15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid stimulates migration of human retinal microvessel endothelium in vitro and neovascularization in vivo

A review on the relationship between Arachidonic acid 15-Lipoxygenase (ALOX15) and diabetes mellitus

Arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), as one of the lipoxygenase family, is mainly responsible for catalyzing the oxidation of various fatty acids to produce a variety of lipid components, contributing to the pathophysiological processes of various immune and inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that ALOX15 and its related products are widely distributed in human tissues and related to multiple diseases such as liver, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and other diseases. Diabetes mellitus (DM), the disease studied in this article, is a metabolic disease characterized by a chronic increase in blood glucose levels, which is significantly related to inflammation, oxidative stress, ferroptosis and other mechanisms, and it has a high incidence in the population, accompanied by a variety of complications. Figuring out how ALOX15 is involved in DM is critical to understanding its role in diseases. Therefore, ALOX15 inhibitors or combination therapy containing inhibitors may deliver a novel research direction for the treatment of DM and its complications. This article aims to review the biological effect and the possible function of ALOX15 in the pathogenesis of DM.

Role of oxylipins generated from dietary PUFAs in the modulation of endothelial cell function

Oxylipins, which are circulating bioactive lipids generated from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by cyclooxygenase, lipooxygenase and cytochrome P450 enzymes, have diverse effects on endothelial cells. Although studies of the effects of oxylipins on endothelial cell function are accumulating, a review that provides a comprehensive compilation of current knowledge and recent advances in the context of vascular homeostasis is lacking. This is the first compilation of the various in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo reports to examine the effects and potential mechanisms of action of oxylipins on endothelial cells. The aggregate data indicate docosahexaenoic acid-derived oxylipins consistently show beneficial effects related to key endothelial cell functions, whereas oxylipins derived from other PUFAs exhibit both positive and negative effects. Furthermore, information is lacking for certain oxylipin classes, such as those derived from α-linolenic acid, which suggests additional studies are required to achieve a full understanding of how oxylipins affect endothelial cells.

A lipidomic screen of hyperglycemia-treated HRECs links 12/15-Lipoxygenase to microvascular dysfunction during diabetic retinopathy via NADPH oxidase

Retinal hyperpermeability and subsequent macular edema is a cardinal feature of early diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here, we investigated the role of bioactive lipid metabolites, in particular 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived metabolites, in this process. LC/MS lipidomic screen of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) demonstrated that 15-HETE was the only significantly increased metabolite (2.4 ± 0.4-fold, P = 0.0004) by high glucose (30 mM) treatment. In the presence of arachidonic acid, additional eicosanoids generated by 12/15-LOX, including 12- and 11-HETEs, were significantly increased. Fluorescein angiography and retinal albumin leakage showed a significant decrease in retinal hyperpermeability in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice lacking 12/15-LOX compared with diabetic WT mice. Our previous studies demonstrated the potential role of NADPH oxidase in mediating the permeability effect of 12- and 15-HETEs, therefore we tested the impact of intraocular injection of 12-HETE in mice lacking the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase (NOX2). The permeability effect of 12-HETE was significantly reduced in NOX2(-/-) mice compared with the WT mice. In vitro experiments also showed that 15-HETE induced HREC migration and tube formation in a NOX-dependent manner. Taken together our data suggest that 12/15-LOX is implicated in DR via a NOX-dependent mechanism.

