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Simultaneous assay of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamines after central nervous system injury in gerbil and rat.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is considered the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis. An increase in putrescine (a natural polyamine) synthesis after central nervous system (CNS) injury appears to be involved in blood-brain barrier dysfunction, development of vasogenic edema and neuronal death. An improved method is described to determine the ODC activity as well as polyamine levels from the same brain tissue. The polyamine results showed no significant differences from data obtained with the conventional assay. The advantages of this method are to: (1) minimize the number of animals needed for the study, and (2) eliminate any internal inconsistencies resulting from use of two independent groups of animals for ODC and polyamine measurements. Using this method, ODC activities and polyamine levels were measured in cortices and hippocampi from global transient ischemia of gerbils and traumatic brain injury (TBI) of rats.

Animals↗

Specific regulation by endogenous polyamines of translational initiation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase mRNA in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts.

S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) activity was elevated 18.8-fold in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts which were depleted of cellular polyamines by using the inhibitor difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Although the cellular level of AdoMetDC mRNA and the half-life of active AdoMetDC protein were also increased (4.3- and 1.5-fold respectively), together they could not account for the magnitude of the increase in AdoMetDC activity. These data suggested that the translation of AdoMetDC mRNA must be increased in the polyamine-depleted cells to account fully for the elevation in activity. The cellular distribution of AdoMetDC mRNA was examined in the polyamine-depleted cells, and it was found almost exclusively associated with large polysomes. In contrast, AdoMetDC mRNA in untreated controls was very heterogeneous, with the proportion associated with monosomes equal to that associated with large polysomes. The shift of the AdoMetDC message into large polysomes occurred within 18 h after addition of DFMO to the cultures and could be reversed by adding exogenous putrescine. The effect of polyamine depletion on AdoMetDC translation was specific, since there was no change in the distribution in polysomes of either actin mRNA or the translationally controlled mRNA encoding ribosomal protein S16 in the DFMO-inhibited cells. Thus the translational efficiency of AdoMetDC mRNA in vivo is regulated either directly or indirectly by the concentration of intracellular polyamines through a mechanism involving translational initiation, which results in a change in the number of ribosomes associated with this mRNA.

Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase↗

Polyamines contribute to ethanol withdrawal-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal slice cultures through interactions with the NMDA receptor.

BACKGROUND: Several reports demonstrate that withdrawal from long-term ethanol exposure is associated with significant central nervous system neurotoxicity, produced at least in part by increased activity of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Recent evidence suggests that elevations in the synthesis and release of the polyamines spermidine and spermine, which are known modulators of NMDARs, contribute to the increased activity of the receptor during ethanol withdrawal. Therefore, the goal of this investigation was to examine what role, if any, spermidine and spermine have in the generation of ethanol withdrawal-induced neurotoxicity. METHODS: Neurotoxicity (measured as fluorescence of the cell death indicator propidium iodide, PI), glutamate release (measured by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis), and polyamine concentrations (by high-performance liquid chromatography) were measured in rat hippocampal slice cultures undergoing withdrawal from chronic (10 day) ethanol exposure (100 mM). In addition, the effects of the polyamine synthesis inhibitor di-fluoro-methyl-ornithine (DFMO, 0.1-100 nM) and NMDAR polyamine-site antagonists ifenprodil, arcaine, and agmatine (1 nM-100 microM) on ethanol withdrawal- and NMDA-induced neurotoxicity were measured. RESULTS: Ethanol withdrawal significantly increased glutamate release (peaking at 18 hr with a 53% increase), increased concentrations of putrescine and spermidine (136% and 139% increases, respectively, at 18 hr), and produced significant cytotoxicity in the CA1 hippocampal region (56% increase in PI staining relative to controls) of the cultures. The cell death produced by ethanol withdrawal was significantly inhibited by ifenprodil (IC(50) = 14.9 nM), arcaine (IC(50) = 37.9 nM), agmatine (IC(50) = 41.5 nM), and DFMO (IC(50) = 0.6 nM). NMDA (5 microM) significantly increased PI staining in the CA1 region of the hippocampal cultures (365% relative to controls), but ifenprodil, arcaine, agmatine, and DFMO all failed to significantly affect this type of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: These data implicate a role for polyamines in ethanol withdrawal-induced neurotoxicity and suggest that inhibiting the actions of polyamines on NMDARs may be neuroprotective under these conditions.

