lysosomes. The cells also contained cytosolic, ACAT-derived, cholesteryl and 7-ketocholesteryl esters. The proportion of free cholesterol and 7KC esterified by ACAT was 10-fold less in OxLDL-loaded cells than in AcLDL or 7KCAcLDL-loaded cells. This poor esterification rate in OxLDL-loaded cells was partly caused by fatty acid limitation. OxLDL-loaded macrophages also contained large (approximately 40-50% total cell sterol content) pools of oxidized esters, containing cholesterol or 7KC esterified to oxidized fatty acids. These were insensitive to ACAT inhibition, very stable and located in lysosomes, indicating resistance to lysosomal esterases. Macrophages loaded with OxLDL do not accumulate free sterols in their lysosomal compartment, but do accumulate lysosomal deposits of OxLDL-derived cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol esterified to oxidized fatty acids. The presence of similar deposits in lesion foam cells would represent a pool of sterols that is particularly resistant to removal.

Macrophages can decrease the level of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides in low density lipoprotein

Murine and human macrophages rapidly decreased the level of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides in low density lipoprotein (LDL) when cultured in media non-permissive for LDL oxidation. This process was proportional to cell number but could not be attributed to the net lipoprotein uptake. Macrophage-mediated loss of lipid hydroperoxides in LDL appears to be metal ion-independent. Degradation of cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxides was accompanied by accumulation of the corresponding hydroxide as the major product and cholesteryl keto-octadecadienoate as a minor product, although taken together these products could not completely account for the hydroperoxide consumption. Cell-conditioned medium possessed a similar capacity to remove lipid hydroperoxides as seen with cellular monolayers, suggesting that the activity is not an integral component of the cell but is secreted from it. The activity of cell-conditioned medium to lower the level of LDL lipid hydroperoxides is associated with its high molecular weight fraction and is modulated by the availability of free thiol groups. Cell-mediated loss of LDL cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides is facilitated by the presence of alpha-tocopherol in the lipoprotein. Together with our earlier reports on the ability of macrophages to remove peroxides rapidly from oxidized amino acids, peptides, and proteins as well as to clear selectively cholesterol 7-beta-hydroperoxide, results presented in this paper provide evidence of a potential protective activity of the cell against further LDL oxidation by removing reactive peroxide groups in the lipoprotein.

Human apo-lipoprotein B from normal plasma contains oxidised peptides

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) may be atherogenic, but radical-initiated oxidation of its apoprotein B-100 (apoB) has been little studied. Transition metal ions iron and copper are candidates for mediating radical oxidation of LDL in vivo. Therefore, we studied the copper-ion-induced oxidation of apoB in human LDL. Using HPLC methods developed in our recent work, we studied the destruction of native and the generation of six oxidised amino acids; we also assessed the release of peptides from the LDL particle by FPLC. We observed time-dependent losses of apoB histidine, lysine and glycine. Long-lived reactive species, the reductant DOPA, and the oxidant hydroperoxides of valine and leucine (measured as hydroxides after reduction), were generated. Their relative abundance (mol/mol of parent amino acid) was DOPA > o- and m-tyrosine > dityrosine, valine-hydroxides, leucine hydroxides. Low molecular weight fragments were also released from the LDL in a time-dependent manner, contained hydroperoxides sensitive to GSH peroxidase, and generated radicals on reaction with iron-EDTA. The fragments contained peptides active in the quinone redox cycling procedure, comprising 0.25% of the supplied LDL amino acids. Characteristic peptides were present in each FPLC fraction containing the fragments, as judged by further HPLC fractionation. Some fragments were present in the unoxidised LDL preparations, and when these were largely removed by FPLC, copper oxidation could still generate fragments, suggesting that those present in the starting material might indicate prior oxidation. Concordantly, we found that fresh plasma LDL apoB contained 43% of total plasma protein-bound oxidised amino acids, and with the same relative abundance. We conclude that plasma proteins including apoB are subject to physiological oxidation, similar to that inflicted by copper ions; the latter may contribute to intimal LDL oxidation, which could be the source of oxidised plasma apoB.

Stable markers of oxidant damage to proteins and their application in the study of human disease

The mechanisms of formation and the nature of the altered amino acid side chains formed on proteins subjected to oxidant attack are reviewed. The use of stable products of protein side chain oxidation as potential markers for assessing oxidative damage in vivo in humans is discussed. The methods developed in the authors laboratories are outlined, and the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques compared with other methodologies for assessing oxidative damage to proteins and other macromolecules. Evidence is presented to show that protein oxidation products are sensitive markers of oxidative damage, that the pattern of products detected may yield information as to the nature of the original oxidative insult, and that the levels of oxidized side-chains can, in certain circumstances, be much higher than those of other markers of oxidation such as lipid hydroperoxides.

