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Biomedical subjects

S Parthasarathy

Publications and source records attributed to S Parthasarathy.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Cellular cysteine generation does not contribute to the initiation of LDL oxidation.

It has been suggested that the generation of cysteine (Cys-SH) by cells may play a role in the initiation of oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Cysteine has long been considered as an antioxidant. We studied the effect of Cys-SH on the oxidation of LDL by copper. The presence of Cys-SH had a profound inhibitory effect on the formation of conjugated dienes when fresh LDL was used. However, when we used LDL samples that were subjected to pre-incubation with copper, a progressive decrease in the inhibition and an actual enhancement of oxidation by Cys-SH could be demonstrated. The oxidation of freshly prepared LDL by RAW macrophages as compared to older LDL was considerably less. The addition of Cys-SH inhibited the oxidation of LDL by cells. In contrast, the addition of cystine (Cys-S-S) enhanced the oxidation of older LDL preparations while such additions had no effect on the oxidation of freshly prepared LDL. When pre-incubated LDL was subjected to oxidation by cells an enhancement of oxidation by Cys-S-S could be noted. These results demonstrate that the role of Cys-SH generated as a result of cellular recycling of Cys-S-S in the oxidation of LDL may not relate to the initiation of oxidation reactions. However, Cys-SH may enhance the rate of oxidation of LDL that may contain peroxides.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1995

Components of the protein fraction of oxidized low density lipoprotein stimulate interleukin-1 alpha production by rabbit arterial macrophage-derived foam cells.

Oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) (0.5-50 micrograms/ml) generated from both rabbit and human LDL stimulated the production of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) by as much as 2- and 6-fold, respectively, as compared to native LDL after a 2-h incubation with macrophage-derived foam cells isolated from the balloon-injured arteries of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Northern blot analyses confirmed that there was also an increase in the mRNA for IL-1 alpha and IL-beta in response to oxLDL in the isolated foam cells. The stimulation of IL-1 expression and production was not due to the contamination of the oxLDL preparations with endotoxin as neither the amount of endotoxin found to be associated with the lipoproteins nor amounts up to 1 ng/ml stimulated IL-1 alpha production to the same degree as oxLDL. Neither oxidized beta-very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) nor oxidized high density lipoprotein (HDL) stimulated IL-1 alpha production by the foam cells. Furthermore, acetyl-LDL had a very limited stimulatory effect, but other known ligands of the scavenger receptor such as maleylated-BSA, polyinosinic acid, and fucoidin elicited maximal IL-1 alpha responses. Fractionation of the oxLDL into lipid- and protein-soluble fractions showed that there was some stimulatory activity in the lipid phase but that known products of lipid peroxidation such as 9- and 13-HODE had no effect when added independently of lipoproteins. When added in combination with native LDL, only 13-HODE stimulated IL-1 alpha production. The delipidated apolipoprotein fragments of oxLDL that had been solubilized in beta-octylglucoside stimulated the production of IL-1 alpha by the foam cells to a greater degree than the lipid extract, while reductively methylated oxLDL did not. These data suggest that interactions of components of both the lipid- and protein-soluble fractions of oxLDL with scavenger receptors or potentially with surface proteins that bind oxLDL may induce production of IL-1 by arterial macrophages.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Recognition of oxidatively damaged erythrocytes by a macrophage receptor with specificity for oxidized low density lipoprotein.

