Superoxide Radicals (superoxide + radical)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences


Selected Abstracts


ETHANOL-INDUCED SUPEROXIDE RADICALS IN FETAL CORTICAL NEURONS: CELLULAR ROS NETWORK

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 2008
Amina E Jamali
Alcohol exposure to the developing brain compromises both neurons and glial functions. While neurons are considered the primary targets, microglia may play a neurotoxic role in this process. Previous studies demonstrated that neuron death is due to oxidative stress and mitochondrially mediated (Intrinsic). These studies showed a rapid increase (within minutes) in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to the diffusive nature of ethanol and multiple sources of free radicals, we sought to determine the primary source of superoxide targeted by ethanol. Confocal studies of neurons suggest that the superoxide radicals may originate from the mitochondria. Using whole neurons in a luminol-based chemiluminescence assay (Diogenes) we detected superoxide radicals in the extracellular mileu. We observed a two-three fold transient increase in the steady state generation of superoxide radicals between 20 minutes to one hour of ethanol exposure (4mg/ml). However, the presence of Rotenone (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor) and DPI (an inhibitor of all flavinoids) blocked the release of these superoxide radicals. Interestingly, cortical microglia treated identically with ethanol, showed a greater than five fold increase in superoxide generation with a maximum at one hour. Moreover, since ethanol is known to induce hydrogen peroxide generation, it was used as a mimetic. Hydrogen peroxide also induced the production of superoxide different time kinetics. Thus, together these data demonstrate that ethanol induces the steady state production of superoxide radicals in the extracellular mileu in a mitochondrial dependent manner. Since NOX2 an NADPH oxidase is expressed in neurons, it is a potential candidate for the secondary sites of superoxide generation. The ROS network between mitochondria and the plasma membrane highlights new therapeutical targets to counter ethanol toxicity. [source]


Improving the Trapping of Superoxide Radical with a ,-Cyclodextrin, 5-Diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide (DEPMPO) Conjugate

CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 42 2009
Micaël Hardy Dr.
Trapped spin trap: CD-DEPMPO, a cyclodextrin,DEPMPO conjugate spin trap, exhibits improved performances in superoxide detection. Using blood as a biological model system, the superoxide CD-DEPMPO adduct was still unambiguously detected after 70 min, whereas using DEPMPO the signal of the superoxide adduct was not detected. (DEPMPO=5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide.) [source]


Oxygen Uptake and Involvement of Superoxide Radicals upon Photolysis of Ketones in Air-saturated Aqueous Alcohol, Formate, Amine or Ascorbic Acid Solutions

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
Helmut Görner
ABSTRACT The photolysis of acetophenone, benzophenone, 4-carboxy-benzophenone and benzil was studied in air-saturated aqueous solution in the presence of alcohols. The overall reaction is an oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone. The quantum yield of oxygen uptake (, -O2) increases with increasing 2-propanol concentration up to 0.9. The photoreaction can also be initiated by quenching of the ketone triplet state by ascorbic acid, formate or an amine e.g. triethylamine. Subsequent reactions of the involved radicals with oxygen yield the super-oxide radical and eventually hydrogen peroxide. For the ketones in the presence of 3,30 mM ascorbic acid or triethylamine , -O2= 0.3,0.9. The specific properties of ketones, including 4-methoxyacetophenone and 2-acetonaphthone, the radicals involved and the pH and concentration dependences of , -O2 are discussed. [source]


Oxidative stress, defense response, and early biomarkers for lead-contaminated soil in Vicia faba seedlings,

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2008
Cheng-Run Wang
Abstract Chemical analyses and biological measurements were investigated in leaves of Vicia faba seedlings exposed to extraneous lead (Pb) at 0 to 2,000 mg/kg of soil for a month. The results showed that superoxide radical (O,,2) production, increased along with total Pb in leaves and available Pb in soil, resulted in enhancement of malondialdehyde and carbonyl groups. Antioxidant enzymes, including corresponding isoenzymes and heat shock protein 70 (hsp 70), were also enhanced to some extent. Significant changes were detected in the patterns and intensities of guaiacol peroxidase isoenzymes, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase isoenzymes only changed intensities. Superoxide dismutase activities increased with the increase of extraneous Pb at 0 to 500 mg/kg of soil and tended to decline thereafter, which might be responsible for the decrease of hydrogen peroxide and accumulation of O,,2. Guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes were upregulated to become major scavengers of excess hydrogen peroxide on the condition of decreased catalase activities. Levels of hsp 70 were well correlated with Pb contents in leaves (r = 0.777), O,,2 accumulation (r = 0.985, p < 0.01), and carbonyl groups (r = 0.920, p < 0.01) under extraneous Pb at 0 to 250 mg/kg of soil, suggesting that hsp 70 induced by O,,2 was possibly involved in disposal of denatured proteins. The results showed that O,,2, hsp 70, and guaiacol peroxidase isoenzymes had the most sensitive responses in the seedlings and these parameters could be potential early biomarkers of soil Pb contamination. [source]


