Insulin reduces pyroptosis-induced inflammation by PDHA1 dephosphorylation-mediated NLRP3 activation during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Previous studies proved that pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)-induced pyroptosis plays an important role in Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Insulin can inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether insulin reduces NLRP3-induced pyroptosis by regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase E1alpha subunit (PDHA1) dephosphorylation during MIRI.

METHODS

Rat hearts were subject to 30 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion, with or without 0.5 IU/L insulin. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was evaluated by measuring myocardial enzymes release, Cardiac hemodynamics, pathological changes, infarct size, and apoptosis rate. Cardiac aerobic glycolysis was evaluated by measuring ATP, lactic acid content, and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) activity in myocardial tissue. Recombinant adenoviral vectors for PDHA1 knockdown were constructed. Pyroptosis-related proteins were measured by Western blotting analysis, immunohistochemistry staining, and ELISA assay, respectively.

RESULTS

It was found that insulin significantly reduced the area of myocardial infarction, apoptosis rate, and improved cardiac hemodynamics, pathological changes, energy metabolism. Insulin inhibits pyroptosis-induced inflammation during MIRI. Subsequently, Adeno-associated virus was used to knock down cardiac PDHA1 expression. Knockdown PDHA1 not only promoted the expression of NLRP3 but also blocked the inhibitory effect of insulin on NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in MIRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that insulin protects against MIRI by regulating PDHA1 dephosphorylation, its mechanism is not only to improve myocardial energy metabolism but also to reduce the NLRP3-induced pyroptosis.

[Effect of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids on myocardial lipid metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass ischemia-reperfusion in dogs]

Objective: To explore the effects and mechanisms of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) on myocardial lipid metabolism during ischemia-reperfusion in dogs undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: Twenty-four healthy hybrid dogs, half male and half female, were randomly divided into sham group, model group, solvent control group and treatment group (DNLA, 6 mg/kg) (n=6), all of which were established with CPB. Except for the sham group, the aorta of the other groups was occluded for 60 min and then reopened. The uptake rate of free fatty acids, the concentration of long-chain acyl coenzyme A (LCACoA), mRNA and protein expression of fatty acid translocase enzyme/CD36 (FAT/CD36) in myocardial tissue and the cardiac function indexes were measured at 4 time points: before cardiopulmonary bypass (T1), 15 min (T2), 60 min (T3), and 90 min (T4) after reperfusion in each group. Results: Before CPB, there were no statistically significant differences in the uptake rate of free fatty acids, the concentration of LCACoA and mRNA expression of FAT/CD36 in myocardial tissue in each group (P>0.05). After the opening of the aorta, the above indexes in model group [(35.8±4.7)%, (8.55±1.51) nmol/g, 3.23±0.68] and treatment group [(27.4±2.7)%, (6.10±1.38) nmol/g, 2.20±0.56] were higher than those in sham group [(19.6±3.9)%, (4.16±0.81)nmol/g, 1.19±0.52], which were the highest at T2, and then gradually decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the increase of above indicators in the treatment group was significantly lower at T2 (all P<0.05). Before CPB, there was no statistically significant differences in cardiac function indexes [left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and±dp/dtmax] among the groups (P>0.05). After the aorta was opened, the above indexes in model group [(76.5±9.1) mmHg, (31.1±2.9) mmHg, (1.2±0.4) mmHg/ms, (-0.9±0.1) mmHg/ms] and treatment group [(92.9±8.7) mmHg, (25.3±3.6) mmHg, (1.8±0.4) mmHg/ms, (-1.3±0.1) mmHg/ms] were lower than those in sham group [(165.5±12.9) mmHg, (6.5±0.5) mmHg, (3.3±0.6) mmHg/ms, (-2.9±0.3) mmHg/ms] (all P<0.05), but the impairment degree of cardiac function indicators in treatment group was significantly lower than that those in model group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: During CPB in dogs, DNLA can inhibit the abnormal expression of FAT/CD36, decrease the uptake of free fatty acids, and reduce the abnormal accumulation of LCACoA in myocardium,thereby alleviating the myocardial injury after ischemia-reperfusion.

[Occupational activity disorders of extremely severe mass burn patients in recovery period after injury: a cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To observe the distribution of occupational activity disorders of extremely severe mass burn patients in recovery period after injury. Methods: From December 2014 to December 2015, 65 extremely severe burn patients conforming to the inclusion criteria involved in August 2 Kunshan factory aluminum dust explosion accident were admitted to Kunshan Rehabilitation Hospital. They received comprehensive rehabilitation treatment after burns, including wearing pressure clothes, ultrasound treatment, semiconductor laser and red light irradiation, motor function training, and so on. Over 2 years after injury, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on the patients' occupational activity disorders. Modified Barthel index (MBI) was used to assess the degree of activities of daily living (ADL) disorder of patients and to grade the independent level of completing each item of MBI, and then the independent level of patients completing self-care MBI items (bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, going to the toilet, urine control, and stool control) was compared with that of mobility items (going up and down stairs, bed and chair transfer, and walking). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to assess the distribution of occupational activity disorders of patients. The distribution of the five most serious occupational activity disorders was counted, then the frequency and probability of which with frequency greater than or equal to 16 times were calculated. Data were processed with Pearson Chi-square test. Results: Over 2 years after injury, the MBI score of patients was (76±22) points, and the ADL of 83.08% (54/65) patients reached completely self-care or light ADL disorder level. The MBI items arranged according to the completing independent level of patients from high to low were urine control/stool control, walking, bed and chair transfer, going up and down stairs, going to the toilet, eating, grooming, dressing, and bathing. The independent level of patients completing self-care MBI items was lower than that of mobility items (χ(2)=62.298, P<0.001). Over 2 years after injury, the five most serious occupational activity disorders in COPM dimension were mainly concentrated in the self-care dimension, accounting for 55.38% (180/325), followed by 22.46% (73/325) of production activities and 22.15% (72/325) of recreational activities, and the centrally distributed item was the personal self-care item under self-care dimension, accounting for 42.46% (138/325). Over 2 years after injury, the five most serious occupational activity disorders with frequency greater than or equal to 16 times were dressing and undressing, bathing, perineal cleaning, wearing pressure clothes, caring for children, visiting relatives and friends, 31, 25, 16, 17, 18, and 22 times respectively, with a probability of 47.69%, 38.46%, 24.62%, 26.15%, 27.69%, and 33.85% respectively. Conclusions: Over 2 years after injury, most of the patients with extremely severe burns caused by the aluminum dust explosion were completely or basically self-care in their daily life. The disorder of self-care ADL was more serious than that of mobility, and the disorder of individual self-care activity was still the most serious occupational activity disorder of patients in this stage. Clinical trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR-OOC-16009188.

Large Positive Thermal Expansion and Small Band Gap in Double-ReO3-Type Compound NaSbF6

Double-ReO₃-type structure compound NaSbF₆ undergoes a low-temperature rhombohedral to high-temperature cubic phase between 303 and 323 K, as revealed by temperature-dependent X-ray diffractions. Although many double-ReO₃-type fluorides exhibit either low thermal expansion or negative thermal expansion (NTE), NaSbF₆ exhibits positive thermal expansion (PTE) with a large volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion, α_v = 62 ppm/K, in its cubic phase. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the low-frequency transverse vibration of fluorine atoms is stiffened in NaSbF₆, compared with the typical NTE compound CaZrF₆ with the same structure. The related weak contraction associated with the polyhedral rocking would be overcome by the notable elongation of the Na-F bond length on heating, thus leading to the large volumetric PTE. Unlike ScF₃ and CaZrF₆ which are insulators with a wide band gap, a relative small band gap of 3.76 eV was observed in NaSbF₆. The small band gap can be attributed to the hybridization between the Sb 5s and F 2p orbitals.

The diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography for the detection of anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint: a meta-analysis employing the HSROC statistical model

The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography (HR-US) in the detection of anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint. Relevant trials reported in MEDLINE, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Embase were identified. A manual search was also performed. The quality of retrieved data was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) criteria. Data were extracted and cross-checked, and a statistically rigorous meta-analysis was performed using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model (HSROC). The clinical utility of results was assessed using Fagan nomograms (Bayes theory). All data were evaluated using Stata software. A total 11 studies including 1096 subjects were included in the analysis; all reported the utility of HR-US for the diagnosis of ADD with reduction (ADDWR) and without reduction (ADDWoR). For ADDWR, the weighted sensitivity and specificity were 0.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-0.88) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.92) respectively. The lambda value was 3.41 (95% CI 2.37-4.46) and the Fagan nomogram pre-test probability 58%, with a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 6.01. The positive post-test probability was 89%, with a negative LR of 0.20. The negative post-test probability was 21%. The positive increase in diagnostic utility was 31% and the negative decrement in that value 37%. For ADDWoR, the weighted sensitivity and specificity values were 0.72 (95% CI 0.59-0.81) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93), respectively. The lambda value was 3.69 (95% CI 2.39-4.99) and the Fagan nomogram pre-test probability 38%, with a positive LR of 7.00. The positive post-test probability was 82%, with a negative LR of 0.32. The negative post-test probability was 16%. The increase in diagnostic utility was 44% and the negative decrement in that value 22%. HR-US delivers acceptable performance when used to diagnose ADD, being superior for the detection of ADDWoR than ADDWR, and exhibiting a lower negative diagnostic value in the detection of ADDWoR than ADDWR. HR-US may serve as a new method for the rapid diagnosis of ADD. The method has the advantages of simplicity and low cost. Given the uncertainty in some of the estimated values, more high-quality studies are needed to assess that diagnostic efficacy.

Efficient removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater under sunlight by Fe(II)-doped TiO₂ spherical shell

Fe(II)-doped TiO2 spherical shell catalyst was synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) from plating wastewater under sunlight of the catalyst was demonstrated. It was found that the removal effectiveness of about 99.99% for initial Cr(VI) concentration of 102.3 ppm and 99.01% for 153.4 ppm under 3h sunlight irradiation is realized. The Fe(II) ions serve not only as reducing agents for reducing the Cr(VI) to Cr(III) but also as an intermedium of a two-step reduction, in which the TiO2 photoreduces the Fe(II) ions to Fe atoms firstly, and then the Fe atoms reduce the Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The improved photocatalytic activity of the catalyst is considered due to the synergistic effect of a multi reducing process by Fe(II) doping. The extended optical response and effectively utilization of sunlight of the special spherical-shell-like morphology also contribute to the enhanced photocatalytic activity.

Epidemiology of eight common rheumatic diseases in China: a large-scale cross-sectional survey in Beijing

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of eight common rheumatic diseases in a large Chinese population.

METHODS

A population-based epidemiological investigation of the prevalence of eight common rheumatic diseases in a suburb of Beijing was conducted in 14 642 individuals. A community-based survey was carried out using a screening questionnaire. Positive responders were included in a clinical and laboratory examination. Diagnosis was based on the criteria of ACR or those used widely in literature.

RESULTS

A total of 10 556 inhabitants were interviewed. Forty-three cases of RA were identified with an age-adjusted prevalence of 0.28% (95% CI 0.19%, 0.41%). Gout was diagnosed with a crude prevalence of 0.09% (95% CI 0.05%, 0.17%). Psoriasis was reported in 28 individuals with a prevalence of 0.27% (95% CI 0.18%, 0.38%). This included two cases diagnosed with PsA, resulting in a prevalence of 7.14% (95% CI 0.88%, 23.5%) in psoriasis patients and 0.02% (95% CI 0%, 0.07%) in the general population. Three individuals were identified with SLE, with a prevalence of 0.03% (95% CI 0%, 0.06%). One individual was identified with SSc and the calculated prevalence was 0.01% (95% CI 0%, 0.05%). One case of Behçet's disease was identified, giving a prevalence of 0.01% (95% CI 0%, 0.05%).

CONCLUSION

This large-scale epidemiological survey provides an estimate of the burden of rheumatic diseases in China.

Recyclable magnetic photocatalysts of Fe2+/TiO2 hierarchical architecture with effective removal of Cr(VI) under UV light from water

We report the synthesis and photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) from water of hierarchical micro/nanostructured Fe(2+)/TiO(2) tubes. The TiO(2) tubes fabricated by a facile solvothermal approach show a three-level hierarchical architecture assembled from dense nanosheets nearly vertically standing on the surface of TiO(2) microtube. The nanosheets with a thickness of about 20 nm are composed of numerous TiO(2) nanocrystals with size in the range of 15-20 nm. Ferrous ions are doped into the hierarchical architecture by a reduction route. The Fe(2+)/TiO(2) catalyst demonstrates an effective removal of Cr(VI) from water under UV light and the removal effectiveness reaches 99.3% at the initial Cr(VI) concentration of 10 mg L(-1). The ferrous ion in the catalyst serves not as the photo-electron trap but as an intermedium of a two-step reduction. The TiO(2) photoreduces the Fe(2+) ions to Fe atoms firstly, then the Fe atoms reduce the Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and the later is removed by adsorption. The hierarchical architecture of the catalyst serves as a reactor for the photocatalytic reaction of Cr(VI) ions and an effective absorbent for the removal of Cr(III) ions. The catalyst can be easily magnetically separated from the wastewater after photocatalytic reaction and recycled after acid treatment.

Diagnostic significance of measuring antibodies to cyclic type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor peptides in primary Sjogren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

SS is an autoimmune disease characterized by salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunction leading to dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (xerophthalmia). Anti-muscarinic acetylcholine type-3 receptor (anti-M3R) autoantibodies have been shown to be a good serum marker in primary SS (pSS). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical correlations of anti-M3R-derived peptide antibodies in patients with pSS.

METHODS

Sequences of the first to fourth cycle-M3R (c1M3R-c4M3R)-derived peptide was synthesized by a solid-phase technique on an Applied Biosytems Peptide Synthesizer. Synthesized cM3R peptide (cM3RP) was used as substrate in an ELISA to detect IgG anti-cM3RP antibodies in serum samples of patients and controls. The clinical and biological parameters of the diseases were also evaluated. The EULAR SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) score was used to measure disease activity in patients with primary SS.

RESULTS

(i) Anti-c2M3RP antibodies were highly prevalent in pSS patients, and the titre is much higher than anti-c1,3,4M3RP antibodies. (ii) The prevalence of anti-c2M3RP antibodies in pSS, SLE, RA and healthy controls was 62.2, 7.1, 5.3 and 1.6%, respectively. The prevalence of anti-linear-2-M3RP antibodies in pSS, SLE and RA patients and healthy controls were 56.1, 20.0, 14.7 and 9.4%. (iii) The specificity of anti-c2M3RP antibodies was 95.1%, much higher than that of linear polypeptide (84.7%) for pSS diagnosis. (iv) In pSS patients, anti-c2M3RP positivity had significantly increased frequency in patients who were RF or ANA positive, and had several haematological abnormalities, such as leucopenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, the ESSDAI score was significantly higher in anti-c2M3RP-positive pSS patients (P <  0.05).

CONCLUSION

Anti-c2M3RP antibody was highly specific for patients with pSS. The presence of anti-c2M3RP antibody in pSS indicates that c2M3RP may act as an autoantigen that may play a role in the pathogenesis of pSS.

Variation in STAT4 is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in Chinese Northern Han population

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) as a susceptibility gene for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in different populations. In order to examine whether the allele distribution of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in gene STAT4 rs7574865 in patients with SLE is different from those of healthy controls in Chinese Northern Han population, we investigated whether the variants of STAT4 rs7574865 were associated with any specific clinical features of SLE.

