Plin2通过NF-κB通路参与oxLDL诱导巨噬细胞LOX1的表达

目的 oxLDL可上调Plin2的表达,进而促进泡沫细胞的形成,LOX1是oxLDL的受体。本文探讨Plin2与LOX1在动脉粥样硬化发生发展过程中的关系。方法 从GEO数据库中下载GSE43292,分析Plin2、LOX1的表达及Plin2、LOX1与NF-κB信号通路的相关性。采用oxLDL处理的RAW264.7细胞作为动脉粥样硬化的细胞模型进行研究,蛋白质免疫印迹法检测细胞中Plin2、LOX1和p-p65的表达,荧光中性脂质染料BODIPY 493/503染色法检测细胞内脂滴。结果 通过分析GSE43292数据发现,Plin2、LOX1在颈动脉粥样硬化斑块中的表达显著高于颈动脉邻近组织。oxLDL处理RAW264.7细胞24 h后,Plin2与LOX1的表达、细胞内脂滴明显增加。过表达Plin2的细胞中LOX1表达升高;当用oxLDL孵育过表达Plin2的细胞后,LOX1的水平升高更为显著;但在没有oxLDL处理的情况下,敲减Plin2对细胞内LOX1的表达没有影响。基因集富集分析（gene set enrichment analysis,GSEA）结果显示,在动脉粥样硬化中,Plin2和LOX1的表达与NF-κB的活化呈正相关。此外,尽管采用oxLDL处理细胞,NF-κB抑制剂JSH-23预处理仍可显著降低Plin2与LOX1的表达、细胞内的脂质积聚,过表达Plin2后,JSH-23亦能显著抑制oxLDL孵育的细胞中Plin2和LOX1的表达。结论 Plin2可通过上调LOX1的表达促进细胞内脂质积聚,参与动脉粥样硬化,这一过程至少部分是通过激活NF-κB通路实现的。     

oxLDL对血管内皮细胞的损伤机制

天然的低密度脂蛋白(LDL)经氧化修饰形成氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL).天然LDL核心的脂肪酸中含有大量不饱和脂肪酸,约占LDL总脂肪酸含量的35-70%,所以容易发生自身氧化.oxLDL具有一系列生物学毒性作用,氧化修饰后的LDL不能经LDL受体代谢,由清道夫受体识别、结合、内吞饮入细胞并逃逸正常的胆固醇代谢途径,引起细胞内脂质沉积,泡沫样变.oxLDL引发动脉粥样硬化的机制之一就是损伤血管内皮细胞,因此细胞损伤机制的进一步阐明将为改善内皮细胞功能和治疗动脉粥样硬化提供新的思路.     

重组人可溶性凝血酶调节蛋白对单核细胞源性泡沫细胞形成的影响

目的:研究可溶性凝血酶调节蛋白(Soluble thrombomodulin,sTM)结合的血浆低密度脂蛋白对细胞胆固醇代谢的影响,探索sTM参与或影响动脉粥样硬化发病过程的初步机制。方法:以THP-1巨噬细胞为模型,通过油红O染色、高效液相色谱检测胆固醇含量等方法,以体外重组人可溶性凝血酶调节蛋白结合的低密度脂蛋白(sTM-LDL)作用于巨噬细胞,观察sTM-LDL对细胞胆固醇代谢的影响。结果:研究发现:正常人LDL对细胞内胆固醇代谢影响较小;而sTM-LDL处理细胞72小时后,细胞内大量脂滴形成,细胞内胆固醇含量明显增多,符合典型泡沫细胞的特征;运用NH-1单抗中和／干扰sTM的作用,不能阻断sTM-LDL诱导的THP-1细胞内胆固醇聚集。结论:sTM对LDL的修饰可能改变了LDL的理化特性和代谢途径,可导致细胞内胆固醇聚集和泡沫细胞的形成,且这种作用与sTM本身对细胞的影响可能无明显关系。     

