Binding of hypocrellin B to human serum albumin and photo-induced interactions

Molecular binding of hypocrellins to human serum albumin (HSA) needs to be further clarified considering the phototherapeutic potentials of hypocrellins to vascular diseases. In the current work, it was estimated that the binding constant of hypocrellin B (HB) to HSA was 2.28 x 10(4) M(-1). Furthermore, based on the fluorescence responses for both HB and the tryptophan of HSA, it was suggested that the binding of HB to HSA should be more specific rather than distributed randomly on the surface of HSA, which was also confirmed by photobleaching of the tryptophan via photosensitization of HB. Besides, it was found that both of the photo-bleaching of the tryptophan and the photo-oxidation of HB were principally oxygen-dependent, suggesting reactive oxygen species generated via the photosensitization of HB, instead of the free radicals of the photosensitizer (HB*-), play the most important role in photodynamic processes.     

Photosensitized formation of singlet oxygen by phycobiliproteins in neutral aqueous solutions

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are a type of promising sensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Upon irradiation (lambda>500nm) of an oxygen-saturated aqueous solution of phycobiliproteins, particularly, C-phycocyanin (C-PC), allophycocyanin (APC) or R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), the formation of singlet oxygen (1O2) was detected by using imidazole in the presence of p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO). The bleaching of RNO caused by the presence of imidazole in our system showed typical concentration dependence with a maximum at about 8mM imidazole, which is in agreement with the formation of 1O2. In addition, the generation of 1O2 was verified further in the presence of D2O and specific singlet oxygen quencher 1,4-diazabicyclo [2,2,2] octane (DABCO) and sodium azide (NaN3). Our experimental results indicated that APC possesses high ability to generate reactive oxygen species and the relative quantum yields of photogeneration of 1O2 by PBPs are as follows: APC > C-PC > R-PE.     

Protective effect of C-phycocyanin against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte damage in vitro and in vivo

This study focused on the hepatoprotective activity of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte damage in vitro and in vivo. In in vitro study, human hepatocyte cell line L02 was used. C-PC showed its capability to reverse CCl₄-induced L02 cells viability loss, alanine transaminase (ALT) leakage and morphological changes. C-PC also showed the following positive effects: prevent the CCl₄-induced overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA); prevent changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and reduce glutathione (GSH) level. In vivo, C-PC showed its capability to decrease serum ALT and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in CCl₄-induced liver damage in mice. The histological observations supported the results obtained from serum enzymes assays. C-PC also showed the following effects in mice liver: prevent the CCl₄-induced MDA formation and GSH depletion; prevent SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity; and prevent the elevation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNAs. Both the in vitro and in vivo results suggested that C-PC was useful in protecting against CCl₄-induced hepatocyte damage. One of the mechanisms is believed to be through C-PCs scavenging ability to protect the hepatocytes from free radicals damage induced by CCl₄. In addition, C-PC may be able to block inflammatory infiltration through its anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting TGF-β1 and HGF expression.     

Ischemic preconditioning requires increases in reactive oxygen release independent of mitochondrial K+ channel activity

Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels (mitoKATP) mediate ischemic preconditioning, a cardioprotective procedure. MitoKATP activity has been proposed to either enhance or prevent the release of reactive oxygen species. This study tested the redox effects of mitoKATP in order to clarify the role of these channels during preconditioning. We found no evidence that mitoKATP channels increase mitochondrial reactive oxygen species release directly. In addition, neither ischemic preconditioning nor the mitoKATP agonist diazoxide increased antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, increases in reactive oxygen species observed during ischemic preconditioning were not inhibited by mitoKATP antagonists, suggesting that they occur upstream of channel activity. Antioxidants were tested to verify if diazoxide-promoted ischemic protection was dependent on reactive oxygen species. N-Acetylcysteine proved to be an inadequate antioxidant for these tests since it directly interfered with the ability of diazoxide to activate mitoKATP. Catalase reversed the beneficial effect of preconditioning, but not of diazoxide, indicating that reactive oxygen species mediating preconditioning occur upstream of mitoKATP. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ischemic preconditioning increases reactive oxygen release independently of mitoKATP and suggest that the activity of this channel prevents oxidative reperfusion damage by decreasing reactive oxygen species production.     

