Activation of an nadph oxidase from maize by dipicolinic acid

An NADPH oxidase has been partially purified from maize kernels. The activity of this enzyme, as measured by NADPH disappearance or oxygen consumption, was enhanced by dipicolinic acid (pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylic acid). Dipicolinic acid was not consumed in this reaction indicating that it was an activator rather than a substrate of this enzyme.     

Structural Aspects of The Inhibitory Effect of Glabridin on LDL Oxidation

The inhibitory effects of glabridin, an isoflavan isolated from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, and its derivatives on the oxidation of LDL induced by copper ions or mediated by macrophages were studied, in order to evaluate the contribution of the different parts of the isoflavan molecule to its antioxidant activity. The peak potential (E_1/2) of the isoflavan derivatives, their radical scavenging capacity toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and their ability to chelate heavy metals were also analyzed and compared to their inhibitory activity on LDL oxidation. In copper ion-induced LDL oxidation, glabridin (1), 4′-O-methylglabridin (2), hispaglabridin A (3), and hispaglabridin B (4), which have two hydroxyl groups at positions 2′ and 4′ or one hydroxyl at position 2′ on ring B, successfully inhibited the formation of conjugated dienes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid peroxides, and inhibited the electrophoretic mobility of LDL under oxidation. Compounds 1–3 exhibited similar activities, whereas compound 4 was less active. In macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation, the TBARS formation was also inhibited by these isoflavans (1–4) at a similar order of activity to that obtained in copper ion-induced LDL oxidation. On the other hand, 2′-O-methylglabridin (5), a synthesized compound, whose hydroxyl at 2′-position is protected and the hydroxyl at 4′-position is free, showed only minor inhibitory activity in both LDL oxidation systems. 2′,4′-O-Dimethylglabridin (6), whose hydroxyls at 2′- and 4′-positions are both protected, was inactive. Resorcinol (7), which is identical to the phenolic B ring in glabridin, presented low activity in these oxidation systems. The isoflavene glabrene (8), which contains an additional double bond in the heterocyclic C ring, was the most active compound of the flavonoid derivatives tested in both oxidation systems. The peak potential of compounds 1–5 (300 μM), tested at pH 7.4, was similar (425–530 mV), and that for compound 6 and 8 was 1078 and 80 mV, respectively. Within 30 min of incubation, compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 scavenged 31%, 16%, 74%, 51%, 86%, respectively, of DPPH radical, whereas compounds 5 and 6, which almost did not inhibit LDL oxidation, also failed to scavenge DPPH. None of the isoflavan derivatives nor the isoflavene compound were able to chelate iron, or copper ions. These results suggest that the antioxidant effect of glabridin on LDL oxidation appears to reside mainly in the 2′ hydroxyl, and that the hydrophobic moiety of the isoflavan is essential to obtain this effect. It was also shown that the position of the hydroxyl group at B ring significantly affected the inhibitory efficiency of the isoflavan derivatives on LDL oxidation, but did not influence their ability to donate an electron to DPPH or their peak potential values.     

Effect of calcium on synthesis of dipicolinic acid inPenicillium citreoviride and its feedback resistant mutant

