Characterization of 5,6- and 8,9-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (5,6- and 8,9-EET) as potent in vivo angiogenic lipids

Regulation of endothelial cell functions by basement membrane- and arachidonic acid-derived products

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature, is required for normal physiological as well as pathological events. The angiogenic process requires endothelial cells to proliferate, migrate, and undergo tubulogenesis. These multistep processes necessitate secretion of pro-angiogenic growth factors, activation of specific intracellular signaling, and interaction of endothelial cells with basement membrane (BM) extracellular matrix components. The generation and release of angiogenic molecules are highly regulated and are influenced by numerous factors, including BM-derived fragments, proteolytic enzymes, as well as metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA). The interactions between these key modulators of angiogenesis is extremely complex, as AA metabolites can regulate the synthesis of soluble angiogenic factors, BM components, as well as enzymes capable of cleaving BM components, which result in the generation of pro- and/or anti-angiogenic products. Furthermore, some BM-derived fragments can alter the expression of AA-converting enzymes and consequently the synthesis of angiogenic factors. In this review we describe the relationship between BM components and AA metabolites with respect to the regulation of endothelial cell functions in health and disease.

8,9-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid analog protects pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from apoptosis via ROCK pathway

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP), have many essential biologic roles in the cardiovascular system including inhibition of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we tested the potential of 8,9-EET and derivatives to protect pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from starvation induced apoptosis. We found 8,9-epoxy-eicos-11(Z)-enoic acid (8,9-EET analog (214)), but not 8,9-EET, increased cell viability, decreased activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and decreased TUNEL-positive cells or nuclear condensation induced by serum deprivation (SD) in PASMCs. These effects were reversed after blocking the Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway with Y-27632 or HA-1077. Therefore, 8,9-EET analog (214) protects PASMC from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, mediated at least in part via the ROCK pathway. Serum deprivation of PASMCs resulted in mitochondrial membrane depolarization, decreased expression of Bcl-2 and enhanced expression of Bax, all effects were reversed by 8,9-EET analog (214) in a ROCK dependent manner. Because 8,9-EET and not the 8,9-EET analog (214) protects pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs), these observations suggest the potential to differentially promote apoptosis or survival with 8,9-EET or analogs in pulmonary arteries.

Fatty acid extracts from Lucilia sericata larvae promote murine cutaneous wound healing by angiogenic activity

BACKGROUND

fatty acids are considered to be effective components to promote wound healing and Lucilia sericata larvae are applied clinically to treat intractable wounds. We aimed to investigate the effect of fatty acid extracts from dried Lucilia sericata larvae on murine cutaneous wound healing as well as angiogenesis.

RESULTS

On day 7 and 10 after murine acute excision wounds creation, the percent wound contraction of fatty acid extracts group was higher than that of vaseline group. On day 3, 7 and 10 after wounds creation, the wound healing quality of fatty acid extracts group was better than that of vaseline group on terms of granulation formation and collagen organization. On day 3 after wounds creation, the micro vessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor expression of fatty acid extracts group were higher than that of vaseline group. Component analysis of the fatty acid extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed there were 10 kinds of fatty acids in total and the ratio of saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was: 20.57%:60.32%:19.11%.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatty acid extracts from dried Lucilia sericata larvae, four fifths of which are unsaturated fatty acids, can promote murine cutaneous wound healing probably resulting from the powerful angiogenic activity of the extracts.

Up-regulation of human CYP2J2 in HepG2 cells by butylated hydroxyanisole is mediated by c-Jun and Nrf2

Cytochrome P450 2J2 oxidizes arachidonic acid to a series of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) isomers in human tissues. EETs regulate numerous homeostatic processes, including cytoprotective and proliferative responses against injurious stresses. There is little information currently available on the factors that regulate CYP2J2, but strategies to activate expression could use the beneficial effects of EETs in cells. The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor c-Jun has been shown previously to maintain CYP2J2 expression in human HepG2 cells; c-Jun forms transcriptionally active dimers with the antioxidant-inducible bZIP factor Nrf2. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that CYP2J2 expression may be activated in cells by c-Jun/Nrf2 heterodimers. Treatment of HepG2 cells with butylated hydroxyanisole elicited concentration- and time-dependent activation of CYP2J2 expression, as well as the bZIP factors Nrf2 and c-Jun; chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed a pronounced increase in binding of these bZIP factors to the CYP2J2 5'-flank. Transient transfection analysis using deletion constructs and gel-shift assays were consistent with a role for the -105/-88 region of CYP2J2 in c-Jun/Nrf2 responsiveness. Using a series of mutant expression plasmids, we identified c-Jun as the critical partner in CYP2J2 transactivation. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the importance of the leucine zipper region of Nrf2 in the enhancement of c-Jun-dependent transactivation of CYP2J2. Agents that activate CYP2J2 expression may offer a new approach to using the beneficial effects of EETs in cells.

The anti-tumorigenic properties of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha are arachidonic acid epoxygenase-mediated

Prevalence and mortality make cancer a health challenge in need of effective and better tolerated therapeutic approaches, with tumor angiogenesis identified as a promising target for drug development. The epoxygenase products, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, are pro-angiogenic, and down-regulation of their biosynthesis by peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) ligands reduces tumor angiogenesis and growth. Endothelial cells lacking a Cyp2c44 epoxygenase, a PPARalpha target, show reduced proliferative and tubulogenic activities that are reversed by the enzyme's metabolites. In a mouse xenograft model of tumorigenesis, disruption of the host Cyp2c44 gene causes marked reductions in tumor volume, mass, and vascularization. The relevance of these studies to human cancer is indicated by the demonstration that: (a) activation of human PPARalpha down-regulates endothelial cell CYP2C9 epoxygenase expression and blunts proliferation and tubulogenesis, (b) in a PPARalpha-humanized mouse model, activation of the receptor inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth, and (c) the CYP2C9 epoxygenase is expressed in the vasculature of human tumors. The identification of anti-angiogenic/anti-tumorigenic properties of PPARalpha points to a role for the receptor and its epoxygenase regulatory target in the pathophysiology of cancer, and for its ligands as candidates for the development of a new generation of safer and better tolerated anti-cancer drugs.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid analogs and vascular function

