Sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations in human cells induced by H2O2 and other photoproducts generated in fluorescent light-exposed medium

Exposure of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's tissue culture medium to visible fluorescent light generated photoproducts toxic to human cells in culture. Toxicity manifested at the chromosome level was increased chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in cells exposed to the photoproducts. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a major photoproduct, induced SCE but failed to increase chromosome aberrations. Pure H₂O₂, or the H₂O₂ generated in light-exposed medium, was necessary and sufficient for inducing all the increase in SCE. However, H₂O₂ was necessary but insufficient to cause most of the chromosome aberrations. Only when acting synergistically with other photoproducts did H₂O, induce extensive chromosome aberrations. The relatively high cell densities at near confluence levels used in these experiments were less sensitive to light-induced effects, nevertheless the entire light exposure dosage range effected photoproduct production adequate for inducing SCE and chromosome aberrations. Thus, mammalian tissue and cell culture media can receive sufficient dosage from fluorescent lights illuminating rooms and culture hoods for generation of photoproducts causing gross and insidious SCE and chromosome alterations.     

CYTOTOXICITY AND GENOTOXICITY OF UVA IRRADIATION IN CHINESE HAMSTER OVARY CELLS MEASURED BY SPECIFIC LOCUS MUTATIONS, SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES AND CHROMOSOME ABERRATIONS

Abstract— The increasing use of artificial UVA (320-400 nm) suntanning devices has brought attention to possible hazardous effects of UVA. In contrast with earlier studies, several groups recently have described that UVA possibly is mutagenic. In this paper we evaluate the genotoxic properties of broad band UVA using CHO cells and three different assays: specific locus (HGPRT) mutations, chromosome aberrations, and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). The UVA-source was an UVASUN 2000 S (Mutzhas), emitting UVA above 340 nm. The survival curve of the cells exhibited a shoulder up to 200 kJ/m², that was followed by exponential killing at higher fluences. Mutations were induced linearly in the fluence range from 0-200 kJ/m² ( P < 0.001) to a level seven fold higher than the spontaneous, followed by a decrease at fluences above 300 kJ/m². Over the total range of tested fluences (0-300 kJ/m²) a linear dose-response relationship was observed for UVA-induced SCEs ( P < 0.001). A significantly higher percentage of the cells showed chromosomes with aberrations at the higher levels of exposure (200, 300 and 400 kJ/m²), but no dose response was demonstrated. Our results confirm recent findings showing that UVA is mutagenic in mammalian cells and suggest that UVA exposure may contribute to the total burden of genetic damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.     

INTERACTIONS OF ASCORBATE AND CHELATED IRON IN A METHYLVIOLOGEN-MEDIATED MEHLER REACTION

Abstract— –In the light, isolated spinach thylakoids consumed O₂ in the presence of methylviologen, and ascorbate was found to interact with this reaction in various ways. Chelating-resin was used to remove metal impurities from the assay medium. Ascorbate diminished the H₂0₂ pool in resin-untreated solutions, while in resin-treated solutions ascorbate had no effect on H₂O₂ concentrations. A Fenton catalyst (Fe-EDTA) increased O₂ uptake in the presence of ascorbate and decreased the amount of O₂ recovered by catalase. Ascorbate tripled the rate of the methylviologen-mediated Mehler reaction, and the O₂ consumed was liberated to 50% of its original concentration by catalase. Superoxide dismutase reversed the effects of ascorbate on the Mehler reaction rates. These results indicate that ascorbate can stimulate Mehler reactions indirectly by promoting a Fenton-type reaction as well as stimulating Mehler reactions directly by reducing 2O₂^- to 2H₂O₂. The promotion of a Fenton-type reaction by ascorbate appears to be the cause of H₂O₂ depletion in resin-untreated solutions.     

