Effect of zinc on superoxide-dependent hydroxyl radical production in vitro

Trace elements play an important role in oxygen metabolism and therefore in the formation of free radicals. Whereas iron and copper are usually the main enhancers of free radical formation, other trace elements, such as zinc and selenium, protect against the harmful effects of these radicals. To investigate the different protective mechanisms of zinc on radical formation, we examined the effects of added zinc and copper on superoxide dismutase activity. We also studied the effects of copper and iron on xanthine oxidase activity and on the Haber-Weiss cycle (iron, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide), which generates hydroxyl radicals in vitro. The hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase radical generating system contained a variety of different physiological ligands for binding the iron. This study confirmed the inhibitory effect of copper on xanthine oxidase activity. Moreover, it demonstrated that zinc inhibited hydroxyl radical formation when this formation was catalyzed by a citrate-iron complex in the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase reaction. Finally, human blood plasma inhibited citrate-iron-dependent hydroxyl radical formation under the same conditions. Although trace elements seemed responsible for this antioxidant activity of plasma, it is likely that zinc played no role as a plasma antioxidant. Indeed, calcium appeared to be responsible for most of this effect under our experimental conditions.     

Plant senescence processes and free radicals

Free radicals acting at sensitive subcellular sites, appear to play a pivotal role in both the deleterious and beneficial effects of maturation and senescence of various plant organs--leaves, flowers, and fruit. As evidenced by ESR spectrometry, spin trapping, specific membrane phase transition studies and enzyme kinetics, an important factor in the above processes appears to be lipoxygenase activity producing polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) hydroperoxides and subsequently several free radical species and senescence-promoting compounds such as ethylene, malondialdehyde and jasmonic acid. The most intensely investigated are the oxy-free radical species including O2-., .OH, RO., ROO., PUFA and semiquinone free radicals. Higher plants are equipped with ways and means to combat free radicals and these may be classified under two general headings; (a) direct scavengers including SOD, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol acting in concert (b) incipient preventative mechanisms against radical formation, these include xanthine oxidase inhibitors, strategies based on endogenous H2O2 disposal in the form of peroxidative enzymes and glutathione turnover, and Ca2+ channel blockers. The antisenescence phytohormone cytokinin appears to possess a dual effect and may act in both capacities. The special case of delayed free radical formation in comparatively dry biological systems such as seeds is detailed, and specific free radical-generating photosensitizer compounds are also discussed.     

Oxygen free radical induced damage during intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in normal and xanthine oxidase deficient rats

This study looks at the role of xanthine oxidase (XO) in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced intestinal mucosal damage using normal and xanthine oxidase deficient rats. Tungstate feeding for 3 days depleted the intestinal mucosal XO by 80%. A ligated loop of the rat small intestine (both normal and XO-deficient) was subjected to 1 h of total ischemia followed by 5 min revascularisation. The ensuing mucosal damage was assessed by biochemical and histological studies. Ischemia or I/R increased the XO levels in normal rats without any change in XO-deficient rats. Myeloperoxidase (a neutrophil marker) level was increased in both group of rats but it was comparatively higher in the XO-deficient rats. Accumulation of peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde, conjugated diene and increased production of hydroxyl radicals by microsomes were seen after ischemia and I/R and were similar in normal and XO-deficient rats. Studies on other parameters of peroxidation showed a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids and alpha-tocopherol, an increase in cysteine and cystine levels after I/R and were similar in both normal and XO-deficient rats. Histological results indicated gross morphological changes in the intestinal mucosa due to ischemia and I/R, and the damage was more severe in XO-deficient rats. These observations suggest that oxygen-derived free radicals are involved in the intestinal mucosal damage during I/R and infiltrated neutrophils rather than XO may be the primary source of free radicals under these conditions.     

Oxidative mechanisms involved in kainate-induced cytotoxicity in cortical neurons

In our previous experiments, evidence of free radical formation has been demonstrated in gerbil brain after kainic acid (KA) administration. In the present study, the mechanisms involved in KA-induced free radical formation and subsequent cell degeneration were investigated using high density cortical neuron cultures. A free radical trapping agent,a-phenyl-N-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN), as well as the combined action of superoxide dismutase and catalase attenuated KA neurotoxic effect. Calpain-induced xanthine oxidase (XO) activation may play an important role in KA excitotoxicity since calpain inhibitor I as well as allopurinol, a selective XO inhibitor, significantly protected the cortical neurons from KA-induced cell death. However, XO activation may not be the only source producing free radicals, other free radical generating systems such as nitric oxide synphase may also play a role in KA insult.     

