Temporal relationship of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation and loss of latent enzyme activity in highly enriched hepatic lysosomes

Loss of latency due to membrane lipid peroxidation induced in vitro was studied in highly purified rat liver lysosomes. Enriched fractions of lysosomes were isolated by free flow electrophoresis. Lipid peroxidation of lysosomes, assayed as malondialdehyde formation, was catalyzed by a radical generating system consisting of dihydroxyfumaric acid and Fe3+-ADP. The peroxidation reaction occurred readily at 37 degrees C and reached a plateau at 10 min; however, the loss of lysosomal latency, determined as increased percentage free beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, occurred more gradually and reached a maximum after 30 min. Scavengers of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl radicals did not inhibit the peroxidation reaction nor prevent the loss of lysosomal latency. However, preincubation of the lysosomes with alpha-tocopherol effectively blocked the induction of peroxidation and substantially reduced the loss of lysosomal latency. These results indicate that the lysosomal membrane is susceptible to free radical-induced lipid peroxidation; further, this process may be the immediate cause of the subsequent disintegration of the lysosome. The nature of the protective effect of alpha-tocopherol is unclear but may be due to its interaction with the unsaturated membrane lipids and the subsequent interruption of the chain-reaction initiated by free radicals.     

An electron microscopical study on the genesis of lipofuscin, melanin and haemosiderin in the haemopoietic tissues of fish

The mode of origin of the pigments within the macrophages of the haemopoietic tissues of some fish species was studied with the electron microscope. Lipofuscin appears to be derived from damaged cellular components, such as effete mitochondria, through the peroxidation of their unsaturated lipids. Haemosiderin is almost certainly derived from the breakdown of haemoglobin from effete erythrocytes. Melanin appears to be derived from phagocytosis of melanin granules or their precursor organelles from melanin-containing cells. Both lipid peroxidation and haemoglobin breakdown produce free radicals and cations which are potentially toxic. Melanin absorbs free radicals and has strong affinity for cations and it is probable that they are neutralized by the melanin in macrophages. The electron micrographs published here illustrate the association of the lysosomal apparatus with pigment formation in fish melano-macrophages. These findings appear valid for all the species examined and may apply to all fish. It has been suggested that fish melano-macrophage centres represent primitive analogues of the germinal centres of higher animals. This study reveals that melanocyte-like cells outnumber melano-macrophages in the kidney of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri. Moreover, like melano-macrophages, these cells increase markedly in number during starvation.     

Apolipoprotein E-deficient lipoproteins induce foam cell formation by downregulation of lysosomal hydrolases in macrophages

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) deficiency has been suggested to induce foam cell formation. Using lipoproteins obtained from wild-type mice and apoE-deficient mice expressing apoB-48 but not apoB-100, we studied apoE-deficient lipoprotein-induced changes in lipoprotein catabolism and protein expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs). Our data demonstrate that incubation of MPMs with apoE-deficient lipoproteins induced intracellular lipoprotein, cholesteryl ester, and triglyceride accumulation, which was associated with a time-related decline in apoE-deficient lipoprotein degradation in MPMs. Confocal microscopy analysis indicated that the accumulated lipids were localized in lysosomes. ApoE-deficient lipoproteins reduced the protein levels of lysosomal acid lipase, cathepsin B, and cation-dependent mannose 6 phosphate receptor (MPR46). Exogenous apoE reduced apoE-deficient lipoprotein-induced lipid accumulation and attenuated the suppressive effect of apoE-deficient lipoproteins on lysosomal hydrolase and MPR46 expression. Although oxidized lipoproteins also increased lipid contents in MPMs, exogenous apoE could not attenuate oxidized lipoprotein-induced lipid accumulation. Our in vivo studies also showed that feeding apoE-deficient mice a high-fat diet resulted in cholesteryl ester and triglyceride accumulation and reduced lysosomal hydrolase expression in MPMs. These data suggest that apoE-deficient lipoproteins increase cellular lipid contents through pathways different from those activated by oxidized lipoproteins and that reducing lysosomal hydrolases in macrophages might be a mechanism by which apoE-deficient lipoproteins result in intralysosomal lipoprotein accumulation, thereby inducing foam cell formation.     