NEAR-UV INDUCTION OF SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES UNDER AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS

Abstract— The induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and cell sensitivity in mouse myeloma cells (66.2 subclone of MPC11) by irradiation with monochromatic near-UV (365 nm) light were studied under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Sister chromatid exchanges were studied using the fluorescence-plus-Giemsa technique, and sensitivity was determined by the ability of irradiated and nonirradiated control cells to form colonies in soft agar. Cells were found to be 16 times more sensitive to near-UV light under aerobic exposure, producing an F₃₇ value of 7 × 10⁴ J/m² compared to the F₃₇ value of 11.5 × 10⁵ J/m² under anaerobic conditions. The induction of SCE was also 12 times more efficient for aerobic irradiation than for anaerobic irradiation. The data suggest that the SCE-inducing potential of DNA lesions differs when near-UV irradiation is performed in the presence or absence of air. In addition, the DNA lesions responsible for lethality and also those lesions leading to SCE induction may differ under the two irradiation conditions.     

A Role for Hydrogen Peroxide in the Pro-apoptotic Effects of Photodynamic Therapy

Although the first reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed during irradiation of photosensitized cells is almost invariably singlet molecular oxygen (¹O₂), other ROS have been implicated in the phototoxic effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Among these are superoxide anion radical (^•O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radical (^•OH). In this study, we investigated the role of H₂O₂ in the pro-apoptotic response to PDT in murine leukemia P388 cells. A primary route for detoxification of cellular H₂O₂ involves the peroxisomal enzyme catalase. Inhibition of catalase activity by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole led to an increased apoptotic response. PDT-induced apoptosis was impaired by addition of an exogenous recombinant catalase analog (CAT- skl) that was specifically designed to enter cells and more efficiently localize in peroxisomes. A similar effect was observed upon addition of 2,2'-bipyridine, a reagent that can chelate Fe⁺², a co-factor in the Fenton reaction that results in the conversion of H₂O₂ to ^•OH. These results provide evidence that formation of H₂O₂ during irradiation of photosensitized cells contributes to PDT efficacy.     

BLUE LIGHT INDUCED, REVERSIBLE IN ACTIVATION OF THE TONOPLAST-TYPE H+-ATPase FROM CORN COLEOPTILES IN THE PRESENCE OF FLAVINS

Abstract— Irradiation (λ_max 447 nm; 58.5 W m^-2) of a microsomal membrane fraction of corn coleoptiles for 5 min in the presence of the in vivo concentration of riboflavin inactivates the tonoplast-type H⁺-ATPase. This inhibition is O₂-dependent, is enhanced in D₂O and suppressed by NaN₃, indicating participation of singlet molecular oxygen in the inactivating mechanism. Besides singlet oxygen, the superoxide anion (O₂^-) is generated during irradiation, which obviously has no effect on the H⁺-pumping activity. However, in the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD), O₂^- is transformed into H₂O₂ which causes an additional strong inhibition of H⁺. ATPase activity. This inhibition can be increased by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which is known to be an electron donor of the excited flavin molecule. In contrast, catalase prevents the H₂O₂-mediated photoinactivation of the H⁺ -ATPase. The light dependent inactivation of H⁺-transport does not occur if reduced glutathion (GSH) is added prior to or after irradiation. These results indicate that the blue light mediated inhibition of the H⁺-ATPase is mediated by singlet oxygen and H₂O₂ which oxidize essential SH-groups of the enzyme into disulfides. Reduction of the formed disulfides by GSH restores the activity of the enzyme.     

PHOTOINACTIVATION OF A Chlamydomonas MUTANT(NL–11) IN THE PRESENCE OF METHIONINE: ROLES OF H2O2 and O-2

Abstract— A mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (NL–11) isolated from a wild type (137c+) was inactivated in the light in the presence of methionine at concentrations where the wild type was not inactivated. The inactivation was suppressed by either catalase or superoxide dismutase (SOD). Light-induced H₂O₂ formation and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction inNL–11 were greater than those in the wild type. Methionine stimulated both the H₂O₂ formation and the NBT reduction inNL–11 as well as the wild type. The light-induced NBT reduction inNL–11 in the presence of methionine was partially suppressed by externally added SOD suggesting the participation of O^-₂. These results suggest that the hypersensitivity ofNL–11 to methionine in the light is due to stimulated formation of H₂O₂ and O^-₂.     