H2O2 Formation During Nucleotide Degradation in the Hypoxic Rat Liver: a Quantitative Approach

In the hypoxic liver an increased rate of cytosolic and peroxisomal H₂O₂ generation is due to the accelerated purine nucleotide degradation. The relative contribution of the oxidase type of xanthine oxidoreductase activity increases in hypoxia by less than 10%, the dehydrogenase type of this enzyme is hardly inhibited by the increased concentration of free NADH. Nevertheless, due to the high hypoxanthine supply the xanthine oxidase related H₂O₂ formation is increased six-fold and together with the peroxisomal uricase-mediated share it accounts for half of the oxygen consumption.     

氧自由基在应激性胃溃疡中的发病学意义

本工作研究了氧自由基在大鼠冷冻束缚应激性胃溃疡中的发病学意义。实验结果如下:(1)以超氧自由基清除剂超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)或羟自由基清除剂二甲亚砜和甘露醇预先处理大鼠,均可显著地减轻胃粘膜损伤;(2)应激时,胃粘膜内的脂质过氧化分解产物丙二醛的含量显著升高;(3)组织化学的研究显示,胃粘膜层含有丰富的黄嘌呤氧化酶,其活性在应激时明显升高,预先用别嘌呤醇处理大鼠以抑制黄嘌呤氧化酶的活性,可使胃粘膜损伤显著减轻。上述结果提示,氧自由基是应激性胃溃疡的重要致病因子,而黄嘌呤氧化酶活性的升高似可能为应激时氧自由基生成增加的重要原因。     

Modification of contractile proteins by oxygen free radicals in rat heart

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of oxygen free radicals on myofibrillar creatine kinase activity. Isolated rat heart myofibrils were incubated with xanthine+xanthine oxidase (a superoxide anion radical-generating system) or hydrogen peroxide and assayed for creatine kinase activity. To clarify the involvement of changes in sulfhydryl groups in causing alterations in myofibrillar creatine kinase activity, 1) effects of N-ethylmaleimide (sulfhydryl groups reagent) on myofibrillar creatine kinase activity, 2) effect of oxygen free radicals on myofibrillar sulfhydryl groups content, and 3) protective effects of dithiothreitol (sulfhydryl groups-reducing agent) on the changes in myofibrillar creatine kinase activity due to oxygen free radicals were also studied. Xanthine+xanthine oxidase inhibited creatine kinase activity both in a time-and a concentration-dependent manner. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed a protective effect on the depression in creatine kinase activity caused by xanthine+xanthine oxidase. Hydrogen peroxide inhibited creatine kinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner; this inhibition was prevented by the addition of catalase. N-ethylmaleimide reduced creatine kinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The content of myofibrillar sulfhydryl groups was decreased by xanthine+xanthine oxidase; this reduction was protected by SOD. Furthermore, the depression in myofibrillar creatine kinase activity by xanthine+xanthine oxidase was protected by the addition of dithiothreitol. Oxygen free radicals may inhibit myofibrillar creatine kinase activity by modifying sulfhydryl groups in the enzyme protein. The reduction of myofibrillar creatine kinase activity may lead to a disturbance of energy utilization in the heart and may contribute to cardiac dysfunction due to oxygen free radicals.     

Oxygen free radicals induced release of lysosomal enzymes in vitro

Summary The effect of oxygen free radicals, generated by xanthine and xanthine oxidase, was studied on the release of lysosomal hydrolase from rat liver lysosomes in vitro. A lysosomal enriched subcellular fraction was prepared, using differential centrifugation technique, from the homogenate of rat liver. The biochemical purity of the lysosomal fraction was established by using the markers of different cellular organelles. Oxygen free radicals were generated in vitro by the addition of xanthine and xanthine oxidase. The release of lysosomal hydrolase (-glucuronidase) from the lysosomal fraction was measured. There was a 3 to 4 fold increase in the release of -glucuronidase activity in the presence of xanthine and xanthine oxidase when compared to that in the absence of xanthine and xanthine oxidase. In the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a scavenger of oxygen free radicals, the xanthine and xanthine oxidase system was unable to induce the release of -glucuronidase activity from the lysosomes. Sonication (2 bursts for 15 sec each) and Lubrol (2 mg/10 mg lysosomal protein) treatment, which are known to cause membrane disruption, also induced the release of -glucuronidase from lysosomal fraction. This release of -glucuronidase by sonication and lubrol treatment was not prevented by SOD. These data indicate that lysosomal disruption is a consequence of oxygen free radicals, generated by xanthine and xanthine oxidase.Abbreviations HEPES N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid - EGTA Ethylene Glycol Bis-(-aminoethyl ether)N,N,-N,N-tetracetic acid - Tris Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane - SOD Superoxide Dismutase     