C-Phycocyanin inhibits 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced expression of MDR1 in mouse macrophage cells: ROS mediated pathway determined via combination of experimental and In silico analysis

We studied the effects of C-Phycocyanin (C-PC), a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis on the 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-induced expression of MDR1, encoded by the multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene, in mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Our experimental and In silico studies revealed a significant inhibition of 2-AAF-induced expression of MDR1 protein in C-PC treated mouse macrophage cell line. MDR1 induction by 2-AAF was dependent on ROS (reactive oxygen species)-Akt (protein kinase B)-NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway. Generation of ROS, phosphorylation of Akt and corresponding nuclear translocation of NF-κB, the events that play a major role in the induction of MDR1 expression, were decreased significantly in C-PC treated cells. NADPH oxidase inhibitor, DPI (Diphenyl iodide), and pharmacological inhibitor of Akt, Akt inhibitor IV, also showed a reduction in MDR1 expression, although not to the same extent as C-PC mediated inhibition of MDR1 expression. To further understand the mechanism, we created a computational model of the detailed ROS-Akt-NF-κB pathway. C-PC was modeled purely as a ROS scavenger and this representation matched the experimental trends accurately. Also the ROS levels determined through In silico investigation showed that C-PC was more effective in reduction of MDR1 expression than inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and Akt. Our experimental and In silico studies collectively suggest that 2-AAF induces MDR1 by ROS dependent pathway and C-PC is a potential negative regulator of MDR1 expression. This down regulation of MDR1 expression, induced by xenobiotics such as 2-AAF, suggests C-PC’s usefulness in overcoming the drug resistance in cellular systems.     

Silver nanoparticles induce apoptotic cell death in Candida albicans through the increase of hydroxyl radicals

Silver nanoparticles have been shown to be detrimental to fungal cells although the mechanism(s) of action have not been clearly established. In this study, we used Candida albicans cells to show that silver nanoparticles exert their antifungal effect through apoptosis. Many studies have shown that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species induces and regulates the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, hydroxyl radicals are considered an important component of cell death. Therefore, we assumed that hydroxyl radicals were related to apoptosis and the effect of thiourea as a hydroxyl radical scavenger was investigated. We measured the production of reactive oxygen species and investigated whether silver nanoparticles induced the accumulation of hydroxyl radicals. A reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential shown by flow cytometry analysis and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria were also verified. In addition, the apoptotic effects of silver nanoparticles were detected by fluorescence microscopy using other confirmed diagnostic markers of yeast apoptosis including phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA and nuclear fragmentation, and the activation of metacaspases. Cells exposed to silver nanoparticles showed increased reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radical production. All other phenomena of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic features also appeared. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles possess antifungal effects with apoptotic features and we suggest that the hydroxyl radicals generated by silver nanoparticles have a significant role in mitochondrial dysfunctional apoptosis.     

Probing connection of PBS with the photosystems in intact cells of Spirulina platensis by temperature-induced fluorescence fluctuation

Temperature-dependent fluorescence for intact cells of cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis was detected to search for the connection of the phycobilisome (PBS) with Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII). Some interesting results were obtained from the deconvoluted fluorescence components of C-phycocyanin (C-PC), allophycocyanin (APC), PSI and PSII as well as the fluorescence spectra of the intact cells at room temperature (RT=25 degrees C) and 0 degrees C. It was observed that, compared to those at RT, both of the fluorescence components for PSI and APC increased, whereas those for PSII and C-PC decreased at 0 degrees C with excitation at 580 nm, that is, the fluorescence for C-PC is not synchronous with that for APC, and the fluorescence fluctuation for PSI is not synchronous with that for PSII. On the other hand, the decrease in C-PC fluorescence is synchronous with the increase in PSI fluorescence, and the increase in APC fluorescence is synchronous with the decrease in PSII fluorescence. Therefore, it can be readily deduced that PBS should be coupled not only with PSII through the terminal acceptors in the APC core but also with PSI through C-PC in PBS rods at physiological condition, while at 0 degrees C, a migration of a PBS makes the APC partially detached from PSII but the C-PC more efficiently coupled with PSI. The results provide good evidences for "mobile PBS" model and "parallel connection" model but not for the "spillover" model.     

