Lipoxygenase metabolism: roles in tumor progression and survival

Pitfalls in the use of arachidonic acid oxidation products to assign lipoxygenase activity in cancer cells

Arachidonic acid (AA) reaction with cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenases (LOX) yield eicosanoids that can mediate prostate cancer proliferation and enhance both tumour vascularization and metastasis. Increasingly measurement of eicosanoids with liquid chromatography is employed to implicate LOX activity in different biological systems and in particular link LOX activity to the progression of cancer in experimental models. This study demonstrates that simply identifying patterns of eicosanoid regio-isomerism is insufficient to designate LOX activity in prostate cancer cells and the analysis must include complete stereochemical assignment of the various isomers in order to validate the assignment of LOX activity.

Reactive oxygen species and lipoxygenases regulate the oncogenicity of NPM-ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphomas

The chimera nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK), the tyrosine kinase activity of which is constitutively upregulated, is the causative agent of 75% of the anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCLs). We have demonstrated that NPM-ALK induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by a pathway involving the arachidonic acid-metabolizing enzymes of the lipoxygenase (LOX) family. The use of the LOX inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and of the anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) demonstrated that ROS are important in maintaining the ALK kinase active. Consistent with this, NDGA treatment resulted in the inhibition of key pathways, such as Akt, signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which are involved in NPM-ALK antiapoptotic and pro-mitogenic functions. Conversely, the stress-activated kinase p38, described in some instances as a mediator of apoptosis, was activated. Interestingly, 5-LOX, an isoform involved in many cancers, was found to be activated in NPM-ALK(+) cells. Functional studies have shown that transforming properties, namely proliferation and resistance to apoptosis, were abrogated by treatment with either NDGA or the 5-LOX inhibitor (N-(3-phenoxycinnamyl)-acetohydroxamic acid) (BW A4C). Together, these data point to the ROS/LOX pathway as a potential new target for therapy in NPM-ALK-positive tumors.

Redox regulation of anoikis resistance of metastatic prostate cancer cells: key role for Src and EGFR-mediated pro-survival signals

Resistance to detachment-induced apoptosis, a process commonly referred as anoikis, is emerging as a hallmark of metastatic malignancies, mainly because it can ensure anchorage-independent growth and survival during organ colonization. Besides, a sustained oxidative stress has been associated with several steps of carcinogenesis, including transformation and achievement of a motile mesenchymal phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that metastatic prostate carcinoma cells, undergoing a constitutive deregulated production of reactive oxygen species due to sustained activation of 5-lipoxygenase, lack suicidal pathways in response to lack of matrix contact. These amplified and persistent redox signals in PC3 cells leads to maintenance of Src oxidation and activation in the absence of adhesion, thereby sustaining a ligand-independent phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor. This leads to chronic activation of pro-survival signals, culminating in degradation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim, thereby promoting cell survival even in the absence of proper adhesion. Anoikis sensitivity of metastatic cells is restored with antioxidant intervention or genetic manipulation of the redox-mediated pro-survival pathway, as well as exposure to a pro-oxidant environment strongly increases anoikis resistance in non-transformed prostate epithelial cells. Hence, our results allow new insight into the aetiology of the molecular mechanisms granting anoikis resistance of metastatic cancers, opening new avenues to pharmacological intervention for antioxidant-sensitive invasive tumours.

Baicalein induces proliferation inhibition in B16F10 melanoma cells by generating reactive oxygen species via 12-lipoxygenase

In a previous study, we demonstrated that baicalein induces hydroxyl radical formation in human platelets but the mechanisms are unclear. Herein, we show, using an electron spin resonance technique, that baicalein also induces hydroxyl radical formation in B16F10 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Baicalein produced superoxide anions in the presence of an iron chelator and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor. We suggest that superoxide anions produced by baicalein were promptly converted to hydroxyl radicals through SOD and the Fenton reaction in B16F10 melanoma cells. According to Western blotting results, the 12-LOX protein was expressed in B16F10 melanoma cells, but baicalein had no effect on 12-LOX expression. Decreases in 12-LOX protein expression and hydroxyl radical signals occurred in a 12-LOX small interfering RNA knockdown protein group compared with the baicalein control. In the MTT assay, we also found that baicalein caused a reduction in cellular viability, which was reversed by the addition of ROS scavengers. On the basis of these data, we conclude that ROS formation catalyzed by 12-LOX is one possible mechanism of growth inhibition by baicalein in B16F10 melanoma cells.