PKR 通过SUMO化修饰调控胰岛beta细胞P53 功能上调

目的：探讨PKR通过SUMO 化修饰上调P53 功能,阐明胰岛beta细胞增殖抑制的分子机制。方法：转染wt-PKR 质粒并结合 BEPP刺激,诱导PKR在胰岛beta细胞特异性激活。免疫印迹和免疫共沉淀技术检测P53 及P53-SUMO-1 蛋白结合水平变化;并给 予SUMO 化抑制剂Spectomycin B1,分析其相关分子机制。结果：免疫印迹和实时定量PCR 检测表明：PKR 特异激活能诱导P53 蛋白水平而不是mRNA水平上调;免疫共沉淀分析显示：PKR 促进了SUMO-1 与P53 蛋白结合水平的增加;而Spectomycin B1 能抑制PKR 诱导的P53 蛋白水平及其与SUMO 结合的增加。结论：PKR能通过促进P53 的SUMO 化修饰,上调其功能,诱导胰 岛beta细胞增殖抑制,可能参与2 型糖尿病的发生和病程发展。     

甲状腺激素对氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导的巨噬细胞功能紊乱的影响

甲状腺功能减退症(甲减)患者的动脉粥样硬化(atherosclerosis,AS)及冠心病风险指数显著增加,但机制不清楚。巨噬细胞功能紊乱是促进AS斑块形成及发展的重要环节,本研究旨在探讨甲状腺激素对巨噬细胞功能的直接影响,为甲减相关AS的机制研究提供新思路。用氧化型低密度脂蛋白(oxidized low-density lipoprotein,oxLDL)诱导小鼠单核巨噬细胞系RAW264.7,建立体外巨噬泡沫细胞模型,并观察不同浓度甲状腺素(thyroxine,T4)对巨噬泡沫细胞功能的改善效应。分别采用MTT法、划痕实验、β-半乳糖苷酶染色实验检测巨噬细胞增殖、迁移功能及细胞衰老情况;ELISA法检测巨噬细胞分泌肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,MCP-1)及白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)情况;Western blot检测参与巨噬细胞增殖、迁移等过程的粘着斑激酶(focal adhesion kinase,FAK)的磷酸化水平。结果显示:oxLDL可显著抑制巨噬细胞增殖和迁移、促进其衰老及分泌TNF-α、MCP-1和IL-1β,而T4可浓度依赖性逆转oxLDL对巨噬细胞上述功能的影响;oxLDL可使巨噬细胞磷酸化FAK蛋白表达上调,而T4可浓度依赖性降低FAK蛋白磷酸化水平。上述结果提示,T4可呈浓度依赖性地调控巨噬细胞增殖、迁移、衰老及炎性因子分泌等功能。     

PKR通过SUMO化修饰调控胰岛β细胞P53功能上调

目的:探讨PKR通过SUMO化修饰上调P53功能,阐明胰岛β细胞增殖抑制的分子机制。方法:转染wt-PKR质粒并结合BEPP刺激,诱导PKR在胰岛β细胞特异性激活。免疫印迹和免疫共沉淀技术检测P53及P53-SUMO-1蛋白结合水平变化;并给予SUMO化抑制剂Spectomycin B1,分析其相关分子机制。结果:免疫印迹和实时定量PCR检测表明:PKR特异激活能诱导P53蛋白水平而不是mRNA水平上调;免疫共沉淀分析显示:PKR促进了SUMO-1与P53蛋白结合水平的增加;而Spectomycin B1能抑制PKR诱导的P53蛋白水平及其与SUMO结合的增加。结论:PKR能通过促进P53的SUMO化修饰,上调其功能,诱导胰岛β细胞增殖抑制,可能参与2型糖尿病的发生和病程发展。     

辛伐他汀对动脉粥样硬化大鼠凋亡相关基因Fas及FasL蛋白表达的影响

目的通过研究辛伐他汀对动脉粥样硬化大鼠血管壁中细胞凋亡相关基因Fas及FasL蛋白表达产物的影响,探讨其在预防动脉粥样硬化发生中的可能机制。方法复制动脉粥样硬化大鼠模型,以辛伐他汀干预,取胸主动脉,观察其斑块变化,采用免疫组化Elivision法测定动脉粥样硬化血管壁中Fas、FasL蛋白表达。结果Fas蛋白表达在实验组明显高于对照组及干预组(P<0.01,P<0.05),实验组FasL蛋白表达也明显高于对照组及干预组(P<0.05)。结论Fas及FasL基因通过促进细胞凋亡作用而诱发动脉粥样硬化过程,辛伐他汀可通过调节细胞凋亡过程发挥抗动脉粥样硬化作用。     

