Evaluation of the Pulmonary Toxicity of Ambient Particulate Matter From Camp Victory, Iraq.

Anecdotal reports in the press and epidemiological studies suggest that deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan may be associated with respiratory diseases and symptoms in U.S. military personnel and veterans. Exposures during military operations were complex, but virtually all service members were exposed to high levels of respirable, geogenic dust. Inhalation of other dusts has been shown to be associated with adverse health effects, but the pulmonary toxicity of ambient dust from Iraq has not been previously studied. The relative toxicity of Camp Victory dust was evaluated by comparing it to particulate matter from northern Kuwait, a standard U.S. urban dust, and crystalline silica using a single intratracheal instillation in rats. Lung histology, protein levels, and cell counts were evaluated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 1-150 d later. The Iraq dust provoked an early significant, acute inflammatory response. However, the level of inflammation in response to the Iraq dust, U.S. urban dust, and Kuwait dust rapidly declined and was nearly at control levels by the end of the study At later times, animals exposed to the Iraq, U.S. urban, or Kuwait dusts showed increased small airway remodeling and emphysema compared to silica-exposed and control animals without evidence of fibrosis or premalignant changes. The severity and persistence of pulmonary toxicity of these three dusts from the Middle East resemble those of a U.S. urban dust and are less than those of silica. Therefore, Iraq dust exposure is not highly toxic, but similar to other poorly soluble low-toxicity dusts.

Effects of a Phytogenic Feed Additive Versus an Antibiotic Feed Additive on Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chicks and a Possible Mechanism Determined by Electron Spin Resonance.

Phytogenic feed additives are plant-derived products used in poultry feeding to improve overall performance of broilers. In this study, 588 one day-old Cobb 500 chicks were fed one of four diets and housed on either dirty or clean litter for 3wks. Treatments included: Group I: commercial diet with no additive and housed on clean litter; Group II: commercial diet with no additive and housed on dirty litter; Group III: commercial diet with a 0.05% inclusion of the anitobiotic, BMD (bacitracin methylene disalicylate); Group IV: commercial diet with a 0.05% inclusion of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA). The study was designed around a random block assignment of treatments allocated to groups of twenty-one birds per pen. Blood samples were obtained from chicks at 18 days of age for measurement of leukocyte oxidative activity by a bioluminescence technique. Results of the study showed that chicks in the treatment groups fed the PFA had significantly lower oxidative stress (p<0.02) when compared to the BMD treatment group. Once this was determined, electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping was used to detect and measure hydroxyl or superoxide radicals in. Fenton chemistry was utilized for production of hydroxyl radicals and a xanthine/xanthine oxidase reaction for the production of superoxide radicals in the diet and in RAW 264.7 mouse peritoneal monocytes exposed to the diet. Results from the reactions showed that the antibiotic scavenges hydroxyl and superoxide radicals more efficiently than the phytogenic. The results were comparable to those measured in the RAW 264.7 cells.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory response in dermal toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) represent a novel material with unique electronic and mechanical properties. The extremely small size ( approximately 1 nm diameter) renders their chemical and physical properties unique. A variety of different techniques are available for the production of SWCNT; however, the most common is via the disproportionation of gaseous carbon molecules supported on catalytic iron particles (high-pressure CO conversion, HiPCO). The physical nature of SWCNT may lead to dermal penetration following deposition on exposed skin. This dermal deposition provides a route of exposure which is important to consider when evaluating SWCNT toxicity. The dermal effects of SWCNT are largely unknown. We hypothesize that SWCNT may be toxic to the skin. We further hypothesize that SWCNT toxicity may be dependent upon the metal (particularly iron) content of SWCNT via the metal's ability to interact with the skin, initiate oxidative stress, and induce redox-sensitive transcription factors thereby affecting/leading to inflammation. To test this hypothesis, the effects of SWCNT were assessed both in vitro and in vivo using EpiDerm FT engineered skin, murine epidermal cells (JB6 P+), and immune-competent hairless SKH-1 mice. Engineered skin exposed to SWCNT showed increased epidermal thickness and accumulation and activation of dermal fibroblasts which resulted in increased collagen as well as release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Exposure of JB6 P+ cells to unpurified SWCNT (30% iron) resulted in the production of ESR detectable hydroxyl radicals and caused a significant dose-dependent activation of AP-1. No significant changes in AP-1 activation were detected when partially purified SWCNT (0.23% iron) were introduced to the cells. However, NFkappaB was activated in a dose-dependent fashion by exposure to both unpurified and partially purified SWCNT. Topical exposure of SKH-1 mice (5 days, with daily doses of 40 microg/mouse, 80 microg/mouse, or 160 microug/mouse) to unpurified SWCNT caused oxidative stress, depletion of glutathione, oxidation of protein thiols and carbonyls, elevated myeloperoxidase activity, an increase of dermal cell numbers, and skin thickening resulting from the accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and mast cells. Altogether, these data indicated that topical exposure to unpurified SWCNT, induced free radical generation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, thus causing dermal toxicity.

Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging and function in patients with growth hormone deficiency with and without mutations in GHRH-R, GH-1, or PROP-1 genes.

Pituitary stalk interruption and ectopic posterior lobe on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently observed in patients with GH deficiency (GHD), but their pathogenesis remains controversial. We performed pituitary stimulation tests, MRI, and studied GH-1, GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), and Prophet of Pit-1 (PROP-1) genes in 76 patients with GHD. Of 33 patients with isolated GHD, 4 had GH-1 deletions and 4 had GHRH-R mutations; of 43 patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency, 1 had PIT-1 and 5 had PROP-1 mutations. Compared with the 62 patients without mutations, 14 patients with mutations had higher frequency of consanguinity (57 vs. 2%, P < 0.001), familial cases (21 vs. 3%, P < 0.05), and lower frequency of breech delivery or hypoxemia at birth (0 vs. 39%, P < 0.005). On MRI, all patients with mutations had an intact stalk, whereas it was interrupted or thin in 74% without mutations (P < 0.001). The posterior pituitary lobe was in normal position in 92% of patients with mutations against 13% without mutations (P < 0.001). Among patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency, hormonal deficiencies were of pituitary origin in all with PROP-1 and PIT-1 mutations and suggestive of hypothalamic origin in 81% without mutations. Perinatal insults were associated with thin/interrupted pituitary stalk, ectopic posterior lobe, and hypothalamic origin of hormonal deficiencies. In contrast, GH-1, GHRH-R, and PROP-1 mutations were associated with consanguineous parents, intact pituitary stalk, normal posterior lobe, and pituitary origin of hormonal deficiencies. We conclude that pituitary MRI and hormonal response to stimulation tests are useful in selection of patients and candidate genes to elucidate the etiological diagnosis of GHD.

Hydrogen peroxide mediates activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) by nickel subsulfide.

Nickel compounds induce cell transformation in cell culture models and tumor formation in experimental animals. However, the molecular mechanisms by which nickel compounds induce tumors are not yet well understood. The present study found that exposure of cells to either Ni(3)S(2) or NiCl(2) could result in specific transactivation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), although it did not show any activation of p53 or AP-1. Furthermore, nickel compounds were also able to cause generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The scavenging of nickel-induced H(2)O(2) with N-acety-L-cyteine (a general antioxidant) or catalase, or the chelation of nickel with deferoxamine, resulted in inhibition of NFAT activation. In contrast, pretreatment of cells with sodium formate (an .OH radical scavenger) or superoxide dismutase (an O(-.)(2) radical scavenger) did not show any inhibitory effects. These results demonstrate that nickel compounds are able to induce NFAT activation, and that the mechanism of NFAT activation seems to be mediated by the generation of H(2)O(2) by these metal compounds. This study should help us understand the signal transduction pathways involved in carcinogenic effects of these nickel compounds.

Cr (VI) increases tyrosine phosphorylation through reactive oxygen species-mediated reactions.