Animals↗

Inhibition of calcium hydroxyapatite formation by polyamines.

The lithogenic potential of bile depends not only on supersaturation of solutes but also on the presence of pro- and anti-nucleating factors. For example, glycine-conjugated dihydroxy bile salt dimers are potent inhibitors of calcium hydroxyapatite precipitation that function by "poisoning" the nascent crystal. Although most inhibitors of apatite formation are anions, theoretically polycations should also be effective, and because significant concentrations of polyamines are present in bile, we have investigated the ability of these molecules to inhibit apatite formation. In vitro, each polyamine (2-10 mmol/l) was able to inhibit apatite formation, and the inhibiting power was correlated with ionic charge. Thus putrescine (2+) was the weakest inhibitor and spermine (4+) was the strongest. Mixtures of polyamines were less effective than were the individual polyamines, except at higher concentrations. Although polyamines were effective over short periods of time (270 min), over longer times (3 days) spermine was unable to prevent apatite formation. Using infrared spectroscopy, we found no evidence for interaction between phosphate ions and spermine in solution. Taken together, these results suggest that polyamines are modest inhibitors of apatite formation that likely function by retarding the dissolution of the intermediate amorphous calcium phosphate phase.

Bile↗

Polyamine analysis of infected root canal contents related to clinical symptoms.

The contents of infected root canals were collected by mechanical and chemical debridement. Intracanal polyamines were identified and quantified by HPLC in all canals examined, however, no histamine was detected in any canal. The relationship between the amount of each polyamine and clinical signs of the teeth was analyzed statistically. The teeth without clinical signs tended to have limited varieties and smaller amounts of polyamines. Using chi 2, the amounts were significantly greater in teeth with spontaneous pain, swelling and putrescent odor (p less than 0.01), with exudate (p less than 0.025) and with percussion pain (p less than 0.1) than in teeth without. Amounts of putrescine (p less than 0.05) and total polyamines (p less than 0.01) were greater in teeth with spontaneous pain and percussion pain than in teeth without clinical sign, and those with root canal exudate also had greater amounts of total polyamines than those without (p less than 0.01). The amounts of cadaverine, however, from the teeth with gingival fistulae, was greater than from those without (p less than 0.05). No significant relationship was established between the amount of each polyamine and the presence of putrescent odor or gingival swelling. Intracanal polyamines, especially putrescine may leak out through apical foramen and may be implicated in pain production by eliciting acute inflammatory response in the periapical tissues.

Adolescent↗

Protective effect of ifenprodil against glucose deprivation-induced damage in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

When hippocampal cultures were deprived of glucose, massive release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an indicator of neuronal death, occurred 24 hr following the onset of hypoglycemic insult via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor activation. Ifenprodil (0.1 and 1 M) significantly inhibited LDH release, which was antagonized by polyamines. These results suggest that ifenprodil protects neurons from glucose deprivation by antagonizing the effects of glutamate via selective interaction with polyamine modulatory sites on the NMDA receptor complex. The observed phenomenon further indicate that ifenprodil might be used prophylactically against neuronal death induced by excitotoxic disorders.

Animals↗

Spermidine level and protein synthesis are coregulated in nonproliferating hepatocytes.

The relationship between polyamines and the rate of protein synthesis was investigated in non-proliferating cells: primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes maintained in serum-free media, and treated with dexamethasone or dexamethasone + insulin. During the second day of culture, polyamine biosynthesis became induced along with the rate of protein synthesis. While the activity of ornithine decarboxylase and the intracellular concentration of putrescine increased only transiently and that of spermine declined, the rise of the protein synthetic rate was paralleled by that of the intracellular spermidine concentration. The polyamine analogue diamino-propanol specifically decreased spermidine content and the protein synthetic rate. The intracellular concentration of spermidine was found subject to tight homeostatic regulation, e.g. not being altered by the addition of up to 1 mM of this polyamine to the culture medium. In contrast, addition of putrescine or spermine led to an increase in their respective intracellular concentrations. These findings indicate that spermidine specifically of the polyamines is involved in protein synthesis in the intact hepatocyte. Moreover, spermidine may mediate part of the trophic action of dexamethasone and insulin upon cultured hepatocytes.

