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S S Lau

Publications and source records attributed to S S Lau.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The equine estrogen metabolite 4-hydroxyequilenin causes DNA single-strand breaks and oxidation of DNA bases in vitro.

Premarin (Wyeth-Ayerst) is the estrogen replacement treatment of choice and continues to be one of the most widely dispensed prescriptions in North America. In addition to endogenous estrogens, Premarin contains unsaturated equine estrogens, including equilenin [1,3,5(10),6,8-estrapentaen-3-ol-17-one]. In previous work, we showed that the equilenin metabolite 4-hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN) can be autoxidized to 4-OHEN-o-quinone which readily entered into a redox couple with the semiquinone radical catalyzed by NAD(P)H, P450 reductase, or quinone reductase, resulting in generation of reactive oxygen species [Shen, L., Pisha, E., Huang, Z., Pezzuto, J. M., Krol, E., Alam, Z., van Breemen, R. B., and Bolton, J. L. (1997) Carcinogenesis 18, 1093-1101]. As oxidative damage to DNA by reactive oxygen species generated by redox active compounds has been proposed to lead to tumor formation, we investigated whether 4-OHEN could cause DNA damage. We treated lambda phage DNA with 4-OHEN and found that extensive single-strand breaks could be obtained with increasing concentrations of 4-OHEN as well as increasing incubation times. If scavengers of reactive oxygen species are included in the incubations, DNA could be completely protected from 4-OHEN-mediated damage. In contrast, NADH and CuCl2 enhanced the ability of 4-OHEN to cause DNA single-strand breaks presumably due to redox cycling between 4-OHEN and the semiquinone radical generating hydrogen peroxide and ultimately copper peroxide complexes. We also confirmed that 4-OHEN could oxidize DNA bases since hydrolysis of 4-OHEN-treated calf thymus DNA and HPLC separation with electrospray MS detection revealed oxidized deoxynucleosides, including 8-oxodeoxyguanosine and 8-oxodeoxyadenosine. Our data suggest that DNA single-strand breaks and oxidation of DNA bases by 4-OHEN could contribute to the carcinogenic mechanism(s) of equine estrogens.

Animals↗

Immunochemical detection of quinol--thioether-derived protein adducts.

Glutathione (GSH) conjugates of hydroquinone (HQ) and 2-bromohydroquinone (2-BrHQ) produce severe renal proximal tubular necrosis in rats. Since the reactivity of quinones lies, in part, in their ability to alkylate proteins, our goal was to develop an immunochemical method with which to investigate the role of protein adduct formation in quinone-thioether-mediated toxicity. An immunogen was synthesized by coupling 2-bromo-6-(N-acetylcystein-S-yl)hydroquinone (2-BrHQ-NAC) to keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Anti-2-BrHQ-NAC-KLH antibodies were raised in rabbits and purified by affinity chromatography. Antibody binding to the 2-BrHQ-NAC epitope was confirmed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a bovine serum albumin conjugate of 2-BrHQ-NAC. Affinity-purified anti-2-BrHQ-NAC-KLH antibodies recognized adducted proteins in the kidneys of rats treated with HQ, 2-BrHQ, 2-bromo-bis(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, 2-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, 2, 5-bis(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, and 2,3, 5-tris(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone. Immunoreactive proteins were found in all renal subcellular fractions of 2-BrHQ-treated rats, and the distribution of adducts was similiar to that obtained by quantifying 2-Br[14C]HQ covalent adducts. Western blot analysis revealed that three proteins, at 42, 46, and 79 kDa, were adducted by all the compounds examined. The identification of these adducted proteins will be required to assess their significance in quinol-thioether-mediated nephrotoxicity.

Animals↗

Immunochemical analysis of quinol-thioether-derived covalent protein adducts in rodent species sensitive and resistant to quinol-thioether-mediated nephrotoxicity.