Histone H1- and other protein- and amino acid-hydroperoxides can give rise to free radicals which oxidize DNA

Exposure of amino acids, peptides and proteins to radicals, in the presence of oxygen, gives high yields of hydroperoxides. These materials are readily decomposed by transition metal ions to give further radicals. We hypothesized that hydroperoxide formation on nuclear proteins, and subsequent decomposition of these hydroperoxides to radicals, might result in oxidative damage to associated DNA. We demonstrate here that exposure of histone H1 and model compounds to gamma-radiation in the presence of oxygen gives hydroperoxides in a dose-dependent manner. These hydroperoxides decompose to oxygen- and carbon-centred radicals (detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy) on exposure to Cu(+) and other transition metal ions. These hydroperoxide-derived radicals react readily with pyrimidine DNA bases and nucleosides to give adduct species (i.e. protein-DNA base cross-links). Product analysis has demonstrated that radicals from histone H1-hydroperoxides, and other protein and amino acid hydroperoxides, can also oxidize both free 2'-deoxyguanosine and intact calf thymus DNA to give the mutagenic oxidized base 7, 8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8-oxodG). The yield of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine is proportional to the initial protein-hydroperoxide concentration, and corresponds (for histone H1-hydroperoxide, 280 microM) to approx. 1. 4% conversion for free 2'-deoxyguanosine (200 microM), and 0.14% for 2'-deoxyguanosine in DNA (70 microgram/ml). Evidence has also been obtained with DNA for reaction at cytosine and thymine, but not adenine; the lack of damage to the latter may result from damage transfer to 2'-deoxyguanosine residues. These studies demonstrate that initial radical-induced damage to nuclear proteins can give rise to subsequent DNA damage; the latter includes both DNA-protein cross-links and formation of oxidized DNA bases.

Apolipoprotein A-I stimulates secretion of apolipoprotein E by foam cell macrophages

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) overexpression inhibits atherogenesis in mice, and apolipoprotein E (apoE) secreted by foam cell macrophages may exert antiatherogenic effects within the arterial wall. We hypothesized that interaction between apoA-I and apoE contributed to the antiatherogenic properties of apoA-I, and therefore investigated whether apoA-I stimulated secretion of apoE by foam cell macrophages. Cholesterol enrichment of primary murine and human macrophages increased spontaneous apoE secretion 2-fold, as quantified by Western blot and chemiluminescence detection. Human apoA-I caused a further marked increase of apoE secretion from both murine (3.8-fold, p < 0.01) and human (3.2-fold, p = 0.01) foam cells in a time- and concentration- dependent manner, and this increase was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of [(35)S]methionine-labeled macrophage apoE. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, but not the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D, markedly inhibited apoE secretion to apoA-I (73.1 +/- 9.8% inhibition at 4 h) and completely suppressed apoE secretion beyond 4 h. Pretreatment of macrophages with Pronase inhibited initial apoA-I-mediated apoE secretion by 70.5 +/- 6.5% at 2 h, but by 8 h apoA-I-induced apoE secretion was the same in Pronase-pretreated and non-pretreated cells. Non-apolipoprotein-mediated cholesterol efflux induced by trimethyl-beta cyclodextrin did not enhance apoE secretion, whereas phospholipid vesicles inducing the same degree of cholesterol efflux substantially enhanced apoE secretion, and apoA-I and phospholipid vesicles in combination demonstrated additive induction of apoE secretion. We conclude that apoA-I concurrently stimulates apoE secretion and cholesterol efflux from foam cell macrophages and that lipoprotein-derived apoA-I may enhance local secretion and accumulation of apoE in atherosclerotic lesions.

Oxysterol efflux from macrophage foam cells: the essential role of acceptor phospholipid

Oxidized forms of cholesterol (oxysterols) are present in atherosclerotic lesions and may play an active role in lesion development. For example, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) inhibits cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells induced by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). Such oxysterols may promote foam cell formation in atherosclerotic lesions by preventing effective clearance of excess cholesterol. ApoA-I also induces phospholipid (PL) export from foam cells and it has been suggested that cholesterol efflux is dependent upon PL association with the apolipoprotein. In the current study, the effect of oxysterol enrichment of foam cells on phospholipid efflux was measured. Export of cellular PL to apoA-I from 7KC-enriched foam cells was inhibited to the same extent as cholesterol, indicating that the reduced cholesterol export may be a consequence of a decline in the capacity of the foam cells to generate PL/apoA-I particles capable of accepting cellular cholesterol. Incubation of foam cells with pre-formed PL/apoA-I discs increased cholesterol export from 7KC-enriched cells to levels seen in 7KC-free cells. Foam cells produced by uptake of oxidized LDL, which contain similar amounts of 7KC plus other oxidation products, expressed a more profound inhibition of PL export to apoA-I. Cholesterol efflux from these cells improved only partially by provision of PL-containing acceptors. Efflux of 7KC from both foam cell types occurred to PL/apoA-I discs but was only minimal to lipid-free apoA-I, indicating that export of this oxysterol is more dependent than cholesterol upon the presence of extracellular phospholipid.

