A highly sensitive fluorescent probe RN-NA reveals peroxynitrite as a novel biomarker for primary open angle glaucoma

AIM:To directly quantify peroxynitrite(ONOO-)using a highly sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer probe RN-NA,investigate the association between ONOOand primary open angle glaucoma(POAG),and clarify whether RN-NA could be used as a potential tool for POAG diagnosis.METHODS:Plasma and aqueous humor(AH)samples were collected from POAG patients(n=100,age:59.70±6.87y)and age-related cataract(ARC)patients(n=100,age:61.15±4.60y)admitted to our hospital.Next,RN-NA was used to detect ONOO-in plasma and AH samples,and the relationship between ONOO-level and POAG was analyzed using binary logistic regression.Besides,Pearson correlation analysis was applied to characterize the correlation of the levels of ONOO-with the patients’age,intraocular pressure(IOP),and mean deviation of visual field testing.The ONOO-scavenger MnTMPyP was employed to treat the 3-morpholinosyndnomine(SIN-1)-induced ocular hypertension in mice(n=7,6-8wk).Finally,the IOP and ONOO-in both eyes were measured 30min after the last drug treatment.RESULTS:ONOO-levels of AH and plasma were significantly higher in the POAG group than in the ARC group(P<0.01).Additionally,ONOO-levels were closely correlated with POAG in a binary logistic regression analysis[odds ratio(OR)=1.008,95%confidence interval(CI):1.002-1.013,P<0.01 for AH;OR=1.004,95%CI:1.002-1.006,P<0.001 for plasma].Pearson correlation analysis showed that ONOO-levels in AH or plasma were positively associated with visual field defects(R=0.51,P<0.01 for AH;R=0.45,P<0.001 for plasma),and ONOO-levels in plasma and AH were correlated in the POAG group(R=0.69,P<0.001).However,administering MnTMPyP to mouse eyes reversed the elevated IOP caused by SIN-1(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:ONOO-levels in AH and plasma,detected by RN-NA,are significantly related to POAG and positively correlated with visual field defects in POAG patients.Hence,ONOO-is a potential biomarker of POAG,especially advanced POAG.Besides,anti-nitration compounds may be novel ocular hypotensive agents based on the animal study.

Regulatory role of peroxynitrite in advanced glycation end products mediated diabetic cardiovascular complications

The Advanced Glycation End Products(AGE)binding with its receptor can increase reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation through specific signaling mediators.The effect of superoxide(O2-)and O2-mediated ROS and reactive nitrogen species depends on their concentration and location of formation.Nitric oxide(NO)has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties and a vasodilation effect,but NO can be deactivated by reacting with O_(2)^(-).This reaction between NO and O2-produces the potent oxidant ONOO−.Therefore,ONOO-'s regulatory role in AGEs in diabetic cardiovascular complications must considered as a regulator of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

A novelα-ketoamide reactivity-based two-photon fluorogenic probe for visualizing peroxynitrite in Parkinson's disease models

Peroxynitrite(ONOO^(-))contributes to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease(PD).Developing a peroxynitrite probe would enable in situ visualization of the overwhelming ONOO^(-)flux and understanding of the ONOO^(-)stress-induced neuropathology of PD.Herein,a novelα-ketoamide-based fluorogenic probe(DFlu)was designed for ONOO^(-)
monitoring in multiple PD models.The results demonstrated that DFlu exhibits a fluorescence turn-on response to ONOO^(-)with high specificity and sensitivity.The efficacy of DFlu for intracellular ONOO^(-)
imaging was demonstrated systematically.The results showed that DFlu can successfully visualize endogenous and exogenous ONOO^(-)in cells derived from chemical and biochemical routes.More importantly,the two-photon excitation ability of DFlu has been well demonstrated by monitoring exogenous/endogenous ONOO^(-)production and scavenging in live zebraflsh PD models.This work provides a reliable and promising
α-ketoamide-based optical tool for identifying variations of ONOO^(-)in PD models.

Peroxynitrite Scavenging Activities of Resveratrol and Piceid

In vitro antioxidant activities of resveratrol and piceid against peroxynitrite（ONOO-） were examined by the inhibition of 3-nitrotyrosine formation.Trolox was used as a positive control.Resveratrol and piceid exhibited high ONOO--scavenging activities in a concentration dependent manner.The antioxidant activities（the concentration of test compound required to yield a 50% inhibition of tyrosine nitration,IC 50） of resveratrol and piceid against ONOO-were（48.34±0.97） and（74.69±1.49） μmol/L,respectively.Compared with that of trolox[（105.40±1.16） μmol/L],their scavenging activities were 2.2-and 1.5-fold higher for resveratrol and piceid.Formation of nitroresveratrol as shown by UV-Vis spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-tandom mass spectrometry（LC-MS/MS） analysis indicates that resveratrol could directly scavenge ONOO-via nitration reaction.Our results demonstrate that foods and medicinal herbs with resveratrol and piceid as stronger ONOO-scavengers are valuable ingredients and have healthy application in preventing humans from peroxynitrite-mediated oxidative damage by scavenging peroxynitrite efficiently.

