Peroxidation of proteins and lipids in suspensions of liposomes, in blood serum, and in mouse myeloma cells

There is growing evidence that proteins are early targets of reactive oxygen species, and that the altered proteins can in turn damage other biomolecules. In this study, we measured the effects of proteins on the oxidation of liposome phospholipid membranes, and the formation of protein hydroperoxides in serum and in cultured cells exposed to radiation-generated hydroxyl free radicals. Lysozyme, which did not affect liposome stability, gave 50% protection when present at 0.3 mg/ml, and virtually completely prevented lipid oxidation at 10 mg/ml. When human blood serum was irradiated, lipids were oxidized only after the destruction of ascorbate. In contrast, peroxidation of proteins proceeded immediately. Protein hydroperoxides were also generated without a lag period in hybrid mouse myeloma cells, while at the same time no lipid peroxides formed. These results are consistent with the theory that, under physiological conditions, lipid membranes are likely to be effectively protected from randomly-generated hydroxyl radicals by proteins, and that protein peroxyl radicals and hydroperoxides may constitute an important hazard to biological systems under oxidative stress.     

Glutathione oxidation during peroxidase catalysed drug metabolism

The peroxidase catalyzed oxidation of certain drugs in the presence of glutathione (GSH) resulted in extensive oxidation to oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Extensive oxygen uptake ensued and thiyl radicals could be trapped. Only catalytic amounts of drugs were required indicating a redox cycling mechanism. Active drugs included phenothiazines, aminopyrine, p-phenetidine, acetaminophen and 4-N,N-(CH3)2-aminophenol. Other drugs, including dopamine and alpha-methyl dopa, did not catalyse oxygen uptake, nor were GSSG or thiyl radicals formed. Instead, GSH was depleted by GSH conjugate formation. Drugs of the former group, e.g. acetaminophen, aminopyrine or N,N-(CH3)2-aniline have also been found by other investigators to form GSSG and hydrogen peroxide when added to hepatocytes or when perfused through an isolated liver. Although cytochrome P-450 normally catalyses a two-electron oxidation of drugs, serious consideration should be given for some one-electron oxidation resulting in radical formation, oxygen activation and GSSG formation.     

Hypochlorite-induced oxidation of thiols: Formation of thiyl radicals and the role of sulfenyl chlorides as intermediates

Activated phagocytic cells generate hypochlorite (HOCl) via release of hydrogen peroxide and the enzyme myeloperoxidase. HOCl plays an important role in bacterial cell killing, but excessive or misplaced production of HOCl is also known to cause tissue damage. Studies have shown that low-molecular-weight thiols such as reduced glutathione (GSH), and sulfur-containing amino acids in proteins, are major targets for HOCl. Radicals have not generally been implicated as intermediates in thiol oxidation by HOCl, though there is considerable literature evidence for the involvement of radicals in the metal ion-, thermal- or UV light-catalysed decomposition of sulfenyl or sulfonyl chlorides which are postulated intermediates in thiol oxidation. In this study we show that thiyl radicals are generated on reaction of a number of low-molecular-weight thiols with HOCl. With sub-stoichiometric amounts of HOCl, relative to the thiol, thiyl radicals are the major species detected by EPR spin trapping. When the HOCl is present in excess over the thiol, additional radicals are detected with compounds which contain amine functions; these additional radicals are assigned to nitrogen-centered species. Evidence is presented for the involvement of sulfenyl chlorides (RSCl) in the formation of these radicals, and studies with an authentic sulfenyl chloride have demonstrated that this compound readily decomposes in thermal-, metal-ion- or light-catalysed reactions to give thiyl radicals. The formation of thiyl radicals on oxidation of thiols with HOCl appears to compete with non-radical reactions. The circumstances under which radical formation may be important are discussed.     