Macrophages specifically bind and internalize oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) via the acetyl-LDL receptor and possibly one or more additional receptors jointly designated here as scavenger receptors. It is well accepted that these receptors are intimately involved in the formation of foam cells during atherogenesis. However, the normal physiological or pathophysiological role for these receptors has not been established. Oxidation of plasma membranes is a common accompaniment of cell damage and senescence. In particular, aged erythrocytes demonstrate peroxidation of their cell membrane lipids. In the present studies we show that oxidized human erythrocytes (treated with copper plus ascorbate or hydrogen peroxide) are bound and phagocytosed by mouse peritoneal macrophages in the absence of opsonizing antibodies. There was little or no binding of untreated erythrocytes. Oxidized LDL, but not acetylated or native LDL, inhibited this binding and uptake of oxidized erythrocytes. Inhibitors of scavenger receptor binding, including polyinosinic acid and fucoidin, also prevented binding of the oxidized red blood cells. We suggest that oxidative damage of erythrocytes results in the formation of lipid-protein conjugate(s) closely related to some of the conjugates found in oxidized LDL, making the oxidized erythrocyte a ligand for the macrophage scavenger receptors, apparently at a site distinct from that responsible for the binding of acetylated LDL. Oxidative modification of plasma membranes may represent a general mechanism that marks damaged cells for phagocytosis by macrophages.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Inhibition of macrophage chemotaxis and peripheral nerve regeneration in normal and hyperglycemic rats by the aldose reductase inhibitor Tolrestat.

This study examined the effect of Tolrestat, an inhibitor of aldose reductase, on the regenerative capacity and macrophage chemotactic property of crush-injured sciatic nerve in normal and galactose-fed rats. Galactose intoxication reduced the incidence of regeneration but did not alter the regeneration distance or the injury-induced increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide content of dorsal root ganglia. Tolrestat improved the incidence of regeneration in galactose-fed rats but significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the distance of nerve regeneration in both control and galactose-fed rats. Galactose intoxication enhanced the ability of homogenates of nerve undergoing Wallerian degeneration to attract macrophages, whereas chemotaxis toward nerve homogenates from Tolrestat-treated rats was absent. Tolrestat, but not the structurally dissimilar aldose reductase inhibitors Ponalrestat and Sorbinil, exhibited a reversible, dose-dependent inhibition of macrophage chemotaxis induced by polyinosinic acid. These data suggest that exaggerated sugar metabolism by aldose reductase may restrict the ability of nerve to initiate regeneration but is not responsible for the reduced distance of nerve regeneration or attenuated increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide production that occur after crush injury of diabetic rats. Inhibition of macrophage responses to chemotactic signals by Tolrestat may impede regeneration and other reparative mechanisms.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed1994

Methionine restriction increases blood glutathione and longevity in F344 rats.

Little is known about the biochemical mechanisms responsible for the biological aging process. Our previous results and those of others suggest that one possible mechanism is based on the loss of glutathione (GSH), a multifunctional tripeptide present in high concentrations in nearly all living cells. The recent finding that life-long dietary restriction of the GSH precursor methionine (Met) resulted in increased longevity in rats led us to hypothesize that adaptive changes in Met and GSH metabolism had occurred, leading to enhanced GSH status. To test this, blood and tissue GSH levels were measured at different ages throughout the life span in F344 rats on control or Met-restricted diets. Met restriction resulted in a 42% increase in mean and 44% increase in maximum life span, and in 43% lower body weight compared to controls (P < 0.001). Increases in blood GSH levels of 81% and 164% were observed in mature and old Met-restricted animals, respectively (P < 0.001). Liver was apparently the source for this increase as hepatic GSH levels decreased to 40% of controls. Except for a 25% decrease in kidney, GSH was unchanged in other tissues. All changes in GSH occurred as early as 2 months after the start of the diet. Altogether, these results suggest that dramatic adaptations in sulfur amino acid metabolism occur as a result of chronic Met restriction, leading to increases in blood GSH levels and conservation of tissue GSH during aging.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Mechanisms of oxidation, antioxidants, and atherosclerosis.

The oxidation of LDL by a number of different cell types has been studied and described. Cells may be able to initiate and seed peroxides in LDL but, in the absence of metals or peroxidase activity, may not be able to oxidize the lipoprotein. Monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils are able to initiate and propagate lipid peroxidation. The oxidative role of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells may be restricted solely to the generation of hydrogen peroxide or other oxidants. The above rationale presents a problem in using LDL preparations that already contain peroxides, and in using media that generate peroxides independently of cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Antioxidant: a new role for RU-486 and related compounds.