Animals↗

activated polyamine catabolism in acute pancreatitis: alpha-methylated polyamine analogues prevent trypsinogen activation and pancreatitis-associated mortality.

Polyamines are essential for normal cellular growth and function. Activation of polyamine catabolism in transgenic rats overexpressing spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase, the key enzyme in polyamine catabolism, results in severe acute pancreatitis. Here, we investigated the role of polyamine catabolism in pancreatitis and studied the effect of polyamine analogues on the outcome of the disease. Polyamine depletion was associated with arginine- and cerulein-induced pancreatitis as well as with human acute necrotizing and chronic secondary pancreatitis. Substitution of depleted polyamine pools with methylspermidine partially prevented arginine-induced necrotizing pancreatitis whereas cerulein-induced edematous pancreatitis remained unaffected. Transgenic rats receiving methylated polyamine analogues after the induction of pancreatitis showed less pancreatic damage than the untreated rats. Most importantly, polyamine analogues dramatically rescued the animals from pancreatitis-associated mortality. Induction of spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase in acinar cells isolated from transgenic rats resulted in increased trypsinogen activation. Pretreatment of acini with bismethylspermine prevented trypsinogen activation, indicating that premature proteolytic activation is one of the effects triggered by polyamine depletion. Our data suggest that activation of polyamine catabolism is a general pathway in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and that experimental disease can be ameliorated with stable polyamine analogues.

Animals↗

Natural polyamines and their biological consequence in mammals.

The polyamines (putrescine, cadaverine, agmatine, spermidine and spermine), wide-spread in all organisms, have been shown to play a role in regulation of growth and differentiation of virtually all types of cells. Their role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes have been studied very intensively during the last two decades. Inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis have potential clinical uses as antitumor and antiparasitic agents. The brief summary with regard to their biological consequences in mammals is discussed in this paper.

Agmatine↗

Drugs affecting the cell cycle via actions on the polyamine metabolic pathway.

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) are ubiquitous cellular components that have multiple functions, including actions affecting the cell cycle. Polyamine biosynthesis and content is altered during the course of cell cycling via changes in two key biosynthetic enzymes, ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosyl-methionine decarboxylase. Decreases in polyamine content and/or alterations in the relative amounts of polyamines can be achieved by treatment with inhibitors of these enzymes or by application of polyamine analogues, which subvert mechanisms for polyamine homeostasis and may interfere directly with polyamine-dependent processes. Such changes cause G1 and G2-M cell cycle blocks that can be brought about via induction of p21WAF1/CIP1.

Animals↗

Design and testing of novel cytotoxic polyamine analogues.

We designed three polyamine analogues, 1,14-diamino-N5-methyl-5,10- diazatetradecane (5me-4-4-4), 1,14-diamino-N5,N5-dimethyl-5,10-diazatetradecane (Q-Amm-4-4-4), and 1,14-bis-(ethylamino)-N5,N5-dimethyl-5,10-diazatetradecane (BE-Q-Amm-4-4-4), on the basis of computer modeling and physical-chemical studies of polyamine-DNA interactions. These analogues differ from natural polyamines and from one another in the charge distribution on their aliphatic backbone. We found that 10 microM 5me-4-4-4 did not inhibit growth and was not cytotoxic to the human brain tumor cell lines SF-767 and SF-126. The same concentrations of Q-Amm-4-4-4 and BE-Q-Amm-4-4-4 inhibited cell growth and killed more than 90% of each cell type on day 7 of the experiment. BE-Q-Amm-4-4-4 was slightly more toxic than Q-Amm-4-4-4 in both cell lines. All three agents either decreased or completely depleted intracellular putrescine and spermidine. Q-Amm-4-4-4 and BE-Q-Amm-4-4-4 each also lowered spermine. The fact that 5me-4-4-4 was nontoxic but that Q-Amm-4-4-4 was cytotoxic and inhibited growth suggests that the charge distribution along the surface of the aliphatic backbone of polyamines is important in determining growth inhibition and cytotoxicity.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

In vivo effects of 4-amidinoindan-1-one 2'-amidinohydrazone (CGP 48664A) and alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) on L1210 growth, cell-cycle phase distribution and polyamine contents.