Human articular chondrocytes express 15-lipoxygenase-1 and -2: potential role in osteoarthritis

Introduction

15-Lipoxygenases and their metabolites have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, but little is known regarding their expression and function in chondrocytes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 and -2 in human articular chondrocytes, and to investigate the effects of their metabolites 13(S)-hydroxy octadecadienoic and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids on IL-1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13 expression.

Methods

The expression levels of 15-lipoxygenase-1 and -2 were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting in chondrocytes, and by immunohistochemistry in cartilage. Chondrocytes or cartilage explants were stimulated with IL-1β in the absence or presence of 13(S)-hydroxy octadecadienoic and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, and the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-13 protein production and type II collagen cleavage were evaluated using immunoassays. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ was evaluated using transient transfection experiments and the PPARγ antagonist GW9662.

Results

Articular chondrocytes express 15-lipoxygenase-1 and -2 at the mRNA and protein levels. 13(S)-hydroxy octadecadienoic and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids dose dependently decreased IL-1β-induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 protein and mRNA expression as well as type II collagen cleavage. The effect on MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression does not require de novo protein synthesis. 13(S)-hydroxy octadecadienoic and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids activated endogenous PPARγ, and GW9662 prevented their suppressive effect on MMP-1 and MMP-13 production, suggesting the involvement of PPARγ in these effects.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate the expression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 and -2 in articular chondrocytes. Their respective metabolites, namely 13(S)-hydroxy octadecadienoic and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, suppressed IL-1β-induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression in a PPARγ-dependent pathway. These data suggest that 15-lipoxygenases may have chondroprotective properties by reducing MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression.

Combination Therapy of PPARgamma Ligands and Inhibitors of Arachidonic Acid in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and five-year survival remains low. Numerous studies have shown that chronic inflammation may lead to progression of carcinogenesis. As a result of inflammatory stimulation, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism produces proliferation mediators through complex and dynamic interactions of the products of the LOX/COX enzymes. One important mediator in the activation of the AA pathways is the nuclear protein PPARgamma. Targeting LOX/COX enzymes and inducing activation of PPARgamma have resulted in significant reduction of cell growth in lung cancer cell lines. However, specific COX-inhibitors have been correlated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Clinical applications are still being explored with a novel generation of dual LOX/COX inhibitors. PPARgamma activation through synthetic ligands (TZDs) has revealed a great mechanistic complexity since effects are produced through PPARgamma-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Furthermore, PPARgamma could also be involved in regulation of COX-2. Overexpression of PPARgamma has reported to play a role in control of invasion and differentiation. Exploring the function of PPARgamma, in this new context, may provide a better mechanistic model of its role in cancer and give an opportunity to design a more efficient therapeutic approach in combination with LOX/COX inhibitors.

Different patterns of oxidized lipid products in plasma and urine of dengue fever, stroke, and Parkinson's disease patients: cautions in the use of biomarkers of oxidative stress

Many products of lipid oxidation have been associated with human diseases. These include F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid products (HETEs), and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). Here we present measurements of F2-IsoPs, HETEs, COPs, and arachidonate in single plasma samples of patients with acute (dengue fever and ischemic stroke) and chronic (Parkinson's) diseases, and in age-matched study controls. Urine samples were collected for F2-IsoPs analysis. Our analysis demonstrated elevated F2-IsoPs levels in ischemic stroke, HETEs in Parkinson's disease, dengue fever, and ischemic stroke, and COPs in Parkinson's disease and dengue fever patients, as compared with those in age-matched study controls. Strong but complex correlations were observed between levels of certain oxidized lipid products and age. The relations between various oxidized lipids and dengue fever, stroke, and Parkinson's disease are discussed in relation to the selection and application of biomarkers of oxidative lipid damage, in particular the need for corrections for age and lipid levels.

Inhibitory activity of salicylic acid on lipoxygenase-dependent lipid peroxidation

BACKGROUND

Since iron is essential for lipoxygenase activity and salicylic acid (SA) can interact with the metal, possible lipoxygenase inhibition by SA was investigated.

METHODS

Kinetic spectrophotometric evaluation of enzymatic lipid peroxidation catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase (SLO), rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase (RR15-LOX), porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase (PL12-LOX) and human recombinant 5-lipoxygenase (HR5-LOX) with and without SA.

