Role of phenolic O-H and methylene hydrogen on the free radical reactions and antioxidant activity of curcumin

To understand the relative importance of phenolic O-H and the CH-H hydrogen on the antioxidant activity and the free radical reactions of Curcumin, (1,7-bis[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl]-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), biochemical, physicochemical, and density functional theory (DFT) studies were carried out with curcumin and dimethoxy curcumin (1,7-bis[3, 4-dimethoxy phenyl]-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione). The antioxidant activity of these compounds was tested by following radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes, and the results suggested that at equal concentration, the efficiency to inhibit lipid peroxidation is changed from 82% with curcumin to 24% with dimethoxy curcumin. Kinetics of reaction of (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH, a stable hydrogen abstracting free radical was tested with these two compounds using stopped-flow spectrometer and steady state spectrophotometer. The bimolecular rate constant for curcumin was found to be approximately 1800 times greater than that for the dimethoxy derivative. Cyclic voltammetry studies of these two systems indicated two closely lying oxidation peaks at 0.84 and 1.0 V vs. SCE for curcumin, while only one peak at 1.0 V vs. SCE was observed for dimethoxy curcumin. Pulse radiolysis induced one-electron oxidation of curcumin and dimethoxy curcumin was studied at neutral pH using (*)N(3) radicals. This reaction with curcumin produced phenoxyl radicals absorbing at 500 nm, while in the case of dimethoxy curcumin a very weak signal in the UV region was observed. These results suggest that, although the energetics to remove hydrogen from both phenolic OH and the CH(2) group of the beta-diketo structure are very close, the phenolic OH is essential for both antioxidant activity and free radical kinetics. This is further confirmed by DFT calculations where it is shown that the -OH hydrogen is more labile for abstraction compared to the -CH(2) hydrogen in curcumin. Based on various experimental and theoretical results it is definitely concluded that the phenolic OH plays a major role in the activity of curcumin.     

Glucans exhibit weak antioxidant activity, but stimulate macrophage free radical activity

Polymeric carbohydrates have been reported to modulate inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Previous reports suggest that certain carbohydrate polymers, such as (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans, may possess free radical scavenging activity. If glucans are free radical scavengers then it might explain, in part, the ability of these ligands to modulate inflammatory responses. The present study examined the free radical scavenging activity of a variety of carbohydrate polymers and the effect of the polymers on free radical levels in a murine macrophage cell line. All of the carbohydrates exhibited concentration dependent antioxidant effects (EC(50) range = 807 to 43 microg/ml). However, the antioxidant activity for the carbohydrates was modest in comparison with PDTC (EC(50) = 0.13 microg/ml) and the carbohydrate concentration required for antioxidant activity was high (x EC(50) = 283 microg/ml). The antioxidant ability of the polymers was greater (p < .05) than their monosaccharide constituents, i.e., dextrose EC(50) = 807 vs. glucan sulfate EC(50) = 43 microg/ml. Coincubation of glucans with murine J774a.1 cells increased free radical levels when compared to controls. Therefore, the weak free radical scavenging activity of glucan polymers cannot explain their modulatory effect on inflammatory responses in tissue culture and/or disease models of inflammation.     

Investigation of Bolivian plant extracts for their radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity

Fifty-four different extracts of nine Bolivian plants belonging to the family Asteraceae were evaluated for their radical scavenging activity by the DPPH*, NBT/hypoxanthine superoxide, and (*)OH/luminol chemiluminescence methods, and for their antioxidant activity by the beta-carotene bleaching test. The total phenolic content was also determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the oxidative stability by the Rancimat test. Both remarkably high phenolic content and radical scavenging and antioxidant activities were found mainly in the ethyl acetate fractions among the different plant extracts. Some ethyl acetate and even some defatted crude extracts exhibited activities comparable to those of commercial extracts/compounds, thus making it possible to consider some of the studied plants as a potential source of antioxidants of natural origin.     