2,3,5-Tris(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone (TGHQ) is nephrotoxic in male Fischer 344 rats (20 micromol/kg) and albino guinea pigs (200 micromol/kg), but not BALB/c or B6C3F1 mice or Golden Syrian hamsters (200 micromol/kg). Since quinones are known to alkylate proteins, and because such macromolecular damage may play a role in cytotoxicity, we investigated the covalent binding of TGHQ to kidney (target tissue) and liver (nontarget tissue) of rodents "sensitive" or "resistant" to the nephrotoxic effects of TGHQ. Immunohistochemical staining of tissue obtained 2 h after administration of TGHQ, with rabbit anti-2-bromo-N-(acetyl-L-cystein-S-yl)HQ antibodies, correlated with the subsequent region of necrosis observed 19 h after dosing in Fischer 344 rats and guinea pigs. Immunohistochemical staining was localized to the S3 segment of the renal proximal tubules, at the corticomedullary junction along the medullary rays, and in the outer stripe of the outer medulla. Immunostaining was also observed in the same region in hamsters, but subsequent necrosis did not develop. In contrast, no immunostaining was observed in mice. Moreover, immunostaining was not detected in the livers of any species. Western blot analysis revealed numerous immunoreactive renal proteins in TGHQ-treated animals. The most distinctive immunostaining renal proteins were observed in Fischer 344 rats at approximately 34 kDa (mitochondria), approximately 35 kDa (nuclei) which comigrated with histone H1, and approximately 73 kDa (urine) which comigrated with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. These adducted proteins were not detected in other species. Qualitative differences in alkylated proteins may therefore contribute to species susceptibility to TGHQ.

Animals↗

2-Hydroxy-4-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol and 2-hydroxy-1-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol produce oxidative stress and renal toxicity in an animal model of 17beta-estradiol-mediated nephrocarcinogenicity.

Chronic exposure of male Syrian hamsters to a variety of estrogens has been linked with a high incidence of renal carcinoma. The basis of this species and tissue specificity remains to be resolved. We have recently shown that (i) 17beta-estradiol is nephrotoxic in the hamster in a manner dependent upon the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and (ii) 17beta-estradiol is metabolized to a variety of catechol estrogen glutathione conjugates (Butterworth et al., Carcinogenesis, 18, 561-567, 1997). We report that the catechol estrogen glutathione conjugates exhibit redox properties similar to those of the catechol estrogens, and maintain the ability to generate superoxide radicals. Administration of 2-hydroxy-4-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol or 2-hydroxy-1-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol (0.27-5.0 micromol/kg) to Syrian hamsters, produces mild nephrotoxicity. Repeated daily administration of 2-hydroxy-4-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol causes a sustained elevation in urinary markers of renal damage and in the concentration of renal protein carbonyls and lipid hydroperoxides. Catechol estrogen oxidation and conjugation of glutathione in the liver, followed by the selective uptake of the redox active conjugates in tissues rich in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase may contribute to 17beta-estradiol-induced renal tumors in the hamster.

Animals↗

The pharmacology and toxicology of polyphenolic-glutathione conjugates.

Polyphenolic-glutathione (GSH) conjugates and their metabolites retain the electrophilic and redox properties of the parent polyphenol. Indeed, the reactivity of the thioether metabolites frequently exceeds that of the parent polyphenol. Although the active transport of polyphenolic-GSH conjugates out of the cell in which they are formed will limit their potential toxicity to those cells, once within the circulation they can be transported to tissues that are capable of accumulating these metabolites. There are interesting physiological similarities between the organs that are known to be susceptible to polyphenolic-GSH conjugate-mediated toxicity. In addition, the frequent localization of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to cells separating the circulation from a second fluid-filled compartment coincides with tissues that are susceptible either to polyphenolic-GSH conjugate-induced toxicity or to quinone and reactive oxygen species-induced toxicity. Polyphenolic-GSH conjugates therefore contribute to the nephrotoxicity, nephrocarcinogenicity, and neurotoxicity of a variety of polyphenols.

Animals↗

DNA damage, gadd153 expression, and cytotoxicity in plateau-phase renal proximal tubular epithelial cells treated with a quinol thioether.