While Cr (VI)-containing compounds are well established carcinogens, the mechanisms of their action remain to be investigated. In this study we show that Cr (VI) causes increased tyrosine phosphorylation in human lung epithelial A549 cells in a time-dependent manner. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a general antioxidant, inhibited Cr (VI)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Catalase, a scavenger of H2O2, sodium formate and aspirin, scavengers of hydroxyl radical (*OH), also inhibited the increased tyrosine phosphorylation induced by Cr (VI). SOD, an inhibitor of superoxide radical (O2*-), caused less inhibition. ESR study shows that incubation of Cr (VI) with the A549 cells generates *OH radical. The generation of radical was decreased by addition of catalase and sodium formate, while SOD did not have any inhibitory effect. Oxygen consumption measurements show that addition of Cr (VI) to A549 cells resulted in enhanced molecular oxygen consumption. These results indicate that Cr (VI) can induce an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. H2O2 and *OH radicals generated during the process are responsible for the increased tyrosine phosphorylation induced by Cr (VI).

On the mechanism of Cr (VI)-induced carcinogenesis: dose dependence of uptake and cellular responses.

Cr (VI) compounds are widely used industrial chemicals and are recognized human carcinogens. The mechanisms of carcinogenesis associated with these compounds remain to be investigated. The present study focused on dose-dependence of Cr (VI)-induced uptake and cellular responses. The results show that Cr (VI) is able to enter the cells (human lung epithelial cell line A549) at low concentration (< 10 microM) and that the Cr (VI) uptake appears to be a combination of saturable transport and passive diffusion. Electron spin resonance (ESR) trapping measurements showed that upon stimulation with Cr (VI), A549 cells were able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The amount of ROS generated depended on the Cr (VI) concentration. ROS generation involved NADPH-dependent flavoenzymes. Cr (VI) affected the following cellular parameters in a dose-dependent manner, (a) activation of nuclear transcription factors NF-kappaB, and p53, (b) DNA damage, (c) induction of cell apoptosis, and (d) inhibition of cell proliferation. The activation of transcription factors was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and western blot analysis, DNA damage by single cell gel electrophoresis assay, cell apoptosis by DNA fragmentation assay, and cell proliferation by a non-radioactive ELISA kit. At the concentration range used in the present study, no thresholds were found in all of these cell responses to Cr (VI). The results may guide further research to better understand and evaluate the risk of Cr (VI)-induced carcinogenesis at low levels of exposure.

Cr (VI) induces cell growth arrest through hydrogen peroxide-mediated reactions.

Cr (VI) compounds are widely used in industries and are recognized human carcinogens. The mechanism of carcinogenesis associated with these compounds is not well understood. The present study focused on Cr (VI)-induced cell growth arrest in human lung epithelial A549 cells, using flow cytometric analysis of DNA content. Treatment of the cells with Cr (VI) at 1 microM caused a growth arrest at G2/M phase. An increase in Cr (VI) concentration enhanced the growth arrest. At a concentration of 25 microM, Cr (VI)-induced apoptosis became apparent. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) or sodium formate did not alter the Cr (VI)-induced cell growth arrest. While catalase inhibited growth, indicating H2O2 is an important mediator in Cr (VI)-induced G2/M phase arrest. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping measurements showed that incubation of cells with Cr (VI) generated hydroxyl radical (*OH). Catalase inhibited the *OH radical generation, indicating that H2O2 was generated from cells stimulated by Cr (VI), and that H2O2 functioned as a precursor for *OH radical generation. The formation of H2O2 from Cr (VI)-stimulated cells was also measured by the change in fluorescence of scopoletin in the presence of horseradish peroxidase. The mechanism of reactive oxygen species generation involved the reduction of molecular oxygen as shown by oxygen consumption assay. These results support the following conclusions: (a) Reactive oxygen species are generated in Cr (VI)-stimulated A549 cells through reduction of molecular oxygen, (b) Among the reactive oxygen species generated, H2O2 played a major role in causing G2/M phase arrest in human lung epithelial cells.

