High plasma thiocyanate levels modulate protein damage induced by myeloperoxidase and perturb measurement of 3-chlorotyrosine

Smokers have an elevated risk of atherosclerosis but the origin of this elevated risk is incompletely defined, though increasing evidence supports a role for the oxidant-generating enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO). In previous studies we have demonstrated that smokers have elevated levels of thiocyanate ions (SCN(-)), relative to nonsmokers, and increased thiol oxidation, as SCN(-) is a favored substrate for MPO, and the resulting hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) targets thiol groups rapidly and selectively. In this study we show that increased HOSCN formation by MPO diminishes damage to nonthiol targets on both model proteins and human plasma proteins. Thus high SCN(-) levels protect against HOCl- and MPO-mediated damage to methionine, tryptophan, lysine, histidine, and tyrosine residues on proteins. Furthermore, levels of the HOCl-mediated marker compound 3-chlorotyrosine and the cross-linked product dityrosine are decreased. Plasma protein 3-chlorotyrosine levels induced by HOCl exposure in nonsmokers are elevated over the levels detected in smokers when exposed to identical oxidative insult (P<0.05), and a strong inverse correlation exists between plasma SCN(-) levels and 3-chlorotyrosine concentrations (r=0.6182; P<0.0001). These correlations were also significant for smokers (r=0.2724; P<0.05) and nonsmokers (r=0.4141; P<0.01) when analyzed as individual groups. These data indicate that plasma SCN(-) levels are a key determinant of the extent and type of protein oxidation induced by MPO on isolated and plasma proteins and that smoking status and resulting high SCN(-) levels can markedly modulate the levels of the widely used biomarker compound 3-chlorotyrosine.     

Inactivation of thiol-dependent enzymes by hypothiocyanous acid: role of sulfenyl thiocyanate and sulfenic acid intermediates

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) forms reactive oxidants including hypochlorous and hypothiocyanous acids (HOCl and HOSCN) under inflammatory conditions. HOCl causes extensive tissue damage and plays a role in the progression of many inflammatory-based diseases. Although HOSCN is a major MPO oxidant, particularly in smokers, who have elevated plasma thiocyanate, the role of this oxidant in disease is poorly characterized. HOSCN induces cellular damage by targeting thiols. However, the specific targets and mechanisms involved in this process are not well defined. We show that exposure of macrophages to HOSCN results in the inactivation of intracellular enzymes, including creatine kinase (CK) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). In each case, the active-site thiol residue is particularly sensitive to oxidation, with evidence for reversible inactivation and the formation of sulfenyl thiocyanate and sulfenic acid intermediates, on treatment with HOSCN (less than fivefold molar excess). Experiments with DAz-2, a cell-permeable chemical trap for sulfenic acids, demonstrate that these intermediates are formed on many cellular proteins, including GAPDH and CK, in macrophages exposed to HOSCN. This is the first direct evidence for the formation of protein sulfenic acids in HOSCN-treated cells and highlights the potential of this oxidant to perturb redox signaling processes.     

Selenium-containing amino acids are targets for myeloperoxidase-derived hypothiocyanous acid: determination of absolute rate constants and implications for biological damage

Elevated MPO (myeloperoxidase) levels are associated with multiple human inflammatory pathologies. MPO catalyses the oxidation of Cl-, Br- and SCN- by H2O2 to generate the powerful oxidants hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypobromous acid (HOBr) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) respectively. These species are antibacterial agents, but misplaced or excessive production is implicated in tissue damage at sites of inflammation. Unlike HOCl and HOBr, which react with multiple targets, HOSCN targets cysteine residues with considerable selectivity. In the light of this reactivity, we hypothesized that Sec (selenocysteine) residues should also be rapidly oxidized by HOSCN, as selenium atoms are better nucleophiles than sulfur. Such oxidation might inactivate critical Sec-containing cellular protective enzymes such as GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and TrxR (thioredoxin reductase). Stopped-flow kinetic studies indicate that seleno-compounds react rapidly with HOSCN with rate constants, k, in the range 2.8×10(3)-5.8×10(6) M-1·s-1 (for selenomethionine and selenocystamine respectively). These values are ~6000-fold higher than the corresponding values for H2O2, and are also considerably larger than for the reaction of HOSCN with thiols (16-fold for cysteine and 80-fold for selenocystamine). Enzyme studies indicate that GPx and TrxR, but not glutathione reductase, are inactivated by HOSCN in a concentration-dependent manner; k for GPx has been determined as ~5×105 M-1·s-1. Decomposed HOSCN did not induce inactivation. These data indicate that selenocysteine residues are oxidized rapidly by HOSCN, with this resulting in the inhibition of the critical intracellular Sec-dependent protective enzymes GPx and TrxR.     