KNK437抑制乙型肝炎病毒复制及转录

乙型肝炎病毒(Hepatitis B virus,HBV)在肝细胞内复制过程中,病毒反转录酶(P蛋白)与前基因组RNA(Pregenomic RNA,pgRNA)上的RNA包装信号ε形成P-ε复合物,启动反转录合成和核衣壳装配。封闭P-ε相互作用是一种极具吸引力的抗HBV策略。已知P-ε形成RNP复合物正常发挥活性时,需要热休克蛋白(Heat-shock proteins,Hsps)参与。本研究探索Hsps抑制剂KNK437对HBV复制及转录的影响。主要运用了三种工作模型:HepG2.2.15细胞系、瞬时转染1.05×HBV(pCH9-3091)质粒的Huh7细胞系和瞬时转染1.3×HBV(pGEM-1.3×HBV)质粒的Huh7细胞系。采用CCK-8方法检测KNK437的细胞毒性,ELISA测定细胞培养液上清中HBsAg和HBeAg的分泌水平;q-PCR和qRT-PCR分别检测细胞内HBV核衣壳中DNA和细胞内HBV RNA水平;Western blotting检测细胞内衣壳亚单位(core)表达水平;qRT-PCR检测细胞内Hsps本身的转录水平。结果表明:20μM KNK437对细胞没有毒性,且在该浓度下KNK437除HepG2.2.15模型外,均下调HBV HBsAg和HBeAg的胞外分泌,抑制细胞内HBV核衣壳中DNA合成,降低细胞内HBV RNA转录水平,最低可使DNA水平降至1.5%左右,RNA水平降至30%左右,从而表明KNK437抑制HBV复制和转录。在HepG2.2.15中的Western blotting显示,KNK437明显减少细胞内衣壳亚单位(core)表达水平。KNK437也抑制Hsp70,Hsp90b,Hsp40等三种热休克蛋白RNA的转录,从而验证了它的确是一种泛Hsps抑制剂。本研究结果显示KNK437具有潜在抗HBV应用前景。     

HMGB1/SREBP-1参与IFN-γ介导的小鼠肾小球系膜细胞内的脂质沉积

目的:探讨γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)诱导小鼠系膜细胞内脂质沉积的可能机制。方法:常规培养的小鼠系膜细胞(MMC)分为正常对照组、刺激组、刺激+空质粒组(sh-HMGB1)和刺激+质粒组(sh-SREBP-1);油红O染色观察细胞内脂质沉积;RT-PCR检测HMGB1、SREBP-1和脂肪酸合成酶(FAS)mRNA表达;Wesern blot检测蛋白表达。结果:油红O检测显示IFN-γ刺激组MMC细胞中出现明显脂滴;IFN-γ刺激能够上调HMGB、SREBP-1和FASmRNA及蛋白表达;沉默HMGB1能够降低IFN-γ诱导的SREBP-1和FAS上调,并减少细胞内脂质沉积;沉默SREBP-1能够减少HMGB诱导的MMC细胞内脂质沉积。结论:IFN-γ可能通过上调HMGB/SREBP-1/FAS的表达促进小鼠系膜细胞内脂滴沉积。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ促进内皮细胞凋亡和NOX4表达

目的分析高浓度血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）刺激人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVECs）时细胞内活性氧（ROS）、NOX4mRNA水平和细胞凋亡的变化。方法倒置显微镜下观察人脐静脉内皮细胞形态;免疫组化法检测人脐静脉内皮细胞Ⅷ因子相关抗原的表达;RT—PCR检测HUVECs中NOX4的表达;流式细胞仪检测各组细胞内ROS生成量和细胞凋亡率,Hoechst染色分析细胞凋亡。结果高AngⅡ刺激HUVECs时,NOX4mRNA表达上调,细胞内ROS生成增加,细胞凋亡增加。结论高AngⅡ上调HUVCEs内NOX4mR—NA表达并促进细胞内ROS生成和细胞凋亡。     