Arachidonic acid metabolites, eicosanoids, are key contributors to vascular function and improper eicosanoid regulation contributes to the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are synthesized from arachidonic acid by epoxygenase enzymes to four regioisomers, 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET. These EETs have interesting beneficial effects like vasodilation, anti-inflammation, and anti-platelet aggregation that could combat cardiovascular diseases. There is mounting evidence that each regioisomeric EET may have unique vascular effects and that the contribution of individual EETs to vascular function differs from organ to organ. Over the past decade EET analogs and antagonists have been synthesized to determine EET structure function relationships and define the contribution of each regioisomeric EET. A number of studies have demonstrated that EET analogs induce vasodilation, lower blood pressure and decrease inflammation. EET antagonists have also been used to demonstrate that endogenous EETs contribute importantly to cardiovascular function. This review will discuss EET synthesis, regulation and physiological roles in the cardiovascular system. Next we will focus on the development of EET analogs and what has been learned about their contribution to vascular function. Finally, the development of EET antagonists and how these have been utilized to determine the cardiovascular actions of endogenous epoxides will be discussed. Overall, this review will highlight the important knowledge garnered by the development of EET analogs and their possible value in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Vascular pharmacology of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid that are produced by the vascular endothelium in responses to various stimuli such as the agonists acetylcholine (ACH) or bradykinin or by shear stress which activates phospholipase A(2) to release arachidonic acid. EETs are important regulators of vascular tone and homeostasis. In the modulation of vascular tone, EETs function as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). In models of vascular inflammation, EETs attenuate inflammatory signaling pathways in both the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. Likewise, EETs regulate blood vessel formation or angiogenesis by mechanisms that are still not completely understood. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) converts EETs to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and this metabolism limits many of the biological actions of EETs. The recent development of inhibitors of sEH provides an emerging target for pharmacological manipulation of EETs. Additionally, EETs may initiate their biological effects by interacting with a cell surface protein that is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Since GPCRs represent a common target of most drugs, further characterization of the EET receptor and synthesis of specific EET agonists and antagonist can be used to exploit many of the beneficial effects of EETs in vascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. This review will focus on the current understanding of the contribution of EETs to the regulation of vascular tone, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting the EET pathway in vascular disease will be highlighted.

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenases, soluble epoxide hydrolase, and the regulation of cardiovascular inflammation

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase enzymes CYP2J and CYP2C catalyze the epoxidation of arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are rapidly hydrolyzed to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). It is well-established that CYP epoxygenase-derived EETs possess potent vasodilatory effects; however, the cellular effects of EETs and their regulation of various inflammatory processes have become increasingly appreciated in recent years, suggesting that the role of this pathway in the cardiovascular system extends beyond the maintenance of vascular tone. In particular, CYP epoxygenase-derived EETs inhibit endothelial activation and leukocyte adhesion via attenuation of nuclear factor-kappaB activation, inhibit hemostasis, protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and promote endothelial cell survival via modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways. Thus, the CYP epoxygenase pathway is an emerging target for pharmacological manipulation to enhance the cardiovascular protective effects of EETs. This review will focus on the role of the CYP epoxygenase pathway in the regulation of cardiovascular inflammation and (1) describe the functional impact of CYP epoxygenase-derived EET biosynthesis and sEH-mediated EET hydrolysis on key inflammatory process in the cardiovascular system, (2) discuss the potential relevance of this pathway to pathogenesis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and (3) identify areas for future research.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

The cardiovascular effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) include vasodilation, antimigratory actions on vascular smooth muscle cells and anti-inflammatory actions. These endogenous lipid mediators are broken down into diols by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), and so inhibiting this enzyme would be expected to enhance the beneficial cardiovascular properties of EETs. sEH inhibitors (sEHIs) that are based on 1,3-disubstituted urea have been rapidly developed, and have been shown to be antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory, and to protect the brain, heart and kidney from damage. Although challenges for the future exist - including improving the drug-like properties of sEHIs and finding better ways to target sEHIs to specific tissues - the recent initiation of the first clinical trials of sEHIs has highlighted the therapeutic potential of these agents.

Sorafenib has soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity, which contributes to its effect profile in vivo

The advent of multikinase inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor has revolutionized the treatment of highly angiogenic malignancies such as renal cell carcinoma. Interestingly, several such inhibitors are commercially available, and they each possess diverse specific beneficial and adverse effect profiles. In examining the structure of sorafenib, it was hypothesized that this compound would possess inhibitory effects on the soluble epoxide hydrolase, an enzyme with pleiotropic effects on inflammation and vascular disease. We now show that sorafenib but not another VEGF receptor targeted inhibitor sunitinib is a potent inhibitor of the human soluble epoxide hydrolase in vitro (K(I) = 17 +/- 4 nmol/L). Furthermore, sorafenib causes the expected in vivo shift in oxylipid profile resulting from soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition, evidence of a reduction in the acute inflammatory response. Lipopolysaccharide-induced hypotension was reversed with sorafenib but not sunitinib treatment, suggesting that soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition accounts for at least part of the anti-inflammatory effect of sorafenib. The pharmacokinetic studies presented here in light of the known potency of sorafenib as a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor indicate that the soluble epoxide hydrolase will be largely inhibited at therapeutic doses of sorafenib. Thus, it is likely that soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition contributes to the beneficial effects from the inhibition of the VEGF receptor and other kinases during treatment with sorafenib.