Caffeine induces Ca2+ release by reducing the threshold for luminal Ca2+ activation of the ryanodine receptor

Myeloperoxidase, released by activated phagocytes, forms reactive oxidants by catalysing the reaction of halide and pseudo-halide ions with H(2)O(2). These oxidants have been linked to tissue damage in a range of inflammatory diseases. With physiological levels of halide and pseudo-halide ions, similar amounts of HOCl (hypochlorous acid) and HOSCN (hypothiocyanous acid) are produced by myeloperoxidase. Although the importance of HOSCN in initiating cellular damage via thiol oxidation is becoming increasingly recognized, there are limited data on the reactions of HOSCN with other targets. In the present study, the products of the reaction of HOSCN with proteins has been studied. With albumin, thiols are oxidized preferentially forming unstable sulfenyl thiocyanate derivatives, as evidenced by the reversible incorporation of (14)C from HOS(14)CN. On consumption of the HSA (human serum albumin) free thiol group, the formation of stable (14)C-containing products and oxidation of tryptophan residues are observed. Oxidation of tryptophan residues is observed on reaction of HOSCN with other proteins (including myoglobin, lysozyme and trypsin inhibitor), but not free tryptophan, or tryptophan-containing peptides. Peptide mass mapping studies with HOSCN-treated myoglobin, showed the addition of two oxygen atoms on either Trp(7) or Trp(14) with equimolar or less oxidant, and the addition of a further two oxygen atoms to the other tryptophan with higher oxidant concentrations (> or = 2-fold). Tryptophan oxidation was observed on treating myoglobin with HOSCN in the presence of glutathione and ascorbate. Thus tryptophan residues are likely to be favourable targets for the reaction in biological systems, and the oxidation products formed may be useful biomarkers of HOSCN-mediated protein oxidation.     

Myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants inhibit sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activity and perturb Ca2+ homeostasis in human coronary artery endothelial cells

The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) plays a critical role in Ca(2+) homeostasis via sequestration of this ion in the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum. The activity of this pump is inhibited by oxidants and impaired in aging tissues and cardiovascular disease. We have shown previously that the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-derived oxidants HOCl and HOSCN target thiols and mediate cellular dysfunction. As SERCA contains Cys residues critical to ATPase activity, we hypothesized that HOCl and HOSCN might inhibit SERCA activity, via thiol oxidation, and increase cytosolic Ca(2+) levels in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). Exposure of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles to preformed or enzymatically generated HOCl and HOSCN resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in ATPase activity; this was also inhibited by the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin. Decomposed HOSCN and incomplete MPO enzyme systems did not decrease activity. Loss of ATPase activity occurred concurrent with oxidation of SERCA Cys residues and protein modification. Exposure of HCAEC, with or without external Ca(2+), to HOSCN or HOCl resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca(2+) under conditions that did not result in immediate loss of cell viability. Thapsigargin, but not inhibitors of plasma membrane or mitochondrial Ca(2+) pumps/channels, completely attenuated the increase in intracellular Ca(2+) consistent with a critical role for SERCA in maintaining endothelial cell Ca(2+) homeostasis. Angiotensin II pretreatment potentiated the effect of HOSCN at low concentrations. MPO-mediated modulation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels may exacerbate endothelial dysfunction, a key early event in atherosclerosis, and be more marked in smokers because of their higher SCN(-) levels.     

