NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJBB Vol.48(4) [August 2011]

Preferential recognition of methylglyoxal-modified calf thymus DNA by circulating antibodies in cancer patients

Title: Preferential recognition of methylglyoxal-modified calf thymus DNA by circulating antibodies in cancer patients

Authors: Ahmad, M Imtiaz; Ahmad, Saheem; Moinuddin

Abstract: Methylglyoxal (MG) has been implicated in mutagenesis and cancer. Present study probes the antigenicity of MG damaged DNA in cancer patients. Purified calf thymus DNA was damaged by the synergistic action of MG, lysine (Lys) and CuSO₄for 24 h at 37^oC. DNA modifications produced single-strand breaks, hyperchromicity in UV spectrum and increased fluorescence intensity. Binding characteristics of auto-antibodies in cancer patients were assessed by direct binding and inhibition ELISA. These antibodies exhibited enhanced binding with the modified DNA, as compared to the native form. The effect was more pronounced when affinity-purified IgG was used in place of the serum. In conclusion, MG-modified DNA presents unique epitopes which are recognized as non-self by the immune system and may, therefore, be one of the factors for the autoantibody induction in cancer patients.

Page(s): 290-296

Modulatory effect of plasma folate and polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism on catecholamine methyltransferase (COMT) H108L associated oxidative DNA damage and breast cancer risk

Title: Modulatory effect of plasma folate and polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism on catecholamine methyltransferase (COMT) H108L associated oxidative DNA damage and breast cancer risk

Authors: Naushad, Shaik Mohammad; Pavani, Addepalli; Rupasree, Yedluri; Sripurna, Deepti; Gottumukkala, Suryanarayana Raju; Digumarti, Raghunadha Rao; Kutala, Vijay Kumar

Abstract: The present study was aimed to investigate the modulatory role of plasma folate and eight putatively functional polymorphisms of one-carbon metabolism on catecholamine methyltransferase (COMT)-mediated oxidative DNA damage and breast cancer risk. Plasma folate and 8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) were estimated by commercially available kits, while polymorphisms were screened by PCR-RFLP and PCR-AFLP methods. COMT H108L polymorphism showed independent association with breast cancer (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.31-2.30). No significant interaction was observed between folate status and COMT genotype. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis gave evidence for the significant epistatic (gene-gene) interactions (p<0.0001) of COMT H108L with reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1) G80A, thymidylate synthase (TYMS) 5’-UTR 3R2R, TYMS 3’-UTR ins6/del6. Increased plasma 8-oxodG were observed in cases compared to controls (mean ± SE: 5.59 ± 0.60 vs. 3.50 ± 0.40 ng/ml, p<0.004). Plasma folate deficiency alone was not a significant predictor of 8-oxodG elevation. The genotype combinations namely, RFC1 G80A/methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G, RFC1 G80A/SHMT C1420T/TYMS 3R2R and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) C1420T/TYMS 3R2R/methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G/COMT H108L were strong predictors of 8-oxodG elevation in the order of risk. To conclude, the current study provides substantial evidence for a cross talk between one-carbon metabolism and COMT catalysis that might influence oxidative DNA damage and breast cancer risk.

Page(s): 283-289

Free radical reactions of a naturally occurring flavone baicalein and possible mechanisms towards its membrane protective properties

Title: Free radical reactions of a naturally occurring flavone baicalein and possible mechanisms towards its membrane protective properties

Authors: Adhikari, S; Tilak, Jai C; Devasagayam, T P A

Abstract: Baicalein (5, 6, 7-trihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), a naturally occurring flavone present in some of the medicinal plants is known for its potential therapeutic effects, such as cardioprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, detailed role and mechanisms behind its protective properties against different generators for oxidative stress have not been examined. In the present study, we investigated the possible protective ability of baicalein against the membrane damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and the mechanisms involved using pulse radiolysis technique. Baicalein offered efficient protection even at a concentration of 10 M towards membrane damage caused by lipid peroxidation induced by the -radiation, peroxyl radicals, ascorbate-Fe²⁺ and peroxynitrite in rat liver mitochondria and heart homogenate. To elucidate its reaction mechanisms with biologically relevant radicals, transient absorption spectroscopy employing pulse radiolysis technique was used. Baicalein showed fairly high rate constants (3.7 × 10⁹, 1.3 × 10⁹ and 8.0 × 10⁸ dm³mol^-1 s^-1 for hydroxyl, azidyl and alkylchloroperoxyl radicals, respectively), suggesting that baicalein can act as an effective scavenger of these radicals. In each case, the phenoxyl radical of baicalein was generated. Thus, it was evident that the phenolic moiety of baicalein was responsible for the free radical scavenging process. Baicalein also reacts with linoleic acid peroxyl radical (LOO^·), indicating its ability to act as a chain breaking antioxidant. Peroxynitrite-mediated radicals were shown to be reactive towards baicalein and the bimolecular rate constants were 2.5 × 10⁷ and 3 × 10⁸ dm³mol^-1 s^-1 for ^·NO₂ and CO₃^·- radicals, respectively. In conclusion, our results revealed the potential of baicalein in protecting mitochondrial membrane against oxidative damage induced by the four different agents. We propose that the protective effect is mediated via scavenging of primary and secondary radicals generated during oxidative stress.

Page(s): 275-282

Involvement of neuronal NO synthase in collateral artery growth

Title: Involvement of neuronal NO synthase in collateral artery growth

Authors: Pagel, J-I; Borgolte, J; Hoefer, I; Fernández, B; Schaper, W; Deindl, E

Abstract: To evaluate the role of neuronal nitric oxides synthase (nNOS) in collateral artery growth (arteriogenesis), we analyzed the expression pattern of nNOS at distinct time points on RNA and protein levels in a rabbit and a murine model of peripheral arteriogenesis. In the rabbit model, Northern blot analyses revealed a significant upregulation of nNOS at 6 h (1.6-fold), 12 h (2.2-fold) and 24 h (2.0-fold) after induction of arteriogenesis via femoral artery ligation, when compared to the sham operated side. In mice, an upregulation of nNOS was also detected using Northern blot (at 6 h, 12 h) and qRT-PCR (12 h: 2.4-fold). On the protein level, nNOS was found to be upregulated 24 h after femoral artery ligation. Immunohistochemical staining showed that nNOS was localized in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of collateral arteries, as well as in skeletal muscle and nerves. In summary, our data provide evidence that nNOS is not constitutively expressed, but is induced during arteriogenesis, playing a role in supplying reactive oxygen species such as H₂O₂and low levels of NO.

Page(s): 270-274