Oxygen radicals stimulate intracellular proteolysis and lipid peroxidation by independent mechanisms in erythrocytes

Exposure of red blood cells to oxygen radicals can induce hemoglobin damage and stimulate protein degradation, lipid peroxidation, and hemolysis. To determine if these events are linked, rabbit erythrocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C with various oxygen radical-generating systems and antioxidants. Protein degradation, measured by the production of free alanine, increased more than 11-fold in response to xanthine (X) + xanthine oxidase (XO). A similar increase in proteolysis occurred when the cells were incubated with acetaldehyde plus XO, with ascorbic acid plus iron (Asc + Fe), or with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) alone. Upon addition of XO, increased proteolysis was evident within 5 min and was linear for up to 5 h. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, as shown by the production of malonyldialdehyde, conjugated dienes, or lipid hydroperoxides was observed only after 2 h of incubation with X + XO, acetaldehyde + XO, or H2O2. Ascorbate plus Fe2+ induced both protein degradation and lipid peroxidation; however, the addition of various antioxidants (urate, xanthine, glucose, or butylated hydroxytoluene) decreased lipid peroxidation without affecting proteolysis. Thus, these processes seem to occur by distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, at low concentrations of XO, protein degradation was clearly increased in the absence of detectable lipid peroxidation products. Hemolysis occurred only in a small number of cells (9%) and followed the appearance of lipid peroxidation products. Thus, an important response of red cells to oxygen radicals is rapid degradation of damaged cell proteins. Increased proteolysis seems to occur independently of membrane damage and to be a more sensitive indicator of cell exposure to oxygen radicals than is lipid peroxidation.     

Potential role of free radicals in benzene-induced myelotoxicity and leukemia.

Occupational exposure to benzene, a major industrial chemical, has been associated with various blood dyscrasias and increased incidence of acute myelogenous leukemia in humans. It is established that benzene requires metabolism to induce its effects. Benzene exposure in humans and animals has also been shown to result in structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes and bone marrow cells, indicating that benzene is genotoxic. In this review we have attempted to compile the available evidence on the role of increased free radical activity in benzene-induced myelotoxic and leukemogenic effects. Benzene administration to rodents has been associated with increased lipid peroxidation in liver, plasma, and bone marrow, as shown by an increase in the formation of thiobarbituric-acid reactive products that absorb at 535 nm. Benzene administration to rodents also results in increased prostaglandin levels indicating increased arachidonic acid peroxidation. Other evidence includes the fact that bone marrow cells and their microsomal fractions isolated from rodents following benzene-treatment have a higher capacity to form oxygen free radicals. The bone marrow contains several peroxidases, the most prevalent of which is myeloperoxidase. The peroxidatic metabolism of the benzene metabolites, phenol and hydroquinone, results in arachidonic acid peroxidation and oxygen activation to superoxide radicals, respectively. These metabolites, upon co-administration also produce a myelotoxicity similar to that observed with benzene. Recently, we have found that exposure of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells (a cell line rich in myeloperoxidase), to the benzene metabolites, hydroquinone and 1,2,4-benzenetriol results in increased steady-state levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine a marker of oxidative DNA damage. Peroxidatic metabolism of benzene's phenolic metabolites may therefore be responsible for the increased free radical activity and toxicity produced by benzene in bone marrow. We thus hypothesize that free radicals contribute, at least in part, to the toxic and leukemogenic effects of benzene.     