Thiocyanate supplementation decreases atherosclerotic plaque in mice expressing human myeloperoxidase

Abstract

Elevated levels of the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. MPO predominantly catalyzes formation of the oxidants hypochlorous acid (HOCl) from Cl^?, and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) from SCN^?, with these anions acting as competitive substrates. HOSCN is a less powerful and more specific oxidant than HOCl, and selectively targets thiols; such damage is largely reversible, unlike much HOCl-induced damage. We hypothesized that increased plasma SCN^?, and hence HOSCN formation instead of HOCl, may decrease artery wall damage. This was examined using high-fat fed atherosclerosis-prone LDLR^–/– mice transgenic for human MPO, with and without SCN^? (10 mM) added to drinking water. Serum samples, collected fortnightly, were analyzed for cholesterol, triglycerides, thiols, MPO, and SCN^?; study-long exposure was calculated by area under the curve (AUC). Mean serum SCN^? concentrations were elevated in the supplemented mice (200–320 μM) relative to controls (< 120 μM). Normalized aortic root plaque areas at sacrifice were 26% lower in the SCN^?-supplemented mice compared with controls (P = 0.0417), but plaque morphology was not appreciably altered. Serum MPO levels steadily increased in mice on the high-fat diet, however, comparison of SCN^?-supplemented versus control mice showed no significant changes in MPO protein, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels; thiol levels were decreased in supplemented mice at one time-point. Plaque areas increased with higher cholesterol AUC (r = 0.4742; P = 0.0468), and decreased with increasing SCN^? AUC (r = ? 0.5693; P = 0.0134). These data suggest that increased serum SCN^? levels, which can be achieved in humans by dietary manipulation, may decrease atherosclerosis burden.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa defense systems against microbicidal oxidants

The most abundant oxidants controlling bacterial colonization on mucosal barrier epithelia are hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypobromous acid (HOBr) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN). All three oxidants are highly antimicrobial but little is known about their relative efficacies, their respective cellular targets, or what specific responses they elicit in bacteria. To address these important questions, we directly tested the individual oxidants on the virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA14. We discovered that HOCl and HOBr work almost interchangeably, impacting non‐growing bacterial cultures more significantly than actively growing bacteria, and eliciting similar stress responses, including the heat shock response. HOSCN treatment is distinctly different, affecting primarily actively growing PA14 and evoking stress responses suggestive of membrane damage. What all three oxidants have in common, however, is their ability to cause substantial protein aggregation. This effect became particularly obvious in strains lacking polyphosphate, a newly recognized chemical chaperone. Treatment of PA14 with the FDA‐approved anti‐inflammatory drug mesalamine, which has recently been shown to attenuate polyP production in a wide range of bacteria, effectively decreased the resistance of PA14 toward all three oxidants, suggesting that we have discovered a novel, targetable defense system in P. aeruginosa.     

High plasma thiocyanate levels in smokers are a key determinant of thiol oxidation induced by myeloperoxidase

Smokers have an elevated risk of atherosclerosis but the origins of this elevated risk are incompletely defined, though evidence supports an accumulation of the oxidant-generating enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the inflamed artery wall. We hypothesized that smokers would have a high level of thiocyanate (SCN(-)), a preferred substrate for MPO, which in turn would predispose to thiol oxidation, an established independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. In this study it is shown that on exposure to MPO/H(2)O(2), thiols on plasma proteins from nonsmokers were increasingly oxidized with increasing added SCN(-) concentrations. Plasma from smokers contained significantly higher endogenous levels of SCN(-) than that from nonsmokers (131±31 vs 40±24 μM, P<0.0001). When plasma from smokers and nonsmokers was exposed to MPO/H(2)O(2)-stimulated oxidation, a strong positive correlation (r=0.8139, P<0.0001) between the extent of thiol oxidation and the plasma SCN(-) concentrations was observed. Computational calculations indicate a changeover from HOCl to HOSCN as the major MPO-generated oxidant in plasma, with increasing SCN(-) levels. These data indicate that plasma SCN(-) levels are a key determinant of the extent of thiol oxidation on plasma proteins induced by MPO, and implicate HOSCN as an important mediator of inflammation-induced oxidative damage to proteins in smokers.     

Kinetic analysis of the role of histidine chloramines in hypochlorous acid mediated protein oxidation

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful oxidant generated from H(2)O(2) and chloride ions by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) released from activated leukocytes. In addition to its potent antibacterial effects, excessive HOCl production can lead to host tissue damage, with this implicated in human diseases such as atherosclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and arthritis. HOCl reacts rapidly with biological materials, with proteins being major targets. Chlorinated amines (chloramines) formed from Lys and His side chains and alpha-amino groups on proteins are major products of these reactions; these materials are however also oxidants and can undergo further reactions. In this study, the kinetics of reaction of His side-chain chloramines with other protein components have been investigated by UV/visible spectroscopy and stopped flow methods at pH 7.4 and 22 degrees C, using the chloramines of the model compound 4-imidazoleacetic acid and N-alpha-acetyl-histidine. The second-order rate constants decrease in a similar order (Cys > Met > disulfide bonds > Trp approximately alpha-amino > Lys > Tyr > backbone amides > Arg) to the corresponding reactions of HOCl, but are typically 5-25 times slower. These rate constants are consistent with His side-chain chloramines being important secondary oxidants in HOCl-mediated damage. These studies suggest that formation and subsequent reactions of His side-chain chloramines may be responsible for the targeted secondary modification of selected protein residues by HOCl that has previously been observed experimentally and highlight the importance of chloramine structure on their subsequent reactivity.     

