Role of VPO1, a newly identified heme-containing peroxidase, in ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an important enzyme involved in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis. Vascular peroxidase 1 (VPO1) is a newly discovered member of the peroxidase family that is mainly expressed in vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells and has structural characteristics and biological activity similar to those of MPO. Our specific aims were to explore the effects of VPO1 on endothelial cell apoptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis and the expression of VPO1 in endothelial cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner concomitant with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generation, and up-regulated protein expression of the NADPH oxidase gp91^phox subunit and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. All these effects of ox-LDL were inhibited by VPO1 gene silencing and NADPH oxidase gp91^phox subunit gene silencing or by pretreatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or diphenyliodonium. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell apoptosis, but had no effect on intracellular ROS and HOCl generation or the expression of NADPH oxidase gp91^phox subunit or VPO1. Collectively, these findings suggest for the first time that VPO1 plays a critical role in ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and that there is a positive feedback loop between VPO1/HOCl and the now-accepted dogma that the NADPH oxidase/ROS/p38 MAPK/caspase-3 pathway is involved in ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.     

Rac1-NADPH oxidase-regulated generation of reactive oxygen species mediates glutamate-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to play an important role in glutamate-induced neuronal cell death. In the present study, we examined whether NADPH oxidase serves as a source of ROS production and plays a role in glutamate-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Stimulation of the cells with glutamate (100 mM) induced apoptotic cell death and increase in the level of ROS, and these effects of glutamate were significantly suppressed by the inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase, diphenylene iodonium, apocynin, and neopterine. In addition, RT-PCR revealed that SH-SY5Y cells expressed mRNA of gp91^phox, p22^phox and cytosolic p47^phox, p67^phox and p40^phox, the components of the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase. Treatment with glutamate also resulted in activation and translocation of Rac1 to the plasma membrane. Moreover, the expression of Rac1N17, a dominant negative mutant of Rac1, significantly blocked the glutamate-induced ROS generation and cell death. Collectively, these results suggest that the plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidase complex may play an essential role in the glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death through increased production of ROS.     

Genetic deficiency of NADPH oxidase does not diminish,but rather enhances,LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are thought to play a central role in the etiology of cell dysfunction and tissue damage in sepsis. However, there is limited and controversial evidence from in vivo studies that ROS mediate cell signaling processes that elicit acute inflammatory responses during sepsis. Because NADPH oxidase is one of the main cellular sources of ROS, we investigated the role of this enzyme in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammation in vivo, utilizing mice deficient in the gp91^phox or p47^phox subunits of NADPH oxidase. Age-and body weight-matched C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and gp91^phox?/? and p47^phox?/? mice were injected ip with 50 μg LPS or saline vehicle and sacrificed at various time points up to 24 h. We found that LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in serum and tissues were not significantly diminished in gp91^phox?/? and p47^phox?/? mice compared to WT mice. Rather, genetic deficiency of NADPH oxidase was associated with enhanced gene expression of inflammatory mediators and increased neutrophil recruitment to lung and heart. Furthermore, no protection from LPS-induced septic death was observed in either knockout strain. Our findings suggest that NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS production and cellular redox signaling do not promote, but instead limit, LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo.     

A Conserved Region between the TPR and Activation Domains of p67phox Participates in Activation of the Phagocyte NADPH Oxidase

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase, dormant in resting cells, is activated during phagocytosis to produce superoxide, a precursor of microbicidal oxidants. The membrane-integrated protein gp91^phox serves as the catalytic core, because it contains a complete electron-transporting apparatus from NADPH to molecular oxygen for superoxide production. Activation of gp91^phox requires the cytosolic proteins p67^phox, p47^phox, and Rac (a small GTPase). p67^phox, comprising 526 amino acids, moves upon cell stimulation to the membrane together with p47^phox and there interacts with Rac; these processes are prerequisite for gp91^phox activation. Here we show that a region of p67^phox (amino acids 190–200) C-terminal to the Rac-binding domain is evolutionarily well conserved and participates in oxidase activation at a later stage in conjunction with an activation domain. Alanine substitution for Tyr-198, Leu-199, or Val-204 abrogates the ability of p67^phox to support superoxide production by gp91^phox-based oxidase as well as its related oxidases Nox1 and Nox3; the activation also involves other invariant residues such as Leu-193, Asp-197, and Gly-200. Intriguingly, replacement of Gln-192 by alanine or that of Tyr-198 by phenylalanine or tryptophan rather enhances superoxide production by gp91^phox-based oxidase, suggesting a tuning role for these residues. Furthermore, the Y198A/V204A or L199A/V204A substitution leads to not only a complete loss of the activity of the reconstituted oxidase system but also a significant decrease in p67^phox interaction with the gp91^phox NADPH-binding domain, although these mutations affect neither the protein integrity nor the Rac binding activity. Thus the extended activation domain of p67^phox (amino acids 190–210) containing the D(Y/F)LGK motif plays an essential role in oxidase activation probably by interacting with gp91^phox.     

