From Haemocuprein to Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase: A History on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Discovery of Haemocuprein and the Twentieth Anniversary of the Discovery of Superoxide Dismutase

Haemocuprein was discovered fifty years ago by T. Mann and D. Keilin as a copper protein of red blood cells, later named erythrocuprein. Superoxide dismutase was discovered twenty years ago by J.M. McCord and I. Fridovich as an enzymatic activity in preparations of carbonic anhydrase or myoglobin that inhibited the aerobic reduction of cytochrome c by xanthine oxidase. Astonishingly the superoxide dismutase proved to be haemocuprein. Around this time zinc was found in haemocuprein, in equimolar amount to the copper. Haemocuprein thus became copper-zinc superoxide dismutase after thirty years as an obscure cupropro-tein of red blood cells. This historical article is a tribute to the achievement of J.M. McCord and I. Fridovich. Their discovery of superoxide dismutase revolutionized the study of oxygen free-radicals in biochemistry.     

Sulfide-induced oxygen uptake by isolated spinach chloroplasts catalyzed by photosynthetic electron transport

In addition to an inhibitory effect on the photoreduction of NADP⁺ by isolated spinach chloroplasts ( Spinacea oleracea L. cv. Melody Hybrid), sulfide initiated oxygen uptake by chloroplasts upon illumination, both in presence and absence of an electron acceptor. Sulfide-induced oxygen uptake was sensitive to DCMU demonstrating the involvement of photosynthetic electron transport. Addition of superoxide dismutase to the chloroplast suspension prevented the sulfide-induced oxygen uptake, which indicated that sulfide may be oxidized by the chloroplast, its oxidation being initiated by superoxide formed upon illumination (at the reducing side of PSI). Tris-induced inhibition of NADP⁺ photo-reduction could not be abolished by sulfide, which indicated that sulfide could not act as an electron donor for PSI.     

磷脂化修饰影响超氧化物歧化酶细胞亲和力的研究

目的:研究磷脂化修饰对重组人超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)进入人冠状动脉内皮细胞(HCAEC)、人心肌细胞(HCM)能力的影响。方法:分别运用流式细胞术和蛋白印迹分析磷脂化修饰的超氧化物歧化酶(PC-SOD)和SOD与HCAEC、HCM的结合能力,并用激光共聚焦显微术分析修饰前后的SOD可显著增强PC-SOD与细胞的亲和力,并可显著增强PC-SOD进入人冠状动脉内皮细胞和人心肌细胞的能力。     

Photochemical processes observed during the reaction of superoxide reductase from Desulfoarculus baarsii with superoxide: Re-evaluation of the reaction mechanism

Superoxide reductase SOR is an enzyme involved in superoxide detoxification in some microorganisms. Its active site consists of a non-heme ferrous center in an unusual [Fe(NHis)₄ (SCys)₁] square pyramidal pentacoordination that efficiently reduces superoxide into hydrogen peroxide. In previous works, the reaction mechanism of the SOR from Desulfoarculus baarsii enzyme, studied by pulse radiolysis, was shown to involve the formation of two reaction intermediates T1 and T2. However, the absorption spectrum of T2 was reported with an unusual sharp band at 625 nm, very different from that reported for other SORs. In this work, we show that the sharp band at 625 nm observed by pulse radiolysis reflects the presence of photochemical processes that occurs at the level of the transient species formed during the reaction of SOR with superoxide. These processes do not change the stoichiometry of the global reaction. These data highlight remarkable photochemical properties for these reaction intermediates, not previously suspected for iron-peroxide species formed in the SOR active site. We have reinvestigated the reaction mechanism of the SOR from D. baarsii by pulse radiolysis in the absence of these photochemical processes. The T1 and T2 intermediates now appear to have absorption spectra similar to those reported for the Archaeoglobus fulgidus SOR enzymes. Although for some enzymes of the family only one transient was reported, on the whole, the reaction mechanisms of the different SORs studied so far seem very similar, which is in agreement with the strong sequence and structure homologies of their active sites.     