High plasma thiocyanate levels are associated with enhanced myeloperoxidase-induced thiol oxidation and long-term survival in subjects following a first myocardial infarction

Abstract

Elevated levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) are associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. MPO uses H₂O₂ to generate oxidants including HOCl and HOSCN, from chloride and thiocyanate (SCN^?) ions, respectively. SCN^? is the preferred substrate. Elevation of this anion decreases HOCl generation and increases HOSCN formation, a thiol-specific oxidant. Such changes are of potential relevance to people with elevated SCN^? levels, such as smokers. In this retrospective study, we examined whether elevated plasma MPO and SCN^? levels increased thiol oxidation as a result of increased HOSCN formation, and impacted on long-term survival in 176 subjects (74 non-smokers, 46 smokers, and 56 previous smokers) hospitalized after a first myocardial infarction. Plasma thiols were not significantly altered in smokers compared to non-smokers or past smokers. However, significant positive correlations were detected between SCN^? levels and MPO-induced thiol loss in the total population (r = 0.19, P = 0.020) and smokers alone (r = 0.58, P < 0.0001). Twelve-year all-cause mortality data indicate that above median MPO is significantly associated with higher mortality, but below-median MPO and above-median SCN^? results in increased survival, compared to below-median SCN^?. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed a significant decrease in mortality for each 1 μM increase in SCN^? (0.991; P = 0.040). Subject age was, as expected, a strong predictor of subject survival. Overall these data suggest that subjects with below-median MPO and above-median SCN^? have better long-term survival, and that elevated plasma levels of SCN^? might be protective in at least some populations.     

The role of hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) in biological systems

Abstract

Hypohalous acids (HOX), produced by peroxidase-catalysed reactions of halide and pseudohalide ions with H₂O₂, play an important role in the human immune system. However, there is compelling evidence that these oxidants also mediate host tissue damage and contribute to the progression of a number of inflammatory diseases. Although it is well established that significant amounts of hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) are formed under physiological conditions, the reactions of this oxidant with host biological systems are relatively poorly characterized. It is generally accepted that HOSCN is a mild oxidant that reacts selectively with thiols. However, it is becoming increasingly recognized that this selectivity can result in the induction of significant cellular damage, which may contribute to disease. This review will outline the formation and reactivity of HOSCN and the role of this oxidant in biological systems.     

Antioxidant binding of caeruloplasmin to myeloperoxidase: myeloperoxidase is inhibited, but oxidase, peroxidase and immunoreactive properties of caeruloplasmin remain intact

The neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) purposefully makes hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as part of the cells defence against microbial infections. During cell lysis, however, MPO will be released into the extracellular environment where production of HOCl, a powerful oxidant, will lead to molecular damage. Extracellular MPO binds to the copper-containing protein caeruloplasmin (Cp) and prevents MPO making HOCl. Cp has several important antioxidant functions in extracellular fluids associated with its ability to catalyse oxidation of ferrous ions and to remove peroxides. The binding of MPO to Cp did not inhibit these important extracellular antioxidant activities of Cp, but in so doing it provided additional antioxidant protection against formation of HOCl.     

Antioxidant binding of caeruloplasmin to myeloperoxidase: Myeloperoxidase is inhibited,but oxidase,peroxidase and immunoreactive properties of caeruloplasmin remain intact

The neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) purposefully makes hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as part of the cells defence against microbial infections. During cell lysis, however, MPO will be released into the extracellular environment where production of HOCl, a powerful oxidant, will lead to molecular damage. Extracellular MPO binds to the copper-containing protein caeruloplasmin (Cp) and prevents MPO making HOCl. Cp has several important antioxidant functions in extracellular fluids associated with its ability to catalyse oxidation of ferrous ions and to remove peroxides. The binding of MPO to Cp did not inhibit these important extracellular antioxidant activities of Cp, but in so doing it provided additional antioxidant protection against formation of HOCl.     