Dipicolinic acid synthesis inPenicillium citreoviride strain 3114 was inhibited by Ca²⁺ ions, but not by Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺or Fe²⁺. Among the metals tested, only Zn²⁺ inhibited the synthesis of dipicolinic acid and promoted sporulation. None of these metals reversed the inhibition by Ca²⁺ or Zn²⁺. A mutant 27133-dpa-ca selected for resistance to feedback inhibition by dipicolinic acid: Ca²⁺ complex showed cross-resistance to inhibition by dipicolinic acid: Zn²⁺. Both 3114 and271 33-dpa-ca excreted a number of aliphatic and amino acids during secondary metabolism of dipicolinic acid. In the presence of 1000 ppm of Ca²⁺, accumulation of citric acid and α-aminoadipic acid was completely inhibited under conditions of inhibition of dipicolinic acid in parent strain 3114 but not in the mutant. Citric acid with or without Ca²⁺ did not inhibit thede novo synthesis of dipicolinic acid in the strain 3114. In fact, citric acid in the presence of Ca²⁺ improved significantly rate of dipicolinic acid synthesis. Apart from resistance to feed back inhibition by dipicolinic acid: Ca²⁺ complex, mutant differed from the parent in three other aspectsviz. (i) dipicolinic acid synthesis was not subject to catabolite repression by glucose, (ii) sporulation as well as dipicolinic acid synthesis was dependent on the presence of Ca²⁺ ions in the medium and (iii) Mg²⁺ requirement for the mutant increased three fold. Higher requirement of the Mg²⁺ could be partially relieved by Ca²⁺ during secondary metabolism. The results support the inference thatde novo synthesis of dipicolinic acid is regulated through feedback inhibition by dipicolinic acid: Ca²⁺complex.     

The mechanism of block of glutamate synapses by dipicolinic acid

The effect of dipicolinic acid (2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid) on the mealworm neuromuscular junction was studied using conventional microelectrode recording techniques. Dipicolinic acid (10^?5-10^?3 M) added to the bathing solution reversibly blocked neuromuscular transmission. The depolarization in response to iontophoretically applied L-glutamate (glutamate potential) was not affected by dipicolinic acid even when the neurally evoked excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) was totally abolished. Focal extracellular recordings from single synaptic sites revealed that in the presence of 1 x 10^?4 M dipicolinic acid the presynaptic spike was unchanged, but the quantal content for evoked transmitter release was reduced. The calcium-dependent action potential elicited by direct stimulation of the muscle fiber was not impaired by dipicolinic acid. These results suggest that dipicolinic acid interferes with the transmitter-releasing mechanism from the presynaptic terminal.     

Glucose enhancement of LDL oxidation is strictly metal ion dependent

Recent evidence suggests that lipoprotein oxidation is increased in diabetes, however, the mechanism(s) for such observations are not clear. We examined the effect of glucose on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation using metal ion-dependent and -independent oxidation systems. Pathophysiological concentrations of glucose (25 mM) enhanced copper-induced LDL oxidation as determined by conjugated diene formation or relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) on agarose gels. Similarly, iron-induced LDL oxidation was stimulated by glucose resulting in 4- to 6-fold greater REM than control incubations without glucose. In contrast, glucose had no effect on metal ion-independent LDL oxidation by aqueous peroxyl radicals. The effect of glucose on metal ion-dependent LDL oxidation was associated with enhanced reduction of metal ions, and in the case of iron-induced LDL oxidation, was completely inhibited by superoxide dismutase. The effect of glucose was mimicked by other reducing sugars, such as fructose and mannose, and the extent to which each sugar enhanced LDL oxidation was closely linked to its metal ion-reducing activity. Thus, promotion of LDL oxidation by glucose is specific for metal ion-dependent oxidation and involves increased metal ion reduction. These results provide one potential mechanism for enhanced LDL oxidation in diabetes.     

Human serum paraoxonase (PON 1) is inactivated by oxidized low density lipoprotein and preserved by antioxidants