Hypochlorite-induced oxidation of thiols: formation of thiyl radicals and the role of sulfenyl chlorides as intermediates

Activated phagocytic cells generate hypochlorite (HOCl) via release of hydrogen peroxide and the enzyme myeloperoxidase. HOCl plays an important role in bacterial cell killing, but excessive or misplaced production of HOCl is also known to cause tissue damage. Studies have shown that low-molecular-weight thiols such as reduced glutathione (GSH), and sulfur-containing amino acids in proteins, are major targets for HOCl. Radicals have not generally been implicated as intermediates in thiol oxidation by HOCl, though there is considerable literature evidence for the involvement of radicals in the metal ion-, thermal- or UV light-catalysed decomposition of sulfenyl or sulfonyl chlorides which are postulated intermediates in thiol oxidation. In this study we show that thiyl radicals are generated on reaction of a number of low-molecular-weight thiols with HOCl. With sub-stoichiometric amounts of HOCl, relative to the thiol, thiyl radicals are the major species detected by EPR spin trapping. When the HOCl is present in excess over the thiol, additional radicals are detected with compounds which contain amine functions; these additional radicals are assigned to nitrogen-centered species. Evidence is presented for the involvement of sulfenyl chlorides (RSCl) in the formation of these radicals, and studies with an authentic sulfenyl chloride have demonstrated that this compound readily decomposes in thermal-, metal-ion- or light-catalysed reactions to give thiyl radicals. The formation of thiyl radicals on oxidation of thiols with HOCl appears to compete with non-radical reactions. The circumstances under which radical formation may be important are discussed.     

Glutathione-dependent reduction of peroxides during ferryl- and met-myoglobin interconversion: a potential protective mechanism in muscle

Met-myoglobin is oxidized both by H2O2 and other hydroperoxides to a species with a higher iron valency state and the spectral characteristics of ferryl-myoglobin. Glutathione (GSH) reduces the latter species back to met-myoglobin with parallel oxidation to its disulfide (GSSG) but cannot reduce met-myoglobin to ferrous myoglobin. Under aerobic conditions, the GSH-mediated reduction of ferry-myoglobin is associated with O2 consumption and amounts of GSSG are formed far in excess over that of the peroxide added. Under anaerobic conditions, this ratio is close to unity. These results are interpreted in terms of a one-electron redox process involving the reduction of ferryl-myoglobin to met-myoglobin and the one-electron oxidation of GSH to its thiyl radical. Further reactions of thiyl radicals are influenced by the presence of oxygen which will be the determining factor in the ratio H2O2 added/GSSG formed. It is suggested that, when oxygen is limiting, myoglobin may serve as a protector of muscle cells against peroxides and other oxidants.     

Irreversible thiol oxidation in carbonic anhydrase III: protection by S-glutathiolation and detection in aging rats

Proteins with reactive sulfhydryls are central to many important metabolic reactions and also contribute to a variety of signal transduction systems. In this report, we examine the mechanisms of oxidative damage to the two reactive sulfhydryls of carbonic anhydrase III. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxy radicals, or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced irreversibly oxidized forms, primarily cysteine sulfinic acid or cysteic acid, of carbonic anhydrase III if glutathione (GSH) was not present. When GSH was approximately equimolar to protein thiols, irreversible oxidation was prevented. H202 and peroxyl radicals both generated S-glutathiolated carbonic anhydrase III via partially oxidized protein sulfhydryl intermediates, while HOCl did not cause S-glutathiolation. Thus, oxidative damage from H202 or AAPH was prevented by protein S-glutathiolation, while a direct reaction between GSH and oxidant likely prevents HOCl-mediated protein damage. In cultured rat hepatocytes, carbonic anhydrase III was rapidly S-glutathiolated by menadione. When hepatocyte glutathione was depleted, menadione instead caused irreversible oxidation. We hypothesized that normal depletion of glutathione in aged animals might also lead to an increase in irreversible oxidation. Indeed, both total protein extracts and carbonic anhydrase III contained significantly more cysteine sulfinic acid in older rats compared to young animals. These experiments show that, in the absence of sufficient GSH, oxidation reactions lead to irreversible protein sulfhydryl damage in purified proteins, cellular systems, and whole animals.     

Ascorbate peroxidase–thioredoxin interaction

Proteomics data have suggested ascorbate peroxidase (APX) to be a potential thioredoxin-interacting protein. Using recombinant enzymes, we observed that incubation of pea cytosolic APX with reduced poplar thioredoxins h drastically inactivated the peroxidase. A similar inactivation is induced by reduced glutathione and dithiothreitol, whereas diamide and oxidized glutathione have no effect. Oxygen consumption measurements, modifications of the APX visible spectrum and protection by hydrogen peroxide scavenging enzymes suggest that APX oxidizes thiols leading to the generation of thiyl radicals. These radicals can in turn react with thiyl anions to produce the disulfide radical anions, which are responsible for oxygen reduction and subsequent hydrogen peroxide production. The APX inactivation is not due solely to hydrogen peroxide since fluorimetry indicates that the environment of the APX tryptophan residues is dramatically modified only in the presence of thiol groups. The physiological implications of this interaction are discussed.     