CHEMILUMINESCENCE IN THE OXIDATION OF 6-HYDROXYDOPAMINE: EFFECTS OF LUCIGENIN, SCAVENGERS OF ACTIVE OXYGEN, METAL CHELATORS AND THE PRESENCE OF OXYGEN

Abstract— Maximum chemiluminescence in a system containing 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and H₂O₂ required the addition of Fe²⁺:EDTA, oxygen, and lucigenin. In this system luminescence was strongly inhibited by catalase (91% inhibition) or 50 m M mannitol (83%), whereas superoxide dismutase or ascorbate did not significantly change the reaction rate. In the absence of lucigenin, 50 m M mannitol (78%), catalase (76%), or ascorbate (73%) inhibited strongly, while superoxide dismutase inhibited by 60%. Removing EDTA from the lucigenin-containing system caused a 79% decrease in luminescence, while the substitution of desferoxamine for EDTA decreased luminescence by 55%. In the presence of desferoxamine plus EDTA the luminescence increased by 30% in comparison with that seen with EDTA alone. Luminescence in the system containing 6-hydroxydopamine, H₂O₂, Fe²⁺:EDTA and lucigenin required the presence of oxygen (93% inhibition anaerobically), consistent with a mechanism involving reductive oxygenation of the lucigenin. It is concluded that luminescence in the presence of lucigenin involves a substantial contribution from H₂O₂ and Fe²⁺ mediated by a mannitol-sensitive intermediate (conceivably Fenton-derived hydroxyl radicals). In the absence of lucigenin, superoxide and an ascorbate-labile component are additional important participants in the process.     

PHOTOREACTIVATION OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT-INDUCED SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES IN POTOROUS CELLS

Abstract— Exposure to visible light after UV-irradiation showed a remarkable effect on UV-induced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). After 6-h exposure to visible light (3 × 10⁵ J/m²), two-thirds of the UV-induced SCEs were prevented, confirming Kato's findings. Exposure to visible light before UV irradiation had no effect. This effect of visible light on UV-induced SCEs was temperature dependent, suggesting the presence of enzymatic photoreactivation.     

PORPHYRIN-SENSITIZED PHOTOREACTIONS IN THE PRESENCE OF ASCORBATE: OXIDATION OF CELL MEMBRANE LIPIDS AND HYDROXYL RADICAL TRAPS

Abstract— Photooxidation reactions in ascorbate (AH)-containing erythrocyte membrane suspensions have been studied in broad perspective by simultaneously monitoring lipid peroxidation in the membrane compartment and formation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radical (OH) in the aqueous compartment. Non-bound uroporphyrin (UP) and membrane-bound protoporphyrin (PP) were used as sensitizers. Photoreduction of UP to the radical anion (UP^-) was detected by electron spin resonance when UP/AH/membrane mixtures were irradiated anaerobically. Aerobic irradiation resulted in a strong AH^--stimulation of lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ formation, and OH^- generation (detected with 2-deoxyribose (DOR) and the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-N-oxide). Use of diagnostic agents (e.g. catalase, desferrioxamine, mannitol) revealed that OH^- is involved in light-stimulated DOR oxidation, but not in lipid peroxidation. Similar irradiation in the presence of PP resulted in far greater lipid peroxidation than observed with UP, but less DOR oxidation, and insignificant accumulation of H₂O₂. This suggests that photoreduction of membrane-bound PP is less efficient, possibly due to hindered access of AH^-.     

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE INDUCED RESISTANCE TO BROAD-SPECTRUM NEAR-ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT(300–400 nm) INACTIVATION IN Escherichia coli

Abstract— Strains of Escherichia coli carrying the four possible combinations of the alleles nur, nur⁺, uvrAb, and uvrA ⁺ were either untreated or pretreated with a sublethal dose of H₂0₂ prior to inactivation with NUV radiation. Pretreated cells exhibited a greater resistance to NUV than did untreated cells. Pretreatment with H₂O₂ did not induce resistance to FUV radiation. The induction of resistance to NUV inactivation by H₂O₂ pretreatment apparently leads to protection against the damage caused by NUV radiation. Although pretreatment of cells with H₂0₂ leads to resistance of such cells to inactivation by H₂O₂ and NUV, survival of H₂O₂ treated bacteriophage PI cml clr100 is not enhanced when assayed on H₂O₂ pretreated E. coli host cells.     