15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-induced angiogenesis requires Src-mediated Egr-1-dependent rapid induction of FGF-2 expression

To understand the mechanisms underlying 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE]-induced angiogenesis, we studied the role of Egr-1. 15(S)-HETE induced Egr-1 expression in a time-dependent manner in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs). Blockade of Egr-1 via forced expression of its dominant-negative mutant attenuated 15(S)-HETE-induced HDMVEC migration and tube formation as well as Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE-induced Egr-1 expression requires Src activation. In addition, adenovirus-mediated expression of dominant-negative mutant of Src blocked 15(S)-HETE's effects on migration and tube formation of HDMVECs and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE induced fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) expression rapidly via Src-mediated production of Egr-1. Cloning and mutational analysis of FGF-2 promoter revealed that Egr-1 binding site proximal to transcription start site is required for 15(S)-HETE-induced FGF-2 expression. Neutralizing antibody-mediated suppression of FGF-2 function also attenuated the effects of 15(S)-HETE on HDMVEC migration and tube formation as well as Matrigel plug angiogenesis. Furthermore, in contrast to wild-type mice, 12/15-LOX(-/-) mice exhibited decreased Matrigel plug angiogenesis in response to AA, which was rescued by 15(S)-HETE. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that 15(S)-HETE-induced angiogenesis requires Src-mediated Egr-1-dependent rapid induction of FGF-2. These findings may suggest that 15(S)-HETE could be a potential endogenous regulator of pathologic angiogenesis associated with atherosclerosis and restenosis.

The 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-induced angiogenesis requires Janus kinase 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription-5B-dependent expression of interleukin-8

To understand the molecular basis underlying 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE)-induced angiogenesis, we have studied the role of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak-STAT) signaling. The 15(S)-HETE stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak2 in a time-dependent manner in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs). Inhibition of Jak2 activation via adenovirus-mediated expression of its dominant-negative mutant attenuated 15(S)-HETE-induced HRMVEC migration and tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. Similarly, 15(S)-HETE activated tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT-5B in a time-dependent manner. Dominant-negative mutant-mediated interference of STAT-5B activation suppressed 15(S)-HETE-induced HRMVEC migration and tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. The 15(S)-HETE induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression in Jak2-STAT-5B-dependent manner in HRMVECs. In addition, neutralizing anti-IL-8 antibodies reduced 15(S)-HETE-induced HRMVEC migration and tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. Cloning and Transfac analysis of IL-8 promoter revealed the presence of 1 putative STAT-binding sequence at -476 nt, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed the binding of STAT-5B to this site in response to 15(S)-HETE. Mutational analysis showed that STAT binding site is essential for 15(S)-HETE-induced IL-8 promoter activity. Together, these observations suggest that 15(S)-HETE-induced angiogenesis requires Jak2-STAT-5B-dependent expression of IL-8.

Modulation of cyclooxygenase in endothelial cells by fibronectin: relevance to angiogenesis

Cyclooxygenases (COX), which catalyze the formation of prostaglandins (PGs), have been implicated in angiogenesis. Adhesion of endothelial cells (ECs) to extracellular matrix (ECM) induces the expression of COX-2 and PG production. The present study was carried out to analyze the influence of the adhesive ECM protein, fibronectin (FN), in modulating COX expression and its implications to angiogenesis using in vitro cultures of human umbilical vein ECs. RT-PCR analysis showed that the level of COX-2 mRNA was significantly high while that of COX-1 decreased in ECs maintained on FN. On treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor and anti-alpha(5)beta(1) integrin antibody, FN dependent effect on COX expression was not observed. Analysis by ELISA and immunoblotting confirmed FN-dependent upregulation of COX-2 protein. The ratio of PG E(2):PG D(2) was significantly high in cells maintained on FN and on treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor, the relative level of PG D(2) increased and that of PG E(2) decreased. Concomitant with the modulation of COX-2 and changes in PGs, ECs maintained on FN showed angiogenic response in an alpha(5)beta(1) integrin/p38 MAPK dependent manner as evidenced by the expression of angiogenic markers, CD 31 and E-selectin. These results suggest a FN-alpha(5)beta(1)/FAK/p38 MAPK dependent upregulation of COX-2 causing a shift in the relative levels of PGs in HUVECs which contributes to the angiogenic effect of FN.