METHODS

We genotyped SNPs in STAT4 rs7574865 in 252 patients with SLE and 497 healthy controls. All subjects were from the Northern part of Chinese Han population. The genotypes in rs7574865 were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and consequence direct sequencing of PCR products in the DNA samples.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in distribution of the SNPs in rs7574865 between the SLE patients and healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, there was a significant correlation between TT genotypes in rs7574865 and the risk of SLE when GG genotype was used as a reference genotype after adjusting for gender and age. The frequency of T allele in the SLE patients was strongly significantly higher than that of healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the distribution of SNP in rs7574865 between male and female SLE patients, when compared with healthy controls. The frequency of T allele in rs7574865 in male patients was significantly higher than that of male healthy controls or female patients. There was no significant correlation between the frequencies of T allele in STAT4 rs7574865 and the clinical features of SLE.

CONCLUSIONS

The SNP rs7574865 in STAT4 is strongly associated with risk of SLE in the Chinese Northern Han population. The TT genotype and T allele in STAT4 rs7574869 are susceptibility factors for SLE, especially for male SLE patients.

Alterations of atrial natriuretic peptide in cardiomyocytes and plasma of rats after different intensity exercise

To characterize the effect of long-term exercise training at different intensities on endocrine structure and function of the heart, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels, expression of ANP in cardiomyocytes, and ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes were examined by radioimmunoassay, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy in Sprague-Dawley rats trained on a treadmill at different intensities for 8 weeks. The plasma ANP increased gradually with increasing exercise intensity. The immunoreactivity of ANP in cardiomyocytes increased in the moderate- and high-intensity exercise group and decreased in the exhaustive exercise group. The ANP electron-dense granules and the quantity and volume of mitochondria increased in moderate and high-intensity exercise group. The ANP electron dense granules decreased and the mitochondria tumefied in the exhaustive exercise group. The changes of plasma ANP have a tendency of increasing gradually with increase in exercise intensity. Moderate and high-intensity exercise increases ANP synthesis and storage in cardiomyocytes and induces adaptive changes in the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes. The decrease of ANP immunoreactivity in cardiomyocytes after exhaustive exercise is probably the result of massive depletion and induces damaging changes in the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes.

[Studies on the spectroscopic property of p-hydroxyphenol derivatives]

In the paper, properties of p-hydroxyphenol derivatives are described. The results prove that p-hydroxyphenol derivatives with different function groups show different spectroscopic properties. Some methods will be proposed to analyze a series of p-hydroxyphenol derivatives in blood or urine so as to identify the cancer mark.

C-terminal region amino acid substitutions contribute to catalytic differences between murine class alpha glutathione transferases mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 toward anti-diol epoxide isomers of benzo[c]phenanthrene

The molecular basis for catalytic differences between structurally closely related murine class alpha glutathione (GSH) transferases mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 in the GSH conjugation of anti-diol epoxide isomers of benzo[c]phenanthrene (anti-B[c]PDE) was investigated. GSH conjugation of both (-)- and (+)-enantiomers of anti-B[c]PDE was observed in the presence of mGSTA1-1 (60 and 40% GSH conjugation, respectively), whereas mGSTA2-2 exhibited a preference for the (-)-anti-isomer (>97%). In addition, the specific activity of mGSTA2-2 toward the (-)-anti-B[c]PDE isomer was relatively higher than that of mGSTA1-1. The amino acid sequences of mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 differ at 10 positions that are distributed in three sections. Section I contains amino acid residues in positions 65 and 95; section II contains residues in positions 157, 162, and 169, and section III contains residues in positions 207, 213, 218, 221, and 222. Enzyme activity measurements with chimeras of mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 revealed that amino acid substitutions in section III account for their differential enantioselectivity and catalytic activity toward anti-B[c]PDE. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acid residues in section III of mGSTA2-2 with corresponding residues of mGSTA1-1 followed by activity measurements of the wild type and mutated enzymes indicates that leucine 207 and phenylalanine 221 may be critical for the high catalytic activity of mGSTA2-2 toward (-)-anti-B[c]PDE. Molecular modeling studies demonstrated that the active site of mGSTA1-1 accommodates both enantiomers of anti-B[c]PDE, whereas the (-)-anti-isomer interacts more favorably with active site residues in mGSTA2-2. The results of this study clearly indicate that amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal region contribute to catalytic differences between mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 with respect to anti-B[c]PDE.

Two distinct 4-hydroxynonenal metabolizing glutathione S-transferase isozymes are differentially expressed in human tissues

The two previously reported human glutathione S-transferase isozymes, hGST5.8 and hGSTA4-4, have been suggested to be similar because of their comparable activities toward 4-hydroxynonenal-GSH conjugation. Here, we demonstrate that hGST5.8 and hGSTA4-4 are distinct. Antibodies raised against hGSTA4-4 did not recognize hGST5.8, and antibodies raised against mouse GSTA4-4 that cross-react with hGST5.8 did not recognize hGSTA4-4. The pI value of hGSTA4-4 was found to be 8.4, as opposed to the pI value of 5.8 for hGST5.8. The two isozymes are differentially expressed in human tissues and there are significant differences in their kinetic properties. While both isozymes showed a strong expression in liver and testis, hGSTA4-4 was not detected in brain where hGST5.8 was present. In the pancreas, a strong expression of hGST5.8 was observed while hGSTA4-4 was barely detectable in this tissue.

Amino acid substitutions at positions 207 and 221 contribute to catalytic differences between murine glutathione S-transferase Al-1 and A2-2 toward (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9, 10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene

We have previously identified a novel Alpha class murine glutathione (GSH) S-transferase isoenzyme (designated mGSTAl-2) which is exceptionally efficient in catalyzing the GSH conjugation of (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene [(+)-anti-BPDE], the ultimate carcinogen of widespread environmental pollutant benzo[a]pyrene. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the Al-type subunit of this isoenzyme is significantly more active toward (+)-anti-BPDE than the other subunit (mGSTA2). To establish the basis for catalytic differences between mGSTAl and mGSTA2, which differ in their primary structures by 10 amino acids [distributed in three sections (I-III) as clusters of two (residues 65 and 95), three (residues 157, 162, and 169), and five (residues 207, 213, 218, 221, and 222) amino acids], three chimeric enzymes were expressed and tested for their activity toward (+)-anti-BPDE. These studies revealed that amino acid substitution(s) in section III determined the high catalytic activity of mGSTAl. Molecular modeling studies suggested that amino acid substitutions at positions 207 and/or 221, but not at positions 213, 218, and 222, may be responsible for such a difference. To test this possibility, amino acids at positions 207 and 221 of mGSTAl were mutated with the equivalent residues of mGSTA2. Kinetic analysis of the wild type and the mutant enzymes revealed that both methionine-207 and isoleucine-221 are critical for higher activity of mGSTA1-1 toward (+)-anti-BPDE compared with that of mGSTA2-2.

A comparative study of the chemical stability of various mitomycin C solutions used in glaucoma filtering surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine the chemical stability of various mitomycin C (MMC) solutions used in glaucoma filtering surgery.

METHODS

A survey of the MMC solutions currently in use in 21 hospitals (11 in Canada, 10 in the United States) was conducted. A comparative study of the chemical stability of five different representative solutions was performed. The effects of buffer and storage variables on the chemical breakdown of MMC in the solutions were studied by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

The survey revealed 33 different variations (including recipes and storage conditions) in the preparation of MMC solutions. Although the majority of the hospitals (15 of 21; 72%) were preparing stable solutions, six of the hospitals (28%) were preparing potentially unstable solutions. The stability of the solutions varied in a nonuniform manner when stored at different temperatures in different buffers.