The photoproduction of superoxide radicals and the superoxide dismutase activity of Photosystem II. The possible involvement of cytochrome b559

In the present study the light induced formation of superoxide and intrinsic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in PS II membrane fragments and D1/D2/Cytb559-complexes from spinach have been analyzed by the use of ferricytochrome c (cyt c(III)) reduction and xanthine/xanthine oxidase as assay systems. The following results were obtained: 1.) Photoreduction of Cyt c (III) by PS II membrane fragments is induced by addition of sodium azide, tetracyane ethylene (TCNE) or carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxy-phenylhydrazone (FCCP) and after removal of the extrinsic polypeptides by a 1M CaCl₂-treatment. This activity which is absent in control samples becomes completely inhibited by the addition of exogenous SOD. 2.) The TCNE induced cyt c(III) photoreduction by PS II membrane fragments was found to be characterized by a half maximal concentration of c_1/2=10 M TCNE. Simultaneously, TCNE inhibits the oxygen evolution rate of PS II membrane fragments with c_1/2 3 M. 3.) The photoproduction of O₂ ^– is coupled with H⁺-uptake. This effect is diminished by the addition of the O₂ ^–-trap cyt c(III). 4.) D1/D2/Cytb559-complexes and PS II membrane fragments deprived of the extrinsic proteins and manganese exhibit no SOD-activity but are capable of producing O₂ ^– in the light if a PS II electron donor is added.Based on these results the site(s) of light induced superoxide formation in PS II is (are) inferred to be located at the acceptor side. A part of the PS II donor side and Cyt b559 in its HP-form are proposed to provide an intrinsic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.Abbreviations ADRY acceleration of the deactivation reactions of the water-splitting system Y - ANT-2p 2-(3-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl)anilino-3,5-dinitrothiophene - BCP bromocresol purple - cyt cytochrome - Cyt c cytochrome c - DCIP 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol - DCMU 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea - DEDTC Diethyldithiocarbamate - DMBQ 2,5-dimethyl-p-benzoquinone - DPC 1,5-diphenylcarbazide - FCCP carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoro/methoxy-phenylhydrazone - HP high potential - LP low potential - MES 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid - NADP nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - SOD superoxide dismutase - TCNE tetracyane ethylene - TEMED N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine     

The Copper Complex of Captopril is not a Superoxide Dismutase Mimic. Artefacts in DMPO Spin Trapping

The effect of captopril and of its copper complex on several superoxide-dependent reactions used to detect and assay superoxide dismutase activity was studied, including pyrogallol and hematoxylin autoxidation and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction. ln none of these systems were superoxide dismutase-like properties of captopril/Cu apparent. Captopril/Cu decreased the yield of DMPO-OH adducts generated by KO₂ but this effect may be due to the acceleration of the decay of the adduct by captopril/Cu.     

In vitro Damage to Rat Lens by Lumazine and Xanthine Oxidase: Prevention by Superoxide Dismutase

Intact rat lenses incubated with lumazine and xanthine oxidase are physiologically damaged as evidenced by a decrease in the net accumulation of rubidium ions against a concentration gradient. Superoxide dismutase protected the tissue against this damage. These experiments, therefore, demonstrate the susceptibility of the lens tissue to O₂^?_? injury under ambient and nonphotochemical conditions, suggesting a possible implication of this radical in the tissue in vivo and eventual cataract formation. The lumazine/xanthine oxidase system which is known to cause oxygen reduction predominantly by the monovalent route, producing superoxide, appears quite suitable to evaluate the toxicity of O₂^?_? to the tissues in vitro.     