Phosphorylation of p22phox on Threonine 147 Enhances NADPH Oxidase Activity by Promoting p47phox Binding

NADPH oxidase comprises both cytosolic and membrane-bound subunits, which, when assembled and activated, initiate the transfer of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen to form superoxide. This activity, known as the respiratory burst, is extremely important in the innate immune response as indicated by the disorder chronic granulomatous disease. The regulation of this enzyme complex involves protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions as well as phosphorylation events. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that the small membrane subunit of the oxidase complex, p22^phox, is phosphorylated in neutrophils and that its phosphorylation correlates with NADPH oxidase activity. In this study, we utilized site-directed mutagenesis in a Chinese hamster ovarian cell system to determine the phosphorylation sites within p22^phox. We also explored the mechanism by which p22^phox phosphorylation affects NADPH oxidase activity. We found that mutation of threonine 147 to alanine inhibited superoxide production in vivo by more than 70%. This mutation also blocked phosphorylation of p22^phox in vitro by both protein kinase C-α and -δ. Moreover, this mutation blocked the p22^phox-p47^phox interaction in intact cells. When phosphorylation was mimicked in vivo through mutation of Thr-147 to an aspartyl residue, NADPH oxidase activity was recovered, and the p22^phox-p47^phox interaction in the membrane was restored. Maturation of gp91^phox was not affected by the alanine mutation, and phosphorylation of the cytosolic component p47^phox still occurred. This study directly implicates threonine 147 of p22^phox as a critical residue for efficient NADPH oxidase complex formation and resultant enzyme activity.     

Bidirectional interactions between NOX2‐type NADPH oxidase and the F‐actin cytoskeleton in neuronal growth cones

NADPH oxidases are important for neuronal function but detailed subcellular localization studies have not been performed. Here, we provide the first evidence for the presence of functional NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)‐type complex in neuronal growth cones and its bidirectional relationship with the actin cytoskeleton. NADPH oxidase inhibition resulted in reduced F‐actin content, retrograde F‐actin flow, and neurite outgrowth. Stimulation of NADPH oxidase via protein kinase C activation increased levels of hydrogen peroxide in the growth cone periphery. The main enzymatic NADPH oxidase subunit NOX2/gp91^phox localized to the growth cone plasma membrane and showed little overlap with the regulatory subunit p40^phox. p40^phox itself exhibited colocalization with filopodial actin bundles. Differential subcellular fractionation revealed preferential association of NOX2/gp91^phox and p40^phox with the membrane and the cytoskeletal fraction, respectively. When neurite growth was evoked with beads coated with the cell adhesion molecule apCAM, we observed a significant increase in colocalization of p40^phox with NOX2/gp91^phox at apCAM adhesion sites. Together, these findings suggest a bidirectional functional relationship between NADPH oxidase activity and the actin cytoskeleton in neuronal growth cones, which contributes to the control of neurite outgrowth.