Selective detection of superoxide anion radicals generated from macrophages by using a novel fluorescent probe

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 7 2007
Jing Jing Gao
Quantitation of superoxide radical (O,2,·) production at the site of radical generation remains challenging. A simple method to detect nanomolar to micromolar levels of superoxide radical in aqueous solution has been developed and optimized. This method is based on the efficient trapping of O2,· using a novel fluorescent probe (2-chloro-1,3-dibenzothiazolinecyclohexene), coupled with a spectra character-signaling increase event. A high-specificity and high-sensitivity fluorescent probe was synthesized in-house and used to image O2,· in living cells. Better selectivity for O2,· over competing cellular reactive oxygen species and some biological compounds illustrates the advantages of our method. Under optimal conditions, the linear calibration range for superoxide anion radicals was 5.03 × 10,9,3.33 × 10,6 m. The detection limit was 1.68 × 10,9 m. Fluorescence images of probe-stained macrophages stimulated with 4,-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were obtained successfully using a confocal laser scanning microscope. [source]


Red blood cells in the metabolism of nitric oxide-derived peroxynitrite

IUBMB LIFE, Issue 10 2006
Natalia Romero
Abstract In this review we have analyzed the reactions of nitric oxide (·NO) with superoxide radical (O2·-) at the vascular compartment which results in limitation of the bioavailability of ·NO and the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a strong oxidant species. The intravascular formation of peroxynitrite can result in oxidative modifications of plasma and vessel wall proteins including the formation of protein-3-nitrotyrosine. The role of red blood cells (RBC) and oxyhemoglobin in the metabolism of intravascular peroxynitrite will be discussed. While RBC constitute an important 'sink' of both ·NO and peroxynitrite, redox reactions of these species with oxyhemoglobin may in part contribute to erythrocyte aging. The intravascular formation, reactions and detoxification of peroxynitrite are revealed as important factors controlling vascular dysfunction and degeneration in a variety of pathophysiologically-relevant conditions. iubmb Life, 58: 572-580, 2006 [source]


THE FREE RADICAL-SCAVENGING PROPERTY OF CHONDROITIN SULFATE FROM PIG LARYNGEAL CARTILAGE IN VITRO

JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2007
SHUANG-LI XIONG
ABSTRACT This study compared the free radical-scavenging properties of chondroitin sulfate (ChS) from pig laryngeal cartilage and its reduced or sulfonated derivatives. The binding behavior between Cu2+ and ChS and its derivatives, and the interaction between superoxide radical and ChS were studied by fluorescence quenching, equilibrium dialysis, infrared spectra and thermal analysis. Purified ChS inhibited the generation of hydroxyl radical and scavenged superoxide radical in a concentration-dependent manner. Reduced ChS did not scavenge hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical. Sulfonated ChS had no hydroxyl radical scavenging activity but scavenged superoxide radical as strongly as purified ChS. ChS showed strong binding activity with Cu2+ in deionized water but not in 0.01-M HCl. Both reduced ChS and sulfonated ChS did not exhibit such chelating behavior. The structural basis of hydroxyl radical inhibiting of ChS was attributed to a complex of the Cu2+ with the carboxyl group of glucuronic acid residue. The reaction of superoxide radical with the sulfate ester and the carboxyl group may be the basis of superoxide radical scavenging activity of ChS. [source]


Peroxynitrite and nitrosoperoxycarbonate, a tightly connected oxidizing-nitrating couple in the reactive nitrogen-oxygen species family: new perspectives for protection from radical-promoted injury by flavonoids

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 12 2007
Radmila Pavlovic
Peroxynitrite is the product of the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide radical and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of human diseases, being responsible for in-vivo oxidation/nitration events. Nitrosoperoxycarbonate anion, formed by the interaction of peroxynitrite with CO2/bicarbonate at physiological concentrations, provides a new interpretation of oxidative/nitrative processes formerly attributed to peroxynitrite. The aim of this review is to summarize the chemistry and biology of peroxynitrite and radical species related to nitrosoperoxycarbonate anion, as well as the information available regarding the molecular mechanisms that determine and regulate radical-promoted injury by the two tightly connected species at physiological concentrations. Interception of carbonate and nitro radicals produced by interaction of peroxynitrite with CO2/bicarbonate, as in-vivo prevention of pathological events, creates new perspectives for the evaluation of safe scavengers of oxidative/nitrative stress at the physiological level. In this respect, natural products such as flavonoids hold a preeminent position among the vast array of compounds endowed with such properties. [source]