OxLDL-induced macrophage cytotoxicity is mediated by lysosomal rupture and modified by intralysosomal redox-active iron

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is believed to play a central role in atherogenesis. LDL is oxidized in the arterial intima by mechanisms that are still only partially understood. OxLDL is then taken up by macrophages through scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis, which then leads to cellular damage, including apoptosis. The complex mechanisms by which oxLDL induces cell injury are mostly unknown. This study has demonstrated that oxLDL-induced damage of macrophages is associated with iron-mediated intralysosomal oxidative reactions, which cause partial lysosomal rupture and ensuing apoptosis. This series of events can be prevented by pre-exposing cells to the iron-chelator, desferrioxamine (DFO), whereas it is augmented by pretreating the cells with a low molecular weight iron complex. Since both DFO and the iron complex would be taken up by endocytosis, and thus directed to the lysosomal compartment, the results suggest that the normal contents of lysosomal low molecular weight iron may play an important role in oxLDL-induced cell damage, presumably by catalyzing intralysosomal fragmentation of lipid peroxides and the formation of toxic aldehydes and oxygen-centered radicals.     

OxLDL-induced macrophage cytotoxicity is mediated by lysosomal rupture and modified by intralysosomal redox-active iron

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is believed to play a central role in atherogenesis. LDL is oxidized in the arterial intima by mechanisms that are still only partially understood. OxLDL is then taken up by macrophages through scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis, which then leads to cellular damage, including apoptosis. The complex mechanisms by which oxLDL induces cell injury are mostly unknown. This study has demonstrated that oxLDL-induced damage of macrophages is associated with iron-mediated intralysosomal oxidative reactions, which cause partial lysosomal rupture and ensuing apoptosis. This series of events can be prevented by pre-exposing cells to the iron-chelator, desferrioxamine (DFO), whereas it is augmented by pretreating the cells with a low molecular weight iron complex. Since both DFO and the iron complex would be taken up by endocytosis, and thus directed to the lysosomal compartment, the results suggest that the normal contents of lysosomal low molecular weight iron may play an important role in oxLDL-induced cell damage, presumably by catalyzing intralysosomal fragmentation of lipid peroxides and the formation of toxic aldehydes and oxygen-centered radicals.     

The changes of heavy metal and metallothionein distribution in testis induced by cadmium exposure

Cadmium (Cd) is known to cause various disorders in the testis, and metallothionein (MT) is known as a protein, which has a detoxification function for heavy metals. However, the changes of Fe, Cu, and Zn distribution in the testis induced by Cd exposure have not been well examined. Moreover, only a few studies have been reported on the localization of MT after Cd exposure. In this study, we have investigated the changes of Fe, Cu, and Zn distribution in Cd-exposed testis by a newly developed in air micro-Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method. Also, we examined the distribution of MT expression in testis. In the testis of Cd-treated rats with significant increases of lipid peroxidation, the sertoli cell tight junction was damaged by Cd exposure, resulting from disintegration of the blood testis barrier (BTB). Evaluation by in air micro-PIXE method revealed that Cd and Fe distribution were increased in the interstitial tissues and seminiferous tubules. The histological findings indicated that the testicular tissue damage was advanced, which may have been caused by Fe flowing into seminiferous tubules followed by disintegration of the BTB. As a result, Fe was considered to enhance the tissue damage caused by Cd exposure. MT was detected in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and Sertoli’s cells in the testis of Cd-treated rats, but was not detected in interstitial tissues. These results suggested that MT was induced by Cd in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and Sertoli’s cells, and was involved in the resistance to tissue damage induced by Cd.     

Quercus infectoria galls possess antioxidant activity and abrogates oxidative stress-induced functional alterations in murine macrophages

The present study reports the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Quercus infectoria galls. The antioxidant potency of galls was investigated employing several established in vitro model systems. Their protective efficacy on oxidative modulation of murine macrophages was also explored. Gall extract was found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and possess a potent reducing power. HPTLC analysis of the extract suggested it to contain 19.925% tannic acid (TA) and 8.75% gallic acid (GA). The extract potently scavenged free radicals including DPPH (IC(50)~0.5 microg/ml), ABTS (IC(50)~1 microg/ml), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (IC(50)~2.6 microg/ml) and hydroxyl (*OH) radicals (IC(50)~6 microg/ml). Gall extract also chelated metal ions and inhibited Fe(3+) -ascorbate-induced oxidation of protein and peroxidation of lipids. Exposure of rat peritoneal macrophages to tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) induced oxidative stress in them and altered their phagocytic functions. These macrophages showed elevated secretion of lysosomal hydrolases, and attenuated phagocytosis and respiratory burst. Activity of macrophage mannose receptor (MR) also diminished following oxidant exposure. Pretreatment of macrophages with gall extract preserved antioxidant armory near to control values and significantly protected against all the investigated functional mutilations. MTT assay revealed gall extract to enhance percent survival of tBOOH exposed macrophages. These results indicate that Q. infectoria galls possess potent antioxidant activity, when tested both in chemical as well as biological models.     