CONCLUSION

The lack of standardization and quality control of MMC solutions used in filtering surgery allows for the possibility of hospitals preparing unstable solutions.

Cloning, expression, and biochemical characterization of a functionally novel alpha class glutathione S-transferase with exceptional activity in the glutathione conjugation of (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene

The present study describes cDNA cloning, expression, and kinetic characterization of the two subunits of a murine alpha-class glutathione (GSH) S-transferase (GST) isoenzyme (previously designated as GST 9.5), which, unlike other alpha-class mammalian GSTs, is exceptionally efficient in the GSH conjugation of (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene [(+)-anti-BPDE] [X. Hu, S. K. Srivastava, H. Xia, Y. C. Awasthi, and S. V. Singh (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 32684-32688]. The cDNAs for both subunits of GST 9.5 (GST 9.5-1 and GST 9.5-2) were cloned by RT-PCR. The deduced amino acid sequences of GST 9.5-1 and GST 9.5-2 clones were identical to those of mGSTA1 and mGSTA2, respectively. Both these subunits were expressed in Escherichia coli to determine the relationships between recombinant mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 and corresponding subunits of tissue-isolated GST 9.5. The pI values of recombinant mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 (9.49 and 9.45, respectively) were similar to that of the tissue-isolated isoenzyme (pI 9.5). The reverse-phase HPLC elution profiles and immunological cross-reactivities of recombinant mGSTA1-1 and mGSTA2-2 were also similar to those of the corresponding subunits of tissue-isolated GST 9.5. The catalytic efficiency of recombinant mGSTA1-1 toward (+)-anti-BPDE, 131 mM-1.s-1, was approximately 9.5-to 655-fold higher compared with tissue-isolated mGSTP1-1, mGSTA3-3, mGSTM1-1, and mGSTA4-4. Moreover, the catalytic efficiency of mGSTA1-1 toward (+)-anti-BPDE was about 3.3-fold higher compared with recombinant mGSTA2-2. The mGSTA1 and/or mGSTA2 subunits were expressed to varying degrees in female A/J mouse tissues. For example, mGSTA1, but not mGSTA2, subunit expression was observed in the skin, which is a target organ for benzo(a)pyrene (BP)-induced cancer in mice. On the other hand, the expression of either mGSTA1 or mGSTA2 subunit could not be detected in the lung, which is another target organ for BP-induced cancer in mice. Interestingly, relatively large amounts of both mGSTA1 and mGSTA2 subunits were detected in the kidney. In conclusion, the results of the present study clearly indicate that the A1-type subunit of GST 9.5 is responsible for its exceptional catalytic efficiency in the GSH conjugation of (+)-anti-BPDE, which is the ultimate carcinogen of widespread environmental pollutant BP.

Differential induction of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase by anti-carcinogenic organosulfides from garlic

This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of organ specificity and differential efficacy of garlic organosulfides (OSCs) [diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), dipropyl sulfide (DPS) and dipropyl disulfide (DPDS)] in preventing benzo(a)pyrene (BP)-induced tumorigenesis in mice. The results of the present study reveal a good correlation between chemopreventive efficacies of garlic OSCs and their inductive effects on the expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO), an enzyme implicated in the detoxification of activated quinone metabolites of BP. Treatment of mice with DADS and DATS, which are potent inhibitors of BP-induced forestomach tumorigenesis, resulted in a statistically significant increase (2.4- and 1.5-fold, respectively) in forestomach NQO activity. In addition, DADS and DATS were much more potent inducers of forestomach NQO activity than DAS, which is a weak inhibitor of BP-induced forestomach tumorigenesis than the former compounds. Propyl-group containing OSCs (DPS and DPDS), which do not inhibit BP-induced tumorigenesis, did not affect forestomach NQO activity. Similar to forestomach, a good correlation was also observed between effects of these OSCs against BP-induced pulmonary tumorigenesis and their effects on NQO expression in the lung. For example, treatment of mice with DAS, which is a potent inhibitor of BP-induced pulmonary tumorigenesis, resulted in about 3.2-fold increase in pulmonary NQO activity. On the other hand, this activity was increased by about 1.5-fold upon DATS administration, which does not inhibit BP-induced cancer of the lung. In conclusion, our results suggest that induction of NQO may be important in anti-cancer effects of garlic OSCs.

Synthesis and antitumor evaluation of a highly potent cytotoxic DNA cross-linking polyamine analogue, 1,12-diaziridinyl-4,9-diazadodecane

A diaziridinylspermine analogue, 1,12-diaziridinyl-4,9-diazadodecane (NSC-667005), was synthesized as a bisalkylating agent with a polyamine backbone. DNA cross-linking was detected in the reaction of linearized pBR322 DNA with 1,12-diaziridinyl-4,9-diazadodecane at concentrations comparable with that required for cross-linking by two nitrogen mustard drugs, mechlorethamine and melphalan. A significant increase in life span of female CD2F1 mice bearing L1210 murine leukemia was observed after intravenous administration of 1,12-diaziridinyl-4,9-diazadodecane in doses of less than 2.7 mg/kg, given on days 1, 5, and 9 of treatment.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase expression and mitomycin C resistance developed by human colon cancer HCT 116 cells

An association between the resistance to mitomycin C (MMC) and a decrease of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity was reported for a MMC-resistant subline, HCT 116-R30A, derived from MMC-sensitive HCT 116 cells. Eight NQO1 cDNA clones were isolated from these two sublines by reverse transcription-PCR. Two clones, pDT9 from HCT 116 and pDT20 from HCT 116-R30A, are the full length of 274 amino acids. These two clones differ by a T to C substitution at nucleotide 464, which results in a replacement of arginine 139 by tryptophan in the enzyme. NQO1 of pDT9 and pDT20 was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and shown to have a protein subunit of M(r) 30,000. The change of amino acid 139 resulted in a shift of isoelectric pH from 9.5 to 8.35 and a 60% decrease of activity in reducing MMC. All of the other six clones differ from pDT9 by a deletion of exon 4. On Northern blot, we detected two mRNA species of NQO1 (1.2 and 2.7 kilobases) due to alternative polyadenylation in all sublines. MMC-resistant sublines showed 75-90% mRNA expression relative to HCT 116 cells. Reverse transcription-PCR amplification of cDNA fragment of nucleotide 298-617 revealed two full-length mRNAs in HCT 116 cells but only one full-length mRNA in HCT 116-R30A cells. An exon 4 deletion mRNA was detected in both sublines. The two full-length mRNAs may be from either alleles or chimeras of the same gene and the exon 4 deletion mRNA is a result of alternative splicing. On Western blot, we detected only one M(r) 30,000 protein in all sublines. A substantial decrease of this protein in MMC-resistant sublines (5% of HCT 116) explained the 95% decrease of their NQO1 activity. Transcriptional regulation and posttranscriptional modification may be responsible for the disparity of gene expression of NQO1 and the low concentration of NQO1 protein in MMC-resistant sublines. Reversal of MMC resistance and the recovery of NQO1 in two revertants further supports the hypothesis that cellular control of NQO1 can modulate the cytotoxicity of MMC.

Design of a stabilized He-Ne laser by using a thin-film heater

Details concerning the design of the stabilization system for a He-Ne laser based on a two-mode method that uses a thin-film heater are discussed. The stability is evaluated by measuring the beat signal between two stabilized lasers; it is 1.1 × 10(-12), expressed in terms of the root Allan variance (τ = 35 s).