Expression of urotensin-II in human coronary atherosclerosis

The vasoactive peptide urotensin-II (U-II) is best known for its ability to regulate peripheral vascular and cardiac contractile function in vivo, and recent in vitro studies have suggested a role for the peptide in the control of vascular remodeling by inducing smooth muscle proliferation and fibroblast-mediated collagen deposition. Therefore, U-II may play a role in the etiology of atherosclerosis. In the present study we sought to determine the expression of U-II in coronary arteries from patients with coronary atherosclerosis and from normal control subjects, using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In normal coronary arteries, there was little expression of U-II in all types of cells. In contrast, in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, endothelial expression of U-II was significantly increased in all diseased segments (P < 0.05). Greater expression of U-II was noted in endothelial cells of lesions with subendothelial inflammation or fibrofatty lesion compared with that of endothelial cells underlined by dense fibrosis or minimal intimal thickening. Myointimal cells and foam cells also expressed U-II. In most diseased segments, medial smooth muscle cells exhibited moderate expression of U-II. These findings demonstrate upregulation of U-II in endothelial, myointimal and medial smooth muscle cells of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries, and suggest a possible role for U-II in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Involvement of Kv1.5 Protein in Oxidative Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury

Endothelial injury related to oxidative stress is a key event in cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. The activation of the redox-sensitive Kv1.5 potassium channel mediates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells and some cancer cells. Kv1.5 channel is therefore taken as a new potential therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension and cancers. Although Kv1.5 is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelium, there is little knowledge of its role in endothelial injury related to oxidative stress. We found that DPO-1, a specific inhibitor of Kv1.5, attenuated H₂O₂-evoked endothelial cell apoptosis in an in vivo rat carotid arterial model. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs), angiotensin II and oxLDL time- or concentration-dependently enhanced Kv1.5 protein expression in parallel with the production of intracellular ROS and endothelial cell injury. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Kv1.5 attenuated, whereas adenovirus-mediated Kv1.5 cDNA overexpression enhanced oxLDL–induced cellular damage, NADPH oxidase and mitochondria-derived ROS production and restored the decrease in protein expression of mitochondria uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). Collectively, these data suggest that Kv1.5 may play an important role in oxidative vascular endothelial injury.     

Asymmetric dimethylarginine confers the communication between endothelial and smooth muscle cells and leads to VSMC migration through p38 and ERK1/2 signaling cascade

Communication between endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contributes to atherosclerosis induced by atherogenic factors, such as oxide LDL. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a newly found cardiovascular risk factor, accumulates in the culture medium of oxide LDL (oxLDL)-treated endothelial cells and positively correlates with atherosclerosis. This study demonstrates that ADMA mediates the communication between endothelial cells and SMCs induced by oxLDL leading to SMC migration. In addition, the present study suggests exogenous ADMA directly induces SMC migration via p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction way. Investigations to identify the factors regulating VSMC migration may provide novel insights into atherosclerosis and its complications.     

Decreased levels of lipid peroxidation-induced DNA damage in the onset of atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