Thiocyanate catalyzes myeloperoxidase-initiated lipid oxidation in LDL

There is evidence that LDL oxidation may render the lipoprotein atherogenic. The myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide (MPO/H2O2) system of activated phagocytes may be involved in this process. Chloride is supposed to be the major substrate for MPO, generating reactive hypochlorous acid (HOCl), modifying LDL. The pseudo-halide thiocyanate (SCN-) has been shown to be a suitable substrate for MPO, forming reactive HOSCN/SCN*. As relatively abundant levels of SCN- are found in plasma of smokers--a well-known risk group for cardiovascular disease--the ability of SCN- to act as a catalyst of LDL atherogenic modification by MPO/H2O2 was tested. Measurement of conjugated diene and lipid hydroperoxide formation in LDL preparations exposed to MPO/H2O2 revealed that SCN- catalyzed lipid oxidation in LDL. Chloride did not diminish the effect of SCN- on lipid oxidation. Surprisingly, SCN inhibited the HOCl-mediated apoprotein modification in LDL. Nitrite--recently found to be a substrate for MPO--showed some competing properties. MPO-mediated lipid oxidation was inhibited by heme poisons (azide, cyanide) and catalase. Ascorbic acid was the most effective compound in inhibiting the SCN- -catalyzed reaction. Bilirubin showed some action, whereas tocopherol was ineffective. When LDL oxidation was performed with activated human neutrophils, which employ the MPO pathway, SCN- catalyzed the cell-mediated LDL oxidation. The MPO/H2O2/SCN- system may have the potential to play a significant role in the oxidative modification of LDL--an observation further pointing to the link between the long-recognized risk factors of atherosclerosis: elevated levels of LDL and smoking.     

Hypochlorous acid-induced heme degradation from lactoperoxidase as a novel mechanism of free iron release and tissue injury in inflammatory diseases

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) is the major consumer of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in the airways through its ability to oxidize thiocyanate (SCN(-)) to produce hypothiocyanous acid, an antimicrobial agent. In nasal inflammatory diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, both LPO and myeloperoxidase (MPO), another mammalian peroxidase secreted by neutrophils, are known to co-localize. The aim of this study was to assess the interaction of LPO and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the final product of MPO. Our rapid kinetic measurements revealed that HOCl binds rapidly and reversibly to LPO-Fe(III) to form the LPO-Fe(III)-OCl complex, which in turn decayed irreversibly to LPO Compound II through the formation of Compound I. The decay rate constant of Compound II decreased with increasing HOCl concentration with an inflection point at 100 μM HOCl, after which the decay rate increased. This point of inflection is the critical concentration of HOCl beyond which HOCl switches its role, from mediating destabilization of LPO Compound II to LPO heme destruction. Lactoperoxidase heme destruction was associated with protein aggregation, free iron release, and formation of a number of fluorescent heme degradation products. Similar results were obtained when LPO-Fe(II)-O(2), Compound III, was exposed to HOCl. Heme destruction can be partially or completely prevented in the presence of SCN(-). On the basis of the present results we concluded that a complex bi-directional relationship exists between LPO activity and HOCl levels at sites of inflammation; LPO serve as a catalytic sink for HOCl, while HOCl serves to modulate LPO catalytic activity, bioavailability, and function.     

Green fluorescent protein-expressing Escherichia coli as a selective probe for HOCl generation within neutrophils

Escherichia coli were transformed by electroporation to introduce a plasmid harboring a GFP gene-containing vector. The fluorescence of the purified GFP isolated from the transformant was quenched by myeloperoxidase (MPO)-generated HOCl, by peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) and by enzymatically or radiolytically generated NO(2)(.) but not by other putative neutrophil-generated oxidants. Fluorescence from the bacterium was effectively quenched by HOCl but not peroxynitrite, oxidizing radicals derived from its O-O bond homolysis, or the other oxidants under study. Exposure of serum-opsonized bacteria to human neutrophils resulted in extensive loss of GFP fluorescence; fluorescence microscopy revealed that phagocytosed bacteria were completely quenched but that bacteria remaining in the external media were unquenched. Addition of sodium azide to the medium to inhibit MPO prevented neutrophil-mediated fluorescence quenching. Because the amount of HOCl required to inhibit bacterial fluorescence was an order of magnitude greater than required to inhibit colonial growth, these results imply that sufficient HOCl was formed within the neutrophil phagosome to kill the microbe.     