UV Induces phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) at Ser-473 and Thr-308 in mouse epidermal Cl 41 cells through hydrogen peroxide.

The exposure of mammalian cells to UV irradiation leads to the activation of transcription factors and protein kinases, which are believed to be responsible for the carcinogenic effects of excessive sun exposure. The present study investigated the effect of UV exposure on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation in epidermal cells and determined if a relationship exists between these UV responses. Exposure of mouse epidermal JB6 Cl 41 cells to UV radiation led to specific phosphorylation of Akt at Ser-473 and Thr-308 in a time-dependent manner. This phosphorylation was confirmed by the observation that overexpression of Akt mutant, Akt-T308/S473A, attenuated phosphorylation of Akt at Ser-473 and Thr-308. UV radiation also generated ROS as measured by electron spin resonance (ESR) in JB6 Cl 41 cells. The generation of ROS by UV radiation was measured further by H(2)O(2) and O(-.2) fluorescence staining assays. The mechanism of ROS generation involved reduction of molecular oxygen to O(-.2), which generated H(2)O(2) through dismutation. H(2)O(2) produced .OH via a metal-independent pathway. The scavenging of UV-generated H(2)O(2) by N-acety-l-cyteine (NAC, a general antioxidant) or catalase (a specific H(2)O(2) inhibitor) inhibited Akt phosphorylation at Ser-473 and Thr-308, whereas the pretreatment of cells with sodium formate (an .OH radical scavenger) or superoxide dismutase (an O(-.2) radical scavenger) did not show any inhibitory effects. Furthermore, treatment of cells with H(2)O(2) increased UV-induced phosphorylation of Akt at Ser-473 and Thr-308. These results demonstrate that UV radiation generates a whole spectrum of ROS including O(-.2), .OH, and H(2)O(2) and induces phosphorylation of Akt at Ser-473. Among the various ROS, H(2)O(2) seems most potent in mediating UV-induced phosphorylation of Akt at Ser-473 and Thr-308. It is possible that Akt may play a role in the carcinogenesis effects by UV radiation.

Vanadate-induced cell growth regulation and the role of reactive oxygen species.

While vanadium compounds are known as potent toxicants as well as carcinogens, the mechanisms of their toxic and carcinogenic actions remain to be investigated. It is believed that an improper cell growth regulation leads to cancer development. The present study examines the effects of vanadate on cell cycle control and involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these vanadate-mediated responses in a human lung epithelial cell line, A549. Under vanadate stimulation, A549 cells generated hydroxyl radical (*OH), as determined by electron spin resonance (ESR), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2*-), as detected by flow cytometry using specific dyes. The mechanism of ROS generation involved the reduction of molecular oxygen to O2*- by both a flavoenzyme-containing NADPH complex and the mitochondria electron transport chain. The O2*- in turn generated H2O2, which reacted with vanadium(IV) to generate *OH radical through a Fenton-type reaction (V(IV) + H2O2 --> V(V) +*OH + OH-). The ROS generated by vanadate induced G2/M phase arrest in a time- and dose-dependent manner as determined by measuring DNA content. Vanadate also increased p21 and Chk1 levels and reduced Cdc25C expression, leading to phosphorylation of Cdc2 and a slight increase in cyclin B1 expression as analyzed by Western blot. Catalase, a specific antioxidant for H2O2, decreased vanadate-induced expression of p21 and Chk1, reduced phosphorylation of Cdc2Tyr15, and decreased cyclin B1 levels. Superoxide dismutase, a scavenger of O2*-, or sodium formate, an inhibitor of *OH, had no significant effects. The results obtained from the present study demonstrate that among ROS, H2O2 is the species responsible for vanadate-induced G2/M phase arrest. Several regulatory pathways are involved: (1) activation of p21, (2) an increase of Chk1 expression and inhibition of Cdc25C, which results in phosphorylation of Cdc2 and possible inactivation of cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex.