Coexistence of oxidized lipids and alpha-tocopherol in all lipoprotein density fractions isolated from advanced human atherosclerotic plaques

After investigation of the contents and redox status of antioxidants and lipids in homogenates of both normal artery and atherosclerotic plaque, we now investigated them in the density fractions (very low, low, high, and protein fractions) of atherosclerotic plaque freshly obtained from carotid endarterectomy. By using the optimum extraction method (homogenization in carbonate buffer) and after density gradient ultracentrifugation, we isolated and characterized density fractions of plaque for apolipoproteins, size and contents of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH), unesterified cholesterol, cholesteryl linoleate (Ch18:2), and hydroxides and hydroperoxides of Ch18:2, ie, Ch18:2-O(O)H. The distribution of apolipoproteins was more heterogeneous than that in the corresponding lipoproteins isolated from blood, and the majority of material in all plaque density fractions was present in large particles eluting in the void volume of gel-filtration columns. The content of unesterified cholesterol per unit of protein in low- and high-density fractions was 10-fold that in corresponding plasma lipoproteins. Low- and very-low-density fractions contained most of the lesion lipids and alpha-TOH. Two to five percent of lesion Ch18:2 was present as Ch18:2-O(O)H and distributed more or less equally among all density fractions, yet the content of alpha-TOH per unit of Ch18:2 was higher than that in corresponding plasma lipoproteins. These results demonstrate that alpha-TOH and oxidized lipids coexist in all lesion density fractions, further supporting the notion that large proportions of lipids in lipoproteins of advanced stages of atherosclerosis are oxidized. However, although not ruling it out, our results do not support the suggestion that advanced stages of atherosclerosis are associated with gross deficiencies in the lipoproteins' vitamin E content.

Prooxidant and antioxidant activities of macrophages in metal-mediated LDL oxidation: the importance of metal sequestration

Murine macrophages incubated in metal-supplemented RPMI could block or promote oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) depending on the degree of metal supplementation. Only at high concentrations of Cu (1 micromol/L) and Fe (30 micromol/L) were cells prooxidant, leading to an accelerated rate of LDL oxidation over that measured in comparable cell-free media. At lower concentrations of Cu and Fe in RPMI, LDL oxidation in the presence of macrophages was inhibited relative to the cell-free condition. This appeared to be dependent on a stable modification of the culture medium, because preconditioning of media by incubation with macrophages could also decrease their capacity to sustain subsequent cell-free LDL oxidation. This was due, in part, to a removal of metal from the media during preconditioning. However, resupplementation of media with metals did not fully restore oxidative capacity, indicating that other cell-dependent antioxidant modifications occurred. This did not involve significant alterations to the thiol content of the media. This study highlights the complexity of the role that cells such as macrophages have with regards to LDL oxidation in vitro and demonstrate that there are both antioxidative and prooxidative components.

Are reactive oxygen species involved in the pathogenesis of murine cerebral malaria?

To investigate the involvement of oxidative tissue damage in the pathogenesis of murine cerebral malaria (CM), brain levels of protein carbonyls, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), o-tyrosine, and dityrosine were measured during Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) and P. berghei K173 (PbK) infections. During PbA infection in a CM model, brain levels of the substances were similar to those in uninfected mice. The role of phagocyte-derived reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of CM was examined in gp91phox gene knockout mice. The course of CM in these mice was the same as in their wild type counterparts. To examine whether superoxide production in the central nervous system could have occurred via increased xanthine oxidase activity, brain concentrations of urate were measured in CM mice and in mice infected with PbK (which does not cause CM). Brain urate concentration increased significantly in both groups of mice, suggesting that purine breakdown is not specific to CM. These results indicate that reactive oxygen species probably do not contribute to the pathogenesis of murine CM.

Accumulation and metabolism of low density lipoprotein-derived cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide and hydroxide by macrophages

Cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide (CLOOH) and hydroxide (CLOH) are present in human atheroma. The intracellular metabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived CLOOH and CLOH remain undefined because extensive free radical-mediated LDL oxidation, which modifies LDL apolipoprotein B sufficiently to allow endocytosis by the scavenger receptor (ScR), also degrades CLOOH and CLOH. This problem was approached by first acetylating LDL lysine residues (AcLDL) to achieve protein modification, then exposing AcLDL to the aqueous radical donor 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) HCl (AAPH), to generate mildly oxidized AcLDL (OxAcLDL). Murine peritoneal macrophages incubated with OxAcLDL accumulated large quantities of CE and small, non-toxic quantities of CLOOH and CLOH in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and accumulation was inhibited by fucoidin. Inhibition of acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase during loading did not inhibit the accumulation of either CLOOH or CLOH, whereas NH4Cl decreased intracellular clearance of accumulated CLOOH from 68.3 +/- 1.7% to 35.3 +/- 1.0% over 12 h, suggesting lysosomal or pre-lysosomal accumulation. Intracellular clearance of unoxidized lipoprotein-derived CE decreased from 84.0 +/- 5.9% to 43.1 +/- 2.3% over 12 h when cells were loaded with AcLDL or OxAcLDL, respectively. Aggregation of mildly oxidized LDL, even without acetylation, also promoted cellular accumulation of CLOOH and CLOH. We conclude that intracellular accumulation of cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide and cholesteryl linoleate hydroxide can follow charge modification or aggregation of mildly oxidized LDL, and that LDL-derived oxidation products may inhibit hydrolysis of LDL-derived CE in foam cell macrophages.