     

Khz (Fusion of Ganoderma lucidum and Polyporus umbellatus Mycelia) Induces Apoptosis by Increasing Intracellular Calcium Levels and Activating JNK and NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

Khz is a compound derived from the fusion of Ganoderma lucidum and Polyporus umbellatus mycelia that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. The results of the present study show that Khz induced apoptosis preferentially in transformed cells and had only minimal effects on non-transformed cells. Furthermore, Khz induced apoptosis by increasing the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and activating JNK to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via NADPH oxidase and the mitochondria. Khz-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent and occurred via a mitochondrial pathway. ROS generation by NADPH oxidase was critical for Khz-induced apoptosis, and although mitochondrial ROS production was also required, it appeared to occur secondary to ROS generation by NADPH oxidase. Activation of NADPH oxidase was demonstrated by the translocation of regulatory subunits p47^phox and p67^phox to the cell membrane and was necessary for ROS generation by Khz. Khz triggered a rapid and sustained increase in [Ca²⁺]_i, which activated JNK. JNK plays a key role in the activation of NADPH oxidase because inhibition of its expression or activity abrogated membrane translocation of the p47^phox and p67^phox subunits and ROS generation. In summary, these data indicate that Khz preferentially induces apoptosis in cancer cells, and the signaling mechanisms involve an increase in [Ca²⁺]_i, JNK activation, and ROS generation via NADPH oxidase and mitochondria.     

Consequences of the constitutive NOX2 activity in living cells: Cytosol acidification,apoptosis, and localized lipid peroxidation

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is a key enzyme of the innate immune system generating superoxide anions (O₂^?-), precursors of reactive oxygen species. The NOX2 protein complex is composed of six subunits: two membrane proteins (gp91^phox and p22^phox) forming the catalytic core, three cytosolic proteins (p67^phox, p47^phox and p40^phox) and a small GTPase Rac. The sophisticated activation mechanism of the NADPH oxidase relies on the assembly of cytosolic subunits with the membrane-bound components. A chimeric protein, called ‘Trimera’, composed of the essential domains of the cytosolic proteins p47^phox (aa 1–286), p67^phox (aa 1–212) and full-length Rac1Q61L, enables a constitutive and robust NOX2 activity in cells without the need of any stimulus. We employed Trimera as a single activating protein of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in living cells and examined the consequences on the cell physiology of this continuous and long-term NOX activity. We showed that the sustained high level of NOX activity causes acidification of the intracellular pH, triggers apoptosis and leads to local peroxidation of lipids in the membrane. These local damages to the membrane correlate with the strong tendency of the Trimera to clusterize in the plasma membrane observed by FRET-FLIM microscopy.     

NOX5 NAD(P)H oxidase regulates growth and apoptosis in DU 145 prostate cancer cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to play an important role in regulating growth and survival of prostate cancer. However, the sources for ROS production in prostate cancer cells have not been determined. We report that ROS are generated by intact American Type Culture Collection DU 145 cells and by their membranes through a mechanism blocked by NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors. ROS are critical for growth in these cells, because NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors and antioxidants blocked proliferation. Components of the human phagocyte NAD(P)H oxidase, p22^phox and gp91^phox, as well as the Ca²⁺ concentration-responsive gp91^phox homolog NOX5 were demonstrated in DU 145 cells by RT-PCR and sequencing. Although the protein product for p22^phox was not detectable, both gp91^phox and NOX5 were identified throughout the cell by immunostaining and confocal microscopy and NOX5 immunostaining was enhanced in a perinuclear location, corresponding to enhanced ROS production adjacent to the nuclear membrane imaged by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate oxidation. The calcium ionophore ionomycin dramatically stimulated ferricytochrome c reduction in cell media, further supporting the importance of NOX5 for ROS production. Antisense oligonucleotides for NOX5 inhibited ROS production and cell proliferation in DU 145 cells. In contrast, antisense oligonucleotides to p22^phox or gp91^phox did not impair cell growth. Inhibition of ROS generation with antioxidants or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors increased apoptosis in cells. These results indicate that ROS generated by the newly described NOX5 oxidase are essential for prostate cancer growth, possibly by providing trophic intracellular oxidant tone that retards programmed cell death. superoxide anion; diphenylene iodonium; p22^phox; gp91^phox; adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate response element; caspases     

Role for the first SH3 domain of p67 in activation of superoxide-producing NADPH oxidases