RU-486 (17 beta-hydroxy-4-dimethylaminophenyl-17-alpha-propenyl estrone 4,9 diene-3-one; mifepristone) is suggested to act by binding to progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors. Based on its chemical nature, we anticipated that RU-486 may have potent antioxidant properties. We used the oxidation of LDL as our model system. RU-486 and a similar compound, onapristone, at 1-5-microM concentrations, decreased the formation of oxidized LDL. LDL isolated from plasma of subjects who were orally supplemented with RU-486 was resistant to oxidation, as compared to LDL isolated from control plasma. The antioxidant effect of RU-486 appears to reside in the dimethylaminophenyl side chain moiety. Reduction of the A-ring of the steroid molecule had no effect on its antioxidant property. Analogs of RU-486 which lack the dimethylaminophenyl group, were without antioxidant activity. Levonorgestrel, which lacks the dimethylaminophenyl group failed to inhibit the oxidation of LDL even at 100-microM levels. In contrast, ethinylestradiol and estradiol which do not possess the dimethylamino group, were able to inhibit the oxidation of LDL by virtue of their phenolic steroid "A" ring. Thus RU-486, with its long half life, high plasma concentrations, association with lipoproteins, and ability to readily enter the cell may have additional intra- and extra-cellular antioxidant effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Why are low-density lipoproteins atherogenic?

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry most of the cholesterol in human plasma, and high levels of LDL cholesterol clearly cause heart disease. In recent years, many scientists have focused on elucidating the pathophysiologic steps that lie between elevated levels of LDL in the plasma and atherosclerotic plaques in the arterial wall. A large number of scientific studies indicate that oxidation of LDL within the arterial wall may be an important early step in atherogenesis. The uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophages is a likely explanation for the formation of macrophage foam cells in early atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, oxidized LDL has many other potentially proatherogenic properties.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by nitric oxide. Potential role in atherogenesis.

The effects of nitric oxide (.NO) and nitrovasodilators on the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) have been studied. S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) inhibited Cu(2+)- and 2,2'-azobis-2-amidinopropane hydrochloride-dependent oxidation of LDL as monitored by oxygen consumption and the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, conjugated dienes, and lipid hydroperoxides. In the case of SNP, inhibition of LDL oxidation occurred only when the incubation mixture was irradiated with visible light. SNAP, however, exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of Cu(2+)-catalyzed oxidation of LDL even in the dark. Addition of .NO dissolved in deoxygenated buffer also inhibited the progression of LDL oxidation. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were less able to degrade LDL that had been oxidized in the presence of SNAP. Using an .NO electrode, it was estimated that a continuous production of .NO (< or = 760 nM/min) could retard the progression of LDL oxidation. We propose that .NO can inhibit LDL oxidation by acting as a chain-breaking antioxidant that is capable of scavenging carbon-centered and peroxyl radicals. Biological implications of this novel .NO antioxidant property are discussed in relation to atherogenesis and contrasted to the prooxidant property of .NO when generated in the presence of superoxide.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Peroxidase-dependent metal-independent oxidation of low density lipoprotein in vitro: a model for in vivo oxidation?

Oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein is believed to be an important pathway by which the lipoprotein becomes atherogenic. The in vitro systems for oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein thus far described all appear to depend upon the presence in the medium of free transition metal ions (copper or iron). In vivo, on the other hand, these metals are present almost exclusively in tightly complexed forms that do not catalyze oxidative modification. The present studies describe oxidation of low density lipoprotein in a simple system that does not depend upon the presence of added free metal ions. It requires the presence of horseradish peroxidase and either hydrogen peroxide or lipid hydroperoxides.

Free Radicals↗
PubMed1993

Site-specific trapping of reactive species in low-density lipoprotein oxidation: biological implications.