Effect of galactose on free radical reactions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

To account for impaired bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during galactosemia, we have investigated the effects of galactose upon free radical reactions associated with the oxygen-dependent killing mechanism of guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Millimolar levels of galactose, which are encountered in the circulation of infants with galactosemia, did not affect the chemical reaction of Superoxide anion with either ferricytochrome c or nitroblue tetrazolium. Galactose did, however, significantly inhibit the reaction of hydroxyl radical with methional, and we propose that such hydroxyl radical removal would be deleterious to normal bactericidal activity. Additional experiments demonstrated that polymorphonuclear leukocytes incubated in the presence of galactose reduced less ferricytochrome c than polymorphonuclear leukocytes incubated without galactose. These results imply that galactose impairs the cellular release of Superoxide anion, which would further disable bactericidal activity.     

Primary antioxidant free radical scavenging and redox signaling pathways in higher plant cells

Antioxidants in plant cells mainly include glutathione, ascorbate, tocopherol, proline, betaine and others, which are also information-rich redox buffers and important redox signaling components that interact with cellular compartments. As an unfortunate consequence of aerobic life for higher plants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed by partial reduction of molecular oxygen. The above enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in higher plant cells can protect their cells from oxidative damage by scavenging ROS. In addition to crucial roles in defense system and as enzyme cofactors, antioxidants influence higher plant growth and development by modifying processes from miotosis and cell elongation to senescence and death. Most importantly, they provide essential information on cellular redox state, and regulate gene expression associated with biotic and abiotic stress responses to optimize defense and survival. An overview of the literature is presented in terms of primary antioxidant free radical scavenging and redox signaling in plant cells. Special attention is given to ROS and ROS-anioxidant interaction as a metabolic interface for different types of signals derived from metabolisms and from the changing environment. This interaction regulates the appropriate induction of acclimation processes or execution of cell death programs, which are the two essential directions for higher plant cells.     

Synthesis and antioxidant activity evaluation of novel antiparkinsonian agents,aminoadamantane derivatives of nitroxyl free radical

Two new analogues of the antiparkinsonian drug 1-aminoadamantane: 4-(1-adamantylamino)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl and 4-(1-adamantylammonio)-1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium dihydrochloride have been synthesized. Their antioxidant activity towards reactive oxygen species (ROS: (z.rad;)OH and O(2)(z.rad;-)) have been evaluated in three test systems. The compound with nitroxide substituent displays higher anti-oxidative capacity than those containing hydroxylamine. The in vivo study of ROS-involving 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-rat model of induced parkinsonism was undertaken to ascertain the neuroprotective ability of the novel synthesized compounds-antioxidants. The data clearly shows that the nitroxide free radical moiety of the molecule is necessary for their neuroprotective action on dopaminergic neurons under the applied conditions of deep oxidative stress caused by the neurotoxin (MPTP). The new synthesized analogues may find application in treatment of parkinsonian syndromes, either to block or to reduce the ROS-mediated neuronal damage and death.     

The activity of recombinant human neuroglobin as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger

Free radicals are by-products of metabolism and exist in a homeostasis between generation and scavenging in vivo. Excessive free radicals cause various diseases, including nervous system diseases. Neuroglobin (Ngb), a nervous system-specific oxygen-binding protein, has been suggested to be a potential free radical scavenger in the nervous system in vivo; however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging properties of recombinant human Ngb (rhNgb) in vitro. Interestingly, we found that the rhNgb protein itself has a direct and distinct antioxidant capacity and can efficiently scavenge a variety of free radicals, including the [2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS) cation, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. The capacity of rhNgb to scavenge the superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide was even comparable to that of vitamin C. In addition, rhNgb had Fe(2+) chelating activity but hemoglobin did not. In conclusion, our results indicated that the rhNgb protein itself has antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities, providing fundamental evidence for the neuroprotective function of Ngb. These data provide key information for the origin of the neuroprotective and physiological role of Ngb and will promote the treatment of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related diseases using this novel oxygen-binding globin.     