Scavenging of reactive oxygen species by the plant phenols genistein and oleuropein

LUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 2 2005
Irena Kruk
Abstract The plant-derived phenolic compounds genistein and oleuropein are known to exhibit several biological properties, many of which may result from their antioxidant and free radical scavenger activity. In this paper we report the results of a complex study of antioxidant activity of genistein and oleuropein, using electron spin resonance (ESR), chemiluminescence, fluorescence and spectrophotometric techniques. Different reaction systems were applied to study the inhibitory effect of the phenolic compounds studied: (a) the potassium superoxide[sol ]18- crown -6 dissolved in DMSO system, which generates superoxide radical (O2·,) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); (b) the Co(II),EDTA,H2O2 system (the Fenton-like reaction), which generates hydroxyl radical (HO·); (c) 2,2,-azobis(2-amidino-propane)dichloride (AAPH) as the peroxyl radical (ROO·) generator, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical test. Results showed that genistein and oleuropein decreased the chemiluminescence sum from the O2·, generating system, an inhibitory effect that was dependent on their concentration. These compounds also reacted with ROO radicals and they showed activity about two-fold greater than the standard Trolox. The antioxidant effects were studied at different concentrations and reflected in protection against the fluorescence decay of , -phycoerythrin (, -PE), due to ROO· attack on this protein. Using the Fenton-like reaction and the spin trap agent 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), the phenolic compounds examined were found to inhibit DMPO,·OH radical formation in the range 10,90% at concentrations of 0.1 mmol[sol ]L to 2 mmol[sol ]L. Furthermore, these compounds also inhibited HO· -dependent deoxyribose degradation; about 20% and 60% inhibitions were observed in the presence of 0.5 mmol[sol ]L genistein and oleuropein, respectively. It was also demonstrated that genistein had a weaker DPPH radical scavenging activity than oleuropein. Our results confirm good scavenging activity towards O2·,, HO· and ROO· and the antioxidant effect of genistein and oleuropein. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Some photosynthetic responses to salinity resistance are transferred into the somatic hybrid descendants from the wild soybean Glycine cyrtoloba ACC547

PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 3 2007
Yong Yang
The somatic hybrid descendants between a cultivated soybean Glycine max Melrose and a wild species Glycine cyrtoloba ACC547 were found to possess some salinity-resistant traits of the wild soybean. Under salt stress, two of the descendants as well as their wild parent grew better than their cultivated parent. In addition, salinity-induced decline in the net photosynthetic rate and the maximum photochemical efficiency was much less in the wild species and the descendants than in Melrose when stressed for more than 5 days. Analysis of the postillumination transient increase in chlorophyll fluorescence and the dark rereduction of the oxidized primary electron donor in photosystem I (PSI) (P700+) indicated that salinity induced a significant upregulation of the cyclic electron flow around PSI (CEF1) in the wild species and the hybrid descendants. Similar to their wild parent, the descendants maintained higher non-photochemical dissipation of excess excitation energy than their cultivated parent under salt stress. As a consequence, there were lower levels of superoxide radical and membrane lipid peroxidation in the plants of the descendants and the wild species. Based on these results, we proposed that the high salinity resistance of the descendants might be because of, at least partially, the trait inherited from the wild species of the enhanced CEF1 which contributed to the sufficient dissipation of excess excitation energy to protect photosynthetic apparatus from the damage of reactive oxygen species. [source]


Thymoquinone supplementation attenuates hypertension and renal damage in nitric oxide deficient hypertensive rats