Formation of active forms of oxygen by rat peritoneal macrophages under the effect of cytotoxic dust]

The velocity of superoxide radicals (O2) production by rat peritoneal macrophages, phagocyting the dust particles (quartz and crocidolite-asbestos was measured by using the method of cytochrome c reduction. Generation of hydroxyl radicals (HO) by cells and intensity of lipid peroxidation in the membranes of phagocytes were also investigated. It was found, that under the action of quartz the cells form mainly O2, and under the action of crocidolite--O2 and HO(.). The differences observed were caused by catalytic properties of the surface of asbestos fiber, where the reaction of HO. formation from O2 takes place. The quartz particles increased the concentration of malondialdehyde in macrophages by 53% as compared with control; and lipid peroxidation intensity in the presence of crocidolite-asbestos fibers increased fourfold. The role of hydroxyl radicals in initiating of lipid peroxidation, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of asbestos is discussed.     

Lysosomal destabilization during macrophage damage induced by cholesterol oxidation products

We have previously shown that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induces damage to the macrophage lysosomal membranes, with ensuing leakage of lysosomal contents and macrophage cell death. Cholesterol oxidation products (ChOx) have been reported to be the major cytotoxic components of oxidized LDL/LDL- and also to stimulate cholesterol accumulation in vascular cells. In the present study, we characterized the initial events during macrophage damage induced by cholesterol oxidation products (ChOx). Within 24 h of exposure, ChOx caused lysosomal destabilization, release to the cytosol of the lysosomal marker-enzyme cathepsin D, apoptosis, and postapoptotic necrosis. Enhanced autophagocytosis and chromatin margination was found 12 h after the exposure to ChOx, whereas apoptosis and postapoptotic necrosis was pronounced 24 and 48 h after the exposure. Some lysosomal vacuoles were then filled with degraded cellular organelles, indicating phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies by surviving cells. Because caspase-3 activation was detected in the ChOx-exposed cells, lysosomal destabilization may associate with the leakage of lysosomal enzymes, and activation of the caspase cascade. MnSOD mRNA levels were markedly increased after 24 h of exposure to ChOx, suggesting associated induction of mitochondrial protection repair or turnover. We conclude that ChOx-induced damage to lysosomes and mitochondria are sequelae to the cascade of oxysterol cytotoxic events. The early disruption of lysosomes induced by ChOx, with resultant autophagocytosis may be a critical event in apoptosis and/or necrosis of macrophages/foam cells during the development of atherosclerotic lesions.     

Oxidative damage to human red cells induced by copper and iron complexes in the presence of ascorbate

The role of trace metals in the generation of free radical mediated oxidative stress in normal human red cells was studied. Ascorbate and either soluble complexes of Cu(II) or Fe(III) provoked changes in red cell morphology, alteration in the polypeptide pattern of membrane proteins, and significant increases in methemoglobin. Neither ascorbate nor the metal complexes alone caused significant changes to the cells. The rate of methemoglobin formation was a function of ascorbate and metal concentrations, and the chemical nature of the chelate. Cu(II) was about 10-times more effective than Fe(III) in the formation of methemoglobin. Several metals were tested for their ability to compete with Cu(II) and Fe(III). Only zinc caused a significant inhibition of methemoglobin formation by Fe(III)-fructose. These observations suggest that site-specific as well as general free radical damage is induced by redox metals when the metals are either bound to membrane proteins or to macromolecules in the cytoplasm. The Cu(II) and Fe(III) function in two catalytic capacities: (1) oxidation of ascorbate by O2 to yield H2O2, and (2) generation of hydroxyl radicals from H2O2 in a Fenton reaction. These mechanisms are different from the known damage to red cells caused by the binding of Fe(III) or Cu(II) to the thiol groups of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Our system may be a useful model for understanding the mechanisms for oxidative damage associated with thalassemia and other congenital hemolytic anemias.     