3-Hydroxylysine, a potential marker for studying radical-induced protein oxidation

gamma-Irradiation of several amino acids (Val, Leu, Ile, Lys, Pro, and Glu) in the presence of O2 generates hydroperoxides. We have previously isolated and characterized valine and leucine hydroperoxides, and hydroxides, and have detected these products in both isolated systems [e.g., bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] and diseased human tissues (atherosclerotic plaques and lens cataractous proteins). This work was aimed at investigating oxidized lysine as a sensitive marker for protein oxidation, as such residues are present on protein surfaces, and are therefore likely to be particularly susceptible to oxidation by radicals in bulk solution. HO* attack on lysine in the presence of oxygen, followed by NaBH4 reduction, is shown to give rise to (2S)-3-hydroxylysine [(2S)-2,6-diamino-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid], (2S)-4-hydroxylysine [(2S)-2,6-diamino-4-hydroxyhexanoic acid], (2S, 5R)-5-hydroxylysine [(2S,5R)-2,6-diamino-5-hydroxyhexanoic acid], and (2S,5S)-5-hydroxylysine [(2S,5S)-2,6-diamino-5-hydroxyhexanoic acid]. 5-Hydroxylysines are natural products formed by lysyl oxidase and are therefore not good markers of radical-mediated oxidation. The other hydroxylysines are however useful markers, with HPLC analysis of 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) derivatives providing a sensitive and accurate method for quantitative measurement. Hydroxylysines have been detected in the hydrolysates of peptides (Gly-Lys-Gly and Lys-Val-Ile-Leu-Phe) and proteins (BSA and histone H1) exposed to HO./O2, and subsequently treated with NaBH4. Quantification of the hydroxylysines yields, and comparison with hydroxyvalines and hydroxyleucines, supports the hypothesis that surface residues give higher yields of oxidized products than the hydrophobic leucines and valines, at least with globular proteins such as BSA. Hydroxylysines, and particularly 3-hydroxylysine, may therefore be sensitive and useful markers of radical-mediated protein oxidation in biological systems.

Low density lipoprotein of synovial fluid in inflammatory joint disease is mildly oxidized

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) has many biological activities which could contribute to the pathology of the atherosclerotic lesion. Because atherosclerosis has an inflammatory component, there has been much interest in the extent to which LDL could be oxidatively modified in vivo by inflammation. The present study examined LDL present in an accessible inflammatory site, the inflamed synovial joint, for evidence of compositional change and oxidative modification. LDL was isolated from knee joint synovial fluid (SF) from subjects with inflammatory arthropathies and also from matched plasma samples. SF and plasma LDL had similar free cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol content, but SF LDL had a lower content of esterified cholesterol. On electrophoresis, SF LDL was slightly more electronegative than LDL from matched plasma samples, but the changes were much less than those resulting from Cu2+-treatment of LDL. Oxidized cholesterol was not detected in any samples, but cholesterol ester hydroperoxide levels were greater in SF than in plasma LDL. When samples from three subjects were incubated with macrophages, the SF LDL did not cause significant loading of the cells with cholesterol or cholesterol esters, in contrast to the situation with acetylated LDL. Overall, the SF LDL displayed evidence of slightly increased oxidation by comparison with matched plasma samples. Despite their isolation from an environment with active inflammation, changes were modest compared with those resulting from Cu2+ treatment. Thus, extensive LDL oxidation is not a necessary correlate of location in a chronic inflammatory site, even though it is characteristic of atherosclerotic lesions.

Evidence for roles of radicals in protein oxidation in advanced human atherosclerotic plaque

Oxidative damage might be important in atherogenesis. Oxidized lipids are present at significant concentrations in advanced human plaque, although tissue antioxidants are mostly present at normal concentrations. Indirect evidence of protein modification (notably derivatization of lysine) or oxidation has been obtained by immunochemical methods; the specificities of these antibodies are unclear. Here we present chemical determinations of six protein-bound oxidation products: dopa, o-tyrosine, m-tyrosine, dityrosine, hydroxyleucine and hydroxyvaline, some of which reflect particularly oxy-radical-mediated reaction pathways, which seem to involve mainly the participation of transition- metal ions. We compared the relative abundance of these oxidation products in normal intima, and in human carotid plaque samples with that observed after radiolytically generated hydroxyl radical attack on BSA in vitro. The close similarities in relative abundances in the latter two circumstances indicate that hydroxyl radical damage might occur in plaque. The relatively higher level of dityrosine in plaque than that observed after radiolysis suggests the additional involvement of HOCl-mediated reactions in advanced plaque.

Apolipoprotein J (clusterin) induces cholesterol export from macrophage-foam cells: a potential anti-atherogenic function?