Identification and quantification of flavonoids in Carica papaya leaf and peroxynitrite-scavenging activity

Objective: To characterize the types, contents, and peroxynitrite-scavenging activities of flavonoids in the leaf of Carica papaya(C. papaya).Methods: Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques along with high performance liquid chromatography quantitative analysis and peroxynitrite-scavenging assay were performed to isolate and quantify flavonoid compounds in the flavonoid-rich fraction(Bu OH fraction) derived from Me OH extract of C. papaya leaves and evaluate their peroxynitrite-scavenging activities.Results: Seven flavonoids were isolated from the leaves of C. papaya, including quercetin 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside), kaempferol 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside), quercetin 3-rutinoside, myricetin 3-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, quercetin, and kaempferol. All of the substances exhibited potent activities on peroxynitrite scavenging(IC50 4.15 mmol/L), which were stronger than the positive control, L-penicillamine(6.90 mmol/L). The content of kaempferol 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside) was significantly higher than other identified compounds(123.18 mg/g Bu OH fraction and 7.23 mg/g Me OH extract).Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate the potent antioxidant flavonoids of C. papaya leaf, with kaempferol 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside) as the major one.

Serum E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 level and peroxynitrite related to oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients

Objective: To prove probable relations between serum E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2(NSMCE2) concentration, peroxynitrite related to oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients.Methods: A total of 60 patients with nephrolithiasis and 50 healthy volunteers were involved in this study. Colorimetric method was used to detect blood urea, creatinine, uric acid, protein, albumin, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, peroxynitrite, nitric oxide and oxidative stress index. Glutathione, NSMCE2 and superoxide dismutase were measured by ELISA.Results: A significant increase in level of peroxynitrite, total oxidant status, NSMCE2 and oxidative stress index in patients was observed, while total antioxidant status and glutathione were significantly decreased.Conclusions: The study concluded that serum NSMCE2 significantly correlated with peroxynitrite and oxidative stress in patients with nephrolithiasis.

Theoretical Studies on the Isomerization of Peroxynitrite to Nitrate Mediated by Peroxynitrous Acid

The conversion of peroxynitrite （ONOO-） to nitrate （NO3-） mediated by peroxynitrous acid （ONOOH） has been investigated at the CCSD/6-311G（d）//B3LYP/6-31 1＋G（d,p） level. Two kinds of pathways for the title reaction were found. The results show that the energy barrier of isomerization through pathway 1 is around 25 kcal/mol in the gas phase. This value is significantly lower than that of isomerization without any catalysts. Thus, it indicates that ONOOH definitely makes the conversion from ONOO- to NO3- feasible. Although pathway 2 does not decrease the energy barrier of this isomerization, peroxynitric acid （O2NOOH） was obtained; moreover, this is a new pathway for this formation. In view of the results that peroxynitrate anion can decompose into nitrite and dioxygen, we conclude that our results are consistent with the experimental observation that nitrate, nitrite, and dioxygen are the main final products of the decay of peroxynitrite around pH 7.

Metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene in peroxynitrite/Fe(III) porphyrin system

The peroxynitrite/porphyrin biomimetic system was established to investigate the effects of peroxynitrite on benzo[a]pyrene （B[a]P） metabolism. Three model systems consisting of different iron porphyrins were compared, and the results showed that the peroxynitdte/T（p-Cl）PPFeCl system was the highest catalytic efficiency in the metabolism of B [a]P. We analyzed the B [a]P metabolites produced from this system by RP-HPLC method and firstly identified the formation of nitrobenzo[a]pyrenes which are the special metabolites of B [a]P induced by peroxynitrite.

Effect of Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) on the Function of Murine Perivascular Adipose Tissue

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounds the exterior of blood vessels and releases numerous substances such as adiponectin which positively modulate blood vessel tone. In some cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, the function of PVAT changes and we speculate that oxidant stress may play a role in this change. PVAT has the ability to generate both superoxide and nitric oxide and these can combine rapidly under physiological conditions to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-). In disease states, the production of ONOO- may be increased and so its effect on the function of PVAT is of great interest. Consequently, we studied the effects of acute addition of the oxidant species ONOO- on vascular tone and production of adiponectin by mouse thoracic aortic PVAT. Murine PVAT was immunostained for nitrotyrosine, indicating that ONOO- is formed in the PVAT. Exogenous ONOO- significantly increased the anticontractile effect of PVAT via increased adiponectin content but had no effect on eNOS expression or phosphorylation. These results suggest that generation of ONOO- within PVAT may be an important regulatory mechanism which influences the activity of PVAT. The effect of chronic exposure to raised levels of ONOO- on PVAT function remains to be determined.