A novel role for activating transcription factor-2 in 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-induced angiogenesis

To investigate the mechanisms underlying 15(S)-HETE-induced angiogenesis, we have studied the role of the small GTPase, Rac1. We find that 15(S)-HETE activated Rac1 in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVEC) in a time-dependent manner. Blockade of Rac1 by adenovirus-mediated expression of its dominant negative mutant suppressed HRMVEC migration as well as tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE stimulated Src in HRMVEC in a time-dependent manner and blockade of its activation inhibited 15(S)-HETE-induced Rac1 stimulation in HRMVEC and the migration and tube formation of these cells as well as Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE stimulated JNK1 in Src-Rac1-dependent manner in HRMVEC and adenovirus-mediated expression of its dominant negative mutant suppressed the migration and tube formation of these cells and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. 15(S)-HETE activated ATF-2 in HRMVEC in Src-Rac1-JNK1-dependent manner and interference with its activation via adenovirus-mediated expression of its dominant negative mutant abrogated migration and tube formation of HRMVEC and Matrigel plug angiogenesis. In addition, 15(S)-HETE-induced MEK1 stimulation was found to be dependent on Src-Rac1 activation. Blockade of MEK1 activation inhibited 15(S)-HETE-induced JNK1 activity and ATF-2 phosphorylation. Together, these findings show that 15(S)-HETE activates ATF-2 via the Src-Rac1-MEK1-JNK1 signaling axis in HRMVEC leading to their angiogenic differentiation.

Arachidonic Acid metabolites in the cardiovascular system: the role of lipoxygenase isoforms in atherogenesis with particular emphasis on vascular remodeling

Vascular remodeling refers to lasting structural alterations in the vessel wall that are initiated in response to external and internal stimuli. These changes are distinct from acute functional responses of blood vessels when challenged by increased blood pressure, altered hemodynamics, or vasoactive mediators. In early atherogenesis, when lesion formation is starting to impact local hemodynamics, the vessel wall responds with outward vascular remodeling to maintain normal blood flow. However, inward remodeling may also occur during the time course of plaque formation, contributing to vascular stenosis. Lipoxygenases form a heterogeneous family of lipid-peroxidizing enzymes, which have been implicated in atherogenesis. Several lines of in vitro and in vivo evidence indicated their involvement in disease development, but the precise function of different lipoxygenase isoforms is still a matter of discussion. Vascular remodeling is an early response during plaque development; therefore, lipoxygenases may be involved in this process. Unfortunately, little is known about the potential role of lipoxygenase isoforms in vascular remodeling. This review will briefly summarize our knowledge of the role of lipoxygenases in vascular biology and will critically review the activities of the 3 most athero-relevant lipoxygenase isoforms in atherogenesis, with particular emphasis on vascular remodeling.

15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-induced angiogenesis requires STAT3-dependent expression of VEGF

15(S)-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE] activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as measured by its tyrosine phosphorylation, translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, DNA binding, and reporter gene activity in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVEC). Inhibition of STAT3 activation via adenovirus-mediated expression of its dominant-negative mutant suppressed 15(S)-HETE-induced HDMVEC migration and tube formation in vitro and aortic ring and Matrigel plug angiogenesis in vivo. 15(S)-HETE induced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a time- and STAT3-dependent manner in HDMVEC. In addition, neutralizing anti-VEGF antibodies blocked 15(S)-HETE-induced HDMVEC migration and tube formation in vitro and aortic ring and Matrigel plug angiogenesis in vivo. Together, these results show for the first time that 15(S)-HETE-induced angiogenesis requires STAT3-dependent expression of VEGF. In view of these findings, it is suggested that eicosanoids, particularly 15(S)-HETE, via its capacity to stimulate angiogenesis, may influence the progression of cancer and vascular disease.

