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NADPH- and adriamycin-dependent microsomal release of iron and lipid peroxidation

G Minotti1

  • 1Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Largo F. Vito 1, Rome, Italy.

Insights

Adriamycin (ADR) redox cycling releases iron from cell membranes. This iron then undergoes oxidation, contributing to lipid peroxidation, with complex interactions between ADR, oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide influencing these processes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Adriamycin (ADR) undergoes redox cycling, generating semiquinone free radicals (ADR-.) and superoxide radicals (O2-.).
  • Previous studies indicated ADR redox cycling is linked to the release of membrane-bound iron (Fe2+).
  • The interplay between ADR, iron metabolism, and oxidative stress in cellular damage is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms of iron release and subsequent oxidation following ADR treatment.
  • To elucidate the roles of ADR, O2-., and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in lipid peroxidation.
  • To determine the relationship between ADR concentration, iron redox state, and membrane damage.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized NADPH-supplemented microsomes and varying concentrations of adriamycin (ADR).
  • Measured iron release using bathophenanthroline assay for Fe2+ mobilization.
  • Assessed iron oxidation (Fe2+ to Fe3+) and malondialdehyde formation as an indicator of lipid peroxidation.
  • Investigated the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) on these processes.

Main Results:

  • Iron release increased with ADR concentration, independent of SOD and CAT, suggesting direct reduction by ADR-.
  • Released Fe2+ was oxidized to Fe3+ via H2O2-dependent (CAT-inhibitable) and oxygen-dependent (CAT-insensitive) pathways.
  • Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde formation) occurred when Fe2+ was partially oxidized to Fe3+ and was stimulated by CAT, indicating it was not driven by hydroxyl radical from Fe2+/H2O2.

Conclusions:

  • ADR redox cycling directly causes iron release from microsomes.
  • Both H2O2 and oxygen contribute to iron re-oxidation, with ADR chelation influencing the latter.
  • Lipid peroxidation is initiated by a complex involving both Fe2+ and Fe3+, and its modulation by ADR concentration and antioxidant enzymes highlights complex cellular defense and damage mechanisms.

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