Abundant data suggest that the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein is mediated by lipid-derived free radicals and aldehydes derived from them. In this report we have addressed the site-specific aspects of low-density lipoprotein modification. To this end, both water-soluble and lipid-soluble spin traps (i.e., diamagnetic organic molecules containing nitroso or nitrone functional groups) were used. Radical adducts were detected by electron spin resonance-spin trapping technique. Biochemical indices of low-density lipoprotein modification were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation, electrophoretic mobility and macrophage-mediated uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Results from this study have shown that the lipophilic spin trap, alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl-N-nitrone, traps a primary low-density lipoprotein lipid-derived radical, while also inhibiting the total oxidative modification in a dose-dependent manner. The more hydrophilic analog, i.e., alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone, appeared to trap the secondary alkyl radicals and did not exert any inhibitory effect on oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein. The lipophilic nitroso spin trap, 2-methyl-2-nitroso propane, which traps a lipid-derived radical, inhibited the low-density lipoprotein modification as did the water-soluble nitroso analog, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-nitroso propane. However, the water-soluble nitroso analog did not trap the lipid radical. The inhibitory effect of 2-hydroxymethyl-2-nitroso propane was tentatively attributed to trapping of aldehydes. It is conceivable that spin traps can inhibit the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein by trapping of the lipid radicals as well as trapping aldehydes formed from lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Effect of dietary antioxidant combinations in humans. Protection of LDL by vitamin E but not by beta-carotene.

Experimental and epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) appears to be important in mediating the atherogenicity of LDL. To test this hypothesis in humans, it will be necessary to perform intervention studies in large populations. We performed two studies to assess the effectiveness of supplementation with beta-carotene and vitamin E, used alone and in combination with each other, and with vitamin C, to protect LDL from oxidation. In phase 1, after a placebo period, eight subjects were given beta-carotene (60 mg/day) for 3 months, then beta-carotene plus vitamin E (1,600 mg/day) for another 3 months, and then beta-carotene plus vitamin E plus vitamin C (2 g/day) for 3 months. During phase 2, beta-carotene and vitamin C were discontinued, and subjects took only vitamin E for 5 months. During each period, LDL samples were isolated, and measurements of susceptibility to oxidation were performed. beta-Carotene levels in LDL increased nearly 20-fold, but LDL susceptibility to oxidation did not change. Addition of vitamin E increased LDL vitamin E levels nearly 2.5-fold, and this decreased LDL oxidation 30-40%. During the vitamin C supplementation period, plasma levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E rose, but only beta-carotene increased in LDL. However, the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in this period was not decreased further. During phase 2, when subjects took only vitamin E, LDL susceptibility to oxidation was decreased by 50% as measured by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, conjugated dienes, and lipid peroxide formation as well as by macrophage degradation. Thus, long-term supplementation with large doses of vitamin E alone, but not beta-carotene, conferred increased protection to LDL in in vitro assays of oxidation. These data should be useful in planning therapeutic strategies to test the antioxidant hypothesis in humans.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effects of oleate-rich and linoleate-rich diets on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidative modification in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.

We report the results of feeding oleate- or linoleate-enriched diets for 8 wk to mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects and the resulting alterations in composition and functional properties of their plasma LDL and HDL. LDL isolated from subjects on oleate-enriched diets was less susceptible to copper-mediated oxidation, as measured by conjugated diene and lipid peroxide formation, and less susceptible to LDL-protein modification, as evidenced by reduced LDL macrophage degradation after copper- or endothelial cell-induced oxidation. For all subjects, the percentage of 18:2 in LDL correlated strongly with the extent of conjugated diene formation (r = 0.89, P < 0.01) and macrophage degradation (r = 0.71, P < 0.01). Oxidation of LDL led to initial rapid depletion of unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids followed by extensive loss of unsaturated fatty acids in cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Changes in HDL fatty acid composition also occurred. However, HDL from both dietary groups retained its ability to inhibit oxidative modification of LDL. This study demonstrates that alterations in dietary fatty acid composition can effectively alter the fatty acid distribution of LDL and HDL in hypercholesterolemic subjects and that susceptibility to LDL oxidation is altered by these changes. Substitution of monounsaturated (rather than polyunsaturated) fatty acids for saturated fatty acids in the diet might be preferable for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein is a chemoattractant for human T lymphocytes.

