Mitochondrial disease in mouse results in increased oxidative stress

It has been hypothesized that a major factor in the progression of mitochondrial disease resulting from defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the stimulation of the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the resulting damage to the mtDNA. To test this hypothesis, we examined the mitochondria from mice lacking the heart/muscle isoform of the adenine nucleotide translocator (Ant1), designated Ant1(tm2Mgr) (-/-) mice. The absence of Ant1 blocks the exchange of ADP and ATP across the mitochondrial inner membrane, thus inhibiting OXPHOS. Consistent with Ant1 expression, mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle, heart, and brain of the Ant1-deficient mice produced markedly increased amounts of the ROS hydrogen peroxide, whereas liver mitochondria, which express a different Ant isoform, produced normally low levels of hydrogen peroxide. The increased production of ROS by the skeletal muscle and heart was associated with a dramatic increase in the ROS detoxification enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2, also known as MnSod) in muscle tissue and muscle mitochondria, a modest increase in Sod2 in heart tissue, and no increase in heart mitochondria. The level of glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1), a second ROS detoxifying enzyme, was increased moderately in the mitochondria of both tissues. Consistent with the lower antioxidant defenses in heart, the heart mtDNAs of the Ant1-deficient mice showed a striking increase in the accumulation of mtDNA rearrangements, whereas skeletal muscle, with higher antioxidant defenses, had fewer mtDNA rearrangements. Hence, inhibition of OXPHOS does increase mitochondrial ROS production, eliciting antioxidant defenses. If the antioxidant defenses are insufficient to detoxify the ROS, then an increased mtDNA mutation rate can result.     

Effect of superoxide generation on rat heart mitochondrial pyruvate utilization

Previous research has shown that heart mitochondria are able to produce reactive species of oxygen such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals [10, 11]. When these compounds are formed beyond a certain level they are not completely removed by the enzymatic and metabolic processes which neutralize their toxicity, and as a result they are able to produce structural and functional damages that impair mitochondrial function [5, 10]. In order to study the molecular mechanism/s by which the oxygen radicals may function as mediators of cellular injury a flow of these radicals by chemical, enzymatic or photochemical methods has been generated in vitro in the presence of cellular preparations. For example, the exposure of isolated subcellular particles to the enzymatic flow of oxygen radicals produced by the reaction of xanthine oxidase upon xanthine reduced both calcium uptake velocity and Ca2+-ATPase activity in sarcoplasmic reticulum [7], while it reduced Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity in myofibrillar preparations [4]. In addition, incubation with the xanthine oxidase reaction produced an impairment of the respiratory functions associated with an increased lipid peroxidation in the isolated mitochondria [5, 10]. These negative effects were augmented in alpha-tocopherol-deficient mitochondria [3], but were opposed by the exogenous addition of superoxide dismutase [10]. This report shows that the superoxide radicals generated by the xanthine oxidase reaction reduced rat heart mitochondrial respiration induced by pyruvate. This negative effect was partially prevented by superoxide dismutase and catalase and by thiol protecting agents. Moreover, the generation of free radicals caused a significant reduction in the rate of (1-14C) -pyruvate decarboxylation, while it did not change the transport of pyruvate into mitochondria.     

Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide generation by NADH-oxidase activity following regional myocardial ischemia in the dog

Recently, an exogenous NADH-oxidase has been shown to be a source of oxygen derived toxic species in heart mitochondria. This enzyme uses NADH and oxygen to form superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Growing evidence suggests that oxygen radicals and hydrogen peroxide may contribute to cardiac damage during ischemia or hypoxia. The activity of the enzyme NADH-oxidase could play an important role in the damage caused by oxygen derived toxic species, especially since cellular defense mechanisms against free radicals are depleted under ischemic conditions. In this study, a cytochemical method was used to visualize hydrogen peroxide, the reaction product of NADH-oxidase activity, in normal and ischemic dog myocardium. The NADH-oxidase reaction product was present in weak amounts in mitochondria from normoxic myocardium. In viable ischemic areas a high degree of activity was observed in the mitochondria. In infarcted tissue mitochondria contained few or no reaction product at all. The results support the hypothesis that hydrogen peroxide and oxygen radicals produced in the mitochondria by a high NADH-oxidase activity may contribute to the mitochondrial damage observed during ischemia when NADH is no longer oxidized by the respiratory chain and cellular defense mechanisms are impaired.     