Epidermal and Hepatocyte Growth Factors, but Not Keratinocyte Growth Factor, Modulate Protein Kinase Cα Translocation to the Plasma Membrane through 15(S)-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Synthesis

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) involves its recruitment to the membrane, where it interacts with its activator(s). We expressed PKCalpha fused to green fluorescent protein and examined its real time translocation to the plasma membrane in living human corneal epithelial cells. Upon 10 min of stimulation with epidermal and hepatocyte growth factors (EGF and HGF), PKCalpha translocated to the plasma membrane. Keratinocyte growth factor did not stimulate PKCalpha translocation up to 1 h after stimulation. Pretreatment with the 15-lipoxygenase metabolite, 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE), followed by EGF or HGF, produced faster translocation of PKCalpha detectable at 2 min. However, the same concentration of 15(S)-HETE alone did not stimulate translocation. 15(S)-Hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 5(S)-HETE did not affect growth factor-induced translocation of PKCalpha. PD153035, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor, completely blocked PKCalpha translocation induced by EGF. PD98059, a specific MEK inhibitor, significantly inhibited EGF- and HGF-mediated PKCalpha translocation, which was reversed by addition of 15(S)-HETE. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by EGF was followed by phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)), and blocking ERK1/2 inhibited cPLA(2) activation. Immunofluorescence demonstrated translocation of p-cPLA(2) to plasma and nuclear membranes as early as 2 min. This may further increase arachidonic acid release from membrane phospholipid pools and increase the intracellular pool of HETEs. In fact, in cells prelabeled with [(3)H]arachidonic acid, EGF stimulated synthesis of 15(S)-HETE in the cytosolic fraction. 15(S)-HETE also reversed the effect of LOX inhibitor on EGF-mediated cell proliferation. Our results indicate that 15(S)-HETE is an intracellular second messenger that facilitates translocation of PKCalpha to the membrane and elucidate a mechanism that plays a regulatory role in cell proliferation crucial to corneal wound healing.

Cyclooxygenase 2 is a key enzyme for inflammatory cytokine-induced angiogenesis

Cyclooxygenase1 (COX1) and COX2 mediate the rate-limiting step in arachidonic acid metabolism. Expression of COX2 mRNA and protein is often enhanced in various human cell types by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). IL-1beta enhanced expression of various prostanoids and this expression was blocked by COX2 selective inhibitors. IL-1beta markedly induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, which was significantly inhibited by COX2 selective inhibitors but not by a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In contrast, COX2 selective inhibitors only partially blocked VEGF-induced angiogenesis. EP2, EP4 (prostaglandin E2 receptors) agonists and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor agonists induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo; IL-1beta-induced angiogenesis was blocked by an EP4 antagonist and a TXA2 receptor antagonist. IL-1beta induced much less angiogenesis in cornea of COX2 knockout mice than that of wild-type mice. This is the first report that COX2 and some prostanoids play a key role in IL-1beta-induced angiogenesis.

Overexpression of 15-lipoxygenase in vascular endothelium accelerates early atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice

To study the possible role of the human lipid-oxidizing enzyme 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in atherosclerosis, we overexpressed it specifically in the vascular wall of C57B6/SJL mice by using the murine preproendothelin-1 promoter. The mice overexpressing 15-LO were crossbred with low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient mice to investigate atherogenesis. High levels of 15-LO were expressed in the atherosclerotic lesion in the double-transgenic mice as assessed by immunohistochemistry. The double-transgenic, 15-LO-overexpressing, LDL receptor-deficient mice (LDLR-/-/15LO) developed significantly larger atherosclerotic lesions at the aortic sinus compared with lesions in the LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) mice after 3 and 6 weeks (107,000 versus 28,000 microm(2) [P:<0.001] and 121,000 versus 87,000 microm(2) [P:<0.05], respectively) of an atherogenic diet. LDL from the LDLR-/-/15LO mice was more susceptible to oxidation than was the LDL from the control LDLR-/- mice, as shown by a shorter lag period for copper-induced conjugated diene formation. On the other hand, no differences were found in the levels of serum anti-oxidized LDL antibodies between the study groups. There were also no differences with respect to the density of macrophages and T lymphocytes infiltrating the lesions in both experimental groups. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that 15-LO overexpression in the vessel wall is associated with enhanced atherogenesis.

