Characterization of the human gene (PTGS2) encoding prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2

Neuroinflammatory signaling upregulation in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodestructive process of the human neocortex, characterized by the deterioration of memory and higher cognitive function. A progressive and irreversible brain disorder, AD is characterized by three major pathogenic episodes involving (a) an aberrant processing and deposition of beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) to form neurotoxic beta-amyloid (betaA) peptides and an aggregated insoluble polymer of betaA that forms the senile plaque, (b) the establishment of intraneuronal neuritic tau pathology yielding widespread deposits of agyrophilic neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and (c) the initiation and proliferation of a brain-specific inflammatory response. These three seemingly disperse attributes of AD etiopathogenesis are linked by the fact that proinflammatory microglia, reactive astrocytes and their associated cytokines and chemokines are associated with the biology of the microtubule associated protein tau, betaA speciation and aggregation. Missense mutations in the presenilin genes PS1 and PS2, implicated in early onset familial AD, cause abnormal betaAPP processing with resultant overproduction of betaA42 and related neurotoxic peptides. Specific betaA fragments such as betaA42 can further potentiate proinflammatory mechanisms. Expression of the inducible oxidoreductase cyclooxygenase-2 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) are strongly activated during cerebral ischemia and trauma, epilepsy and AD, indicating the induction of proinflammatory gene pathways as a response to brain injury. Neurotoxic metals such as aluminum and zinc, both implicated in AD etiopathogenesis, and arachidonic acid, a major metabolite of brain cPLA2 activity, each polymerize hyperphosphorylated tau to form NFT-like bundles. Further, epidemiological and longitudinal studies have identified a reduced risk for AD in patients (<70 yrs) previously treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for non-CNS afflictions that include arthritis. This review will focus on the interrelationships between the mechanisms of PS1, PS2 and betaAPP gene expression, tau and betaA deposition and the induction, regulation and proliferation in AD of the neuroinflammatory response. Novel therapeutic interventions in AD are discussed.

Local administration of transcription factor decoy oligonucleotides to nuclear factor-kappaB prevents carrageenin-induced inflammation in rat hind paw

The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays a key role in the expression of several genes involved in the inflammatory process. In the present study we investigated in an acute model of inflammation, the carrageenin-induced hind paw edema, the anti-inflammatory effect of double stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) with consensus nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) sequence as transcription factor decoys (TFD) to inhibit NF-kappaB binding to native DNA sites. Local administration of wild-type, but not mutant-ODN decoy, dose-dependently inhibited edema formation induced by carrageenin in rat paw. Molecular analysis performed on soft tissue obtained from inflamed paw demonstrated: (1) an inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA binding activity; (2) a decreased nuclear level of p50 and p65 NF-kappaB subunits; (3) an inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression, two inflammatory enzymes transcriptionally controlled by NF-kappaB. Furthermore, SN-50, a cell-permeable peptide capable of inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB complexes, exhibited a similar profile of activity of ODN decoy. Our results indicate for the first time that ODN decoy, acting as an in vivo competitor for the transcription factor's ability to bind to cognate recognition sequence, may represent a novel strategy to modulate acute inflammation.

Feedback control of cyclooxygenase-2 expression through PPARgamma

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a rate-limiting enzyme for prostaglandins (PG), plays a key role in inflammation, tumorigenesis, development, and circulatory homeostasis. The PGD(2) metabolite 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14) PGJ(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) was identified as a potent natural ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). PPARgamma expressed in macrophages has been postulated as a negative regulator of inflammation and a positive regulator of differentiation into foam cell associated with atherogenesis. Here, we show that 15d-PGJ(2) suppresses the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of COX-2 in the macrophage-like differentiated U937 cells but not in vascular endothelial cells. PPARgamma mRNA abundantly expressed in the U937 cells, not in the endothelial cells, is down-regulated by LPS. In contrast, LPS up-regulates mRNA for the glucocorticoid receptor which ligand anti-inflammatory steroid dexamethasone (DEX) strongly suppresses the LPS-induced expression of COX-2, although both 15d-PGJ(2) and DEX suppressed COX-2 promoter activity by interfering with the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Transfection of a PPARgamma expression vector into the endothelial cells acquires this suppressive regulation of COX-2 gene by 15d-PGJ(2) but not by DEX. A selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, inhibits production of PGD(2) in the U937 cells. Taking these findings together, we propose that expression of COX-2 is regulated by a negative feedback loop mediated through PPARgamma, which makes possible a dynamic production of PG, especially in macrophages, and may be attributed to various expression patterns and physiological functions of COX-2.

The induction of cyclooxygenase-1 by a tobacco carcinogen in U937 human macrophages is correlated to the activation of NF-kappaB

The nicotine-derived 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), present in tobacco smoke, is most likely involved in lung carcinogenesis in smokers. We demonstrated previously that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis, although the mechanism(s) is unknown. The present study demonstrates that, in U937 human macrophages, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 are involved in the bioactivation of NNK to electrophilic mutagenic intermediates. We observed that acetylsalicylic acid and NS-398 decrease COX-dependent NNK activation in U937 cells by 66 and 37%, respectively. NSAIDs also decrease prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis, which is induced in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a 7-fold increase, in NNK-treated human U937 cells. We observed that NNK induces COX-1 expression and activates the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), in U937 cells. N:-acetyl-L-cysteine and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, two inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit NNK-induced PGE2 synthesis by 41 and 44%, respectively. These data suggest that ROS, generated during pulmonary metabolism of NNK could act as signal transduction messengers and activate NF-kappaB, which will subsequently induce COX-1 activity and increase PGE(2) synthesis. These results reveal a novel aspect of tobacco carcinogenesis, and give us insight into the mechanisms of chemoprevention by NSAIDs. Accordingly, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation, leading to the inhibition of COX, offers a new approach in lung cancer prevention.

TNF-alpha-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human lung epithelial cells: involvement of the phospholipase C-gamma 2, protein kinase C-alpha, tyrosine kinase, NF-kappa B-inducing kinase, and I-kappa B kinase 1/2 pathway

TNF-alpha induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and PGE2 formation in human NCI-H292 epithelial cells. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that COX-2 was expressed in cytosol and nuclear envelope. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein or herbimycin) or phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) blocked TNF-alpha-induced COX-2 expression. TNF-alpha also stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and both were abolished by genistein or U73122. The PKC inhibitor, staurosporine, also inhibited TNF-alpha-induced response. The 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a PKC activator, also stimulated COX-2 expression, this effect being inhibited by genistein or herbimycin. NF-kappaB DNA-protein binding and COX-2 promoter activity were enhanced by TNF-alpha, and these effects were inhibited by genistein, U73122, staurosporine, or pyrolidine dithiocarbamate. TPA stimulated both NF-kappaB DNA-protein binding and COX-2 promoter activity, these effects being inhibited by genistein, herbimycin, or pyrolidine dithiocarbamate. The TNF-alpha-induced, but not the TPA-induced, COX-2 promoter activity was inhibited by phospholipase C-gamma2 mutants, and the COX-2 promoter activity induced by either agent was attenuated by dominant-negative mutants of PKC-alpha, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, or I-kappaB (inhibitory protein that dissociates from NF-kappaB) kinase (IKK)1 or 2. IKK activity was stimulated by both TNF-alpha and TPA, and these effects were inhibited by staurosporine or herbimycin. These results suggest that, in NCI-H292 epithelial cells, TNF-alpha might activate phospholipase C-gamma2 via an upstream tyrosine kinase to induce activation of PKC-alpha and protein tyrosine kinase, resulting in the activation of NF-kappaB-inducing kinase and IKK1/2, and NF-kappaB in the COX-2 promoter, then initiation of COX-2 expression and PGE2 release.