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007
Mahmoud M. Khattab
Abstract The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of the volatile oil from Nigellasativa seeds, in rats after chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with N, -nitro- l -arginine methyl esters (l -NAME). Rats were divided randomly into different treatment groups: control, l -NAME, TQ and l -NAME + TQ. Hypertension was induced by 4 weeks administration of l -NAME (50 mg/kg/day p.o.). TQ was administered alone or in combination with l -NAME and continued for 4 weeks. The animals were killed, and the serum and kidney tissues were isolated for the determination of creatinine and glutathione (GSH), respectively. Rats receiving l -NAME showed a progressive increase in systolic blood pressure compared with control rats. Concomitant treatment with TQ (0.5 and 1 mg/kg/day p.o.) reduced the increase in systolic blood pressure induced by l -NAME in a dose dependent manner. Kidney injury was demonstrated by a significant increase in serum creatinine and a decrease in GSH in kidney tissue from l -NAME treated rats. Treatment of rats with TQ decreased the elevated creatinine and increased GSH to normal levels. TQ inhibited the in vitro production of superoxide radical in enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems. In conclusion, TQ is effective in protecting rats against l -NAME-induced hypertension and renal damage possibly via antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Functional studies of frataxin

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2004
G Isaya
Mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but also dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS). One-electron reduction of dioxygen in the early stages of the electron transport chain yields a superoxide radical that is detoxified by mitochondrial superoxide dismutase to give hydrogen peroxide. The hydroxyl radical is derived from decomposition of hydrogen peroxide via the Fenton reaction, catalyzed by Fe2+ ions. Mitochondria require a constant supply of Fe2+ for heme and iron-sulfur cluster biosyntheses and therefore are particularly susceptible to ROS attack. Two main antioxidant defenses are known in mitochondria: enzymes that catalytically remove ROS, e.g. superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and low molecular weight agents that scavenge ROS, including coenzyme Q, glutathione, and vitamins E and C. An effective defensive system, however, should also involve means to control the availability of pro-oxidants such as Fe2+ ions. There is increasing evidence that this function may be carried out by the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Frataxin deficiency is the primary cause of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), an autosomal recessive degenerative disease. Frataxin is a highly conserved mitochondrial protein that plays a critical role in iron homeostasis. Respiratory deficits, abnormal cellular iron distribution and increased oxidative damage are associated with frataxin defects in yeast and mouse models of FRDA. The mechanism by which frataxin regulates iron metabolism is unknown. The yeast frataxin homologue (mYfhlp) is activated by Fe(II) in the presence of oxygen and assembles stepwise into a 48-subunit multimer (,48) that sequesters <2000 atoms of iron in a ferrihydrite mineral core. Assembly of mYfhlp is driven by two sequential iron oxidation reactions: a fast ferroxidase reaction catalyzed by mYfh1p induces the first assembly step (,,3), followed by a slower autoxidation reaction that promotes the assembly of higher order oligomers yielding ,48. Depending on the ionic environment, stepwise assembly is associated with the sequestration of 50,75 Fe(II)/subunit. This Fe(II) is initially loosely bound to mYfh1p and can be readily mobilized by chelators or made available to the mitochondrial enzyme ferrochelatase to synthesize heme. However, as iron oxidation and mineralization proceed, Fe(III) becomes progressively inaccessible and a stable iron-protein complex is produced. In conclusion, by coupling iron oxidation with stepwise assembly, frataxin can successively function as an iron chaperon or an iron store. Reduced iron availability and solubility and increased oxidative damage may therefore explain the pathogenesis of FRDA. [source]


Superoxide radical generation and Mn- and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutases activities in human leukemic cells

HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2003
Masahiko Kato
Abstract Mn- and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and generation of superoxide radicals (O) were assessed in leukemic cells from 10 patients with acute myeloid or monocytic leukemia (AML) and 10 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), using a sensitive, specific chemiluminescence method. Leukemic cells were classified according to the French,American,British classification. M4 AML cells from two patients produced some O upon stimulation with opsonized zymosan (OZ), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), but less than normal granulocytes or monocytes. M5b AML cells from one patient produced as much O in response to these stimulants as normal monocytes. No O generation was induced in other types of leukemic cells. Total SOD activity in AML cells was significantly greater in normal granulocytes, but was only half of the activity in ALL cells. Mn-SOD in AML cells was very low or undetectable. These results suggest that except in M5b cells, decreased O production may contribute to susceptibility to infections in AML patients. Decreased Mn-SOD activity in AML cells may predispose them to oxidative stress. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Plays a Key Role in Aging and Apoptosis

