AGE-receptor-1 counteracts cellular oxidant stress induced by AGEs via negative regulation of p66shc-dependent FKHRL1 phosphorylation

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and oxidant stress (OS) in diabetes and aging-related diseases. AGE-induced OS is suppressed by AGER1, an AGE-receptor that counteracts receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated Shc/Ras signal activation, resulting in decreased OS. Akt, FKHRL1, and antioxidants; e.g., MnSOD, regulate OS. Serine phosphorylation of p66(shc) also promotes OS. We examined the effects of two defined AGEs N(epsilon)-carboxy-methyl-lysine (CML) and methyl-glyoxal derivatives (MG) on these cellular pathways and their functional relationship to AGER1 in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). Stimulation of HEK293 cells with either AGE compound increased phosphorylation of Akt and FKHRL1 by approximately threefold in a redox-dependent manner. The use of p66(shc) mutants showed that the AGE-induced effects required Ser-36 phosphorylation of p66(shc). AGE-induced phosphorylation of FKHRL1 led to a 70% downregulation of MnSOD, an effect partially blocked by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (LY-294002) and strongly inhibited by an antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine). These pro-oxidant responses were suppressed in AGER1 overexpressing cells and reappeared when AGER1 expression was reduced by small interfering RNA (siRNA). These studies point to a new pathway for the induction of OS by AGEs involving FKHRL1 inactivation and MnSOD suppression via Ser-36 phosphorylation of p66(shc) in human kidney cells. This represents a key mechanism by which AGER1 maintains cellular resistance against OS. Thus the decrease of AGER1 noted in aging and diabetes may further enhance OS and reduce innate antioxidant defenses.     

The p66Shc Adaptor Protein Controls Oxidative Stress Response in Early Bovine Embryos

The in vitro production of mammalian embryos suffers from high frequencies of developmental failure due to excessive levels of permanent embryo arrest and apoptosis caused by oxidative stress. The p66Shc stress adaptor protein controls oxidative stress response of somatic cells by regulating intracellular ROS levels through multiple pathways, including mitochondrial ROS generation and the repression of antioxidant gene expression. We have previously demonstrated a strong relationship with elevated p66Shc levels, reduced antioxidant levels and greater intracellular ROS generation with the high incidence of permanent cell cycle arrest of 2–4 cell embryos cultured under high oxygen tensions or after oxidant treatment. The main objective of this study was to establish a functional role for p66Shc in regulating the oxidative stress response during early embryo development. Using RNA interference in bovine zygotes we show that p66Shc knockdown embryos exhibited increased MnSOD levels, reduced intracellular ROS and DNA damage that resulted in a greater propensity for development to the blastocyst stage. P66Shc knockdown embryos were stress resistant exhibiting significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels, DNA damage, permanent 2–4 cell embryo arrest and diminished apoptosis frequencies after oxidant treatment. The results of this study demonstrate that p66Shc controls the oxidative stress response in early mammalian embryos. Small molecule inhibition of p66Shc may be a viable clinical therapy to increase the developmental potential of in vitro produced mammalian embryos.     

Lysozyme enhances renal excretion of advanced glycation endproducts in vivo and suppresses adverse age-mediated cellular effects in vitro: a potential AGE sequestration therapy for diabetic nephropathy?

BACKGROUND: Lysozyme (LZ), a host-defense protein, contains an 18 amino-acid domain with high affinity binding for sugar-derived proteins or lipids, called advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), that are implicated in diabetes- and age-dependent complications (DC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A) The effects of LZ on AGE- removal were tested in vivo. LZ was injected (200 ug/day, i.p., X2 weeks) in non-obese diabetic (NOD), db/db (+/+) mice, and non-diabetic, AGE-infused Sprague-Dawley rats. B) LZ: AGE interactions with macrophage-like T1B-183 cells (Mf) and mesangial cells (MC) were tested in vitro. RESULTS: A) In NOD mice, LZ reduced the elevated basal serum AGE (sAGE) (p < 0.05), enhanced urinary AGE (uAGE) excretion by approximately 2-fold (p < 0.01), while it reduced albuminuria (UA), p < 0.005. In db/db mice, LZ infusion also reduced the elevated sAGE (p < 0.05), doubled uAGE excretion (p < 0.05), and decreased UA (p < 0.01). In addition, LZ maintained normal sAGE in normal rats infused with AGE-BSA, as it doubled the urinary AGE (uAGE) clearance (p < 0.01). B) LZ stimulated the uptake and degradation of (125) I-labeled AGE-BSA and (25) I-human serum AGE by Mf, while suppressing AGE-induced TNFalpha and IGF-I production. In MC, LZ suppressed the AGE-promoted PDGF-B, alpha1 type IV collagen, and tenascin mRNA levels, and restored the AGE-suppressed expression and activity of MMP-9, but not MMP-2. CONCLUSION: LZ may act to: a) accelerate renal in-vivo AGE clearance, b) suppress macrophage and mesangial cell- specific gene activation in vitro, and c) improve albuminuria due to diabetes. These data suggest that LZ by sequestering AGEs may protect against diabetic renal damage.     