ACTION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ON HUMAN FIBROBLAST IN CULTURE

Abstract— Human fibroblasts in culture lose the capacity of proliferating when exposed to hydrogen peroxide in the concentration range of 1 to 10 μ M . The toxicity of H₂O₂ to xeroderma pigmentosum cells (XP12RO). defective in excision repair of lesions produced by UV-irradiation, was about twice as high as to cells proficient in excision repair (VA13). This compound produces single-strand breaks in intracellular DNA but not in purified DNA. These breaks are in situ physical discontinuities rather than alkali-labile bonds, and their generation occurs at the same extent at 4°C and 37° indicating that they are not produced by an endonuclease. The results favor the hypothesis that H₂O₂ reacts in the cell producing a radical species which brings about the formation of DNA single-strand breaks. These breaks are effectively repaired by both XP12RO and VA13 fibroblasts. The possible reason for the lethality of H₂O₂ is discussed.     

EFFECTS OF INTENSITY AND FLUENCE UPON DNA SINGLE-STRAND BREAKS INDUCED BY EXCIMER LASER RADIATION

Abstract— A Xenon-chloride excimer laser emitting energy at 308 nm was used to induce single-strand breaks (SSBs, frank breaks plus alkali-labile lesions as assayed by alkaline sucrose sedimentation techniques) in purified DNA from Bacillus subtilis . A fluence response study and a peak pulse intensity study were performed. At a pulse energy of 0.1 mJ/pulse, the radiation induced SSBs in a linear fashion (91 SSB/10⁸ Da per MJ/m²) to a maximum exprimental fluence of 1.28 MJ/m². The pulse intensity study showed that there were no significant changes in DNA breakage (105 SSB/10⁸ Da) between 2.93 times 10⁹ and 5.86 times 10¹¹ W/m² (0.11 and 22.0 mJ/pulse) at a constant total fluence of 1.1 MJ/m² (27000 mJ dose). This study has verified and extended previous work by quantifying the yield of SSBs induced in DNA by this laser radiation.     

CATALYTIC ACTION AND DESTRUCTION OF PROTOHEMATIN DURING PEROXIDE DEPENDENT LUMINOL CHEMILUMINESCENCE

Abstract— The catalytic action of protohematin was studied during the H₂O₂-dependent chemiluminescent luminol reaction. In spite of the fact that the catalyst was ultimately inactivated, the average protohematin molecule catalyzed the consumption of about 10³ molecules of luminol. The inactivation of catalyst and the initial consumption of luminol were studied during the luminescent reaction with different concentrations of reactants. A scheme accounting for the experimental observations is proposed. The formation of a primary protohematin-H₂O₂ complex is followed by binding of luminol, resulting in a ternary complex. A nucleophilic attack by a second molecule of H₂O₂ on the luminol molecule results in light emission from excited aminophthalate via a hypothetical peroxide adduct. The destruction of protohematin occurs via the attack of H₂O₂ on the porphyrin structure of the protohematin-H₂O₂ complex. Second order rate constants for the destruction of protohematin, the formation of the luminol complex and the nucleophilic attack of H₂O₂ are presented.     

PHOTOINDUCTION OF PROTOPERITHECIA IN NEUROSPORA CRASSA BY BLUE LIGHT

Blue light induces the formation of Neurospora crassa protoperithecia.This photoinduction is completed in less than 24 h. Its threshold is about 4.2 J/m². Red light is ineffective. The Bunsen-Roscoe law is obeyed at the fluence of 12.6 J/m² for fluence rates from 5.25 × 10 ² to 1.05 W/m².     

THE PHOTODYNAMIC EFFECT OF HEMATOPORPHYRIN ON DNA

Abstract— Breakage of DNA in vitro and inside E. colt cells has been determined after exposure to monochromatic 365 nm light in the presence of 10 µM hematoporphyrin. When measured by alkaline sucrose sedimentation, the yields of breaks were 1.4 × 10^-12 per dalton and per J/m² for Col El-DNA in vitro and 5.9 × 10^-3 per dalton and per J/m² for superinfecting phage Λ DNA inside E. coli cells made permeable by toluene. No breaks were found by neutral sucrose sedimentation, demonstrating that the lesions represent alkali-labile bonds. The majority of the alkali-labile bonds were induced by singlet oxygen, as evidenced by the several-fold higher yield obtained in D₂O-containing buffer.     