Apolipoprotein J (apo J) is a secreted glycoprotein of which the exact function remains a matter for speculation. Apo J has been implicated in such diverse processes as sperm maturation, regulation of complement activation, programmed cell death, tissue remodelling and lipid transport. In this study a possible role for apo J in lipid transport was explored. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) to produce foam cells containing cholesterol and cholesteryl esters. Incubation of the foam cells with physiological concentrations of purified apo J led to a dose-dependent export of cholesterol. The appearance of cholesterol in the medium was associated predominantly with a decline in intracellular cholesteryl esters rather than intracellular free cholesterol. The kinetics of cholesterol release to apo J were similar to apo A-I, an established promoter of cholesterol efflux. Apo J was also shown to induce phospholipid efflux from cells, whereas the cholesterol exported to the medium was associated with the apo J. Studies using foam cells from apo E-null mice showed that the cholesterol exported to the medium was independent of apo E production by the cells. These results present the first evidence that apo J can promote cholesterol efflux from foam cells and indicates that it might have a function in cellular cholesterol homoeostasis in both normal and pathological situations.

The protein oxidation product 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) mediates oxidative DNA damage

A major product of hydroxy-radical addition to tyrosine is 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) which has reducing properties. Protein-bound DOPA (PB-DOPA) has been shown to be a major component of the stable reducing species formed during protein oxidation under several conditions. The aim of the present work was to investigate whether DOPA, and especially PB-DOPA, can mediate oxidative damage to DNA. We chose to generate PB-DOPA using mushroom tyrosinase, which catalyses the hydroxylation of tyrosine residues in protein. This permitted us to study the reactions of PB-DOPA in the virtual absence of other protein-bound oxidation products. The formation of two oxidation products of DNA, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8oxodG) and 5-hydroxy-2'-deoxycytidine (5OHdC), were studied with a novel HPLC using gradient elution and an electrochemical detection method, which allowed the detection of both DNA modifications in a single experiment. We found that exposure of calf thymus DNA to DOPA or PB-DOPA resulted in the formation of 8oxodG and 5OHdC, with the former predominating. The formation of these DNA oxidation products by either DOPA or PB-DOPA depended on the presence of oxygen, and also on the presence and on the concentration of transition metal ions, with copper being more effective than iron. The yields of 8oxodG and 5OHdC increased with DOPA concentration in proteins. Thus PB-DOPA was able to promote further radical-generating events, which then transferred damage to other biomolecules such as DNA.

Presence of dopa and amino acid hydroperoxides in proteins modified with advanced glycation end products (AGEs): amino acid oxidation products as a possible source of oxidative stress induced by AGE proteins

Glycation and subsequent Maillard or browning reactions of glycated proteins, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), are involved in the chemical modification of proteins during normal aging and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Oxidative conditions accelerate the browning of proteins by glucose, and AGE proteins also induce oxidative stress responses in cells bearing AGE receptors. These observations have led to the hypothesis that glycation-induced pathology results from a cycle of oxidative stress, increased chemical modification of proteins via the Maillard reaction, and further AGE-dependent oxidative stress. Here we show that the preparation of AGE-collagen by incubation with glucose under oxidative conditions in vitro leads not only to glycation and formation of the glycoxidation product Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), but also to the formation of amino acid oxidation products on protein, including m-tyrosine, dityrosine, dopa, and valine and leucine hydroperoxides. The formation of both CML and amino acid oxidation products was prevented by anaerobic, anti-oxidative conditions. Amino acid oxidation products were also formed when glycated collagen, prepared under anti-oxidative conditions, was allowed to incubate under aerobic conditions that led to the formation of CML. These experiments demonstrate that amino acid oxidation products are formed in proteins during glycoxidation reactions and suggest that reactive oxygen species formed by redox cycling of dopa or by the metal-catalysed decomposition of amino acid hydroperoxides, rather than by redox activity or reactive oxygen production by AGEs on protein, might contribute to the induction of oxidative stress by AGE proteins.

Alpha-tocopherol supplementation of macrophages does not influence their ability to oxidize LDL

We have investigated the effect of alpha-tocopherol-loading of mouse peritoneal macrophages and human monocytes on their ability to oxidize human low density lipoprotein (LDL). Mouse peritoneal macrophages incorporated alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH) from culture medium supplemented with the vitamin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Subcellular fractionation by density gradient ultracentrifugation showed that the distribution of incorporated alpha-TOH within the cell was similar to that of free cholesterol. Most (approximately 88%) of alpha-TOH partitioned into the membrane fractions (plasma membrane approximately 41%, mitochondria and lysosomes approximately 26%, and endosomes plus endoplasmic reticulum approximately 21%). Cellular alpha-TOH was stable for at least 24 h in serum- or LDL-free media whether permissive (Ham's F-10) or non-permissive (Dulbecco's minimum essential medium, DMEM) for LDL oxidation. When incubated with LDL in DMEM, alpha-TOH-preloaded cells transferred small amounts of alpha-TOH (approximately 1 nmol/mg LDL protein after 9 h) to the lipoprotein. However, enrichment of the cells with alpha-TOH did not change the kinetics of oxidation of either normal or TOH-depleted LDL in Ham's F-10 medium compared with non-loaded cells, as assessed by alpha-TOH consumption, cholesteryl ester degradation, and cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide and 7-ketocholesterol accumulation. Nor did it alter superoxide release by the cells or their ability to reduce extracellular copper(II). Similar to mouse macrophages, enrichment of human monocytes with alpha-TOH did not change the kinetics of cell-mediated LDL oxidation. We conclude that elevated cellular levels of alpha-TOH in mouse peritoneal macrophages and in human monocytes do not affect their ability to oxidize LDL lipids in vitro. This suggests that either cell-mediated oxidation of LDL under the conditions of this study is not dependent on cell-derived radical species or that cellular alpha-TOH is unable to affect their formation.