Comparative kinetics of thiol oxidation in two distinct free-radical generating systems: SIN-1 versus AAPH

Abstract

To study oxidative stress in biological systems, chemical compounds capable of producing free radicals have been widely used. Here, we compared two free-radical generators, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) and 2,2′-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), by measuring the thiol oxidation kinetics of various thiols. We found that SIN-1 is >?30 times potent in causing thiol oxidation than AAPH. Kinetic simulations revealed that in the SIN-1 system (0.1 mM), superoxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbonate radicals are the major reactive species which, in combination, induce ～50% of thiol molecules to undergo one-electron oxidation, thereby forming the thiyl radical which propagates further thiol oxidation by direct coupling with thiolates. Similarly, the alkyl peroxyl radical derived from AAPH (3 mM) initiates comparable extent of one-electron oxidation and formation of the thiyl radical. In conclusion, our study provides experimental and theoretical evidence that SIN-1 is mainly an one-electron oxidizing agent that can be functionally mimicked by AAPH.     

The roles of thiol-derived radicals in the use of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein as a probe for oxidative stress

2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH2) is one of the most widely used probes for detecting intracellular oxidative stress, but requires a catalyst to be oxidized by hydrogen peroxide or superoxide and reacts nonspecifically with oxidizing radicals. Thiyl radicals are produced when many radicals are "repaired" by thiols, but are oxidizing agents and thus potentially capable of oxidizing DCFH2. The aim of this study was to investigate the reactivity of thiol-derived radicals toward DCFH2 and its oxidized, fluorescent form 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF). Thiyl radicals derived from oxidation of glutathione (GSH) or cysteine (CysSH) oxidized DCFH2 with rate constants at pH 7.4 of approximately 4 or approximately 2x10(7) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. Both the rates of oxidation and the yields of DCF were pH-dependent. Glutathione-derived radicals interacted with DCF, resulting in the formation of DCFH* absorbing at 390 nm and loss of fluorescence; in contrast, cysteine-derived radicals did not cause any depletion of DCF fluorescence. We postulate that the observed apparent difference in reactivity between GS* and CysS* toward DCF is related to the formation of carbon-centered, reducing radicals from base-catalyzed isomerization of GS*. DCF formation from interaction of DCFH2 with GS* was inhibited by oxygen in a concentration-dependent manner over the physiological range. These data indicate that in applying DCFH2 to measure oxidizing radicals in biological systems, we have to consider not only the initial competition between thiols and DCFH2 for the oxidizing radicals, but also subsequent reactions of thiol-derived radicals, together with variables--including pH and oxygen concentration--which control thiyl radical chemistry.     

Cell calcium, vitamin E, and the thiol redox system in cytotoxicity

The controversial role of extracellular Ca2+ in toxicity to in vitro hepatocyte systems is reviewed. Recent reports demonstrate that extracellular Ca2+-related cytotoxicity is dependent on Ca2+-influenced vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) content of isolated hepatocytes. Based on a Ca2+-omission model of in vitro oxidative stress, the role of vitamin E in cytotoxicity is further explored. This model demonstrates the interdependence of the GSH redox system and vitamin E as protective agents during oxidative stress. Following chemical oxidant-induced depletion of intracellular GSH, cell morphology and viability are maintained by the continuous presence of cellular alpha-tocopherol above a threshold level of 0.6-1.0 nmol/10(6) cells. alpha-Tocopherol threshold-dependent cell viability is directly correlated with the prevention of the loss of cellular protein thiols in the absence of intracellular GSH. Potential mechanisms for this phenomenon are explored and include a direct reductive action of alpha-tocopherol on protein thiyl radicals, and the prevention of oxidation of protein thiols by scavenging of lipid peroxyl radicals by alpha-tocopherol. It is suggested that in light of the threshold phenomenon of vitamin E prevention of potentially severe oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity, its use as a protective agent against an oxidative challenge in vivo should be reassessed.     