Human serum paraoxonase (PON1) can protect low density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation induced by either copper ion or by the free radical generator azo bis amidinopropane hydrochloride (AAPH). During LDL oxidation in both of these systems, a time-dependent inactivation of PON arylesterase activity was observed. Oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) produced by lipoprotein incubation with either copper ion or with AAPH, indeed inactivated PON arylesterase activity by up to 47% or 58%, respectively. Three possible mechanisms for PON inactivation during LDL oxidation were considered and investigated: copper ion binding to PON, free radical attack on PON, and/or the effect of lipoprotein-associated peroxides on the enzyme. As both residual copper ion and AAPH are present in the Ox-LDL preparations and could independently inactivate the enzyme, the effect of minimally oxidized (Ox-LDL produced by LDL storage in the air) on PON activity was also examined. Oxidized LDL, as well as oxidized palmitoyl arachidonoyl phosphatidylcholine (PAPC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, which is produced during LDL oxidation by phospholipase A2-like activity), and oxidized cholesteryl arachidonate (Ox-CA), were all potent inactivators of PON arylesterase activity (PON activity was inhibited by 35%-61%). PON treatment with Ox-LDL (but not with native LDL), or with oxidized lipids, inhibited its arylesterase activity and also reduced the ability of the enzyme to protect LDL against oxidation. PON Arylesterase activity however was not inhibited when PON was pretreated with the sulfhydryl blocking agent, p-hydroxymercurybenzoate (PHMB). Similarly, on using recombinant PON in which the enzyme's only free sulfhydryl group at the position of cysteine-284 was mutated, no inactivation of the enzyme arylesterase activity by Ox-LDL could be shown. These results suggest that Ox-LDL inactivation of PON involves the interaction of oxidized lipids in Ox-LDL with the PON's free sulfhydryl group. Antioxidants such as the flavonoids glabridin or quercetin, when present during LDL oxidation in the presence of PON, reduced the amount of lipoprotein-associated lipid peroxides and preserved PON activities, including its ability to hydrolyze Ox-LDL cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxides. We conclude that PON's ability to protect LDL against oxidation is accompanied by inactivation of the enzyme. PON inactivation results from an interaction between the enzyme free sulfhydryl group and oxidized lipids such as oxidized phospholipids, oxidized cholesteryl ester or lysophosphatidylcholine, which are formed during LDL oxidation. The action of antioxidants and PON on LDL during its oxidation can be of special benefit against atherosclerosis since these agents reduce the accumulation of Ox-LDL by a dual effect: i.e. prevention of its formation, and removal of Ox-LDL associated oxidized lipids which are generated during LDL oxidation.     

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Dipicolinic Acid from Bacterial Spores

Dipicolinic acid was determined by reverse-phase liquid chromatography. Elution was with 0.2 M potassium phosphate, pH 1.8, containing 1.5% tert-amyl alcohol or higher concentrations of lower alcohols or acetonitrile. The normal analytical range was 50 to 1,000 μM, which is equivalent to 0.1 to 1 mg of spores per ml with a relative standard error of 2 to 4% and a detection limit of <100 pmol. Dipicolinic acid was fully extracted from spores by heating at pH 1.8 for 10 min at 100°C. Sporulating cultures may be analyzed in less than 20 min without separation of cells from media. Liquid chromatography was also used to detect dipicolinic acid in more complex substrates, e.g., guinea pig feces containing Metabacterium polyspora spores and canned food. Dipicolinic acid could be detected in unspoiled canned salmon containing <10⁶ added Bacillus cereus spores per g.     

Efflux of dipicolinic acid from human erythrocytes, sealed membrane fragments, and band 3-liposome complexes: a fluorescence probe for the erythrocyte anion transporter

The greatly enhanced fluorescence of Tb3+ when complexed with dipicolinic acid affords a simple and highly sensitive method for monitoring continuous anion flux through the erythrocyte anion transporter, band 3. Dipicolinic acid (pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) is entrapped in human erythrocytes and other band 3-membrane preparations. Efflux of dipicolinic acid from preequilibrated systems into Tb3+-containing medium is monitored fluorometrically. Dipicolinic acid efflux is demonstrated in intact erythrocytes, sealed red cell membrane fragments, and band 3-liposome complexes. In each system, dipicolinic acid efflux is blocked by the band 3 inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid. The technique is highly sensitive and reproducible, and is applicable to hemoglobin-containing and hemoglobin-free systems of widely varying surface area to volume ratios.     