The arachidonic acid epoxygenase is a component of the signaling mechanisms responsible for VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis

Cultured lung endothelial cells (LEC) respond to VEGF or arachidonic acid with increases in cell proliferation, the formation of tube-like structures, and the activation of Akt and ERK1/2 mediated growth pathways. LECs express a VEGF inducible Cyp2c44 epoxygenase and its 11,12- and 14,15-EET metabolites increase cell proliferation, tubulogenic activity, and the phosphorylation states of the ERK1/2 and Akt kinases. Ketoconazole, an epoxygenase inhibitor, blocks the cellular responses to VEGF. LECs expressing a Cyp2c44 epoxygenase small interference RNA show reductions in Cyp2c44 mRNA levels, and in their VEGF-stimulated proliferative and tubulogenic capacities; effects that are associated with decreases in VEGF-induced phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 and Akt kinases. We conclude that the Cyp2c44 arachidonic acid epoxygenase is a component of the signaling pathways associated with VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis, and suggest a role for EETs in the growth factor-induced changes in the activation states of the ERK1/2 and Akt kinase pathways.

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibition: Targeting Multiple Mechanisms of Ischemic Brain Injury with a Single Agent

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a key enzyme in the metabolic conversion and degradation of P450 eicosanoids called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Genetic variations in the sEH gene, designated EPHX2, are associated with ischemic stroke risk. In experimental studies, sEH inhibition and gene deletion reduce infarct size after focal cerebral ischemia in mice. Although the precise mechanism of protection afforded by sEH inhibition remains under investigation, EETs exhibit a wide array of potentially beneficial actions in stroke, including vasodilation, neuroprotection, promotion of angiogenesis and suppression of platelet aggregation, oxidative stress and post-ischemic inflammation. Herein we argue that by capitalizing on this broad protective profile, sEH inhibition represents a prototype "combination therapy" targeting multiple mechanisms of stroke injury with a single agent.

Signal-activated phospholipase regulation of leukocyte chemotaxis

Signal-activated phospholipases are a recent focus of the rapidly growing field of lipid signaling. The extent of their impact on the pathways regulating diverse cell functions is beginning to be appreciated. A critical step in inflammation is the attraction of leukocytes to injured or diseased tissue. Chemotaxis of leukocytes, a requisite process for monocyte and neutrophil extravasation from the blood into tissues, is a critical step for initiating and maintaining inflammation in both acute and chronic settings. Recent studies have identified new important and required roles for two signal-activated phospholipases A2 (PLA2) in regulating chemotaxis. The two intracellular phospholipases, cPLA2alpha (Group IVA) and iPLA2beta (Group VIA), act in parallel to provide distinct lipid mediators at different intracellular sites that are both required for leukocytes to migrate toward the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. This review will summarize the separate roles of these phospholipases as well as what is currently known about the influence of two other classes of intracellular signal-activated phospholipases, phospholipase C and phospholipase D, in regulating chemotaxis in eukaryotic cells, but particularly in human monocytes. The contributions of these phospholipases to chemotaxis both in vitro and in vivo will be highlighted.

Physiological Significance and Expression of P450s in the Developing Eye

Expression of 10 CYP orthologs (Families 1-3) in developing mouse conceptus is constitutive. These forms have specific temporal and spatial expression. Studies on CYP1B1 indicate its requirement for normal eye development, both in human and mouse. The distribution of the enzyme in the mouse eye is in three regions, which may reflect three different, perhaps equally important, functions in this organ. Its presence in the inner ciliary and lens epithelia appears to be necessary for normal development of the trabecular meshwork and its function in regulating intraocular pressure. Its expression in the retinal ganglion and inner nuclear layers may reflect a role in maintenance of the visual cycle. Its expression in the corneal epithelium may indicate a function in metabolism of environmental xenobiotics.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and/or their metabolites promote hypoxic response of cells

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), including 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET, are produced by cytochrome P450 (P450) such as CYP2C8 and 2C9; and they are hydrolyzed to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) by epoxide hydrolase. Particular interest in the epoxygenase reaction has developed because of the potent biological activities (modulation of vascular tone and anti-inflammatory activity, etc.) attributed to EETs. We focused on a new biological function of EETs and DHETs, which induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin (EPO) under hypoxia. Human hepatoma cells, Hep3B, and human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAEC) were used in this study. An inhibitor of phospholipase A(2), methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), and inhibitors of P450s inhibited the VEGF and EPO induction of HUAEC and Hep3B, respectively, under hypoxia. Overexpression of CYP2C8 in Hep3B induced EPO and VEGF under hypoxia. Sulfaphenazole, an inhibitor of CYP2C8/2C9 suppressed luciferase promoter activity with the hypoxia response element (HRE) of VEGF in HUAEC. Exogenous 11,12-EET and 14,15-DHET induced reporter activity in HUAEC and Hep3B cells concomitant with increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), which is a key factor in the hypoxia response, but 11,12-DHET and 14,15-EET did not. These results suggested that EETs and DHETs play an important role in the hypoxia response of cells.

Functional analysis of the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin {alpha}1 subunit in endothelial cells

Integrin alpha1beta1, the major collagen type IV receptor, is expressed by endothelial cells and plays a role in both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Because the molecular mechanisms whereby this collagen IV receptor mediates endothelial cell functions are poorly understood, truncation and point mutants of the integrin alpha1 subunit cytoplasmic tail (amino acids 1137-1151) were generated and expressed into alpha1-null endothelial cells. We show that alpha1-null endothelial cells expressing the alpha1 subunit, which lacks the entire cytoplasmic tail (mutant alpha1-1136) or expresses all the amino acids up to the highly conserved GFFKR motif (mutant alpha1-1143), have a similar phenotype to parental alpha1-null cells. Pro(1144) and Leu(1145) were shown to be necessary for alpha1beta1-mediated endothelial cell proliferation; Lys(1146) for adhesion, migration, and tubulogenesis and Lys(1147) for tubulogenesis. Integrin alpha1beta1-dependent endothelial cell proliferation is primarily mediated by ERK activation, whereas migration and tubulogenesis require both p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt activation. Thus, distinct amino acids distal to the GFFKR motif of the alpha1 integrin cytoplasmic tail mediate activation of selective downstream signaling pathways and specific endothelial cell functions.