Cultured senescent myoblasts derived from human vastus lateralis exhibit normal mitochondrial ATP synthesis capacities with correlating concomitant ROS production while whole cell ATP production is decreased

The free radical theory of aging says that increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with old age. In the present study we have investigated the effects of cellular senescence on muscle energetic by comparing mitochondrial content and function in cultured muscle satellite cells at early and late passage numbers. We show that cultured muscle satellite cells undergoing senescence express a reduced mitochondrial mass, decreased whole cell ATP level, normal to increased mitochondrial ATP production under ATP utilization, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased superoxide/mitochondrial mass and hydrogen peroxide/mitochondrial mass ratios. Moreover, the increased ROS production correlates with the corresponding mitochondrial ATP production. Thus, myotubes differentiated from human myoblasts undergoing senescence have a reduced mitochondrial content, but the existent mitochondria express normal to increased functional capabilities. The present data suggest that the origin of aging lies outside the mitochondria and that a malfunction in the cell might be preceding and initiating the increase of mitochondrial ATP synthesis and concomitant ROS production in the single mitochondrion in response to decreased mitochondrial mass and reduced extra-mitochondrial energy supply. This then can lead to the increased damage of DNA, lipids and proteins of the mitochondria as postulated by the free radical theory of aging.     

Reactive oxygen species generated by mitochondrial injury in human brain microvessel endothelial cells

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their detrimental effects on the brain after transient ischemia are widely recognized. We studied ROS production from mitochondria in human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBEC) under chemical hypoxia. HBEC in confluent conditions were incubated for 30 min with 10 microM 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) diacetate, which was hydrolyzed and trapped inside the cells. ROS were measured with a fluorescent microscope, a CCD camera and an image analyzing system. Injury to mitochondrial respiratory chain was induced either with rotenone (an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I) or with m-chlorocarbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone (CCCP) (an uncoupler of ATP synthetase). Shortly after application of 10 microM rotenone, fluorescent intensity started to increase and the gradual increase continued for 10 min. Similarly, CCCP (10, 50 and 100 microM) dose-dependently increased the fluorescent intensity (p<0.01). Edaravone, a free radical scavenger widely used for treatment of cerebral infarction in Japan, at 100 microM successfully suppressed this ROS production (p<0.05). These data show that chemical hypoxia with normal concentration of oxygen in the medium induced free radicals generation in HBEC. Importance of endothelial mitochondria as a source of free radicals after reperfusion is suggested.     

Role of metabolically generated reactive oxygen species for lipotoxicity in pancreatic β-cells

Chronically elevated concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in type 2 diabetes may be involved in β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. It has been shown that long-chain saturated NEFAs exhibit a strong cytotoxic effect upon insulin-producing cells, while short-chain as well as unsaturated NEFAs are well tolerated. Moreover, long-chain unsaturated NEFAs counteract the toxicity of palmitic acid. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and gene expression analyses together with viability assays in different β-cell lines showed that the G-protein-coupled receptors 40 and 120 do not mediate lipotoxicity. This is independent from the role, which these receptors, specifically GPR40, play in the potentiation of glucose-induced insulin secretion by saturated and unsaturated long-chain NEFAs. Long-chain NEFAs are not only metabolized in the mitochondria but also in peroxisomes. In contrast to mitochondrial β-oxidation, the acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) oxidases in the peroxisomes form hydrogen peroxide and not reducing equivalents. As β-cells almost completely lack catalase, they are exceptionally vulnerable to hydrogen peroxide generated in peroxisomes. ROS generation in the respiratory chain is less important because overexpression of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the mitochondria do not provide protection. Thus, peroxisomally generated hydrogen peroxide is the likely ROS that causes pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and ultimately β-cell death.     