Studies of lipoxygenases in the epithelium of cultured bovine cornea using an air interface model

Epithelial lipoxygenases of bovine cornea were investigated in organ culture models. Subcellular fractions of the epithelium were incubated with(14)C-labelled arachidonate and the metabolites were analysed. Bovine corneal epithelial cells contain 15-lipoxygenase type 2 and 12-lipoxygenases of the leukocyte and the platelet types. The 15-lipoxygenase activity was prominent in the cytosolic fraction. Twelve- and 15-lipoxygenases occurred in the microsomal fraction, where the 15-lipoxygenase activity appeared to be favoured by low protein levels. The lipoxygenase activities strongly declined within 24 hr when the cornea was covered with cell culture medium, but were maintained with high activity in an air interface organ culture model for at least 72 hr. Cultured corneas were studied in pairs in the air interface model under influence of inflammatory stimuli. The epithelial 15- and 12-lipoxygenase activities were only slightly augmented by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (10 microM, 8-72 hr), and remained unchanged after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (1-100 microgram ml(-1), 8-72 hr) or UV irradiation (301 nm, 0.17 J cm(-2); 8-24 hr). In some experiments, 5-lipoxygenase activity was detectable, as judged from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and chiral chromatography. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis were therefore used to identify mRNA of 5-lipoxygenase and related enzymes in bovine epithelium. 5-Lipoxygenase was detected as an amplicon of 695 bp, which had 91% nucleotide sequence identity with human 5-lipoxygenase and by Northern blot as a 3.0 kb mRNA. Leukotriene A(4)hydrolase was detected with the same techniques. The amino acid sequence of a 612 bp fragment was 90% identical with human leukotriene A(4)hydrolase and the size of the mRNA was 2.7 kb. The two enzymes were also detected in human corneal epithelium by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

cDNA cloning of 15-lipoxygenase type 2 and 12-lipoxygenases of bovine corneal epithelium

Bovine corneal epithelium contains arachidonate 12- and 15-lipoxygenase activity, while human corneal epithelium contains only 15-lipoxygenase activity. Our purpose was to identify the corneal 12- and 15-lipoxygenase isozymes. We used cDNA cloning to isolate the amino acid coding nucleotide sequences of two bovine lipoxygenases. The translated sequence of one lipoxygenase was 82% identical with human 15-lipoxygenase type 2 and 75% identical with mouse 8-lipoxygenase, whereas the other translated nucleotide sequence was 87% identical with human 12-lipoxygenase of the platelet type. Expression of 15-lipoxygenase type 2 and platelet type 12-lipoxygenase mRNAs were detected by Northern analysis. In addition to these two lipoxygenases, 12-lipoxygenase of leukocyte (tracheal) type was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and Northern analysis. Finally, PCR and sequencing suggested that human corneal epithelium contains 15-lipoxygenase types 1 and 2.

Novel indole-2-carboxamide and cycloalkeno[1,2-b]indole derivatives. Structure-activity relationships for high inhibition of human LDL peroxidation

Series of indole-2-carboxamide and cycloalkeno[1,2-b]indole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated in order to determine the necessary structural requirements for a high inhibition of human LDL copper-induced peroxidation. Various modulations were systematically performed on the indole and cycloalkeno[1,2-b]indole nuclei as well as on the carboxamide moiety. The best compounds (3c, 3e, 7c, 7f, 7h, 7g, and 7o) are between 5 and 30 times more active than probucol itself. Two of these compounds (3c and 7o) were selected for complementary in vitro and in vivo investigations, which have shown additional properties of interest for the treatment and the prevention of atherosclerosis injuries. Compound 3c was found to have some antiinflammatory properties while compound 7o was proved to protect endothelial cells from the direct cytotoxicity of oxidized LDL with some additional calcium channel blocking properties.