Antinociception produced by 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid is mediated by the activation of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin in the rat ventrolateral periaqueductal gray

Cytochrome P450 genes catalyze formation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) from arachidonic acid. The effects of 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET microinjected into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) on the thermally produced tail-flick response were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. 14,15-EET microinjected into vlPAG (3-156 pmol) dose-dependently inhibited the tail-flick response (ED50 = 32.5 pmol). In contrast, 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, and 11,12-EET at a dose of 156 pmol were not active when injected into the vlPAG. 14,15-EET failed to displace the radiobinding of [3H][D-Ala2,NHPe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin (mu-opioid receptor ligand) or [3H]naltrindole (delta-opioid receptor ligand) in crude membrane fractions of rat brain. Tail-flick inhibition produced by 14,15-EET from vlPAG was blocked by intra-vlPAG pretreatment with antiserum against beta-endorphin or Met-enkephalin or the mu-opioid receptor antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP) or the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole but not with dynorphin A[1-17] antiserum or the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. In addition, tail-flick inhibition produced by 14,15-EET treatment was blocked by intrathecal pretreatment with Met-enkephalin antiserum, naltrindole, or CTOP but not with beta-endorphin antiserum. It is concluded that 1) 14,15-EET itself does not have any affinity for mu- or delta-opioid receptors and 2) 14,15-EET activates beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin, which subsequently act on mu- and delta-opioid receptors to produce antinociception.

Cytochrome P-450 metabolites of 2-arachidonoylglycerol play a role in Ca2+-induced relaxation of rat mesenteric arteries

The perivascular sensory nerve (PvN) Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR) is implicated in Ca(2+)-induced relaxation of isolated, phenylephrine (PE)-contracted mesenteric arteries, which involves the vascular endogenous cannabinoid system. We determined the effect of inhibition of diacylglycerol (DAG) lipase (DAGL), phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP) on Ca(2+)-induced relaxation of PE-contracted rat mesenteric arteries. Our findings indicate that Ca(2+)-induced vasorelaxation is not dependent on the endothelium. The DAGL inhibitor RHC 802675 (1 microM) and the CYP and PLA(2) inhibitors quinacrine (5 microM) (EC(50): RHC 802675 2.8 +/- 0.4 mM vs. control 1.4 +/- 0.3 mM; quinacrine 4.8 +/- 0.4 mM vs. control 2.0 +/- 0.3 mM; n = 5) and arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3), 1 microM) reduced Ca(2+)-induced relaxation of mesenteric arteries. Synthetic 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and glycerated epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (GEETs) induced concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated arteries. 2-AG relaxations were blocked by iberiotoxin (IBTX) (EC(50): control 0.96 +/- 0.14 nM, IBTX 1.3 +/- 0.5 microM) and miconazole (48 +/- 3%), and 11,12-GEET responses were blocked by IBTX (EC(50): control 55 +/- 9 nM, IBTX 690 +/- 96 nM) and SR-141716A. The data suggest that activation of the CaR in the PvN network by Ca(2+) leads to synthesis and/or release of metabolites of the CYP epoxygenase pathway and metabolism of DAG to 2-AG and subsequently to GEETs. The findings indicate a role for 2-AG and its metabolites in Ca(2+)-induced relaxation of resistance arteries; therefore this receptor may be a potential target for the development of new vasodilator compounds for antihypertensive therapy.

An essential role for SRC-activated STAT-3 in 14,15-EET-induced VEGF expression and angiogenesis

To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET)-induced angiogenesis, here we have studied the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3). 14,15-EET stimulated the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT-3 and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs). Adenovirus-mediated delivery of dominant negative STAT-3 substantially inhibited 14,15-EET-induced HDMVEC migration, and tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 14,15-EET activated Src, as measured by its tyrosine phosphorylation and blockade of its activation by adenovirus-mediated expression of its dominant negative mutant, significantly attenuated 14,15-EET-induced STAT-3 phosphorylation in HDMVECs and the migration and tube formation of these cells and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 14,15-EET induced the expression of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) in a time- and Src-STAT-3-dependent manner in HDMVECs. Transfac analysis of VEGF promoter revealed the presence of STAT-binding elements and 14,15-EET induced STAT-3 binding to this promoter in vivo, and this interaction was inhibited by suppression of Src-STAT-3 signaling. Neutralizing anti-VEGF antibodies completely blocked 14,15-EET-induced HDMVEC migration and tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. These results reveal that Src-dependent STAT-3-mediated VEGF expression is a major mechanism of 14,15-EET-induced angiogenesis.