Ethanol influences on Bax translocation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species generation are modulated by vitamin E and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Background: This study investigated ethanol influences on intracellular events that predispose developing neurons toward apoptosis and the capacity of the antioxidant α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) and the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to modulate these effects. Assessments were made of the following: (i) ethanol‐induced translocation of the pro‐apoptotic Bax protein to the mitochondrial membrane, a key upstream event in the initiation of apoptotic cell death; (ii) disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as a result of ethanol exposure, an important process in triggering the apoptotic cascade; and (iii) generation of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a function of ethanol exposure. Methods: These interactions were investigated in cultured postnatal day 8 neonatal rat cerebellar granule cells, a population vulnerable to developmental ethanol exposure in vivo and in vitro. Bax mitochondrial translocation was analyzed via subcellular fractionation followed by Western blot, and mitochondrial membrane integrity was determined using the lipophilic dye, JC‐1, that exhibits potential‐dependent accumulation in the mitochondrial membrane as a function of the MMP. Results: Brief ethanol exposure in these preparations precipitated Bax translocation, but both vitamin E and BDNF reduced this effect to control levels. Ethanol treatment also resulted in a disturbance of the MMP, and this effect was blunted by the antioxidant and the neurotrophin. ROS generation was enhanced by a short ethanol exposure in these cells, but the production of these harmful free radicals was diminished to control levels by cotreatment with either vitamin E or BDNF. Conclusions: These results indicate that both antioxidants and neurotrophic factors have the potential to ameliorate ethanol neurotoxicity and suggest possible interventions that could be implemented in preventing or lessening the severity of the damaging effects of ethanol in the developing central nervous system seen in the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).     

Reoxygenation of endothelial cells increases permeability by oxidant-dependent mechanisms.

We investigated the effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation exposure on the barrier function of endothelial cell monolayers. Bovine pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells were grown to confluence on microporous filters (0.8-microns pore diameter) and exposed to hypoxia (0.1% O2 or PO2 approximately 1 mm Hg) for 2, 4, 12, or 24 hours, followed by reoxygenation with room air for a period ranging from 16 seconds to 2 hours. The transendothelial clearance rate of 125I-albumin was measured to determine the permeability of endothelial monolayers. Permeability increased twofold or fivefold over control values after 1 hour of reoxygenation in monolayers that had been exposed to either 12 or 24 hours of hypoxia. The response occurred within 5 minutes of reoxygenation, increased maximally by 40 minutes, and remained elevated with continuous reoxygenation for up to 2 hours. The increase in permeability was associated with F-actin reorganization, a change to spindlelike cells, and injured mitochondria. Immunoblot analysis indicated that neither hypoxia alone nor reoxygenation changed CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD), MnSOD, and catalase levels. However, release of superoxide anions (O2-) into the extracellular medium increased by twofold within 40-60 minutes of reoxygenation. Treatment of endothelial cells with CuZnSOD (100 units/ml) for the 24-hour hypoxia period prevented O2- generation and approximately 50% of the increase in permeability. Higher CuZnSOD concentrations (greater than or equal to 200 units/ml) were not protective. Treatment with catalase (100-1,000 units/ml) inhibited the reoxygenation-induced increase in permeability at the highest catalase concentration (1,000 units/ml), suggesting a critical role of hydrogen peroxide in mediating the response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Acetylation of MnSOD directs enzymatic activity responding to cellular nutrient status or oxidative stress

A fundamental observation in biology is that mitochondrial function, as measured by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes significantly with age, suggesting a potential mechanistic link between the cellular processes governing longevity and mitochondrial metabolism homeostasis. In addition, it is well established that altered ROS levels are observed in multiple age-related illnesses including carcinogenesis, neurodegenerative, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and cardiac disease, to name just a few. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the primary mitochondrial ROS scavenging enzyme that converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide, which is subsequently converted to water by catalase and other peroxidases. It has recently been shown that MnSOD enzymatic activity is regulated by the reversible acetylation of specific, evolutionarily conserved lysine(s) in the protein. These results, suggest for the first time, that the mitochondria contain bidirectional post-translational signaling networks, similar to that observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and that changes in lysine acetylation alter MnSOD enzymatic activity. In addition, these new results demonstrate that the mitochondrial anti-aging or fidelity / sensing protein, SIRT3, responds to changes in mitochondrial nutrient and/or redox status to alter the enzymatic activity of specific downstream targets, including MnSOD that adjusts and/or maintains ROS levels as well as metabolic homeostatic poise.     