Effect of exogenous lectin on the endogenous lectin and antioxidant enzymes activity and flavonoid content in wheat

The presawing treatment of wheat seeds by lectin specific to the plant and its compositions with gapten and nitrogen fixation bacteria on the change in enzyme activity of antioxidant system of plant protection (peroxydase and katalase), endogenous lectin activity and flavonoid content in wheat leaves was studied in vegetation experiments. It is shown, that different biochemical links of protection plant system are activated, i.e. lectin activity in leaves increases 1.3 to 1.5 times, peroxydase activity and katalase activity rises 1.5 times and 5.0 to 8.0 times respectively and flavonoide content in leaves of vegetating plants increases under normal conditions of plant growth at the influence of factors of lectin nature.     

Antioxidant activity of free radical reactions inhibitors, applied to the dressing material for wound healing

Antioxidant activity (AA) of inhibitors of free radical reactions (FRR) (dieton, mexidol, trypsin), applied to the dressing material for wound healing was studied using a model system containing suspension of laminated liposomes, formed from the fraction of total chicken yolk phospholipids. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) of liposome membranes was initiated by addition of Fe²⁺ ions. The kinetics of FRR was monitored by coumarin enhanced chemiluminescence (CL). AA of the inhibitors was determined by their ability to intercept aqueous and hydrophobic free radicals and chelate Fe²⁺ ions. Their ability to intercept radicals reduced in the following order: dieton > trypsin > mexidol. We have also found previously unknown ability of mexidol to interact with Fe²⁺ and to eliminate the FRR catalyst. Studying AA of the FRR inhibitors in the two-components mixture, containing dieton and mexidol, we have observed the multifunctional effect: dieton increased the duration of latent period of CL by intersepting lipid peroxyl radicals, while mexidol, decreased this parameter by interacting with Fe²⁺, i.e. mexidol masked the action of dieton. Study of AA of two-components mixture, containing mexidol and trypsin has demonstrated the same multifunctional effect. In the two-component mixture, containing trypsin and dieton, the inhibitors exhibit synergistic action. All the antioxidant properties of these FRR inhibitors were also preserved in the three component mixture. Thus, the mixture dieton, mexidol and trypsin, possesses high AA, that validates their use in the dressing materials employed for wound healing.     

Investigations on the binding and antioxidant properties of the plant flavonoid fisetin in model biomembranes

Plant flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic drugs for free radical mediated diseases, for which cell membranes generally serve as targets for lipid peroxidation and related deleterious effects. Screening and characterization of these ubiquitous, therapeutically potent polyphenolic compounds, require a clear understanding regarding their incorporation and possible location in membranes, as well as quantitative estimates of their antioxidative and radical scavenging capacities. Here, we demonstrate the novel use of the intrinsic fluorescence characteristics of the plant flavonoid fisetin (3,3^′,4^′,7-OH flavone) to explore its binding and site(s) of solubilisation in egg lecithin liposomal membranes. Spectrophotometric assays have been used to obtain quantitative estimates of its antioxidative capacity. Furthermore, our quantum mechanical semi-empirical calculations provide a quantitative measure for the free radical scavenging activity of fisetin from the OH (at 3, 3^′, 4^′, 7 positions of the molecule)-bond dissociation enthalpies. Implications of these findings are discussed.     

Free radical scavenging reactions of sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine: mechanistic aspects and antioxidant activity

Reactions of sulfasalazine (SAZ) and its metabolites, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine (SP), with various oxidizing and reducing free radicals (hydroxyl, haloperoxyl, one-electron oxidizing, lipid peroxyl, glutathiyl, superoxide, tryptophanyl, etc.) have been studied to understand the mechanistic aspects of its action against free radicals produced during inflammation. Nanosecond pulse radiolysis technique coupled with transient spectrophotometry has been used for in situ generation of free radicals and to follow their reaction pathways. The transients produced in these reactions have been assigned and radical scavenging rate constants have been measured. In addition to scavenging of various primary and secondary free radicals by SAZ, 5-ASA and SP, 5-ASA has also been observed to efficiently scavenge radicals of biomolecules. 5-ASA has been found to be the active moiety of SAZ involved in the scavenging of oxidizing free radicals whereas reduction of SAZ produced molecular radical anion. The study suggests that free radical scavenging activity of 5-ASA may be a major path of pharmacological action of SAZ against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).     