Contrasting roles of NF-kappaB and JNK in arsenite-induced p53-independent expression of GADD45alpha.

Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45alpha (GADD45alpha) is an important cell cycle checkpoint protein that arrests cells at G2/M phase by inhibiting the activity of G2-specific kinase, cyclin B/p34cdc2. We report here that arsenite induces GADD45alpha expression in a p53-independent fashion and that this GADD45alpha induction by arsenite is regulated by NF-kappaB and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) oppositely. In human bronchial epithelial cells overexpressing a kinase-mutated form of IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta-KM), the activation of NF-kappaB was inhibited. However, the G2/M cell cycle arrest and expression of GADD45alpha was substantially enhanced in response to arsenite in these cells. Expression of a dominant-negative mutant of SEK1 that blocks JNK activation decreased arsenite-induced GADD45alpha expression. Analysis of GADD45alpha expression in both wild-type and p53-/- fibroblasts indicated that the induction of GADD45alpha by arsenite was independent of the status of p53 protein.

Vanadium-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells activation through hydrogen peroxide.

The present study investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), a pivotal transcription factor responsible for regulation of cytokines, by vanadium in mouse embryo fibroblast PW cells or mouse epidermal Cl 41 cells. Exposure of cells to vanadium led to the transactivation of NFAT in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Scavenging of vanadium-induced H(2)O(2) with N-acety-L-cyteine (a general antioxidant) or catalase (a specific H(2)O(2) inhibitor) or the chelation of vanadate with deferoxamine, resulted in inhibition of NFAT activation. In contrast, an increase in H(2)O(2) generation by the addition of superoxide dismutase or NADPH enhanced vanadium-induced NFAT activation. This vanadate-mediated H(2)O(2) generation was verified by both electron spin resonance and fluorescence staining assay. These results demonstrate that H(2)O(2) plays an important role in vanadium-induced NFAT transactivation in two different cell types. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, inhibited vanadium-induced NFAT activation, whereas and ionomycin, two calcium ionophores, had synergistic effects with vanadium for NFAT induction. Incubation of cells with cyclosporin A (CsA), a pharmacological inhibitor of the phosphatase calcineurin, blocked vanadium-induced NFAT activation. All data show that vanadium induces NFAT activation not only through a calcium-dependent and CsA-sensitive pathway but also involved H(2)O(2) generation, suggesting that H(2)O(2) may be involved in activation of calcium-calcineurin pathways for NFAT activation caused by vanadium exposure.

Wood smoke particles generate free radicals and cause lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, NFkappaB activation and TNF-alpha release in macrophages.

The present study investigated the generation of free radicals by wood smoke and cellular injuries caused by these radicals. Wood smoke was collected after thermolysis of western bark. Electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques were used to measure both carbon-centered radicals and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by wood smoke. Wood smoke, in the presence of H(2)O(2), was found to be able to generate hydroxyl radical (.OH). DNA strand breakage was measured by exposing wood smoke to lambda Hind III fragments using gel electrophoresis. Wood smoke combined with H(2)O(2) caused DNA damage. Sodium formate, an .OH radical scavenger, or deferoxamine, a metal chelator, inhibited the DNA damage. Cellular DNA damage was also measured in cultured RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells by the single cell gel (SCG) electrophoresis assay. Cells were exposed to wood smoke samples for various times and significant DNA damage was observed. Elemental analysis was performed on the filter samples and the presence of Fe was noteworthy. Wood smoke is also able to cause lipid peroxidation, activate nuclear transcription factor, NFkappaB, and enhance the release of TNF-alpha from RAW 264. 7 cells. The results indicate that the free radicals generated by wood smoke through the reaction of Fe with H(2)O(2) are able to cause DNA and cellular damage and may act as a fibrogenic agent.

Participation of MAP kinase p38 and IkappaB kinase in chromium (VI)-induced NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation.