Superoxide radicals scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of magnesium lithospermate B from Salvia miltiorrhiza

In this study we investigated the superoxide radicals scavenging effect and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity by magnesium lithospermate B, which was originally isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (also named Danshen or Dansham), an important herb in Oriental medicine. Superoxide radicals were generated both in β-NADH/PMS system and xanthine/ xanthine oxidase system. Magnesium lithospermate B significantly inhibited the reduction of NBT induced by superoxide radicals with an IC₅₀ of 29.8 μg/mL and 4.06 μg/mL respectively in the two systems. Further study suggested that magnesium lithospermate B can directly inhibit xanthine oxidase and exhibits competitive inhibition. Magnesium lithospermate B was also found to have the hypouricemic activity in vivo against potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricaemia in mice. After oral administration of magnesium lithospermate B at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, there was a significant decrease in the serum urate level when compared to the hyperuricemia control. In addition, magnesium lithospermate B significantly protected HL-60 cells from superoxide radicals-induced apoptosis in the xanthine/ xanthine oxidase reactions. This study provided evidence that magnesium lithospermate B exhibits direct superoxide radicals scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.     

Cytokinin biosynthesis and interconversion

To maintain hormone homeostasis, the rate of cytokinin biosynthesis, interconversion, and degradation is regulated by enzymes in plant cells. Cytokinins can be synthesized via direct (de novo) or indirect (tRNA) pathways. In the de novo pathway, a cytokinin nucleotide is synthesized from 5'-AMP and isopentenyl pyrophosphate; a key enzyme which catalyzes this synthesis has been isolated from plant tissues, slime mold, and some microorganisms. Studies on the in vitro synthesis of the isopentenyl side chain of cytokinin in tRNA demonstrated that the isopentenyl group was derived from mevalonate, and turnover of the cytokinin-containing tRNA may serve as a minor source of free cytokinins in plant cells. The interconversion of cytokinin bases, nucleosides and nucleotides is a major feature of cytokinin metabolism; and enzymes that regulate the interconversion have been identified. The N⁶-side chain and purine moiety of cytokinins are often modified and some of the enzymes involved in the modifications have been isolated. Most of the cytokinin metabolites have been characterized but very few enzymes regulating their metabolism have been purified to homogeneity. It remains a significant challenge to isolate plant genes involved in the regulation of cytokinin biosynthesis, interconversion and degradation.     

Decrease in heart mitochondrial creatine kinase activity due to oxygen free radicals.

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of oxygen free radicals on mitochondrial creatine kinase activity in rat heart. Xanthine plus xanthine oxidase (superoxide anion radical generating system) reduced mitochondrial creatine kinase activity both in a dose- and a time-dependent manner. Superoxide dismutase showed a protective effect on depression in creatine kinase activity due to xanthine plus xanthine oxidase. Hydrogen peroxide inhibited creatine kinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, this inhibition was protected by the addition of catalase. In order to understand the detailed mechanisms by which oxygen free radicals inhibit mitochondrial creatine kinase activity, the effects of oxygen free radicals on mitochondrial sulfhydryl groups were examined. Mitochondrial sulfhydryl groups contents were decreased by xanthine plus xanthine oxidase or hydrogen peroxide; this depression in sulfhydryl groups contents was prevented by the addition of superoxide dismutase or catalase. N-Ethylmaleimide (sulfhydryl group reagent) expressed inhibitory effects on the creatine kinase activity both in a dose- and a time-dependent manner; dithiothreitol or cysteine (sulfhydryl group reductant) showed protective effects on the creatine kinase activity depression induced by N-ethylmaleimide. Dithiothreitol or cysteine also blocked the depression of mitochondrial creatine kinase activity caused by xanthine plus xanthine oxidase or hydrogen peroxide. These results lead us to conclude that oxygen free radicals may inhibit mitochondrial creatine kinase activity by modifying sulfhydryl groups in the enzyme protein.     