PPARalpha Ligands as Antitumorigenic and Antiangiogenic Agents

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear receptor family of ligand-activated transcription factors. This subfamily is composed of three members-PPARalpha, PPARdelta, and PPARgamma-that differ in their cell and tissue distribution as well as in their target genes. PPARalpha is abundantly expressed in liver, brown adipose tissue, kidney, intestine, heart, and skeletal muscle; and its ligands have been used to treat diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The recent finding that members of the PPAR family, including the PPARalpha, are expressed by tumor and endothelial cells together with the observation that PPAR ligands regulate cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, suggested that PPARs also play a role in cancer. In this review, we focus on the contribution of PPARalpha to tumor and endothelial cell functions and provide compelling evidence that PPARalpha can be viewed as a new class of ligand activated tumor "suppressor" gene with antiangiogenic and antitumorigenic activities. Given that PPAR ligands are currently used in medicine as hypolipidemic drugs with excellent tolerance and limited toxicity, PPARalpha activation might offer a novel and potentially low-toxic approach for the treatment of tumor-associated angiogenesis and cancer.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids induce growth inhibition and calpain/caspase-12 dependent apoptosis in PDGF cultured 3T6 fibroblast

Previous studies have demonstrated that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites released by the cyclooxygenase pathway is involved in serum-induced 3T6 fibroblast cycle progression and proliferation. However, these results also suggest that other AA cascade pathways might be involved. Recently, we also described the role of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, which are produced by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP), in 3T6 fibroblast growth. AA can be also metabolized by the epoxygenase activity of CYP-producing epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Finally, the cytosolic epoxide hydrolases catalyze the hydration of the EETs, transforming them into dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (DHETEs). In this work, we have studied the role of the EETs/DHETEs on 3T6 fibroblasts growth. Our results show that PDGF stimulates 3T6 fibroblast proliferation and [3H]thymidine incorporation, while the addition of 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET or 14,15-EET (0.1-1 microM) inhibit these processes. Furthermore, 5,6-DHETE and 11,12-DHETE (0.1-1 microM) also inhibit cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. Interestingly, this growth inhibition was correlated with an induction of apoptosis. Thus, we observed that in the presence of PDGF, EETs or DHETEs (0.1-1 microM) induce phosphatidylserine externalization (as measured by annexin V-binding) and DNA fragmentation (as quantified using a TUNEL assay). Our results show that calpain, as well as caspase-12 and caspase-3, are involved in these events. Therefore, EETs and DHETEs have anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on PDGF-stimulated 3T6 fibroblasts.

The soluble epoxide hydrolase as a pharmaceutical target for hypertension

The soluble epoxide hydrolase appears to be a promising target for the development of antihypertensive therapies based on a previously unexplored mechanism of action. Epoxide hydrolases are enzymes that add water to three membered cyclic ethers known as epoxides. The soluble epoxide hydrolase in mammalian systems (sEH) is a member of the alpha/beta-hydrolase fold family of enzymes and it shows a high degree of selectivity for epoxides of fatty acids. The regioisomeric epoxides of arachidonic acid or epoxyeicosanoids (EETs) are particularly good substrates. These EETs appear to be major components of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). As such, EETs cause vasodilation and reduce blood pressure. The EETs also are strongly anti-inflammatory and analgesic. By inhibiting sEH, the increase in circulating EETs leads to a reduction in blood pressure in a number of animal models. Potent transition state mimic inhibitors have been developed for the sEH. Some of these sEH inhibitors (sEHIs) show nanomolar to picomolar potency and good pharmacokinetic properties. Because of their unique mode of action they show promise in treating hypertension while reducing problems with end organ failure, vascular inflammation and diabetes. Indeed, the anti-inflammatory properties of the sEHI may make them particularly suitable for treating hypertension in patients with other concomitant metabolic syndromes. They are more potent on a molar basis than most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing PGE2 in inflammation models, they strongly synergize with NSAIDs, and appear to ameliorate apparently unfavorable eicosanoid profiles associated with some cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors.

11,12-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid activates the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway in human platelets

The present study was to test the hypothesis that 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET), a metabolic product of arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenase, regulates nitric oxide (NO) generation of the L-arginine/NO synthase (NOS) pathway in human platelets. Human platelets were incubated in the presence or absence of different concentrations of 11,12-EET for 2 h at 37 degrees C, followed by measurements of activities of the L-arginine/NOS pathway. Incubation with 11,12-EET increased the platelet NOS activity, nitrite production, cGMP content, and the platelet uptake of L-[(3)H]arginine in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, 11,12-EET attenuated intracellular free Ca(2+) accumulation stimulated by collagen, which was at least partly mediated by EET-activated L-arginine/NOS pathway. It is suggested that 11,12-EET regulates platelet function through up-regulating the activity of the L-arginine/NOS/NO pathway.

Dynamic expression of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid synthesizing and metabolizing enzymes in the primate corpus luteum

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EpETrEs), produced from arachidonic acid via cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases, regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, cellular proliferation, ion transport and steroidogenesis. EpETrE actions are regulated through their metabolism to diols (dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids; DiHETrE) via the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (EPHX2). We set out to determine, therefore, whether EpETrE generating (epoxygenases CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2J2, 1A2 and 3A4) and metabolizing (EPHX2) enzymes are expressed in the primate corpus luteum (CL). CL were isolated from rhesus macaques during the early (day 3-5 post-LH surge), mid (day 6-8), mid-late (day 10-12), late (day 14-16) and very-late (day 17-19: menses) luteal phase of natural menstrual cycles. EPHX2 mRNA levels peaked in mid-late CL (5-fold when compared with early CL, P<0.05) and remained elevated in the late CL. Ablation of pituitary LH secretion and luteal steroid synthesis significantly reduced (P<0.05) EPHX2 mRNA levels in the mid-late CL, with progestin replacement being insufficient to restore its level of expression to control values. EPHX2 protein was localized to large and small luteal cells, as well as vascular endothelial cells. The EpETrE-generating CYP epoxygenase 2J2, 2C9 and 3A4 genes were also expressed in the macaque CL. While CYP2J2 mRNA levels did not significantly change through the luteal phase, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the mid-late phase when compared with the early phase. CYP2C9, 2J2 and 3A4 proteins were each localized to the large luteal cells, with 2C9 and 2J2 also being present in the small luteal, stromal and endothelial cells. These studies demonstrate for the first time that an EpETrE generating and metabolizing system exists in the primate CL, with the latter being regulated by LH and steroid hormone(s).