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that environmental and occupational exposure of chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] or Cr(VI)-containing particles can cause a number of human diseases, including inflammation and cancer. The biological mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of diseases resulting from exposure to Cr(VI) are not fully understood. The present studies evaluated the ability of Cr(IV) to induce activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1, two important transcription factors governing the expression of many early response genes involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis. The activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 by Cr(IV) was dose dependent. Aspirin, a well-established antioxidant, substantially inhibited Cr(VI)-induced activation of both NF-kappaB and AP-1. SB202190, a specific inhibitor for p38, attenuated AP-1 activation induced by Cr(IV), whereas PD98059, a specific inhibitor for Erk, exhibited no effect on Cr(IV)-induced AP-1 activation. Blockage of NF-kappaB signaling pathway by a transient transfection of a dominant negative expressing vector for IkappaB kinase beta resulted in inhibition of Cr(IV)-induced NF-kappaB, but not AP-1 activation. These data suggest that the activation of AP-1 or NF-kappaB by Cr(IV) is through the involvement of MAP kinase or IKK pathway, respectively.

The role of hydroxyl radical as a messenger in Cr(VI)-induced p53 activation.

The present study investigates whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in p53 activation, and if they are, which species is responsible for the activation. Our hypothesis is that hydroxyl radical (.OH) functions as a messenger for the activation of this tumor suppressor protein. Human lung epithelial cells (A549) were used to test this hypothesis. Cr(VI) was employed as the source of ROS due to its ability to generate a whole spectrum of ROS inside the cell. Cr(VI) is able to activate p53 by increasing the protein levels and enhancing both the DNA binding activity and transactivation ability of the protein. Increased cellular levels of superoxide radicals (O(2)(-).), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and.OH radicals were detected on the addition of Cr(VI) to the cells. Superoxide dismutase, by enhancing the production of H(2)O(2) from O(2)(-). radicals, increased p53 activity. Catalase, an H(2)O(2) scavenger, eliminated.OH radical generation and inhibited p53 activation. Sodium formate and aspirin,.OH radical scavengers, also suppressed p53 activation. Deferoxamine, a metal chelator, inhibited p53 activation by chelating Cr(V) to make it incapable of generating radicals from H(2)O(2). NADPH, which accelerated the one-electron reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(V) and increased.OH radical generation, dramatically enhanced p53 activation. Thus.OH radical generated from Cr(VI) reduction in A549 cells is responsible for Cr(VI)-induced p53 activation.

Vanadate induces p53 transactivation through hydrogen peroxide and causes apoptosis.

Vanadium is a metal widely distributed in the environment. Although vanadate-containing compounds exert potent toxic effects on a wide variety of biological systems, the mechanisms controlling vanadate-induced adverse effects remain to be elucidated. The present study investigated the vanadate-induced p53 activation and involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in p53 activation as well as the role of p53 in apoptosis induction by vanadate. Exposure of mouse epidermal JB6 cells to vanadate led to transactivation of p53 activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. It also caused mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and generated ROS. Scavenging of vanadate-induced H(2)O(2) by N-acetyl-l-cysteine (a general antioxidant) or catalase (a specific H(2)O(2) inhibitor), or the chelation of vanadate by deferoxamine, resulted in inhibition of p53 activation and cell mitochondrial damage. In contract, an increase in H(2)O(2) generation in response to superoxide dismutase or NADPH enhanced these effects caused by vanadate. Furthermore, vanadate-induced apoptosis occurred in cells expressing wild-type p53 (p53+/+) but was very weak in p53-deficient (p53-/-) cells. These results demonstrate that vanadate induces p53 activation mainly through H(2)O(2) generation, and this activation is required for vanadate-induced apoptosis.

