stilbenes and cysteinylglycine

Neurons rely on the release and subsequent cleavage of GSH to cysteinylglycine (CysGly) by astrocytes in order to maintain optimal intracellular GSH levels. In neurodegenerative diseases characterised by oxidative stress, neurons need an optimal GSH supply to defend themselves against free radicals released from activated microglia and astroglia. The rate of GSH synthesis is controlled largely by the activity of γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase. Expression of γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase and of the Xc- system, which facilitates cystine uptake, is regulated by the redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Compounds that can activate the Nrf2-ARE pathway, referred to as 'Nrf2 activators' are receiving growing attention due to their potential as GSH-boosting drugs. This study compares four known Nrf2 activators, R-α-Lipoic acid (LA), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), sulforaphane (SFN) and Polygonum cuspidatum extract containing 50% resveratrol (PC-Res) for their effects on astroglial release of GSH and CysGly. GSH levels increased dose-dependently in response to all four drugs. Sulforaphane produced the most potent effect, increasing GSH by up to 2.4-fold. PC-Res increased GSH up to 1.6-fold, followed by TBHQ (1.5-fold) and LA (1.4-fold). GSH is processed by the ectoenzyme, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, to form CysGly. Once again, SFN produced the most potent effect, increasing CysGly by up to 1.7-fold, compared to control cells. TBHQ and PC-Res both induced fold increases of 1.3, followed by LA with a fold increase of 1.2. The results from the present study showed that sulforaphane, followed by lipoic acid, resveratrol and Polygonum multiflorum were all identified as potent "GSH and Cys-Gly boosters".

Topics: Astrocytes; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Dipeptides; Glutathione; Homocysteine; Humans; Hydroquinones; Isothiocyanates; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Plant Extracts; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Sulfoxides; Thioctic Acid

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, cisPt) is especially useful in the treatment of epithelial malignancies, however, the use of cisplatin is accompanied by several toxicities including haematological toxicity. Contrary to cisplatin, selenium-cisplatin conjugate ((NH(3))(2)Pt(SeO(3)); Se-Pt) has only a slight toxicity effect on blood platelet function. In the mechanism of platinum compounds action on platelets thiols are involved. The aim of the present studies was to examine in vitro how trans-resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) acts on the levels of platelet glutathione (GSH) and other thiol-containing compounds and how, as an antioxidant, protecs blood platelets against the oxidative stress caused by platinum compounds (cisPt and Se-Pt). To analyse the level of thiols in human blood platelets treated with platinum compounds and with resveratrol the classical technique HPLC has been used. Blood platelets isolated by differential centrifugation of human blood were incubated (30 min, 37 degrees C) with cisPt or Se-Pt at dose of 10 microg/ml that inhibits platelet function and with resveratrol (25 microg/ml). The obtained results indicate that platinum compounds caused in platelets a decrease of both, reduced glutathione (GSH) and free thiols of cysteine (CSH) and cysteinylglycine (CGSH). The pool of these compounds in unreduced form was increased. Platinum compounds caused the reduction of platelet protein thiols. Resveratrol (after 30 min action) at the concentration of 25 microg/ml partly reduced the platinum compounds induced decrease of platelet thiols, particularly thiols in acid-soluble fraction.

Topics: Antioxidants; Blood Platelets; Cisplatin; Cysteine; Dipeptides; Glutathione; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Oxidative Stress; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Sulfhydryl Compounds

The peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-) is a reactive species produced in the reaction between the superoxide anion (O2*-) and nitric oxide (*NO). ONOO- is involved in several pathological conditions such as inflammation, arteriosclerosis, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Our earlier results showed that ONOO- inhibits different steps of blood platelet activation and causes the depletion of platelet thiols. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol (3, 4', 5-trihydroxystilbene) and other antioxidants (uric acid and deferoxamine (DFO)) on the level of low molecular thiols such as glutathione, cysteine and cysteinylglycine (in reduced and oxidized form) in blood platelets treated with ONOO-. Our results showed that ONOO- (100 microM, 2 min) induces changes in these thiols (measured by HPLC method); these changes are diminished in the presence of resveratrol. Preincubation of human platelets with resveratrol at a concentration of 100 microM (30 min) has a protective effect against the oxidation of platelet thiols induced by ONOO- or its intermediate. The other tested antioxidants also have a protectory action. In conclusion, we suggest that the resveratrol present in the human diet may partially protect -SH groups from oxidation and may be responsible for redox regulation and control in platelets.

Topics: Antioxidants; Blood Platelets; Cysteine; Dipeptides; Glutathione; Humans; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Peroxynitrous Acid; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Sulfhydryl Compounds