The effect of dipicolinic acid on maize tissue culture growth is not solely due to inhibition of lysine biosynthesis

Dipicolinic acid, a known inhibitor of an enzyme (dihydrodipicolinic acid reductase) in the maize (Zea mays L.) lysine biosynthetic pathway, inhibits the growth of maize suspension and callus cultures. Inhibited cultures contain somewhat lower free lysine levels, but the inhibition of suspension culture growth was not reversible with simultaneous addition of L-lysine to the culture medium. It is concluded that dipicolinic acid does not act solely as an analog blocking lysine production. Dipicolinic acid thus appears to be unsuitable as a selection for maize tissue culture mutants with lysine overproduction.Abbreviations FW fresh weight - I₅₀ inhibitor concentration at which cell growth is inhibited by 50% - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) culture medium - ZM Black Mexican Zea mays suspension culture of Chourey and Zurawski (1981)     

Ibuprofen protects low density lipoproteins against oxidative modification

Oxidative modification of LDL by vascular cells has been proposed as the mechanism by which LDL become atherogenic. The effect of ibuprofen on LDL modification by copper ions, monocytes and endothelial cells was studied by measuring lipid peroxidation products. Ibuprofen inhibited LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner over a concentration range of 0.1 to 2.0 mM. Ibuprofen (2 mM, 100 microg/ml LDL) reduced the amount of lipid peroxides formed during 2 and 6 h incubation in the presence of copper ions by 52 and 28%, respectively. Weak free radical scavenging activity of ibuprofen was observed in the DPPH test. The protective effect of ibuprofen was more marked when oxidation was induced by monocytes or endothelial cells. Ibuprofen (1 mM, 100 microg/ml LDL) reduced the amount of lipid peroxides generated in LDL during monocyte-mediated oxidation by 40%. HUVEC-mediated oxidation of LDL in the absence and presence of Cu2+ was reduced by 32 and 39%, respectively. More lipid peroxides appeared when endothelial cells were stimulated by IL-1beta or TNFalpha and the inhibitory effect of ibuprofen in this case was more pronounced. Ibuprofen (1 mM, 100 microg/ml LDL) reduced the amount of lipid peroxides formed during incubation of LDL with IL-1beta-stimulated HUVEC by 43%. The figures in the absence and presence of Cu2+ for HUVEC stimulated with TNFalpha were 56 and 59%, respectively. To assess the possibility that ibuprofen acts by lowering the production rate of reactive oxygen species, the intracellular concentration of H2O2 was measured. Ibuprofen (1 mM) reduced intracellular production of hydrogen peroxide in PMA-stimulated mononuclear cells by 69%. When HUVEC were stimulated by IL-1beta or TNFalpha the reduction was 62% and 66%, respectively.     

Thyroid hormone (T3) and its acetic derivative (TA3) protect low-density lipoproteins from oxidation by different mechanisms

Triiodothyronine (T3) and triiodothyroacetic acid (TA3) are thyroid compounds that similarly protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) against oxidation induced by the free radical generator 2,2'-azobis-[2-amidinopropane] dihydrochloride (AAPH). However, TA3 is more antioxidant than T3 on LDL oxidation induced by copper ions (Cu2+), suggesting that these compounds act by different mechanisms. Here we measured conjugated diene production kinetics during in vitro human LDL (50 mg LDL-protein per l) oxidation induced by various Cu2+ (0.5-4 microM) or AAPH (0.25-2 mM) concentrations in the presence of T3, TA3, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (a free radical scavenger) or ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) (a metal chelator). From the kinetics were estimated: length of the lag phase (Tlag), maximum velocity of conjugated diene production (Vmax), and maximum amount of generated dienes (Dmax). Thyroid compound effects on these oxidation parameters were compared to those of the controls BHT and EDTA. In addition we measured by atomic absorption spectrometry copper remaining in LDL after a 30 min incubation of LDL with Cu2+ and the compounds followed by extensive dialysis, i.e. copper bound to LDL. As expected, LDL-copper was decreased by EDTA in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas it was not affected by BHT. T3 increased LDL-copper whereas TA3 slightly decreased it. The whole data suggest that T3 and TA3 are free radical scavengers that also differently disturb LDL-copper binding, an essential step for LDL lipid peroxidation. The most likely mechanisms are that T3 induces new copper binding sites inside the LDL particle, increasing the LDL-copper amount but in a redox-inactive form, whereas TA3 blocks some redox-active copper binding sites highly implicated in the initiation and the propagation of lipid peroxidation. Alternatively, we also found that a little amount of copper is tightly bound in LDL, which may be essential for the propagation of lipid peroxidation induced by free radical generators.     