Antioxidant properties of (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate and its inhibition of Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage and Cr(IV)- or TPA-stimulated NF-kappaB activation.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping was utilized to investigate the scavenging effects on hydroxyl radicals (*OH) and superoxide radicals (O2*-) by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the major anticancer compounds in tea. The spin trap used was 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). The Fenton reaction (Fe2+ + H2O2-->Fe3+ + *OH + OH-) was used as a source of *OH radicals. EGCG efficiently scavenges *OH radicals with reaction rate of 4.62 x 10(11) M(-1)sec(-1), which is an order of magnitude higher than several well recognized antioxidants, such as ascorbate, glutathione and cysteine. It also scavenges O2*- radicals as demonstrated by using xanthine and xanthine oxidase system as a source of O2*- radicals. Through its antioxidant properties, EGCG exhibited a protective effect against DNA damage induced by Cr(VI). EGCG also inhibited activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB induced by Cr(IV) and 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The present studies provide a mechanistic basis for the reported anticarcinogenic properties of EGCG and related tea products.

Antioxidant properties of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and its protection against Cr(VI)-induced DNA strand breakage.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is considered an antioxidant and is frequently used to study the role of free radical reactions in various biological processes and against free radical-induced cellular injuries. However, its antioxidant properties are not characterized. In this study, electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to investigate the antioxidant potential of PDTC with hydroxyl radical (*OH) and superoxide anion radicals (O2*-). The Fenton reaction [Fe(II) + H2O2 --> Fe(II) + *OH + OH-)] and xanthine and xanthine oxidase were used as sources of *OH and O2*- radicals, respectively. The results show that PDTC effectively scavenges *OH radicals with a reaction rate constant of approximately 2.73 x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), which is comparable to other efficient *OH radical scavengers, such as ascorbate and glutathione. PDTC is also able to scavenge O2*- radicals. Through its antioxidant properties, PDTC protects against Cr(VI)-induced DNA strand breakage.

Antioxidant properties of aspirin: characterization of the ability of aspirin to inhibit silica-induced lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, NF-kappaB activation, and TNF-alpha production.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to investigate the reaction of aspirin toward reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals (*OH), superoxide radicals (O2-) and H2O2. The Fenton reaction (Fe(II) + H2O2 ---> FE(III) + *OH + OR) was used as a source of *OH radicals. The results show that aspirin is an efficient *OH radical scavenger with a reaction rate constant of k = 3.6 x 10(10) M(-1) sec(-1), which is faster than several well established antioxidants, such as ascorbate, glutathione and cysteine. However, aspirin is not a good scavenger for O2- or H2O2. Through its antioxidant property, aspirin exhibited a protective effect against silica-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA strand breakage. Aspirin also inhibited the activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB induced by silica, lipopolysaccharide or the transition metal, Fe(II), as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results show that aspirin functions as an antioxidant via its ability to scavenge *OH radicals. This antioxidant property may explain some of its various physiological and pharmacological actions.

Role of reactive oxygen species and p53 in chromium(VI)-induced apoptosis.

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism to control cell number in tissues and to eliminate individual cells that may lead to disease states. The present study investigates chromium(VI) (Cr(VI))-induced apoptosis and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p53 in this response. Treatment of human lung epithelial cells (A549) with Cr(VI) caused apoptosis as measured by DNA fragmentation, mitochondria damage, and cell morphology. Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis is contributed to ROS generation, resulting from cellular reduction of Cr(VI) as measured by flow cytometric analysis of the stained cells, oxygen consumption, and electron spin resonance spin trapping. Scavengers of ROS, such as catalase, aspirin, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, decreased Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis, whereas NADPH and glutathione reductase, enhancers of Cr(VI)-induced ROS generation, increased it. p53 is activated by Cr(VI), mostly by ROS-mediated free radical reactions. Cr(VI)-induced ROS generation occurred within a few minutes after Cr(VI) treatment of the cells, whereas p53 induction took at least 5 h. The level of Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis was similar in both p53-positive cells and p53-negative cells independent of p53 status in the early stage (0-3 h) of Cr(VI) treatment. However, at the later stage (3-24 h), the level of the apoptosis is higher in p53-positive cells than in p53-negative cells. These results suggest that ROS generated through Cr(VI) reduction is responsible to the early stage of apoptosis, whereas p53 contributes to the late stage of apoptosis and is responsible for the enhancement of Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis at this stage.