Proteins are major initial cell targets of hydroxyl free radicals

The principal aim of the current study was to identify the initial cell targets of hydroxyl free radicals. Our recent report showed that proteins were oxidized before lipids in U937 cells exposed to peroxyl radicals. Extending this finding, we investigated whether a similar oxidation sequence occurs in other lines of cells, whether hydroxyl radicals can also initiate cell protein oxidation, and whether DNA fragmentation is an early event in radical-induced cell damage. Mouse myeloma Sp2/0-Ag14 and U937 cells were exposed to hydroxyl radicals generated in solution by gamma irradiation and the formation of protein peroxides measured by a ferric-xylenol orange assay. No lipid peroxidation or DNA damage was evident by the time of significant formation of protein peroxides. DNA fragmentation was detectable after prolonged incubation at 37 degrees C and was characteristic of enzymatic action rather than of random scission by the radicals. Yields of protein hydroperoxides in the irradiated cells were independent of composition of the medium, suggesting that only the radicals produced within the cells or immediately near the cell surface were effective in oxidizing the cell proteins. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that proteins are major initial targets of free radicals in cells and suggest that treatments leading to the prevention of protein oxidation or to harmless reduction of protein peroxides is likely to result in alleviation of radical-induced biological damage.     

Cellular Antioxidant Properties of Human Natural Killer Enhancing Factor B

The protein, NKEF (natural killer enhancing factor), has been identified as a member of an antioxidant family of proteins capable of protecting against protein oxidation in cell-free assay systems. The mechanism of action for this family of proteins appears to involve scavenging or suppressing formation of protein thiyl radicals. In the present study we investigated the antioxidant protective properties of the NKEF-B protein overexpressed in an endothelial cell line (ECV304). Nkef-B-transfected cells displayed significantly lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with control or vector-transfected cells. Tert-Butylhydroperoxide-induced ROS was 15% lower in nkef-8-transfected cells and cytotoxicity was slightly, though not significantly, lower. NKEF-B had no effect on ROS induced by menadione or xanthine plus xanthine oxidase. NKEF-B overexpression resulted in slightly (≈ 10%) lower levels of cellular glutathione (GSH) and had no effect on rate or extent of GSH depletion following either diethylmaleate (DEM) or buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) treatment. Lipid peroxidation, assessed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, was 40% lower in nkef-B-transfected cells compared with vector-only-transfected cells. DEM-induced lipid peroxidation was suppressed by NKEF-B at DEM concentrations of 20 μM to 1 mM. At 10 mM DEM, lipid peroxidation was unaffected by NKEF-B. NKEF-B expression also protected cells against menadione-induced inhibition of [³H]-thymidine uptake. The NKEF-B protein appears most effective in suppressing basal low-level oxidative injury such as that produced during normal metabolism. These results indicate that overexpression of the NKEF-B protein promotes resistance to oxidative stress in this endothelial cell line.     

Mechanism of Protein Carbonylation in Glutathione-Depleted Rat Brain Slices

This study was conducted to further our understanding about the link between lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in rat brain slices incubated with the glutathione (GSH)-depletor diethyl maleate. Using this in vitro system of oxidative stress, we found that there is a significant lag between the appearance of carbonylated proteins and GSH depletion, which seems to be due to the removal of oxidized species early on in the incubation by the mitochondrial Lon protease. Upon acute GSH depletion, protein carbonyls accumulated mostly in mitochondria and to a lesser degree in other subcellular fractions that also contain high levels of polyunsaturated lipids. This result is consistent with our previous findings suggesting that lipid hydroperoxides mediate the oxidation of proteins in this system. However, these lipid hydroperoxides are not produced by oxidation of free arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated free fatty acids by lipooxygenases or cyclooxygenases. Finally, γ-glutamyl semialdehyde and 2-amino-adipic semialdehyde were identified by HPLC as the carbonyl-containing amino acid residues, indicating that proteins are carbonylated by metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of lysine, arginine and proline residues. The present findings are important in the context of neurological disorders that exhibit increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.     

Free radical generation and coupled thiol oxidation by lactoperoxidase/SCN-/H2O2.

The lactoperoxidase-catalyzed oxidation of glutathione (GSH) and thiocyanate (SCN-) was studied. Oxidation of SCN- was recorded by ultraviolet spectroscopy and by electron spin resonance (ESR). Consumption of GSH was measured by amperometric titration. One or two moles of GSH was oxidized per mole of H2O2 added, depending on the reaction conditions. Omission of SCN- prevented the oxidation of GSH. The oxidation of GSH required only catalytic amounts of SCN-, which was therefore recycled. Iodide (I-) could replace SCN-, while chloride or bromide were ineffective. The apparent Michaelis constant for SCN- was 17 microM. Oxidation of SCN- gave rise to two reactive intermediates, one stable and one unstable. The stable intermediate (-OSC. = N-(?)) decayed by a second-order reaction with a rate constant of 1.1 M-1 s-1. The decay of the unstable radical was very fast. The data (a) explain the short- and long-term antibacterial effects of lactoperoxidase-halide-H2O2 system, (b) point to possible deleterious effects due to glutathione depletion, (c) are of relevance for free radical diseases involving sulphur-centered free radicals, and (d) support previous observations on lipid peroxidation/halogenation in biological membranes, liposomes, and unsaturated fatty acids.     