IUBMB LIFE, Issue 5 2000
Juan Sastre
Abstract Harman first suggested in 1972 that mitochondria might be the biological clock in aging, noting that the rate of oxygen consumption should determine the rate of accumulation of mitochondrial damage produced by free radical reactions. Later in 1980 Miquel and coworkers proposed the mitochondrial theory of cell aging. Mitochondria from postmitotic cells use O2 at a high rate, hence releasing oxygen radicals that exceed the cellular antioxidant defences. The key role of mitochondria in cell aging has been outlined by the degeneration induced in cells microinjected with mitochondria isolated from fibroblasts of old rats, especially by the inverse relationship reported between the rate of mitochondrial production of hydroperoxide and the maximum life span of species. An important change in mitochondrial lipid composition is the age-related decrease found in cardiolipin content. The concurrent enhancement of lipid peroxidation and oxidative modification of proteins in mitochondria further increases mutations and oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the aging process. The respiratory enzymes containing the defective mtDNA-encoded protein subunits may increase the production of reactive oxygen species, which in turn would aggravate the oxidative damage to mitochondria. Moreover, superoxide radicals produced during mitochondrial respiration react with nitric oxide inside mitochondria to yield damaging peroxynitrite. Treatment with certain antioxidants, such as sulphur-containing antioxidants, vitamins C and E, or the Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, protects against the ageassociated oxidative damage to mtDNA and the oxidation of mitochondrial glutathione. Moreover, the EGb 761 extract also prevents changes in mitochondrial morphology and function associated with aging of the brain and liver. [source]


Carbon monoxide and oxidative stress in Desulfovibrio desulfuricans B-1388

JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
M. Davydova
Abstract It has been shown that carbon monoxide (CO) in low concentration may be an active biochemical and physiological regulator of cell function. The bases of CO toxicity and cell protection are not clearly understood. To provide insights into these mechanisms, we measured superoxide production by D. desulfuricans B-1388 incubated anaerobically in Postgate medium with or without 5% CO. D. desulfuricans B-1388 growing with CO in the gas phase produced more superoxide radicals then control cells growing in Ar. When the cells were pregrown with CO, NADH oxidase and peroxidase activities were increased. The increase in peroxidase activities of cells growing under CO (particularly NADH peroxidase) suggested that H2O2 was accumulated in cells. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of cells decreased in exponential growth phase and increased in stationary phase. This may be due to CO concentration fall during CO oxidation by CO dehydrogenase. Altogether, our data suggest that superoxide production is a possible mechanism of CO toxicity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 18:87,91, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20011 [source]


Protective effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on primary culture of rat hepatocytes

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
Ryoichi Sohma
Abstract Background and Aim:, Recently, we reported on the beneficial clinical effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who were unresponsive to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In this study we examined the effect of EPA on rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Methods:, Hepatocytes were isolated from rat liver by perfusion of collagenase and cultured with or without EPA. Cell damage induced by chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was assessed by WST-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. PGE2 and LTB4 concentrations in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). cDNA was made from total RNA that was extracted from hepatocytes, and TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to assess the expression of CuZn and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA. Results:, When rat hepatocytes were cultured in the presence of EPA, the damage caused by CDCA was significantly decreased compared with cells cultured without EPA. Cytotoxicity significantly decreased in the presence of EPA. Furthermore, SOD mRNA expression was increased by adding EPA. These findings indicated that EPA protects cells by scavenging superoxide radicals (,O2,) mediated by SOD production. Conclusion:, EPA has a direct protective effect on rat hepatocytes, which is in agreement with the clinical efficacy of EPA in PBC patients. [source]


Effects of 4-piperidinomethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol on oxidative stress and calcium current

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 9 2005
Mei-Han Huang
4-Piperidinomethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol (THPI) was synthesized by reaction of thymol with piperidine and formaldehyde. The biological effect of THPI on superoxide anion scavenging activity, antiplatelet activity and calcium current inhibition were investigated. THPI (50 ,m) was shown to be a scavenger of superoxide radicals in human neutrophils stimulated with N -formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (66% inhibition). Since superoxide anions are essential for platelet aggregation and L-type Ca2+ -channel activity, we further found that THPI inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (IC50 46.80 ± 6.88 ,m). The effect of THPI on Ca2+ current in NG108,15 cells was investigated using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. THPI inhibited voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L). The IC50 value of THPI-induced inhibition of ICa,L was 3.60 ± 0.81 ,m. THPI caused no change in the overall shape of the current-voltage relationship of ICa,L. This indicates that THPI is an inhibitor of ICa,L in NG108,15 cells. Therefore, the channel-blocking properties of THPI may contribute to the underlying mechanism by which it affects neuronal or neuroendocrine function. Furthermore, no significant cytotoxic effects of THPI (0.3,50 ,m) were observed in NG108,15 cells. The results indicate that THPI is a potential reactive oxygen species scavenger and may prevent platelet aggregation or inhibit L-type Ca2+ -channel activity, possibly by scavenging reactive oxygen species. [source]