Photosensitized formation of singlet oxygen by phycobiliproteins in neutral aqueous solutions

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are a type of promising sensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Upon irradiation (λ>500nm) of an oxygen-saturated aqueous solution of phycobiliproteins, particularly, C-phycocyanin (C-PC), allophycocyanin (APC) or R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), the formation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was detected by using imidazole in the presence of p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO). The bleaching of RNO caused by the presence of imidazole in our system showed typical concentration dependence with a maximum at about 8mM imidazole, which is in agreement with the formation of ¹O₂. In addition, the generation of ¹O₂ was verified further in the presence of D₂O and specific singlet oxygen quencher — 1,4-diazabicyclo [2,2,2] octane (DABCO) and sodium azide (NaN₃). Our experimental results indicated that APC possesses high ability to generate reactive oxygen species and the relative quantum yields of photogeneration of ¹O₂ by PBPs are as follows: APC > C-PC > R-PE.     

Activation of mitochondrial-driven apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells is not mediated by reactive oxygen species production

While the acquisition of apoptosis resistance is part of the differentiation program of skeletal muscle cells, differentiated muscle cells can undergo apoptosis in response to physiological or pathological stimuli. The generation of reactive oxygen species by mitochondria plays a major role in the control of apoptosis in many cell types. Indeed their involvement in controlling apoptosis in differentiated muscle cells, or in generating resistance to apoptosis remains unknown. Moreover, differentiated muscle cells specifically express the uncoupling protein-3, a mitochondrial protein potentially involved in controlling reactive oxygen species production. To study the role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in the control of apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells, L6E9 myoblasts and myotubes were exposed to staurosporine, an inducer of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways. Staurosporine activated apoptotic pathways (i.e. caspase-3 and caspase-9) increasing reactive oxygen species in myoblasts and, to a minor extent, in myotubes. However, the increase in reactive oxygen species was not needed to induce apoptosis nor was it involved in the differential sensitization of myoblasts and myotubes to apoptosis. Moreover, expression of uncoupling protein-3 in myotubes did not affect reactive oxygen species production, although it produced a slight sensitization for staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Results indicate that apoptotic activation in skeletal muscle cells mainly involves reactive oxygen species-independent mechanisms and that mitochondrial uncoupling protein-3 is not protective either for reactive oxygen species production or for apoptotic activation in muscle cells.     

Suicide inactivation of the flavoenzyme D-lactate dehydrogenase by alpha-hydroxybutynoate.

The acetylenic alpha-hydroxy acid 2-hydroxy-3-butynoate (alpha HB) is a substrate and an irreversible inactivator of the FAD-containing flavoenzyme D-lactate dehydrogenase from Megasphaera elsdenii. On the average, the enzyme undergoes five catalytic turnovers with alpha HB in air at pH 7.0 before being inactivated. Irreversible inactivation is due to the conversion of the flavin to a pink adduct with visible absorption peaks at 522, 382, and 330 nm and weak fluorescence with an emission maximum at 635 nm. The adduct is stable and can be released from the enzyme and purified. It retains a structure analogous to FAD since it binds to the FAD-specific apo-D-amino acid oxidase. It can be further converted to an FMN analogue with phosphodiesterase which binds to the FMN-specific apoflavodoxin. Experiments were conducted to test whether inactivation was initiated by an alpha HB allene carbanion or the dehydrogenation product of alpha HB. Kinetic studies proved inconclusive in that a rapid equilibrium between an oxidized enzyme--allene carbanion pair and reduced enzyme--keto acid pair would make these two species kinetically equivalent. The olefinic substrate 2-hydroxy-3-butenoate, however, produced no flavin adduct. Since the keto acid derived from the oxidation of this alpha-hydroxy acid is expected to be as reactive as 2-keto-3-butynoate, it is concluded that an allene carbanion produced by abstraction of the alpha-hydrogen of alpha HB is the reactive species which covalently adds to the flavin.     