RESULTS

SA inhibited linoleic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid or human lipoprotein peroxidation catalyzed by SLO with IC50 of, respectively, 107, 153, 47 and 108 microM. Using the same substrates, SA inhibited RR15-LOX with IC50 of, respectively, 49, 63, 27 and 51 microM. Further, arachidonic acid peroxidation catalyzed by PL12-LOX and HR5-LOX was inhibited by SA with IC50 of 101 and 168 microM, respectively. Enzymatic inhibition was complete, reversible and non-competitive. Conceivably due to its lower hydrophobicity, aspirin was less effective, indicating acetylation-independent enzyme inhibition. SA and aspirin were ineffective peroxyl radical scavengers but readily reduced Fe3+, i.e. FeCl3, to Fe2+, suggesting their capacity to reduce Fe3+ at the enzyme active site. Indeed, similar to the catecholic redox inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid, SA inhibited with the same efficiency both ferric and the native ferrous SLO form, indicating that these compounds reduce the active ferric enzyme leading to its inactivation.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

SA can inhibit lipoxygenase-catalyzed lipid peroxidation at therapeutic concentrations, suggesting its possible inhibitory activity against enzymatic lipid peroxidation in the clinical setting.

Chain length specificity for activation of cPLA2alpha by C1P: use of the dodecane delivery system to determine lipid-specific effects

Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) specifically activated group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)alpha) in vitro. In this study, we investigated the chain length specificity of this interaction. C1P with an acyl-chain of >or=6 carbons efficiently activated cPLA(2)alpha in vitro, whereas C(2)-C1P, was unable to do so. Delivery of C1P to cells via the newly characterized ethanol/dodecane system demonstrated a lipid-specific activation of cPLA(2)alpha, AA release, and PGE(2) synthesis (EC(50) = 400 nM) when compared to structurally similar lipids. C1P delivered as vesicles in water also induced a lipid-specific increase in AA release. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that C1P delivered via ethanol/dodecane induced a 3-fold increase in endogenous C1P with little metabolism to ceramide. C1P was also more efficiently delivered (>3-fold) to internal membranes by ethanol/dodecane as compared to vesiculated C1P. Using this now established delivery method for lipids, C(2)-C1P was shown to be ineffective in the induction of AA release as compared with C(6)-C1P, C(16)-C1P, and C(18:1) C1P. Here, we demonstrate that C1P requires >or=6 carbon acyl-chain to activate cPLA(2)alpha. Thus, published reports on the biological activity of C(2)-C1P are not via eicosanoid synthesis. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the alcohol/dodecane system can be used to efficiently deliver exogenous phospholipids to cells for the examination of specific biological effects.

Cyp1b1 exerts opposing effects on intestinal tumorigenesis via exogenous and endogenous substrates

Cytochrome P450 1B1 (Cyp1b1) metabolism contributes to physiologic functions during embryogenesis but also to carcinogenic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). We generated Cyp1b1-deficient mice carrying the Min allele of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. These Cyp1b1-deficient Min mice developed twice as many tumors as Min controls, which, however, remained similar in size and histology. Tumors from older (130 days) Cyp1b1-deficient Min mice selectively exhibited focal areas of nuclear atypia associated with less organized epithelia. The metabolism of endogenous substrates by Cyp1b1, therefore, suppresses tumor initiation but also affects progression. Treatment of Min mice with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) doubled both tumor multiplicity and size within 20 days but not when mice lacked Cyp1b1. This was paralleled by an abnormal staining of crypts with beta-catenin, phospho-IkappaB kinase, and RelA, which may represent an early stage of tumorigenesis similar to aberrant crypt formation. Cyp1b1 deletion did not affect circulating DMBA and metabolites. Cyp1b1 expression was higher in the tumors compared with normal small intestines. Increased tumorigenesis may, therefore, arise from generation of DMBA metabolites by Cyp1b1 in the developing tumors. Benzo(a)pyrene (BP), which is similarly activated by Cyp1b1 in vitro, did not affect tumorigenesis in Min mice. By contrast, BP and DMBA each suppressed tumor multiplicity in the absence of Cyp1b1. Cyp1b1 metabolism of DMBA and endogenous oxygenation products may each affect a tumor-promoting nuclear factor-kappaB activation, whereas Ah receptor activation by PAH affects suppression. Tumorigenesis may, therefore, depend on activation of PAH by Cyp1b1 and on offsetting suppression by Cyp1b1 of endogenous tumor-enhancing substrates.

Roles of Eicosanoids in Prostate Cancer

Eicosanoids, the metabolites of arachidonic acid, have diverse functions in the regulation of cancer including prostate cancer. This review will provide an overview of the roles of eicosanoids and endocannabinoids and their potential as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer treatment.