Differing features of proteins in membranes may result in antioxidant or prooxidant action: opposite effects on lipid peroxidation of alcohol dehydrogenase and albumin in liposomal systems

SUMMARY

The influence of 3 thiol-containing compounds, bovine serum albumin (fatty acid free: BSA), glutathione (GSH) and yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH) on lipid peroxidation in multilamellar liposomes, prepared from ox-brain phospholipid, was investigated. Thiol-compounds were added either before liposome formation, or after liposome formation; and their effects compared to a positive control. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), an acidic hydrophilic protein, displays a small, concentration dependent, antioxidant effect when added to preformed liposomes. A much larger antioxidant effect was observed when the BSA was entrapped inside the liposome, by adding BSA just prior to liposome preparation. In contrast, a Zn²⁺ containing redox enzyme, YADH, a basic hydrophobic membrane-associating protein, displays a large pro-oxidant effect at much lower concentrations especially when entrapped inside the liposome. This was observed also with GSH; but per mole of -SH, YADH was about 18 times as powerful a pro-oxidant perhaps because of structural changes to the membrane. Oxidized glutathione and N-acetylcysteine were also pro-oxidant (cysteine and cystine showed little effect). Formation of thiyl radicals may occur in the presence of iron ions with these pro-oxidant sulphur-containing compounds. Partial protection against lipid peroxidation was observed with EDTA, desferrioxamine and protoporphyrin (IX), potent iron-chelating agents.     

Inactivation of Ascorbate Peroxidase by Thiols Requires Hydrogen Peroxide

The hydrogen peroxide-dependent oxidation of ascorbate by ascorbateperoxidase from tea leaves was inhibited by thiols, such asdithiothreitol, glutathione, mercaptoethanol and cysteine. Thesethiols themselves did not inactivate the enzyme. However, theyinactivated the enzyme when hydrogen peroxide was produced bythe metal-catalyzed oxidation of thiols or when exogenous hydrogenperoxide was added. Thiols were oxidized by ascorbate peroxidaseand hydrogen peroxide to thiyl radicals, as detected by theESR spectra of the thiyl radical-5,5'-dimethyll- pyrroline-N-oxidieadducts. Inactivation of ascorbate peroxidase by thiols andhydrogen peroxide is caused by the interaction of the enzymewith the thiyl radicals produced at its reaction center. (Received September 10, 1991; Accepted December 9, 1991)     

Oxidation of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

Several lines of evidence indicate that depletion of glutathione (GSH), a critical thiol antioxidant, is associated with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, GSH synthesis depends on the amino acid cysteine (Cys), and relatively little is known about the regulation of Cys in fibrosis. Cys and its disulfide, cystine (CySS), constitute the most abundant low-molecular weight thiol/disulfide redox couple in the plasma, and the Cys/CySS redox state (E(h) Cys/CySS) is oxidized in association with age and smoking, known risk factors for IPF. Furthermore, oxidized E(h) Cys/CySS in the culture media of lung fibroblasts stimulates proliferation and expression of transitional matrix components. The present study was undertaken to determine whether bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis is associated with a decrease in Cys and/or an oxidation of the Cys/CySS redox state and to determine whether these changes were associated with changes in E(h) GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG). We observed distinct effects on plasma GSH and Cys redox systems during the progression of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Plasma E(h) GSH/GSSG was selectively oxidized during the proinflammatory phase, whereas oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS occurred at the fibrotic phase. In the epithelial lining fluid, oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS was due to decreased food intake. Thus the data show that decreased precursor availability and enhanced oxidation of Cys each contribute to the oxidation of extracellular Cys/CySS redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.     