Elevated p66Shc is associated with intracellular redox imbalance in developmentally compromised bovine embryos

The in vitro production of mammalian embryos suffers from low efficiency, with 50–70% of all fertilized oocytes failing to develop to the blastocyst stage. This high rate of developmental failure is due, in part, to the effects of oxidative stress generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The p66Shc adaptor protein controls oxidative stress response by regulating intracellular ROS levels through multiple pathways, including mitochondrial ROS generation and the repression of antioxidants. This study explored the relationship between p66Shc levels, redox state, and developmental potential in early bovine embryos. Embryo developmental potential was established based on observing their time of first cleavage. P66Shc, catalase, and mitochondrial‐specific, manganese‐superoxide dismutate (MnSOD) levels were compared between embryos with high and low developmental potentials. Additionally, p66Shc, catalase, and MnSOD content were assayed following a variety of oxidative stress‐inducing and‐alleviating conditions. Increased developmental potential correlated with significantly lower p66Shc content, significantly higher levels of catalase and MnSOD, and significantly lower intracellular ROS levels (MitoSOX staining) and reduced DNA damage (γ‐H2A.X(phospho S139) immunostaining). p66Shc content was increased by either high (20%) O₂ culture or H₂O₂ treatment, and significantly decreased by supplementing culture media with the antioxidant polyethylene glycol‐conjugated catalase. While the abundance of p66Shc varied according to pro/anti‐oxidant culture conditions, antioxidant content varied only according to developmental potential. This discrepancy has important implications regarding ongoing efforts towards maximizing in vitro embryo production. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 22–34, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

p66Shc-generated oxidative signal promotes fat accumulation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and insulin signaling in the adipose tissue are critical determinants of aging and age-associated diseases. It is not clear, however, if they represent independent factors or they are mechanistically linked. We investigated the effects of ROS on insulin signaling using as model system the p66(Shc)-null mice. p66(Shc) is a redox enzyme that generates mitochondrial ROS and promotes aging in mammals. We report that insulin activates the redox enzyme activity of p66(Shc) specifically in adipocytes and that p66(Shc)-generated ROS regulate insulin signaling through multiple mechanisms, including AKT phosphorylation, Foxo localization, and regulation of selected insulin target genes. Deletion of p66(Shc) resulted in increased mitochondrial uncoupling and reduced triglyceride accumulation in adipocytes and in vivo increased metabolic rate and decreased fat mass and resistance to diet-induced obesity. In addition, p66(Shc-/-) mice showed impaired thermo-insulation. These findings demonstrate that p66(Shc)-generated ROS regulate the effect of insulin on the energetic metabolism in mice and suggest that intracellular oxidative stress might accelerate aging by favoring fat deposition and fat-related disorders.     

氧化应激下p66Shc的调控作用

氧化应激产生的过量活性氧簇（reactive oxygen species,ROS)可通过分子毒性作用或相关信号通路影响相关病理生理学过程. p66Shc是Shc蛋白家族的重要成员之一. 氧化应激下p66Shc能被蛋白激酶Cβ（protein kinase Cβ,PKCβ）、Jun氨基末端激酶（Jun N terminal kinase,JNK）和p53等激活,促进线粒体产生ROS.本文将对氧化应激下p66Shc的作用以及调控其作用的信号转导机制做一综述.     

Role of reactive oxygen species in injury-induced insulin resistance

Acute insulin resistance is common after injury, infection, and critical illness. To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in critical illness diabetes, we measured hepatic ROS, which rapidly increased in mouse liver. Overexpression of superoxide dismutase 2, which decreased mitochondrial ROS levels, protected mice from the development of acute hepatic insulin resistance. Insulin-induced intracellular signaling was dramatically decreased, and cellular stress signaling was rapidly increased after injury, resulting in the hyperglycemia of critical illness diabetes. Insulin-induced intracellular signaling, activation of stress (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) signaling, and glucose metabolism were all normalized by superoxide dismutase 2 overexpression or by pretreatment with antioxidants. Thus, ROS play an important role in the development of acute hepatic insulin resistance and activation of stress signaling after injury.     