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Relaxing Effects Involve Ca2+-Activated K+Channel Activation and CPI-17 Dephosphorylation in Human Bronchi

The aim of the present study was to provide a mechanistic insight into how 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) relaxes organ-cultured human bronchi. Tension measurements, performed on either fresh or 3-d-cultured bronchi, revealed that the contractile responses to 1 microM methacholine and 10 microM arachidonic acid were largely relaxed by the eicosanoid regioisomer in a concentration-dependent manner (0.01-10 microM). Pretreatments with 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid, a specific 14,15-EET antagonist, prevented the relaxing effect, whereas iberitoxin pretreatments (10 nM) partially abolished EET-induced relaxations. In contrast, pretreatments with 1 microM indomethacin amplified relaxations in explants and membrane hyperpolarizations triggered by 14,15-EET on airway smooth muscle cells. The relaxing responses induced by 14,15-EET were likely related to reduced Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofilaments, because free Ca2+ concentration-response curves performed on beta-escin-permeabilized cultured explants were shifted toward higher [Ca2+] (lower pCa2+ values). 14,15-EET also abolished the tonic responses induced by phorbol-ester-dybutyrate (PDBu) (a protein kinase C [PKC]-sensitizing agent), on both fresh (intact) and beta-escin-permeabilized explants. Western blot analyses, using two specific primary antibodies against CPI-17 and its PKC-dependent phosphorylated isoform (p-CPI-17), confirmed that the eicosanoid interferes with this intracellular process. These data indicate that 14,15-EET hyperpolarizes airway smooth muscle cells and relaxes precontracted human bronchi while reducing Ca2+ sensitivity of fresh and cultured explants. The intracellular effects are related to a PKC-dependent process involving a lower phosphorylation level of CPI-17.

Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-alpha-dependent inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and tumorigenesis

The peroxisomal proliferator-activated nuclear receptor-alpha (PPARalpha), the target for most hypolipidemic drugs in current clinical use, regulates the transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport, and energy homeostasis. More recently, PPARalpha and its ligands have been implicated in inflammatory responses and the regulation of cell proliferation. PPARalpha also regulates the expression of Cyp4a fatty acid omega-hydroxylases and Cyp2c arachidonic acid epoxygenase genes. To study the role of the PPARalpha receptor and of its Cyp2c epoxygenase gene target in tumorigenesis, we treated mice injected with tumor cells with Wy-14,643, a PPARalpha-selective ligand. Compared with untreated controls, Wy-14643-treated animals showed marked reductions in tumor growth and vascularization, which were accompanied by decreases in the plasma levels of pro-angiogenic epoxygenase metabolites (EETs), hepatic EET biosynthesis, and Cyp2c epoxygenase expression. All these Wy-14643-induced responses were absent in PPARalpha(-/-) mice and are thus PPARalpha-mediated. Primary cultures of mouse lung endothelial cells treated with Wy-14643 showed reductions in cell proliferation and in the formation of capillary-like structures. These effects were absent in cells obtained from PPRAalpha(-/-) mice and reversed by the addition of EETs. These results identify important anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic roles for PPARalpha, characterize the contribution of its Cyp2c epoxygenases gene target to these responses, and suggest potential anti-cancer roles for this nuclear receptor and its ligands.

Prostaglandin E2-EP4 receptor promotes endothelial cell migration via ERK activation and angiogenesis in vivo

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)), a major product of cyclooxygenase, exerts its functions by binding to four G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-4) and has been implicated in modulating angiogenesis. The present study examined the role of the EP4 receptor in regulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubulogenesis. Primary pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from EP4(flox/flox) mice and were rendered null for the EP4 receptor with adenoCre virus. Whereas treatment with PGE(2) or the EP4 selective agonists PGE(1)-OH and ONO-AE1-329 induced migration, tubulogenesis, ERK activation and cAMP production in control adenovirus-transduced endothelial EP4(flox/flox) cells, no effects were seen in adenoCre-transduced EP4(flox/flox) cells. The EP4 agonist-induced endothelial cell migration was inhibited by ERK, but not PKA inhibitors, defining a functional link between PGE(2)-induced endothelial cell migration and EP4-mediated ERK signaling. Finally, PGE(2), as well as PGE(1)-OH and ONO-AE1-329, also promoted angiogenesis in an in vivo sponge assay providing evidence that the EP4 receptor mediates de novo vascularization in vivo.

Cardiovascular therapeutic aspects of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an enzyme responsible for the conversion of lipid epoxides to diols by the addition of water. Biological actions on the cardiovascular system that are attributed to epoxides include vasodilation, antiinflammatory actions and vascular smooth muscle cell antimigratory actions. Conversion of arachidonic acid epoxides to diols by sEH diminishes the beneficial cardiovascular properties of these epoxyeicosano-ids. Cardiovascular diseases in animal models and humans have been associated with decreased epoxygenase activity or increased sEH activity and these changes are responsible for the progression of the disease state. More recently, sEH gene polymorphisms in the human population have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Thus the biological actions of epoxyeicosanoids and the sEH enzyme are ideal therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. The rapid development of 1,3-disubstituted urea based sEH inhibitors over the past five years has resulted in a number of studies demonstrating cardiovascular protection. sEH inhibitors have antihypertensive and antiinflammatory actions and have been demonstrated to decrease cerebral ischemic and renal injury in rat models of hypertension. These findings of beneficial actions in animal models of disease position the sEH enzyme as a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.