Lipid oxidation predominates over protein hydroperoxide formation in human monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to aqueous peroxyl radicals

In U937 and mouse myeloma cells, protein hydroperoxides are the predominant hydroperoxide formed during exposure to AAPH or gamma irradiation. In lipid-rich human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs), we have found the opposite situation. Hydroperoxide measurements by the FOX assay showed the majority of hydroperoxides formed during AAPH incubation were lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid hydroperoxide formation began after a four hour lag period and was closely correlated with loss of cell viability. The macrophage pterin 7,8-dihydroneopterin has previously been shown to be a potent scavenger of peroxyl radicals, preventing oxidative damage in U937 cells, protein and lipoprotein. However, when given to HMDM cells, 7,8-dihydroneopterin failed to inhibit the AAPH-mediated cellular damage. The lack of interaction between 7,8-dihydroneopterin and AAPH peroxyl radicals suggests that they localize to separate cellular sites in HMDM cells. Our data shows that lipid peroxidation is the predominant reaction occurring in HMDMs, possibly due to the high lipid content of the cells.     

Autophagy, ageing and apoptosis: the role of oxidative stress and lysosomal iron

As an outcome of normal autophagic degradation of ferruginous materials, such as ferritin and mitochondrial metalloproteins, the lysosomal compartment is rich in labile iron and, therefore, sensitive to the mild oxidative stress that cells naturally experience because of their constant production of hydrogen peroxide. Diffusion of hydrogen peroxide into the lysosomes results in Fenton-type reactions with the formation of hydroxyl radicals and ensuing peroxidation of lysosomal contents with formation of lipofuscin that amasses in long-lived postmitotic cells. Lipofuscin is a non-degradable polymeric substance that forms at a rate that is inversely related to the average lifespan across species and is built up of aldehyde-linked protein residues. The normal accumulation of lipofuscin in lysosomes seems to reduce autophagic capacity of senescent postmitotic cells--probably because lipofuscin-loaded lysosomes continue to receive newly formed lysosomal enzymes, which results in lack of such enzymes for autophagy. The result is an insufficient and declining rate of autophagic turnover of worn-out and damaged cellular components that consequently accumulate in a way that upsets normal metabolism. In the event of a more substantial oxidative stress, enhanced formation of hydroxyl radicals within lysosomes jeopardizes the membrane stability of particularly iron-rich lysosomes, specifically of autophagolysosomes that have recently participated in the degradation of iron-rich materials. For some time, the rupture of a limited number of lysosomes has been recognized as an early upstream event in many cases of apoptosis, particularly oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, while necrosis results from a major lysosomal break. Consequently, the regulation of the lysosomal content of redox-active iron seems to be essential for the survival of cells both in the short- and the long-term.     

Lipid oxidation predominates over protein hydroperoxide formation in human monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to aqueous peroxyl radicals

In U937 and mouse myeloma cells, protein hydroperoxides are the predominant hydroperoxide formed during exposure to AAPH or gamma irradiation. In lipid-rich human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs), we have found the opposite situation. Hydroperoxide measurements by the FOX assay showed the majority of hydroperoxides formed during AAPH incubation were lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid hydroperoxide formation began after a four hour lag period and was closely correlated with loss of cell viability. The macrophage pterin 7,8-dihydroneopterin has previously been shown to be a potent scavenger of peroxyl radicals, preventing oxidative damage in U937 cells, protein and lipoprotein. However, when given to HMDM cells, 7,8-dihydroneopterin failed to inhibit the AAPH-mediated cellular damage. The lack of interaction between 7,8-dihydroneopterin and AAPH peroxyl radicals suggests that they localize to separate cellular sites in HMDM cells. Our data shows that lipid peroxidation is the predominant reaction occurring in HMDMs, possibly due to the high lipid content of the cells.     