Suppression of native defense mechanisms,SIRT1 and PPARγ, by dietary glycoxidants precedes disease in adult humans; relevance to lifestyle-engendered chronic diseases

SIRT1 and PPARγ, host defenses regulating inflammation and metabolic functions, are suppressed under chronic high oxidant stress and inflammation (OS/Infl) conditions. In diabetes, dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) cause OS/Infl and suppress SIRT1. Herein, we ask whether dAGEs also suppress host defense in adults without diabetes. The relationships between dAGEs and basal SIRT1 mRNA, PPARγ protein levels in mononuclear cells (MNC) and circulating inflammatory/metabolic markers were examined in 67 healthy adults aged >60 years and in 18 subjects, before and after random assignment to either a standard diet (regular >15 AGE Eq/day) or an isocaloric AGE-restricted diet (<10 AGE Eq/day) for 4 months. Also, the interactions of AGEs and anti-AGE receptor-1 (AGER1) with SIRT1 and PPARγ were assessed in wild type (WT) and AGER1-transduced (AGER1⁺) MNC-like THP-1 cells. We found that dAGE, but not caloric intake, correlated negatively with MNC SIRT1 mRNA levels and positively with circulating AGEs (sAGEs), OS/infl, MNC TNFα and RAGE. Basal MNC PPARγ protein was also lower in consumers of regular vs. AGE-restricted diet. AGE restriction restored MNC SIRT1 and PPARγ, and significantly decreased sAGEs, 8-isoprostanes, VCAM-1, MNC TNFα and RAGE. Model AGEs suppressed SIRT1 protein and activity, and PPARγ protein in WT, but not in AGER1⁺ cells in vitro. In conclusion, chronic consumption of high-AGE diets depletes defenses such as SIRT1 and PPARγ, independent of calories, predisposing to OS/Infl and chronic metabolic disease. Restricted entry of oral AGEs may offer a disease-prevention alternative for healthy adults.     

Deletion of p66Shc in mice increases the frequency of size‐change mutations in the lacZ transgene

Upon oxidative challenge the genome accumulates adducts and breaks that activate the DNA damage response to repair, arrest, or eliminate the damaged cell. Thus, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by endogenous oxygen metabolism are thought to affect mutation frequency. However, few studies determined the mutation frequency when oxidative stress is reduced. To test whether in vivo spontaneous mutation frequency is altered in mice with reduced oxidative stress and cell death rate, we crossed p66Shc knockout (p66KO) mice, characterized by reduced intracellular concentration of ROS and by impaired apoptosis, with a transgenic line harboring multiple copies of the lacZ mutation reporter gene as part of a plasmid that can be recovered from organs into Escherichia coli to measure mutation rate. Liver and small intestine from 2‐ to 24‐month‐old, lacZ (p66Shc+/+) and lacZp66KO mice, were investigated revealing no difference in overall mutation frequency but a significant increase in the frequency of size‐change mutations in the intestine of lacZp66KO mice. This difference was further increased upon irradiation of mice with X‐ray. In addition, we found that knocking down cyclophilin D, a gene that facilitates mitochondrial apoptosis acting downstream of p66Shc, increased the size‐change mutation frequency in small intestine. Size‐change mutations also accumulated in death‐resistant embryonic fibroblasts from lacZp66KO mice treated with H₂O₂. These results indicate that p66Shc plays a role in the accumulation of DNA rearrangements and suggest that p66Shc functions to clear damaged cells rather than affect DNA metabolism.     

P66Shc mediates increased platelet activation and aggregation in hypercholesterolemia

Background and hypothesis

Hypercholesterolemia leads to a prothrombotic phenotype. Platelet hyperactivity associated with hypercholesterolemia has been attributed, in part, to oxidative stress. P66Shc is a well-known determinant of cellular and organismal oxidative stress. However, its role in platelet biology is not known. We hypothesized that p66Shc mediates platelet hyperactivation and hyperaggregation in hypercholesterolemia.