Increased oxidative stress and subsequent lipid peroxidation (LPO) are thought to be critical events in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E deficient mice (ApoE-KO). LPO derived reactive aldehydes react with DNA to form exocyclic etheno-DNA adducts. These pro-mutagenic DNA lesions are known to be involved in the initiation of carcinogenesis, but their role in the development of atherosclerosis is unknown. In the present study we show that levels of the LPO derived 1,N(6)-ethenodeoxyadenosine (varepsilondA) and 3,N(4)-ethenodeoxycytidine (varepsilondC) were both significantly lower in aorta of 12 weeks old ApoE-KO mice as compared to their wild type controls (1.6+/-0.3 versus 3.2+/-0.8 varepsilondA per 10(8) parent nucleotides, P=0.04 and 4.8+/-0.8 versus 9.2+/-2.1 for varepsilondC, P=0.02). Moreover, levels of both DNA adduct types were inversely related with total plasma cholesterol levels. Consequently, lowest etheno-DNA adduct levels were observed in ApoE-KO mice on a high fat diet. Hypercholesterolemia has previously been associated with increased expression of base excision repair (BER) enzymes, which could explain the lower levels of etheno-DNA adducts in ApoE-KO mice as compared to wild type controls. Indeed, increased staining for the BER-specific DNA repair enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (Ape1/Ref1) was observed by immunohistochemistry in the endothelium and the first layers of arterial smooth muscle cells of ApoE-KO mice as compared to their wild type counterparts. A high fat diet further increased overall Ape1/Ref1 protein expression in ApoE-KO mice. Although these data suggest no role for increased LPO derived DNA damage in the onset of atherogenesis in ApoE-KO mice, the potentially modulating role of Ape1/Ref1 in the arterial wall deserves further attention.     

Carbonyl scavenger and antiatherogenic effects of hydrazine derivatives

Reactive carbonyl compounds (RCC) generated by polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation alter progressively cellular and tissular proteins by forming adducts on free amino groups and thiol residues (carbonyl stress). Carbonyl scavengers may neutralize RCC, but their protective effect in atherosclerosis has not been extensively studied. We report the carbonyl scavenger and antiatherogenic properties of hydrazine derivatives, namely hydralazine, an antihypertensive drug, isoniazid, an antituberculosis agent, and two antidepressants, phenelzine and iproniazid. These drugs were poorly efficient in preventing the oxidation of LDL mediated by smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but inhibited the toxicity of UV-oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Hydrazine derivatives prevented the formation of foam cells resulting from LDL oxidation in human macrophagic U937 cells, and blocked the carbonyl stress in SMCs, by inhibiting the decrease in free amino group content, the increase in carbonylated proteins, and the formation of 4-HNE adducts on PDGFR. Experimental studies carried out on apoE-/- mice supplemented with drugs (30 mg/L in drinking water) showed a significant carbonyl stress inhibition correlated with a net reduction of atherosclerotic lesion development. In conclusion, these data indicate that hydrazine derivatives exhibit carbonyl scavenger and antiatherogenic properties, which opens novel therapeutical approaches for atherosclerosis and its cardiovascular complications.     

拉西地平对高温高湿应激大鼠血管平滑肌细胞GRP78和CHOP表达的影响

目的：探讨钙离子拮抗剂拉西地平对高温高湿应激大鼠血管平滑肌细胞内内质网应激相关因子葡萄糖调节蛋白78（glucose-regulated protein of 78kD,GRP78）和C/EBP环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合转录因子同源蛋白（CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein,CHOP）表达的影响。方法：将60只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、高温高湿组、拉西地平组,每组20只。按实验时间（2w、4w、6w、8w）的不同,各组又分为4个亚组,每个亚组5只大鼠。用颈动脉插管法测定各组大鼠的平均动脉压（MAP）;用免疫组织化学法检测GRP78和CHOP的表达水平。结果：①高温高湿各组的MAP随着实验时间的延长呈逐渐递增的趋势,高温高湿4w、6w、8w亚组的MAP均显著高于相应的对照组和拉西地平组（P〈0.05）。②随着实验时间的延长,高温高湿组GRP78表达量不断增加,6w达到最大值,8w表达减弱。高温高湿4w、6w、8w亚组GRP78表达量均高于相应对照组和拉西地平组,有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。③高温高湿组2w、4w、6w、8w亚组CHOP表达量组间比较有显著性差异（P〈0.05）,8w亚组表达达到最高值;高温高湿组6w、8w亚组与相应对照组和拉西地平组比较有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。结论：高温高湿应激可引起血管平滑肌细胞内质网应激反应,导致GRP78表达及CHOP表达的不对称增加,提示高温高湿应激可引起血管平滑肌细胞的损害;拉西地平可以减轻内质网应激,逆转高温高湿应激所致的血管平滑肌细胞的损伤作用,对血管平滑肌细胞有保护作用。     

