Inhibition of benzoyl peroxide and ultraviolet-B radiation induced oxidative stress and tumor promotion markers by cycloartenol in murine skin

The chemopreventive potential of cycloartenol on benzoyl peroxide and UVB radiation-induced cutaneous tumor promotion markers and oxidative stress in murine skin is assessed. Benzoyl peroxide treatment (20 mg/animal/0.2 ml acetone) and UVB radiation (0.420 J/m(2)/s) caused a decrease in the activities of cutaneous antioxidant enzymes namely, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phase II metabolizing enzyme such as glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase and depletion in the level of cutaneous glutathione. There was also enhancement in cutaneous microsomal lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase activity, [(14)C]-ornithine decarboxylase activity and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into cutaneous DNA. Cycloartenol was topically applied prior to the application of benzoyl peroxide at dose levels of 0.2 mg and 0.4 mg/kg body weight in acetone, which resulted in significant inhibition of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis (P < 0.001). There was also significant reduction of lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase activity (P < 0.001). In addition, the depleted levels of glutathione, inhibited activities of antioxidant and phase II metabolizing enzymes, were also recovered to a significant level (P < 0.001). The data indicate that cycloartenol is an effective chemopreventive agent in skin carcinogenesis.     

A role for xanthine oxidase in the loss of cytochrome P-450 evoked by interferon.

It has been suggested that the loss of cytochrome P-450, which is mediated by interferon and its inducers, can result from the generation of free radical species by the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Cytochrome P-450, aminopyrine N-demethylase, and ethoxyresorufin deethylase were depressed by 35, 36, 38%, respectively, in the livers of hamsters 24 h following the administration of a synthetic interferon (IFN-alpha-Con1) which contains the most frequent amino acid sequences of the human subtypes. Interferon increased the activities of the D and O forms of xanthine oxidase by 65 and 74%, respectively, in the same animals. The induction of the D form of xanthine oxidase, which is the precursor of the O form, preceded the loss in cytochrome P-450. The protein synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D, prevented the interferon-induced loss of drug biotransformation and the increase in xanthine oxidase. The free radical scavenger, alpha-tocopherol, and the xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, also prevented the loss of cytochrome P-450 mediated by the interferon inducer poly rI.rC. In chickens in which xanthine oxidase cannot be formed, poly rI.rC had no effect on cytochrome P-450 levels. These results suggest that xanthine oxidase induction may play some role in the interferon-mediated loss of cytochrome P-450.     

Inhibition of free radical-induced DNA damage by uric acid

Single-strand DNA breaks were produced in isolated rat liver nuclei incubated with 3 separate oxygen free radical generating systems: xanthine oxidase-acetaldehyde plus Fe(II); hematin-R(H)OOH; Fe(II)-H2O2. Uric acid inhibited the induction of damage in the first two systems only. At concentrations below those found in human plasma, it was particularly effective against strand breaks produced by hematin-cumene hydroperoxide. These results offer additional evidence that uric acid may function as a cellular protective agent against superoxide and hydroperoxyl free radical-induced cytotoxicity toxicity.     

Characterization of free radical generation by xanthine oxidase. Evidence for hydroxyl radical generation

Xanthine oxidase has been hypothesized to be an important source of biological free radical generation. The enzyme generates the superoxide radical, .O2- and has been widely applied as a .O2- generating system; however, the enzyme may also generate other forms of reduced oxygen. We have applied electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using the spin trap 5,5'-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) to characterize the different radical species generated by xanthine oxidase along with the mechanisms of their generation. Upon reaction of xanthine with xanthine oxidase equilibrated with air, both DMPO-OOH and DMPO-OH radicals are observed. In the presence of ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide, alpha-hydroxyethyl or methyl radicals are generated, respectively, indicating that significant DMPO-OH generation occurred directly from OH rather than simply from the breakdown of DMPO-OOH. Superoxide dismutase totally scavenged the DMPO-OOH signal but not the DMPO-OH signal suggesting that .O2- was not required for .OH generation. Catalase markedly decreased the DMPO-OH signal, while superoxide dismutase + catalase totally scavenged all radical generation. Thus, xanthine oxidase generates .OH via the reduction of O2 to H2O2, which in turn is reduced to .OH. In anaerobic preparations, the enzyme reduces H2O2 to .OH as evidenced by the appearance of a pure DMPO-OH signal. The presence of the flavin in the enzyme is required for both .O2- and .OH generation confirming that the flavin is the site of O2 reduction. The ratio of .O2- and .OH generation was affected by the relative concentrations of dissolved O2 and H2O2. Thus, xanthine oxidase can generate the highly reactive .OH radical as well as the less reactive .O2- radical. The direct production of .OH by xanthine oxidase in cells and tissues containing this enzyme could explain the presence of oxidative cellular damage which is not prevented by superoxide dismutase.     