Free radical scavenging reactions and antioxidant activity of embelin: biochemical and pulse radiolytic studies

Embelin (from Embelia ribes) is a component of herbal drugs and possess wide range of medicinal properties. These properties may be, in part, due to scavenging of oxidizing free radicals. In this context, free radical scavenging reactions and antioxidant activity of embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-1,4-benzoquinone) have been studied. It has been found to scavenge DPPH radical and inhibit hydroxyl radical induced deoxyribose degradation. It has been also found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and restore impaired Mn-superoxide dismutase in rat liver mitochondria. Further, kinetics and mechanism of the reactions of embelin with hydroxyl, one-electron oxidizing, organo-haloperoxyl and thiyl radicals have been studied using nanosecond pulse radiolysis technique. Its redox potential has been also evaluated with cyclic voltammetry. These studies suggest that embelin can act as a competitive antioxidant in physiological conditions.     

Phenylpropanoid glycoside analogues: enzymatic synthesis, antioxidant activity and theoretical study of their free radical scavenger mechanism

Phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs) are natural compounds present in several medicinal plants that have high antioxidant power and diverse biological activities. Because of their low content in plants (less than 5% w/w), several chemical synthetic routes to produce PPGs have been developed, but their synthesis is a time consuming process and the achieved yields are often low. In this study, an alternative and efficient two-step biosynthetic route to obtain natural PPG analogues is reported for the first time. Two galactosides were initially synthesized from vanillyl alcohol and homovanillyl alcohol by a transgalactosylation reaction catalyzed by Kluyveromyces lactis β-galactosidase in saturated lactose solutions with a 30%–35% yield. To synthesize PPGs, the galactoconjugates were esterified with saturated and unsaturated hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives using Candida antarctica Lipase B (CaL-B) as a biocatalyst with 40%–60% yields. The scavenging ability of the phenolic raw materials, intermediates and PPGs was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) method. It was found that the biosynthesized PPGs had higher scavenging abilities when compared to ascorbic acid, the reference compound, while their antioxidant activities were found similar to that of natural PPGs. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine that the PPGs antioxidant mechanism proceeds through a sequential proton loss single electron transfer (SPLET). The enzymatic process reported in this study is an efficient and versatile route to obtain PPGs from different phenylpropanoid acids, sugars and phenolic alcohols.     

Mitochondrial toxicity and antioxidant activity of a prenylated flavonoid isolated from Dalea elegans

The prenylated flavanone 2'-4'-dihidroxy-5'-(1" '-dimethylallyl)-6-prenylpinocembrin) (6PP), isolated from the roots of Dalea elegans, shows antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate mitochondrial toxicity and antioxidant properties of 6PP. Addition of micromolar concentrations of 6PP to rat liver mitochondria, stimulated O2 uptake in state 4 and inhibited it in state 3 when malate-glutamate was the respiratory substrate, and inhibited O2 uptake in state 3 when succinate was the substrate. Highest concentration of 6PP also inhibited O2 uptake in state 4 in the latter case; in both conditions, respiratory control index values were decreased. This flavanone collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner. 6PP also inhibited F0F1-ATPase activity in coupled mitochondria and in submitochondrial particles. In the latter, this compound also inhibited NADH oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase activities. HEp-2 cells were incubated for 24 h with 6PP in presence or absence of 0.5% albumin. As measured by reduction of the mitochondrial-related probe MTT, in the albumin-free condition, 6PP was cytotoxic in a concentration-dependent manner; on the other hand, albumin decreased 6PP effect. In addition, in rat liver microsomes 6PP: (1) inhibited the enzymatic lipid peroxidation, (2) exhibited significant scavenging activity, measured by DPPH reduction assay and (3) demonstrated significant antioxidant activity by decreasing the reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(V). We suggest that 6PP impairs the hepatic energy metabolism by acting as mitochondrial uncoupler and by inhibiting enzymatic activities linked to the respiratory chain. 6PP also exerts both antioxidant and antiradical activities. Due to its cytotoxicity, this molecule, and its future structure developments, can be considered as a potentially promising therapeutic agent, for instance in cancer chemotherapy.     

