Superoxide radicals can act synergistically with hypochlorite to induce damage to proteins.

Abstract

Activated phagocytes generate both superoxide radicals via a respiratory burst, and HOCl via the concurrent release of the haem enzyme myeloperoxidase. Amine and amide functions on proteins and carbohydrates are major targets for HOCl, generating chloramines (RNHCl) and chloramides (RC(O)NClR'), which can accumulate to high concentrations (>100 microM). Here we show that superoxide radicals catalyse the decomposition of chloramines and chloramides to reactive nitrogen-centred radicals, and increase the extent of protein fragmentation compared to that observed with either superoxide radicals or HOCl, alone. This synergistic action may be of significance at sites of inflammation, where both superoxide radicals and chloramines/chloramides are formed simultaneously.

• Authors: Clare L Hawkins, Martin D Rees, Michael J Davies
• Journal: FEBS letters (FEBS Lett) Vol. 510 Issue 1-2 Pg. 41-4 (Jan 02 2002) ISSN: 0014-5793 [Print] England
• PMID: 11755528 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Chloramines
• Proteins
• Reactive Nitrogen Species
• Superoxides
• Serum Albumin, Bovine
• Hypochlorous Acid

Topics

• Chloramines (metabolism)
• Drug Synergism
• Hypochlorous Acid (pharmacology)
• Proteins (drug effects, metabolism)
• Reactive Nitrogen Species (metabolism)
• Serum Albumin, Bovine (drug effects, metabolism)
• Superoxides (pharmacology)