Generation of Hydroxyl Radicals and Its Relation to Cellular Oxidative Damage in Plants Subjected to Water Stress

The hydroxyl radical ('OH) is one of the roost reactive mdieales known to chemistry and is believed to be a major active free radicle responsible for modifications of macmmolecules and cellular damage. Two lines of evidence strongly indicate that 'OH radicals are generated in a Fenton-type Haber-Weiss reactions in plants subjected to water stress. Firstly, water stress causes an increase in the concentration of catalytic metals, which are critical for Fenton-like reactions to proceed in vivo. Furthermore, subrmillimolar concentrations of H2O2 and ascorbic acid(or O2－ ) in the drought-stressed plants are large enough to support the Fentontype Haber-Weiss reactions. Secondly, there is oxidation of proteins and lipids in the drought-stressed plants; a process that requires a catalytic metal and that, at least for protein oxidation, is mediated by the 'OH radicals. Protein oxidation is thought to involve binding of metal ions to the proteins and subsequent site-specific attack by the 'OH radicals arising from the roetal-catalysed decomposition of H2O2. It has been proposed that protein oxidation may be a better index than lipid peroxidation because the latter fields many different products and these only appear after a lag period. The validity of malondialdehyde (MDA), an early product of lipid peroxidation, as an index of lipid peroxidation has been argued by the non-specific method of its measurement. The 'OH radicals are not the only necessary initiator for lipid peroxidation and lipid peroxidation is not usually involved in plants exposed to water stress.     

Carbon dioxide stimulates the production of thiyl, sulfinyl, and disulfide radical anion from thiol oxidation by peroxynitrite

Reaction of peroxynitrite with the biological ubiquitous CO(2) produces about 35% yields of two relatively strong one-electron oxidants, CO(3) and ( small middle dot)NO(2), but the remaining of peroxynitrite is isomerized to the innocuous nitrate. Partial oxidant deactivation may confound interpretation of the effects of HCO3-/CO(2) on the oxidation of targets that react with peroxynitrite by both one- and two-electron mechanisms. Thiols are example of such targets, and previous studies have reported that HCO3-/CO(2) partially inhibits GSH oxidation by peroxynitrite at pH 7.4. To differentiate the effects of HCO3-/CO(2) on two- and one-electron thiol oxidation, we monitored GSH, cysteine, and albumin oxidation by peroxynitrite at pH 5.4 and 7.4 by thiol disappearance, oxygen consumption, fast flow EPR, and EPR spin trapping. Our results demonstrate that HCO3-/CO(2) diverts thiol oxidation by peroxynitrite from two- to one-electron mechanisms particularly at neutral pH. At acid pH values, thiol oxidation to free radicals predominates even in the absence of HCO3-/CO(2). In addition to the previously characterized thiyl radicals (RS.), we also characterized radicals derived from them such as the corresponding sulfinyl (RSO.) and disulfide anion radical (RSSR.-) of both GSH and cysteine. Thiyl, RSO. and RSSR.- are reactive radicals that may contribute to the biodamaging and bioregulatory actions of peroxynitrite.     

Oxidation and nitrosation of thiols at low micromolar exposure to nitric oxide. Evidence for a free radical mechanism

Although the nitric oxide (.NO)-mediated nitrosation of thiol-containing molecules is increasingly recognized as an important post-translational modification in cell signaling and pathology, little is known about the factors that govern this process in vivo. In the present study, we examined the chemical pathways of nitrosothiol (RSNO) production at low micromolar concentrations of .NO. Our results indicate that, in addition to nitrosation by the .NO derivative dinitrogen trioxide (N2O3), RSNOs may be formed via intermediate one-electron oxidation of thiols, possibly mediated by nitrogen dioxide (.NO2), and the subsequent reaction of thiyl radicals with .NO. In vitro, the formation of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) from .NO and excess glutathione (GSH) was accompanied by the formation of glutathione disulfide, which could not be ascribed to the secondary reaction of GSH with GSNO. Superoxide dismutase significantly increased GSNO yields and the thiyl radical trap, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO), inhibited by 45 and 98% the formation of GSNO and GSSG, respectively. Maximum nitrosation yields were obtained at an oxygen concentration of 3%, whereas higher oxygen tensions decreased GSNO and increased GSSG formation. When murine fibroblasts were exposed to exogenous .NO, RSNO formation was sensitive to DMPO and oxygen tension in a manner similar to that observed with GSH alone. Our data indicate that RSNO formation is favored at oxygen concentrations that typically occur in tissues. Nitrosothiol formation in vivo depends not only on the availability of .NO and O2 but also on the degree of oxidative stress by affecting the steady-state concentration of thiyl radicals.