An essential role of the nuclear factor of activated T cells in the regulation of the expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene in human T lymphocytes

We have previously reported that transcriptional induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoenzyme occurs early after T cell receptor triggering, suggesting functional implications of cyclooxygenase activity in this process. Here, we identify the cis-acting elements responsible for the transcriptional activation of this gene in human T lymphocytes. COX-2 promoter activity was induced upon T cell activation both in primary resting T lymphocytes and in Jurkat cells. This induction was abrogated by inhibition of calcineurin phosphatase with the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A, whereas expression of an active calcineurin catalytic subunit enhanced COX-2 transcriptional activation. Moreover, cotransfection of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) wild type protein transactivated COX-2 promoter activity. Conversely, dominant negative mutants of NFATc or c-Jun proteins inhibited COX-2 induction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and site-directed mutagenesis allowed the identification of two regions of DNA located in the positions -117 and -58 relative to the transcriptional start site that serves as NFAT recognition sequences. These results emphasize the central role that the Ca(2+)/calcineurin pathway plays in COX-2 transcriptional regulation in T lymphocytes pointing to NFAT/activator protein-1 transcription factors as essential for COX-2 promoter regulation in these cells.

Regulation of cyclooxygenase 2 expression in hepatocytes by CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge has been analyzed in cultured fetal, neonatal, and adult hepatocytes and in hepatoma cell lines.

METHODS

To study the mechanisms of LPS-dependent expression of COX-2 in these cells, the activity of the COX-2 promoter and the levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) were determined.

RESULTS

COX-2 was induced in fetal hepatocytes, but this response declined rapidly after birth. This loss of inducibility of COX-2 paralleled the expression of C/EBP-alpha in neonatal hepatocytes. Transfection of fetal and adult hepatocytes with sequences corresponding to the 5'-flanking region of the rat COX-2 gene confirmed the absence of promoter activity in adult hepatocytes. Moreover, transient expression of C/EBP-alpha, but not C/EBP-delta, in the hepatoma cell line AT3F cells abolished the COX-2 promoter activity. Prolonged culture of adult hepatocytes restored the induction of COX-2 after complete disappearance of C/EBP-alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the presence of high levels of C/EBP-alpha is involved in the impairment of COX-2 expression in adult hepatocytes challenged with proinflammatory stimuli.

Prostaglandin E(2) upregulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) has been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory and immunological events. Using RAW 264.7 macrophages, the present study investigates the influence of PGE(2) on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Incubation of cells with PGE(2) increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced COX-2 mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Upregulation of COX-2 expression by PGE(2) was completely abolished by the specific adenylyl cyclase inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine and mimicked by butaprost, a selective agonist of the adenylyl cyclase-coupled PGE(2) receptor subtype 2 (EP(2)), or 11-deoxy PGE(1), an EP(2)/EP(4) receptor agonist. By contrast, the EP(3)/EP(1) receptor agonists 17-phenyl-omega-trinor PGE(2) and sulprostone left LPS-induced COX-2 expression virtually unaltered. Upregulation of LPS-induced COX-2 expression and subsequent PGE(2) synthesis was also observed in the presence of the cell-permeable cAMP analogue dibutyryl cAMP and the adenylyl cyclase activator cholera toxin. Together, our data demonstrate that PGE(2) potentiates COX-2 mRNA expression via an adenylyl cyclase/cAMP-dependent pathway. In conclusion, upregulation of COX-2 expression via an autocrine feed-forward loop may in part contribute to the well-known capacity of PGE(2)/cAMP to modulate inflammatory processes.

Activation of NFkappaB is necessary for IL-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in human gingival fibroblasts

The immediate-early cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene encodes an inducible prostaglandin synthase enzyme which is implicated in inflammatory and proliferative diseases. COX-2 is highly induced during cell activation by various factors, including mitogens, hormones and cytokines. Since pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta has been shown to induce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), here we analyzed the effect of IL-1beta on the expression of COX-2 and the activation of NFkappaB in HGF. Northern hybridization analysis revealed that IL-1beta (200 pg/ml) increased the expression of COX-2 mRNA in HGF. The effect of IL-1beta was abrogated by herbimycin A, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and enhanced by orthovanadate, a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. IL-1beta-induced PGE2 release was blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor and increased by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. The results of transient transfection assays using chimeric constructs of the human COX-2 promoter (nt -1432 approximately +59) ligated to a luciferase reporter gene indicated that IL-1beta stimulated the transcriptional activity approximately 1.5-fold. Gel mobility shift assays with a radiolabelled COX-2-NFkappaB oligonucleotide (nts-223 to-214) revealed an increase in the binding of nuclear proteins from IL-1beta-stimulated HGF. This increase of DNA-protein complex formation induced by IL-1beta was blocked by herbimycin A and another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein. These results suggest that NFkappaB is an important transcription factor for IL-1beta-induced COX-2 gene expression, and is involved in inducing COX-2 gene transcription through tyrosine phosphorylation in HGF.

Inhibition by extracellular cAMP of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced prostaglandin H synthase-2 expression in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Involvement of an ecto-protein kinase A activity

Exposure of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) leads to the increase of prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS)-2 protein levels. Under same conditions and according to its constitutive nature, no significant variation of PGHS-1 protein was noted. The elevation of the intracellular cAMP rate is known to enhance PGHS-2 levels through a protein kinase A pathway in various cells. To determine whether the extracellular cAMP also regulates the inducible expression of PGHS, cultured HPMECs were exposed to cAMP alone or in combination with PMA. The PMA-induced PGHS-2 protein was attenuated by the extracellular cAMP. In addition, PGHS-2 activity evaluated through 6-keto-PGF1alpha generation, which was enhanced by PMA was inhibited by extracellular cAMP. Furthermore, in HPMEC medium, PMA-induced PGHS-2 expression was accompanied by the generation of a transferable activity (TA) able to abolish platelet aggregation. This resulting TA was dependent from PGHS-2 pathway, because NS-398, a selective inhibitor of PGHS-2, suppressed its production. The inhibitory TA released by treated HPMECs was also prevented by extracellular cAMP. The specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor blocked the extracellular cAMP effect on both PMA-induced 6-keto-PGF1alpha synthesis and inhibitory TA generation, suggesting the involvement of PKA signaling at the outer surface of HPMECs. Accordingly, we established, in phosphorylation experiments, the presence of an endothelial ecto-protein kinase activity, able to phosphorylate the synthetic substrate kemptide in a cAMP-dependent mode. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that PMA-induced PGHS-2 mRNA was markedly reduced by extracellular cAMP. Together, these findings provide the first experimental evidence that extracellular cAMP is able to reduce HPMEC PGHS-2 expression in terms of mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity through an ecto-PKA pathway. In addition, they outline the potential role of endothelial PGHS-2 in the limitation of platelet activation during inflammatory processes.