The role of iron in oxygen radical mediated lipid peroxidation

The role of iron in the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids is reviewed, especially with respect to the involvement of oxygen radicals. The hydroxyl radical can be generated by a superoxide-driven Haber-Weiss reaction or by Fenton's reaction; and the hydroxyl radical can initiate lipid peroxidation. However, lipid peroxidation is frequently insensitive to hydroxyl radical scavengers or superoxide dismutase. We propose that the hydroxyl radical may not be involved in the peroxidation of membrane lipids, but instead lipid peroxidation requires both Fe2+ and Fe3+. The inability of superoxide dismutase to affect lipid peroxidation can be explained by the fact that the direct reduction of iron can occur, exemplified by rat liver microsomal NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. Catalase can be stimulatory, inhibitory or without affect because H2O2 may oxidize some Fe2+ to form the required Fe3+, or, alternatively, excess H2O2 may inhibit by excessive oxidation of the Fe2+. In an analogous manner reductants can form the initiating complex by reduction of Fe3+, but complete reduction would inhibit lipid peroxidation. All of these redox reactions would be influenced by iron chelation.     

Oxidized low density lipoprotein is resistant to cathepsins and accumulates within macrophages

The rate of uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) by mouse peritoneal macrophages is similar to that of acetyl LDL; but only approximately 50% of the internalized oxidized LDL is ultimately degraded, in contrast to the near-complete degradation seen with acetyl LDL. The objectives of this study were to determine if this was due to increased surface binding of oxidized LDL, different uptake pathways for oxidized LDL and acetyl LDL, lysosomal dysfunction caused by oxidized LDL, or resistance of oxidized LDL to hydrolysis by lysosomal proteinases. LDL binding studies at 4 degrees C showed that the increased cell association with oxidized LDL could not be explained by differences in cell-surface binding. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed intracellular accumulation of apoB-immunoreactive material in macrophages incubated with oxidized LDL, but not with acetyl LDL. The scavenger receptor ligand polyinosinic acid inhibited both the cell association and degradation of oxidized LDL in macrophages by greater than 75%, suggesting a common uptake pathway for degraded LDL and nondegraded LDL. Studies in THP-1 cells also did not reveal more than one specific uptake pathway for oxidized LDL. LDL derivatized by incubation with oxidized arachidonic acid (under conditions that prevented oxidation of the LDL itself) showed inefficient degradation, similar to oxidized LDL. When macrophages were incubated with oxidized LDL together with acetyl 125I-LDL, the acetyl LDL was degraded normally, excluding lysosomal dysfunction as the explanation for the accumulation of oxidized LDL. Generation of trichloroacetic acid-soluble products from oxidized 125I-LDL by exposure to cathepsins B and D was less than that observed with native 125I-LDL. LDL modified by exposure to reactive products derived from oxidized arachidonic acid was also degraded more slowly than native 125I-LDL by cathepsins. In contrast, acetyl 125I-LDL was degraded more rapidly by cathepsins than native 125I-LDL, and aggregated LDL and malondialdehyde-modified LDL were degraded at the same rate as native 125I-LDL. It is concluded that the intracellular accumulation of oxidized LDL in macrophages can be explained at least in part by the resistance of oxidatively modified apolipoprotein B to cathepsins. This resistance to cathepsins does not appear to be due to aggregation of oxidized LDL, but may be a consequence of modification of apolipoprotein B by lipid peroxidation products.     