We studied the in vivo effects of 4-amidinoindan-1-one 2'-amidinohydrazone (CGP 48664A), alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and a combination of CGP 48664A-DFMO on tumor growth, cell-cycle phase distribution and polyamine contents. DBA-2 mice were inoculated i.p. with 10(5) L1210 cells on day 0, treated i.p. on days 1-4 and killed on day 5. As compared to controls, CGP 48664A, DFMO and the CGP 48664A-DFMO combination reduced L1210 cell numbers by 33, 43 and 85%, respectively. CGP 48664A did not affect cell-cycle phase distribution. DFMO and the CGP 48664A-DFMO combination caused a moderate and a heavy accumulation in G0/G1- and G2/M-phases, respectively. Compared with controls, the CGP 48664A-DFMO combination reduced putrescine, spermidine and total polyamines, but did not affect spermine. Compared with CGP 48664A, the CGP 48664A-DFMO combination caused lower putrescine and total polyamines, higher spermine, but no change in spermidine. Compared with DFMO, the CGP 48664A-DFMO combination caused higher putrescine and spermidine, lower spermine, but no change in total polyamine levels. We conclude that CGP 48664A potentiates the cystostatic effect of DFMO in vivo. The resulting growth inhibition is accompanied by an accumulation in G0/G1- and G2/M-phases and a reduction of putrescine and spermidine. The data suggest that perturbed polyamine composition rather than reduced spermidine or total polyamine pool size causes a profound growth inhibition.

Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase↗

A narrow-bore HPLC method for the identification and quantitation of free, conjugated, and bound polyamines.

A modified sensitive high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, using a narrow-bore column (2.1 x 200 mm, C-18, 5-microns particle size) with a methanol:water gradient (55-84%, v/v), is described for direct analysis of benzoylated free (S), soluble-conjugated (SH), and insoluble-bound (PH) polyamines in plant tissues. Regression curves for each fraction of polyamines allow a precise quantitative determination of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, and agmatine in all fractions (S, SH, PH) of a crude extract. A comparison of the results to the corresponding values for dansylated polyamines separated by thin-layer chromatography and quantitated by fluorometry is also presented. S, SH, and PH polyamines as benzoylated derivatives from leaves of Vitis vinifera L. cv Dogridge were characterized and quantitatively determined with this improved sensitive HPLC method.

Biogenic Polyamines↗

Search for novel ligands selective at a polyamine recognition domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex using membrane binding techniques.

Among over 60 polyamine derivatives tested, only N-(3-aminopropyl)octanediamine and bis-(3-aminopropyl)nonanediamine (TE393) markedly inhibited [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801) binding at equilibrium in the presence of added spermidine (SPD) in "non-washed" rat brain synaptic membranes, without affecting that in the absence of added SPD. Although TE393 significantly potentiated [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium in the presence of L-glutamic acid (Glu) alone or both Glu and glycine (Gly) added in "Triton-treated" membranes, the putative polyamine antagonists 1,10-decanediamine (DA10) and arcaine invariably inhibited binding irrespective of the addition of agonists. In the absence of added SPD, in addition, TE393 markedly enhanced abilities of both Glu and Gly to potentiate [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium. However, TE393 induced a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve of SPD for [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium. Moreover, TE393 was effective in potentiating binding of an antagonist but not an agonist radioligand to the NMDA domain and in inhibiting binding of an antagonist but not an agonist radioligand to the Gly domain. The potentiation of NMDA antagonist binding by TE393 occurred in a manner sensitive to prevention by arcaine but not by DA10. These results suggest that TE393 may be a novel ligand at the polyamine domain with an ability to interact with both the NMDA and Gly recognition domains in antagonist-preferring forms.

Animals↗

Differential effects of polyamine derivative compounds against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and axenic amastigotes.