Induction of epidermal NAD(P)H:quinone reductase by chemical carcinogens: a possible mechanism for the detoxification

NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, which plays an important role in the detoxification of carcinogenic metabolites as well as oxidative cellular damage, was found to be present in epidermal cytosol where its specific activity far exceeds (140-160%) the corresponding hepatic value. The effect of topical application of crude coal tar, 3-methylcholanthrene and polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclor 1254, on epidermal and hepatic cytosolic NAD(P)H:quinone reductase activities was investigated in neonatal rats, Sencar and athymic nude mice. A single topical application of each agent resulted in significant increases in epidermal (185%-389%) and hepatic (150-255%) enzyme activities. This inducible enzyme may play an important role in the detoxification of reactive quinone species during the course of malignant neoplasia and against oxidative cellular damage in skin.     

Allopurinol-insensitive oxygen radical formation by milk xanthine oxidase systems.

Oxygen radical generation in the xanthine- and NADH-oxygen reductase reactions by xanthine oxidase, was demonstrated using the ESR spin trap 5,5'-dimethyl-1- pyrroline-N-oxide. No xanthine-dependent oxygen radical formation was observed when allopurinol-treated xanthine oxidase was used. The significant superoxide generation in the NADH-oxygen reductase reaction by the enzyme was increased by the addition of menadione and adriamycin. The NADH-menadione and -adriamycin reductase activities of xanthine oxidase were assessed in terms of NADH oxidation. From Lineweaver-Burk plots, the Km and Vmax of xanthine oxidase were estimated to be respectively 51 microM and 5.5 s-1 for menadione and 12 microM and 0.4 s-1 for adriamycin. Allopurinol-inactivated xanthine oxidase generates superoxide and OH.radicals in the presence of NADH and menadione or adriamycin to the same extent as the native enzyme. Adriamycin radicals were observed when the reactions were carried out under an atmosphere of argon. The effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase revealed that OH.radicals were mainly generated through the direct reaction of H2O2 with semiquinoid forms of menadione and adriamycin.     

Geographic distribution of xanthine oxidase, free radical scavengers, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme systems in rat heart and skeletal muscle.

The geographic distribution of the following enzyme systems is described in the rat heart (left and right ventricles) and in different skeletal muscles (soleus, plantaris, and red and white gastrocnemius): xanthine oxidase and dehydrogenase, creatine kinase isoenzymes, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, and the free radical scavenger enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase. No substantial difference in enzyme activities was observed between the left and right ventricles. Skeletal muscles showed a clear distinction between enzyme activities depending on their composition of oxidative fibers and glycolytic fibers.     

Chemomodulatory effect of Ficus racemosa extract against chemically induced renal carcinogenesis and oxidative damage response in Wistar rats

Ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is a well-known renal carcinogen. In this communication, we show the chemopreventive effect of Ficus racemosa extract against Fe-NTA-induced renal oxidative stress, hyperproliferative response and renal carcinogenesis in rats. Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhances renal lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation with reduction in renal glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes, viz., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phase-II metabolising enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase. It also enhances blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and thymidine [(3)H] incorporation into renal DNA. It also enhances DEN (N-diethylnitrosamine) initiated renal carcinogenesis by increasing the percentage incidence of tumors. Treatment of rats orally with F. racemosa extract (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) resulted in significant decrease in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, H(2)O(2) generation, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, renal ODC activity, DNA synthesis (P<0.001) and incidence of tumors. Renal glutathione content (P<0.01), glutathione metabolizing enzymes (P<0.001) and antioxidant enzymes were also recovered to significant level (P<0.001). Thus, our data suggests that F. racemosa extract is a potent chemopreventive agent and suppresses Fe-NTA-induced renal carcinogenesis and oxidative damage response in Wistar rats.     

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.     

