Long chain lipid hydroperoxides increase the glutathione redox potential through glutathione peroxidase 4

Abstract Background Peroxidation of PUFAs by a variety of endogenous and xenobiotic electrophiles is a recognized pathophysiological process that can lead to adverse health effects. Although secondary products generated from peroxidized PUFAs have been relatively well studied, the role of primary lipid hydroperoxides in mediating early intracellular oxidative events is not well understood. Methods Live cell imaging was used to monitor changes in glutathione (GSH) oxidation in HAEC expressing the fluorogenic sensor roGFP during exposure to 9-hydroperoxy-10 E ,12 Z -octadecadienoic acid (9-HpODE), a biologically important long chain lipid hydroperoxide, and its secondary product 9-hydroxy-10 E ,12 Z -octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE). The role of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was examined by direct measurement and through catalase interventions. shRNA-mediated knockdown of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) was utilized to determine its involvement in the relay through which 9-HpODE initiates the oxidation of GSH. Results Exposure to 9-HpODE caused a dose-dependent increase in GSH oxidation in HAEC that was independent of intracellular or extracellular H 2 O 2 production and was exacerbated by NADPH depletion. GPx4 was involved in the initiation of GSH oxidation in HAEC by 9-HpODE, but not that induced by exposure to H 2 O 2 or the low molecular weight alkyl tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH). Conclusions Long chain lipid hydroperoxides can directly alter cytosolic E GSH independent of secondary lipid oxidation products or H 2 O 2 production. NADPH has a protective role against 9-HpODE induced E GSH changes. GPx4 is involved specifically in the reduction of long-chain lipid hydroperoxides, leading to GSH oxidation. Significance These results reveal a previously unrecognized consequence of lipid peroxidation, which may provide insight into disease states involving lipid peroxidation in their pathogenesis.