2-Bromo-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone [2-Br-bis-(GSyl)HQ] causes DNA single-strand breaks (SSB), causes growth arrest, induces the expression of gadd153 (a gene inducible by growth arrest and DNA damage), and decreases histone H2B mRNA in log-phase renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1). Renal epithelial cells in vivo normally exhibit a low mitotic index, therefore experiments in both plateau- and log-phase cells are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the stress response to 2-Br-bis-(GSyl)HQ. In the present article we demonstrate that not all features of the stress response in log-phase cells are reproduced in plateau-phase cells. Thus, although 2-Br-bis-(GSyl)HQ causes concentration and time-dependent increases in DNA SSB, and increases the expression of gadd153, histone H2B mRNA levels are unaltered in plateau-phase cells. The relationship between reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, gene expression, and cytotoxicity was also investigated. Our findings suggest that (i) 2-Br-bis-(GSyl)HQ-mediated DNA damage in LLC-PK1 cells is mediated by the generation of H2O2; (ii) DNA damage, either directly or indirectly, contributes to cell death; and (iii) DNA damage, either directly or indirectly, provides the initial signal for gadd153 expression. In addition, DNA repair is rapid in LLC-PK1 cells, and the DNA-repair inhibitors 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and hydroxyurea have no effect on the amount of DNA SSB. Although the addition of 3-aminobenzamide following 2-Br-bis-(GSyl)HQ exposure has no effect on the removal of DNA SSB, it causes a slight but significant increase in gadd153 expression and cell viability, indicating that activation of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase may exacerbate toxicity. Finally, aurintricarboxylic acid did not prevent DNA SSB or cytotoxicity in 2-Br-bis-(GSyl) HQ-treated LLC-PK1 cells, implying that activation of endonucleases does not play a role in these processes.

Animals↗

2,5-Bis-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine, a putative metabolite of (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, decreases brain serotonin concentrations.

3,4-(+/-)-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-(+/-)-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are serotonergic neurotoxicants. However, when injected directly into brain, MDA and MDMA are not neurotoxic, suggesting that systemic metabolism plays an important role in the development of neurotoxicity. The nature of the metabolite(s) responsible for MDA- and MDMA-mediated neurotoxicity is unclear. alpha-Methyldopamine is a major metabolite of MDA and is readily oxidized to the o-quinone, followed by conjugation with glutathione (GSH). Because the conjugation of quinones with GSH frequently results in preservation or enhancement of biological (re)activity, we have been investigating the role of quinone-thioethers in the acute and long-term neurochemical changes observed after administration of MDA. Although intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine (4 x 720 nmol) and 5-(N-acetylcystein-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine (1 x 7 nmol) to Sprague-Dawley rats produced overt behavioral changes similar to those seen following administration of MDA (93 mumol/kg, s.c.) they did not produce long-term decreases in brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) concentrations. In contrast, 2,5-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine (4 x 475 nmol) decreased 5-HT levels by 24%, 65% and 30% in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex, respectively, 7 days after injection. The relative sensitivity of the striatum, hippocampus and cortex to 2,5-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine was the same as that observed for MDA; the absolute effects were greater with MDA. The effects of 2,5-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine were also selective for serotonergic nerve terminal fields, in that 5-HT levels were unaffected in regions of the cell bodies. Because 2,5-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine caused long-term depletion in 5-HT without adversely affecting the dopaminergic system, it also mimics the selectivity of MDA/MDMA. The data imply a possible role for quinone-thioethers in the neurobehavioral and neurotoxicological effects of MDA/MDMA.

3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine↗

The response of renal tubular epithelial cells to physiologically and chemically induced growth arrest.

Cells respond to a variety of stresses by activating the transcription of a battery of "acute phase" or "stress response" genes. The nature of this response is tailored to the nature of the stress. The extent to which physiologically and pathophysiologically induced growth arrest share common genomic responses is unclear. We therefore compared the effects of a physiologically induced (serum and nutrient depletion) and a chemically induced (2-Br-bis-(GSyl)HQ and 2-Br-6-(GSyl)HQ) stress in renal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1). The response to physiological stress, induced by serum depletion, involves growth arrest characterized by an inhibition of DNA synthesis that occurs in the absence of a decrease in histone mRNA or an increase in gadd153 mRNA, one of the growth arrest and DNA damage inducible genes. In contrast, the chemical-induced stress involves growth arrest accompanied by a decrease in histone mRNA, particularly core histone H2B and H2A mRNA, and the induction of gadd153. Chemical-induced changes in histone mRNA inversely correlate to changes in the expression of a stress gene, hsp70, whose expression is dependent upon the maintenance of appropriate nucleosomal structure.

Animals↗

Development and testing of an assay for soil ecosystem health using the bacterial-feeding nematode Cruznema tripartitum.

Survival and respiration rates of the bacterial-feeding nematode Cruznema tripartitum after incubation in soil for 48 hr provided a useful bioassay of the presence and concentration level of biologically active toxicants. The assay provided an indication of toxicant activity at sublethal levels, and a means of determining when the toxicant had declined to levels not deleterious to physiological function. Assays of soil contaminants based on the community structure of resident soil nematodes were more useful in undisturbed soils than in agricultural soils where the range of taxa was relatively narrow. Assays involving measurement of survival and respiration rates of nematodes after immersion in an aqueous extract of contaminated soils were not useful due to degradation and loss of contaminant during the extraction process.