Methods and results

P66Shc was expressed in both human and mouse platelets, as determined by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Mouse platelet p66Shc expression was upregulated by hypercholesterolemia induced by high-fat diet feeding. Compared to wild-type mice, high-fat diet-induced p66Shc expression in platelets was suppressed in transgenic mice expressing a short hairpin RNA targeting p66Shc (p66ShcRNAi). High-fat diet feeding of wild-type mice amplified surface P-selectin expression on platelets stimulated by the thrombin receptor agonist protease-activated receptor-4 (PAR4), and increased aggregation of platelets induced by thrombin. These exaggerated platelet responses induced by high-fat diet feeding were significantly blunted in p66ShcRNAi mice. Finally, thrombin-stimulated platelet reactive oxygen species were suppressed in p66ShcRNAi mice.

Conclusions

Hypercholesterolemia stimulates p66Shc expression in platelets, promoting platelet oxidative stress, hyperreactivity and hyperaggregation via p66Shc.     

The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulator p66Shc controls PDGF-induced signaling and migration through protein tyrosine phosphatase oxidation

Growth factor receptors induce a transient increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels upon receptor binding to promote signaling through oxidation of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Most studies have focused on NADPH oxidases as the dominant source of ROS to induce PTP oxidation. A potential additional regulator of growth factor-induced PTP oxidation is p66Shc, which stimulates mitochondrial ROS production. This study explores the contribution of p66Shc-induced ROS to PTP oxidation and growth factor receptor-induced signaling and migration through analyses of p66Shc-KO fibroblasts and cells with siRNA-mediated p66Shc downregulation. Analyses of PDGFβR phosphorylation in two independent cell systems demonstrated a decrease in PDGFβR phosphorylation after p66Shc deletion or downregulation, which occurred in a partially site-selective and antioxidant-sensitive manner. Deletion of p66Shc also reduced PDGF-induced activation of downstream signaling of Erk, Akt, PLCγ-1, and FAK. Importantly, reduced levels of p66Shc led to decreased oxidation of DEP1, PTP1B, and SHP2 after PDGF stimulation. The cell biological relevance of these findings was indicated by demonstration of a significantly reduced migratory response in PDGF-stimulated p66Shc-KO fibroblasts, consistent with reduced PDGFβR-Y1021 and PLCγ-1 phosphorylation. Downregulation of p66Shc also reduced EGFR phosphorylation and signaling, indicating that the positive role of p66Shc in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling is potentially general. Moreover, downregulation of the mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide scavenger peroxiredoxin 3 increased PDGFβR phosphorylation, showing that mitochondrial ROS in general promote PDGFβR signaling. This study thus identifies a previously unrecognized role for p66Shc in the regulation of PTP oxidation controlling growth factor-induced signaling and migration. In more general terms, the study indicates a regulatory role for mitochondrial-derived ROS in the control of PTP oxidation influencing growth factor signaling.     

p66Shc regulates migration of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells

Metastatic castration-resistant (CR) prostate cancer (PCa) is a lethal disease for which no effective treatment is currently available. p66Shc is an oxidase previously shown to promote androgen-independent cell growth through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is elevated in clinical PCa and multiple CR PCa cell lines. We hypothesize p66Shc also increases the migratory activity of PCa cells through ROS and investigate the associated mechanism. Using the transwell assay, our study reveals that the level of p66Shc protein correlates with cell migratory ability across several PCa cell lines. Furthermore, we show hydrogen peroxide treatment induces migration of PCa cells that express low levels of p66Shc in a dose-dependent manner, while antioxidants inhibit migration. Conversely, PCa cells that express high levels of endogenous p66Shc or by cDNA transfection possess increased cell migration which is mitigated upon p66Shc shRNA transfection or expression of oxidase-deficient dominant-negative p66Shc W134F mutant. Protein microarray and immunoblot analyses reveal multiple proteins, including ErbB-2, AKT, mTOR, ERK, FOXM1, PYK2 and Rac1, are activated in p66Shc-elevated cells. Their involvement in PCa migration was examined using respective small-molecule inhibitors. The role of Rac1 was further validated using cDNA transfection and, significantly, p66Shc is found to promote lamellipodia formation through Rac1 activation. In summary, the results of our current studies clearly indicate p66Shc also regulates PCa cell migration through ROS-mediated activation of migration-associated proteins, notably Rac1.     