Prooxidant action of xanthurenic acid and quinoline compounds: Role of transition metals in the generation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in DNA†

Xanthurenic acid, a product of tryptophan–NAD pathway, and quinoline compounds produced reactive oxygen species as a complex with iron. Aconitase, the most sensitive enzyme to oxidative stress was inactivated effectively by xanthurenic acid and to a lesser extent by 8-quinolinol in the presence of ferrous sulfate. The inactivation of aconitase was iron-dependent, and was prevented by TEMPOL, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that reduced iron bound to xanthurenic acid or 8-quinolinol can activate oxygen molecule to form superoxide radical. However, kynurenic acid and quinaldic acid without 8-hydroxyl group did not produce reactive oxygen species. Of the quinoline compounds tested, xanthurenic acid and 8-quinolinol with 8-hydroxyl group stimulated the autooxidation of ferrous ion, but kynurenic acid and quinaldic acid did not affect the oxidation of ferrous ion. Hydroxyl group at 8-positions of quinoline compounds was essential for the binding of iron causing the generation of reactive oxygen species. 8-Quinolinol effectively enhanced the ascorbate/copper-mediated formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in DNA, suggesting the quinolinol/copper-dependent stimulation hydroxyl radical formation. Xanthurenic acid and 8-quinolinol as the metal–chelate complexes can show various cytotoxic effects by generating reactive oxygen species through the ferrous or cuprous ion-dependent activation of oxygen molecule. † This paper is dedicated to centennial of the birthday of the late Professor Emeritus Yahito Kotake, a pioneer of the xanthurenic acid research.     

Recovery of Cognitive Dysfunction via Orally Administered Redox-Polymer Nanotherapeutics in SAMP8 Mice

Excessively generated reactive oxygen species are associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated whether scavenging of reactive oxygen species in the brain by orally administered redox nanoparticles, prepared by self-assembly of redox polymers possessing antioxidant nitroxide radicals, facilitates the recovery of cognition in 17-week-old senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP8) mice. The redox polymer was delivered to the brain after oral administration of redox nanoparticles via a disintegration of the nanoparticles in the stomach and absorption of the redox polymer at small intestine to the blood. After treatment for one month, levels of oxidative stress in the brain of SAMP8 mice were remarkably reduced by treatment with redox nanoparticles, compared to that observed with low-molecular-weight nitroxide radicals, resulting in the amelioration of cognitive impairment with increased numbers of surviving neurons. Additionally, treatment by redox nanoparticles did not show any detectable toxicity. These findings indicate the potential of redox polymer nanotherapeutics for treatment of the neurodegenerative diseases.     

Modification of silicon nanoparticle surface with gold or silver attenuates its biocompatibility in vitro

The effects of crystalline silicon (Si) nanoparticles covered with gold and silver on the viability and state of cellular organelles of cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes were investigated. After interaction with Si nanoparticles covered with gold (Si/Au) or with silver (Si/Ag), the reactive oxygen species in cells increased, but their viability was not decreased. The Si/Au nanoparticles decreased functional activity of lysosomes and mitochondria, while Si/Ag decreased the functional activity only of mitochondria. It is concluded that modification of a surface with gold or silver results in a reduction of biocompatibility of crystalline silicon nanoparticles.     