Animals↗

Induction of heat shock proteins by tyrosine kinase inhibitors in rat cardiomyocytes and myogenic cells confers protection against simulated ischemia.

Previous studies have shown that in rodent myogenic cells and in the hearts of transgenic mice in which heat shock protein expression is increased there is a marked tolerance to ischemic/reperfusion injury. Furthermore, a recent study has shown that the benzoquinoid ansamycin antibiotic and tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A, is capable of inducing the expression of heat shock proteins in fibroblasts. Our intention, in the present study, was to investigate if exposure of rat cardiomyocytes and the myogenic cell line H9c2 to herbimycin A would induce these proteins and, thus, confer protection against ischemic stress. For this purpose, we exposed both rat neonatal cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cells to herbimycin A and another related benzoquinoid ansamycin antibiotic, geldanamycin. We found that cells exposed to these compounds overexpressed heat shock proteins and are also rendered more tolerant to simulated ischemia as measured by the release of cytoplasmic enzymes. In addition, we found that the mechanism of induction of heat shock proteins by these compounds is similar, if not identical, to that of a heat shock (42 degrees C, 60 min). These results suggest that these benzoquinoid ansamycin antibiotics, or closely related analogues, may offer a pharmacological means of increasing the level of heat shock proteins in cardiac tissue and thus protect the heart against ischemic/reperfusion injury.

Animals↗

Identification of quinol thioethers in bone marrow of hydroquinone/phenol-treated rats and mice and their potential role in benzene-mediated hematotoxicity.

Metabolism of benzene is required to produce the classical hematological disorders associated with its exposure. After coadministration of hydroquinone (0.9 mmol/kg, ip) and phenol (1.1 mmol/kg, ip) to male Sprague-Dawley rats and DBA/2 mice, 2-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone was identified in the bone marrow of both species. 2,5-Bis(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, 2,6-bis(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, and 2,3,5-tris(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone were also observed in the bone marrow of rats but were detected only sporadically in mice. Both species produced 2-(cystein-S-ylglycinyl)hydroquinone, 2-(cystein-S-yl)hydroquinone, and 2-(N-acetylcystein-S-yl)hydroquinone, indicating the presence of a functional mercapturic acid pathway in bone marrow. The ability of bone marrow to acetylate 2-(cystein-S-yl)hydroquinone and deacetylate 2-(N-acetylcystein-S-yl)hydroquinone was confirmed in vitro. Total quinol thioether concentrations were higher in, and eliminated more slowly from, the bone marrow of mice. Intravenous injection of 100 micromol/kg 2-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone to rats gave rise to substantially lower bone marrow C(max) and AUC values compared to values found following coadministration of hydroquinone/phenol, suggesting that the major fraction of the GSH conjugates present in bone marrow are formed in situ. Finally, the erythrotoxicity of several of these conjugates was determined in rats using the erythrocyte 59Fe incorporation assay. Administration of 2,3,5-tris(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone (17 micromol/kg, iv), 2,6-bis(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone (50 micromol/kg, iv), and benzene (11 mmol/kg, sc) significantly decreased 59Fe incorporation into reticulocytes to 45 +/- 6%, 28 +/- 3%, and 20 +/- 9% of control values, respectively. Although the doses of 2,3,5-tris(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone and 2,6-bis(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone represented only 0.2% and 0.4% of the dose of benzene, both conjugates reduced 59Fe incorporation to the same degree as benzene. 2-(Glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone had no effect at the dose tested (200 micromol/kg, iv). In summary, these data suggest that hydroquinone-glutathione conjugates are erythrotoxic and may contribute to benzene-mediated hematotoxicity.