Antioxidant BO-653 and human macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation

Oxidation of LDL is now widely accepted to be involved in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BO-653, a strong radical scavenger and antioxidant, on oxidation of LDL by human macrophages in vitro. Fifty microg/ml LDL protein was incubated with macrophages in Ham's F10 medium, supplemented with additional Fe2+, for up to 48 h. Then the medium was analysed by LDL agarose gel electrophoresis, the thiobarbituric acid assay and gas chromatography. In the absence of added exogenous antioxidants, after 24h LDL oxidation produced 30.48 nmoles MDA equivalents/mg LDL protein and a relative electrophoretic mobility of 4.74. Linoleic acid (18:2), arachidonic acid (20:4) and cholesterol were depleted and 7beta-hydroxycholesterol was generated. BO-653 completely inhibited this cell-mediated oxidation of LDL in concentrations as low as 5 microM, being more effective than either alpha-tocopherol or probucol, which completely inhibited oxidation at 200 and 80 microM and only partially at 80 and 8 microM, respectively. This inhibition of cell-mediated LDL oxidation was not due to toxicity, as alpha-tocopherol, probucol and BO-653 were not toxic for the macrophages at the concentrations tested. Eighty microM alpha-tocopherol, 8 microM probucol and 5 microM BO-653 significantly reduced the toxicity to the oxidising culture caused by LDL oxidation. The results show that in this system BO-653 is a more effective antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol or probucol.     

Kinetics of lipid peroxidation in mixtures of HDL and LDL, mutual effects.

In view of the proposed central role of LDL oxidation in atherogenesis and the established role of HDL in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, several studies were undertaken to investigate the possible effect of HDL on LDL peroxidation. Since these investigations yielded contradictory results, we have conducted systematic kinetic studies on the oxidation in mixtures of HDL and LDL induced by different concentrations of copper, 2, 2'-azo bis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). These studies revealed that oxidation of LDL induced either by AAPH or MPO is inhibited by HDL under all the studied conditions, whereas copper-induced oxidation of LDL is inhibited by HDL at low copper/lipoprotein ratio but accelerated by HDL at high copper/lipoprotein ratio. The antioxidative effects of HDL are only partially due to HDL-associated enzymes, as indicated by the finding that reconstituted HDL, containing no such enzymes, inhibits peroxidation induced by low copper concentration. Reduction of the binding of copper to LDL by competitive binding to the HDL also contributes to the antioxidative effect of HDL. The acceleration of copper-induced oxidation of LDL by HDL may be attributed to the hydroperoxides formed in the "more oxidizable" HDL, which migrate to the "less oxidizable" LDL and enhance the oxidation of the LDL lipids induced by bound copper. This hypothesis is supported by the results of experiments in which native LDL was added to oxidizing lipoprotein at different time points. When the native LDL was added prior to decomposition of the hydroperoxides in the oxidizing lipoprotein, the lag preceding oxidation of the LDL was much shorter than the lag observed when the native LDL was added at latter stages, after the level of hydroperoxides became reduced due to their copper-catalyzed decomposition. The observed dependence of the interrelationship between the oxidation of HDL and LDL on the oxidative stress should be considered in future investigations regarding the oxidation of lipoprotein mixtures.     