Human glutathione dependent prostaglandin E synthase: gene structure and regulation

A P1 clone containing the gene for human glutathione dependent PGE synthase (PGES) was isolated and characterized. The gene is divided into three exons, spans 14.8 kb and was localized to chromosome 9q34. 3. In A549 cells, the protein and activity levels of PGES were increased by interleukin-1beta. This increase was prevented by phenobarbital. Reporter constructs containing the 5'-flanking region of exon 1, which exhibited strong promoter activity, responded accordingly, except that interleukin-1beta induced a transient increase followed by a decrease. As cyclooxygenase 2 expression has been reported to respond in a similar fashion, a transcriptional regulatory basis for the observed co-regulation with PGES is implied. The strong down-regulation by phenobarbital raises important issues concerning its mechanisms of action.

Characterization of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase-1 enzyme expression during differentiation of the megakaryocytic cell line MEG-01

OBJECTIVE

Because the prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase-1 (PGHS-1)-dependent formation of thromboxane A(2) is an important modulator of platelet function, this pathway represents a pharmacologic target for the inhibition of platelet function by aspirin. The objective of our research was to study how PGHS-1 expression is regulated in platelets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Because platelets are anucleated, their protein content is a consequence of gene expression in precursor cells known as megakaryocytes. We used the immortalized human megakaryoblastic cell line MEG-01 as a model to study the expression of PGHS-1, because MEG-01 cells can be induced to differentiate into platelet-like structures by adding nanomolar concentrations of 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). We determined the expression profiles of PGHS-1 protein and mRNA in the cells comprising the three different populations of MEG-01 cultures: nucleated floating, nucleated attached, and platelet-like structures.

RESULTS

We determined that PGHS-1 protein levels were higher in the nucleated adherent population than in the nucleated floating population. PGHS-1 protein levels were greatest in the anucleated platelet-like population. In contrast, we found that PGHS-1 mRNA levels were highest in the cells that comprised the nucleated adherent population. Addition of TPA induced the expression of PGHS-1 protein and mRNA in all three populations but did not change the relationship of the amount of PGHS-1 protein or mRNA expressed in a given population relative to the other two fractions. We measured the expression of PGHS-1 protein on a cell-by-cell basis in the nucleated MEG-01 populations. We found that the percentage of MEG-01 cells expressing PGHS-1 protein in the adherent population was greater than in the floating population. We measured a time-dependent increase in the percentage of cells that expressed PGHS-1 over a period of 8 days after singular addition of TPA (1.6x10(-8)M). Importantly, we observed that TPA treatment stimulated floating MEG-01 to adhere to the surface of the tissue culture vessel and that, after such treatment, only floating MEG-01 cells suffered a compromised viability. We found that a high percentage of control cells expressed glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and that TPA treatment did not significantly alter this percentage. We did not detect glycoprotein Ib in control cells but did measure a slight increase in the percentage of MEG-01 cells that expressed this antigen in the TPA-treated population.

CONCLUSION

We established a correlation between the level of PGHS-1 expression and the overall level of differentiation of MEG-01 cells. PGHS-1 protein expression, which increases consistently over the full course of differentiation, now may be used as an additional and perhaps better index by which to survey megakaryocytes.

The delayed activation of the prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 promoter in bovine granulosa cells is associated with down-regulation of truncated upstream stimulatory factor-2

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the delayed induction of PGHS-2 in species with a long ovulatory process, a 1. 6-kilobase fragment of the bovine PGHS-2 promoter was isolated, and its activity was characterized in primary cultures of bovine granulosa cells. Promoter activity assays performed with a series of deletion mutants revealed that the promoter region from -149 to -2 (+1 = transcription start site) confers full-length promoter activity in response to forskolin (10 microM). Four consensus cis-elements were identified within this region, including an E-box, ATF/CRE, C/EBP, and AP2 site. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that the E-box was required for PGHS-2 promoter activity, that disruption of the C/EBP element decreased forskolin inducible activity by 29%, whereas point mutation within the ATF/CRE and AP2 element had no inhibitory effect. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) performed with the -149/-2 fragment and granulosa cell nuclear extracts obtained before (0 h) and after (18 and 20 h) human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) revealed the regulation of multiple DNA-protein complexes. The 0-h extract generated four complexes at the E-box, whereas only one complex was produced at this site with the 18-h extract. Supershift EMSAs identified that upstream stimulatory factor-1 and -2 (USF-1 and -2) were part of these complexes. Interestingly, the presence of the amino-terminal truncated USF-2, which lacks the transcription activation domain, was detected in the 0-h extract, but not in extracts prepared post-hCG. Supershift EMSAs also indicated high levels of C/EBPbeta binding to its cis-element in the 0-h extract, which contrasts with results previously reported in rats. Thus, high levels of amino-terminal truncated USF-2 and C/EBPbeta in bovine granulosa cells prior to hCG treatment could repress gene expression, and be involved in the delayed induction of PGHS-2 in species with a long ovulatory process.

Activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human breast cancer cells overexpressing cyclooxygenase-1 or -2

Human breast cancer cell line Hs578T was stably transfected with cDNA for cyclooxygenase-1 or -2. When the cells overexpressing cyclooxygenase-1 or -2 were stimulated with concanavalin A, the processing of matrix metalloproteinase-2 was observed with the aid of gelatin zymography. This processing was not seen in mock-transfected and original cells which did not express detectable cyclooxygenase activity. Furthermore, Northern blotting showed 8-13 fold induction of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase which processed matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the cells expressing cyclooxygenases. These findings suggest that both isoforms of cyclooxygenase mediate the processing of matrix metalloproteinase-2 through induction of membrane-type I metalloproteinase in breast cancer cells.

Regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 by interferon gamma and transforming growth factor alpha in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and squamous carcinoma cells. Role of mitogen-activated protein kinases

Treatment of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) causes a 9-fold increase in the level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression. Nuclear run-off assays indicate that this induction is at least partly due to increased transcription. Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway due to the enhanced transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) expression plays an important role in the induction of COX-2 by IFN-gamma. This is supported by the ability of TGFalpha to rapidly induce COX-2 and the inhibition of the IFN-gamma-mediated COX-2 mRNA induction by an EGFR antibody and EGFR-selective kinase inhibitors. Deletion and mutation analysis indicates the importance of the proximal cAMP-response element/ATF site in the transcriptional control of this gene by TGFalpha. The increase in COX-2 mRNA by TGFalpha requires activation of both the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Inhibition of p38 MAPK decreases the stability of COX-2 mRNA, while inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) does not. These results suggest that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway controls COX-2 at the level of mRNA stability, while the ERK signaling pathway regulates COX-2 at the level of transcription. In contrast to NHEK, IFN-gamma and TGFalpha are not very effective in inducing TGFalpha or COX-2 expression in several squamous carcinoma cell lines, indicating alterations in both IFN-gamma and TGFalpha response pathways.

Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs, despite their well-established association with gastroduodenal injury. Recent discovery of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes COX-1 and COX-2 has improved our knowledge of the action of NSAIDs. COX-1 is continuously expressed in almost all tissues, where it converts arachidonate to the prostaglandins (PGs) important in homeostatic function; COX-2 is present in immune cells, blood vessel endothelial cells, and synovial fibroblasts. Classic NSAIDs inhibit both COX isoenzymes by occupying the cyclooxygenase-active site, preventing access by arachidonic acid. In theory, a drug such as celecoxib that selectively inhibited COX-2 might block inflammation, pain, and fever while reducing the side effects (gastric erosions and ulcers) associated with inhibition of COX-1. In animal models of inflammation and pain, celecoxib has shown marked suppression of PG production and inflammation compared with indomethacin, the standard COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor. In clinical trials, celecoxib dosed at 100, 200, and 400 mg BID was found to significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis. In one RA study, celecoxib was found to be as clinically effective as diclofenac after 24 weeks of treatment; at the end of the study, gastroduodenal ulcers occurred significantly more frequently in the diclofenac group (15%) than in the celecoxib group (4%). In a 1-week endoscopy study comparing celecoxib with naproxen and placebo, the incidence of gastric erosions/ulcers was significantly greater in the naproxen group than in the celecoxib or placebo group. The most common adverse effects of celecoxib in clinical studies were headache, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and dizziness. Celecoxib has shown significant equivalent anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy and has produced less endoscopically apparent gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration or erosion than have 3 classic NSAIDs. Whether it will have long-term GI adverse effects or interact with other medications to cause serious adverse responses (eg, increased GI bleeding or rash in conjunction with other sulfonamide-like drugs) is unknown and remains to be established.

Fish oil augments macrophage cyclooxygenase II (COX-2) gene expression induced by endotoxin

BACKGROUND

Fish oil-supplemented diets have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. Although fish oil is readily incorporated into the cell membrane and influences the production of eicosanoids, the exact mechanism is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a major component of fish oil, on macrophage (Mphi) cyclooxygenase (COX) gene expression induced by LPS.

METHODS

RAW 264.7 cells, a mouse Mphi cell line, were grown in EPA-rich media for 24 h. Mphi were washed and exposed to Escherichia coli LPS (10 microg/ml). Membrane lipid profile was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expressions were determined by Northern blot assays with mouse-specific cDNA probes. PGE(2) production of Mphi was measured by ELISA. Mphi production of COX-2 protein was determined by Western blot assays with an anti-COX-2 antibody.

RESULTS

Incubation in EPA-rich media increased membrane EPA and decreased arachidonic acid (AA) composition. COX-2 mRNA expression was induced by EPA and further augmented by LPS stimulation. EPA also augmented Mphi production of COX-2 protein. In comparison, COX-1 mRNA expression was not affected by either LPS stimulation or EPA incubation. EPA reduced PGE(2) production by LPS-stimulated Mphi. To further support that COX-2 mRNA was regulated by COX product, exogenous PGE(2) was added to Mphi prior to LPS stimulation. PGE(2) reduced COX-2 mRNA of LPS-stimulated Mphi.

CONCLUSION

EPA displaces AA and reduces PGE(2) production by LPS-stimulated Mphi. Fish oil inhibition of Mphi PGE(2) production induces COX-2 mRNA expression through a COX-2 product-mediated feedback mechanism.

The mechanism of thrombin-induced prostacyclin synthesis in human endothelial cells with reference to the gene transcription of prostacyclin-related enzymes and Ca2+ kinetics

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of thrombin on prostacyclin (PGI2) production in cultured human vascular endothelial cells in association with intracellular Ca2+ and with the gene expression of prostaglandin H2 synthase (PGHS) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) using competitive polymerase chain reaction. Thrombin enhanced the PGI2 synthesis dependent with time. Additionally, thrombin increased the intracellular Ca2+, which stimulates PLA2, resulting in arachidonic acid cleavage from membrane phospholipids and its subsequent conversion into PGI2 through the PGHS pathway. The elevation of intracellular Ca2+ was a result of Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from its intracellular storage sites. In this study, PGHS-1 mRNA was constitutively expressed, whereas PGHS-2 mRNA was not. With the stimulation of thrombin, cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) mRNA increased 9-fold at 15 min, PGHS-1 mRNA increased 3.4-fold at 180 min, and PGHS-2 mRNA increased 38-fold at 60 min. These results suggest that the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and the expression of cPLA2, PGHS-1, and PGHS-2 mRNA cause PGI2 generation.

Inhibition by berberine of cyclooxygenase-2 transcriptional activity in human colon cancer cells

The enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is abundantly expressed in colon cancer cells and plays a key role in colon tumorigenesis. Compounds inhibiting COX-2 transcriptional activity have therefore potentially a chemopreventive property against colon tumor formation. An assay method for estimating COX-2 transcriptional activity in human colon cancer cells was established using a beta-galactosidase reporter gene system, and examination was made of various medicinal herbs and their ingredients for an inhibitory effect on COX-2 transcriptional activity. We found that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid present in plants of the genera Berberis and Coptis, effectively inhibits COX-2 transcriptional activity in colon cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner at concentrations higher than 0.3 microM. The present findings may further explain the mechanism of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting effects of berberine.

Interleukin-1alpha stimulated prostacyclin release by increasing gene transcription of prostaglandin H synthase and phospholipase A2 in human vascular endothelial cells

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) on prostacyclin (PGI2) production in cultured human vascular endothelial cells in association with intracellular Ca2+, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), and with prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) gene expression by using the competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. IL-1alpha did not increase PGI2 production for 15 min, but induced an increase of about three-fold relative to that in controls at 60 and 180 min. IL- 1alpha had no effect on intracellular Ca2+ levels throughout the experimental period. In this study, consistent with previous reports, PGHS-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was constitutively expressed, whereas PLA2 mRNA was not. After stimulation with IL-1alpha, PLA2 mRNA level showed an eightfold increase within 15 min, and PGHS-2 mRNA level increased by 76-fold within 180 min. PGHS-1 mRNA level was increased 1.6-fold at 180 min. These results suggest the existence of regulatory mechanisms of IL-1alpha-induced PGI2 production, which involve PGHS and PLA2 gene transcription.

Key enzymes of prostaglandin biosynthesis and metabolism. Coordinate regulation of expression by cytokines in gestational tissues: a review

Preterm labor is frequently associated with ascending intrauterine infection, accompanied by leukocytes infiltration and enhanced local production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. The resulting amplification of the inflammatory response, and of prostanoid production in particular, is postulated to be a principal mechanism of infection-driven preterm labor. In this review the effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are discussed with respect to the expression of enzymes involved in three key steps of prostanoid biosynthesis and metabolism: liberation of arachidonic acid (AA), conversion of AA to bioactive prostanoids, and prostanoid catabolism. We suggest that by exerting coordinate actions on all three key steps, through multiple molecular mechanisms, inflammatory cytokines acutely up-regulate prostanoid production in intrauterine tissues.