Animals↗

Cytotoxicity and cell-proliferation induced by the nephrocarcinogen hydroquinone and its nephrotoxic metabolite 2,3,5-(tris-glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone, an intermediate used in the chemical industry and a metabolite of benzene, is a nephrocarcinogen in the 2-year National Toxicology Program bioassay in male Fischer 344 rats. Current evidence suggests that certain chemicals may induce carcinogenesis by a mechanism involving cytotoxicity, followed by sustained regenerative hyperplasia and ultimately tumor formation. Glutathione (GSH) conjugates of a variety of hydroquinones are potent nephrotoxicants, and we now report on the effect of hydroquinone and 2,3,5-(tris-glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, on site-selective cytotoxicity and cell proliferation in rat kidney. Male Fischer 344 rats (160-200 g) were treated with hydroquinone (1.8 mmol/kg or 4.5 mmol/kg, p.o.) or 2,3,5-(tris-glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone (7.5 micromol/kg; 1.2-1.5 micromol/rat, i.v.), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glucose were measured as indices of nephrotoxicity. Hydroquinone (1.8 mmol/kg, p.o.) is nephrotoxic in some rats, but not others, but cell proliferation (BrDU incorporation) in proximal tubular cells of the S3M region correlates with the degree of toxicity in individual rats. At 4.5 mmol/kg, hydroquinone causes significant increases in the urinary excretion of gamma-GT, ALP and GST. Pretreatment of rats with acivicin prevents hydroquinone-mediated nephrotoxicity, indicating that toxicity is dependent on the formation of metabolites that require processing by gamma-GT. Consistent with this view, 2,3,5-(tris-glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone, a metabolite of hydroquinone, causes increases in BUN, urinary gamma-GT and ALP, all of which are maximal 12 h after administration of 2,3,5-(tris-glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone. In contrast, the maximal excretion of GST and glucose occurs after 24 h. By 72 h, BUN and glucose concentrations return to control levels, while gamma-GT, ALP and GST remain slightly elevated. Examination of kidney slices by light microscopy revealed the presence of tubular necrosis in the S3M segment of the proximal tubule, extending into the medullary rays. Cell proliferation rates in this region were 2.4, 6.9, 15.3 and 14.3% after 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, compared to 0.8-2.4% in vehicle controls. Together with the metabolic data, the results indicate a role for hydroquinone-thioether metabolites in hydroquinone toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Animals↗

Formation of catechol estrogen glutathione conjugates and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-dependent nephrotoxicity of 17beta-estradiol in the golden Syrian hamster.

In an animal model of hormone-mediated carcinogenesis, male golden Syrian hamsters develop renal carcinoma following prolonged exposure to 17beta-estradiol. The basis for the species and tissue specificity is unclear. Detailed information on the disposition of 17beta-estradiol in this model is lacking. Because catechol estrogens have been implicated in this model of carcinogenesis, we investigated the metabolism and nephrotoxicity of 17beta-estradiol in golden Syrian hamsters, with emphasis on the formation of catechol estrogen thioethers. 17beta-Estradiol (50 micromol/kg, i.p.) is a mild nephrotoxicant, causing significant elevations in the urinary excretion of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), alkaline phosphatase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glucose. Increases in renal protein carbonyls and lipid hydroperoxides, which are markers of oxidative damage, also occur after administration of 17beta-estradiol (50 micromol/kg, i.p.). 17beta-Estradiol-mediated nephrotoxicity is reduced by treating animals with acivicin, an inhibitor of gamma-GT, implying that toxicity is mediated by metabolites requiring metabolism by this enzyme. Following administration of 17beta-[14C]estradiol (100 micromol/kg) to hamsters, 9.7% of the dose is recovered in bile after 5 h, the majority (7.9%) representing aqueous metabolites. Seven catechol estrogen GSH conjugates were identified, 2-hydroxy-1,4-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)-17beta-estradiol, 2-hydroxy-4-(glutathion-S-yl)-17beta-estradiol, 2-hydroxy-4-(glutathion-S-yl)-estrone, 4-hydroxy-1-(glutathion-S-yl)-estrone, 2-hydroxy-1-(glutathion-S-yl)-estrone, 4-hydroxy-1-(glutathion-S-yl)-17beta-estradiol, and 2-hydroxy-1-(glutathion-S-yl)-17beta-estradiol. At 5.4 micromol/kg of 17beta-estradiol, a dose-reflective of daily exposure levels in the hamster model of nephrocarcinogenicity, 12% of the dose is recovered within 5 h as a combination of GSH conjugates of 2- and 4-hydroxy-17beta-estradiol and 2- and 4-hydroxyestrone. In summary, oxidation of catechol estrogens, followed by GSH conjugation, occurs in vivo and 17beta-estradiol is a mild nephrotoxicant in a manner dependent on the activity of gamma-GT.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PGE2-mediated cytoprotection in renal epithelial cells: evidence for a pharmacologically distinct receptor.