Free radical generation by redox cycling of estrogens

Natural and synthetic estrogens elicit normal hormonal responses in concentrations in a clearly defined yet low range. At elevated doses, metabolic reactions of the phenolic moiety, while harmless at low levels, may become the predominant biochemical activity and may exert deleterious effects. These metabolic pathways, such as i) oxidation of estrogens to catechol estrogens and further to their respective quinones, and ii) free radical generation by redox cycling between catechol estrogens or diethylstilbestrol and their quinones, are investigated for their influence in physiological or pathophysiological processes. In this review, the in vitro capacity of various enzymes to oxidize estrogen hydroquinones to quinones or to reduce corresponding quinones to hydroquinones is evaluated. The in vivo activities of enzymes supporting redox cycling of estrogens and free radical generation is correlated with induction of kidney tumors in Syrian hamsters. Concomitant changes in activities in quinone reductase and other detoxifying enzymes in kidneys of hamsters treated with estrogen support a role of free radicals in the induction of tumors by estrogen. Free radical damage to protein and possibly to DNA in kidneys of estrogen-treated hamsters may be used as markers of free radical action in vivo.     

Mechanism of free radical production in exhaustive exercise in humans and rats; role of xanthine oxidase and protection by allopurinol

Exhaustive exercise generates free radicals. However, the source of this oxidative damage remains controversial. The aim of this paper was to study further the mechanism of exercise-induced production of free radicals. Testing the hypothesis that xanthine oxidase contributes to the production of free radicals during exercise, we found not only that exercise caused an increase in blood xanthine oxidase activity in rats but also that inhibiting xanthine oxidase with allopurinol prevented exercise-induced oxidation of glutathione in both rats and in humans. Furthermore, inhibiting xanthine oxidase prevented the increases in the plasma activity of cytosolic enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase) seen after exhaustive exercise. Our results provide evidence that xanthine oxidase is responsible for the free radical production and tissue damage during exhaustive exercise. These findings also suggest that mitochondria play a minor role as a source of free radicals during exhaustive physical exercise.     

Deferiprone protects against doxorubicin-induced myocyte cytotoxicity

The iron chelating hydroxypyridinone deferiprone (CP20, L1) and the clinically approved cardioprotective agent dexrazoxane (ICRF-187) were examined for their ability to protect neonatal rat cardiac myocytes from doxorubicin-induced damage. Doxorubicin is thought to induce oxidative stress on the heart muscle, both through reductive activation to its semiquinone form, and by the production of hydroxyl radicals mediated by its complex with iron. The results of this study showed that both deferiprone and dexrazoxane were able to protect myocytes from doxorubicin-induced lactate dehydrogenase release. Deferiprone quickly and efficiently removed iron(III) from its complex with doxorubicin. In addition, this study also showed that deferiprone rapidly entered myocytes and displaced iron from a fluorescence-quenched trapped intracellular iron-calcein complex, suggesting that in the myocyte, deferiprone should also be able to displace iron from its complex with doxorubicin. It was shown by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy that under hypoxic conditions myocytes were able to reduce doxorubicin to its semiquinone free radical. Deferiprone also greatly reduced hydroxyl radical production by the iron(III)-doxorubicin complex in the xanthine oxidase/xanthine superoxide generating system. Together these results suggest that deferiprone may protect against doxorubicin-induced damage to myocytes by displacing iron bound to doxorubicin, or chelating free or loosely bound iron, thus preventing site-specific iron-based oxygen radical damage.     

Is xanthine oxidase a universal source of superoxide radicals in ischemic and reperfusion lesions?

While studying xanthine-xanthine oxidase system it was found, that a considerable accumulation of xanthine and uric acid occurred whereas xanthine dehydrogenase did not transfer in xanthine oxidase during 2 hours of total rat liver ischemia. These data make it possible to reject the generally accepted hypothesis of xanthine oxidase key role in free radical mechanism of ischemia damage.     

Inert gas enhancement of superoxide radical production.

Two free radical generating systems, xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine or phenazine methosulfate/NADH, were exposed to air plus He, N2, or Ar at partial pressures ranging from 0.2 to 6.0 MPa, and the rates of production of superoxide, hydroxyl, singlet O2, and H2O2 were measured. All three inert gases acted similarly to enhance the production of superoxide radicals by facilitating interactions between iron and H2O2, or O2 and organic radicals. These reactions occurred at quite low gas partial pressures, only 0.28 MPa, and hydrostatic pressures of up to 6.0 MPa had no effect on radical reactions. Enhanced radical production may be the basis for the inhibition of cellular growth mediated by inert gases, and inert gas enhancement of O2 toxicity.     