Nitric Oxide/Peroxynitrite Redox Imbalance in Endothelial Cells Measured with Amperometric Nanosensors

The cytoprotective messenger nitric oxide (NO) and cytotoxic peroxynitrite (ONOO-) are the main components of oxidative stress and can be generated by endothelial cells. A tandem of electrochemical nanosensors (diameter 200-300 nm) were used to measure, in situ, the balance between NO and ONOO-produced by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC’s). The amperometric nanosensors were placed 5 ± 2 μm from the surface of the endothelial cells and the concentration of NO and ONOO- was measured at 630 mV and -300 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) respectively. Normal, functional, endothelial cells produced maximal 450 ± 25 nmol.L-1 of NO and 180 ± 15 nmol.L-1 of ONOO- in about 3 s, after stimulation with calcium ionophore. The in situ measurements of NO and ONOO- were validated using nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NMMA, ONOO- scavenger Mn(III) porphyrin, and superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD). The ratio of NO concentration to ONOO- concentration ([NO]/[ONOO-]) was introduced for quantification of both, the redox balance and the level of the nitroxidative stress in the endothelium. [NO]/[ONOO-] was 2.7 ± 0.1 in a functional endothelium. The model of the dysfunctional endothelium was made by the treatment of HUVEC’s with angiotensin II for 20 min. Dysfunctional HUVEC’s produced only 115 ± 15 nmol.L-1 of NO, but generated a significantly higher concentration of ONOO- of 490 ± 30 nmol.L-1. The [NO]/[ONOO-] ratio decreased to 0.23 ± 0.14 in the dysfunctional endothelium. Electrochemical nanosensors can be effectively used for in situ monitoring of changing levels of nitroxidative/ oxidative stress, and may be useful in early medical diagnosis of the cardiovascular system.

Mitochondria-specific near-infrared photoactivation of peroxynitrite upconversion luminescent nanogenerator for precision cancer gas therapy

Gas therapy is emerging as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.However,there are limitations,including the lack of targeted subcellular organelle accuracy and spatiotemporal release precision,associated with gas therapy.In this study,we developed a series of photoactivatable nitric oxide(NO)donors NRh-R-NO(R=Me,Et,Bn,iPr,and Ph)based on an N-nitrosated upconversion luminescent rhodamine scaffold.Under the irradiation of 808 nm light,only NRh-Ph-NO could effectively release NO and NRh-Ph with a significant turn-on frequency upconversion luminescence(FUCL)signal at 740 nm,ascribed to lower N-N bond dissociation energy.We also investigated the involved multistage near-infrared-controlled cascade release of gas therapy,including the NO released from NRh-Ph-NO along with one NRh-Ph molecule generation,the superoxide anion O_(2)^(⋅−)produced by the photodynamic therapy(PDT)effect of NRh-Ph,and highly toxic peroxynitrite anion(ONOO‒)generated from the co-existence of NO and O_(2)^(⋅−).After mild nano-modification,the nanogenerator(NRh-Ph-NO NPs)empowered with superior biocompatibility could target mitochondria.Under an 808 nm laser irradiation,NRh-Ph-NO NPs could induce NO/ROS to generate RNS,causing a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and initiating apoptosis by caspase-3 activation,which further induced tumor immunogenic cell death(ICD).In vivo therapeutic results of NRh-Ph-NO NPs showed augmented RNS-potentiated gas therapy,demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and effective tumor inhibition guided by real-time FUCL imaging.Collectively,this versatile strategy defines the targeted RNS-mediated cancer therapy.