Although the exact mechanism of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated cytoprotection has not been elucidated, its ability to induce cytoprotection in cell culture suggests this action occurs at the cellular level. The present studies were conducted to determine whether PGE2 induces protection against 2,3,5-(trisglutathion-S-yl)-hydroquinone [2,3,5-(trisglutathion-S-yl)-HQ]-mediated cytotoxicity in a renal proximal tubule epithelial cell line (LLC-PK1) and to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with this response. Pretreatment of LLC-PK1 cells with 0.01-40 microM PGE2 for 24 h fully protects against a moderately toxic concentration of 2,3,5-(trisglutathion-S-yl)-HQ. PGE2-mediated cytoprotection is observed in cells pretreated at pH 7.4 but not at pH 7.8. However, cytoprotection is observed in LLC-PK1 cells pretreated with the PGE2 analog, 11-deoxy-16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (DDM-PGE2) but not with the PGE2 receptor [E-prostanoid (EP)] agonists 17-phenyltrinor PGE2 (EP1), 11-deoxy PGE1 (EP2/EP4), sulprostone (EP1/EP3), PGE1, or PGA2. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent activator of protein kinase C (PKC), also induces cytoprotection, supporting a role for this pathway in the cytoprotective response. PGE2, DDM-PGE2, and TPA all induce the binding of nuclear proteins to a TPA responsive element (TRE), whereas analogs that did not induce cytoprotection (PGE1, 17-phenyltrinor PGE2, sulprostone) were without effect. DDM-PGE2- and TPA-mediated cytoprotection and TRE binding activity are inhibited by N-(2[[3-(4-bromophenyl)-2-propenyl]-amino]-ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonam ide (H-89), a PKC inhibitor. These data suggest that cytoprotection by PGE2 and DDM-PGE2 in LLC-PK1 cells is mediated by a PKC-coupled receptor, which is pharmacologically distinct from the presently classified EP receptor subtypes.

16,16-Dimethylprostaglandin E2↗

Glutathione conjugates of tert-butyl-hydroquinone, a metabolite of the urinary tract tumor promoter 3-tert-butyl-hydroxyanisole, are toxic to kidney and bladder.

3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and tert-butyl-hydroquinone (TBHQ) are antioxidants known to promote renal and bladder carcinogenesis in the rat, although the mechanisms of these effects are unclear. Because glutathione (GSH) conjugates of a variety of hydroquinones are nephrotoxic, and because 2-tert-butyl-5-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone [5-(GSyl)TBHQ], 2-tert-butyl-6-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone [6-(GSyl)TBHQ], and 2-tert-butyl-3,6-bis-(glutathion-S-yl)hydroquinone [3,6-bis-(GSyl)-TBHQ] have been identified recently as metabolites of TBHQ in the male rat, we investigated the effects of these metabolites in the male rat. At the highest dose tested (400 micromol/kg,i.v.) 5-(Gsyl)TBHQ and 6-(GSyl)TBHQ caused 2-fold increases in the urinary excretion of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase, and pigments arising from the polymerization of metabolites were deposited in the kidney. 3,6-bis-(GSyl)TBHQ (200 micromol/kg) was the most potent of the GSH conjugates tested and produced significant increases in the urinary excretion of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose (2-, 2-, 22-, and 11-fold increases, respectively). Alterations in the biochemical parameters correlated with the degree of single cell and tubular necrosis in the S(3)-M segment of the proximal tubule, as observed by light microscopy. In addition to nephrotoxicity, 3,6-bis-(GSyl)TBHQ increased the bladder wet weight 2-fold and caused severe hemorrhaging of the bladder. The half-wave oxidation potentials of 5-(Gsyl)TBHQ and 6-(GSyl)TBHQ were similar to that of TBHQ, whereas the half-wave oxidation potential of 3,6-bis-(Gsyl)TBHQ was approximately 100 mV higher than that of TBHQ. The TBHQ-GSH conjugates also catalyzed the formation of 8- hydroxydeoxyguanosine, indicating that GSH conjugation does not impair the redox activity of TBHQ. Because some chemicals may induce carcinogenesis by a mechanism involving cytotoxicity followed by sustained regenerative hyperplasia, our results suggest that the toxicity of GSH conjugates of TBHQ to kidney and bladder may contribute to the promoting effect of 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and TBHQ in these tissues.

Animals↗