Chlorinative stress in age-related diseases: a literature review

Aging is an agglomerate of biological long-lasting processes that result being inevitable. Main actors in this scenario are both long-term inflammation and oxidative stress. It has been proved that oxidative stress induce alteration in proteins and this fact itself is critically important in the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to diseases typical of aging. Among reactive species, chlorine ones such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are cytotoxic oxidants produced by activated neutrophils during chronic inflammation processes. HOCl can also cause damages by reacting with biological molecules. HOCl is generated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) and augmented serum levels of MPO have been described in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions in cardiovascular patients and has been implicated in many inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative conditions, and some cancers. Due to these data, we decided to conduct an up-to-date review evaluating chlorinative stress effects on every age-related disease linked; potential anti-oxidant countermeasures were also assessed. Results obtained associated HOCl generation to the aging processes and confirmed its connection with diseases like neurodegenerative and cardiovascular pathologies, atherosclerosis and cancer; chlorination was mainly linked to diseases where molecular (protein) alteration constitute the major suspected cause: i.e. inflammation, tissue lesions, DNA damages, apoptosis and oxidative stress itself. According data collected, a healthy lifestyle together with some dietary suggestion and/or the administration of nutracetical antioxidant integrators could balance the effects of chlorinative stress and, in some cases, slow down or prevent the onset of age-releated diseases.     

Lipid oxidation by hypochlorous acid: chlorinated lipids in atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia

Leukocytes, containing myeloperoxidase (MPO), produce the reactive chlorinating species, HOCl, and they have important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Leukocyte-derived HOCl can target primary amines, alkenes and vinyl ethers of lipids, resulting in chlorinated products. Plasmalogens are vinyl ether-containing phospholipids that are abundant in tissues of the cardiovascular system. The HOCl oxidation products derived from plasmalogens are α-chlorofatty aldehyde and unsaturated molecular species of lysophosphatidylcholine. α-chlorofatty aldehyde is the precursor of both α-chlorofatty alcohol and α-chlorofatty acid. Both α-chlorofatty aldehyde and α-chlorofatty acid accumulate in activated neutrophils and have disparate chemotactic properties. In addition, α-chlorofatty aldehyde increases in activated monocytes, human atherosclerotic lesions and rat infarcted myocardium. This article addresses the pathways for the synthesis of these lipids and their biological targets.     

Reactivity of selenium-containing compounds with myeloperoxidase-derived chlorinating oxidants: Second-order rate constants and implications for biological damage

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and N-chloramines are produced by myeloperoxidase (MPO) as part of the immune response to destroy invading pathogens. However, MPO also plays a detrimental role in inflammatory pathologies, including atherosclerosis, as inappropriate production of oxidants, including HOCl and N-chloramines, causes damage to host tissue. Low molecular mass thiol compounds, including glutathione (GSH) and methionine (Met), have demonstrated efficacy in scavenging MPO-derived oxidants, which prevents oxidative damage in vitro and ex vivo. Selenium species typically have greater reactivity toward oxidants compared to the analogous sulfur compounds, and are known to be efficient scavengers of HOCl and other hypohalous acids produced by MPO. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a number of sulfur and selenium compounds to scavenge a range of biologically relevant N-chloramines and oxidants produced by both isolated MPO and activated neutrophils and characterized the resulting selenium-derived oxidation products in each case. A dose-dependent decrease in the concentration of each N-chloramine was observed on addition of the sulfur compounds (cysteine, methionine) and selenium compounds (selenomethionine, methylselenocysteine, 1,4-anhydro-4-seleno-L-talitol, 1,5-anhydro-5-selenogulitol) studied. In general, selenomethionine was the most reactive with N-chloramines (k₂ 0.8–3.4×10³ M^–1 s^–1) with 1,5-anhydro-5-selenogulitol and 1,4-anhydro-4-seleno-L-talitol (k₂ 1.1–6.8×10² M^–1 s^–1) showing lower reactivity. This resulted in the formation of the respective selenoxides as the primary oxidation products. The selenium compounds demonstrated greater ability to remove protein N-chloramines compared to the analogous sulfur compounds. These reactions may have implications for preventing cellular damage in vivo, particularly under chronic inflammatory conditions.