Implications of Reactive Oxygen Species in Heat Shock Induced Germination and Early Growth Impairment in Amaranthus lividus L.

An effort has been made to assess the role of reactive oxygen species in germination and subsequent growth of Amaranthus lividus under elevated temperature. Transfer of A. lividus seeds from 25 to 45 °C for 4, 8 and 12 h, during early imbibitional period reduced percentage of germination, relative germination performance, relative growth index and seedling length. Heat shock during early germination decreased also the activities of free radical scavenging enzymes like catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, increased the accumulation of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and induced lipoxygenase mediated membrane lipid peroxidation. Membrane injury index and relative leakage ratio revealed a rise with concomitant reduction in membrane protein thiol content in heat shock raised seedlings. The results indicate that heat shock in A. lividus seeds induced an excessive generation of ROS and led to an oxidative membrane damage, causing early growth impairment.     

The influence of lipoic acid on adriamycin-induced hyperlipidemic nephrotoxicity in rats

Glutamate, a major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter is also an endogenous excitotoxin. The present study examined the prolonged and delayed effects of glutamate excitotoxicity on mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and antioxidant parameters in different brain regions, namely, cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum, brain stem and diencephalon. Wistar rats (male) were exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG) (4 mg × g body wt^–1, i.p.) for 6 consecutive days and sacrificed on 30th and 45th day after last MSG dose. MSG treatment markedly decreased the mitochondrial manganese superoxide-dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and increased the lipid peroxidation (LPx), uric acid and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. These results indicate that oxidative stress produced by glutamate in vulnerable brain regions may persist for longer periods and mitochondrial function impairment is an important mechanism of excitatory amino acid mediated neurotoxicity in chronic neurodegeneration.     

Free Radicals Appear to Affect Survival of Hepatocytes at 4°C

1) Rat hepatocytes, stored in a simple salts medium for 24 h at 4°C, retain more than 80% of their capacity to synthesize glucose from lactate.

2) The combination of NH₄Cl with oleate is cytotoxic during storage and during subsequent incubation of hepatocytes from 48 h starved rats, but not to hepatocytes from fed rats.

3) Protection against cytotoxicity is afforded by albumin and by a number of other compounds, notably polyols and glycerol.

4) These compounds appear to exert their effects by scavenging free radicals and, in the case of polyols and glycerol, by supplying reducing equivalents to maintain the redox state of the cell in the face of increased flux through glutathione peroxidase.     

Effect of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Certain Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Post Reperfusion Patients of Myocardial Infarction

Reperfusion injury causes oxidative stress thereby resulting in an imbalance between oxidant-antioxidant systems. In the present communication, the effect of ascorbic acid supplementation has been studied on certain oxidant and antioxidant parameters in the blood of the patients with myocardial infarction before and after thrombolysis. In patients after thrombolysis, the activity of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, in the blood was found to be significantly reduced where as the activity of the oxidant enzyme, xanthine oxidase, was found to be significantly increased. Malondialdehyde levels, the index of free radical mediated damage, was also found to be significantly elevated in thrombolyzed patients compared to the patients before thrombolysis. Supplementation of vitamin C to the post reperfusion patients restored these parameters back to normal or near normal levels.     

Antioxidant Therapy Against Cerebral Vasospasm Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

1. Approximately one-third of the morbidity and mortality due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is caused by delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) due to cerebral vasospasm.2. Compared to prolonged arterial constriction in other parts of the body, cerebral vasospasm is characterized by its long duration and refractoriness to vasodilators such as calcium antagonists.3. Whereas oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) liberated into the CSF from the subarachnoid clot has been deemed the causative agent of vasoconstriction, the biochemical mechanisms whereby oxyHb elicits prolonged constriction of the cerebral arteries has remained elusive. Here, we suggest that oxyHb triggers the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) within the CSF.4. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the occurrence of vasospasm, namely, prolonged smooth muscle contraction, is due to the following intracellular events.5. First, hydroxyl radicals (OH*), the most reactive species of ROI, are generated within the cerebral arterial wall via the Fenton and Haber–Weiss reactions catalyzed by oxyHb. Second, subsequent peroxidative membrane damage in the arterial smooth muscle cell enhances the metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, leading to a rise in the intracellular level of diacylglycerol, an endogenous activator of protein kinase C.6. The prolonged arterial contraction that occurs during vasospasm is attributable primarily to the activation of protein kinase C, not to the Ca²⁺/calmodulin system. In this article, literature relevant to the above thesis is reviewed, and the rationale for the antioxidant therapy against cerebral vasospasm is discussed.     