The membrane-bound NADPH oxidase in phagocytes, gp91^phox (a.k.a. Nox2), produces superoxide, a precursor of microbicidal oxidants, thereby playing a crucial role in host defense. Activation of gp91^phox/Nox2 requires assembly with the cytosolic proteins p67^phox and p47^phox, each containing two SH3 domains. Although the C-terminal SH3 domain of p67^phox is responsible for binding to p47^phox, little is known about the role for the first (N-terminal) SH3 domain [SH3(N)]. Here we show that truncation of p67^phox-SH3(N), but not substitution of arginine for the invariant residue Trp-277 in SH3(N), results in an impaired activation of gp91^phox/Nox2. The impairment is overcome by higher expression of an SH3(N)-defective p67^phox in cells, suggesting that SH3(N) primarily increases the affinity of p67^phox for the oxidase complex. On the other hand, p67^phox-SH3(N) is not involved in activation of Nox1 and Nox3, closely-related homologues of gp91^phox/Nox2. Thus p67^phox-SH3(N) specifically functions in gp91^phox/Nox2 activation probably via facilitating oxidase assembly.     

Superoxide Anion Production and Expression of gp91phox and p47phox Are Increased in Glomeruli and Proximal Tubules of Cisplatin‐Treated Rats

The chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin has some side effects including nephrotoxicity that has been associated with reactive oxygen species production, particularly superoxide anion. The major source of superoxide anion is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase. However, the specific segment of the nephron in which superoxide anion is produced has not been identified. Rats were sacrificed 72 h after cisplatin injection (7.5 mg/kg), and kidneys were obtained to isolate glomeruli and proximal and distal tubules. Cisplatin induced superoxide anion production in glomeruli and proximal tubules but not in distal tubules. This enhanced superoxide anion production was prevented by diphenylene iodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. Consistently, this effect was associated with the increased expression of gp91^phox and p47^phox, subunits of NADPH oxidase. The enhanced superoxide anion production in glomeruli and proximal tubules, associated with the increased expression of gp91^phox and p47^phox, is involved in the oxidative stress in cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity.     

NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox: A proton pathway

Summary The generation of superoxide by the NADPH oxidase is an electrogenic process resulting in a rapid depolarisation of the membrane potential of the cell. The efflux of H⁺ ions through an arachidonate-activatable, Zn²⁺-inhibitable H⁺ pathway accompanies the efflux of electrons and provides the necessary charge compensation. Inhibition of H⁺ flux leads to inhibition of superoxide generation. The protein gp91^phox, a transmembrane component of the NADPH oxidase, was demonstrated to be capable of acting as the NADPH oxidase-associated H⁺ channel in a stable CHO cell line, CHO91. The N-terminal 230 amino acids contain all that is required for the protein to form an H⁺ channel and specifically histidine 115 is important to the ability of gp91^phox to conduct H⁺ ions. The recording of outward currents from CHO91 cells, in the whole-cell configuration, demonstrated that gp91^phox is also capable of functioning as a voltage-gated H⁺ conductance pathway. The similarity in properties between voltage-elicited outward currents, from both wild type and the mutations, and the arachidonate-activated H⁺ flux strongly suggests that these H⁺ pathways are one in the same. Among the recently identified homologues of gp91^phox only NOH-1S has so far been demonstrated to also act as an H⁺ conductance pathway.Abbreviation CGD chronic granulomatous disease     

Panaxydol induces apoptosis through an increased intracellular calcium level,activation of JNK and p38 MAPK and NADPH oxidase-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species

Panaxydol, a polyacetylenic compound derived from Panax ginseng roots, has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrated that panaxydol induced apoptosis preferentially in transformed cells with a minimal effect on non-transformed cells. Furthermore, panaxydol was shown to induce apoptosis through an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), activation of JNK and p38 MAPK, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) initially by NADPH oxidase and then by mitochondria. Panaxydol-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent and occurred through a mitochondrial pathway. ROS generation by NADPH oxidase was critical for panaxydol-induced apoptosis. Mitochondrial ROS production was also required, however, it appeared to be secondary to the ROS generation by NADPH oxidase. Activation of NADPH oxidase was demonstrated by the membrane translocation of regulatory p47^phox and p67^phox subunits and shown to be necessary for ROS generation by panaxydol treatment. Panaxydol triggered a rapid and sustained increase of [Ca²⁺]_i, which resulted in activation of JNK and p38 MAPK. JNK and p38 MAPK play a key role in activation of NADPH oxidase, since inhibition of their expression or activity abrogated membrane translocation of p47^phox and p67^phox subunits and ROS generation. In summary, these data indicate that panaxydol induces apoptosis preferentially in cancer cells, and the signaling mechanisms involve a [Ca²⁺]_i increase, JNK and p38 MAPK activation, and ROS generation through NADPH oxidase and mitochondria.     