Enzymatic and pH modulation of mitomycin C-induced DNA damage in mitomycin C-resistant HCT 116 human colon cancer cells

The effect of pH and oxygen on DNA alkylation by mitomycin C (MMC) was studied with cell fractions and intact cells. The cell lines used were the HCT 116 human colon cancer cell line and a MMC-resistant subline (HCT 116-R30A) that has 5% of the quinone reductase activity present in the parent cell line. Microsomal fractions of the two cell lines catalyzed MMC-DNA adduct formation only under anaerobic conditions with equal efficiency. However, the pH of the reaction controlled the production of four identified and two unidentified adducts. Soluble fractions from each cell source catalyzed MMC-DNA adduct formation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions similarly. At higher pH, limited DNA adducts were produced by MMC activated by soluble fractions from either cell source. At lower pH, more DNA adducts were obtained with MMC activated by the soluble fraction of HCT 116 cells than with that activated by the soluble fraction of HCT 116-R30A cells. Four of these adducts were identified as N2-(2" beta,7"-diaminomitosene-1" alpha-yl)-2'-deoxyguanylic acid, N2-(2" beta,7"-diaminomitosen-1" beta-yl)-2'-deoxyguanylic acid, N2-(10"-decarbamoyl-2",7"-diaminomitosen-1" alpha-yl)-2'-deoxyguanylic acid, and N2-(2" beta,7"-diamino-10"-deoxyguanyl-N2-yl-mitosen-1" alpha-yl)-2'- deoxyguanylic acid. Acidic intracellular pH enhanced the cytotoxicity of MMC for HCT 116 cells, decreasing the IC50 from 0.3 +/- 0.04 microM to 0.1 +/- 0.03 microM, but pH had limited effect on the cytotoxicity of MMC for HCT 116-R30A cells. When intracellular pH was decreased, interstrand DNA cross-linking by MMC increased to a greater extent in HCT 116 cells than in HCT 116-R30A cells. Only two DNA adducts, each at low intensity, were detected in HCT 116-R30A cells treated at pH 6.0 and 7.6 and in HCT 116 cells treated at pH 7.6. However, six radioactive spots were detected in HCT 116 cells treated at pH 6.0. Three of these adducts were identified. This is the first direct evidence that acidic intracellular pH enhances MMC-DNA adduct formation in tumor cells containing high quinone reductase activity. Results from this study further confirm that pH and not enzyme is the determining factor in the distribution of types of MMC-DNA adducts. This study also indicates that low intracellular pH enhances the activity of quinone reductase in reducing MMC, which is important for aerobic cytotoxicity of MMC against tumor cells with high concentration of quinone reductase.

Effect of pH on DNA alkylation by enzyme-activated mitomycin C and porfiromycin

DNA adduct formation by enzyme-activated antibiotics, mitomycin C (MMC) or porfiromycin (PFM), at pH 7.6 or pH 6.0 under anaerobic conditions was analyzed by a 32P-postlabeling method. Antibiotic activation by rat liver NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) and bovine milk xanthine oxidase (EC 1.2.3.2) produced similar results. Five 32P-labeled MMC adducts were separated by thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography from DNA alkylated at either pH. Four of the radioactive spots separated by thin layer chromatography were identified as two monofunctional monoadducts [1" alpha and 1" beta forms of N2-(2" beta,7"-diaminomitosen-1"-yl)-2'-deoxyguanylic acid], one bifunctional monoadduct [N2-(10"-decarbamoyl-2",7"-diaminomitosen-1" alpha-yl)-2'-deoxyguanylic acid], and one cross-linked adduct [N2-(2" beta,7"-diamino-10"-deoxyguanyl-N2-yl-mitosen- 1" alpha-yl)-2'-deoxyguanylic acid]. One minor radioactive spot was not identified. By comparing DNA alkylated at the two pH values, based on equal amounts of 32P radioactivity, similar amounts of cross-links were detected. However, the DNA showed different ratios of the alpha and beta isomers of the monofunctional monoadduct. Furthermore, the DNA alkylated at pH 6.0 showed more bifunctional monoadducts than did the DNA alkylated at pH 7.6. Analysis of alkylated DNA by enzyme-activated PFM showed a similar spectrum of DNA adduct formation. The effect of pH on the distribution of the five PFM-DNA adducts was similar to that observed for the five MMC-DNA adducts. The distribution of adducts in DNA alkylated at the same pH was similar irrespective of which enzyme activated MMC or PFM. The pH of the reaction during DNA and MMC interaction was the determining factor for the quantitative distribution of the adducts. This pH effect may be important for the cytotoxicity of MMC and PFM in tumor cells that have high levels of reductive enzymes with low optimal pH values.

Alkylation of DNA with aziridine produced during the hydrolysis of N,N',N''-triethylenethiophosphoramide

A reaction pathway by which thiotepa (N,N',N''-triethylenethiophosphoramide) and tepa (N,N',N''-triethylenethiophosphoramide), its major metabolite in humans, alkylate and depurinate DNA involves hydrolysis to aziridine (ethylene imine), a highly reactive monofunctional alkylating agent. Hydrolytic cleavage of an N-P bond of thiotepa releases aziridine which reacts with DNA, resulting in depurination and formation of the stable N-7 adduct 7-(2-aminoethyl)guanine and an aminoethyl adduct of adenine. Chromatographically identical alkylated products were observed in the reaction of thiotepa and tepa with individual nucleosides. Adducts with deoxycytidine or thymidine were not detected. Aziridine was measured by HPLC after derivatization with 1,2-naphthoquinone 4-sulfate. On the basis of the identity of the DNA adducts and the rate of formation of aziridine by hydrolysis in vitro, thiotepa is concluded to be a lipophilic, stabilized form of aziridine which serves as a cell-penetrating carrier of aziridine.

The role of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase in mitomycin C- and porfiromycin-resistant HCT 116 human colon-cancer cells

A mitomycin C (MMC)- and porfiromycin (PFM)-resistant subline of the HCT 116 human colon-cancer cell line was isolated after repeated exposure of HCT 116 cells to increasing concentrations of MMC under aerobic conditions. The MMC-resistant subline (designated HCT 116-R30A) was 5 times more resistant than the parent cells to MMC and PFM under aerobic conditions. Both the MMC-resistant cells and the parent HCT 116 cells accumulated similar amounts of PFM by passive diffusion, but levels of macromolecule-bound PFM were about 50% lower in the resistant cell line, implying a decrease in PFM reductive activation in the resistant cells. The finding that microsomes from either sensitive or resistant cells showed an equal ability to reduce MMC and PFM indicated that the activity of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) was not changed in the resistant subline. Soluble extracts of HCT 116 cells reduced MMC and PFM more effectively at pH 6.1, and NADH and NADPH were utilized equally well as electron donors under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These data suggest that quinone reductase (EC 1.6.99.2; DT-diaphorase) in soluble extracts is responsible for the reduction of MMC. Quinone reductase activities in soluble extracts of HCT 116-R30A cells for the reduction of dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) and menadione-cytochrome c at optimal pHs were decreased by 95% as compared with those obtained in parent cells. However, the MMC-reducing activity of HCT 116-R30A soluble extracts was only 50% lower than that of the parent cell extracts. The kinetic constants (Km, Vmax) found for quinone reductase in the two cell lines with respect to the substrates DCPIP and menadione differed. Two species of mRNA for quinone reductase (2.7 and 1.2 kb) were detected in both cell lines, and there was no detectable difference between parent and resistant cells in the steady-state level of either of these mRNA species. Furthermore, incubation with the quinone reductase inhibitor dicoumarol rendered HCT 116 cells more resistant to MMC. Alteration of the quinone reductase activity in HCT 116-R30A cells appears to be the mechanism responsible for their resistance to MMC and PFM.

