Homocysteine is a potent modulator of plasma membrane electron transport systems.
The deregulation of homocysteine metabolism leads to hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition described as an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor. Ubiquitous plasma membrane redox systems can play a dual pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant role in defense. In this study, we test the hypothesis that homocysteine, as a redox active compound, could modulate the endothelial plasma membrane redox system. We show that homocysteine behaves as a very potent stimulator of this activity. Furthermore, we show that this inducing effect is also produced on tumor cells and that it can be observed at both the activity and protein levels. On the other hand, homocysteine treatment decreases the activity of the specific ectocellular tumor NADH oxidase. Taken together, these results underscore a potential antitumoral action of homocysteine.
Rodríguez-Alonso
Javier
J
Procel Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
Montañez
Raúl
R
Rodríguez-Caso
Luis
L
Medina
Miguel Angel
MA
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002417:Cattle; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004579:Electron Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D006710:Homocysteine; D019255:NADPH Oxidases