Attenuation of diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits with a highly selective 15-lipoxygenase inhibitor lacking significant antioxidant properties

1. 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis because of its localization in lesions and the many biological activities exhibited by its products. To provide further evidence for a role of 15-LO, the effects of PD 146176 on the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits were assessed. This novel drug is a specific inhibitor of the enzyme in vitro and lacks significant non specific antioxidant properties. 2. PD 146176 inhibited rabbit reticulocyte 15-LO through a mixed noncompetitive mode with a Ki of 197 nM. The drug had minimal effects on either copper or 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)hydrochloride (ABAP) induced oxidation of LDL except at concentrations 2 orders higher than the Ki. 3. Control New Zealand rabbits were fed a high-fat diet containing 0.25% wt./wt. cholesterol; treated animals received inhibitor in this diet (175 mg kg-1, b.i.d.). Plasma concentrations of inhibitor were similar to the estimated Ki (197 nM). During the 12 week study, there were no significant differences in weight gain haematocrit, plasma total cholesterol concentrations, or distribution of lipoprotein cholesterol. 4. The drug plasma concentrations achieved in vivo did not inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in vitro. Furthermore, LDL isolated from PD 146176-treated animals was as susceptible as that from controls to oxidation ex vivo by either copper or ABAP. 5. PD 146176 was very effective in suppressing atherogenesis, especially in the aortic arch where lesion coverage diminished from 15 +/- 4 to 0% (P < 0.02); esterified cholesterol content was reduced from 2.1 +/- 0.7 to 0 micrograms mg-1 (P < 0.02) in this region. Immunostainable lipid-laden macrophages present in aortic intima of control animals were totally absent in the drug-treated group. 6. Results of these studies are consistent with a role for 15-LO in atherogenesis.

Sickle red blood cells stimulate endothelial cell production of eicosanoids and diacylglycerol

The effects of sickle red cell-endothelial cell interaction on endothelial cell arachidonic: acid (AA) mobilization, eicosanoid release, and diacylglycerol (DAG) production were evaluated by using bovine aortic endothelial cells. We have shown that coincubation of washed red blood cells (RBCs) from patients with sickle cell disease with endothelial cells stimulate AA release (90% increase as compared with buffer controls, n = 8, p < 0.002). Released AA was mobilized from membrane phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine and was converted to eicosanoids via the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in increased amounts in the presence of sickle erythrocytes. The production of prostacyclin and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) were increased by 78% (p < 0.01) and 103% (p < 0.025), respectively, as shown by both chromatographic and immunoassay procedures. Sickle erythrocytes also stimulated the hydrolysis of endothelial cell phosphoinositides, including phosphatidylinositol-mono-phosphate (p < 0.03) and phosphatidylinositol-bis-phosphate (p < 0.006). This response was accompanied by a significant increase in the production of DAG (50% increase as compared with buffer control, n = 8, p < 0.025). In contrast, coincubation of washed erythrocytes from normal healthy donors with endothelial cells had no significant effect on endothelial cell phospholipid turnover. When the sickle RBC-induced biochemical changes in endothelial cells were contrasted with those observed with normal RBCs, the ability of sickle RBCs to induce AA mobilization and the production of mono-HETEs and DAG was markedly increased (p = 0.05 to p < 0.025). Because 15-HETE is a pro-adhesinogenic eicosanoid and DAG is an endogamous activator of protein kinase C, an enzyme involved in modulating cell surface adhesive properties, both 15-HETE and DAG could potentially play a role in the vascular pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.

