Cytoprotective effects of heme oxygenase-1 induction by 3-O-caffeoyl-1-methylquinic acid.

The novel antioxidant 3-O-caffeoyl-one-methylquinic acid (MCGA3) is a methyl chlorogenic acid derivative isolated from bamboo leaves. MCGA3 scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the cytoprotective effect of MCGA3, which occurs via heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction in bovine vascular endothelial cells exposed to tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP). Cells treated with 1 mM tBHP (6-18 h) generated substantial ROS and concomitantly lost most intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which then caused necrotic cell death. Of the several MCGA antioxidants and structurally related phenolic acids examined in this study, MCGA3 (0.01-0.15 mM) was found to completely block this necrosis and generation of ROS by tBHP. Surprisingly, MCGA3 by itself was found to be a potent inducer of HO-1. We observed the time- and dose-dependent induction of HO-1 mRNA and protein, which was closely associated with decreased intracellular ROS and necrosis against tBHP. Deesterified or Al-chelated MCGA3 or co-treatment with MCGA3 and actinomycin D abolished HO-1 induction and the antinecrotic effect of MCGA3. Zinc protoporphyrin IX and cycloheximide attenuated the cytoprotection afforded by MCGA3, but did not reduce HO-1 mRNA. Interestingly, N-acetylcysteine (1 mM) enhanced the HO-1 induction of MCGA3, but N-acetylcysteine itself did not induce HO-1. These results suggested that not only ortho-dihydroxyl groups but also aromatic ester and methoxyl ester moieties are necessary for full HO-1 induction and cytoprotection against toxic tBHP-derived ROS. Ferritin mRNA was also upregulated during all HO-1 induction by MCGA3, which might decrease iron and lower ROS levels. Consequently, the combined action of HO-1 and ferritin may protect cells from toxic tBHP-mediated necrosis.