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide H synthase-2 expression in human thyroid epithelium. Evidence for constitutive expression in vivo and in cultured KAT-50 cells

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS) (EC 1.14.99.1) expression was examined in human thyroid tissue and in KAT-50, a well differentiated human thyroid epithelial cell line. PGHS-1 is found constitutively expressed in most healthy tissues, whereas PGHS-2 is highly inducible and currently thought to be expressed, with few exceptions, only in diseased tissues. Surprisingly, PGHS-2 mRNA and protein were easily detected in normal thyroid tissue. KAT-50 cells express high levels of constitutive PGHS-2 mRNA and protein under basal culture conditions. Compounds usually associated with PGHS-2 induction, including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and serum transiently down-regulated PGHS-2 expression. Human PGHS-2 promoter constructs (-1840/+123 and -831/+123) fused to a luciferase reporter and transfected into untreated KAT-50 cells exhibited substantial activity. NS-398, a highly selective inhibitor of PGHS-2 could inhibit substantial basal prostaglandin E2 production. Exogenous IL-1 receptor antagonist or IL-1alpha neutralizing antibodies could attenuate constitutive PGHS-2 expression in KAT-50 cells, suggesting that endogenous IL-1alpha synthesis was driving PGHS-2 expression. Our findings suggest that normal thyroid epithelium expresses high constitutive levels of PGHS-2 in situ and in vitro and this enzyme is active in the generation of prostaglandin E2. Thus, unprovoked PGHS-2 expression might be considerably more widespread in healthy tissues than is currently believed.

Growth stimulation and induction of epidermal growth factor receptor by overexpression of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 in human colon carcinoma cells

There are two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-1 and COX-2. Recent epidemiological and experimental studies indicated a close relationship between COXs and the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible roles of both isoforms in the proliferation of colon carcinoma cells. A human colon carcinoma cell line, COLO 320DM, was transfected with an eukaryotic expression vector carrying cDNA of either COX-1 or COX-2, the expression of which was driven by a powerful elongation factor-1alpha promoter in pEF-BOS. Both COX-1- and COX-2-expressing cells possessed a similar enzyme activity, 8-10 nmol/10 min per mg protein. Growth rates of both cell lines were stimulated by about 2-fold during a course of culture for 7 days as compared with mock-transfected cells. Although COX-1 and COX-2 are believed to have fundamentally different biological roles, essentially no differences in growth stimulation were observed between the COX-1 and COX-2 overexpressions in our experiments. The reason may be explained by high levels of COX expression, and subtle differences between the both cell lines would be possibly apparent by lower expression levels. The stimulated growth of the COX-transfected cells was accompanied by increased DNA synthesis as assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, expression of epidermal growth factor receptor was markedly increased in these cells as examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A COX inhibitor, indomethacin, suppressed the stimulated growth, increased DNA synthesis and induction of epidermal growth factor receptor in COX-1- and COX-2-transfected cells.

Differential Expression and Regulation of Cyclooxygenase Isozymes in Thymic Stromal Cells

Prostaglandins (PGs) are lipid-derived mediators of rapid and localized cellular responses. Given the role of PG in supporting thymic T cell development, we investigated the expression of the PG synthases, also known as cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and -2, in the biosynthesis of PGs in thymic stromal cell lines. The predominant isozyme expressed in cortical thymic epithelial cells was COX-1, while COX-2 predominated in the medulla. IFN-γ up-regulated expression and activity of COX-2 in medullary cells, in which COX-2 was expressed constitutively. In contrast, IFN-γ down-regulated COX-1 activity, but not expression, in cortical cells. Stromal cells support T cell development in the thymus, although the mediators of this effect are unknown. Selective inhibition of COX-2, but not COX-1, blocked the adhesion of CD4+CD8+ and CD4+CD8− thymocytes to medullary cell lines. No effect of the inhibitors was observed on the interactions of thymocytes with cortical epithelial lines. These data further support the differential regulation of COX-1 and COX-2 expression and function in thymic stromal cells. PGs produced by COX-2 in the medullary thymic stroma may regulate the development of thymocytes by modulating their interaction with stromal cells.

Cyclic AMP response element mediates dexamethasone induced suppression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 gene expression in human amnion derived WISH cells

A human PGHS-2 promoter fragment (300 BP) linked to the luciferase reporter was used to study the regulation of PGHS-2 gene expression in human amnion-derived WISH cells. A cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element (CRE) was found to be important in the induction of PGHS-2 gene expression. This was demonstrated by showing that coexpression of CREB stimulated native but not CRE mutant promoter and that IL-1beta and PMA induced less activity with the mutant promoter as compared to the native promoter. The effect of dexamethasone on IL-1beta and PMA induced promoter activities was further examined. IL-1beta or PMA induced activity was blocked by dexamethasone, whereas IL-1beta or PMA induced mutant activity was not responsive to dexamethasone. Direct activation of CRE by a cAMP elevating agent, isoproterenol, was found to be inhibited significantly dexamethasone. These results suggest that CRE may mediate the induction of PGHS-2 by IL-1beta and PMA as well as the suppression of expression by dexamethasone in amnion-derived cells.

Cyclooxygenase expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclic strain on cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2 expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells (EC). EC, subjected to 10% average strain at 60 cycle/min, were analyzed for induction of COX by Northern blot analysis and confirmed by analysis of promoter activity in transient transfection experiments. Exposure of EC to cyclic strain induced promoter activity and expression of COX-2 but not of COX-1. The extent of induction, however, was lower than that seen with stimulation of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These results demonstrate that, unlike shear stress, cyclic strain does not affect COX-1 expression and is a weak inducer of COX-2 promoter activity in bovine aortic EC with minimal effect on mRNA expression.

Glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of the promoter activity of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene is modulated by expression of its receptor in vascular endothelial cells

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isozyme of cyclooxygenase, is expressed selectively in response to various inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its expression is suppressed by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) in numerous types of cells. However, LPS-enhanced production of prostacyclin in bovine arterial endothelial cells (BAEC) was not significantly decreased by treatment with DEX but was suppressed by selective COX-2 inhibitors. This is consistent with the finding that DEX was not effective at preventing the expression of LPS-induced COX-2 mRNA. Transient transfection analysis showed that DEX did not suppress the LPS-induced promoter activity of the 5'-flanking region of the human COX-2 gene (nucleotides -327 to +59). Since RNA blot analysis indicated low-level expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA in BAEC, a GR-expression vector was transfected to evaluate the role of the GR in the COX-2 promoter activity. It was found that DEX mediated the suppression of the LPS-induced COX-2 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the DEX-mediated suppression of LPS-induced promoter activity of the COX-2 gene is modulated by expression of the GR, which will be possible to account for a unique expression pattern of the COX-2 gene in BAEC.