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is a known chemoattractant for monocytes. Here we demonstrate, using a modified Boyden chamber assay, that human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, but not B lymphocytes, also respond chemotactically to Ox-LDL, showing a threefold increase over control and an optimum response at 10 micrograms/ml. Copper and endothelial cell-oxidized LDL and beta-VLDL were used and gave similar results. The activity was not chemokinetic and native LDL possessed no chemoattractant activity. The chemoattractant activity was found to reside in the lipid fraction of Ox-LDL. Lysophosphatidylcholine is a major phospholipid component of Ox-LDL and is known to be chemotactic for monocytes. We show that lysophosphatidylcholine is also chemotactic for T lymphocytes with a maximal fourfold increase at 10 microM. Nonmetabolizable analogues of lysophosphatidylcholine had no such chemotactic effect. Thus, Ox-LDL, by virtue of its lysophosphatidylcholine content, may contribute to the recruitment of both T lymphocytes and monocytes into developing atherosclerotic lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Radioiodination of low density lipoprotein initiates lipid peroxidation: protection by use of antioxidants.

It is now apparent that low density lipoprotein (LDL) is very susceptible to lipid peroxidation and that the resulting oxidized LDL has altered biological properties. Radiation, particularly of longer duration and lower intensities, initiates lipid peroxidation, yet radioiodination with 125I and 131I is a frequently used method to label LDL for biological studies. To test the possibility that this procedure alters the biological properties of LDL, native LDL was radioiodinated with 125I/131I using ICl to average specific activities of approximately 300 and approximately 100 cpm/ng protein, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by TBARS and conjugated diene formation. Biological properties were monitored by fibroblast and macrophage uptake of LDL as well as by rate of plasma clearance (FCR) in guinea pigs. 131I-labeled LDL showed enhanced indices of lipid peroxidation compared to 125I-labeled LDL and both were greater than native LDL. The FCR of 131I-labeled LDL was greater than that of 125I-labeled LDL (by 20-40%) and both increased progressively (by > 250%) when measured at 2, 6, and 13 days after iodination. The radioiodinated LDL samples were also more susceptible to pro-oxidant conditions. Thus, after exposure to Cu2+, 131I-labeled LDL showed greatly enhanced lipid peroxidation, decreased uptake by fibroblasts, increased uptake by macrophages and greatly accelerated FCR in guinea pigs. Exposure of LDL to 131I-labeled albumin produced similar changes. Protecting LDL with antioxidants such as BHT and ascorbate immediately after radioiodination generally ameliorated the adverse effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Evidence for a concerted reaction between lipid hydroperoxides and polypeptides.

The events accompanying oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) are multiple and complex, and the precise mechanisms remain to be determined. In the present studies, we examined a simple system in which we first prepared large amounts of lipid hydroperoxides (from linoleic acid or from phospholipids containing linoleic acid) by using soybean lipoxygenase (linoleate:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.13.11.12). Linoleoyl hydroperoxide was then incubated with polypeptides in the absence of metal ions. We observed the generation of fluorescent products with a spectrum like that of oxidized LDL. The generation of fluorescent products from incubation of polypeptides with linoleoyl hydroperoxide was manyfold greater than that generated on incubation with preformed 4-hydroxynonenal at the same concentration. Superoxide dismutase (superoxide: superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) had no effect on the generation of fluorescent products. Incubation of linoleoyl hydroperoxide with cytochrome c (cyt c) under the same conditions led to progressive reduction of cyt c at a rate determined by the initial linoleoyl hydroperoxide concentration. This reduction was not significantly inhibited by probucol but was inhibited, although never completely, by superoxide dismutase. Even at 100 micrograms/ml, superoxide dismutase inhibited by only 65%. From these results, we are led to suggest a concerted reaction between the peroxy radical and free amino groups of polypeptides or phosphatidylethanolamine to generate fluorescent adducts. During oxidation of LDL or of cell membranes, this mechanism may occur side by side with the conventional Schiff base mechanism.

Cytochrome c Group↗