The role of hyaluronan in tumour neovascularization (review)

Tumour growth and metastasis are totally dependant upon neovascularization. The target cell for tumour neovascularization is the blood-vessel endothelial cell, and specific angiogenic molecules produced or induced by the tumour are believed to initiate the process. In this report, we review one of these angiogenic molecules, the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), which appears to have differing roles in neovascularization depending on its molecular mass. High-molecular-mass HA is anti-angiogenic whereas oligosaccharides of HA, of specific size, actively stimulate endothelial-cell proliferation and migration, 2 of the key events associated with neovascularization, and induce angiogenesis in vivo. We provide details of the action of HA oligosaccharides on endothelial cells, from binding to cell-surface receptors, through activation of signal transduction pathways and gene expression to protein synthesis, cell proliferation and cell migration. We also suggest a model to account for HA of differing molecular mass being present, at different locations, within a single tumour and how this HA aids both general tumour growth and tumour metastasis.

Selenium enhances glutathione peroxidase activity and prostacyclin release in cultured human endothelial cells. Concurrent effects on mRNA levels

Selenium (Se) is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an enzyme that protects cells by reducing intracellular peroxides. Impaired Se status and GSH-Px activity seem associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. This study reports the effects of Se supplementation on GSH-Px activity, on prostacyclin (PGI2) production, on 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) levels, and on GSH-Px mRNA expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Se-enriched HUVEC showed significant increase of both GSH-Px activity and thrombin-stimulated production of PGI2 in the presence of stable concentrations of 12-HETE. On the other hand, an inverse correlation between Se concentrations in culture media and GSH-Px mRNA levels in Northern blot analysis was shown; this suggests that a major degree of regulation for GSH-Px expression by Se is most likely exerted at the posttranscriptional level. These observations may help to explain the increased incidence of atherosclerosis described in Se-deficient individuals.

Endothelial proliferation in experimental granulomatous colitis. Autoradiography and immunohistochemistry studies

The time sequence and magnitude of endothelial cell proliferation was investigated in an experimental model of granulomatous colitis in rats, induced by intramural inoculations of mycobacterium Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Colonic tissues were assessed by gross examination, histopathology, autoradiography, and immunohistochemistry. Gross examination of the colonic tissue showed thickening of the colonic wall, erythema, hemorrhage, and scattered ulcers. Histopathological findings were characterized by an acute transmural inflammation, progressing to chronic inflammation accompanied by regenerative changes in the glandular epithelium, goblet cell depletion, mucosal atrophy and fibrosis. Well-developed noncaseating granulomas were first observed at day 5 and were found to be a dominant feature up to day 17. Autoradiographic studies showed increased endothelial cell labeling up to 17% at 48 hr, compared to less than 1% labeling in control animals. Immunostaining for factor VIII-related antibody, an endothelial cell marker, showed increased numbers of microvessels and individual positive cells located in areas of inflammation as early as 24 hr. At day 5 these individual cells along with dilated neocapillaries were found surrounding the granulomas. This model of granulomatous colitis mimics many features of the human disease state. The early increase in endothelial cell proliferation that precedes granuloma formation during the course of the inflammatory response may suggest that the events leading to the expression of granulomatous colitis are dependent on endothelial proliferation.