Separation and characterization of cholesteryl oxo- and hydroxy-linoleate isolated from human atherosclerotic plaque

In previous work we demonstrated that up to 30% of cholesteryl linoleate in homogenates of advanced human plaque samples is present in oxidized forms. Here we show that the material from plaque hexane extracts which co-elutes with cholesteryl hydroxy-linoleate on reversed phase HPLC (Anal Biochem 1993;213:79), is composed of several isomers of cholesteryl hydroxy- and cholesteryl oxo-octadecadienoate. Enzymatic hydrolysis and measurement of liberated cholesterol and disappearance of the esters revealed that almost all of the material consisted of unoxidized cholesterol esterified to oxidized derivatives of octadecadienoate. Semi-preparative reversed-phase HPLC was used to obtain sufficient quantities of this co-eluting material to undertake normal phase HPLC separation of these components. The nature of such separated and isolated compounds was identified, by co-chromatography with authentic standards, UV spectroscopy and chemical ionization and electron impact mass spectrometry, as cholesteryl hydroxy- and cholesteryl oxo-octadecadienoate. These oxidized fatty acids have been observed previously in plaque, in agreement with our new unambiguous demonstration of their presence as cholesteryl esters. The application of the methods described for the separation of the various forms of oxidized cholesteryl octadecadienoate may aid mechanistic studies of in vitro and in vivo lipoprotein lipid oxidation.

7-Hydroperoxycholesterol and its products in oxidized low density lipoprotein and human atherosclerotic plaque

7-Hydroperoxycholesterols (7OOHs) are intermediates in cholesterol oxidation and potential cytotoxins. A normal-phase HPLC method with UV (205 nm) detection was developed that could resolve 7 alpha OOH, 7 beta OOH, 7-ketocholesterol (7K), and the epimeric 7-hydroxycholesterols (7OHs). 7OOH formation was investigated when LDL was exposed to four different oxidizing systems: Cu2+; Ham's F-10; mouse peritoneal macrophages in Ham's F-10; and a metal-independent peroxyl-radical generating system (AAPH). With all four oxidizing systems, 7OOH (both free and esterified, mostly as the beta-isomer) was the major oxysterol formed at early times, with 7K dominating at later stages (> or = 24 h) in Cu-oxLDL. When LDL was oxidized in the presence of cells there was transfer of free oxysterols from LDL to the cells. Negligible 7OOH, but significant amounts of 7OH, accumulated in the cells suggesting efficient cellular reduction of 7OOH. Lipid extracts from eight plaque samples obtained from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were analyzed. Only trace amounts of 7OOH (< 0.02% of total cholesterol) could be detected using this normal-phase HPLC method with UV detection or with a more sensitive reverse-phase method utilizing chemiluminescence detection. 7K was the major 7-oxygenated sterol detected, at least 20-fold in excess of that calculated for 7OOH, followed by 7 beta OH and 7 alpha OH. The trace concentrations of 7OOH in plaque indicate its lability in biological/cellular systems and may signify the ability of cells in the artery wall to metabolize it further.

Pharmacokinetic considerations in the development of peptide-based imaging agents

Pharmacokinetic factors to be considered in the development of peptide-based imaging agents are reviewed. These include size, plasma protein binding, lipophilicity, resistance or susceptibility to proteolysis and radiolabel integrity. These factors are discussed in the context of several examples of thrombus and tumor imaging agents either commercially available or in development.

Biochemistry and pathology of radical-mediated protein oxidation

Radical-mediated damage to proteins may be initiated by electron leakage, metal-ion-dependent reactions and autoxidation of lipids and sugars. The consequent protein oxidation is O2-dependent, and involves several propagating radicals, notably alkoxyl radicals. Its products include several categories of reactive species, and a range of stable products whose chemistry is currently being elucidated. Among the reactive products, protein hydroperoxides can generate further radical fluxes on reaction with transition-metal ions; protein-bound reductants (notably dopa) can reduce transition-metal ions and thereby facilitate their reaction with hydroperoxides; and aldehydes may participate in Schiff-base formation and other reactions. Cells can detoxify some of the reactive species, e.g. by reducing protein hydroperoxides to unreactive hydroxides. Oxidized proteins are often functionally inactive and their unfolding is associated with enhanced susceptibility to proteinases. Thus cells can generally remove oxidized proteins by proteolysis. However, certain oxidized proteins are poorly handled by cells, and together with possible alterations in the rate of production of oxidized proteins, this may contribute to the observed accumulation and damaging actions of oxidized proteins during aging and in pathologies such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Protein oxidation may also sometimes play controlling roles in cellular remodelling and cell growth. Proteins are also key targets in defensive cytolysis and in inflammatory self-damage. The possibility of selective protection against protein oxidation (antioxidation) is raised.