Xanthine Oxidase is Not Responsible for Reoxygenation Injury in Isolated-Perfused Rat Heart

The massive leakage of intracellular enzymes which occurs during reoxygenation of heart tissue after hypoxic or ischemic episodes has been suggested to result from the formation of oxygen radicals. One purported source of such radicals is the xanthine oxidase-mediated metabolism of hypoxanthine and xanthine. Xanthine oxidase (O form) has been suggested to be formed in vivo by limited proteolysis of xanthine dehydrogenase (D form) during the hypoxic period (Granger el ai. Gastroenterology 81, 22 (1981)). We measured the activities of xanthine oxidase in both fresh and isolated-perfused (Langendorff) rat heart tissue. Approximately 32% of the total xanthine oxidase was in the O form in fresh and isolated-perfused rat heart. This value was unchanged following 60min of hypoxia and 30 minutes of reoxygenation. The infusion of 250/JM allopurinol throughout the perfusion completely inhibited xanthine oxidase activity but had no effect on the massive release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the coronary effluent upon reoxygenation of heart tissue subjected to 30 or 60min of hypoxia. Protection from 30min of hypoxia was also not obtained when rats were pretreated for 48 h with allopurinol at a dose of 30mg/kg/day and perfused with allopurinol containing medium. Superoxide dismutase (50 units/ml), catalase (200 units/ml), or the antioxidant cyanidanol (100μM) also had no effect on LDH release upon reoxygenation after 60 min of hypoxia. Xanthine oxidase activity was detected in a preparation enriched in cardiac endothelial cells while no allupurinol-inhibitable activity could be measured in purified isolated cardiomyocytes. It is concluded that xanthine dehydrogenase is not converted to xanthine oxidase in hypoxic tissue of the isolated perfused rat heart, and that the release of intracellular enzymes upon reoxygenation in this experimental model is mediated by factors other than reactive oxygen generated by xanthine oxidase.     

The pathway of betalain biosynthesis: Effect of cytokinin on enzymic oxidation and hydroxylation of tyrosine in Amaranthus tricolor seedlings

The effect of exogenously added tyrosine or l -3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) alanine on the accumulation of betacyanin in response to cytokinin in Amaranthus tricolor (L.) var. tricolor half-seedlings depends on the age of the seedlings and the treatment of the seedlings prior to induction of pigment by benzyladenine. Neither extracted polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase or tyrosine hydroxylase activity, nor in vivo tyrosine hydroxylation is increased in response to exposure of seedlings to cytokinin. However a small percentage of the polyphenol oxidase activated or unmasked by Triton X-100 treatment of membrane fractions is increased after cytokinin treatment of half-seedlings for 22 h. It is concluded that cytokinin control may be on a multi-enzyme membrane-located complex involving part of the polyphenol oxidase activity of the tissue (possibly an isoenzyme), and that the majority of the polyphenol oxidase activity in Amaranthus is a constitutive membrane enzyme which is not involved in betacyanin synthesis. Although cytokinins do not affect in vivo tyrosine hydroxylation, this activity follows closely the accumulation of betacyanin which is first detectable about 6.5 h after the application of cytokinin. Only a very low level of in vivo hydroxylation can be demonstrated in half-seedlings treated for 6 h either with or without cytokinin but it begins to increase shortly after this time. A large increase in this activity by 16 h (independent of cytokinin) can be almost completely (79%) prevented by chloramphenicol (300 μM) although the drug increases accumulation of betacyanin. At this concentration about 30% of the protein synthesis in inhibited. In vitro tyrosine hydroxylation is, however, not reduced in half-seedlings treated with chloramphenicol during 16 h induction nor is extractable polyphenol oxidase reduced. It is concluded that chloramphenicol is inhibiting the synthesis of some protein essential for in vivo hydroxylation other than the activity measured during in vitro hydroxylation and that the inhibition of synthesis of 79% in vivo hydroxylation still leaves enough activity for maximum betacyanin synthesis.     