Interleukin-1beta regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 involves the p42/44 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in cardiac myocytes

The genes encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, also known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2) are induced in many types of cells in response to proinflammatory cytokines. We have previously shown that interleukin-1beta (IL) stimulates iNOS and COX-2 mRNA in cardiac myocytes. Because IL has been shown to activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in many different cells, we tested whether the p42/44 and p38 MAPK pathways were involved in IL stimulation of iNOS and COX-2, using a specific inhibitor of p42/44 activation, PD98059 (PD), and the p38 inhibitor SB205380 (SB). Nitrites were measured using the Griess reagent, prostaglandin PGE2 by an enzyme immunoassay, iNOS and COX-2 protein by Western blot analysis, and iNOS mRNA by Northern blot analysis. Tested separately, the p38 kinase and MAPK inhibitors partially reduced IL stimulation of nitrite, iNOS protein, and iNOS mRNA; used together, they completely abolished the effect of IL. SB and PD inhibited IL-stimulated COX-2 protein by 60% and 80%, respectively, and IL-stimulated COX-2 protein was totally prevented by the combination of inhibitors. PGE2 production was inhibited more than 99% by either drug alone, suggesting a posttranslational effect on enzyme activity. To test whether this posttranslational effect involved the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) isoform, Western blots were probed for cPLA2 protein. Results indicated that IL stimulated cPLA2 activity and synthesis, which was inhibited by SB but not PD. These data indicate that (1) IL induction of iNOS synthesis depends on both the p42/44 and p38 signaling pathways, acting primarily at the level of transcriptional regulation; and (2) IL regulation of COX-2 synthesis involves the p42/44 and p38 signaling pathways, with an additional level of regulation occurring posttranslationally, perhaps at the level of activation of the cPLA2 isoform, which may be involved in intracellular signaling, as well as regulation of arachidonic acid release for COX-2 activity.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in tumorigenesis (part I)

The rate-limiting enzyme in arachidonate metabolism is mediated by enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COXs). These enzymes catalyze the biosynthesis of prostaglandin H2, the precursor of molecules, such as prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxanes. The COX enzyme family consists of the classical COX-1 enzyme, which is constitutively expressed in many tissues, and a second enzyme, i.e., COX-2, which is induced by various stimuli, such as mitogens and cytokines, and is involved in many inflammatory reactions. Because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, these drugs also cause unwanted side effects, exemplified by gastrointestinal bleeding. Accumulating evidence indicates that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancers in human and experimental animals and can reduce the polyp number and size in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. This Part I (of a two-part review) focuses on the discovery of the COXs; their biochemical, molecular, and structural properties; and on the discovery of isozyme-specific inhibitors of COX activity.

Novel Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Production by IFN-γ in Human Macrophages

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is the inducible enzyme in macrophages responsible for high output PG production during inflammation and immune responses. Although several stimuli are known to regulate COX-2, the molecular mechanisms modulating its expression by the cytokine network are poorly understood. As IFN-γ priming is essential for macrophage accessory and effector cell functions, we investigated the effect of IFN-γ on COX-2 expression in U937 human macrophages stimulated with IL-1β. A dose- and time-dependent increase in COX-2 mRNA and protein expression was evoked by IL-1β, whereas the levels of COX-1, the constitutively expressed isoform, remained unaltered. Interestingly, IFN-γ-primed cells showed 40 to 60% lower levels of COX-2 mRNA, protein expression, and PGE2 production as compared with nonprimed cells. IFN-γ-priming (50–500 U/ml) down-regulated COX-2 expression in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, IFN-γ inhibited COX-2 gene transcription in response to IL-1β but not to LPS. In contrast, the rate of decay of COX-2 transcripts in nonprimed and primed macrophages was similar (t1/2 = 3.2 h). The down-regulatory effect of IFN-γ on IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression was abrogated with cycloheximide. These results highlight a novel mechanism of COX-2 regulation by IFN-γ at the transcriptional level, which may affect the outcome of inflammatory and immune conditions.

Expression and activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 in agonist-activated human neutrophils

Proinflammatory agents were assessed for their capacity to stimulate the expression of the inducible cyclooxygenase isoform (COX-2) in human neutrophils. A number of agents, including PMA, opsonized bacteria and zymosan, LPS, GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, and fMLP, induced COX-2 protein expression through signaling pathways involving transcription and protein synthesis events. Northern blots showed that freshly isolated neutrophils expressed low levels of COX-2 mRNA, which rapidly increased after incubation with inflammatory agents. A characterization of the signal transduction pathways leading to COX-2 protein expression was initiated. In LPS-treated neutrophils, efficient induction of COX-2 required the presence of serum and involved ligand binding to the CD14 surface antigen. The specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), SB 203580, had little effect on the induction of COX-2 expression in neutrophils, in contrast to what had been previously observed with other inflammatory cell types. Depending on the agonist present, ethanol differentially blocked the stimulated expression of COX-2, raising the possibility that phospholipase D activation might take part in the process of COX-2 induction. Major COX-2-derived prostanoids synthesized by inflammatory neutrophils were identified by liquid-chromatography and tandem mass-spectrometry as TXA2 and PGE2. The agonist-induced synthesis of TXA2 and PGE2 was effectively blocked by cycloheximide and by the specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. These results show that COX-2 can be induced in an active state by different classes of inflammatory mediators in the neutrophil. They support the concept that, in these cells, the COX-2 isoform is preeminent over COX-1 for the stimulated-production of prostanoids, and also suggest that neutrophil COX-2 displays a distinct profile of expression among circulatory cells.

Contribution of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 to prostanoid formation by human enterocytes stimulated by calcium ionophore and inflammatory agents

The stimulation of intestinal epithelial cell cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes with inflammatory agents and the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes has the potential to increase understanding of the role of these enzymes in intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of COX-1 and -2 to the production of specific prostanoids by unstimulated and stimulated intestinal epithelial cells. Cultured enterocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-1 (IL-1)beta (IL-1 beta), and calcium ionophore (Ca Ion), with and without COX inhibitors. Valerylsalicylic acid (VSA) was employed as the COX-1 inhibitor, and SC-58125 and NS398 were used as the COX-2 inhibitors. Prostanoids were quantitated by Elisa assay. Western immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2 enzyme. Unstimulated prostanoid formation was not decreased by the COX-1 inhibitor. All of the stimulants evaluated increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Only Ca Ion stimulated prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production while IL-1 beta, and Ca Ion, but not LPS, increased prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) formation. Ca Ion-stimulated prostanoid formation was uniformly inhibited by COX-2, but not COX-1, inhibitors. IL-1 beta-stimulated PGE2 and PGE2 alpha formation was significantly decreased by both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. VSA, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly decreased IL-1 beta-stimulated PGE2 and PGF2 alpha production. Unstimulated prostanoid formation was not dependent on constitutive COX-1 activity. The stimulation of intestinal epithelial cells by Ca Ion seemed to uniformly produce prostanoids through COX-2 activity. There was no uniform COX-1 or COX-2 pathway for PGE and PGF2 alpha formation stimulated by the inflammatory agents, suggesting that employing either a COX-1 or COX-2 inhibitor therapeutically will have varying effects on intestinal epithelial cells dependent on the prostanoid species and the inflammatory stimulus involved.

The advent of highly selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase--a review

Cyclooxygenase (COX) exists in two isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, COX-1 is present and is constitutively expressed in most cells and tissues, whereas COX-2 is felt to principally mediate inflammation. However, this distinction appears to be challenged by recent observations. This review addresses the roles of COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms in physiologic and pathophysiologic states and reviews potential therapeutic roles for selective COX inhibitors.