Germ-cell deficient (gcd), an insertional mutation manifested as infertility in transgenic mice

A genetic analysis is necessary to gain a greater understanding of the complex developmental processes in mammals. Toward this end, an insertional transgenic mouse mutant has been isolated that results in abnormal germ-cell development. This recessive mutation manifests as infertility in both males and females and is specific for the reproductive organs, since all other tissues examined were histologically normal. A developmental analysis of the gonadal tissues demonstrated that the germ cells were specifically depleted as early as day 11.5 of embryonic development, while the various somatic cells were apparently unaffected. Therefore, the mutated locus must play a critical role in the migration/proliferation of primordial germ cells to the genital ridges of developing embryos. In addition, females homozygous for the mutation could potentially be a valuable animal model of a human syndrome, premature ovarian failure. This mutation has been named germ-cell deficient, gcd.

Mechanisms for the modulation of alkylating activity by the quinone group in quinone alkylating agents

Previous studies have demonstrated that the quinone group may play an important role in modulating the alkylating activity of quinone alkylating agents. Introduction of a quinone moiety markedly increased the alkylating activity and cytotoxic activity of the model quinone alkylating agents benzoquinone mustard and benzoquinone dimustard. However, the cytotoxic and DNA-damaging activity of benzoquinone mustard was considerably greater than that of benzoquinone dimustard. In this study, we have investigated the role of the quinone group as a modulator of alkylating activity in these antitumor agents, using extracellular assays to eliminate differences due to cellular drug uptake and metabolism. Evidence was obtained that the alkylating activities of both benzoquinone mustard and benzoquinone dimustard were enhanced by reduction of the quinone group. In addition, when these agents were reduced, they displayed equal alkylating activity. This finding suggests that the difference in the activity of these agents in cells is not due to intrinsic differences in alkylating activities of the activated forms of these agents. Electrochemical studies revealed that benzoquinone dimustard has a lower redox potential than benzoquinone mustard and, thus, is less easily reduced. Inactivation and spectroscopic studies suggested that a major reason for the differences in activity between benzoquinone mustard and benzoquinone dimustard may be the rapid inactivation of the dimustard before its reduction. This effect may be enhanced by the lower redox potential of benzoquinone dimustard, compared with benzoquinone mustard. These findings support the hypothesis that the quinone group can modulate the alkylating activity of quinone alkylating agents; however, the mechanisms by which this modulation occurs may vary for different antitumor agents.

Interaction of N,N',N''-triethylenethiophosphoramide and N,N',N''-triethylenephosphoramide with cellular DNA

The antineoplastic agents N,N',N''-triethylenethiophosphoramide (thioTEPA) and N,N',N''-triethylenephosphoramide (TEPA) were studied for their interaction with the DNA of L1210 cells in the presence and absence of rat hepatic microsomes and NADPH. Alkaline elution was used to study 3 types of DNA lesions. When L1210 cells were incubated with thioTEPA alone, or with thioTEPA in the presence of microsomes and NADPH, no single-strand breaks were detected. However, incubation of L1210 cells for 2 h with thioTEPA, at concentrations greater than or equal to 100 microM, caused a dose-dependent increase in interstrand cross-linking that reached a maximum by 2 h after drug exposure. In the presence of rat hepatic microsomes and NADPH, this cross-linking was eliminated, but a different DNA lesion, alkali-labile sites, was produced. These alkali-labile sites were partially reparable with maximum repair achieved by 2 h after removal of drug. ThioTEPA was greater than 85% consumed by the microsomal incubation conditions employed, and TEPA was the only product of the microsomal metabolism of thioTEPA. Alkaline elution studies of L1210 cells that had been incubated with TEPA, alone or in the presence of microsomes and NADPH, demonstrated an elution pattern identical to that produced by thioTEPA in the presence of microsomes and NADPH. Lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from patients with Fanconi's anemia were far more sensitive to thioTEPA and mechlorethamine hydrochloride than were lymphoblasts derived from normal humans, but this hypersensitivity was not noted with TEPA or bleomycin. This is consistent with the known hypersensitivity of cells from patients with Fanconi's anemia to agents that produce interstrand cross-links and with the alkaline elution studies described above. In contrast, lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from patients with ataxia telangiectasia were no more sensitive to thioTEPA than were lymphoblasts derived from normal humans but were far more sensitive to bleomycin. One of these cell lines proved hypersensitive to TEPA, whereas the other was no more sensitive to TEPA than were lymphoblasts from normal humans. Our data imply that thioTEPA produces interstrand cross-links but that TEPA, the primary metabolite of thioTEPA, produces DNA lesions that are alkali labile.

Mitomycin antibiotic reductive potential and related pharmacological activities

Relationships of reductive potential, kinetics of enzymatic reduction, augmented oxygen consumption, and cytotoxicity were determined for seven clinically relevant mitomycin antibiotics. Potentials for one-electron reduction were obtained by cyclic voltammetry analysis in dimethyl sulfoxide with 0.1 M tetraethyl-ammonium perchlorate. These potentials were -0.55 V for N7-acetylmitomycin C, -0.61 V for mitomycin A, -0.75 V for N7-(p-hydroxyphenyl)mitomycin C, -0.79 V for N7-(dimethylamino-methylene)mitomycin C, -0.81 V for N7-(2-(4-nitrophenyldithio)-ethyl)-mitomycin C, -0.81 V for mitomycin C, and -0.89 V for porfiromycin. All seven antibiotics were reduced by xanthine oxidase and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, but the rate of reduction varied for each antibiotic and each enzyme. The less negative the reductive potential of an antibiotic, the more easily that antibiotic was reduced enzymatically. These seven mitomycin antibiotics also augmented oxygen consumption by rat liver microsomes. As with their reduction by xanthine oxidase and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, the less negative the reductive potential of an antibiotic, the more it augmented oxygen consumption. Cytotoxicity of each antibiotic was assessed by defining the IC50 against HCT 116 human colon carcinoma cells. A relationship between the reductive potential of these antibiotics and their cytotoxicity against HCT 116 cells was also observed.

Cellular transport and accumulation of thiotepa

Because the transport and accumulation of N,N',N''-triethylenethiophosphoramide (thiotepa) by cells has not been characterized, these processes were investigated with [14C]thiotepa and cultured L1210 or freshly obtained human or avian RBCs. The octanol: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) partition coefficient of thiotepa was 2.4 +/- 0.1 (n = 8). With this value, the permeability coefficient (Ps) for thiotepa was estimated to be between 2.8 x 10(-4) and 1.81 x 10(-3) cm/sec, and the half-life of accumulation of thiotepa by L1210 cells was estimated to be 0.063 to 0.40 seconds. Thiotepa accumulation by cells was measured after incubation of cells with [14C]thiotepa and subsequent harvesting of cells by centrifugation through silicone fluid. Thiotepa accumulation by L1210 cells was biphasic. The initial phase was rapid and essentially complete by 10 seconds. The amount of cell-associated 14C increased linearly with increasing extracellular concentrations of thiotepa or with increasing size of the cell pellet. The absolute amount of cell-associated 14C was consistent with that expected if the [14C]thiotepa had been evenly distributed in the incubation medium and a volume equal to that of the cell pellet had been sampled and counted. This rapid phase of thiotepa accumulation was not slowed when cells were incubated on ice. The second phase of [14C]thiotepa accumulation occurred at a rate much slower than that of the initial phase. This slower phase of drug accumulation was linear for at least 5 hours. The rate of 14C accumulation increased progressively over a range of extracellular thiotepa concentrations from 5 to 100 nmol/mL and could not be saturated under acceptable tissue culture conditions. The slower rate of 14C accumulation was ablated by incubating cells on ice and was reduced by 30% to 50% in the presence of 1mM of sodium azide or 2,4-dinitrophenol. The slow rate of accumulation of 14C reflected summation of a relatively stable or constant amount of exchangeable 14C and an amount of nonexchangeable 14C that increased linearly from almost undetectable levels at the start of the experiment to amounts equal to 64 +/- 11% of total cellular radioactivity after 5 hours. The initial association of [14C]thiotepa with both human and avian RBCs was also very rapid. Avian RBCs also exhibited a slow rate of 14C accumulation that was linear for at least 5 hours but that was 15% to 20% that of L1210 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Porfiromycin disposition in oxygen-modulated P388 cells