An ischemic area-targeting,peroxynitrite-responsive,biomimetic carbon monoxide nanogenerator for preventing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury is common in patients who undergo revascularization therapy for myocardial infarction, often leading to cardiac dysfunction. Carbon monoxide (CO) has emerged as a therapeutic molecule due to its beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and mitochondrial biogenesis-promoting properties. However, its clinical application is limited due to uncontrolled release, potential toxicity, and poor targeting efficiency. To address these limitations, a peroxynitrite (ONOO )-triggered CO donor (PCOD585) is utilized to generate a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based, biomimetic CO nanogenerator (M/PCOD@PLGA) that is coated with the macrophage membrane, which could target to the ischemic area and neutralize proinflammatory cytokines. In the ischemic area, local produced ONOO triggers the continuous release of CO from M/PCOD@PLGA, which efficiently ameliorates MI/R injury by clearing harmful ONOO , attenuating the inflammatory response, inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. This study provides a novel insight into the safe therapeutic use of CO for MI/R injury by utilizing a novel CO donor combined with biomimetic technology. The M/PCOD@PLGA nanogenerator offers targeted delivery of CO to the ischemic area, minimizing potential toxicity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Rationally designed meso-benzimidazole-pyronin with emission wavelength beyond 700 nm enabling in vivo visualization of acute-liver-injury-induced peroxynitrite

Fluorescent dyes with fluorescence emission above 700 nm are favorable for bio-imaging due to the higher tissue transparency and lower background fluorescence. In this study, we present a mesobenzimidazole-pyronin platform(Si BMs) with fluorescence emission maxima above 700 nm, which possess good cell permeability, photostability, and lysosomal localization. The great photophysical properties of the Si BMs encouraged us to further exploit their application toward bio-imaging. We synthesized the reduced ‘dihydro’ derivative HSi BM3 for sensing ONOO^(-), with high selectivity and sensitivity and a fast fluorescence “off-on” response(within 2 s). Then, we confirmed the potential of HSi BM3 for visualizing exogenous and endogenous ONOO-in cells and mice. More importantly, HSi BM3 was successfully employed for visualizing acute-liver-injury-induced peroxynitrite.

Peroxynitrite诱导下咽癌细胞凋亡与PDCD4基因活性相关性研究

目的探讨peroxynitrite(ONOO-)作用于下咽癌细胞过程中PDCD4基因表达的变化。方法以体外培养的下咽癌FaDu细胞系为实验材料,不同浓度的ONOO-作用于FaDu细胞,噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法测定细胞生存率,采用Ho.33342/PI荧光双染进行形态学观察,RT-PCR及Western-blot检测PDCD4mRNA水平及蛋白表达的变化,评价PDCD4基因在ONOO-诱导FaDu细胞凋亡过程中的作用。结果 ONOO-(50、100、200μmol/L)作用FaDu细胞24h,能够显著抑制细胞增值,并诱导细胞程序性凋亡,同时引起PDCD4mRNA水平显著上调,PDCD4蛋白表达显著增加。结论 PDCD4基因可能在ONOO-诱导下咽癌细胞生长的信号转导调节通路中起到关键作用。

Endogenous peroxynitrite activated fluorescent probe for revealing anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatotoxicity

Py^(+)razinamide (PZA), isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RFP) are all commonly used anti-tuberculosis drugs in clinical practice, and long-term medication may cause severe liver damage and toxicity. The level of peroxynitrite (ONOO^(-)) generated in liver has long been regarded as a biomarker for the prediction and measurement of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In this article, we constructed a BODIPY-based fluorescent probe (BDP-Py^(+)) that enabled quickly and sensitively detect and image ONOO^(-) in vivo. Utilizing this probe, we demonstrated the change of ONOO^(-) content in cells and mice model of DILI induced by acetaminophen (APAP), and for the first time revealed the mechanism of liver injury induced by antituberculosis drug PZA. Moreover, BDP-Py^(+) could be applied to screen out and evaluate the hepatotoxicity of different anti-tuberculosis drugs. Comparing with the existing serum enzymes detection and H&E staining, the probe could achieve early diagnosis of DILI before solid lesions in liver via monitoring the up-regulation of ONOO^(-) levels. Collectively, this work will promote the understanding of the pathogenesis of anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury (ATB-DILI), and provide a powerful tool for the early diagnosis and treatment of DILI.

Mechanisms of peroxynitrite-induced [Ca^(2+)]_i increase in single neuronal cell

The mechanism of peroxynitrite (ONOO -)induced [Ca 2+ ] i increase in single MN9D cell (Dopaminergic neuroblastoma cell line) was studied by using Fura2 microfluorometric technique. The results show that ONOO - caused a rapid increase of [Ca 2+ ] i when ONOO - was puffed to the cell. Removing Ca 2+ from the bath or using calcium channel antagonist (CdCl 2, Nifedipine) greatly inhibited the [Ca 2+ ] i increase induced by ONOO -, suggesting that the opening of LCa 2+ channel makes a great contribution to the [Ca 2+ ]\-i increase. The effect of sulfhydryl reductive agent (DTT) on ONOO -induced [Ca 2+ ]\-i increase suggests that ONOO -activating LCa 2+ channel is partly related to its oxidative speciality.