Photogeneration of singlet oxygen (1O2) and free radicals (Sen·-, O·-2) by tetra-brominated hypocrellin B derivative

To improve photodynamic activity of the parent hypocrellin B (HB), a tetra-brominated HB derivative (compound 1) was synthesized in high yield. Compared with HB, compound 1 has enhanced red absorption and high molar extinction coefficients. The photodynamic action of compound 1, especially the generation mechanism and efficiencies of active species (Sen^·-, O^·-₂ and ¹O₂) were studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and spectrophotometric methods. In the deoxygenated DMSO solution of compound 1, the semiquinone anion radical of compound 1 is photogenerated via the self-electron transfer between the excited and ground state species. The presence of electron donor significantly promotes the reduction of compound 1. When oxygen is present, superoxide anion radical (O^·-₂) is formed via the electron transfer from Sens^·- to the ground state molecular oxygen. The efficiencies of Sens^·- and O^·-₂ generation by compound 1 are about three and two times as much as that of HB, respectively. Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) can be produced via the energy transfer from triplet compound 1 to ground state oxygen molecules. The quantum yield of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) is 0.54 in CHCl₃ similar to that of HB. Furthermore, it was found that the accumulation of Sens^·- would replace that of O^·-₂ or ¹O₂ with the depletion of oxygen in the sealed system.     

Naked eye detection of mutagenic DNA photodimers using gold nanoparticles

We developed a method to detect mutagenic DNA photodimers by the naked eye using gold nanoparticles. The stability of gold nanoparticles in a high ionic strength solution is maintained by straight ssDNA adsorbed physically on the AuNPs. However, we found that UV-irradiated DNA was less adsorptive onto gold nanoparticles because of a conformational change of UV-irradiated DNA. The accumulated deformation of the DNA structure by multiple-dimer formation triggered aggregation of the gold nanoparticles mixed with the UV-irradiated DNA and thus red to purple color changes of the mixture, which allowed colorimetric detection of the DNA photodimers by the naked eye. No fragmented mass and reactive oxygen species production under the UVB irradiation confirmed that the aggregation of gold nanoparticles was solely attributed to the accumulated deformation of the UV irradiated DNA. The degree of gold nanoparticles-aggregation was dependent on the UVB irradiated time and base compositions of the UV-irradiated oligonucleotides. In addition, we successfully demonstrated how to visually qualify the photosensitizing effect of chemical compounds in parallel within only 10 min by applying this new method. Since our method does not require any chemical or biochemical treatments or special instruments for purifying and qualifying the DNA photolesions, it should provide a feasible tool for the studies of the UV-induced mutagenic or carcinogenic DNA dimers and accelerate screening of a large number of drug candidates.     

Reactive oxygen injury to cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells: mediation by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation causing NAD depletion and altered energy balance.

The vascular endothelium is a significant site for tissue injury following exposure to reactive oxygen species derived from a number of sources. In order to develop a better understanding of the mechanism(s) of oxidative damage, monolayer cultures of endothelial cells obtained from bovine pulmonary arteries were exposed to reactive oxygen species generated from the oxidation of dihydroxyfumarate (DHF) to diketosuccinate. Exposure to oxidizing DHF caused a loss of cell membrane integrity that was delayed in onset; that is, it did not begin until 2 h after the addition of DHF although reactive oxygen species are produced immediately by DHF in solution. Endothelial cell lysis by DHF was prevented by the simultaneous addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or deferoximine (DFX). This oxidant-induced lysis was unaffected by N,N,-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. However, simultaneous addition of 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) and nicotinamide (NA), inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, prevented cell lysis. Oxidant-induced loss of membrane integrity was preceded by the early appearance of DNA strand breaks, by increased levels of poly(ADP-ribose), the product of polymerase activity, and by depletion of NAD+ and ATP, followed by a decline in the energy charge ratio of the cells. None of these intracellular changes occurred when either SOD, CAT, or DFX were added at the same time as DHF, suggesting that O2-., H2O2, and HO. mediated these changes. The O2-. appears to be important in the autoxidation reaction of DHF. The latter two reactive oxygen species may be part of cellular-catalyzed Fenton chemistry. The increase in poly(ADP-ribose), depletion of NAD+, and the decline in ATP were also prevented by the addition of 3AB. The oxidant-induced DNA strand breakage was, however, unaffected by either 3AB or NA. Addition of 3AB immediately prior to the onset of cell lysis (2 h after the addition of DHF), prevented cell lysis, i.e., "rescued" the cells when neither SOD, CAT, nor DFX addition were effective. Concurrent with the "rescue" from lysis by 3AB, there was an increase in NAD+ content and a return of the energy charge ratio to control levels. The data presented in this study suggests that in endothelial cells, DNA is a very sensitive target for reactive oxygen species and HO. is the likely proximal damaging species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Gold nanoparticles inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κb ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation by acting as an antioxidant