Cyclooxygenases as the principal targets for the actions of NSAIDs

The recent identification, cloning, and characterization of two cyclooxygenases has provided insight into how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can beneficially inhibit prostaglandin production in inflammation but also produce side-effects in the gut and kidney. The subtle differences in the sites in which these drugs bind the enzymes has allowed development of inhibitors that exhibit selectivity for the inflammatory cyclooxygenase and spare the housekeeping enzyme. This selectivity in theory should enhance the therapeutic potential of these new drugs.

Increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 to -1 in human colorectal cancers and adenomas, but not in hyperplastic polyps

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Reportedly, mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is elevated in human colorectal cancers compared with accompanying normal mucosa. The present study was undertaken to establish a simple analytical procedure to quantify COX-2 expression levels and to characterize COX-2 expression levels in human colorectal cancers, adenomas and hyperplastic polyps.

METHODS

The combination of PCR using common primers designed in the highly conserved regions and fluorescence-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (F-SSCP) analysis of the products is used for quantitative determination of the proportions of COX-2 mRNA in human colorectal cancers, adenomas, hyperplastic polyps and accompanying normal mucosa.

RESULTS

The present F-SSCP analysis was a simple and powerful method for quantitative determination of the proportions of COX-2 mRNA. The proportion of COX-2 mRNA was higher in cancer tissues than in accompanying normal mucosa in 46 of the 50 cancers. There was no significant correlation between the increase of the COX-2 proportion and tumor location or stages. The enhanced COX-2 expression was also observed in colorectal adenomas. On the other hand, the proportion of COX-2 mRNA in hyperplastic polyps was not significantly different from that in normal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of COX-2 to COX-1 expression was elevated in most human colorectal cancers and adenomas, but not in hyperplastic polyps. Therefore, the increased proportion of COX-2 expression might be an early event in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer.

Interleukin-1 beta and dexamethasone regulate gene expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 via the NF-kB pathway in human amnion derived WISH cells

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) stimulated PGE2 synthesis in human amnion derived WISH cells, whereas dexamethasone blocked IL-1beta-mediated stimulation of PGE2 production. Sequence analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the human prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) gene indicates two putative NF-kB binding sites. Mutation of a single site or both sites resulted in significantly decreased activity of the PGHS-2 promoter. IL-1beta treatment increased significantly the native promoter activity and this increase was attenuated by using the NF-kB-mutant promoter. Dexamethasone treatment also decreased the IL-1beta mediated stimulation of the PGHS-2 native promoter but not the NF-kB mutant promoter. Furthermore, the involvement of the NF-kB was supported by electrophoretic mobility shift assay which revealed an increased nuclear binding of the NF-kB probe upon IL-1beta induction and a decreased nuclear binding of the NF-kB probe upon dexamethasone pre-treatment. These results provide convincing evidence that NF-kB may mediate the IL-1beta stimulation of PGHS-2 gene expression as well as the dexamethasone inhibition of the IL-1beta induction process in WISH cells.

Effects of inhibitors of the activity of cyclo-oxygenase-2 on the hypotension and multiple organ dysfunction caused by endotoxin: a comparison with dexamethasone

1. Endotoxaemia is associated with the expression of the inducible isoform of cyclo-oxygenase, cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and an overproduction of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites. The role of the AA metabolites generated by COX-2 in the circulatory failure and multiple organ dysfunction caused by endotoxin is unclear. Dexamethasone prevents the expression of COX-2 and exerts beneficial effects in animal models of shock. 2. Here we compare the effects of two inhibitors of COX-2 activity, namely NS-398 (5 mg kg(-1), i.p., n=7) and SC-58635 (3 mg kg(-1), i.p., n=9) with those of dexamethasone (3 mg kg(-1), i.p., n=9) on the circulatory failure and organ dysfunction caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, E. coli, 6 mg kg(-1), i.v., n=11) in the rat. 3. Endotoxaemia for 6 h caused hypotension, acute renal dysfunction, hepatocellular injury, pancreatic injury and an increase in the plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF1alpha (indicator of the induction of COX-2) and nitrite/nitrate (indicator of the induction of iNOS). 4. Pretreatment of rats with dexamethasone attenuated the hypotension, the renal dysfunction, the hepatocellular and pancreatic injury and the induction of COX-2 and iNOS caused by LPS. In contrast, inhibition of COX-2 activity with SC-58635 or NS-398 neither attenuated the circulatory failure nor the multiple organ failure caused by endotoxin. 5. Thus, the prevention of the circulatory failure and the multiple organ injury/dysfunction caused by dexamethasone in the rat is not due to inhibition of the activity of COX-2. Our results suggest that an enhanced formation of eicosanoids by COX-2 does not contribute to the development of organ injury and/or dysfunction in rats with endotoxaemia.

Regulation of cyclo-oxygenase gene expression in rat smooth muscle cells by catalase

We have studied, in detail, the effect of catalase, one of the naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes, on the expression of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) mRNA and protein in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). The activity of COX enzyme within the cells was also determined. Catalase either alone or in combination with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) enhanced mRNA and protein expression for cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, it did not affect the expression of mRNA or protein for cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1). The expression of mRNA for COX-2 induced by catalase was blocked completely by actinomycin D (ACT) or cycloheximide (CHX). In comparison, expression of mRNA for COX-2 stimulated by IL-1beta was inhibited by actinomycin D, but not by cycloheximide. This suggests that induction of the synthesis of mRNA for COX-2 by catalase and IL-1beta involves different mechanisms. In particular, the induction of mRNA for COX-2 by catalase requires on-going protein and RNA synthesis, but the induction following exposure to IL-1beta does not. The increase in expression of mRNA for COX-2 induced by catalase may be related to the ability of catalase to stimulate cyclic AMP response element (CRE) and NF-IL6 transcription factors, but not nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), for electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that catalase enhanced nuclear factor binding to cyclic AMP response element and NF-IL6 but not to NF-kappaB. Catalase exerted a biphasic effect on prostaglandin synthesis. At low concentrations it enhanced prostaglandin production, but at high concentrations it tended to inhibit it. These findings suggest that catalase has differential and multiple effects on COX expression and activity in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

Budesonide epimer R or dexamethasone selectively inhibit platelet-activating factor-induced or interleukin 1beta-induced DNA binding activity of cis-acting transcription factors and cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in human epidermal keratinocytes