Tea catechins inhibit cholesterol oxidation accompanying oxidation of low density lipoprotein in vitro

Endogenous oxidized cholesterols are potent atherogenic agents. Therefore, the antioxidative effects of green tea catechins (GTC) against cholesterol oxidation were examined in an in vitro lipoprotein oxidation system. The antioxidative potency of GTC against copper catalyzed LDL oxidation was in the decreasing order (-)-epigalocatechin gallate (EGCG)=(-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG)>(-)-epicatechin (EC)=(+)-catechin (C)>(-)-epigallocatechin (EGC). Reflecting these activities, both EGCG (74%) and ECG (70%) inhibited the formation of oxidized cholesterol, as well as the decrease of linoleic and arachidonic acids, in copper catalyzed LDL oxidation. The formation of oxidized cholesterol in 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-mediated oxidation of rat plasma was also inhibited when the rats were given diets containing 0.5% ECG or EGCG. In addition, EGCG and ECG highly inhibited oxygen consumption and formation of conjugated dienes in AAPH-mediated linoleic acid peroxidative reaction. These two species of catechin also markedly lowered the generation of hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion. Thus, GTC, especially ECG and EGCG, seem to inhibit cholesterol oxidation in LDL by combination of interference with PUFA oxidation, the reduction and scavenging of copper ion, hydroxyl radical generated from peroxidation of PUFA and superoxide anion.     

Chemical degradation of dipicolinic acid-C14 and its application in biosynthesis by Penicillium citreo-viride

Kanie, Matuso (Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan), Shigeo Fujimoto, and J. W. Foster. Chemical degradation of dipicolinic acid-C(14) and its application to biosynthesis by Penicillium citreo-viride. J. Bacteriol. 91:570-577. 1966.-A chemical degradation of dipicolinic acid-C(14) has been worked out, enabling determination of the specific radioactivity of the carboxyl-carbons (carbons-7 and -8), and of the following carbons of the pyridine ring: carbons-2 and -6 combined, carbons-3 and -5 combined, and carbon-4. The degradation was applied to dipicolinic acid synthesized by washed, submerged mycelium of the mold from glucose and C(14)O(2), and from glucose-1-C(14), -2-C(14), and -6-C(14). The distribution of radioactivity within the labeled dipicolinic acids is consistent with operation of respiratory cycles and with the incorporation of one molecule of CO(2) in the pyridine acid. A C(3) compound is a primary building block. The C(7) chain is believed to result from a C(3) plus C(4) condensation, pyruvic acid and aspartic acid beta-semialdehyde being proposed as likely precursors. Other aspects of the biosynthesis of C(7) open-chain compounds and of dipicolinic acid are discussed.     

Synthesis of cinnamic acid derivatives and their inhibitory effects on LDL-oxidation, acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 and -2 activity, and decrease of HDL-particle size

A series of cinnamic acid derivatives were synthesized and their biological abilities on lipoprotein metabolism were examined. Among the tested compounds, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (l-phenylalanine methyl ester) amide (1) and 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinammic acid (l-aspartic acid dibenzyl ester) amide (2) inhibited human acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 and -2 activities with apparent IC(50) around 60 and 95 microM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 also served as an antioxidant against copper mediated low-density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation with apparent IC(50)=52 and 3 microM, compound 1 and 2, respectively. Additionally, decrease of HDL-particle size under presence of LDL was inhibited by the 1 at 307 microM of final concentration. Treatment of the 1 or 2 did not influence normal growth of RAW264.7 without detectable cytotoxic activity from a cell viability test. These results suggest that the new cinnamic acid derivatives possess useful biological activity as an anti-atherosclerotic agent with inhibition of cellular cholesterol storage and transport by the both ACAT, inhibition of LDL-oxidation, HDL particle size rearrangement.     