ETHANOL-INDUCED SUPEROXIDE RADICALS IN FETAL CORTICAL NEURONS: CELLULAR ROS NETWORK

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 2008
Amina E Jamali
Alcohol exposure to the developing brain compromises both neurons and glial functions. While neurons are considered the primary targets, microglia may play a neurotoxic role in this process. Previous studies demonstrated that neuron death is due to oxidative stress and mitochondrially mediated (Intrinsic). These studies showed a rapid increase (within minutes) in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to the diffusive nature of ethanol and multiple sources of free radicals, we sought to determine the primary source of superoxide targeted by ethanol. Confocal studies of neurons suggest that the superoxide radicals may originate from the mitochondria. Using whole neurons in a luminol-based chemiluminescence assay (Diogenes) we detected superoxide radicals in the extracellular mileu. We observed a two-three fold transient increase in the steady state generation of superoxide radicals between 20 minutes to one hour of ethanol exposure (4mg/ml). However, the presence of Rotenone (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor) and DPI (an inhibitor of all flavinoids) blocked the release of these superoxide radicals. Interestingly, cortical microglia treated identically with ethanol, showed a greater than five fold increase in superoxide generation with a maximum at one hour. Moreover, since ethanol is known to induce hydrogen peroxide generation, it was used as a mimetic. Hydrogen peroxide also induced the production of superoxide different time kinetics. Thus, together these data demonstrate that ethanol induces the steady state production of superoxide radicals in the extracellular mileu in a mitochondrial dependent manner. Since NOX2 an NADPH oxidase is expressed in neurons, it is a potential candidate for the secondary sites of superoxide generation. The ROS network between mitochondria and the plasma membrane highlights new therapeutical targets to counter ethanol toxicity. [source]


Evaluation of heat and oxidative damage during storage of processed tomato products.

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2003

Abstract Tomato products (pulp, puree and paste) submitted to accelerated aging (30, 40 and 50 °C for 3 months) were studied to evaluate variations in the kinetics of the degradation of antioxidants and antioxidant activity. The carotenoids lycopene and ,-carotene, ascorbic acid, rutin and total phenolics were analysed. The antioxidant activity was measured using (a) the xanthine oxidase (XOD)/xanthine system, which generates superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and (b) the linoleic acid/CuSO4 system, which promotes lipid peroxidation. The ascorbic acid content decreased even at 30 °C, following pseudo-first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 105 200 J mol,1 for tomato pulp and 23 600 J mol,1 for tomato paste. The lower the initial ascorbic acid content, the higher was the degradation rate. Variations in phenolic compounds occurred at 40 °C and higher, following pseudo-zero order kinetics. The antioxidant activity of the hydrophilic fraction of the tomato products depended on both antioxidant degradation and the Maillard reaction and could not be described by a kinetic model. The ,-carotene content decreased even at 30 °C, whereas the lycopene content was stable in all samples. The antioxidant activity of the lipophilic fraction of the tomato products decreased following pseudo-first order kinetics, with an activation energy of 22 200 J mol,1 for tomato pulp and 20 200 J mol,1 for tomato paste. It is concluded that significant ,oxidative damage' can occur in tomato products during their commercial shelf-life. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Seasonal changes of antioxidant and oxidative parameters in the coral Pocillopora capitata on the Pacific coast of Mexico

MARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Marco A. Liñán-Cabello
Abstract The physiological responses of the coral Pocillopora capitata to environmental conditions common in winter and summer were studied in 2007 during February,March (winter) and June,July (summer) at La Boquita reef (Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico). Shallow and deep sampling stations were established at different distances from a small jetty built next to the Juluapan Lagoon. We analyzed superoxide radicals () and lipid peroxidants (TBARS); the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST); chlorophyll a (Chl a), zooxanthellae density (ZD); and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). Our results showed that the , TBARS, CAT, GST, MAAs, and Chl a, levels were significantly higher in summer (P < 0.05); no seasonal difference was found for GPx, GR or ZD. We found significant differences (P < 0.05) in winter only for Chl a and ZD at shallow sites and, in contrast, for at deeper sites. The results of this study indicate that increasing temperature and radiation associated with seasonal changes (from winter to summer), the efficiency of the enzymes GST, CR and GPX, and the production of MAAs together form a powerful mechanism for P. capitata to offset the detrimental effects of environmental change. [source]


A rapid TLC autographic method for the detection of xanthine oxidase inhibitors and superoxide scavengers