Alcohol and mitochondria: a dysfunctional relationship

Mitochondria are intimately involved in the generation of and defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria are themselves targets of oxidative stress and also contribute to mechanisms by which oxidative stress-related signals control cell fate. Ethanol promotes oxidative stress, both by increasing ROS formation and by decreasing cellular defense mechanisms. These effects of ethanol are prominent in the liver, the major site of ethanol metabolism in the body. The question remains to what extent this contributes to ethanol-dependent tissue damage or the susceptibility of cells to other stressors. In this review, we consider how mitochondrial actions of ethanol influence oxidative stress management of liver cells. Mitochondrial electron transport constitutes the major intracellular source of ROS, and ethanol treatment imposes conditions that promote ROS formation by mitochondria, the effects of which may be enhanced by a decrease in mitochondrial oxidative stress defenses. A significant target of ethanol-related increases in oxidative stress is mitochondrial DNA. Ethanol-induced damage to mitochondrial DNA, if not adequately repaired, impairs mitochondrial function, which further increases oxidative stress in the cell, leading to a vicious cycle of accumulating cell damage that is more apparent with advancing age. Uncontrolled mitochondrial formation of ROS promotes the inappropriate activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition, increasing the sensitivity of cells to other pro-apoptotic or damage signals. In combination with ethanol-induced defects in mitochondrial function, these alterations may promote both apoptotic and necrotic cell death in response to otherwise benign or beneficial challenges and contribute to the onset or progression of alcohol-induced liver diseases.     

Evidence for production of oxidizing radicals by the particulate O-2-forming system from human neutrophils.

The particulate O-2-forming system from human neutrophils was found to oxidize methional and 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid (KMB) to ethylene, indicating the formation by this system of strongly oxidizing radicals. Conforming this interpretation was the observation that ethylene production was inhibited by the radical scavengers benzoate, ethanol, and mannitol. Ethylene production was also sharply reduced by superoxide dismutase, implicatin O-2 as a precursor of oxidizing radicals. In our system catalase only partially inhibited ethylene generation from either methional or KMB, suggesting that oxidizing radicals are generated at least in part by the reacton of O-2 with compounds other than H2O2. We propose that in neutrophils oxidizing radicals are formed in a reaction between O-2 and a peroxide according to the following equation: O-2 + ROOH leads to RO . + OH- + O2, in which ROOH may be hydrogen peroxide, an alkyl peroxide, or an acyl peroxide (i.e., a peroxy acid).     

Hydrogen peroxide overproduction in megamitochondria of troglitazone-treated human hepatocytes

Troglitazone has been withdrawn from therapeutic options for diabetes mellitus because of its severe hepatocyte toxicity of unknown pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to assess both morphologic and functional alterations in the mitochondria of troglitazone-treated hepatocytes. A polarized human hepatocyte cell line, OUMS-29, was used in this study. The mitochondrial volume and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) were examined using flow cytometry with nonylacridine orange (NAO) and rhodamine-123, respectively. An ultrastructural examination of the troglitazone-treated OUMS-29 cells was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed using flow cytometry with dihydroethidium and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. A significant increase in the mitochondrial volume of the troglitazone-treated cells was found by the NAO analysis, in comparison with pioglitazone-treated and ciglitazone-treated cells. The increase in volume was due to a marked enlargement in the mitochondria. The markedly enlarged mitochondria with intramitochondrial electron-dense deposits were confirmed on TEM, which showed myelin-like structures, indicating degraded membrane constituents. The troglitazone-treated cells showed a significant decline in the DeltaPsi(m) per unit mitochondrial volume but resulted in no clear cell death. ROS analysis revealed a significant production of hydrogen peroxide in the troglitazone-treated hepatocytes. This production was attenuated using an antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In conclusion, troglitazone caused overproduction of hydrogen peroxide, which deteriorated both mitochondrial membrane structures and mitochondrial function, leading to a possible priming for the severe hepatocyte toxicity.     

Mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species mediate sympathoexcitation induced by angiotensin II in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

OBJECTIVES: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the central nervous system are thought to contribute to sympathoexcitation in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase is a major source of ROS in the central nervous system, which acts as a key mediator (mediators) of angiotensin II (AngII). It is not clear, however, whether mitochondria-derived ROS in the central nervous system also participate in sympathoexcitation. METHODS: In an in-vivo study, we investigated whether the AngII-elicited pressor response in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, which controls sympathetic nerve activity, is attenuated by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of a mitochondria-derived antioxidant (Mn-SOD). In an in-vitro study, using differentiated PC-12 cells with characteristics similar to those of sympathetic neurons, we examined whether AngII increases mitochondrial ROS production. RESULTS: Overexpression of Mn-SOD attenuated the AngII-induced pressor response and also suppressed AngII-induced ROS production, as evaluated by microdialysis in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Using reduced MitoTracker red, we showed that AngII increased mitochondrial ROS production in differentiated PC-12 cells in vitro. Overexpression of Mn-SOD and rotenone, a mitochondrial respiratory complex I inhibitor, suppressed AngII-induced ROS production. Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ with ethylene glycol bis-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (EGTA) and administration of p-trifluoromethoxycarbonylcyanide phenylhydrazone, which prevents further Ca2+ uptake into the mitochondria, blocked AngII-elicited mitochondrial ROS production. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that AngII increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and that the increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake leads to mitochondrial ROS production.     

Right-ventricular failure is associated with increased mitochondrial complex II activity and production of reactive oxygen species

OBJECTIVE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the progression of ventricular hypertrophy to congestive heart failure. However, the source of increased oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes remains unclear. METHODS: Here we examined NADPH oxidase and mitochondria as sources of ventricular ROS production in a rat model of right-ventricular (RV) failure (CHF) induced by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). RESULTS: Western analysis showed increased expression of the catalytic subunit gp91(phox) of NADPH oxidase as well as its activator Rac1 in RV in CHF compared to non-failing myocardium (CON). In addition, analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes showed a selective increase in the expression of Complex II subunit B. Using lucigenin chemiluminescence, tissue homogenates showed increased NADPH oxidase and Complex II-dependent ROS production in failing RV, with no increase in the left ventricle. Functional analyses of isolated RV mitochondria showed an increase in Complex II activity as well as Complex II-associated ROS production in CHF vs CON. An increase in the reduction state of the mitochondrial Coenzyme Q in failing RV, together with increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, indicated conditions in CHF that strongly favor ROS production by mitochondria. Reduced ROS-scavenging capacity was indicated by decreased mRNA levels of superoxide dismutases. Oxidative stress in failing RV was indicated by a two-fold increase in the level of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and by immunohistochemical evidence of extensive protein nitration. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the development of PAH-induced RV heart failure is associated with an increased capacity for ROS production by NADPH oxidase as well as mitochondria. The selective increase in expression and activity of mitochondrial Complex II may be particularly important for ventricular ROS production in heart failure.     

Subcellular localization of Nox4 and regulation in diabetes

Oxidative stress is implicated in human diseases. Some of the oxidative pathways are harbored in the mitochondria. NAD(P)H oxidases have been identified not only in phagocytic but also in somatic cells. Nox4 is the most ubiquitous of these oxidases and is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many cell types and in kidney tissue of diabetic animals. We generated specific Nox4 antibodies, and found that Nox4 localizes to mitochondria. (i) Immunoblot analysis in cultured mesangial cells and kidney cortex revealed that Nox4 is present in crude mitochondria, in mitochondria-enriched heavy fractions, and in purified mitochondria; (ii) immunofluorescence confocal microscopy also revealed that Nox4 localizes with the mitochondrial marker Mitotracker; and (iii) the mitochondrial localization prediction program MitoProt indicated that the probability score for Nox4 is identical to mitochondrial protein cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV. We also show that in purified mitochondria, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nox4 significantly reduces NADPH oxidase activity in pure mitochondria and blocks glucose-induced mitochondrial superoxide generation. In a rat model of diabetes, mitochondrial Nox4 expression is increased in kidney cortex. Our data provide evidence that a functional Nox4 is present and regulated in mitochondria, indicating the existence of a previously undescribed source of ROS in this organelle.     