Gold nanoparticles inhibited osteoclast (OC) formation induced by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). This was accompanied by a decreased level of tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase (TRAP) and less activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. The nanoparticles also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to RANKL and upregulated RANKL-induced glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx-1), suggesting a role as an antioxidant in the BMM. The inhibitory effects on OC formation might have been due to elevated defense against oxidative stress.     

Molecular docking analysis of C-phycocyanin with VEGFR2

C-phycocyanin (C-PC) produced from cyanobacterial species finds application in drug development. Therefore, it is of interest to document the molecular binding features of C-PC with the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). C-PC showed H-bond interactions with residues on both sides of the Deusche Forschugsgemein-Schalt (DFG) loop (Asp1046-Phe1047-Gly1048). A hydrophobic association between the activation loop and the DFG residue (Gly1048) helps to inhibit the activity of VEGFR2 kinases. Thus, C-PC is reported as a potential angiogenesis inhibitor for VEGFR2 in combating cancer.     

Photo-oxidative stress in a xanthophyll-deficient mutant of Chlamydomonas

When there is an imbalance between the light energy absorbed by a photosynthetic organism and that which can be utilized in photosynthesis, photo-oxidative stress can damage pigments, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In this work we compared the wild type and a xanthophyll-deficient mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in their response to high amounts of light. Wild-type Chlamydomonas cells were able to acclimate to high amounts of light following transfer from low light conditions. In contrast, the npq1 lor1 double mutant, which lacks protective xanthophylls (zeaxanthin and lutein) in the chloroplast, progressively lost viability and photosynthetic capacity along with destruction of thylakoid membrane protein-pigment complexes and accumulation of reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid peroxides. Loss of viability was partially rescued by lowered oxygen tension, suggesting that the high sensitivity of the mutant to light stress is caused by the production of reactive oxygen species in the chloroplast. Cell death was not prevented by the addition of an organic carbon source to the growth medium, demonstrating that the photo-oxidative damage can target other essential chloroplast processes besides photosynthesis. From the differential sensitivity of the mutant to exogenously added pro-oxidants, we infer that the reactive oxygen species produced during light stress in npq1 lor1 may be singlet oxygen and/or superoxide but not hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching phenotype of npq1 lor1 was not due to enhanced photodamage to photosystem II but rather to a less localized phenomenon of accumulation of photo-oxidation products in chloroplast membranes.     

Inhibition of glutathione depletion by retinoic acid and tocopherol protects cultured neurons from staurosporine-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis

Cellular redox status is an important factor during neuronal apoptosis. In primary cultures of chick embryonic neurons, serum deprivation and treatment with staurosporine (200 nM) for 24 h increased the percentage of apoptotic neurons from 13% in controls to 28%, and 68%, respectively. Both exposure to staurosporine and serum deprivation resulted in a four-fold increase in the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production 4 h after the onset of the injury. Whereas the intracellular glutathione content remained unchanged by serum deprivation, it was markedly reduced by staurosporine suggesting that an increased reactive oxygen species production was more deleterious at a low intracellular glutathione content. Treatment with L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of the glutathione synthesis, decreased the intracellular glutathione content, but did not significantly alter the percentage of apoptotic neurons. Tocopherol (10 microM) and retinoic acid (0.1 microM) inhibited staurosporine-induced glutathione depletion as well as the increase in the percentage of apoptotic neurons. We conclude that under conditions of an increased reactive oxygen species production a high intracellular glutathione content could protect neurons from apoptotic injury and that drugs inhibiting the glutathione depletion could prevent neurons from oxidative damage.