1 Acyl-2 acetyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine decreases the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidative modification by copper ions,monocytes or endothelial cells

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its analogue, 1 acyl-2 acetyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine (1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC), were investigated on the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by copper ions, U937 monocyte-like cells or endothelial cells, by determination of the lipid peroxidation end products (TBARS) content and measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of the particle. 1 Acyl-2 acetyl-GPC, in the concentration range 1–5 μg/ml, inhibited LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in the three systems, whereas PAF had no effect. The protective effect of 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC was markedly more important when oxidative modification was performed with endothelial cells, leading to total inhibition at 5 μg/ml. At the same concentration, the TBARS production was inhibited by 60% and 20% with monocytes and copper ions, respectively. The degradation by J774 macrophage-like cells of LDL modified by copper ions, U937 monocyte-like cells or endothelial cells was also inhibited when modification was performed in the presence of 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC. Furthermore, preincubation of the LDL particle with 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC before modification protected the lipoprotein against oxidation, whereas preincubation of the cultured cells with the phospholipid had no effect. Thus 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC decreases the susceptibility of the LDL particle to oxidative modification, possibly by intercalation within the lipid phase of the particle. Since LDL oxidation is believed to play an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, this inhibitory effect of 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC might be of importance in view of the fact that this phospholipid is produced concomitantly with PAF in some inflammatory cells.     

Characterization of antioxidants present in hawthorn fruits

Hawthorn fruit extract has been shown to have many health benefits including being cardiovascular protective, hypotensive and hypocholesterolemic. The present study was carried out to characterize further the antioxidants of hawthorn fruit and their effect on the oxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and alpha-tocopherol. The dry hawthorn fruit was extracted successively with ether, ethyl acetate, butanol and water. The ethyl acetate fraction was only effective in inhibition of Cu(+2)-mediated LDL oxidation. The column chromatographic separation led to isolation of eight pure compounds; namely, ursolic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin and protocatechuic acid. All of these phenolic compounds, except ursolic acid, were protective to human LDL from Cu(+2)-mediated LDL oxidation. They were also effective in preventing the peroxy free radical-induced oxidation of alpha-tocopherol in human LDL. The inhibitory effect of these compounds on oxidation of LDL and alpha-tocopherol was dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 5 to 40 μM. In addition, supplementation of 2% hawthorn fruit powder significantly elevated serum alpha-tocopherol by 18-20% in rats fed a 30% polyunsaturated canola oil diet, as compared with the control. The present results suggest that part of the mechanism for cardiovascular protective effects of hawthorn fruit might also involve the direct protection to human LDL from oxidation or indirect protection via maintaining the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in human LDL.     

Glucose-Modified Low Density Lipoprotein Enhances Human Monocyte Chemotaxis

In diabetes mellitus the progression of atherosclerosis is accelerated. The interaction of glucose with athero-genic lipoproteins may be relevant to the mechanisms responsible for this vascular damage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of glucose-modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) on human monocyte chemotaxis and to investigate the roles of oxidation and glycation in the generation of chemotactic LDL. Cu(II)-mediated LDL oxidation was potentiated by glucose in a dose-dependent manner and increased its chemotactic activity. Incubation with glucose alone, under conditions where very little oxidation was observed, also increased the chemotactic property of LDL. Neither diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) nor aminoguanidine, which both inhibited LDL oxidation, completely inhibited the chemotactic activity of glycated oxidised LDL. The results suggest that both oxidation and glycation contribute to increased chemotactic activity.     

The Effect of the Phenolic Antioxidant Ferulic Acid on the Oxidation of Low Density Lipoprotein Depends on the Pro-oxidant Used

The action of ferulic acid during the oxidation of LDL has been investigated using both copper ions and the haem protein metmyoglobin as pro-oxidants. The results demonstrate the ability of ferulic acid to act as a pro-oxidant when LDL oxidation is induced by copper at concentrations of the phenolic acid which are protective when the LDL oxidation is mediated by metmyoglobin. The suggested mechanism involves the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺ by ferulic acid resulting in the production of the ferulic phenoxyl radical.