Integrin α2β1 Is Required for Regulation of Murine Wound Angiogenesis but Is Dispensable for Reepithelialization

The alpha2beta1 integrin functions as the major receptor for collagen type I on a large number of different cell types, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and a variety of inflammatory cells. Recently, we demonstrated that adhesion of keratinocytes to collagen critically depends on alpha2beta1, whereas fibroblasts can partly compensate for loss of alpha2beta1 in simple adhesion to collagen. However, in three-dimensional collagen matrices, alpha2beta1-null fibroblasts are hampered in generating mechanical forces. These data suggested a pivotal role for alpha2beta1 during wound healing in vivo. Unexpectedly, reepithelialization of excisional wounds of alpha2beta1-null mice was not impaired, indicating that keratinocytes do not require adhesion to or migration on collagen for wound closure. Whereas wound contraction and myofibroblast differentiation were similar, wound tensile strain was reduced in alpha2beta1-null mice, suggesting subtle changes in organization of the extracellular matrix. In addition, we observed reduced influx of mast cells into the granulation tissue, whereas infiltration of other inflammatory cells was not impaired. Interestingly, ablation of alpha2beta1 resulted in strong enhancement of neovascularization of granulation tissue and sponge implants. Both ultrastructurally and functionally, these new blood vessels appeared intact. In conclusion, our data show unique and overlapping functions of alpha2beta1 integrin during murine cutaneous wound healing.

Different ways to antiangiogenesis by angiostatin and suramin, and quantitation of angiostatin-induced antiangiogenesis

Angiogenesis, i.e. sprouting of new vessels, their remodelling and regression, is a prerequisite for growth and differentiation of organs and tissues. It is involved in many pathological processes, particularly growth and metastasis of tumours. Angiostatic therapy is a promising new strategy in the treatment of cancer. Angiogenesis inhibitors could intervene in the different phases of the angiogenic cascade, i.e. migration, proliferation, differentiation and three-dimensional organisation of endothelial cells, to inhibit the generation of tumour vessels. The aim of this study was to explore whether in a previously validated in vitro model for quantitation of angiogenesis the effects of the angiostatic factors angiostatin and suramin can be investigated and quantified. Examination of angiostatin and suramin showed that angiostatin-induced antiangiogenesis resulted in inverse angiogenesis. The addition of suramin initially resulted in increased angiogenesis. However, long-term incubation ultimately led to disintegration of endothelial structures, thus establishing the angiostatic effects of suramin. Antiangiogenesis was not only quantified using the previously validated method. It also lent itself to assessment of the extent of antiangiogenesis within the various phases of the angiogenic cascade. This method may therefore be employed in trial studies of potential angiostatic substances and related cellular mechanisms.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, cell signaling and angiogenesis

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are generated from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases the expression of which is determined by hemodynamic and pharmacological stimuli as well as by hypoxia. The activation of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is an important step in the vasodilatation that has been attributed to the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. However, in addition to regulating vascular tone EETs modulate several signaling cascades and affect cell proliferation, cell migration and angiogenesis. These include the epidermal growth factor receptor, tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase A, cyclooxygenase-2 and several transcription factors. To-date however, the importance of EETs in vascular homeostasis has been largely underestimated because of the labile nature of the EET-forming enzymes in cell culture. This also means that the contribution of CYP-derived products in the vast majority of the experimental models based on cell culture systems to address topics related to vascular signaling/homeostasis and angiogenesis has been overlooked.

Beyond vasodilatation: non-vasomotor roles of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids in the cardiovascular system

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), derived from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases, are potent vasodilators that function as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors in some vascular beds. EETs are rapidly metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase to form dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). Recent reports indicate that EETs have several important non-vasomotor regulatory roles in the cardiovascular system. EETs are potent anti-inflammatory agents and might function as endogenous anti-atherogenic compounds. In addition, EETs and DHETs might stimulate lipid metabolism and regulate insulin sensitivity. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase might be useful not only for hypertension but also for abating atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome. Finally, although usually protective in the systemic circulation, EETs might adversely affect the pulmonary circulation.

Emerging mechanisms for growth and protection of the vasculature by cytochrome P450-derived products of arachidonic acid and other eicosanoids

Arachidonic acid (AA) is an essential fatty acid that is metabolized by cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) or cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to generate eicosanoids which in turn mediate a number of biological activities including regulation of angiogenesis. While much information on the effects of COX and LOX products is known, the physiological relevance of the CYP-derived products of AA are less well understood. CYP enzymes are highly expressed in the liver and kidney, but have also been detected at lower levels in the brain, heart and vasculature. A number of these enzymes, including members of the CYP 4 family, predominantly catalyze conversion of AA to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) while the CYP epoxygenases generate mainly epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). This review will focus on the emerging roles of inhibitors of eicosanoid production with emphasis on the CYP pathways, in the regulation of angiogenesis and tumor growth. We also discuss current observations describing the protective effects of EETs for survival of the endothelium.

Action of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on cellular function

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which function primarily as autocrine and paracrine mediators in the cardiovascular and renal systems, are synthesized from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P-450 epoxygenases. They activate smooth muscle large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, producing hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation. EETs also have anti-inflammatory effects in the vasculature and kidney, stimulate angiogenesis, and have mitogenic effects in the kidney. Many of the functional effects of EETs occur through activation of signal transduction pathways and modulation of gene expression, events probably initiated by binding to a putative cell surface EET receptor. However, EETs are rapidly taken up by cells and are incorporated into and released from phospholipids, suggesting that some functional effects may occur through a direct interaction between the EET and an intracellular effector system. In this regard, EETs and several of their metabolites activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) and PPARgamma, suggesting that some functional effects may result from PPAR activation. EETs are metabolized primarily by conversion to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), a reaction catalyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Many potentially beneficial actions of EETs are attenuated upon conversion to DHETs, which do not appear to be essential under routine conditions. Therefore, sEH is considered a potential therapeutic target for enhancing the beneficial functions of EETs.

