Degradation of extracellular matrix and its components by hypobromous acid

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

EPO (eosinophil peroxidase) and MPO (myeloperoxidase) are highly basic haem enzymes that can catalyse the production of HOBr (hypobromous acid). They are released extracellularly by activated leucocytes and their binding to the polyanionic glycosa-minoglycan components of extracellular matrix (proteoglycans and hyaluronan) may localize the production of HOBr to these materials. It is shown in the present paper that the reaction of HOBr with glycosaminoglycans (heparan sulfate, heparin, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan) generates polymer-derived N-bromo derivatives (bromamines, dibromamines, N-bromosulfon-amides and bromamides). Decomposition of these species, which can occur spontaneously and/or via one-electron reduction by low-valent transition metal ions (Cu+ and Fe2+), results in polymer fragmentation and modification. One-electron reduction of the N-bromo derivatives generates radicals that have been detected by EPR spin trapping. The species detected are consistent with metal ion-dependent polymer fragmentation and modification being initiated by the formation of nitrogen-centred (aminyl, N-bromoaminyl, sulfonamidyl and amidyl) radicals. Previous studies have shown that the reaction of HOBr with proteins generates N-bromo derivatives and results in fragmentation of the polypeptide backbone. The reaction of HOBr with extracellular matrix synthesized by smooth muscle cells in vitro induces the release of carbohydrate and protein components in a time-dependent manner, which is consistent with fragmentation of these materials via the formation of N-bromo derivatives. The degradation of extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans and proteins by HOBr may contribute to tissue damage associated with inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBiochemical Journal
Volume401
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)587-96
Number of pages10
ISSN0264-6021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2007
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Animals, Bromates, Cell Line, Chondroitin Sulfates, Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy, Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel, Extracellular Matrix, Free Radicals, Glycosaminoglycans, Heparin, Heparitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid, Models, Chemical, Muscle, Smooth, Vascular, Rats

ID: 129671379