Structural characterization of the products of hydroxyl-radical damage to leucine and their detection on proteins

We have previously reported the formation of valine hydroperoxides and aldehydes from hydroxyl-radical attack on free valine and protein molecules. We have also demonstrated that the major degradation products of valine hydroperoxides by several biochemical and cellular systems are the corresponding hydroxides, and therefore proposed that hydroxyvalines may serve as useful in vivo markers for studying protein oxidation. Here we have undertaken the structural elucidation of the oxidation products of leucine, another amino acid which is very susceptible to peroxidation. Hydroxyl-radical (HO.) attack on l-leucine in the presence of oxygen, followed by NaBH4 reduction, gave rise to five major oxidation products which have been isolated and identified. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the five products have been identified as (2S)-gamma-hydroxyleucine, (2S,4S)-delta-hydroxyleucine, (2S,4R)-delta-hydroxyleucine, (2S,4R)-4-methylproline (trans-4-methyl-l-proline) and (2S,4S)-4-methylproline (cis-4-methyl-l-proline). The three hydroxyleucines have been confirmed to be the reduction products of the corresponding hydroperoxyleucines, while the two proline analogues are from reduction of their corresponding cyclic Schiff bases. By HPLC analysis using post-column o-phthaldialdehyde derivatization, we have detected hydroxyleucines in the hydrolysates of tripeptides and proteins which had been gamma-radiolysed and treated with NaBH4. Furthermore, we demonstrate the occurrence of the hydroxyleucines on proteins in physiological and pathological samples. Hydroxyleucines, like hydroxyvalines, may provide useful in vivo markers for studying protein oxidation. In the present study we also investigated the competition between leucine, valine and phenylalanine for HO., and proposed a possible radical-transfer process in such free-radical reactions.

Loading with oxidised low density lipoprotein alters endocytic and secretory activities of murine macrophages

Lipid-loaded macrophages were produced in vitro by incubation with acetylated or copper-oxidized LDL. In order to establish whether cellular membrane traffic is generally perturbed by such loading, we assessed endocytosis of fluid; cell surface binding, internalisation and degradation of a soluble ligand and of a particulate preparation; and exocytosis of lysosmal enzymes. Fluid-phase pinocytosis of sucrose was unaffected by either form of loading. Binding, uptake and degradation of soluble (mannosylated-BSA) and particulate (zymosan) ligands by these lipid-loaded and by non-loaded cells were compared. Loading with oxidized LDL decreased the processing of both ligands, while loading with acetylated LDL had little effect. Loading with oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) also decreased zymosan binding at 4 degrees C; and the internalisation and degradation of ligands in Ox-LDL loaded and non-loaded cells reflected the extent of surface binding. Changes in binding and uptake of mannosylated-BSA and zymosan were not due to changes in viability or cell number. Zymosan stimulated release of lysosomal beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase from the cells. Loading with Ox- but not Ac-LDL decreased beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase secretion. After incubation with zymosan, intracellular levels of the enzyme were increased in the Ox-LDL loaded cells. Zymosan uptake and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase secretion were correlated, but enzyme activity per culture rose more in the absence than in the presence of zymosan. We conclude that membrane traffic is perturbed in model foam cells, particularly those loaded with Ox-LDL.

Direct copper reduction by macrophages. Its role in low density lipoprotein oxidation

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) results in changes to the lipoprotein that are potentially atherogenic. Numerous studies have shown that macrophages cultured in vitro can promote LDL oxidation via a transition metal-dependent process, yet the exact mechanisms that are responsible for macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation are not understood. One contributing mechanism may be the ability of macrophages to reduce transition metals. Reduced metals (such as Fe(II) or Cu(I)) rapidly react with lipid hydroperoxides, leading to the formation of reactive lipid radicals and conversion of the reduced metal to its oxidized form. We demonstrate here the ability of macrophages to reduce extracellular iron and copper and identify a contributing mechanism. Evidence is provided that a proportion of cell-mediated metal reduction is due to direct trans-plasma membrane electron transport. Glucagon suppressed both macrophage-mediated metal reduction and LDL oxidation. Although metal reduction was augmented when cells were provided with a substrate for thiol production, thiol export was not a strict requirement for cell-mediated metal reduction. Similarly, while the metal-dependent acceleration of LDL oxidation by macrophages was augmented by thiol production, macrophages could still promote LDL oxidation when thiol export was minimized (by substrate limitation). This study identifies a novel mechanism that may contribute to macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation and may also reveal potential new strategies for the inhibition of this process.