The cytotoxicity, metabolism, and DNA alkylation of porfiromycin (PFM) under aerobic and hypoxic conditions were evaluated in P388 murine leukemia cells. Clonogenic assays showed that the IC50 value for a 1-h exposure to PFM was 4 microM for aerobic cells and 0.5 microM for hypoxic cells. After a 1-h exposure to concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 microM [14C]-PFM, the accumulation of total radioactivity in hypoxic cells was 10 to 20 times that in aerobic cells. The disposition of radioactivity in cells that had been treated for 1 h with 5 microM PFM under aerobic or hypoxic conditions showed that (a) under either condition, internal free-PFM concentration equalled the external drug concentration; (b) DNA-, RNA-, and protein-bound radioactivity were at least 10 times greater in hypoxic cells than in aerobic cells; and (c) known metabolites and unidentified radioactive products were also generated in greater amounts in hypoxic cells than in aerobic cells. Thus, the increased amounts of radioactivity accumulated by hypoxic P388 cells after exposure to [14C]-PFM resulted from the accumulation of nonexchangeable protein and nucleic-acid adducts and metabolites rather than free PFM. Determinations of DNA adducts formed in P388 cells revealed five possible adducts: (1) N2-(2'-deoxyguanosyl)-7-methylaminomitosene, (2) a second monofunctional PFM-guanine adduct, (3) a PFM cross-linked dinucleotide, (4) possibly a nucleoprotein-related adduct, and (5) an unknown. We conclude that the enhancement of PFM-induced cytotoxicity by hypoxia appears to be primarily due to increased alkylation of macromolecules.

Cellular transport and accumulation of thiotepa in murine, human, and avian cells

Because the transport and accumulation of thiotepa by cells has not been characterized, these process were investigated with [14C]thiotepa and cultured L1210 or freshly obtained human or avian RBC. The octanol:phosphate buffered saline partition coefficient of thiotepa was 2.4 +/- 0.1 (n = 8). With this value, the permeability coefficient (P) for thiotepa was estimated to be between 2.8 X 10(-4) and 1.81 X 10(-3) cm/s and the half-life of accumulation of thiotepa by L1210 cells was estimated to be 0.063-0.40 s. Thiotepa accumulation by cells was measured after incubation of cell with [14C]thiotepa and subsequent harvesting of cells by centrifugation through silicone fluid. Thiotepa accumulation by L1210 cells was biphasic. The initial phase was rapid essentially complete by 10 s. The amount of cell-associated 14C increased linearly with increasing extracellular concentrations of thiotepa or with increasing size of the cell pellet. The absolute amount of cell-associated 14C was consistent with that expected if the [14C]thiotepa had been evenly distributed in the incubation medium and a volume equal to that of the cell pellet had been sampled and counted. This rapid phase of thiotepa accumulation was not slowed when cells were incubated on ice. The second phase of [14C]thiotepa accumulation occurred at a rate much slower than that of the initial phase. This slower phase of drug accumulation was linear for at least 5 h. The rate of 14C accumulation increased progressively over a range of extracellular thiotepa concentrations between 5 and 100 nmol/ml and could not be saturated under acceptable tissue culture conditions. The slower rate of 14C accumulation was ablated by incubation cells on ice and was reduced by 30-50% in the presence of 1 mM sodium azide or 2,4-dinitrophenol. The slow rate of accumulation of 14C reflected summation of a relatively stable or constant amount of exchangeable 14C an an amount of nonexchangeable 14C which increased linearly from almost undetectable levels at the start of the experiment to amounts approximately equal to those of exchangeable radioactivity after 5 h. The initial association of [14C]thiotepa with both human and avian RBCs was also very rapid. Avian RBCs also exhibited a slow rate of 14C accumulation which was linear for at least 5 h which was 15-20% that of L1210 cells. Human RBCs did not exhibit a slower rate of 14C accumulation and essentially all of the 14C associated with human RBCs was exchangeable for the 5 h duration of the experiment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanism of transport and intracellular binding of porfiromycin in HCT 116 human colon carcinoma cells

The mechanism of uptake and efflux of porfiromycin (PFM) by HCT 116 human colon carcinoma cells or freshly obtained human RBC was investigated. The time course of uptake of radioactivity upon exposure of HCT 116 cells to [14C]PFM showed one fast and one slow phase of linear increase. The initial phase of PFM uptake was not saturable with external drug concentrations from 2 to 100 microM. PFM accumulation was temperature dependent with a temperature coefficient (Q10 24-37 degrees C) of 2.3 +/- 0.3. PFM uptake was not affected either by individual inhibitors such as 1 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol, sodium azide, iodoacetic acid, ouabain, 0.02 mM oligomycin, p-hydroxylmercuribenzoate, 0.2 mM N-ethylmaleimide, or by combinations of inhibitors. PFM uptake did not demonstrate competitive inhibition by unlabeled PFM and mitomycin C. Efflux of cellular radioactivity was not affected by the above mentioned inhibitors or by verapamil, diltiazem, or trifluoperazine. Only aliphatic alcohols accelerated the initial influx rate. The RBC, however, only exhibited the initial fast accumulation of [14C]PFM, and all the 14C accumulated by RBC was exchangeable. These data demonstrate that the uptake and the efflux of PFM in HCT 116 cells and RBC comprise a passive diffusion process.

Liquid chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry of DNA adducts formed with mitomycin C, porfiromycin and thiotepa

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermospray mass spectrometry were combined for the analysis of DNA adducts formed from the interaction of the anticancer drugs mitomycin C, porfiromycin and thiotepa with calf thymus DNA. The adducts formed from reaction of mitomycin C and porfiromycin with DNA were separated from unmodified nucleosides by HPLC on a C18 column and identified by thermospray mass spectrometry. Thiotepa DNA adducts readily depurinated from DNA and were chromatographed and identified by thermospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as the modified bases without the ribose moiety attached. The utility of thermospray mass spectrometry for the identification of microgram quantities of nucleoside adducts and depurinated base adducts of these anticancer drugs was demonstrated.

Metabolites and DNA adduct formation from flavoenzyme-activated porfiromycin

Porfiromycin was reductively metabolized by NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase and xanthine oxidase under anaerobic conditions. The production of metabolites varied with the pH and the contents of the reaction buffer. In Tris buffer, two major metabolites were produced at pH 7.5 and above, whereas one major metabolite was produced at pH 6.5. The three major metabolites were separated and isolated by HPLC. Identification by californium-252 plasma desorption mass spectrometry showed that the two major metabolites from pH 7.5 were (trans) and (cis)-forms of 7-amino-1-hydroxyl-2-methylaminomitosene and the major metabolite from pH 6.5 was 7-amino-2-methylaminomitosene. All three major metabolites showed substitutions at the C-1 position. DNA was alkylated readily by enzyme-activated porfiromycin. Digestion of porfiromycin-alkylated DNA by DNase, snake venom phosphodiesterase, and alkaline phosphatase resulted in an insoluble nuclease-resistant fraction and a soluble fraction. The nuclease-resistant fraction reflected a high content of cross-linked adducts. Upon HPLC analysis, the solubilized fraction contained two monofunctionally linked porfiromycin adducts and a possibly cross-linked dinucleotide. The major adduct was isolated by HPLC and identified by NMR, as N2-(2'-deoxyguanosyl)-7-amino-2-methylaminomitosene. The N2 position of deoxyguanosine appeared as the major monofunctional alkylating site for DNA alkylation by porfiromycin. Thus, mitomycin C and porfiromycin (which differs from mitomycin C only by the addition of a methyl group to the aziridine nitrogen) share the same enzymatic activating mechanism that leads to the formation of the same types of metabolites and the same specificity of DNA alkylation.