On the Cytoprotective Role of Ferritin in Macrophages and its Ability to Enhance Lysosomal Stability

Macrophages have a great capacity to take up (eg. by endocytosis and phagocytosis) exogenous sources of iron which could potentially become cytotoxic, particularly following the intralysosomal formation of low-molecular weight, redox active iron, and under conditions of oxidative stress. Following autophago-cytosis of endogenous ferritin/apoferritin, these compounds may serve as chelators of such lysosomal iron and counteract the occurrence of iron-mediated intralysosomal oxidative reactions. Such redox-reactions have been shown to lead to destabilisation of lysosomal membranes and result in leakage of damaging lysosomal contents to the cytosol. In this study we have shown: (i) human monocyte-derived macrophages to accumulate ferritin in response to iron exposure; (ii) iron to destabilise macrophage secondary lysosomes when the cells are exposed to H₂O₂; and (iii) endocytosed apoferritin to act as a stabiliser of the acidic vacuolar compartment of iron-loaded macrophages. While the endogenous ferritin accumulation which was induced by iron exposure was not sufficient to protect cells from the damaging effects of H₂O₂, exogenously added apoferritin, as well as the potent iron chelator desferrioxamine, afforded significant protection. It is suggested that intralysosomal formation of haemosiderin, from partially degraded ferritin, is a protective strategy to suppress intralysosomal iron-catalysed redox reactions. However, under conditions of severe macrophage lysosomal iron-overload, induction of ferritin synthesis is not enough to completely prevent the enhanced cytotoxic effects of H₂O₂.     

Investigation into the role of macrophages in the formation and degradation of beta2-microglobulin amyloid fibrils

Dialysis related amyloidosis is a serious complication of long-term hemodialysis in which beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m) forms amyloid fibrils that deposit predominantly in cartilaginous tissues. How these fibrils form in vivo, however, is poorly understood. Here we perform a systematic investigation into the role of macrophages in the formation and degradation of beta(2)m amyloid fibrils, building on observations that macrophages are found in association with beta(2)m amyloid deposits in vivo and that these cells contain intra-lysosomal beta(2)m amyloid. In live cell imaging experiments we demonstrate that macrophages internalize monomeric beta(2)m, whereupon it is sorted to lysosomes. At lysosomal pH beta(2)m self-associates in vitro to form amyloid-like fibrils with an array of morphologies as visualized by atomic force microscopy. Cleavage of the monomeric protein by both macrophages and lysosomal proteases isolated from these cells results in the rapid degradation of the monomeric protein, preventing amyloid formation. Incubation of macrophages with preformed fibrils revealed that macrophages internalize amyloid-like fibrils formed extracellularly, but in marked contrast with the monomeric protein, the fibrils were not degraded within macrophage lysosomes. Correspondingly beta(2)m fibrils were highly resistant to degradation by high concentrations of lysosomal proteases isolated from macrophages. Despite their enormous degradative capacity, therefore, macrophage lysosomes cannot ameliorate dialysis-related amyloidosis by degrading pre-existing amyloid fibrils, but lysosomal proteases may play a protective role by eliminating amyloid precursors before beta(2)m fibrils can accumulate in what may represent an otherwise fibrillogenic environment.     

Through metal binding, curcumin protects against lead- and cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates and against lead-induced tissue damage in rat brain

Curcumin, the major constituent of turmeric is a known, naturally occurring antioxidant. The present study examined the ability of this compound to protect against lead-induced damage to hippocampal cells of male Wistar rats, as well as lipid peroxidation induced by lead and cadmium in rat brain homogenate. The thiobarbituric assay (TBA) was used to measure the extent of lipid peroxidation induced by lead and cadmium in rat brain homogenate. The results show that curcumin significantly protects against lipid peroxidation induced by both these toxic metals. Coronal brain sections of rats injected intraperitoneally with lead acetate (20 mg/kg) in the presence and absence of curcumin (30 mg/kg) were compared microscopically to determine the extent of lead-induced damage to the cells in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, and to establish the capacity of curcumin to prevent such damage. Lead-induced damage to the neurons was significantly curtailed in the rats injected with curcumin. Possible chelation of lead and cadmium by curcumin as its mechanism of neuroprotection against such heavy metal insult to the brain was investigated using electrochemical, ultraviolet spectrophotometric and infrared spectroscopic analyses. The results of the study show that there is an interaction between curcumin and both cadmium and lead, with the possible formation of a complex between the metal and this ligand. These results imply that curcumin could be used therapeutically to chelate these toxic metals, thus potentially reducing their neurotoxicity and tissue damage.