Free radical damage to cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts: Modulation by culture conditions

Summary Culture conditions modulating cell damage from xanthine plus xanthine oxidase-derived partially reduced oxygen species were studied. Porcine thoracic aorta endothelial cells and porcine lung fibroblasts were maintained in monolayer culture. Cells were prelabeled with⁵¹Cr before xanthine plus xanthine oxidase exposure. Endothelial cells showed 30 to 100% more lysis than fibroblasts and thus seemed more sensitive to this oxidant stress. The effect of cell culture age, as indicated by population doubling level (PDL), was examined. Response of low PDL endothelial cells and fibroblasts subjected to oxidant stress was compared with the response of PDL 15 cells. Both low PDL endothelial cells and fibroblasts responded differently to the lytic effect of xanthine oxidase-derived free radicals than did higher PDL cells. Specific activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, managanese superoxide dismutase, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were measured in both low and high PDL fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Antioxidant enzyme specific activities could only partially explain the differences in response to oxidant stress between fibroblasts and endothelial cells and between low and high PDL cells. Cell culture medium composition modulated the rate of production, and relative proportions of xanthine plus xanthine oxidase-derived partially reduced species of oxygen, i.e. superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. Serum content of medium was important in modulating free radical generation; superoxide production rates decreased 32%, H₂O₂ became undetectable, and hydroxyl radical generation decreased 54% in the presence of 10% serum. The medium protein and iron content also modulated free radical generation. The data suggest that cell culture media constituents, cell type, and cell culture age greatly affect in vitro response of cells subjected to oxidant stress. Research supported by American Lung Association Fellowship Training Grant and Research Training Grant, the R. J. Reynolds Corporation, and National Institutes of Health Grants HL29784 and 1 HL 23805.     

怀山药醇提取物抗DPPH自由基活性研究

将怀山药乙醇提取物采用溶剂萃取的方法,分成极性不同的五个部分,并首次用DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)方法测定各部分的抗自由基活性,发现乙酸乙酯萃取部分活性最强,氯仿萃取部分次之,再其次是正丁醇和水溶性部分。乙酸乙酯和氯仿萃取部分较强的抗自由基活性主要归因于其中所含的多酚类成分。同时利用薄层层析(TLC)、紫外光谱(UV)、^13C核磁共振(NMR)技术及显色反应对酚性成分进行了定性检验,并用Folin-Denis法测定了各萃取部位中酚性成分含量,发现抗自由基活性与萃取物中多酚性成分含量有一定的相关性。因而在评价怀山药质量时,其中所含的酚性成分不应忽视。     

Effect of Additives on the Inactivation of Lysozyme Mediated by Free Radicals Produced in the Thermolysis of 2, 2-Azo-Bis-(2-Amidinopropane)

The inactivation of lysozyme caused by the radicals produced by thermolysis of 2, 2-azo-bis-2-amidino-propane can be prevented by the addition of different compounds that can react with the damaging free radicals. Compounds of high reactivity (propyl gallate, Trolox, cysteine, albumin, ascorbate, and NADH) afford almost total protection until their consumption, resulting in well-defined induction times. The number of radicals trapped by each additive molecule consumed ranges from 3 (propyl gallate) to 0.12 (cysteine). This last value is indicative of chain oxidation of the inhibitor. Uric acid is able to trap nearly 2.2 radicals per added molecule, but even at large (200 μM) concentrations, a residual inactivation of the enzyme is observed, which may be caused by urate-derived radicals.

Compounds of lower reactivity (tryptophan, Tempol, hydroquinone, desferrioxamine, diethylhydroxylamine, methionine, histidine, NAD⁺ and tyrosine) only partially decrease the lysozyme inactivation rates. For these compounds, we calculated the concentration necessary to reduce the enzyme inactivation rate to one half of that observed in the absence of additives. These concentrations range from 9 μM (tryptophan and Tempol) to 5 mM (NAD⁺).     

紫外检视薄层色谱的应用新途径

本文以丹参酮ⅡA的鉴定为例,探讨了不同背景在紫外检视薄层色谱中应用的可能性。结果显示,天蓝色背景的应用效果最好,丹参酮ⅡA的黑色斑点在紫外检视中清晰可见。该方法简单方便,快速准确,结果可靠,是紫外检视薄层色谱的一种新的尝试。这种方法不仅增加了紫外检视的应用范围,还拓宽了其应用思路。     

Amino-terminal sequence analysis of arachin

Amino-terminal sequence analysis of arachin, a peanut protein, using a modified Edman method has yielded the sequence of the first 60 residues. The PTH-amino acids have been identified on the basis of melting point, thin layer chromatography and UV spectroscopic data. For this purpose standard PTH-amino acids were prepared. In addition, two new solvent systems for thin layer chromatography of PTH-amino acids are reported.     

Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence after reaction of hydroperoxides with opsonized zymosan

Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (LEC) is very sensitive in detecting free radicals but relatively insensitive for hydroperoxides (hydrogen peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide). However, in the presence of opsonized zymosan (often used for stimulation of phagocytic cells) hydroperoxides also induce LEC, suggesting that free radicals are produced under these conditions. Therefore careful interpretation with respect to the nature of the reactive species is necessary when LEC is used for characterization of zymosan-induced phagocytosis. We studied the properties of zymosan-induced LEC under different test conditions and with various inhibitors. Typical radical scavengers, e.g. nordihydroguaiaretic acid and superoxide dismutase, are strong inhibitors, indicating the importance of the superoxide anion. This system is useful for drug testing with respect to antioxidative or radical scavenging activity.     

Effect of Additives on the Inactivation of Lysozyme Mediated by Free Radicals Produced in the Thermolysis of 2, 2-Azo-Bis-(2-Amidinopropane)

The inactivation of lysozyme caused by the radicals produced by thermolysis of 2, 2-azo-bis-2-amidino-propane can be prevented by the addition of different compounds that can react with the damaging free radicals. Compounds of high reactivity (propyl gallate, Trolox, cysteine, albumin, ascorbate, and NADH) afford almost total protection until their consumption, resulting in well-defined induction times. The number of radicals trapped by each additive molecule consumed ranges from 3 (propyl gallate) to 0.12 (cysteine). This last value is indicative of chain oxidation of the inhibitor. Uric acid is able to trap nearly 2.2 radicals per added molecule, but even at large (200 μM) concentrations, a residual inactivation of the enzyme is observed, which may be caused by urate-derived radicals.

Compounds of lower reactivity (tryptophan, Tempol, hydroquinone, desferrioxamine, diethylhydroxylamine, methionine, histidine, NAD⁺ and tyrosine) only partially decrease the lysozyme inactivation rates. For these compounds, we calculated the concentration necessary to reduce the enzyme inactivation rate to one half of that observed in the absence of additives. These concentrations range from 9 μM (tryptophan and Tempol) to 5 mM (NAD⁺).     

Adriamycin Affects Glomerular Renal Function: Evidence for the Involvement of Oxygen Radicals

The early nephrotoxic effect of the antitumor drug adriamycin (ADR) is suggested to be related to the generation of oxygen free radicals. Therefore the O₂ -dependence and the influence of free radical scavengers were studied in the model of the isolated perfused single glomerulus of Myxine glutinosa and by histochemi-cal demonstration of the glomerular ATP-ase. In Myxine, the glomerular ATP-ase activity was decreased after injection of ADR (5 mg/kg, i.v.).

Both ADR-treated Myxine and controls were exposed for 48 h to an artificial atmosphere of 20% O₂/80% N₂ or 80% O₂/20% N₂, respectively. After 10 days a significant decrease of the hydraulic conductivity (k) was measured in the experimental group exposed to 80% O₂ (k-values expressed as nl/s.mmHg.mm²: controls (7): 0.059 ± 0.017; ADR (7): 0.033 ± 0.026). The reduction of k following the administration of ADR (20 mg/kg) could be prevented by the sulphydryl donor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The sieving coefficient for albumin (μ) was significantly increased in ADR-treated animals, showing no O₂-d

ependence (μ × 10^?2: controls (7) 1.3 ± 0.2; ADR 20% O₂ (8): 8.1 ± 9.6; ADR 80% O₂ (7): 6.9 ± 6.7). ω was not affected by NAC.

The lipid peroxide levels in liver, kidney and heart of Myxine increased after the administration of ADR, peaking by day 2 to 5. The circulation disorders of ADR-treated Myxine were not due to an accumulation of the drug in the heart, but rather to a lack of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione.

It is concluded that the early nephrotoxic effect of ADR, as reflected by a decreased glomerular ATP-ase activity, is mediated by free radical formation. Oxidative stress on membrane compounds seems to reduce the water permeability of the glomerular barrier, while the ADR-induced sieving defect may be due to oxygen independent pathological mechanisms.