OxLDL stimulates cell proliferation through a general induction of cell cycle proteins

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) may be involved in atherosclerosis by stimulating proliferation of cells in the vessel wall. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanism by which oxLDL induces proliferation. Quiescent human fibroblasts and rabbit smooth muscle cells were treated with 0, 10, or 50 microg/ml oxLDL for 24-48 h. This resulted in significant increases in total cell counts at both concentrations of oxLDL, at both time points, for both types of cells. Western blot analysis revealed that oxLDL-stimulated cell proliferation was associated with significant increases in the expression of proteins that regulate entry into and progression through the cell cycle [cell division cycle 2, cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 2, cdk 4, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, and PCNA]. Surprisingly, the expression of cell cycle inhibitors (p21 and p27) was stimulated by oxLDL as well, but this was to a lesser extent than the effects on cell cycle-activating proteins. OxLDL also induced nuclear localization of all cell cycle proteins examined. The similar effects of oxLDL on the translocation and expression of both cell cycle-activating and -inhibiting proteins may explain the controlled proliferative phenomenon observed in atherosclerosis as opposed to the more rapid proliferative event characteristic of cancer.     

Protein modification elicited by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in endothelial cells: protection by (-)-epicatechin

The action of oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) on vascular endothelial cells has been proposed to be a crucial process leading to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. OxLDL was shown here to elicit oxidative stress in bovine aortic endothelial cells or human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as judged by an increase in 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence and elevated levels of carbonylated, nitrated, and 2-hydroxynonenal-coupled proteins. These effects were sensitive to apocynin, indicating involvement of NADPH oxidase. A 170-kDa polypeptide carbonylated upon exposure of cells to oxLDL was identified by immunoprecipitation as EGF receptor. Immunocytochemical visualization by confocal microscopy revealed the highest levels of modified proteins in the perinuclear region. Exposure of endothelial cells to oxLDL led to modulation of the expression levels of *NO synthases; the endothelial isoform (eNOS) was down-regulated via proteasomal degradation, whereas the inducible isoform (iNOS) was up-regulated in an enzymatically active state. eNOS protein was found to be both carbonylated and nitrated upon exposure of cells to oxLDL. iNOS contributed to the generation of modified proteins as judged by the effects of the selective inhibitor L-NIO. These oxLDL-elicited changes in vascular endothelial cells described were suppressed by (-)-epicatechin, a dietary polyphenol, which inhibited NADPH oxidase activity in these cells.     

Etheno-DNA adduct formation in rats gavaged with linoleic acid, oleic acid and coconut oil is organ- and gender specific

Intake of linoleic acid (LA) increased etheno-DNA adducts induced by lipid peroxidation (LPO) in white blood cells (WBC) of female but not of male volunteers [J. Nair, C.E. Vaca, I. Velic, M. Mutanen, L.M. Valsta, H. Bartsch, High dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids drastically increase the formation of etheno-DNA adducts in white blood cells of female subjects, Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 6 (1997) 597-601]. Etheno-adducts were measured in rats gavaged with LA, oleic acid (OA) and saturated fatty acid rich coconut oil for 30 days. DNA from organs and total WBC was analyzed for 1, N(6)-ethenodeoxyadenosine (varepsilondA) and 3, N(4)-ethenodeoxycytidine (varepsilondC) by immunoaffinity/(32)P-postlabeling. Colon was the most affected target with LA-treatment, where etheno-adducts were significantly elevated in both sexes. In WBC both adducts were elevated only in LA-treated females. Unexpectedly, OA treatment enhanced etheno-adduct levels in prostate 3-9 fold. Our results in rodents confirm the gender-specific increase of etheno-adducts in WBC-DNA, likely due to LPO induced by redox-cycling of 4-hydroxyestradiol. Colon was a target for LPO-derived DNA-adducts in both LA-treated male and female rats, supporting their role in omega-6 PUFA induced colon carcinogenesis.