Isoenzymes of cuprozinc superoxide dismutase from Pisum sativum

Two cyanide-sensitive and organic solvent-inactivated superoxide dismutase isoenzymes were purified from pea leaves, Pisum sativum, cv Thomas Laxto     

Superoxide dismutase for therapeutic use: Clinical experience,dead ends and hopes

Summary The clinical trials performed with bovine superoxide dismutase (SOD) are reviewed. SOD, applied intraarticularly at a dosage of 2–16 mg, proved to be effective in osteoarthritis of the knee joint in three placebo-controlled and one steroid-controlled double-blind trials. Its efficacy in other inflammatory joint disorders is documented by uncontrolled trials. Similarly, some controlled and many open studies support the efficacy of locally injected SOD in periarticular inflammation. Systemic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by SOD at the dosages indicated yielded disappointing results. Well documented, though open uncontrolled studies demonstrated beneficial effects of locally administered SOD in radiation cystitis, interstitial cystitis and Peyronie's disease. Tolerance is good, but allergic reactions at low incidence have to be anticipated. Human SOD derived from recombinant microorganisms is being developed to explore its therapeutic potential particularly in ischemia-reperfusion damage, adult respiratory distress or similar conditions.     

水分胁迫下不同进化型小麦抗氧化能力比较

以6种不同基因型小麦为试验材料,研究了水分胁迫下不同生长期小麦体内超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性以及超氧自由基（O2）含量变化,并分析了两者之间的相关关系。结果表明,水分胁迫下6种基因型小麦SOD活性及超氧自由基含量在拔节期和灌浆期均有不同程度的增加;栽培型品种SOD活性增幅高于野生型品种,超氧自由基增幅较低;同样,二粒小麦与一粒小麦相比,二粒小麦SOD活性增幅高于一粒小麦,超氧自由基增幅较低;但现代栽培小麦种表现不明显。结果说明,栽培型与野生型小麦相比,二粒小麦与一粒小麦相比,具有较强的抗氧化能力。     

Superoxide,Hydrogen Peroxide and Hydroxyl Radical in D1/D2/cytochrome b-559 Photosystem II Reaction Center Complex

Spin-trapping electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to monitor the formation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in D1/D2/cytochrome b-559 Photosystem II reaction center (PS II RC) Complex. When the PS II RC complex was strongly illuminated, superoxide was detected in the presence of ubiquinone. SOD activity was detected in the PS II RC complex. A primary product of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, resulted in the production of the most destructive reactive oxygen species, *OH, in illuminated PS II RC complex. The contributions of ubiquinone, SOD and H(2)O(2) to the photobleaching of pigments and protein photodamage in the PS II RC complex were further studied. Ubiquinone protected the PS II RC complex from photodamage and, interestingly, extrinsic SOD promoted this damage. All these results suggest that PS II RC is an active site for the generation of superoxide and its derivatives, and this process protects organisms during strong illumination, probably by inhibiting more harmful ROS, such as singlet oxygen.     

The effect of exogenous spermidine on superoxide dismutase activity,H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> and superoxide radical level in barley leaves under water deficit conditions

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) seedlings were treated with spermidine prior to water deficit to determine whether this polyamine is able to affect the activity of superoxide dismutase -SOD (EC 1.15.1.1) responsible for hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical level. Short-term dehydration (24h) resulted in decrease of the SOD specific activity and a distinct increase in the superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide contents. Polyamine treatment caused a substantial reduction in the contents of these two stress-raised reactive oxygen species and thereby lowered the oxidative stress in plant cells. Antioxidant system as an important component of the water-stress-protective mechanism can be changed by polyamines, able to moderate the radical scavenging system and to lessen in this way the oxidative stress.     

Free Radical Production by Azomethine H: Effects on Pancreatic and Hepatic Tissues

The antimalarial properties of azomethine H represent the basis for its use as a chemotherapeutic agent. This work was carried out in order to verify the biological side effects of azomethine H and to clarify the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process. It was shown that azomethine H increased serum activities of amylase, alanine transaminase (ALT) and the TBARS concentrations, in rats. No changes were observed in glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. The drug-induced tissue damage might be due to superoxide radicals (O₂), since Cu-Zn superoxide dis-mutase activities were increased by azomethine H treatment. This study allows tentative conclusions to be drawn regarding which reactive oxygen metabolites play a role in azomethine H activity. We concluded that (O₂) maybe produced as a mediator of azomethine H action.     