CYP1A in TCDD toxicity and in physiology-with particular reference to CYP dependent arachidonic acid metabolism and other endogenous substrates

Toxicologic and physiologic roles of CYP1A enzyme induction, the major biochemical effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by TCDD and other receptor ligands, are unknown. Evidence is presented that CYP1A exerts biologic effects via metabolism of endogenous substrates (i.e., arachidonic acid, other eicosanoids, estrogens, bilirubin, and melatonin), production of reactive oxygen, and effects on K(+) and Ca(2+) channels. These interrelated pathways may connect CYP1A induction to TCDD toxicities, including cardiotoxicity, vascular dysfunction, and wasting. They may also underlie homeostatic roles for CYP1A, especially when transiently induced by common chemical exposures and environmental conditions (i.e., tryptophan photoproducts, dietary indoles, and changes in oxygen tension).

Induction of CYP1A and cyp2-mediated arachidonic acid epoxygenation and suppression of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid by imidazole derivatives including the aromatase inhibitor vorozole

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes metabolize the membrane lipid arachidonic acid to stable biologically active epoxides [eicosatrienoic acids (EETs)] and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). These products have cardiovascular activity, primarily acting as vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, respectively. EET formation can be increased by the prototype CYP1A or CYP2 inducers, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or phenobarbital (PB), respectively. We report here that imidazole derivative drugs: the anthelminthics, albendazole and thiabendazole; the proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole; the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, benzylimidazole; and the aromatase (CYP19) inhibitor vorozole (R76713, racemate; and R83842, (+) enantiomer) increased hepatic microsomal EET formation in a chick embryo model. Albendazole increased EETs by transcriptional induction of CYP1A5 and the others by combined induction of CYP1A5 and CYP2H, the avian orthologs of mammalian CYP1A2 and CYP2B, respectively. All inducers increased formation of the four EET regioisomers, but TCDD and albendazole had preference for 5,6-EET and PB and omeprazole for 14,15-EET. Vorozole, benzylimidazole, and TCDD also suppressed 20-HETE formation. Vorozole was a remarkably effective and potent inducer of multiple hepatic P450s at a dose range which overlapped its inhibition of ovarian aromatase. Increased CYP1A activity in mouse Hepa 1-6 and human HepG2 cells by vorozole and other imidazole derivatives demonstrated applicability of the findings to mammalian cells. The findings suggest that changes in P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism may be a new source of side effects for drugs that induce CYP1A or CYP2. They demonstrate further that in vivo induction of multiple hepatic P450s produces additive increases in arachidonic acid epoxygenase activity and can occur concurrently with inhibition of ovarian aromatase activity.

Protective effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on human endothelial cells from the pulmonary and coronary vasculature

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P-450 (CYP) metabolites synthesized from the essential fatty acid arachidonic acid to generate four regioisomers, 14,15-, 11,12-, 8,9-, and 5,6-EET. Cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) contain endogenous EETs that are increased by stimulation with physiological agonists such as bradykinin. Because EETs are known to modulate a number of vascular functions, including angiogenesis, we tested each of the four regioisomers to characterize their effects on survival and apoptosis of HCAECs and cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs). A single application of physiologically relevant concentration of 14,15-, 11,12-, and 8,9-EET but not 5,6-EET (0.75-300 nM) promoted concentration-dependent increase in cell survival of HLMVECs and HCAECs after removal of serum. The lipids also protected the same cells from death via the intrinsic, as well as extrinsic, pathways of apoptosis. EETs did not increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) or phosphorylate mitogen-activated protein kinase p44/42 when applied to these cells, and their protective action was attenuated by the phosphotidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin (10 microM) but not the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (20 microM). Our results demonstrate for the first time the capacity of EETs to enhance human endothelial cell survival by inhibiting both the intrinsic, as well as extrinsic, pathways of apoptosis, an important underlying mechanism that may promote angiogenesis and endothelial survival during atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular ailments.

Cytochrome P450 pharmacogenetics and cancer

The cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are key enzymes in cancer formation and cancer treatment. They mediate the metabolic activation of numerous precarcinogens and participate in the inactivation and activation of anticancer drugs. Since all CYPs that metabolize xenobiotics are polymorphic, much emphasis has been put on the investigation of a relationship between the distribution of specific variant CYP alleles and risk for different types of cancer, but a consistent view does not yet exist. This is to a great extent explained by the fact that the CYPs involved in activation of precarcinogens are in general not functionally polymorphic. This is in contrast to CYPs that are active in drug biotransformation where large interindividual differences in the capacity to metabolize therapeutic drugs are seen as a consequence of polymorphic alleles with altered function. This includes also some anticancer drugs like tamoxifen and cyclophosphamide metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2B6. Some P450 forms are also selectively expressed in tumours, and this could provide a mechanism for drug resistance, but also future therapies using these enzymes as drug targets can be envisioned. This review gives an up-to-date description of our current knowledge in these areas.

Endothelium-Derived Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids and Vascular Function

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are epoxides of arachidonic acid generated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases. The activation of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is an important step in the NO and prostacyclin-independent vasodilatation of several vascular beds, and EETs have been identified as an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. However, EETs also exert membrane potential-independent effects and modulate several signaling cascades that affect endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the role of CYP-derived EETs in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses and highlights the evidence indicating that EETs are important second messengers involved in endothelial cell signaling pathways related to angiogenesis.

From endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) to angiogenesis: Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and cell signaling

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are generated from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases. The expression of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is determined by a number of physical (fluid shear stress and cyclic stretch) and pharmacological stimuli as well as by hypoxia. The activation of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is an important step in the nitric oxide and prostacyclin (PGI2)-independent vasodilatation of several vascular beds and EETs have been identified as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). However, in addition to regulating vascular tone, EETs modulate several signaling cascades and affect cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Signaling molecules modulated by EETs include tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase A (PKA), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and several transcription factors. This review summarizes the role of CYP-derived EETs in cell signaling and focuses particularly on their role as intracellular amplifiers of endothelial cell hyperpolarization as well as in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The angiogenic properties of CYP epoxygenases and CYP-derived EETs implicate that these enzymes may well be accessible targets for anti-angiogenic as well as angiogenic therapies.