Mechanistic considerations in chemopreventive drug development

This overview of the potential mechanisms of chemopreventive activity will provide the conceptual groundwork for chemopreventive drug discovery, leading to structure-activity and mechanistic studies that identify and evaluate new agents. Possible mechanisms of chemopreventive activity with examples of promising agents include carcinogen blocking activities such as inhibition of carcinogen uptake (calcium), inhibition of formation or activation of carcinogen (arylalkyl isothiocyanates, DHEA, NSAIDs, polyphenols), deactivation or detoxification of carcinogen (oltipraz, other GSH-enhancing agents), preventing carcinogen binding to DNA (oltipraz, polyphenols), and enhancing the level or fidelity of DNA repair (NAC, protease inhibitors). Chemopreventive antioxidant activities include scavenging reactive electrophiles (GSH-enhancing agents), scavenging oxygen radicals (polyphenols, vitamin E), and inhibiting arachidonic acid metabolism (glycyrrhetinic acid, NAC, NSAIDs, polyphenols, tamoxifen). Antiproliferation/antiprogression activities include modulation of signal transduction (glycyrrhetinic acid, NSAIDs, polyphenols, retinoids, tamoxifen), modulation of hormonal and growth factor activity (NSAIDs, retinoids, tamoxifen), inhibition of aberrant oncogene activity (genistein, NSAIDs, monoterpenes), inhibition of polyamine metabolism (DFMO, retinoids, tamoxifen), induction of terminal differentiation (calcium, retinoids, vitamin D3), restoration of immune response (NSAIDs, selenium, vitamin E), enhancing intercellular communication (carotenoids, retinoids), restoration of tumor suppressor function, induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) (butyric acid, genistein, retinoids, tamoxifen), correction of DNA methylation imbalances (folic acid), inhibition of angiogenesis (genistein, retinoids, tamoxifen), inhibition of basement membrane degradation (protease inhibitors), and activation of antimetastasis genes. A systematic drug development program for chemopreventive agents is only possible with continuing research into mechanisms of action and thoughtful application of the mechanisms to new drug design and discovery. One approach is to construct pharmacological activity profiles for promising agents. These profiles are compared among the promising agents and with untested compounds to identify similarities. Classical structure-activity studies are used to find optimal agents (high efficacy with low toxicity) based on good lead agents. Studies evaluating tissue-specific and pharmacokinetic parameters are very important. A final approach is design of mechanism-based assays and identification of mechanism-based intermediate biomarkers for evaluation of chemopreventive efficacy.

Interleukin-1 increases 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid formation in cultured human endothelial cells

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) induces prostanoid biosynthesis in endothelial cells by promoting cyclooxygenase expression, but little is known about its activity on the biosynthesis of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). We studied the effect of human recombinant IL-1 beta on the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) to 15-HETE, a powerful inhibitor of the biosynthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with or without IL-1 beta prior to the addition of labeled AA. The eicosanoids produced were analyzed by RP-HPLC. Untreated cells produced little amounts of 15-HETE (6 +/- 3 pmol/10(6) cells), but IL-1 beta treated cells increased 15-HETE formation in a dose-dependent manner (4-5-fold at 10 U/ml IL-1). The production of HETEs by IL-1 beta was dependent on protein synthesis. Aspirin inhibited prostanoids, HHT and 11-HETE dose dependently, whereas it was unable to totally inhibit 15-HETE in IL-1 beta-treated cells (50-60%). Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a general lipoxygenase inhibitor, preferably inhibited 15-HETE formation but also reduced the synthesis of the other eicosanoids in a dose-dependent manner. Indomethacin and ETYA completely suppressed prostanoids, 11-HETE and 15-HETE formation in resting and IL-1 beta-activated cells. Using specific 15-lipoxygenase oligonucleotides and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique, we were unable to evidence detectable 15-lipoxygenase mRNA both in resting and IL-1-activated endothelial cells. Overall, these results provide evidence that in human endothelial cells IL-1 beta increases 15-HETE production. Data strongly suggest that this effect is mediated by cyclooxygenase rather than 15-lipoxygenase activity or expression.

Identification of prostaglandins and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids in kitten retina: comparison with other species

Conversion of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids by kitten retinae was investigated to evaluate whether the pattern of kitten retinal eicosanoids simulates that found in the human and other animal species. Freshly isolated kitten retinae were incubated with 20 microM radiolabeled arachidonic acid, and the metabolites were analysed by reverse phase-high pressure liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Kitten retinal tissues converted arachidonic acid into prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxane (Tx) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). The major eicosanoid identified was 6kPGF1 alpha--the stable non-enzymatic hydrolysis product of prostacyclin. Other eicosanoids identified included TxB2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 12-hydroxy-heptadecatrienoic acid, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE. The spectrum of kitten retinal cyclooxygenase metabolites is similar to those obtained from bovine retina and human retinal vascular endothelium with prostacyclin being the major cyclooxygenase metabolite produced.