To further understand the molecular mechanism of glucocorticoid action on gene expression, DNA-binding activities of the cis-acting transcription factors activator protein 1 (AP1), AP2, Egr1 (zif268), NF-kappaB, the signal transducers and activators of transcription proteins gamma interferon activation site (GAS), Sis-inducible element, and the TATA binding protein transcription factor II D (TFIID) were examined in human epidermal keratinocytes. The cytokine interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and platelet-activating factor (PAF), both potent mediators of inflammation, were used as triggers for gene expression. Budesonide epimer R (BUDeR) and dexamethasone (DEX) were studied as potential antagonists. BUDeR or DEX before IL-1beta- or PAF-mediated gene induction elicited strong inhibition of AP1-, GAS-, and in particular NF-kappaB-DNA binding (P < 0.001, ANOVA). Only small effects were noted on AP2, Egr1 (zif268), and Sis-inducible element-DNA binding (P > 0.05). No significant effect was noted on the basal transcription factor TFIID recognition of TATA-containing core promoter sequences (P > 0.68). To test the hypothesis that changing cis-acting transcription factor binding activity may be involved in inflammatory-response related gene transcription, RNA message abundance for human cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 (E.C.1.14.99.1) was assessed in parallel by using reverse transcription-PCR. Although the COX-1 gene was found to be expressed at constitutively low levels, the TATA-containing COX-2 gene, which contains AP1-like, GAS, and NF-kappaB DNA-binding sites in its immediate promoter, was found to be strongly induced by IL-1beta or PAF (P < 0.001). BUDeR and DEX both suppressed COX-2 RNA message generation; however, no correlation was associated with TFIID-DNA binding. These results suggest that on stimulation by mediators of inflammation, although the basal transcription machinery remains intact, modulation of cis-activating transcription factor AP1, GAS, and NF-kappaB-DNA binding by the glucocorticoids BUDeR and DEX play important regulatory roles in the extent of specific promoter activation and hence the expression of key genes involved in the inflammatory response.

Transcriptional role of the nuclear factor kappa B site in the induction by lipopolysaccharide and suppression by dexamethasone of cyclooxygenase-2 in U937 cells

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isozyme of cyclooxygenase, is selectively expressed in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its expression is suppressed by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) in the monocytic differentiated U937 cells. However, COX-2 mRNA was not detected nor induced by LPS before the cells differentiated. To study the transcriptional role of the NF-kappa B site (nucleotides -223 to -214) in the COX-2 gene, the luciferase reporter vector driven by the COX-2 promoter region (nucleotides -327 to +59) mutated at both the cAMP response element and the NF-IL6 site was stably transfected into U937 cells. The substantial luciferase activity observed in the undifferentiated cells was not induced by LPS. However, after the cells had differentiated, luciferase activity was induced by LPS and its induction was suppressed by DEX. Moreover, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A suppressed both the expression of COX-2 mRNA and the luciferase activity induced by LPS. These results suggest that the NF-kappa B site is involved in both the LPS-induced expression of the COX-2 gene and its suppression by DEX and herbimycin A in a differentiation-dependent manner.

Effect of the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate on hepatic cyclooxygenase and phospholipase A2 in rats

Peroxisome proliferators, which include several hypolipidemic drugs, plasticizers and other chemicals, induce hepatic tumors in rodents. These chemicals alter the expression of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, such as the cytochrome P450 4A family and peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes. Previous studies have shown that the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate reduces eicosanoid concentrations in rat livers and primary hepatocyte cultures, yet the mechanism is still unclear. In this study we examined cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) to determine whether the rate-limiting enzymes in the eicosanoid synthetic pathway are altered by ciprofibrate. Rats were fed 0.01% ciprofibrate for 3, 6, or 10 days. Western analysis revealed that COX-2 protein was induced by ciprofibrate (up to 13-fold at day 10), but that calcium-dependent (Ca-D) cPLA2 protein was not different from controls. The enzyme activity of calcium-independent (Ca-I) cPLA2 in ciprofibrate-treated rats was increased 2-fold, whereas Ca-D cPLA2 and total COX activities were not affected. Using enzyme kinetics, we found that COX-1 (Ki = 143 microM) and Ca-I cPLA2 (Ki = 121 microM) were competitively inhibited by ciprofibrate, but the inhibition was not physiologically significant. COX-2 and Ca-D cPLA2 were not inhibited by ciprofibrate. These results show that ciprofibrate increases Ca-I cPLA2 enzyme activity and COX-2 protein expression.

Activation of STAT5 by Lipopolysaccharide Through Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Production in Human Monocytes

LPS is a potent stimulator of monocytes, inducing many of their functions. Although the details of how LPS exerts such functions remain largely unknown, transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB, nuclear factor-IL-6, and activator protein-1 have been shown to be involved in this process. However, to date it has been thought that no known STAT molecule plays a role in the activation of monocytes by LPS. In this study we examined whether some known STAT molecule is stimulated by LPS, based on the finding that a GAS motif sequence is conserved in the promoter regions of human, mouse, and rat cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes. Consequently, LPS induced activation of STAT5 in human monocytes, and this STAT5 activation occurred in an indirect way via granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) secreted by LPS-stimulated monocytes. Expression of COX-2 protein was partially reduced by treatment of anti-human GM-CSF Ab. Activation of STAT5 was inhibited by either IL-10 or dexamethasone (Dex), but not by aspirin. IL-10 blocked activation of STAT5 indirectly by suppressing GM-CSF production, while Dex inhibited this activation both directly and indirectly. Taken together, these results suggest that in addition to other transcription factors, STAT5 plays an important role in activation of monocytes by LPS, and that STAT5 is another target for IL-10 and Dex to inhibit COX-2 expression in activated monocytes.

Involvement of NF-kappaB in the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression in LPS-stimulated J774 macrophages

We investigated the involvement of NF-kappaB in the regulation of COX-2 protein expression and prostaglandin production in LPS-stimulated J774 macrophages. Incubation of J774 cells with LPS (1 microg/ml) for 24 h caused an increase of COX-2 protein expression and accumulation of both PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha in the cell culture medium. Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC, 0.1, 1, 10 microM) and N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethylketone (TLCK, 1, 10, 100 microM), two inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation, suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner both LPS-induced COX-2 protein expression and prostanoid generation. Moreover, APDC and TLCK both inhibited the LPS-induced increase of NF-kappaB DNA binding activity and prevented IkappaB-alpha degradation. Our results show for the first time that NF-kappaB is involved in COX-2 protein expression in LPS-stimulated J774 macrophages and suggest that inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation may represent a useful tool for the pharmacological control of inflammation.

Prostaglandin H synthase expression is variable in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines

The expression of prostaglandin H synthases can be induced by many stimuli and is likely to be important in control of the cell cycle. The analysis of prostaglandin H synthase-1 and -2 expression in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines is a useful model system for studying the function of the prostaglandin H synthases, especially with regard to proliferation and adhesion. Prostaglandin H synthase-1 protein is not found in any of eight human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. Expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 is variable for the eight cell lines: three constitutively expressed active protein, four did not express this gene at all, and one had mRNA but no active protein. Thus, five colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines exhibit "null" expression of prostaglandin synthase-2. The three cell lines with constitutive expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 produce PGE2. Prostaglandin E2 production could be inhibited by aspirin and NS398 without inhibiting proliferation, while direct addition of prostaglandin E2 inhibits proliferation. Adhesion to collagen IV and fibronectin was stronger in those cell lines that expressed prostaglandin H synthase-2. The constitutive expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 is associated with increased adhesion to extracellular matrix components and a potential inhibition of proliferation through the production of prostaglandin E2. The absence of PGH synthase-2 expression in some cell lines may result from the original tumor's need to inactivate these associated functions. Our evidence suggests that PGH synthase-2 is a possible candidate for a tumor suppressor gene at 1q23-qter.