Effect of neopterin and 7,8-dihydroneopterin on tumor necrosis factor-α induced programmed cell death

AbstractTumor necrosis factor-α and the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates are central mediators of apoptosis. Recent data indicated a role of neopterin and 7,8-dihydroneopterin in oxygen radical mediated processes. We have therefore investigated the effect of neopterin-derivatives on TNFα induced apoptosis of the monocyte-like cell line U937. At an elevated concentration 7,8-dihydroneopterin was found to superinduce TNFα mediated programmed cell death due to the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates. Our results imply that in combination with TNFα high concentrations of 7,8-dihydroneopterin enhances apoptosis due to oxidative stress on cells