Functional analysis of two-amino acid substitutions in gp91<Emphasis Type="Italic">phox</Emphasis> in a patient with X-linked flavocytochrome <Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis><Subscript>558</Subscript>-positive chronic granulomatous disease by means of transgenic PLB-985 cells

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited disorder in which phagocytes lack NADPH oxidase activity. The most common form is caused by mutations in the CYBB gene encoding gp91phox protein, the heavy chain of cytochrome b₅₅₈, which is the redox element of NADPH oxidase. In some rare cases, the mutated gp91phox is normally expressed but no NADPH oxidase can be detected. This type of CGD is called X91⁺ CGD. We have previously reported an X⁺ CGD case with a double-missense mutation in gp91phox. Transgenic PLB-985 cells have now been made to study the impact of each single mutation on oxidase activity and assembly to rule out a possible new polymorphism in the CYBB gene. The His303Asn/Pro304Arg gp91phox transgenic PLB-985 cells exactly mimic the phenotype of the neutrophils of the X⁺ CGD patient. The His303Asn mutation is sufficient to inhibit oxidase activity in intact cells and in a broken cell system, whereas in the Pro304Arg mutant, residual activity suggests that the Pro304Arg substitution is less devastating to oxidase activity than the His303Asn mutation. The study of NADPH oxidase assembly following the in vitro and in vivo translocation of cytosolic factors p47phox and p67phox has demonstrated that, in the double mutant and in the His303Asn mutant, NADPH oxidase assembly is abolished, although the translocation is only attenuated in Pro304Arg mutant cells. Thus, even though the His303Asn mutation has a more severe inhibitory effect on NADPH oxidase activity and assembly than the Pro304Arg mutation, neither mutation can be considered as a polymorphism.Clara Bionda and Xing Jun Li contributed equally to this work     

Versatile roles of plant NADPH oxidases and emerging concepts

NADPH oxidase (NOX) is a key player in the network of reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing enzymes. It catalyzes the production of superoxide (O₂⁻), that in turn regulates a wide range of biological functions in a broad range of organisms. Plant Noxes are known as respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rbohs) and are homologs of catalytic subunit of mammalian phagocyte gp91^phox. They are unique among other ROS producing mechanisms in plants as they integrate different signal transduction pathways in plants. In recent years, there has been addition of knowledge on various aspects related to its structure, regulatory components and associated mechanisms, and its plethora of biological functions. This update highlights some of the recent developments in the field with particular reference to important members of the plant kingdom.     

p47phox Phox Homology Domain Regulates Plasma Membrane but Not Phagosome Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase Activation

The assembly of cytosolic subunits p47^phox, p67^phox, and p40^phox with flavocytochrome b₅₅₈ at the membrane is required for activating the neutrophil NADPH oxidase that generates superoxide for microbial killing. The p47^phox subunit plays a critical role in oxidase assembly. Recent studies showed that the p47^phox Phox homology (PX) domain mediates phosphoinositide binding in vitro and regulates phorbol ester-induced NADPH oxidase activity in a K562 myeloid cell model. Because the importance of the p47^phox PX domain in neutrophils is unclear, we investigated its role using p47^phox knock-out (KO) mouse neutrophils to express human p47^phox and derivatives harboring R90A mutations in the PX domain that result in loss of phosphoinositide binding. Human p47^phox proteins were expressed at levels similar to endogenous murine p47^phox, with the exception of a chronic granulomatous disease-associated R42Q mutant that was poorly expressed, and wild type human p47^phox rescued p47^phox KO mouse neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity. Plasma membrane NAPDH oxidase activity was reduced in neutrophils expressing p47^phox with Arg⁹⁰ substitutions, with substantial effects on responses to either phorbol ester or formyl-Met-Leu-Phe and more modest effects to particulate stimuli. In contrast, p47^phox Arg⁹⁰ mutants supported normal levels of intracellular NADPH oxidase activity during phagocytosis of a variety of particles and were recruited to phagosome membranes. This study defines a differential and agonist-dependent role of the p47^phox PX domain for neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation.     