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2006
I. Ayelen Ramallo
Abstract A new bioautographic assay suitable for the localization of xanthine oxidase inhibitors and superoxide radical scavengers present in a complex matrix is described. Enzyme activity is detected by reaction of superoxide radicals with nitroblue tetrazolium to form a blue formazan salt. Both activities can be differentiated using a non-enzymatic version of the autographic assay wherein superoxide is chemically generated. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Characteristics and function of cardiac mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase

THE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
Elena N. Dedkova
We used laser scanning confocal microscopy in combination with the nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive fluorescent dye DAF-2 and the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive dyes CM-H2DCF and MitoSOX Red to characterize NO and ROS production by mitochondrial NO synthase (mtNOS) in permeabilized cat ventricular myocytes. Stimulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by exposure to different cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i= 1, 2 and 5 ,m) resulted in a dose-dependent increase of NO production by mitochondria when l -arginine, a substrate for mtNOS, was present. Collapsing the mitochondrial membrane potential with the protonophore FCCP or blocking the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter with Ru360 as well as blocking the respiratory chain with rotenone or antimycin A in combination with oligomycin inhibited mitochondrial NO production. In the absence of l -arginine, mitochondrial NO production during stimulation of Ca2+ uptake was significantly decreased, but accompanied by increase in mitochondrial ROS production. Inhibition of mitochondrial arginase to limit l -arginine availability resulted in 50% inhibition of Ca2+ -induced ROS production. Both mitochondrial NO and ROS production were blocked by the nNOS inhibitor (4S)- N -(4-amino-5[aminoethyl]aminopentyl)- N,-nitroguanidine and the calmodulin antagonist W-7, while the eNOS inhibitor l - N5 -(1-iminoethyl)ornithine (l -NIO) or iNOS inhibitor N -(3-aminomethyl)benzylacetamidine, 2HCl (1400W) had no effect. The superoxide dismutase mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger MnTBAP abolished Ca2+ -induced ROS generation and increased NO production threefold, suggesting that in the absence of MnTBAP either formation of superoxide radicals suppressed NO production or part of the formed NO was transformed quickly to peroxynitrite. In the absence of l -arginine, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), which was blocked by the PTP inhibitor cyclosporin A and MnTBAP, and reversed by l -arginine supplementation. In the presence of the mtNOS cofactor (6R)-5,6,7,8,-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4; 100 ,m) mitochondrial ROS generation and PTP opening decreased while mitochondrial NO generation slightly increased. These data demonstrate that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake activates mtNOS and leads to NO-mediated protection against opening of the mitochondrial PTP, provided sufficient availability of l -arginine and BH4. In conclusion, our data show the importance of l -arginine and BH4 for cardioprotection via regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and modulation of PTP opening by mtNOS. [source]


Structure and oxygen mobility in mayenite (Ca12Al14O33): a high-temperature neutron powder diffraction study

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION B, Issue 5 2007
H. Boysen
The structure of mayenite, Ca12Al14O33, was investigated by neutron powder diffraction up to 1323,K. It has been described previously as a calcium,aluminate framework, in which 32 of the 33 oxygen anions are tightly bound, containing large cages, 1/6 of them being filled randomly by the remaining `free' oxygen. At ambient temperature excess oxygen was found, corresponding to the composition Ca12Al14O33.5 which was attributed to the presence of hydroxide, peroxide and superoxide radicals in the cages. Above 973,K these are lost under vacuum conditions and the composition becomes stoichiometric. From the refined structural parameters it is concluded that the structure is more adequately described as a relatively stable aluminate framework consisting of eightfold rings of AlO4 tetrahedra with disordered Ca and `free' O distributed within. At high temperatures the density of the `free' oxygen is extremely spread out, with the expansion being related to the high ionic conductivity of this material. Since no continuous density distribution between adjacent cages was found and the `free' O forms bonds with part of the Ca, the diffusion proceeds via a jump-like process involving exchange of the `free' oxygen with framework oxygen. The results confirm the recent theoretical predictions of Sushko et al. [(2006), Phys. Rev. B, 73, 014101-1-10]. [source]


Roles of reactive oxygen species in the corpus luteum

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006
Norihiro SUGINO
ABSTRACT Cells living under aerobic conditions always face the oxygen paradox. Oxygen is necessary for cells to maintain their lives. However, reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide are generated from oxygen and damage cells. Oxidative stress occurs as a consequence of the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and impaired antioxidant defense systems. Antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a specific enzyme to scavenge superoxide radicals; copper-zinc SOD, located in the cytosol and Mn-SOD, located in the mitochondria. Both types of SOD belong to the first enzymatic step to scavenge superoxide radicals. It has been reported that a number of local factors such as cytokines, growth factors and eicosanoids are involved in the regulation of the corpus luteum (CL) function in addition to gonadotropins. Since reactive oxygen species are generated and SOD is expressed in the CL, there is a possibility that reactive oxygen species and SOD work as local regulators of the CL function. The present review reports that reactive oxygen species and their scavenging systems play important roles in the regulation of the CL function. [source]