ON THE GENERATION OF THE HYDROXYLATION AGENT FROM SUPEROXIDE RADICAL. CAN THE HABER–WEISS REACTION BE THE SOURCE OF OH RADICALS?

Abstract— In many biological systems, the role of O₂^- in hydroxylation and toxic processes was assumed to be due to the formation of OH radicals. The Haber-Weiss reaction (Haber and Weiss, 1934)—(H₂O₂+ O₂^-→ OH + OH^-+ O₂) was suggested as the origin of this activity.
In this study it is shown that this reaction pathway is too slow, and that OH is probably formed from the reaction of complexed superoxide with H₂O₂ or/and from the reduction of Fe(III), bound to biological compounds, by O₂^-; the reduced Fe(II) can then react with H₂O₂ as a Fenton reagent, to yield OH.
It is also shown that singlet oxygen cannot be formed in these biological systems neither from the dismutation of OJ nor from the reaction of O₂^- with OH. Singlet oxygen may be formed from the reduction of metal complexes by O₂^-.     

DYE-SENSITIZED PHOTOREDUCTION OF METHYL VIOLOGEN

Abstract— The kinetics of the proflavine-sensitized photoreduction of methyl viologen (MV²⁺) to the blue radical cation (MV^.+) are presented. The triplet excited state of proflavine accepts an electron from EDTA to form the singly-reduced species of proflavine (PH^.); this species donates an electron to either the oxidized (MV^.+) or the singly–reduced (MV^.+) species of the bipyridyl. MV²⁺ can be reoxidized by oxygen to MV²⁺ but is decomposed by H₂O₂. The doubly-reduced form can not be reoxidized either by oxygen or by peroxide. Potassium iodide inhibits the photoreduction of MV²⁺ by competing with it as reactant for the singly-reduced form of proflavine (PH^.). The mechanism presented may be analogous to that occurring in the reduction of MV²⁺ by illuminated spinach chloroplasts; its herbicidal action can not be ascribed to the formation of peroxides.     

EFFECTS OF QUENCHING AGENTS ON THE PHOTODYNAMICALLY-INDUCED CHEMOTACTIC RESPONSE OF THE COLORLESS FLAGELLATE Polytomella magna

Abstract In the presence of the photosensitizer riboflavin at high fluence rates a photoproduct, most probably H₂O₂, is formed which causes negative phototaxis in the colorless flagellate Polytomella magna . The aim of this study was to find out whether H₂O₂ is produced in a type I or II reaction. As has been shown, ¹O₂ quenchers either do not influence the photodynamic action of riboflavin (furfuryl ethanol, DPBF, l -histidine, crocetin) or show slight quenching effects only at very high concentrations ≧ 10⁻² M (DABCO, DMF, imidazole). D₂O is toxic to P. magna even in 1:1 and 1:2 mixtures with H₂O. On the other hand, the quenching effect of 1,4-benzoquinone, highly indicative for the type I pathway, is more than two orders of magnitude stronger than the one of the above mentioned ¹O₂ quenchers. The results suggest that H₂O₂ is produced in a type I reaction. Superoxide does not seem to be involved since superoxide dismutase does not diminish the photodynamic effect of riboflavin.     

INACTIVATION OF PHAGE BY NEAR-ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

A series of phage with different genomes (both single-stranded and double-stranded RNA and DNA) was inactivated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in various combinations with far-ultraviolet (FUV) and near-ultraviolet (NUV) radiations. In every case but one (a lipid-coated phage), a sublethal H₂O₂ concentration greatly enhanced killing by NUV but not FUV. Moreover, this NUV/H₂O₂ synergism was oxygen independent and there was little if any host cell reactivation upon NUV plus H₂O₂ inactivation. These results suggest that these phage are inactivated by a common mechanism irrespective of nucleic acid composition, but that some phage genomes may be more vulnerable to NUV/H₂O₂ inactivation than others.