ClC-3 deficiency prevents apoptosis induced by angiotensin II in endothelial progenitor cells via inhibition of NADPH oxidase

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in postnatal neovascularization and re-endothelialization in response to tissue ischemia and endothelial injury. It is reported that the circulating EPCs number is decreased during hypertension. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. Our previous studies have shown that ClC-3 chloride channel is up-regulated with the development of hypertension. This study aims to test whether ClC-3 participates in EPC apoptosis under the condition of increased oxidative stress in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension. The results showed that stimulation with 10^?6mol/L Ang II significantly up-regulated the endogenous ClC-3 expression and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in EPCs of wild type mice, accompanied by an enhanced NADPH oxidase activity and the expression of gp91^phox (NOX-2), a key catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase. However, these effects of Ang II were significantly reduced in EPCs of ClC-3^?/? mice. Compared with control, treatment with Ang II induced EPCs apoptosis in wild type mice, concomitantly with declined Bcl-2/Bax ratio, depressed mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, which was remarkably prevented by both ClC-3 knockout and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. In addition, the role of ClC-3 deficiency in protecting EPCs against Ang II-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis was further confirmed in Ang II-infused hypertensive mice in vivo. In conclusion, ClC-3 deficiency inhibited Ang II-induced EPC apoptosis via suppressing ROS generation derived from NADPH oxidase.     

Intermittent hypoxia-induced cognitive deficits are mediated by NADPH oxidase activity in a murine model of sleep apnea

Background

In rodents, exposure to intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is associated with neurobehavioral impairments, increased apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex, as well as increased oxidant stress and inflammation. Excessive NADPH oxidase activity may play a role in IH-induced CNS dysfunction.

Methods and Findings

The effect of IH during light period on two forms of spatial learning in the water maze and well as markers of oxidative stress was assessed in mice lacking NADPH oxidase activity (gp91phox ^_/Y) and wild-type littermates. On a standard place training task, gp91phox ^_/Y displayed normal learning, and were protected from the spatial learning deficits observed in wild-type littermates exposed to IH. Moreover, anxiety levels were increased in wild-type mice exposed to IH as compared to room air (RA) controls, while no changes emerged in gp91phox ^_/Y mice. Additionally, wild-type mice, but not gp91phox ^_/Y mice had significantly elevated levels of NADPH oxidase expression and activity, as well as MDA and 8-OHDG in cortical and hippocampal lysates following IH exposures.

Conclusions

The oxidative stress responses and neurobehavioral impairments induced by IH during sleep are mediated, at least in part, by excessive NADPH oxidase activity, and thus pharmacological agents targeting NADPH oxidase may provide a therapeutic strategy in sleep-disordered breathing.     

Lovastatin inhibits human B lymphoma cell proliferation by reducing intracellular ROS and TRPC6 expression

Clinical evidence suggests that statins reduce cancer incidence and mortality. However, there is lack of in vitro data to show the mechanism by which statins can reduce the malignancies of cancer cells. We used a human B lymphoma Daudi cells as a model and found that lovastatin inhibited, whereas exogenous cholesterol (Cho) stimulated, proliferation cell cycle progression in control Daudi cells, but not in the cells when transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channel was knocked down. Lovastatin decreased, whereas Cho increased, the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) respectively by decreasing or increasing the expression of p47-phox and gp91-phox (NOX2). Reducing intracellular ROS with either a mimetic superoxide dismutase (TEMPOL) or an NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin) inhibited cell proliferation, particularly in Cho-treated cells. The effects of TEMPOL or apocynin were mimicked by inhibition of TRPC6 with SKF-96365. Lovastatin decreased TRPC6 expression and activity via a Cho-dependent mechanism, whereas Cho increased TRPC6 expression and activity via an ROS-dependent mechanism. Consistent with the fact that TRPC6 is a Ca^2 +-permeable channel, lovastatin decreased, but Cho increased, intracellular Ca^2 + also via ROS. These data suggest that lovastatin inhibits malignant B cell proliferation by reducing membrane Cho, intracellular ROS, TRPC6 expression and activity, and intracellular Ca^2 +.