Age-related increase of superoxide generation in the brains of mammals and birds

Oxidative stress, an imbalance between endogenous levels of oxygen radicals and antioxidative defense, increases with aging. However, it is not clear which of these two factors is the more critical. To clarify the production of oxygen radicals increases with age, we examined oxygen radical-dependent chemiluminescent signals in ex vivo brain slices using a novel photonic imaging method. The chemiluminescent intensity was significantly decreased by the membrane permeable superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase mimic, but not by Cu,Zn-SOD. Inhibitors for complex I, III, and IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain transiently enhanced the chemiluminescent signal. The superoxide-dependent chemiluminescent intensity in senescence accelerated mouse (SAM) brain tissues increases with age. Moreover, the slope of the age-dependent increase was steeper in SAMP10, a strain characterized by a short lifespan and atrophy in the frontal cerebral cortex, than the senescence-resistant strain SAMR1, which has a longer lifespan. An increase in chemiluminescence with age was also observed in C57/BL6 mice, Wistar rats, and pigeons, although levels of chemiluminescence were lower in the pigeons than murines. The rate of age-related increases of superoxide-dependent chemiluminescence was inversely related to the maximum lifespan of the animals. The activity of superoxide dismutase was unchanged during the aging process in the brain. This suggested that superoxide production itself may increase with age. We speculated that reactive oxygen may be a signal to determine the aging process.     

Enhanced Superoxide Production with on Change of the Antioxidant Activity in Gingival Fluid of Patients with Chronic Adult Periodontitis

In the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of control and chronic adult periodontitis (CAP) patients there is a spontaneous release of O₂^- radicals from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The addition of the exogenous stimuli phorbol myrystate acetate (PMA) decreased the O₂^- formation in control GCF, while in CAP patients produced a marked enhancement of O₂^- generation.

The circulating PMN of control subjects did not show a spontaneous O₂^- formation, differently from CAP patients. On the contrary, a similar O₂^- production was measured when the circulating PMN were stimulated with PMA.

Moreover, the antioxidant activity measured in 10μl of cell free gingival supernatant (GS) of control and CAP patients had the same values by inhibiting 12.6% and 18.9% respectively of the O₂^- formation supported by a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system.

Probably, the protective or destructive effect of PMN in GCF of CAP patients depends on the variations of the rate of O₂^- formation in respect to the intrinsic antioxidant property of GS.     

Liposome-entrapped superoxide dismutase reduces ischemia/reperfusion ‘oxidative stress’ in gerbil brain

Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (15 min.) followed by two hours of recirculation reduced mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, and increased susceptibility of mitochondrial membranes to in vitro lipid peroxidation in brain regions (i.e., cortex, striatum and hippocampus) of Mongolian gerbil. Intraperitoneal bolus injection (2 mg/kg b.w.) of liposome-entrapped CuZn superoxide dismutase (l-SOD) increased the endogenous SOD activity in normal brain tissue and, when given at the end of ischemia, counteracted both the ischemic reduction of endogenous SOD and the increased peroxidation of mitochondrial membranes. 1-SOD treatment was ineffective in reducing brain swelling, suggesting that superoxide radicals are not a main participant in the process of (post)ischemic brain edema formation.     

Cyclosporin A generates superoxide in smooth muscle cells

Cyclosporin A (CsA) generates superoxide in smooth muscle cells. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that the increase in the vasopressin type 1 receptor induced in vascular smooth muscle cells in the presence of CsA is probably due to superoxide (Krauskopf et al., J Biol Chem 278, 41685-41690, 2003). This increase in vasopressin receptor is likely at the base of increased vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor hormones and hypertension induced by CsA. Here, we demonstrate that CsA produces superoxide. In addition, our data show that superoxide generation does not originate from the major cellular superoxide generating systems NAD(P)H oxidase or xanthine oxidase. Our results suggest that the side effects of CsA could be diminished with the help of SOD mimetic drugs.