Metabolism and aging in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina

In Podospora anserina, lifespan is under the control of environmental and genetic factors. Both suggest an important impact of metabolism on lifespan and aging. Environmental changes of temperature, of the carbon source in the growth medium, or the addition of specific inhibitors to the growth medium are some of the investigated factors. Genetic approaches underscore the significance of metabolism. In particular, the mitochondrial electron transport plays a major role. As a by-product of a cytochrome oxidase (COX) dependent energy transduction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated and lead to damage of cellular biomolecules. Damaged mitochondria, compromised at complex IV (COX) of the respiratory chain, signal to the nucleus and induce a nuclear gene, PaAox, encoding an alternative oxidase (AOX). This pathway resembles the retrograde response that, at least in yeast, is induced by dysfunctional mitochondria. ROS generation is lowered when electrons are transferred via an alternative pathway utilizing the AOX. As a consequence, lifespan of the corresponding strains is increased. Cellular copper levels were found to play a significant role not only in the generation of ROS but also have an impact on the cytoplasmic and the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, copper is involved in the control of mitochondrial DNA rearrangements and affects the ability of the system to remodel damaged mitochondria. All these different components and pathways are part of the complex molecular network involved in lifespan control of this aging model.     

High glucose stimulates angiotensinogen gene expression via reactive oxygen species generation in rat kidney proximal tubular cells

The present studies investigated whether the effect of high glucose levels on angiotensinogen (ANG) gene expression in kidney proximal tubular cells is mediated via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and p38 MAPK activation. Rat immortalized renal proximal tubular cells (IRPTCs) were cultured in monolayer. Cellular ROS generation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were assessed by lucigenin assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. The levels of immunoreactive rat ANG secreted into the media and cellular ANG mRNA were determined by a specific RIA and RT-PCR, respectively. High glucose (25 mM) evoked ROS generation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation as well as stimulated immunoreactive rat ANG secretion and ANG mRNA expression in IRPTCs. These effects of high glucose were blocked by antioxidants (taurine and tiron), inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I (rotenone) and II (thenoyltrifluoroacetone), an inhibitor of glycolysis-derived pyruvate transport into mitochondria (alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid), an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone), a manganese superoxide dismutase mimetic, catalase, and a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK (SB 203580), but were not affected by an inhibitor of the malate-aspartate shuttle (aminooxyacetate acid). Hydrogen peroxide (>/=10(-5) M) also stimulated p38 MAPK phosphorylation, ANG secretion, and ANG mRNA gene expression, but its stimulatory effect was blocked by catalase and SB 203580. These studies demonstrate that the stimulatory action of high glucose on ANG gene expression in IRPTCs is mediated at least in part via ROS generation and subsequent p38 MAPK activation.     

Preferential Zn2+ influx through Ca2+-permeable AMPA/kainate channels triggers prolonged mitochondrial superoxide production

Synaptically released Zn2+ can enter and cause injury to postsynaptic neurons. Microfluorimetric studies using the Zn2+-sensitive probe, Newport green, examined levels of [Zn2+]i attained in cultured cortical neurons on exposure to N-methyl-D-asparte, kainate, or high K+ (to activate voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels) in the presence of 300 microM Zn2+. Indicating particularly high permeability through Ca2+-permeable alpha-amino3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic-acid/kainate (Ca-A/K) channels, micromolar [Zn2+]i rises were observed only after kainate exposures and only in neurons expressing these channels [Ca-A/K(+) neurons]. Further studies using the oxidation-sensitive dye, hydroethidine, revealed Zn2+-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that paralleled the [Zn2+]i rises, with rapid oxidation observed only in the case of Zn2+ entry through Ca-A/K channels. Indicating a mitochondrial source of this ROS generation, hydroethidine oxidation was inhibited by the mitochondrial electron transport blocker, rotenone. Additional evidence for a direct interaction between Zn2+ and mitochondria was provided by the observation that the Zn2+ entry through Ca-A/K channels triggered rapid mitochondrial depolarization, as assessed by using the potential-sensitive dye tetramethylrhodamine ethylester. Whereas Ca2+ influx through Ca-A/K channels also triggers ROS production, the [Zn2+]i rises and subsequent ROS production are of more prolonged duration.