Selenium improves the antioxidant ability against aluminium-induced oxidative stress in ryegrass roots

ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
P. Cartes
We investigated the role of selenium (Se) against aluminium (Al) stress in ryegrass by evaluating the growth responses and the antioxidant properties of plants cultured hydroponically with Al (0 or 0.2 mM) and selenite (0,10 µM Se). Al addition significantly reduced the yield and length of shoots and roots, and most Al was accumulated in the roots. Al also enhanced lipid peroxidation and activated the peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the roots. Se application up to 2 µM improved root growth and steadily decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) accumulation in plants treated with 0 and 0.2 mM Al. However, above 2 µM, Se induced stress in plants grown with or without Al. Significant changes in antioxidant enzymes activities were also found as a result of the added Se. At low Se addition levels POD was activated, whereas APX activity decreased irrespective of added Al. Furthermore, Se supplied up to 2 µM greatly decreased root SOD activity in Al-stressed plants. Our study provides evidence that Se alleviated the Al-induced oxidative stress in ryegrass roots through the enhancement of the spontaneous dismutation of superoxide radicals and the subsequent activation of POD enzyme. [source]


Cloning, purification, crystallization and X-ray crystallographic analysis of Ignicoccus hospitalis neelaredoxin

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2010
Filipa G. Pinho
Superoxide reductases (SORs) are metalloproteins which constitute the most recently identified oxygen-detoxification system in anaerobic and microaerobic bacteria and archaea. SORs are involved in scavenging superoxide radicals from the cell by catalyzing the reduction of superoxide () to hydrogen peroxide and are characterized by a catalytic nonhaem iron centre coordinated by four histidine ligands and one cysteine ligand. Ignicoccus hospitalis, a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon, is known to have a neelaredoxin-type SOR that keeps toxic oxygen species levels under control. Blue crystals of recombinant I. hospitalis oxidized neelaredoxin (14.1,kDa, 124 residues) were obtained. These crystals diffracted to 2.4,Å resolution in-house at room temperature and belonged to the hexagonal space group P6222 or P6422, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 108, c = 64,Å. Cell-content analysis indicated the presence of one monomer in the asymmetric unit. [source]


Using paraquat to generate anion free radicals and hydrogen peroxide in in vitro: Antioxidant effect of vitamin E

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010
A procedure to teach theoretical, experimental principles of reactive oxygen species biochemistry
Abstract The theoretical basis of reactive oxygen species and their impact on health issues are relatively easy to understand by biomedical students. The detection of reactive oxygen species requires expensive equipment, the procedures are time consuming and costly, and the results are hard to interpret. Moreover, cause-and-effect relationships in the living system are not so evident. In this report, we adapted a two-step procedure to detect anion superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide generation in lymphocytes exposed to paraquat by using nitroblue tetrazolium salt and dihydrorhodamine, respectively. Also, a two-step assay was performed to evaluate lymphocyte viability and nuclei morphologic changes on paraquat exposure for 1 and 24 hours incubation time by using trypan blue exclusion assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining technique, respectively. Vitamin E was used as antioxidant to inhibit the deleterious effects of paraquat on cells. Students learned how to (i) design and perform experiments in the laboratory, (ii) read critical scientific literature, and (iii) discuss and contrast relevant information about reactive oxygen species as causative agents of cell death phenomenon. [source]


Plasma xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and uric acid levels in severe and mild pre-eclampsia

CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 4 2004
Abdulkadir Yildirim
Abstract The aim of the present study was to measure plasma uric acid (UA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities and to evaluate the relationship between these parameters and the severity of pre-eclampsia. Twenty-five pre-eclamptic, 15 healthy pregnant and 15 non-pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Increased mean plasma XO activity was found to be higher in both pre-eclampsia groups than in the healthy pregnant group. Plasma UA levels were the highest in the severe pre-eclampsia group among the study groups. SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in both pre-eclampsia groups than in the healthy pregnant group (p,<,0.005 and p,<,0.001, respectively). Increased XO and decreased SOD and GSH-Px activities may contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms of pre-eclampsia and increased UA may serve a protective role responding to superoxide radicals arising from increased XO activity or other sources in pre-eclampsia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]