The natural polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic compounds that play important biological functions in cell growth and differentiation. In the case of protozoan species that are causative agents of important human diseases such as Leishmaniasis, an exogenous supply of polyamines supports parasite proliferation. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of three polyamine derivatives, (namely bis-naphthalimidopropyl putrescine (BNIPPut), spermidine (BNIPSpd) and spermine (BNIPSpm)), on the proliferative stages of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin. A significant reduction of promastigotes and axenic amastigotes growth was observed in the presence of increasing concentrations of the drugs, although the mechanisms leading to the parasite growth arrest seems to be different. Indeed, by using a number of biochemical approaches to analyse the alterations that occurred during early stages of parasite-drug interaction (i.e. membrane phosphatidylserine exposure measured by annexin V binding, DNA fragmentation, deoxynucleotidyltranferase-mediated dUTP end labelin (TUNEL), mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss), we showed that the drugs had the capacity to induce the death of promastigotes by a mechanism that shares many features with metazoan apoptosis. Surprisingly, the amastigotes did not behave in a similar way to promastigotes. The drug inhibitory effect on amastigotes growth and the absence of propidium iodide labelling may suggest that the compounds are acting as cytostatic substances. Although, the mechanisms of action of these compounds have yet to be elucidated, the above data show for the first time that polyamine derivatives may act differentially on the Leishmania parasite stages. Further chemical modifications are needed to make the polyamine derivatives as well as other analogues able to target the amastigote stage of the parasite.

Animals↗

Polyamine-depletion induces p27Kip1 and enhances dexamethasone-induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in human T lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis is preceded by G1 arrest and supposed to be up-regulated by polyamine-depletion, which also induces G1, arrest. In CEM leukemia cells, dexamethasone showed an antileukemic effect by inducing G1 arrest and apoptosis. DFMO, which depleted cellular polyamines by inhibiting ornithine decarboxylase, induced G1 arrest but without apoptosis, though it enhanced dexamethasone-induced G1 arrest and apoptosis. The G1 arrest was associated with hypophosphorylation of pRb. Dexamethasone inhibited the increase of mutated p53 expression but had little effect on p2Wafl/Cip1 expression. The p27Kip1, level was increased by dexamethasone or and DFMO in line with the kinetics of G1 arrest. Therefore, the up-regulation of dexamethasone-induced apoptosis by polyamine-depletion may be associated with additive down-regulation of G1 progression via the p27Kip1-pRb pathtway.

Apoptosis↗

Involvement of polyamines in selenomethionine induced apoptosis and mitotic alterations in human tumor cells.

The efficacy of dietary selenium supplementation is currently being evaluated in intervention trials. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the cancer chemopreventive effects of selenium supplementation have yet to be elucidated. Selenium metabolism and polyamine biosynthesis are linked in their common requirement for S-adenosylmethionine. Selenomethionine was the predominant form of selenium in the dietary supplement, therefore we evaluated the anti-tumorigenic effects of selenomethionine. We found that selenomethionine inhibited tumor growth (both in A549 lung and HT29 colon cancer cells) in a dose-dependent manner. At 24 and 72 h, polyamine content of A549 and HT29 cancer cell lines was decreased at doses that inhibited 50% of normal growth. Selenomethionine treatment induced apoptosis in both cancer cell lines. Exogenous spermine administration, which replenishes intracellular polyamine levels, prevented selenomethionine induced apoptosis. Selenomethionine administration to the cancer cell lines increased the number of cells in metaphase. This cell cycle effect appeared to be reversed with the co-administration of selenomethionine and spermine. These data suggested that at least part of the anti-carcinogenic effects of selenium supplementation might be due to a depletion in polyamine levels. This depletion of polyamines leads to an induction in apoptosis and perturbations in the cell cycle.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

[Changes in the pool of polyamines [correction of polyvitamins] during transition from anaerobic to aerobic conditions and localization of enzymes for their synthesis in Escherichia coli cells].

The content of intra- and extracellular polyamines and the activity of enzymes mediating their synthesis change depending on the regime of cell aeration. The pool of putrescine rises abruptly upon the transition from anaerobic to aerobic conditions owing to its liberation from the bound state as well as due to an increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase; as a result, the structural-functional organisation of membranes is restored. The free pool of cadaverine appears because, presumably, its binding to membranes is upset and the activity of lysine decarboxylase rises. The localisation of the enzymes for polyamine synthesis in the cell seems to be determined by the specific action of their products on particular cellular structures and metabolic processes in Escherichia coli cells.

Aerobiosis↗