A Single-wavelength NIR-triggered Polymer for in Situ Generation of Peroxynitrite (ONOO^(−)) to Enhance Phototherapeutic Efficacy

Phototherapies including photodynamic therapy(PDT)and photothermal therapy(PTT)are the most promising and non-invasive cancer treatments.However,the efficacy of mono-therapy of PDT or PTT is often limited by the phototherapeutic defects such as low light penetration depth of photosensitizers and insufficiency of photothermal agents.Peroxynitrite(ONOO−)has been proved to be an efficient oxidizing and nitrating agent that involves in various physiological and pathological processes.Therefore,ONOO−produced in tumor site could be an effective treatment in cancer therapy.Herein,a novel cyanine dye-based(Cy7)polymer nanoplatform is developed for enhanced phototherapy by in situ producing ONOO−.The Cy7 units in the nanoparticles can not only be served as the photosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species(ROS)including singlet oxygen and superoxide anion for PDT,but also be used as a heat source for PTT and the release of NO gas from N-nitrosated napthalimide(NORM)at the same time.Since NO can react quickly with superoxide anion to generate ONOO−,the enhanced phototherapy could be achieved by in situ ONOO−produced by PCy7-NO upon exposure to the near infrared(NIR)light.Therefore,the NIR-triggered Cy7-based nanoplatform for ONOO−-enhanced phototherapy may provide a new perspective in cancer therapy.

3-N-Butylphthalide mitigates high glucose-induced injury to Schwann cells:association with nitrosation and apoptosis

A high glucose state readily causes peripheral axon atrophy, demyelination, loss of nerve fiber function, and delayed regeneration. However, few studies have examined whether nitration is also critical for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of high glucose on proliferation, apoptosis, and 3-nitrotyrosine levels of Schwann cells treated with butylphthalide. In addition, we explored potential protective mechanisms of butylphthalide on peripheral nerves. Schwann cells were cultured in vitro with high glucose then stimulated with the peroxynitrite anion inhibitors uric acid and 3-n-butylphthalide for 48 hours. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effects of uric acid and 3-n-butylphthalide on proliferation and apoptosis of Schwann cells exposed to a high glucose environment. Effects of uric acid and 3-n-butylphthalide on levels of 3-nitrotyrosine in Schwann cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicated that Schwann cells cultured in high glucose showed decreased proliferation, but increased apoptosis and intracellular 3-nitrotyrosine levels. However, intervention with uric acid or 3-n-butylphthalide could increase proliferation of Schwann cells cultured in high glucose, and inhibited apoptosis and intracellular 3-nitrotyrosine levels. According to our data, 3-n-butylphthalide may inhibit cell nitrification and apoptosis, and promote cell proliferation, thereby reducing damage to Schwann cells caused by high glucose.

Cholecystokinin octapeptide antagonizes apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Although cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 is important for neurological function, its neuroprotective properties remain unclear. We speculated that cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 can protect human retinal pigment epithelial cells against oxidative injury. In this study, retinal pigment epithelial cells were treated with peroxynitrite to induce oxidative stress. Peroxynitrite triggered apoptosis in these cells, and increased the expression of Fas-associated death domain, Bax, caspase-8 and Bcl-2. These changes were suppressed by treatment with cholecystokinin octapeptide-8. These results suggest that cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 can protect human retinal pigment epithelial cells against apoptosis induced by peroxynitrite.

Elevation of gene expression of calcineurin,calmodulin and calsyntenin in oxidative stress induced PC12 cells

In normal physiological conditions,reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are used as important signaling molecules in the cell.However,in excess it causes the disruption of cell resulting in their death.Oxidative stress causes influx in intracellular calcium levels leading to higher concentrations of calcium in the cell.This accelerated calcium affects both the mitochondria and nuclei leading to excitotoxicity in neurons.Intracellular calcium levels are controlled by voltage dependent calcium channels located in the plasma membrane,calcium stores like endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum and majorly by calcium binding proteins.Our study was aimed at analyzing the gene expression of major calcium binding proteins namely calcineurin,calmodulin,calreticulin,synaptotagamin and calsyntenin in stress induced PC 12 cells.Rotenone(1 mM),Peroxynitrite(10 mM),H_(2)O_(2)(100 mM)and High glucose(33 mM)were used to induce oxidative stress in PC12 cells.Results obtained from the study suggest that calcineurin,calmodulin and calsyntenin gene expression were enhanced compared to the control due to oxidative stress.However,synaptotagmin and calreticulin gene expression were down regulated.Further,Akt protein expression(stress marker)was enhanced in PC12 cells with all other stress inducers except in hyperglycemic condition.