Prostaglandins attenuate cardiac contractile dysfunction produced by free radical generation but not by hydrogen peroxide

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the potential influence of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase derived metabolises of arachidonic acid on myocardial injury produced either by a free radical generating system consisting of purine plus xanthine oxidase or that produced by hydrogen peroxide. A free radical generating system consisting of purine (2.3 mM) and xanthine oxidase (10 U/L) as well as hydrogen peroxide (75 µM) produced significant functional changes in the absence of either significant deficits in high energy phosphates or ultrastructural damage. Prostaglandin F2; (30 nM) significantly attenuated both the negative inotropic effect of purine plus xanthine oxidase as well as the ability of the free radical generator to elevate resting tension. An identical concentration of prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin) significantly reduced resting tension elevation only and had no effect on contractile depression. The salutary effects of the two PGs occurred in the absence of any inhibitory influence on superoxide anion generation produced by the purine and xanthine oxidase reaction. None of prostaglandins modulated the response to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, neither prostaglandin E2 nor leukotrienes exerted any effect on changes produced by either type of oxidative stress. A 5 fold elevation in the concentrations of free radical generators or hydrogen peroxide produced extensive injury as characterized by a virtual total loss in contractility, 400% elevation in resting tension, ultrastructural damage and significant depletions in high energy phosphate content. None of these effects were modulated by eicosanoid treatment. Our results therefore demonstrate a selective ability of both prostaglandin F2; and to a lesser extent prostacyclin, to attenuate dysfunction produced by purine plus xanthine oxidase but not hydrogen peroxide. It is possible that these eicosanoids may represent endogenous protective factors under conditions of enhanced oxidative stress associated with superoxide anion generation.     

Biosynthesis and cytokinin activity of 8-hydroxy and 2,8-dihydroxy derivatives of zeatin and N-6(increment-2-isopentenyl)adenine.

8-Hydroxy and 2,8-dihydroxy derivatives of the cytokinins, 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-butenylamino)purine and N-6-(increment -2-isopentenyl)adenine, have been biosynthesized by xanthine oxidase oxidation. 8-Hydroxy derivatives have been shown to be the major intermdeiates. These compounds were tested for cytokinin activity in the tobacco bioassay. The results suggest that substitution of the 8 position with a hydroxyl group causes less decrease of cytokinin activity than substitution of both the 2 and 8 positions with hydroxyl groups.     

Purine catabolism in advanced carotid artery plaque

This study was carried out on carotid artery plaque and plasma of 50 patients. We analyzed uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and allantoin levels to verify if enzymatic purine degradation occurs in advanced carotid plaque; we also determined free radicals and sulphydryl groups to check if there is a correlation between oxidant status and purine catabolism. Comparing plaque and plasma we found higher levels of free radicals, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and a decrease of some oxidant protectors, such as sulphydryl groups and uric acid, in plaque. We also observed a very important phenomenon in plaque, the presence of allantoin due to chemical oxidation of uric acid, since humans do not have the enzyme uricase. The hypothetical elevated activity of xanthine oxidase in atherosclerosis could be reduced by specific therapies using its inhibitors, such as oxypurinol or allopurinol.     

Purine Catabolism in Advanced Carotid Artery Plaque

This study was carried out on carotid artery plaque and plasma of 50 patients. We analyzed uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and allantoin levels to verify if enzymatic purine degradation occurs in advanced carotid plaque; we also determined free radicals and sulphydryl groups to check if there is a correlation between oxidant status and purine catabolism. Comparing plaque and plasma we found higher levels of free radicals, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and a decrease of some oxidant protectors, such as sulphydryl groups and uric acid, in plaque. We also observed a very important phenomenon in plaque, the presence of allantoin due to chemical oxidation of uric acid, since humans do not have the enzyme uricase. The hypothetical elevated activity of xanthine oxidase in atherosclerosis could be reduced by specific therapies using its inhibitors, such as oxypurinol or allopurinol.     

病毒感染致病与自由基的损伤

以流感病毒A/FM1/1/47(H₁N₁)鼠适应株,鼻腔内接种感染小鼠为模型,探讨了病毒感染过程中,自由基的产生以及在致病过程中的作用.结果表明,感染病毒的小鼠肺组织中氧自由基水平和黄嘌呤氧化酶活性显著升高,并与肺组织损伤和死亡率之间呈正相关.提示,氧自由基参与了病毒感染小鼠的致病过程,是造成组织损伤的重要因素.