Isothiocyanates and phenolic antioxidants can prevent cancer through activation of Nrf2 (NF-E2 p45-related factor 2), a transcription factor that controls expression of cytoprotective genes through the antioxidant response element (ARE) enhancer. Using a human mammary MCF7-derived AREc32 reporter cell line, we now report that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and other retinoic acid receptor alph...

Nrf-2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is activated by an oxidative signal in the cytoplasm but has a critical cysteine that must be reduced to bind to DNA in the nucleus. The glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (TRX) systems have overlapping functions in thiol/disulfide redox control in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, and it is unclear whether these are redundant or have unique...

NADPH-dependent oxygen utilization by liver microsomal fractions was stimulated by the addition of increasing concentrations of butylated hydroxyanisole concomitant with the inhibition of benzphetamine N-demethylase activity. The apparent conversion of monooxygenase activity to an oxidase-like activity in the presence of the antioxidant was correlated with the partial recovery of the reducing e...

The three small Maf proteins, MafF, MafG and MafK, have been implicated in a number of physiological processes, including development, differentiation, haematopoiesis and stress response. Here we report the constitutive expression of mafF, mafG and mafK in six human cell lines derived from various tissues (HepG2, IMR-32, K-562, HEK-293, RD and A549). The expression patterns of mafF, mafG and ma...

Exposure of murine hepatoma (Hepa 1c1c7) cells to a variety of chemical agents known to protect animals against the neoplastic, mutagenic, and other toxic effects of chemical carcinogens results in dose- and time-dependent inductions of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (EC 1.6.99.2). This enzyme protects against quinone toxicity by promoting obligatory two-electron reductions that divert quinones from...

Oxidative stress and inflammation appear to play a critical role in the progression of Parkinson's disease. As a result, there has been growing interest in antioxidant pathways and how these pathways might be exploited to slow the progressive loss of dopamine neurons. One such pathway that has garnered attention recently is mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2 and is integral in orchestrat...

The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2) co-ordinately regulates ARE (antioxidant-response element)-mediated induction of cytoprotective genes in response to electrophiles and oxidative stress; however, the molecular mechanism controlling Nrf2-dependent gene expression is not fully understood. To identify factors that regulate Nrf2-dependent transcription, we ...

The antioxidant activity of myricetin, a natural flavonol found in fruits and vegetables, was determined in soybean oil methyl esters (SME) and compared with a-tocopherol and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) over a 90-day period employing EN 14112, acid value, and kinematic viscosity methods. Myricetin had greater antioxidant activity than a-tocopherol, but was inferior to TBHQ. Synergism was obse...

Protriptyline has been used as an antidepressant. Clinically it has been prescribed in the auxiliary treatment of cancer patients. However, its effect on Ca²⁺ signaling and related physiology is unknown in renal cells. This study examined the effect of protriptyline on cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]i) and viability in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) tubular cells. Protriptyline ind...

Fluoxetine is a serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor that has been used as an antidepressant. This study examined the effect of fluoxetine on cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca2⁺]i) and viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells. The Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca²⁺]i, and the water soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) regent was used to measure viability. Fluoxetine i...