Regulation of serum-induced lipid accumulation in human monocyte-derived macrophages by interferon-gamma. Correlations with apolipoprotein E production, lipoprotein lipase activity and LDL receptor-related protein expression

The demonstration of lipid loaded macrophages in atherosclerotic tissue has led to the development of in vitro systems to elucidate the mechanisms involved in lipid accumulation. Here we have characterised the changes which occur in human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) lipids during culture in either human serum (HS) or foetal calf serum (FCS). MDM cultured in HS were rapidly converted to lipid filled foam cells, as assessed using HPLC analysis and oil red-O staining and compared with the same cells grown in FCS. However, the lipids which accumulated were predominantly triglycerides with smaller amounts of unesterified cholesterol (UC) and only traces of cholesteryl esters (CE). alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-TocH) was present at higher levels in MDM cultured in HS compared to the same cells grown in FCS. MDM lipid accumulation was dependent on the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) fraction of human serum; accordingly, supplementation of FCS with human TGRL also induced MDM lipid accumulation. The relationships between cellular lipid accumulation and secretion of apolipoprotein E (apo E) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) as well as expression of the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) were also examined. MDM lipid accumulation was associated with increased apo E secretion but did not alter extracellular LPL activity. The lipid accumulation which was induced by HS was potently inhibited (but not reserved) by the inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN gamma), and this was associated with decreased apo E production, LPL secretion and expression of LRP. These studies reveal striking differences in the lipid composition of MDM cultured in either HS or FCS, and indicate that oil red-O staining is not necessarily associated with cholesteryl ester accumulation in human macrophages. Furthermore, the effect that serum-induced lipid accumulation has on the specific MDM functions studied should be appreciated when developing in vitro macrophage models.

Effects of CSF-1 on cholesterol accumulation and efflux by macrophages

To assess whether human monocyte-specific colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) might influence atherogenesis, CSF-1-induced macrophage responses that might contribute to enhanced clearance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or modified LDL were investigated. Careful account was made of cell preservation and increases in cell volume and protein (representing increased cell surface area, and thus endocytically active membrane) during culture with CSF-1. This permitted distinction between selective and nonspecific effects of CSF-1, the latter paralleling increases in cellular mass and volume. CSF-1 enhanced mouse peritoneal macrophage survival in vitro during exposure to lipoprotein-deficient serum with or without native LDL or acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL), as judged by maintenance of cellular DNA and cell numbers. In the presence of copper-oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), such effects were very slight. In all conditions, CSF-1 increased cellular protein content. CSF-1 increased the uptake of both Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL calculated per culture, but this was entirely explicable by the increased cell protein, indicating that there was no selective enhancement of scavenger receptor or other routes for uptake of the modified LDLs. Similarly, CSF-1 also increased the accumulation of cholesterol and its esters nonspecifically. CSF-1 did have a marked and specific effect on the composition of cholesterol esters, decreasing the proportion of polyunsaturated esters relative to monounsaturated and saturated esters. Finally, cholesterol efflux induced by apolipoprotein A1 from Ac-LDL-loaded macrophages was not influenced by CSF-1. Thus, the enhanced macrophage catabolism of modified LDLs by CSF-1 is part of a nonspecific action on the cells but could contribute to a reduction in circulating cholesterol, observed in some situations of CSF-1 presentation in humans.

Pre-clinical evaluation of technetium-99m platelet receptor-binding peptide

P748 is a dimeric peptide which incorporates two high affinity GPIIb/IIIa receptor-binding domains and a novel 99mTc binding sequence, which provides the platelet imaging agent 99mTc-P748. The aim of this study was to evaluate 99mTc-P748 preclinically for use as a hot spot scintigraphic thrombus imaging agent.

METHODS

Technetium-99m-P748 was prepared by either a ligand exchange or a one-vial kit. The oxorhenium congener, [ReO]P748, was prepared by ligand exchange from Bu4NReOBr4. The binding of P748 peptide and [ReO]P748 to GPIIb/IIIa receptors on activated platelets was assessed by their inhibition of ADP stimulated human platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma (PRP). The localization of 99mTc-P748 in deep vein and pulmonary thrombi was assessed in a canine thrombosis model and the biodistribution of 99mTc-P748 was determined in rats.

RESULTS

P748 peptide inhibited the aggregation of human platelets in PRP by 50% at a concentration (IC50) of 28 nM and [ReO]P748 had an IC50 of 36 nM showing the high in vitro receptor binding affinity of both the peptide and its rhenium complex (and by analogy its technetium complex). Technetium-99m-P748 was readily prepared at room temperature in 15 min in > or = 90% radiochemical yield and purity and provided definitive images of femoral vein thrombi within 20 min and pulmonary thrombi, within 1 hr in the canine model. Femoral vein thrombus-to-blood and thrombus-to-muscle ratios at 4 hr averaged 6.7 and 46, respectively. Pulmonary thrombus-to-blood and thrombus-to-normal lung ratios at 4 hr averaged 29 and 27, respectively. Dog and rat studies both showed rapid clearance of the radiotracer from the blood and with no significant hepatobiliary excretion but with notable early kidney retention.

CONCLUSION

The combination of high in vitro receptor-binding affinity, high thrombus uptake and definitive in vivo images of both femoral vein and pulmonary thrombi show that 99mTc-P748 has considerable potential as a clinical imaging agent for the detection of venous thromboembolism.