Involvement of monoamine oxidase and diamine oxidase in the metabolism of the cell differentiating agent hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA)

We have previously demonstrated a number of metabolites of hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) in the urine of patients treated with HMBA. These include N-acetyl-1,6-diaminohexane (NADAH), 6-acetamidohexanoic acid (6AcHA), 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH) and 6-aminohexanoic acid (6AmHA). Because these compounds have potential roles in the dose-limiting metabolic acidosis and neurotoxicity associated with HMBA therapy, and are similar in structure to known substrates of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO), we investigated the activities of these enzymes in the metabolic interconversion of HMBA metabolites. NADAH (5 mM) was incubated with MAO and aldehyde dehydrogenase. 6AcHA production was verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and quantified by gas chromatography. 6AcHA production was linear for up to 4 hr. Complete inhibition of MAO activity was observed with 2 mM tranyl-cypromine or pargyline. Mouse liver microsomes, which do not contain MAO, did not convert NADAH to 6AcHA and, in control experiments, did not degrade 6AcHA. The HMBA metabolite, DAH, was a substrate for DAO, producing 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-azepine. Participation of DAO in the metabolism of HMBA implies potential interaction of HMBA and metabolites with polyamine metabolism and may represent a mechanism for HMBA's effects on cellular growth and differentiation. Metabolism of NADAH, also a differentiator, by MAO implies that concurrent use of HMBA and an MAO inhibitor may be clinically useful.

DNA alkylation by enzyme-activated mitomycin C

After anaerobic reductive activation by either NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) or xanthine oxidase (EC 1.2.3.2), mitomycin C readily alkylated DNA. When the mitomycin C-alkylated DNA is digested by DNase, snake venom phosphodiasterase, and alkaline phosphatase, only partial release of the monofunctionally linked mitomycin C nucleotide adduct occurs. Cross-linked adducts are not released into dinucleotides but resist nuclease digestion and remain in oligonucleotides and insoluble precipitates. Kinetic analyses show that the nuclease-resistant fraction which is indicative of DNA cross-linking by mitomycin C takes place quite readily. This nuclease-resistant fraction is particularly significant when the amount of total bound mitomycin C is less than 15 mumol/mmol of DNA. The cross-linked mitomycin C product accounts for more than half of the total alkylation under all pH conditions tested. Our data suggest that particular DNA sites are available for DNA cross-linking by mitomycin C, and these sites are probably the preferred and immediate alkylating targets. Furthermore, DNA cross-links by mitomycin C are not the secondary product of monofunctional adducts. Activity of both flavoenzymes is pH dependent, hence, mitomycin C activation and the rate of DNA alkylation are pH dependent. At elevated mitomycin C alkylation of DNA, the highest amount of cross-linking occurs at neutral pH. High pressure liquid chromatographic separation of the nuclease-digested DNA detected one major and two less prominent mitomycin C adducts. These were verified to be mononucleotide mitosene types by UV spectra showing maximum absorbance at 312 and 250 nm. The major adduct was purified and identified as O6-(2'-deoxyguanosyl)-2,7-diaminomitosene by NMR, indicating that the O6 position of guanine is a preferred site in DNA for at least monofunctional linkage formation.

Reductive activation of mitomycin C and mitomycin C metabolites catalyzed by NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and xanthine oxidase

Under anaerobic conditions and with proper electron donors, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) and xanthine oxidase (EC 1.2.3.2) similarly reductively metabolized mitomycin C. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to separate, detect, and isolate several metabolites. Three metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography as 1,2-cis- and trans-2,7-diamino-1-hydroxymitosene and 2,7-diaminomitosene. Three metabolites were phosphate-dependent, and two of them were identified to be 1,2-cis- and trans-2,7-diaminomitosene 1-phosphate. The amounts of the five identified metabolites generated during the reduction of mitomycin C varied with pH and nucleophile concentration. At pH 6.5, 2,7-diaminomitosene was essentially the only metabolite formed, whereas from pH 6.8 to 8.0, trans- and cis-2,7-diamino-1-hydroxymitosene increased in quantity as 2,7-diaminomitosene decreased. The disappearance of mitomycin C and the production of metabolites were enzyme and mitomycin C concentration-dependent. Substrate saturation was not reached for either enzyme up to 5 mM mitomycin C. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies demonstrated the formation of mitomycin C radical anion as an intermediate during enzymatic activation. Our results indicate that either enzyme catalyzed the initial activation of mitomycin C to a radical anion intermediate. Subsequent spontaneous reactions, including the elimination of methanol and the opening of the aziridine ring, generate one active center at C-1 which facilitates nucleophilic attack. Simultaneous generation of two reactive centers was not observed. All five primary metabolites were metabolized further by either flavoenzyme. The secondary metabolites exhibited similar changes in their absorbance spectra and were unlike the primary metabolites, suggesting that a second alkylating center other than C-1 was generated during secondary activation. We propose that secondary activation of monofunctionally bound mitomycin C is probably a main route for the bifunctional binding of mitomycin C to macromolecules and that the cytotoxic actions of mitomycin C result from multiple metabolic activations and reactions.

Purification and characterization of homogeneous assimilatory reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-nitrate reductase from Neurospora crassa

Neurospora crassa wild type STA4 NADPH-nitrate reductase (NADPH : nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.3) has been purified 5000-fold with an overall yield of 25--50%. The final purified enzyme contained 4 associated enzymatic activities: NADPH-nitrate reductase, FADH2-nitrate reductase, reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis yielded 1 major and 1 minor protein band and both bands exhibited NADPH-nitrate and reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase activities. SDS gel electrophoresis yielded 2 protein bands corresponding to molecular weights of 115 000 and 130 000. A single N-terminal amino acid (glutamic acid) was found and proteolytic mapping for the two separated subunits appeared similar. Purified NADPH-nitrate reductase contained 1 mol of molybdenum and 2 mol of cytochrome b557 per mol protein. Non-heme iron, zinc and copper were not detectable. It is proposed that the Neurospora assimilatory NADPH-nitrate reductase consists of 2 similar cytochrome b557-containing 4.5-S subunits linked together by one molybdenum cofactor. A revised electron flow scheme is presented. p-Hydroxymercuribenzoate inhibition was reversed by sulfhydryl reagents. Inhibitory pattern of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and phenylglyoxal revealed accessible sulfhydryl and arginyl residue(s) as functional group(s) in the earlier part of electron transport chain as possibly the binding site of NADPH or FAD.

Automated microdensitometry and quantification of lipoproteins by agarose gel electrophoresis

A major obstacle in the application of quantitative microelectrophoresis has been tedious manipulations and calculations. To overcome these difficulties, we have developed an automatic system for the microdensitometry and calculations as part of a quantitative agarose gel electrophoresis facility. Results are internally standardized by serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride measurements. The hardware consists of a densitometer, an analog to digital converter, a cathode ray tube terminal, a teleprinter, and a small computer. A program in 4K words allows sample coding, electrophoretic scan display, indexing, and systematic identification of each peak. Data are acquired from scans of electrophoretic patterns of serum alone or in combination with the 1.006 gm/ml VLDL top and/or bottom preparative lipoprotein fractions. As many as 30 scans can be stored in 4K words of memory and then sent via high-speed telephone line to a larger computer for remote processing. The analysis corrects for baseline drifts and pre-beta asymmetry and will properly identify and quantify the amount of VLDL, LDL, and HDL with corrections for "sinking pre-beta" and "floating beta" in LDL and VLDL, respectively. Results are given in milligrams per 100 milliliter as well as percentile rank and standard deviation score ranking of each lipoprotein class as compared to an appropriate normal reference population. The latter data are in a form more meaningful to the physician and patient and provide a quantitative dimension to lipoprotein phenotyping.