p66SHC promotes T cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired Ca2+ homeostasis

p66Shc, a redox enzyme that enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by mitochondria, promotes T cell apoptosis. We have addressed the mechanisms regulating p66Shc-dependent apoptosis in T cells exposed to supraphysiological increases in [Ca2+]c. p66Shc expression resulted in profound mitochondrial dysfunction in response to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, as revealed by dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome c release and decreased ATP levels. p66Shc expression also caused a dramatic alteration in the cells' Ca2+-handling ability, which resulted in Ca2+ overload after A23187 treatment. The impairment in Ca2+ homeostasis was ROS dependent and caused by defective Ca2+ extrusion due at least in part to decreased plasma membrane ATPase (PMCA) expression. Both effects of p66Shc required Ca2+-dependent serine-36 phosphorylation. The mitochondrial effects of p66Shc were potentiated by but not strictly dependent on the rise in [Ca2+]c. Thus, Ca2+-dependent p66Shc phosphorylation causes both mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired Ca2+ homeostasis, which synergize in promoting T cell apoptosis.     

Novel role of p66Shc in ROS-dependent VEGF signaling and angiogenesis in endothelial cells

p66Shc, a longevity adaptor protein, is demonstrated as a key regulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism involved in aging and cardiovascular diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates endothelial cell (EC) migration and proliferation primarily through the VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2). We have shown that ROS derived from Rac1-dependent NADPH oxidase are involved in VEGFR2 autophosphorylation and angiogenic-related responses in ECs. However, a role of p66Shc in VEGF signaling and physiological responses in ECs is unknown. Here we show that VEGF promotes p66Shc phosphorylation at Ser36 through the JNK/ERK or PKC pathway as well as Rac1 binding to a nonphosphorylated form of p66Shc in ECs. Depletion of endogenous p66Shc with short interfering RNA inhibits VEGF-induced Rac1 activity and ROS production. Fractionation of caveolin-enriched lipid raft demonstrates that p66Shc plays a critical role in VEGFR2 phosphorylation in caveolae/lipid rafts as well as downstream p38MAP kinase activation. This in turn stimulates VEGF-induced EC migration, proliferation, and capillary-like tube formation. These studies uncover a novel role of p66Shc as a positive regulator for ROS-dependent VEGFR2 signaling linked to angiogenesis in ECs and suggest p66Shc as a potential therapeutic target for various angiogenesis-dependent diseases.     

Activation of NADPH oxidase by AGE links oxidant stress to altered gene expression via RAGE

Engagement of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) by products of nonenzymatic glycation/oxidation triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby altering gene expression. Because dissection of the precise events by which ROS are generated via RAGE is relevant to the pathogenesis of complications in AGE-related disorders, such as diabetes and renal failure, we tested the hypothesis that activation of NADPH oxidase contributed, at least in part, to enhancing oxidant stress via RAGE. Here we show that incubation of human endothelial cells with AGEs on the surface of diabetic red blood cells, or specific AGEs, (carboxymethyl)lysine (CML)-modified adducts, prompted intracellular generation of hydrogen peroxide, cell surface expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and generation of tissue factor in a manner suppressed by treatment with diphenyliodonium, but not by inhibitors of nitric oxide. Consistent with an important role for NADPH oxidase, although macrophages derived from wild-type mice expressed enhanced levels of tissue factor upon stimulation with AGE, macrophages derived from mice deficient in a central subunit of NADPH oxidase, gp91phox, failed to display enhanced tissue factor in the presence of AGE. These findings underscore a central role of NADPH oxidase in AGE-RAGE-mediated generation of ROS and provide a mechanism for altered gene expression in AGE-related disorders.     

