RelA and RelB cross-talk and function in Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cells.

In this study, we determined the respective roles of RelA and RelB NF-κB subunits in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells. Using different EBV-immortalized B-cell models, we showed that only RelA activation increased both survival and cell growth. RelB activity was induced secondarily to RelA activation and repressed RelA DNA binding by trapping the p50 subunit. Reciprocally, RelA activation repressed RelB activity by increasing expression of its inhibitor p100. To search for such reciprocal inhibition at the transcriptional level, we studied gene expression profiles of our RelA and RelB regulatable cellular models. Ten RelA-induced genes and one RelB-regulated gene, ARNTL2, were repressed by RelB and RelA, respectively. Apart from this gene, RelB signature was included in that of RelA Functional groups of RelA-regulated genes were for control of energy metabolism, genetic instability, protection against apoptosis, cell cycle and immune response. Additional functions coregulated by RelA and/or RelB were autophagy and plasma cell differentiation. Altogether, these results demonstrate a cross-inhibition between RelA and RelB and suggest that, in fine, RelB was subordinated to RelA. In the view of future drug development, RelA appeared to be pivotal in both classical and alternative activation pathways, at least in EBV-transformed B cells.

IGHV gene features and MYD88 L265P mutation separate the three marginal zone lymphoma entities and Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphomas.

To clarify the relationships between marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) and Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphomas (WM/LPLs), immunoglobulin heavy chain variable gene (IGHV) features were analyzed and the occurrence of MYD88 L265P mutations was identified in a series of 123 patients: 53 MZLs from the spleen (SMZLs), 11 from lymph nodes (NMZLs), 28 mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) lymphomas and 31 WM/LPLs. SMZLs were characterized by overrepresentation of IGHV1-2 gene rearrangements with a canonical motif, without selection pressure and with long CDR3 segments. NMZLs had increased frequencies of IGHV3 genes. The IGHV gene was unmutated in most cases, often with long CDR3 segments. MALT lymphomas were usually associated with a mutated IGHV gene, but with the absence of selection pressure. WM/LPLs were associated with an IGHV3-23 overrepresentation and high IGHV mutation rate, with features of selection pressure and short CDR3 segments. MYD88 L265P mutations were almost restricted exclusively to WM/LPL patients. Taken all diagnoses together, all patients with MYD88 L265P mutations had an immunoglobulin M peak and almost all patients except one had bone marrow infiltration. These results demonstrate that the history of antigen exposure of the four entities studied was different and MYD88 L265P was specifically associated with WM/LPLs. WM/LPL may thus be functionally associated with constitutive nuclear factor-κB activation.

Mechanisms of transformation of the antioxidant kaempferol into depsides. Gamma-radiolysis study in methanol and ethanol.

In this study, we irradiated the antioxidant kaempferol in ethanol and methanol solutions with gamma rays at doses ranging from 0.2-20 kGy. NMR and ES-MS spectroscopy were used to identify radiolysis products. Two depsides, [2-[(4'-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl](oxo) methyl acetate and [2-[(4'-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl](oxo) ethyl acetate, were the major compounds of kaempferol degradation in methanol and in ethanol, respectively. Other products formed in low concentrations were identified as [4-hydroxyphenyl](oxo) methyl acetate, [4-hydroxyphenyl](oxo) ethyl acetate, and depside [2-[(4'-hydroxybenzoyl)oxy]-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl](oxo) acetic acid. The formation of the latter was observed in both solvents. We propose degradation mechanisms that suggest that (.)CH(2)OH and CH(3)(.)CHOH, produced by solvent radiolysis, react with the 3-OH kaempferol group because of its high H-donor capacity. pi-Electron delocalization in the flavonoxy formed after the first H-transfer leads to C-ring opening and consequently to the formation of depsides. G calculation of the degradation products and of (.)CH(2)OH and CH(3)(.)CHOH radicals confirmed the proposed mechanism of kaempferol radiolysis. The rate constants for the reaction between kaempferol and these free radicals were also calculated. Formation of depside has also been observed in many studies of the oxidation of flavonoids; those studying human metabolism have suggested similar redox transformation of flavonols. The antioxidant activities of radiolysis products were evaluated and compared to those of kaempferol.

Redox reactions obtained by gamma irradiation of quercetin methanol solution are similar to in vivo metabolism.

The flavonol quercetin is one of the most well-known antioxidant flavonoids. Its antioxidant potential has been studied extensively during the last 10 years, but little is known about the metabolites formed in vivo that lead to the formation of depside and small molecules such as benzoic acids. In this study, gamma irradiation of a quercetin methanol solution was used as a model of certain oxidative reactions that occur in vivo. Qercetin at concentrations ranging from 5 x 10(-5) M to 5 x 10(-3) M, was irradiated with gamma rays at doses of 2-14 kGy. Quercetin degradation was evaluated by HPLC analysis. The major radiolytic metabolite was identified as a depside by NMR and LC-MS. Formation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was also observed. The presence of CH3O. formed during methanol radiolysis is invoked to explain depside formation. Transformation of the 8-methoxy substituted depside (Q1) to the 8-hydroxyl substituted depside (Q2) is discussed. The antioxidant properties of quercetin metabolites are evaluated according to their capacity to decrease the EPR DPPH signal and to inhibit superoxide radical formed by the enzymatic reaction (xanthine + xanthine oxidase). For both assays, the IC50 of Q2 is twice as high as that of quercetin.