Kinetic chemiluminescence as a method for the study of free radical reactions

The review gives concepts of analysis of kinetics of complex reactions with the participation of free-radicals. The concepts are based on the comparison of the kinetic curves of the chemiluminescent reactions in the presence of a physical enhancer coumarin C-525 with the simulated kinetic functions. This method was applied to the investigation of the mechanism of a branched-chain reaction of lipid peroxidation in biological and phospholipid membranes as well as to the effect of antioxidants and determination of their activities. It was also used for studying the reaction of the formation of free radicals in the complex of cytochrome c with cardiolipin. This reaction plays a key role in the initiation of apoptosis.     

黄花倒水莲花中黄酮苷类成分的分离、鉴定及抗氧化活性研究

该研究采用硅胶、Sephadex LH-20柱色谱和HPLC进行分离纯化,并结合1D-NMR波谱数据和文献比对,研究了黄花倒水莲花中黄酮类成分及抗氧化活性。结果表明：（1）从黄花倒水莲花95%乙醇提取物的乙酸乙酯部位中分离鉴定出6个黄酮苷类化合物,即紫云英苷（1）、槲皮素-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷（2）、槲皮素-3-O-β-吡喃木糖苷（3）、槲皮素-3-O-α-L-吡喃阿拉伯糖苷（4）、异鼠李素-3-O-β-葡萄糖苷（5）、芦丁（6）,其中化合物1-6均为首次从该植物中分离得到。（2）分别采用DPPH·自由基清除法及FRAP法对花的不同极性部位和所获得化合物进行总抗氧化能力评价,结果显示化合物1-6均表现出较好的抗氧化作用,其中化合物4的总抗氧化能力达到（4.533±0.13）mmol·g^-1(Vc为5.951±0.25 mmol·g^-1)。该研究结果不仅丰富了黄花倒水莲花的物质基础,而且为其今后的综合开发利用提供了科学依据。     

Kinetic chemiluminescence as a method for study of free radical reactions

The review gives concepts of analysis of kinetics of complex reactions with the participation of free radicals. The concepts are based on the comparison of kinetic curves of chemiluminescent reactions in the presence of a physical enhancer coumarin C-525 with the simulated kinetic functions. This method was applied to the investigation of the mechanism of a branched-chain reaction of lipid peroxidation in biological and phospholipid membranes as well as to the effect of antioxidants and determination of their activities. It was also used for studying the reaction of formation of free radicals in the complex of cytochrome c with cardiolipin. This reaction plays a key role in the initiation of apoptosis.     

Depolymerization of xanthan by iron-catalysed free radical reactions

It is demonstrated using gamma-radiolytic and photolytic techniques that, when O₂?- is produced in the presence of catalytic amounts of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes depolymerization of xanthan in aqueous solution occurs. The use of these techniques also allows a quantitative measurement of the efficiency of conversion of O₂^?- to ?OH in these systems to be made, with the assumption that ?OH is the most likely depolymerizing species present. Using pulse radiolysis and oxidative-reductive depolymerization, the effects of some common anions on the degradation process have been correlated with the reactivities of their related free radicals with xanthan. The effects of other parameters such as ionic strength and temperature on xanthan depolymerization are also detailed