游泳训练对小鼠心肌PKCδ/P66shc蛋白表达的影响*

目的:探究不同强度的游泳训练对小鼠心肌P66shc蛋白的影响。方法:将50只昆明小鼠随机分为对照组(C组)、负重游泳组(E组)、负重游泳+药物组(ER组)、非负重游泳组(P组)、非负重游泳+药物组(PR组),10只/组。C组不运动,E组、ER组、P组、PR组进行4周游泳训练,其中E组、ER组以体重3%负荷进行负重游泳,P组、PR组无负重游泳,60 min/d,每周6次。ER组、PR组小鼠在最后2次运动前腹腔注射PKCδ抑制剂Rottlerin(0.3 mg/kg),C组、E组、P组注射同等剂量生理盐水。在训练结束24 h后取样,Western blot测定小鼠心肌PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P66shc、P-P66shc、NOX2蛋白表达;免疫共沉淀测PKCδ和P66shc;生化分析心肌及血清丙二醛(MDA)、心肌活性氧(ROS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)。结果:与C组比较,E组的PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P66shc、P-P66shc、NOX2蛋白表达均明显增加(P＜0.01),血清和心肌MDA水平、心肌ROS明显增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),心肌SOD活性降低(P＜0.01),P组的PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P-P66shc和NOX2明显增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),心肌SOD活性增强(P＜0.05);与E组比较,ER组PKCδ(P＜0.01)、P-PKCδ(P＜0.01)、P66shc(P＜0.05)、P-P66shc(P＜0.01)、NOX2(P＜0.05)蛋白表达明显减少,P组P66shc蛋白表达显著减少(P＜0.05),心肌MDA(P＜0.01)和ROS(P＜ 0.05)减少,SOD活性增强(P＜0.01);与P组比较,PR组的PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P-P66shc蛋白表达明显减少(P＜ 0.01),NOX2增加(P＜0.05)。结论:两种强度的游泳训练均促使小鼠心肌细胞内PKCδ蛋白及其磷酸化增加;高强度游泳训练可显著增强P66shc蛋白表达及磷酸化水平,导致ROS大量生成,抗氧化酶活性下降;低强度游泳训练增强P66shc磷酸化但不促进其蛋白表达,心肌抗氧化能力增强,产生运动适应。     

Advanced glycosylated end products-mediated activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in diabetes mellitus and associated oxidative stress

Two important consequences of hyperglycemia in diabetes are development of oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) which are known to be associated with diabetic complications. Relationship between AGE formation and development of oxidative stress (OS) is yet to be established. In the present study, the involvement of AGE in PMN-mediated ROS generation and the associated OS were investigated in type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) patients. We assessed OS parameters (serum MDA, FRAP and GSH), PMN oxidative functions (respiratory burst and superoxide production) and total serum AGE in 90 subjects divided equally in three groups--control group, Group I consisting of type 2 diabetic patients without microvascular complications and Group II consisting of type 2 diabetic patients with microvascular complications. PMNs isolated from both groups (I and II) exhibited higher level of respiratory burst (RB) and produced increased amount of superoxide anion as compared to the controls. The increase was more pronounced in diabetes with complications, as compared to those without. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was elevated, whereas glutathione (GSH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) levels were significantly reduced in diabetes as compared to the controls, suggesting the presence of oxidative stress in DM. A positive correlation between PMN oxidative function and OS parameters suggested the involvement of PMN in the development of OS in DM. Serum AGE level was also elevated in diabetic groups as compared to the controls. Further, the positive correlation between serum AGE level and PMN oxidative function suggested the involvement of AGE in increased RB and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by resting diabetic PMN. The results of the study indicate that AGE-PMN interaction possibly upregulates NADPH oxidase, leading to enhanced ROS generation and thus contributes to the pathogenesis in diabetes.     

Reactive oxygen species induced by p66Shc longevity protein mediate nongenomic androgen action via tyrosine phosphorylation signaling to enhance tumorigenicity of prostate cancer cells

Steroid hormones exhibit diverse biological activities. Despite intensive studies on steroid function at the genomic level, their nongenomic actions remain an enigma. In this study, we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in androgen-stimulated prostate cancer (PCa) cell proliferation. In androgen-treated PCa cells, increased cell growth and ROS production correlated with elevated p66Shc protein, an authentic oxidase. This growth stimulation was blocked by antioxidants. Further, elevated expression of p66Shc protein by cDNA transfection encoding wild-type protein, but not a redox-deficient (W134F) mutant, was associated with increased PCa cell proliferation. Conversely, knockdown of p66Shc expression by shRNA resulted in diminished cell growth. Increased p66Shc expression in PCa cells enhanced their tumorigenicity in xenograft animals. Importantly, p66Shc protein level is higher in clinical prostate adenocarcinomas than in adjacent noncancerous cells. Expression of redox-deficient p66Shc mutant protein abolished androgen-stimulated cell growth. In androgen-treated, H(2)O(2)-treated, and p66Shc cDNA-transfected PCa cells, cellular prostatic acid phosphatase, an authentic tyrosine phosphatase, was inactivated by reversible oxidation; subsequently, ErbB-2 was activated by phosphorylation at tyrosine-1221/1222. These results together support the notion that androgens induce ROS production through the elevation of p66Shc protein, which inactivates tyrosine phosphatase activity for the activation of interacting tyrosine kinase, leading to increased cell proliferation and enhanced tumorigenicity. Our results thus suggest that p66Shc protein functions at the critical junction point between androgens and tyrosine phosphorylation signaling in human PCa cells.