Induction of renal oxidative stress and cell proliferation response by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA): diminution by soy isoflavones

Ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is a known potent nephrotoxic agent. In this communication, we report the chemopreventive effect of soy isoflavones on renal oxidative stress, toxicity and cell proliferation response in Wistar rats. Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhances gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, renal lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation with reduction in renal glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes, viz., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phase-II metabolising enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase. Fe-NTA treatment also induced tumor promotion markers, viz., ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and thymidine [3H] incorporation into renal DNA. A sharp elevation in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine has also been observed. Treatment of rats orally with soy isoflavones (5 mg/kg body weight and 10 mg/kg body weight) resulted in significant decreases in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, H2O2 generation, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, renal ODC activity and DNA synthesis (P < 0.001). Renal glutathione content (P < 0.01), glutathione metabolizing enzymes (P < 0.001) and antioxidant enzymes were also returned to normal levels (P < 0.001). Thus, our data suggest that soy isoflavones may be used as an effective chemopreventive agent against Fe-NTA-mediated renal oxidative stress, toxicity and cell proliferation response in Wistar rats.     

Interrelation of active oxygen species,membrane damage and altered calcium functions

Incubation of freshly isolated rat liver mitochondria in the presence of oxygen free radical generating hypoxanthine —xanthine oxidase system led to swelling of mitochondria as measured by the change in optical density, which was reversed by the addition of superoxide dismutase. O₂ ^– in the presence of CaCl₂ enhanced the peroxidative decomposition of mitochondrial membrane lipids along with swelling of the organelle. Free radical generation led to enhancement of monoamine oxidase activity while glutathione peroxidase and cytochrome c oxidase were inhibited. Tertbutyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) caused mitochondrial swelling through oxidative stress. Incorporation of ruthenium red, which is a Ca²⁺ transport blocker, during assay abolished peroxidative membrane damage and swelling. Dithiothreitol (DTT) accorded protection against t-BHP induced mitochondrial swelling. The above in vitro data suggest a possible interrelationship of active oxygen species, membrane damage and calcium dynamics.     

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.     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Aegle marmelos Correa. against CCl4-induced oxidative stress and early tumor events

The antioxidant properties and inhibitory effect on early tumor promoter markers of A. marmelos (25 and 50 mg/Kg b. wt. orally) have been evaluated. Male Wistar rats were pre-treated for seven consecutive days with A. marmelos prior to CCl4 (1 mL Kg(- 1) body weight p. o., in corn oil [1:1 v/v]) treatment. Pre-treatment with A. marmelos suppressed lipid peroxidation (LPO), xanthine oxidase (XO) and release of serum toxicity marker enzymes viz, SGOT, LDH, SGPT dose-dependently and significantly (p < 0.001). Hepatic antioxidant status viz, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), quinone reductase (QR), catalase (CAT) were concomitantly restored in A. marmelos-treated groups (p < 0.001). In addition, A. marmelos pretreatment also prevented the CCl4-enhanced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and hepatic DNA synthesis significantly (p < 0.001). In conclusion, carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity was strikingly attenuated by A. marmelos treatment and the study gives some insight into the mechanisms involved in diminution of free radical generating toxicants and enhancement of the antioxidant armory, hence preventing further tissue damage, injury and hyperproliferation. Thus, these findings indicate that A. marmelos attenuates CCl4-mediated hepatic oxidative stress, toxicity, tumor promotion and subsequent cell proliferation response in Wistar rats.     

Reduction of the metallochromic indicators murexide and tetramethylmurexide to their free radical metabolites by cytoplasmic enzymes and reducing agents

Murexide underwent reduction by rat liver cytosolic fraction or a hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system to produce a free radical metabolite. Reduction of murexide by the freshly prepared cytosolic fraction depended upon the presence of ascorbic acid. N1-Methylnicotinamide, xanthine or hypoxanthine, in that order, could also serve as a source of reducing equivalents for the production of that free radical by the cytosolic fraction. Several thiol compounds (GSH, cysteine, and cysteamine), pyridine nucleotides (NADH, NADPH) and ascorbic acid were also effective in generating the murexide-derived free radical. Tetramethyl murexide was also reduced to its free radical derivative by a hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system.     

Lipid peroxidation, iron mobilization and radical generation induced by alcohol

Increasing evidence points to a major role for free radicals in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver injury. In vitro, free radicals may be generated during ethanol metabolism by the further metabolism of acetaldehyde by molybdenum-dependent oxidases such as xanthine oxidase. Ferritin iron mobilized by such free radicals may serve as catalytic iron. Increased stores of ferritin iron and induction of microsomal P-450 reductase activity are mechanisms by which chronic alcohol feeding may potentiate the acute effects of alcohol.